Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Review of Laser-Induced Plasma, Its Mechanism, and Application to Quantitative Analysis of Hydrogen and Deuterium

Abstract A comprehensive review of important progress achieved over the last 30 years regarding knowledge of laser-induced plasmas generated by CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers in a variety of ambient gases is presented in this article, as well as research results on the extension of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for quantitative analysis of light elements, especially hydrogen and deuterium. First, the formation of shock wave–induced expanding secondary plasma in low-pressure ambient gases is discussed along with the dynamic characteristics of the secondary plasma expansion process. The unique advantages of low-pressure gas plasma are explained in relation to the successful detection of the sharp H and D emission lines. The experimental results using helium ambient gas are presented with emphasis on the role of He gas plasma in introducing an additional delayed excitation mechanism involving the helium metastable excited state, which resulted in the complete resolution of H and D emission lines, separated by only 0.18 nm. The development of a laser precleaning treatment and special double-pulse techniques further produced a linear calibration line with zero intercept applicable to quantitative H and D analyses of zircaloy sample, with either low- or high-pressure ambient He gas. More recent use of a transversely excited atmospheric (TEA) CO2 laser in place of an Nd:YAG laser has demonstrated the much desired larger excited helium plasma and thereby resulted in significant emission enhancement and improved detection sensitivity.
Physico-Chemical Characterization of Oils Extracted from Noni, Spinach, Lady’s Finger, Bitter Gourd and Mustard Seeds, and Copra

The physico-chemical properties of solvent-extracted oil from the seeds of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.), spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), lady’s finger (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.), mustard (Brassica nigra (L.) Koch), and the dried kernel (copra) of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) were characterized. Among these sources, spinach seed had the lowest oil content (4.5 ± 0.4%) while coconut kernel had the highest oil content (63.1 ± 2.8%). Palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids were the major fatty acids for spinach, lady’s finger and noni seed oils, while erucic, eleostearic, and lauric acids were the major fatty acids for mustard seed oil, bitter gourd seed oil, and coconut kernel oil, respectively. All of the oils possessed at least three major peaks in their triacylglycerol profiles except for bitter gourd seed oil which had only one major peak (1-stearoyl, 2,3-dieleostearoyl). The last endothermic peaks were –12.4, –6.0, 6.8, 57.7, 2.7, and 24. 3ºC for noni, spinach, lady’s finger, bitter gourd and mustard seed oils, and coconut oil, respectively. Initially, the solid fat content of bitter gourd seed oil decreased gradually, but became rapidly after 50 until 60ºC. Coconut oil had its solid fat content reduced rapidly around 14 to 28ºC.
Retention of the stationary phase for high‐speed countercurrent chromatography

High-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) is an emerging technique for preparative purification of a wide variety of solutes. Retention of the stationary phase is a crucial variable which is used for the derivation of the column efficiency, peak resolution, and solute retention. A mathematical model was proposed to describe the influences of operation conditions (flow rate, rotation speed), physical properties (density difference, viscosity, and interfacial tension), and instrument parameters (tube diameter, revolution radius) on the retention of the stationary phase, by building on the flow behavior of the two phases in the coiled column, laminar flow or droplet flow. The model parameters, together with the critical value at which the transition between the laminar flow and droplet flow occurs, were determined by the analysis of experimental data of the retention of the stationary phase measured in this work. Furthermore, the proposed model was used to predict the literature data of retention of the stationary phase for seven HSCCC apparatuses including preparative, semi-preparative, and analytical types, with the coiled column material of PTFE and stainless steel, and for 16 two-phase systems with 151 data points. The agreement between the predicted and the literature data is quite good with the total absolute deviation (AAD%) of 2.96% and the maximum deviation of 12.8%.
A different breed altogether? Distinctions between local and metropolitan journalism cultures

While a number of scholars have explored the special exigencies of local as opposed to metropolitan journalism, rarely have studies examined such differences in relation to journalism culture as constituted by journalists’ professional views. To address the gap in our knowledge, this study reports results from a representative survey of local and metropolitan newspaper journalists in Australia. Findings suggest that territorial context accounts for some significant differences in journalists’ demographics, as well as their role perceptions. In line with past research, local newspaper journalists exhibit much stronger support for the community forum and advocacy role. At the same time, and contrary to expectations, there is very little difference in their support of the watchdog role compared with metropolitan journalists. By combining questions about journalistic ideals and enactment in their work, and finding differences in the two, this study also has important implications for the methodological development of survey studies.
Luminescence of porphyrins and metalloporphyrins. Part 3.—Heavy-atom effects

The fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes for a series of metal tetraphenylporphyrins were found to decrease with increasing spin–orbital coupling constant of the central metal ion. The triplet states gave similar effects at both 77 and 293 K, as shown by luminescence and flash photolysis studies. In particular, the triplet-state lifetimes decreased in the order Mg > Zn > Pd ≈ Cd > Hg and it was possible to relate the rate constants for non-radiative decay processes to the spin–orbital coupling constant of the metal ion although different metal ions interacted with the porphyrin π-system to a different extent.
Numerical analysis of whole cell protein of local Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi from human blood

Numerical analysis by use of Jaccard's coefficient (Sj) and UPGMA clustering of the WCPP of the isolates were performed. All isolates were serologically confirmed and found to belong to polyvalent A60 and monovalent 9, and were belonged to two different biotypes, and to 12 antibiotypes. The bacterial WCPP indicated that the individual isolate had 20 to 26 protein bands ranging in their molecular weight from 14 KDa (kilodaltons) to 400. The numerical analysis of WCPP revealed three major distinct clusters (A, B, C), produced at (Sj 60%), only two isolates remains clusters, and were linked to them at lower levels.
Effects of metal ions and pH on the formation and decomposition rates of di- and tri-peptides in aqueous solution

Copyright © 2014 by The Geochemical Society of Japan. low-temperature fluids have been discovered in the South Chamorro seamount (Mottl et al., 2003) and Lost City hydrothermal field (Kelley et al., 2001). The high pH of the fluids at these sites has been attributed to serpentinization of olivine (Kelley et al., 2001, 2005; Hulme et al., 2010; Wheat et al., 2010). Serpentinization yields H2-rich fluids that facilitate synthesis of organic chemicals (Horita and Berndt, 1999; McCollom and Seewald, 2007; McCollom and Bach, 2009). Therefore, basic hydrothermal systems are regarded as suitable environments for the origin of life (Russell, 2003; Holm et al., 2006; Holm and Neubeck, 2009). Based on petrologic analysis of Archean basalts (Shibuya et al., 2010), it was proposed that Archean subseafloor hydrothermal systems were characterized by high-pH fluids. In addition, there have been several studies experimentally demonstrating prebiotic chemistry at high pH (e.g., Huber and Wächtershäuser, 1998; Russell, 2003; Holm et al., 2006; Sakata et al., 2010). For example, in a previous study, we reported maximum dimerization of glycine (Gly) in aqueous solution at 150°C and pH 9.8 (Sakata et al., 2010). The metal ions produced by hydrothermal alteration Effects of metal ions and pH on the formation and decomposition rates of diand tri-peptides in aqueous solution
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Aromatic Polyimides from Bis(4-amino-2-biphenyl)ether and Aromatic Tetracarboxylic Dianhydrides

A new phenylated diamine, bis(4-amino-2-biphenyl)ether, was synthesized in five steps starting from 3-chloro-4-fluoronitrobenzene. New aromatic polyimides having phenyl groups at the 2- and 2′-positions of the diphenyl ether moiety were prepared from this diamine and various tetracarboxylic dianhydrides by the conventional two-step procedure that included ring-opening polymerization in NMP and subsequent thermal cyclic dehydration. The polyimides were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Typical polyimides showed excellent thermal stability, and had glass transition temperature (Tg) above 250 °C. As for the series of polyimides prepared from tetracarboxylic anhydrides having linear phenylene moiety, the introduction of phenyl group at the 2- and 2′-positions of phenyl ether improved thermal and thermo-mechanical properties as well as the solubility of polymers.
Nutrient Acquisition by Soybean Treated with and without Silicon under Ultraviolet-B Radiation

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine if treatment with silicon (Si) may improve nutrient uptake by soybean under ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation stress. Soybean (Glycine max L.) cultivars, ‘Kennong 18’ (K 18) and ‘Zhonghuang 13’ (ZH 13), were grown in hydroponic cultures under ambient and supplemental levels of ultraviolet-B (UV-B, 280–315 nm) with and without Si. Supplemental UV-B radiation simulating 30% stratospheric ozone depletion significantly decreased plant biomass by 74.9 to 135.6%, increased leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) by 9% and 16%, respectively, decreased leaf magnesium (Mg) contents by 9%, and calcium (Ca) by 24%. UV-B radiation caused a substantial increase in the allocation of P, potassium (K) and Ca to roots compared with stem and leaves, presumably to ensure sustained nutrient uptake under the stress. Silicon application improved the uptake of P and Mg by 11%, which favored the partitioning of dry mass to shoots under UV-B radiation and the allocation of tissue P and Ca to roots. The overall changes due to Si supported a reasonable increase in dry mass of the ‘K 18’ cultivar.
Effect of tillage practices on the hydraulic properties of a loamy soil

AbstractThe knowledge of soil hydraulic properties is essential for modeling the water flow in unsaturated porous media for hydrological applications and agricultural water management. Long-term tillage practices have been shown to affect the hydraulic properties of soil. In this study, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of roto-tillage and no-tillage practices on the hydraulic properties of a bare loam soil. Two field plots were used with different tillage practices. In the first one, the field has been in roto-tillage for three years and in the other in continuous no-tillage for two years. From the hydraulic properties determined, water retention curves indicated that the water retention capacity was greater in tilled than in no-tilled (NT) soil. Both soil–water diffusivity and hydraulic conductivity values were greater in tilled than in NT soil at relatively low to moderate water contents, and lower in tilled than in NT soil at relatively high water contents—near saturation. The hy.
Triple-Quantum Two-Dimensional 27Al Magic Angle Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of the Aluminum Incorporation in Calcium Silicate Hydrates

Triple-quantum two-dimensional 27Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (27Al 3Q-MAS NMR) was used to characterize the substitution of Si4+ by Al3+ into the Te−Oc−Te structure of calcium silicate hydrates (C−S−H). This substitution was studied with C−S−H having an Oc/Te ratio of 1 and in equilibrium with Al(OH)3 in aqueous suspensions. In the absence of NaOH, no substitution into the C−S−H structure occurred. Addition of NaOH in the preparation increased the concentration of Al(OH)4- and favored substitution. The deficit of charge resulting from this substitution was compensated by the accommodation of sodium in the interlayer space of the C−S−H. Increasing levels of substituted silicon correspond to higher alkaline and lower calcium contents in the interlayer space. Two substitution sites were distinguished, corresponding to the bridging and nonbridging positions in the chains of tetrahedra. A high Altetra/(Si+Altetra) ratio indicated a redistribution of the aluminum tetrahedral sites to stab.
Molecular characterization of methane-oxidizing bacteria associated with rice straw decomposition in a rice field

Abstract Methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) are crucial to the reduction of CH4 emitted to the atmosphere. However, it is unclear how MOB in rice straw are affected by straw decomposition processes. In a Japanese rice field, a year-round experiment was set up to study the effects of agricultural practice (rice cultivation/winter fallow), straw parts (leaf sheath/blade) and the site of straw placement (plow layer/soil surface) on MOB communities in rice straw using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and DNA sequencing analyses of key MOB functional genes (pmoA and amoA). Thirty-eight different DGGE bands were observed over the entire investigation period. Principal component analysis of DGGE pattern suggested that agricultural practice is the key factor regulating the MOB communities. Sequencing of dominant DGGE bands showed that: (1) during the rice cultivation period, methanotrophs (particularly type I methanotrophs) dominated the MOB community, (2) during the winter fallow season both type I and type II methanotrophs were dominant in sheath segments placed both on the soil surface and in the plow layer, whereas ammonia oxidizers seemed to dominate blade segments placed in the plow layer. Alignment of diagnostic amino acid sequences of MOB suggested the presence of novel ammonia oxidizers in rice straw in rice fields.
Ethereal Glycoconjugated Azodyes (GADs): A New Group of Water‐Soluble, Naturalised Dyes

This report deals with azodyes naturalised through glycoconjugation with a very common saccharide – lactose – and with its galactose and glucose components. The conjugation takes place through a bifunctional linker, here a terminal dibromoalkane, so the final products are very stable diether derivatives of the starting dyes. These transformations produce naturalised dyes – indeed, water-soluble and multipurpose – that are able to dye different materials without addition of chemical additives such as surface agents. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Microbial respiratory and ectoenzymatic activities in the Northern Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea)

The carbon transfer through the microbial community in two areas of the Northern Adriatic Sea was estimated by proteolytic and respiratory activities during four oceanographic surveys carried out in June, 1996, 1997 and February, 1997, 1998. In front of the Po Delta (area A), the mean rates of proteolytic activity range from 4.9 to 9.9 r µg r C r h r l; near Ancona (area B), they range from 3.1 to 7.6 r µg r C r h r l. Respiratory rates vary between 0.19 and 2.29 and between 0.24 and 1.40 r µg r C r h r l in areas A and B, respectively. In general, high rates occur in the surface layers, within the first 10 r m of depth. In area A, proteolytic and respiratory rates undergo seasonal course, with high activity in warm periods. In area B, respiration and bacterioplankton abundance increase from the first to the second year, whilst proteolytic activity decreases. The sequence of metabolic steps in the carbon transfer within the bacteria, from the biotic vs . the abiotic compartment, was drawn in order to define the actual role of bacterial biomass in the biogeochemical fluxes in an ecosystem which often suffers distrophic crises. Respiratory turnover rates, in the upper 10 r m depth, reach low values in cold periods and high values in June, 1997. The carbon transfer versus mineralization flows better in the summer period, in particular in June, 1997. However, the bacterial growth efficiency ranges from 17 to 38% in area A and from 13 to 44% in area B with highest values in February, 1997, when bacteria contribute in a relevant way to the overall respiration.
Thermal gelation properties of methyl and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose

Aqueous solutions of methyl and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose are known to gel upon heating. These gels are completely reversible in that they are formed upon heating yet will liquefy upon cooling. The precipitation temperature, gelation temperature, and gel strength of these methylcellulose solutions were determined as a function of molecular weight, degree of methyl and hydroxypropyl substitution, concentration, and presence of additives. The precipitation temperature of these polymer solutions decreases initially with increasing concentration until a critical concentration is reached above which the precipitation temperature is little affected by concentration changes. The incipient gelation temperature decreases linearly with concentration. The strength of these gels is time dependent, increases with increasing molecular weight, decreases with increasing hydroxypropyl substitution, and depends on the nature of additives. Hydrophobe–hydrophobe interaction or micellar interaction is postulated to be the cause of gelation. This thermal gelation property of the polymers is utilized in many end uses including food, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, tobacco, and other industrial applications.
Formation of carbon nitride films on Si(100) substrates by electron cyclotron resonance plasma assisted vapor deposition

We report the growth of thin carbon nitride films on Si(100) substrates at temperatures in the range of 100–700 °C using electron‐beam evaporation of graphite assisted with electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma generated nitrogen species. The effect of the substrate temperature, and the nitrogen flow on the composition ratio C/N, and the C—N bonding were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), and Raman spectroscopy. The FTIR spectra show that the films produced exhibit a very high visible to infrared transmittance (0.85–0.95). These spectra were dominated by amine group (NH2) with the presence of C‐N stretching modes. From both RBS and XPS, the nitrogen concentration in the film was calculated and was found in the range of 24%–48%, depending on the nitrogen partial pressure in the ECR source. Raman spectrum of the high nitrogen content thin film shows a well resolved peak at 1275 cm−1 sugg.
Comparison of Two Sequential Extraction Methods and the DTPA Method for the Extraction of Micronutrients from Acidic Soils

Two sequential extraction methods (the modified BCR—Community Bureau of Reference, now the Standards, Measurement and Testing Program, of the European Commission—and the original Tessier) were compared for the assessment of various forms of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in 29 cultivated acidic soils of northern Greece. In addition, the different forms of the micronutrients extracted by the two methods were compared to the plant-available micronutrients extracted by diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and their relation to certain soil physicochemical properties was examined. Because the soils were acidic, the second step of the original method of Tessier (related to micronutrients bound to carbonates) was omitted. Consequently, four micronutrient fractions were assessed by both methods, namely water-soluble + exchangeable, bound to Fe-Mn oxides, bound to organic matter, and residual. Each of the two methods extracted different amounts of the same micronutrients in similar fractions, which amounts were significantly and positively correlated. The order of Fe and Mn distribution in the various fractions was similar in the two methods, within the same element, whereas Zn was slightly different and Cu was detectable only in the residual fraction of both methods. Clay and Fe-Mn oxide–bound Fe, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and organic matter–bound Fe were significantly and positively correlated in the case of the original Tessier method. In the modified BCR method, organic matter–bound Fe and Zn were significantly and positively correlated with CEC. In both methods, significant and positive correlation coefficients were found for the following relations: clay and Mn in the water-soluble + exchangeable fraction, organic C and organic matter–bound Mn, CEC and Mn in the three first fractions. The DTPA-extractable micronutrients were significantly and positively correlated with the respective micronutrients in the fractions bound to Fe-Mn oxides and bound to organic matter of the original method of Tessier for Zn; the fraction bound to Fe-Mn oxides of the same method for Fe; and the three first fractions of both sequential extraction methods for Mn.
A Study of the Combustion Method to Prepare Fine Ferrite Particles

organic compound. In the combustion mixture nitrates and the organic compounds behave similarly to conventional oxidants and fuels. The reaction is carried out by dissolving metal nitrates and fuel in a minimum amount of water in a pyrex dish and heating the mixture in order to evaporate water in excess. The resulting viscous liquid foams, ignites, and undergoes a self-sustained combustion, producing ashes containing the oxide product. During the combustion, exothermic redox reactions associated with nitrate decomposition and fuel oxidation take place. Gases such as N 2 ,H 2 O, and CO 2 evolve, favoring the formation of fineparticle ashes after only a few minutes. The properties of the final product (particle size, surface area, and porosity) depend on the way combustion is conducted. The departure of gases favors the desegregation of the products (increasing the porosity) and heat dissipation (inhibiting the sintering of the products). The exothermicity of the combustion is controlled by the nature of the fuel and the ratio oxidizer/ fuel. Fuels are organic compounds, frequently hydrazine derivatives, with N—N bonds that undergo highly exothermic combustion. When fuels are heated in the presence of nitrates, the mixture of gases generated is always hypergolic: it reacts readily with evolvement of heat. The stoichiometric composition of the metal nitrate—fuel mixtures is given by the equivalence ratio / % , which reflects the relative ratio of intramolecular fuel/oxidizer, considering the total reducing and oxidizing power of both fuel and oxidizer compounds (7). The mixture is considered fuel-rich when / % (1, fuel-lean when / % ’1, and stoichiometrically balanced when / % "1. Other factors influencing combustion are the evaporation time, the total mass of the redox mixture, the dish capacity, and the amount of water used to dissolve the reagents. In the recent literature the combustion method has been used to synthesize a wide range of mixed oxides: ferrites, manganites, cobaltites, chromites, titanates, aluminates, ZrO 2 , c-Fe 2 O 3 , superconducting oxides, and CeO 2 , among other compounds (8—11). This paper reports on the synthesis of barium ferrites using the combustion method with oxaldihydrazide (ODH, C 2 H 6 N 4 O 2 ) and tetraformaltrisazine (TFTA, C 4 H 12 N 6 ) 2H 2 O) as fuels. The microstructure of the products is discussed as a function of the combustion conditions.