Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of hurricane disturbance on stream water concentrations and fluxes in eight tropical forest watersheds of the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico

Stream water chemistry responds substantially to watershed disturbances, but hurricane effects have not been extensively investigated in tropical regions. This study presents a long-term (2.5–11 y) weekly record of stream water chemistry on eight forested watersheds (catchment basins) in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico. This includes a period before and at least 2 y after the disturbance caused by the 1989 Hurricane Hugo. Nitrate, potassium and ammonium concentrations increased after the hurricane and remained elevated for up to 2 y. Sulphate, chloride, sodium, magnesium and calcium showed smaller relative significant changes. Average stream water exports of potassium, nitrate and ammonium increased by 13.1, 3.6 and 0.54 kg ha−1 y−1 in the first post-hurricane year across all watersheds. These represent increases of 119, 182 and 102% respectively, compared to the other years of record. The increased stream outputs of potassium and nitrogen in the first 2 y post-hurricane are equivalent to 3% (potassium) and 1% (nitrogen) of the hurricane-derived plant litter. Effects of hurricanes on tropical stream water potassium and nitrogen can be greater than those caused by canopy gaps or limited forest cutting, but less than those following large-scale deforestation or fire.
Monthly carbon emissions from natural-gas flaring and cement manufacture in the United States

Annual data on carbon emissions from fossil-fuel combustion and cement manufacture have been used in studies of the carbon cycle for the last few decades. However, annual data do not specify carbon emissions on the seasonal timescales relevant to biospheric uptake and other processes affecting the carbon cycle. Estimates of monthly emissions from fossil-fuel consumption in the United States (US) have shown that an increasing percentage of the annual emissions are occurring during the growing season; however, carbon emitted from flaring natural gas at well sites was not accounted for in those emissions estimates, nor was carbon emitted during cement manufacture. Here we show that emissions from flaring, which amount to around 0.1 % of all fossil-fuel carbon emissions in the US, have no clear and persistent annual pattern that can be detected in the data. In contrast, carbon emissions from cement manufacture, which add about 0.7% to carbon emissions from fossil fuels in the US, have a clear and persistent annual pattern including low values in late winter and early spring. In this paper, we provide a few remarks on carbon emissions from natural-gas flaring before presenting monthly emissions estimates. We then focus on the methodology for calculating carbon emissions from cement manufacture before presenting and discussing the monthly emissions estimates.
cis-bis ( N-benzoyl-N 0 , N 0-dibenzylthioureido ) platinum ( II ) : Synthesis , molecular structure and its interaction with human and bovine serum albumin

Departamento de Quı́mica, ICEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, CEP 35400-000 Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil Departamento de Quı́mica, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil Departamento de Quı́mica Inorgánica, Facultad de Quı́mica, Universidad de la Habana, Habana 10400, Cuba Laboratorio de Sı́ntesis Orgánica, Facultad de Quı́mica, Universidad de la Habana, Habana 10400, Cuba e Instituto de Fı́sica de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
Cover crops and nitrogen fertilization effects on soil aggregation and carbon and nitrogen pools

Cover crops and N fertilization rates may influence soil aggregation and associated C and N pools, thereby affecting soil quality and productivity. We compared the effects of legume [hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.)] and nonlegume [rye (Secale cereale L.)] cover crops and N fertilization rates {half N rate [HN: 90 kg N ha-1 yr-1 for 3 yr of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) followed by 80 kg N ha-1 yr-1 for eggplant (Solanum melogena L.)]} and full N rate [FN: 180 kg N ha-1 yr-1 for 3 yr of tomato followed by 160 kg N ha-1 yr-1 for eggplant]} on soil aggregation and C and N pools in whole-soil and aggregates. The pools were organic C, total N, potential C mineralization and potential N mineralization (PCM and PNM), microbial biomass C and microbial biomass N (MBC and MBN), and particulate organic C and particulate organic N (POC and PON). Field experiment was conducted in a Greenville fine sandy loam (fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic, Rhodic Kandiudults) fr.
Characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous atmospheric pollutants and food contaminants, which exhibit potent carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and teratogenicity. Vibrational spectroscopy techniques, especially Raman spectroscopy and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), can be potentially used as an alternative technique to liquid and gas chromatography in PAH analysis. However, there is limited information on the intrinsic Raman and SERS fingerprints of PAHs. In this study, we have acquired the Raman and SERS spectra of seven PAH compounds and compared their experimental spectra with theoretical Raman spectra calculated by density function theory (DFT). The vibrational modes corresponding to the Raman peaks have also been assigned using DFT. Characteristic Raman and SERS peaks have been identified for five PAH compounds, and the limits of detection were estimated. Such information could be useful for developing SERS assays for simple and rapid PAH identification. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on post-emergence herbicides in Rabi onion (Allium cepa L.)

Onion is a slow growing crop, shallow rooted, narrow, upright leaves and non-branching habit. Due to this type of growing habit, onion crop cannot compete well with weeds. A field experiment was conducted at Research farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Parbhani. The soil was vertisol, low in nitrogen, medium in phosphorus and alkaline in reaction. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with three replications and eight treatments including hand weeding, weed free and weedy check. Weed free treatment recorded significantly lowest number of monocot weed count (m-2), dry weight of weeds and the highest weed control efficiency. Among the herbicidal treatments, application of Haloxyfop 10.8% EC @ 108 g a.i. ha-1 at 15 DAT (T2) recorded significantly least number of weed count and dry weight of weeds it was at par with the application of Haloxyfop 10.8% EC @ 135 g a.i. ha-1 at 15 DAT (T3) and Haloxyfop 10.8% EC @ 270 g a.i. ha-1 at 15 DAT (T4). Gross monetary returns, net monetary returns and B:C ratio was recorded significantly higher with the application of Haloxyfop 10.8% EC @ 108 g a.i. ha-1 at 15 DAT (T2).
Ethidium Bromide Interaction with Poly(G)

In current work we investigate the interaction between polyguanylic acid and Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) and the changes of thermodynamic parameters due to those interactions by spectrophotometric methods. From the binding isotherms, binding constants were calculated for three different temperatures and the changes of Gibbs free energy, entropy and enthalpy for complex-formation were determined. Complex-formation with four-stranded poly(G) structure needs less conformational changes in contrast with poly(G)poly(C), and due to that, EtBr binds with 5 and not 4 nucleotides. Obtained results confirm the concept that polyguanylic acids may form four-stranded complex structures with intercalating ligand EtBr in the aqueous solution.
Determination of Heavy Metals in Four Common Fish, Water and Sediment Collected from Red Sea at Jeddah Isalmic Port Coast

In this study the heavy metals concentration in (liver, gut, and muscles) of four common fish, water and sediment collected from Jeddah Red Sea Coast were investigated for (Copper Cu, Mercury Hg, Cadmium Cd, Lead Pb, Arsine As and Zink Zn) concentration. Large differences in heavy metal concentration mg/g dry weight were observed between different tissue, water and sediments. In sediments, heavy metal concentration was Cd 35.5, Pb, 41.40, Cu 22.5, Zn 32,2, Hg1.85 Where as in water heavy metal concentration mg/l 0.31, Pb, 1.20, Cu 0.40, Zn 0.41, Hg not detected. Generally metal concentration in liver is the highest where as in muscles is the lowest, in liver Cd 1.09- 3.35, Pb 2.95-7.84, Zn 41.97 – 57.21, Cu 12.23-32.22 in muscles ranged between 0.13- 1.06, Pb 1.03-6.10, Zn 3.98 – 9.30, Cu 0.13 – 0.91. Hg not detected in all samples except the sediment.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF MUCOADHESIVE TABLETS OF NIACIN USING DIFFERENT BIOADHESIVE POLYMERS.

In the present study, to establish mucoadhesive ta blets of niacin using different bioadhesive polymer s. The tablets were prepared using Sodium Carboxy methyl cellulose (SCMC), carbopol940P and Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC K4M) as bioadhesive polymers to impart mucoadhesion. Tablets were evaluated by different parameters such as weight un iformity, content uniformity, thickness, hardness, surface pH, swelling index, ex vivo mucoadhesive strength, in vitro drug release, and in vitro drug permeation. The present study concludes that mucoadhesive tablets o f niacin can be a good way to swelling and bioadhes ion properties a good improve the bio availability of n iacin.
A critical mass flux model for the flammability of thermoplastics

The combustion of thermoplastics is modelled using a critical mass flux hypothesis as the ignition and extinction criteria. Polymer degradation is modelled as a single-step first-order Arrhenius reaction term. A simple model for mass transport of polymer through the sample during pyrolysis is included. The degradation products are assumed to move out of the polymer instantaneously. The model consists of a nonlinear integral-differential advection-diffusion equation for the temperature in the thermoplastic, coupled to an ordinary differential equation, for the regression rate. Results are presented which quantify the effect that the thickness of the test sample has on the mass-loss rate, or equivalently heat-release rate, curve. From these we conclude that thermally thick samples are characterized by a region of steady burning which is independent of the initial sample thickness. The test method that we have in mind is the cone calorimeter.
MANGANESE DETECTED BY ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY IMAGING AND ELECTRON ENERGY LOSS SPECTROSCOPY IN MITOCHONDRIA OF NORMAL RAT BRAIN CELLS

ABSTRACT Electron spectroscopy imaging (ESI) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) provide an opportunity to investigate the presence of different trace elements directly in the structure of fixed tissues. We evaluated the usefulness of such techniques in detecting the sub-cellular localization and relative content of manganese in the mitochondria of cells in the brain of normal rats. ESI provided a granular appearance to manganese ions aggregated at any site summed through the thickness of ultra-thin sections. EELS confirmed the presence of manganese in the organelles shown by ESI. To demonstrate the specificity of signals for manganese, a comparative study was also performed. Electron-spectroscopy analysis of manganese, iron and fluorine in the same mitochondria demonstrated the presence of strong and specific signals for manganese, but the absence of detectable iron, or of fluorine, which was expected to be normally absent. However, iron and manganese were both detected in myelin sheaths by ESI and the spectral analysis afforded by EELS revealed distinct peaks for manganese and iron in the same samples. The manganese concentration in mitochondria as measured by the relative optical density on photomicrographs was highly variable probably due to variability in organelle characteristics and subtle differences in section thickness. These results show that ESI and EELS are sensitive and valuable techniques to detect bound manganese within sub-cellular structures.
Self-consistent relativistic band structure of the noble metals

The authors present results of relativistic band structure calculations for the noble metals Cu, Ag and Au. Particular effort was focused on good-quality self-consistent charge densities and on well converged excited bands (up to 30 eV above the Fermi level) to serve present needs of photoemission analysis within that energy regime. The calculations rest on Kohn-Sham-type relativistic one-particle equations with a local exchange-correlation potential either of the form derived by Hedin and Lundqvist (1971) or to the Xalpha form suggested by Slater. In using the latter potential best agreement with the experiments could be obtained by assigning alpha the values 0.70, 0.82 and 0.85 for Cu, Ag and Au, respectively. Self-consistency effects caused by relaxation of the core states were accounted for fully. The authors' findings do not support results of recent (differently performed) calculations by other authors, using the same (or similar) one-particle equations, who generally obtain d bands which are bound too weakly and whose widths come out too large. In contrast, they even find good agreement with spin-orbit effects observed in the photoemission spectra of Cu.
Electrical conductivities of aqueous solutions of KCl, KOH and HCl, and the ionization of water at high shock pressures

Measurements have been made of the electrical conductivities of aqueous solutions of KCl, KOH and HCl at shock wave pressures in the range 70–133 kbar. The molar conductivity of KCl was not measurably different from its normal value, and this finding is interpreted as meaning that although the temperature jump in the shock front tends to increase the mobilities of K+ and Cl– ions, the simultaneous jump in density has an opposite and cancelling effect. On the other hand, the conductivities of HCl and KOH increased several fold, indicating that the excess mobilities of hydrogen ions and hydroxyl ions increase by a factor of 3-6 under the shock conditions. By combining the measured ionic conductivities with earlier measurements of the conductivity of pure water it has been estimated that the ionization product Kw of water increases to about 0.09 mol2 kg–2 at a shock pressure af 133 kbar. It is suggested that the ionization of water into H3O+ and OH– ions becomes nearly complete at 200 kbar and that this transformation may be responsible for the difference in the pressure-volume behaviour of shocked water below and above the 150–200 kbar region.
EFFECTS OF CASTRATION ON LIVE PERFORMANCE, CARCASS YIELD, AND MEAT QUALITY OF MALE PIGS FED WHEAT OR CORN BASED DIETS1

Intact (85) and castrated (86) male pigs were slaughtered at 96.3 kg and at an average slaughter age of 150.1 days producing 79.1 kg carcasses. Either a corn or wheat-based, nutritionally equivalent ration was fed ad libitum. Nine percent less feed was required to market entire (intact) males when compared with castrates. Entire males had at least 1.9% more lean content and perhaps as much as 10% more carcass value. Little evidence was found to suggest that entire males had reduced meat quality. Preslaughter handling was an important aspect, since detrimental effects from inadequate preslaughter handling techniques appeared to be greater than those associated with gender. Therefore, considering production aspects only, entire male pigs should be able to be successfully marketed in Canada. However, detection and control of “sex-taint” and consumer acceptance of fresh pork from entire male pigs must be addressed.
HEAT PENETRATION CHARACTERISTICS OF SMOKED TUNA IN OIL AND BRINE IN RETORT POUCHES AT DIFFERENT ROTATIONAL SPEEDS

Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) steaks were light smoked using coconut husks and packed in indigenously developed retort pouches of size 17 cm × 11 cm, having a configuration of 12.5-µm polyester/12.5-µm aluminum foil/80-µm cast polypropylene. Hot refined sunflower oil and 2% brine solution were used as the filling medium. Processing was done to an Fo value of 10 in an overpressure autoclave with a facility for rotation. Heat penetration characteristics of the product were studied using an Ellab CTF 9008, an Fo-cum-cook value integrator. Different batches of tuna were processed in oil and brine media to an Fo value of 10 at 2, 4, 6 and 8 rpm, and compared the results with that obtained from a stationary retort. Increase in speed of rotation gave a reduction in total process time and a lower cook value. Heat penetration was lowest for the stationary retort and increased with the speed of rotation in both the oil and brine media. Heat penetration was faster in the brine medium for the same rotation speed and stationary retort when compared with that in the oil medium. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The study shows that heat penetration was faster in brine- than in oil-packed tuna because of the higher viscosity of the oil, which prevents rapid convection movement within the pouches. Because the retort pouch has a thinner profile than cans, heat penetration is faster during rotation, heat-induced Maillard reaction will be less, and the product will have better sensory attributes and nutritional properties. By rotation, the process time can be reduced, which can save time, fuel and energy and also obtain products with better nutritional value, color, taste and flavor.
Impact of Dietary Fibers on Moisture and Crumb Firmness of Brown Bread

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different fibers on firmness and water loss of the crumb of brown bread. The tested fibers were sugar beet fiber, cellulose and inulin. The tests were applied during a storage period of three days. Each fiber-supplemented bread showed decreased firmness on the third day after baking and increased water contents during the entire storage period. There were strong negative correlations between the pressure force, applicated by a Texture Analyzer and the water content. The highest water retention as well as the lowest firmness rate was measured at cellulose-rich breads. From this study it is claimed that all of the applied fibers effected the staling of brown bread, with cellulose showing the strongest reducing effect on water loss and firming.
The thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate - І. Introduction, experimental, analysis of gaseous products, and thermal decomposition experiments

The thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate in vacuo and under small initial pressures of nitrogen, to suppress sublimation, has been investigated in the temperature ranges 220 to 280°C and 380 to 450°C. The experimental techniques for following the decomposition and subsequent analysis of the products are described and gas analysis results given. In the low -temperature range only 30% decomposition occurred though the ‘residue’ was still ammonium perchlorate. In vacuo sublimation occurred all the time and also after decomposition had ceased which indicated that the reaction was not in the vapour phase. Some of the properties of the sublimed material and the ‘residue’ were investigated; in particular, it was found that the residue which was porous in texture (the decomposition had occurred throughout the crystal) could be ‘rejuvenated’ by exposure to a solvent vapour. The crystal transformation at 240°C from orthorhombic to cubic, the addition of impurities which might be intermediate decomposition products, and the addition of some metallic oxide catalysts, were also investigated.
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis Detection, Distribution, and Quantification of Silicon in Floricultural Crops utilizing Three Distinct Analytical Methods

: Silicon (Si) detection, distribution, and quantification in plants was compared using electron beam analysis (EBA; scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis), colorimetric analysis, and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) in 14 economically important floriculture species. Using EBA, Si was identified most commonly around the base of trichomes and along the leaf margins. The ICP-OES processing and analysis for Si using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) resulted in damaged torches and microwavable Teflon H vessels that required expensive replacement at the end of each run, but this was not the case in the colorimetric method or with a potassium hydroxide (KOH)–based matrix in the ICP-OES. The results of these analyses suggest there is agreement between quantification methods, and EBA has a lower detection limit of about 300 mgkg 2 1 dry weight of Si. Several new floriculture species (zinnia, impatiens, verbena, and calibrachoa) were identified that take up and accumulate Si in significant concentrations.
Ab initio study of the energy difference between the cyclic and linear forms of the C6 molecule

The energy difference between the three lowest‐lying isomers of C6, the linear 3Σ−g state, and the two ring forms, the benzene structure (1A1g) possessing D6h symmetry and a distorted cyclic form (1A1’, D3h symmetry) have been calculated using various ab initio methods. Variational methods such as multireference configuration interaction (MR‐CI) and complete active space second order perturbation treatment (CASPT2) have been applied, as well as perturbational treatments and coupled cluster calculations (CCD). The correlation of all valence shell electrons is found to be important for a balanced description of the isomers of C6. Methods which do not account for higher‐order effects appropriately proved to be unsuitable for calculating the energy difference correctly. The results from multireference configuration interaction methods show that the isomers are close in energy with the cyclic forms somewhat lower than the linear form. The ring form possessing D3h symmetry (1A1’) is found to be the lowest‐lying.
Studies into the Storage of Hydrogen in Carbon Nanofibers: Proposal of a Possible Reaction Mechanism

Substantial levels of hydrogen, up to 6.5 wt %, have been stored in carbon nanofibers (CNFs) under conditions of 12 MPa pressure and ambient temperature. The magnitude of this result cannot be interpreted in terms of physisorption on the external surface alone. Kinetic studies indicate that a slow chemisorption process is involved. The rate of uptake corresponds to that of hydrogen dissociation on graphite edge sites. Such a finding proposes a novel mechanism, offering a plausible explanation for these unusually high experimental observations. This involves the initial dissociation of hydrogen, believed to be catalyzed by carbon edge sites, which constitute the majority of the nanofiber surface, a property which is probably an important contributory factor toward their high hydrogen storage capacities.