Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecosystem‐Specific Composition of Dissolved Organic Matter

We investigated the molecular composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from various rivers, bogs and soil sites to test for their ecosystems unique molecular patterns. This information is prerequisite for searching of new marker compounds that might help tracing the fate of ecosystem‐derived organic matter from terrestrial to marine systems. We used electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI‐FT‐ICR‐MS) to identify the ecosystem‐specific molecular DOM characteristics. We investigated 39 samples and explored their patterns through nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). Based on the intrasystem similarity, we identified unique molecular formulae for each ecosystem and compared their main characteristics. Our data indicate a pH influence on all samples and possibly a vegetation influence on soil water samples. We interpreted the lack of nitrogen‐containing compounds in the surface water and the lower molecular size in the soil water with higher microbial activity and reworking in soils and the lack of aromatic compounds in surface waters as the result of photo degradation. Our results demonstrate that this approach is suitable for resolving ecosystem‐specific markers; the tannin molecular formulae seemed to be particularly suited markers for forest systems. However, we emphasize that it is necessary to collect a larger number of samples and reasonable environmental parameters to explain the distinctive molecular features and evaluate new markers. Aside from the ecosystem‐specific features, we also found a suite of compounds that were present in all samples, indicating the convergent evolution of terrestrial DOM for a wide gradient of physicochemical and biological features. The molecular formulae of these ubiquitous compounds match those of carboxyl‐rich alicyclic molecules (CRAM), but distinction from lignin is only possible by applying methods that elucidated the molecular structure.
Micromorphology of trichomes and composition of essential oil of Teucrium capitatum

The morphology and distribution of the glandular trichomes of Teucrium capitatum L. , as well as the chemical composition of the essential oils, were studied. Important differences were found with regard to the major con- stituents of the essential oils of five populations of T. capitatum grown in Portugal. The oil isolated from one population was characterized by a high content of oxygenated monoterpenes (33.0%), isomenthone (7.7%) being the major con- stituent. Another oil from a population collected from the same region was dominated by monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (43.9% and 23.2%, respectively), α-pinene (7.7%), sabinene (11.2%) and β-pinene (10.3%) being the main compounds. The oils from the other three populations were characterized by a high content of both sesquiterpene hydro- carbons (23.0%, 32.2% and 33.2%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (39.7%, 23.4% and 20.4%). T-cadinol (24.1%) and α-cadinol (9.8%) were the major compounds in the oil from one population, whereas δ-cadinene (7.5% and 9.8%) and E-caryophyllene (5.4%) or α α α α-muurolol (6.0%) were the major constituents in the other samples. The indumentum of the vegetative and reproductive ograns from the five populations of T. capitatum, observed under scanning electron microscopy, showed the same type and distribution of glandular and non-glandular trichomes. Since the ecological and edaphic features of the collecting sites were quite similar, the chemical polymorphism observed seems to be due to genetic factors. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Replacing Concentrate with Soybean Curd Residue Silage on Ruminal Characteristics, Plasma Leucine and Glucose Turnover Rates in Sheep

The effects of replacing concentrate with soybean curd residue silage on the plasma leucine (Leu) and glucose turnover rates (LeuTR and GluTR) of sheep were evaluated using an isotope dilution method of [113 C]Leu and [U- 13 C]glucose. The ruminal characteristics and nitrogen (N) balance of the sheep were also determined. The sheep were fed two diets in a crossover experiment for 21 days. The first diet consisted of 80% mixed hay and 20% commercial concentrate (CON diet), and the second diet consisted of 80% mixed hay and 20% soybean curd residue silage (SCRS diet), on a dry matter basis for both diets. The primed-continuous infusion method of [1- 13 C]Leu and [U- 13 C]glucose was performed on day 21. The N absorption, N retention, and N digestibility did not differ between the diets. Furthermore, the ruminal total volatile fatty acid concentration did not differ, but the molar concentration of propionate was significantly higher (P=0.02) in the sheep fed the SCRS diet than the CON diet. The plasma LeuTR and GluTR were comparable between the diets. The results showed that soybean curd residue silage could be comparable with commercial concentrate on ruminal fermentation as well as on the plasma Leu and glucose kinetics. Thus, soybean curd residue silage could be used to replace commercial concentrate in the diet of sheep.
The Impact of the Read To Me! Program in the Emergency Department of the IWK Health Centre on Family Literacy Practices

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Read to Me! program in the emergency department of a pediatric hospital to determine if the intervention resulted in a change in family literacy practices. It was conducted at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The program is designed to support the mandate of the Read to Me! Nova Scotia Family Literacy Program aimed at helping families in Nova Scotia enrich their children’s early years with books and reading. Participants were parents who presented at the emergency department of the IWK Health Centre with a child six years of age or younger, and emergency department staff. Participants were interviewed for a period of twenty months at which time 485 interviews had been conducted. One hundred fourteen in the intervention group were interviewed in person prior to the intervention. Families in the intervention group had their child read to by a volunteer reader, were given a handout on tips for reading to young children and a list of age appropriate books. They were also given the gift of a book to take home. One hundred fourteen participants in the control group were interviewed in person when no volunteer reader was present. One hundred participants in the intervention group and 103 in the control group were interviewed by telephone approximately six weeks after the initial interview. Parents were asked a number of questions to determine if there were changes in family literacy practices. Twenty-seven staff members were interviewed at the beginning of the program and at the end of the pilot study to identify the impact of the program on their working environment
On CO 2 pertubation experiments: over-determination of carbonate chemistry reveals inconsistencies

Abstract. Seawater carbonate chemistry is typically calculated from two measured parameters. Depending on the choice of these input parameters, discrepancies in calculated pCO2 have been recognized by marine chemists, but the significance of this phenomenon for CO2 perturbation experiments has so far not been determined. To mimic different pCO2 scenarios, two common perturbation methods for seawater carbonate chemistry (changing either DIC or TA) were applied using state-of-the-art protocols and equipment. The carbonate system was over-constrained by measuring DIC, TA, pH, and pCO2. Calculated pCO2 matched measured pCO2 if pH and TA or pH and DIC were chosen as input parameters, whereas pCO2 calculated from TA and DIC was considerably lower than measured values. This has important implications for CO2 perturbation experiments. First, calculated pCO2 values may not be comparable if different input parameters were used. Second, responses of organisms to acidification may be overestimated when using TA and DIC for calculations. This is especially troublesome for experiments with calcifiers, as carbonate ion concentration and thus calcite or aragonite saturation state are overestimated. We suggest refraining from measuring TA and DIC only and rather include pH as input parameter for carbonate chemistry calculations.
Microporous copolymers for increased gas selectivity

Microporous organic polymers have been synthesised from aniline using Friedel–Crafts alkylation. Networks synthesised solely from aniline were non-porous to nitrogen. However, co-polymerisation with benzene resulted in networks with apparent Brunauaer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface areas up to 1100 m2 g−1. Increased aniline content in the hyper-crosslinked networks led to improved CO2/N2 selectivity, suggesting a strategy for the design of materials for post-combustion carbon capture.
Spectroscopic and NMR identification of novel hydride ions in fractional quantum energy states formed by an exothermic reaction of atomic hydrogen with certain catalysts

2K + to K + K 2+ and K to K 3+ provide a reaction with a net enthalpy equal to one and three times the potential energy of atomic hydrogen, respectively. The presence of these gaseous ions or atoms with thermally dissociated hydrogen formed a so-called resonance transfer (rt)-plasma having strong VUV emission with a stationary inverted Lyman population. Significant line broadening of the Balmer , , and lines of 18 eV was observed, compared to 3–4 eV from a hydrogen microwave plasma. Emission from rt-plasmas occurred even when the electric field applied to the plasma was zero. The reaction was exothermic since excess power of 20 mW cm −3 was measured by Calvet calorimetry. An energetic catalytic reaction was proposed involving a resonant energy transfer between hydrogen atoms and 2K + or K to form very stable novel hydride ions H − (1/ p ) called hydrino hydrides having a fractional principal quantum numbers p = 2 and p = 4, respectively. Characteristic emission was observed from K 2+ and K 3+ that confirmed the resonant nonradiative energy transfer of 27.2 eV and 3 × 27.2 eV from atomic hydrogen to 2K + and K, respectively. The product hydride ion H − (1/4) was observed spectroscopically at 110 nm corresponding to its predicted binding energy of 11.2 eV. The 1 H MAS NMR spectrum of novel compound KH*Cl relative to external tetramethylsilane (TMS) showed a large distinct upfield resonance at −4.4 corresponding to an absolute resonance shift of −35.9 ppm that matched the theoretical prediction of p = 4. A novel peak of KH*I at −1.5 ppm relative to TMS corresponding to an absolute resonance shift of –33.0 ppm matched the theoretical prediction of p = 2. The predicted catalyst reactions, position of the upfield-shifted NMR peaks for H − (1/4) and H − (1/2), and spectroscopic data for H − (1/4) were found to be in agreement with the experimental observations as well as previously reported spectroscopic data for H − (1/2) and analysis of KH*Cl and KH*I containing these hydride ions.
STUDY OF ANALGESIC AND ANTI INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY FROM PLANT EXTRACTS OF LACTUCA SCARIOLA

SUMMARY: Seeds and samples of stems from the two medicinal plants, Lactuca scariola and Artemisia absinthium respectively were extracted in absolute methanol to determine their analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. The analgesic activity was assessed on intact mice by tail flick latency in tail immersion method. The anti-inflammatory activity was estimated volumetrically by measuring the mean increase in hind paw volume of rat with the help of plethysmometer. Acetylsalicylic acid in the dose of 300 mg/kg is used as standard drug. Both plant extracts were given in the doses of 300, 500 and 1000 mg/kg. Control group received 0.9% NaCI (saline) solution. All the doses administered orally. Results showed that Lactuca had potent analgesic activity and Artemisia had significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.
Improved Benson Increments for the Estimation of Standard Enthalpies of Formation and Enthalpies of Vaporization of Alkyl Ethers, Acetals, Ketals, and Ortho Esters

This work was undertaken for the evaluation and revision of group-additivity values necessary for predicting standard enthalpies of formation and enthalpies of vaporization of ethers, acetals, ketals, and ortho esters by means of Benson's group-additivity methodology. The database on the standard molar enthalpies of vaporization has been extended with measurements on several acetals, ketals, and ortho esters using the transpiration method. The standard molar enthalpies of formation of alkyl ethers, acetals, ketals, and ortho esters were derived using the data for the from the literature and the present results for the enthalpies of vaporization or sublimation. The current database of experimental data for enthalpies of formation and enthalpies of vaporization at 298.15 K have been used to reevaluate the values of the Benson's increments for of alkyl ethers, acetals, ketals, and ortho esters. The group-additivity parameters and strain corrections useful in the application of the Benson's correlation are pr.
Volatile compounds of essential oil from different stages of Michelia alba (cempaka putih) flower development

Seven developmental stages of Michelia alba (cempaka putih) flowers namely Stage 5 to 11 (S5–S11) were investigated for their volatile compounds. The essential oil was isolated by Simultaneous Distillation Extraction (SDE) technique and the oil obtained was subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. In total, 78 compounds representing 93–98% of the overall M. alba volatiles were identified. Thirty-three of these compounds belonged to isoprenoids group which comprised 30–50% of the total volatile compounds detected throughout S5–S11, whereas the remaining belonged to fatty acid derivatives, benzenoid, phenylpropanoid and other hydrocarbon compounds. The major compounds which represented more than 10% of the essential oil at each stage were dihydrocarveol (S5–S8), linalool (S9–S11), butanoic acid-2-methyl, methyl ester (S9) and cyclohexane, 1-ethenyl-1-methyl-2,4-bis (1- methylethenyl) (S6–S7). In this study, variations in the compounds of essential oil as well as their level in percentage within the flower development stages were observed. Dihydrocarveol was the most abundant compounds detected in S5–S8 (44–65%), while linalool was the most abundant compound detected in S9–S11, which accounted for 59–89% of the total essential oil obtained. Based on the profile of both compounds, it might suggest that dihydrocarveol was one of the compounds that contributed significantly during bud development through S5–S8 in which the bud became yellowish and started to swell until the petal just began to open, whereas linalool might contribute significantly to the characteristic fragrance through S9–S11 in which during these phases, the aroma of M. alba fragrance was very much intense. Keywords: Michelia alba; volatile compounds; essential oil; gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; flower development
Acceleration of Redox Diffusion and Charge-Transfer Rates in an Ionic Liquid with Nanoparticle Addition

The exchange-reaction-based diffusion and the interfacial charge-transfer rates of an iodide/triiodide redox couple in an ionic liquid were enhanced by the addition of SiO 2 nanoparticles, although the composites successively became gels and solids with increasing nanoparticle composition. Because of this acceleration of the charge transport and the interfacial charge-transfer rates, dye-sensitized solar cells using the composite electrolytes achieved high photon-to-current conversion efficiencies, comparable to those using the neat ionic liquid electrolyte.
Chitosan/NiO nanocomposites: a potential new dielectric material

The study of electrochemical behavior of organic–inorganic nanocomposite materials remains a major challenge for application in energy storage devices. Here, new composite materials of chitosan and NiO nanoparticles have been fabricated. The NiO nanoparticles are well characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The electrical properties of the films are studied by impedance spectroscopy at different temperatures; and thereby permittivity, electric modulus and conductivity data are obtained. By studying the variations in permittivity and electric modulus spectra with respect to applied frequency signal and temperature, the ionic conductivity of the material is investigated. The Correlated Barrier Hopping model is employed to understand the conduction mechanism. An admirable conductivity of 1.4 × 10−2 S cm−1 is obtained for a nanocomposite with 4 wt% NiO content. The activation energies of the composite films decrease with increase in NiO content, from 16.5 to 4.8 kJ mol−1.
Determination of macro elements in alfalfa and white clover by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy was used to assess the mineral composition of both alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Alfalfa (n=230) and white clover (n=97) plant samples from different locations in Uruguay representing a wide range of soil types were analysed. The samples were scanned for reflectance in a NIRSystems 6500 monochromator (NIRSystems, Silver Spring, MD, USA). Predictive equations were developed using modified partial least squares (MPLS) with cross validation to avoid overfitting. The coefficients of determination in calibration (R_{\rm cal}^{2}) and the standard errors in cross validation (SECV) were 0·93 (SECV: 1·6), 0·95 (SECV: 1·3), 0·93 (SECV: 1·9), 0·88 (SECV: 2·7), 0·82 (SECV: 0·3) and 0·75 (SECV: 4·7) for alfalfa and 0·98 (SECV: 0·8), 0·52 (SECV: 0·8), 0·97 (SECV: 2·7), 0·83 (SECV: 3·1), 0·82 (SECV: 1·9) and 0·45 (SECV: 2·6) for white clover, for N, Ca, K, P, Mg and S in g/kg on a dry weight respectively. Calcium, nitrogen and potassium were well predicted by NIRS in both alfalfa and white clover samples.
Insights on the Structural Chemistry of Hydrocalumite and Hydrotalcite-like Materials: Investigation of the Series Ca2M3+(OH)6Cl·2H2O (M3+: Al3+, Ga3+, Fe3+, and Sc3+) by X-Ray Powder Diffraction

Abstract Hydrotalcite and hydrocalumite are two close minerals belonging to the layered double hydroxide family. Both structures are based on positive brucite-like layers alternating with layers containing anions and water molecules. Most of synthetic (LDHs) are hydrotalcite-like materials. On the other hand, the hydrocalumite structure type is rare for those less broad in composition, typically Ca2+ and Al3+ in the hydroxide layers. In order to get further insight into the conditions of stabilization of this structure type, we have undertaken the synthesis and the structural characterization by powder X-ray diffraction of the series Ca2M3+(OH)6Cl·2H2O(M3+:Al3+, Ga3+, Fe3+ and Sc3+). The incorporation of Sc3+ ions is quite original. All phases crystallize in the rhombohedral space group R-3 resulting in a three-layers polytype. The main consequence of the replacement of Al3+ cations by large M3+ cations is a compression of the octahedral layers like it proceeds in hydrotalcite-like materials. The existence of Sc-containing phase allows us to say that it is the size of Ca2+ ions and the pronounced anisotropy of coordination spheres around Ca2+ and M3+ which are responsible for the ordered distribution of cations in hydrocalumite-like materials.
Extraction and standardization of selected fruit juices by enzymatic process

Raw guava (Psidium guajava L.), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.), and pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) juices are turbid, viscous, and gray in color. This study was initiated to extract and standardize such fruit juices using laboratory produced pectinase enzyme. Juices were treated with pectinase at various enzyme concentrations of 1000-1500 mg.kg -1 . The effect of enzyme treatments on percentage yield, clarity, pH, vitamin C, and total soluble solids were studied. The maximum yielding conditions obtained were 1500 mg.kg
EFFECTS OF CHEMICAL IMPURITIES ON GAS PERMEATION AND DIFFUSION IN POLYMERIC MEMBRANES

In recent years, polymeric membranes have been increasingly used in key unit operations such as gas separations. In theory, the performance of a polymeric membrane module depends solely on the chemical structure of the polymer and the feed gas composition. However, impurities in the feed stream (such as vapors from compressor oils) have been found to affect the productivity of the membrane module even at parts per million (ppm) levels. To understand the fundamental effects of such trace chemicals, commercial polymers were studied for their solubility and permeability characteristics in the presence and absence of such impurities. Two types of compressor oils were used in doping the polymers at three concentration levels. Permeabilities of N2, O2, CH4, and CO2 were measured in dense homogeneous films at 35°C. Selectivities of O2/N2 and CO2/CH4 were also calculated in the presence and absence of oil. The permeability data were used in conjunction with the sorption results as reported in previous papers to calculate diffusivities in the Henry's (D D) and Langmuir (D H) regions of the polymer. The effect of annealing on permeability and diffusivity in clean and doped samples of the polymers was also examined. Such thermal treatment reduced the diffusivity and permeability due to densification of the glassy structure. The effect was common to both clean and doped films. A good understanding of the effects of such trace chemicals on the permeability characteristics of the membrane will aid in designing effective polymeric membrane modules in the future.
Dual role of glycine as a chemical functionalizer and a reducing agent in the preparation of graphene: an environmentally friendly method

Here we report a simple, efficient, and environmentally friendly approach towards the reduction of graphite oxide using glycine as both a chemical functionalizer and a reducing agent. The reduction could occur under mild conditions and the as-produced graphene sheets show impressive crystalline behavior and admirable aqueous dispersibility without employing any external stabilizing reagents. Formation of graphene has been confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis reveals the successful removal of oxygen moieties upon reduction using glycine. The method is cost-effective and presents an alternative route to produce large-scale, reduced graphite oxide nanosheets.
PECULIARITIES OF THE RETENTION MECHANISM OF CIRCULAR AND LINEAR DNA FRAGMENTS USING NON-EQUILIBRIUM CHROMATOGRAPHY

Two different methods have been used to investigate the retention mechanism of a series of DNA fragments in non equilibrium chromatography (NEC) over a range of column temperatures (T) and with different mobile phase flow-rates (F). The first approach was the separate study of each factor affecting the retention mechanism; the second method was the simultaneous variation of all these factors. The apparent relative retention time of each DNA fragment was used as a retention marker. The data obtained showed that the retention mechanism of the DNA fragment was dependent on the F and T values, and also on the DNA form, i.e., linear or circular form. For low F values, the retention mechanism was based on the classical hydrodynamic regime (HDC) specific to the circular form. On the contrary, for the linear forms, their retention mechanism was based on a slalom chromatographic process (SC) specifically for high F values at low column temperature. This confirms that the SC and HDC modes are interconnected and that the HDC⇄SC transition exists and was clearly visualized. In addition, using a simplex process connected to the chemometric methodology, the optimal conditions for F and T were calculated to obtain the more efficient separation of the linear DNA forms in a minimum analysis time.