Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Potential of Green and Black Teas of Selected South India Cultivars

Tea is one of the most popular global beverages. It is widely consumed as a health promoting beverage and its health benefits are mainly due to the presence of polyphenols such as catechins, theaflavins and thearubigins. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the antioxidant potential of green tea (GT) and black tea (BT) extracts of eight different cultivars by radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA) and hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (H-ORAC). The extracts of teas were also analyzed for total polyphenol (TP) content and catechins. H-ORAC [(μmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/g)] values ranged from 2730-5031 (GT), 1429-2766 (BT) and DPPH-RSA (μmol TE/g) ranged from 1098-1376 and 508-798, respectively. Comparing the same cultivar, GT showed higher antioxidant activities (H-ORAC and DPPH-RSA) than those of BT which is partially attributable to the increased TP and concentration of catechins. Correlation coefficients between parameters of antioxidant activities were TP/H-ORAC (GT: 0.647, BT: 0.79), TP/DPPH -RSA (0.744, 0.976) and DPPH-RSA/H-ORAC (0.686, 0.811) while those of BT exceeded those of GT. Extracts from all the cultivars showed good antioxidant potential. Antioxidant activities were mainly derived from catechins in GT and theaflavins in the case of BT.
E‐CHONDRITES: SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PARTITION OF ELEMENTS BETWEEN ‘SILICATE’ AND ‘SULPHIDE’

Bulk chemical analyses of six E-chondrites (Daniel's kuil, Khairpur, Kota Kota, Saint-Sauveur, South Oman and St Mark's) are given, together with partial analyses of a further five (Blithfield, Hvittis, Indarch, Jajh deh Kot Lalu and Pillistfer). The distribution of some normally lithophile elements (Al, Ca, Cr, K, Mg, Na, P and Ti) between silicate and sulphide groups of minerals was determined using the selective attack by dry chlorine (350°C) on magnetically separated fractions. Subdivision of the E-chondrites into types I and II (Yavnel;, 1963; Anders, 1964) is accepted and it is shown using chemical data that St Mark's and Saint-Sauveur should be included in type I. Sulphides contribute an unexpectedly high proportion of several elements to the bulk: e.g. Ca (av. 88.5% type I, 66.3% type II); Ti(av. 77.1% type I, 84.8% type II) and P as phosphide (av. 44.4% type I, > 83.2% type II). The proportion of Ti contributed to the bulk composition by the sulphides in types I and II increases with increae in ‘thermal metamorphic effect’ (Easton, 1983b) within each type. There is marked variability in the relative abundances of metal, phosphide, silicate and sulphide among the members of each type in keeping with their aggregate nature. The chemical composition of the ‘silicate’ and ‘sulphide’ in type IE-chondrites differs from that in type II (e.g. CaO in the silicates, Mg in the bulk sulphides) which therefore precludes the isochemical evolution of all E-chondrites from a common parent material. Partition of Ti between silicate and sulphide groups of minerals indicates that types I and II E-chondrites originated in separate, chemically distinct bodies.
Nanometer-Scale Roughness Having Little Effect on the Amount or Structure of Adsorbed Protein

Neither the adsorbed amount per unit actual surface area nor the structural stability of hen egg lysozyme is influenced by increasing the nanometer-scale roughness (5 < Rave < 60 nm) of a series of model substrates. Seven poly(ether sulfone) (PES) ultrafiltration membranes of increasing mean pore size with the same surface chemistry were chosen as model rough surface substrates. Topographical images, using atomic force microscopy, combined with attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR/FTIR) and sessile captive bubble contact angle measurements were used to characterize the surface properties of the substrates. ATR/FTIR spectroscopy together with a newly developed optimization algorithm for predicting the content of secondary structure motifs is used to correlate the secondary structure and amount of adsorbed lysozyme with the substrate surface roughness. From the adsorption measurements, the net adsorbed amount (total minus nonspecific adsorbed amount) of lysozyme correspon.
Impact of heavy metals on bacterial communities from mangrove soils of the Mahanadi Delta (India)

This study aimed to assess soil nutrient status and heavy metal content and their impact on the predominant soil bacterial communities of mangroves of the Mahanadi Delta. Mangrove soil of the Mahanadi Delta is slightly acidic and the levels of soil nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and potash vary with season and site. The seasonal average concentrations (μg/g) of various heavy metals were in the range: 14 810–63 370 (Fe), 2.8–32.6 (Cu), 13.4–55.7 (Ni), 1.8–7.9 (Cd), 16.6–54.7 (Pb), 24.4–132.5 (Zn) and 13.3–48.2 (Co). Among the different heavy metals analysed, Co, Cu and Cd were above their permissible limits, as prescribed by Indian Standards (Co=17 μg/g, Cu=30 μ g/g, Cd=3–6 μ g/g), indicating pollution in the mangrove soil. A viable plate count revealed the presence of different groups of bacteria in the mangrove soil, i.e. heterotrophs, free-living N2 fixers, nitrifyers, denitrifyers, phosphate solubilisers, cellulose degraders and sulfur oxidisers. Principal component analysis performed using multivariate statistical methods showed a positive relationship between soil nutrients and microbial load. Whereas metal content such as Cu, Co and Ni showed a negative impact on some of the studied soil bacteria.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF SANDBOX ( Hura crepitan) SEED FLOUR FOR DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION AND INDUSTRIAL UTILIZATION IN NIGERIA

Proximate, amino acids composition Hura Crepitan seed flour and physicochemical characteristics of oil were determined using standard analytical techniques. The mean values of various parameters for proximate composition (%) were: moisture (5.2±0.03), ash (31.06±0.06), crude fat (43.52±0.01), crude fibre (2.60±0.02) and carbohydrate (by difference) (10.06±0.016). The fatty acids were determined to be 34.82% and energy was 2306.56kJ/100g. Minerals(mg/100g) included: Zn(1.83), Fe(6.38), Mg(35.92), Na(71.94), Ca(117.17), K(62.17), P(24.60), Ni(0.30) and Cr(1.14) while Pb, Cd and Hg were not detected. Amino acid analysis revealed that Hura Crepitan seed flour contained nutritionally useful quantities of most of the essential amino acids. pH (5.92), density (0.77), free fatty acid (0.87),viscosity(39.55) and specific gravity (0.92). The seed oil was odourless at room temperature with light yellow colour. These results suggest that Hura crepitan seeds may be viable sources of oil going by their oil yield. However, the studied characteristics of all oils extracts in most cases compared favourably with other seed oil which is presently used for
Assessment of Surface Water Quality around Dumpsites in the City of Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria

The quality of surface water around Ring road and Orita-Aperin dumpsites were assessed for a period of one year (June 2005 to May 2009) using standards methods of analysis. The following parameters: temperature, turbidity, total dissolves solids (TDS), conductivity, hardness, nitrates, sulphates and ammonia were determined. The mean values per sampling point were temperature (28.40 oC), pH (7.20), total hardness (87.00 mgCaCO 3 L - 1 nitrate (11.44 mgL -1 ) ammonia (0.12 mgL -1 ), sulphate (7.2 mgL -1 ), turbidity (431 FTU), total dissolved solids (365 mgL -1 ) and conductivity (47.00 mSm -2 mol -1) for Ring road were not significantly different from those at Orita-Aperin and the other dumpsites. Also, mean values per samples of the same parameters from Agbowo control sites did not differ significantly from those at Ring road, the main dumpsites with the exception of their relatively, high pH, nitrate, ammonia and TDS values. The results were found to compare favourably with WHO and Nigerian Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) limits, exception of turbidity. The study has revealed that surface water quality around the dumpsites has not been severely impacted as is usually assumed, even though it has been polluted to some degree.
Wall effects on the cross-buoyancy around a square cylinder in the steady regime

The effects of blockage ratio on the combined free and forced convection from a long heated square obstacle confined in a horizontal channel are investigated in this work. The numerical computations are performed in the steady regime for Reynolds number = 1 - 30, Richardson number = 0 - 1 for blockage ratios of 0.125 and 0.25 for the fixed Prandtl number of 0.7 (air). The governing equations, along with appropriate boundary conditions, are solved by using a semi-explicit finite volume method implemented on the collocated grid arrangement. The total drag and lift coefficients, local and average Nusselt numbers and the representative streamline, vorticity and isotherm patterns are presented to elucidate the role of blockage ratio on the cross-buoyancy across a confined square cylinder. The asymmetry in the flow and temperature fields decreases with increasing value of the blockage ratio. Similar to forced convection, the total drag coefficient increases with increasing value of the blockage ratio for the fixed values of the Reynolds and Richardson numbers.
Crystal structure and powder diffraction reference pattern of type I clathrate Ba8Ni4Ge42

The crystal structure of type I clathrate Ba8Ni4Ge42 has been determined using neutron powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM, for possible superlattice), and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements. Ba8Ni4Ge42 is cubic with the space group Pmn and unit-cell parameter a = 10.6769(2) Å (Dx = 5.988 g cm−3). The structure combines two different types of polyhedra: the dodecahedron (Ge20, 20-atom cage with 12 pentagonal faces) and the tetrakaidecahedron (Ge24, 24-atom cage with 12 pentagonal and 2 hexagonal faces). Each unit cell contains two Ge20 dodecahedra and six Ge24 tetrakaidecahedra. The Ge20 dodecahedra are linked via the interstitial 6c positions. The framework structure is formed by a tetrahedrally bounded network of Ge atoms, whereas Ba atoms reside inside the Ge20 and Ge24 cavities at the 2a and 6d crystallographic positions, respectively. Ni atoms exclusively occupy the 6c positions located on the hexagonal faces of the larger tetrakaidecahedra; no Ni atoms are found in the smaller dodecahedra that consist of pentagonal faces. A local structure study using EXAFS supports the coexistence of Ge and Ni on the 6c site. Electron diffraction in TEM reveals no detectable Ge/Ni ordering.
Fluxes of Life: Bioinformatics for Metabolic Flux Quantification in Isotopic Non-Steady-State

The representation of biochemical knowledge in terms of fluxes (transformation rates) in a metabolic network is often a crucial step in the development of new drugs and efficient bioreactors. Mass spectroscopy (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMRS) in combination with 13 C labeled substrates are experimental techniques resulting in data that may be used to quantify fluxes in the metabolic network underlying a process. The massive amount of data generated by spectroscopic experiments increasingly requires software which models the dynamics of the underlying biological system. In this work we present an approach to handle isotopomer distributions in metabolic networks using an object-oriented programming approach, implemented using S4 classes in R. The developed package is called FluxSimulator and provides a user friendly interface to specify the topological information of the metabolic network as well as carbon atom transitions in plain text files. The package automatically derives the mathematical representation of the formulated network, and assembles a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) describing the change of each isotopomer pool over time. These ODEs are subsequently solved numerically. In a case study FluxSimulator was applied to an example network. Our results indicate that the package is able to reproduce exact changes in isotopomer compositions of the metabolite pools over time at given flux rates.
Effect of Albumin on the Growth Characteristics of Hydroxyapatite Coatings on Alumina Substrates

A potent biomolecule, egg albumin (EA), has been used in the biomimetic coating of hydroxyapatite (HAp) on α-Al2O3 substrate. The same experiment was repeated without using EA and the results have been compared. In both cases, the substrates were incubated up to 6 days in SBF (simulated body fluid) at 37°C with a periodic replacement by freshly prepared SBF at 48-h intervals. The presence of EA influenced the growth and morphology of HAp crystals. Without EA, the HAp coating comprises irregular-shaped, serrated-edged plates whereas with EA, thick and regular-edged HAp crystal plates were observed on the α-Al2O3 substrate.
Oxidative stress and genotoxicity of 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium chloride on loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)

This study was a preliminary step to evaluate the acute toxicity of 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium chloride ([C8mim]Cl) on loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) by determining the effects on hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities and by the comet assay. The results showed that [C8mim]Cl had acute toxicity at concentrations above 20 mg L−1, inducing oxidative stress and genotoxicity on fish liver cells. In respect to enzyme activities, [C8mim]Cl induced changes in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione content the livers of fish exposed at 20–80 mg L−1. [C8mim]Cl at the same exposure level caused a remarkable increase in malondialdehyde level. The comet assay indicated that [C8mim]Cl at 20–80 mg L−1 induced genotoxicity in liver cells. With increased exposure concentration and time, the two comet parameters trailing rate and tail moment were significantly increased, with significant differences (P < 0.05) observed between control group and each treatment group. The present study shows that ionic liquids can be a threat to the health of aquatic organism when accidentally released to aquatic ecosystems.
PERFORMANCE OF TUBULAR-TYPE OPTICAL FIBER REACTOR FOR DECOMPOSITION OF VOCS IN GASEOUS PHASE

Photocatalytic decomposition of volatile organic compounds, (VOCs) 2-propanol, trichloroethylene (TCE) and benzene, was studied using a tubular-type optical fiber photoreactor with only one TiO2-coated fiber located at the centerline of the reactor. The effects of initial concentration ranged from 0.005-0.055 kg m -3 , ultraviolet light intensity from 0-2700 J s -1 m -2 and relative humidity from 5-50% on the performance of the reactor for VOC decomposition were investigated. The results show that the removal efficiency of VOCs was increased with increasing light intensity. Furthermore, the decomposition of VOCs was strongly influenced by humidity in the airflow, and the optimum performance was achieved under relative humidity of 15-25%. Experimental results indicated that TCE had lower adsorption constant but it was the most degraded constituent. This might be that TCE decomposition could lead to formation of free radicals Cl· which accelerated the reaction. The simulated results of removal efficiency agree fairly well with the available experimental data.
Enhanced oxygen dissociation in a propagating constricted discharge formed in a self-pulsing atmospheric pressure microplasma jet

We report on the propagation of a constricted discharge feature in a repetitively self-pulsing microplasma jet operated in helium with a 0.075 vol% molecular oxygen admixture in ambient air environment. The constricted discharge is about 1 mm in width and repetitively ignites at the point of smallest electrode distance in a wedge-shaped electrode configuration, propagates through the discharge channel towards the nozzle, extinguishes, and re-ignites at the inlet at frequencies in the kHz range. It co-exists with a homogeneous, volume-dominated low temperature (T ⋍ 300 K) α-mode glow. Time-resolved measurements of nitrogen molecule C-state and nitrogen molecule ion B-state emission bands reveal an increase of the rotational temperature within the constricted discharge to about 600 K within 50 µs. Its propagation velocity was determined by phase-resolved diagnostics to be similar to the gas velocity, in the order of 40 m s−1. Two-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy synchronized to the self-pulsing reveals spatial regions of increased oxygen atom densities co-propagating with the constricted discharge feature. The generated oxygen pulse density is about ten times higher than in the co-existing homogeneous α-mode. Densities reach about 1.5 × 1016 cm−3 at average temperatures of 450 K at the nozzle. This enhanced dissociation of about 80% is attributed to the continuous interaction of the constricted discharge to the co-propagating gas volume.
Calagem em sistema de semeadura direta e efeitos sobre a acidez do solo, disponibilidade de nutrientes e produtividade de milho e soja

A field experiment was conducted in the state of Parana, Brazil, to evaluate the effect of liming on soil acidity, soil nutrient availability and yields of maize and soybeans on a Red Latosol (Oxysol), which had been cultivated for three, six and nine years under no-tillage (NT). Lime was broadcasted to the soil surface in four rates- 0, 33.3, 66.7 and 100% of the amount calculated to increase the soil base saturation (V%) to 70%; an additional treatment consisted of broadcasting the highest rate of lime and mixing it to the 0-20 cm layer of the soil. Calcium, magnesium and V% showed the most uniform distribution in the profile when the soil was cultivated under NT for nine years; in addition, exchangeable Al was low and pH was constant in all the studied soil layers. In the soil cultivated for three years, the highest figures for Ca and Mg in the 0-5 cm layer were observed when lime was broadcasted on soil surface at full rate, while pH and V% did not change with liming. The highest rate of lime mixed in the soil increased pH and Ca content of the 10-20 cm layer, as well as the Mg and V% of both layers of 10-20 and 20-30 cm. This treatment also reduced the Al content of the 20-30 cm layer. In the soil with six-year cultivation period pH, Ca and Mg of the upper layer generally increased with the highest rates of lime broadcasted to the soil surface. When mixed to the soil, lime reduced the exchangeable Al and increased the V% and the content of Ca and Mg of the deepest soil layers. In the soil cultivated for nine years, lime influenced only the surface layer; when applied on the surface, the increase in pH, V%, Ca and Mg by lime was generally higher than when mixed to the soil. Liming did not influence the contents of N, P, K and S in the soybean leaves. Maize and soybean grain yields were not influenced by liming, but the soil with six years of cultivation under NT produced the highest soybean yield.
Novel nanoparticle/enzyme biosilicified nanohybrids for advanced heterogeneously catalyzed protocols

Novel bio-nanohybrids based on room temperature one-pot synthesized lipase-nanoparticle systems were developed and characterized in this work, with subsequent investigations of their catalytic activities and stability as compared to the free enzymes. Preliminary results revealed excellent stabilities, solvent tolerance, and activities as compared to free lipases, opening up further scenarios for their utilization under continuous flow conditions as well as in tandem reactions.
Human tubal fluid: production, nutrient composition and response to adrenergic agents

Vascularly perfused Fallopian tubes have been used to study the formation and composition of human tubal fluid and the response to adrenergic agents. An artery serving the tube was cannulated and perfused with Medium 199 supplemented with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and antibiotics. A second cannula was attached to the fimbriated end for native tubal fluid collection. The preparation was viable for up to 2 h. Tubal fluid was only obtained in tubes removed in the proliferative and early secretory phases of the ovarian cycle. Isoproterenol (1 mM) added to the perfusate stimulated fluid production, whereas dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1 mM) reduced fluid formation by 66%. Glucose, pyruvate and lactate concentrations in tubal fluid, measured by microfluorescence assays, were 1.11, 0.14 and 5.4 mM respectively. The concentrations of 17 amino acids in tubal fluid were measured by high performance liquid chromatography following fluorescence derivatization. Arginine (0.19 mM) > alanine (0.11 mM) > glutamate (0.09 mM) were present in highest concentration in all phases of the cycle. All 17 amino acid concentrations in tubal fluid were below those in the vascular perfusate. These data provides the basis for a culture medium whose composition mimics the physiological environment to which early human embryos are exposed.
In-vitro evaluation of sustained-release dyphylline tablets

AbstractDyphylline tablets were prepared by direct compression of mixtures of the drug, emcompress and different ratios of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) or cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP). Physical properties of the prepared tablets and the drug release in 0.1 N HC1 and phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 were investigated.All tablets were found to satisfy the USP requirements regarding content, weight uniformity and friability. Hardness was greatly enhanced and thickness was slightly increased by increasing the polymer ratio in tablet formulations. Disintegration time of the dyphylline tablets was delayed by the presence of either HPMC or CAP and there was a direct relationship between the polymer ratio and the disintegration time. Considerable retardation in the rate and extent of drug release from the prepared tablets in both dissolution liquids was observed. As the polymer ratio increased in the tablet formulations, the drug release was significantly inhibited.
Bioaccumulation of Al, Mn, Zn and Cd in Pea Plants (Pisum sativum L.) Against a Background of Unconventional Binding Agents

This article studies the effect of Aln, sodium humate, and sodium silicate on metal solubility and their bioaccumulation in pea plants. Research was carried out in 1997 using water cultures. There were three series of quick 2-week tests of plant reactions towards Zn 2+ , Cd 2+ (series I), Al 3+ (series II) and Mn 2+ (series III) added in the form of soluble salts into modified Knopp's substrate. The toxic amounts of Zn and Cd were added into the basic substrate in a form of soluble nitrate. Toxic quantities of Al and Mn were added into the substrate in a form of soluble salts: A1C13 • 6H2O and MnSO4 • H2O, respectively. Sodium humate, AI13 or both preparates were added into some objects to study zinc and cadmium immobilization (series I). Sodium silicate (IV), humic acid (Aldrich) or both were added into some objects in order to differentiate aluminum and manganese contents in the environment (series II and III). Accumulation coefficients calculated for Zn and Cd showed that zinc presence in the substrate inhibited cadmium accumulation in the plant. Cadmium was easily accumulated in over-ground parts. Zinc was released due to Ali3 with humic acid presence and then it accumulated in roots. Silicon compound, especially along with humic acid presence, was the factor determining the mobilization or immobilization of Al and Mn in the environment and thus it affected the yields of plants under study.