Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New generation polymeric nanospheres for catalase immobilization

Monosize poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-N-methacryloly-L-histidinemethylester) [mon-poly(HEMA-MAH)] nanospheres were prepared via surfactant-free emulsion polymerization method. L-Histidine groups of the mon-poly(HEMA-MAH) nanospheres were chelated with Fe3+ ions. Mon-poly(HEMA-MAH) nanospheres were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton NMR, and scanning electron microscopy. Particle size of the mon-poly(HEMA-MAH) nanospheres was measured by Zeta Sizer. Elemental analysis of MAH for nitrogen was estimated as 0.94 mmol/g polymer. The catalase immobilized onto the mon-poly(HEMA-MAH)–Fe3+ nanospheres resulted in increasing the enzyme stability with time. Optimum operational temperature for both immobilized preparations was the same, and the temperature profiles of the immobilized preparations were significantly broader. It was observed that enzyme could be repeatedly adsorbed and desorbed on the mon-poly(HEMA-MAH)–Fe3+ nanospheres without loss of adsorption capacity or enzymic activity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Representation of CO2 and H2S Absorption by Aqueous Solutions of Diethanolamine Using an Electrolyte Equation of State

The electrolyte equation of state published in 1993 by Furst and Renon (AIChE J. 1993, 39, 335) has been applied to the representation of CO2 and H2S solubility in diethaloamine (DEA) aqueous solutions. This equation of state extends the classical Redlich−Kwong−Soave equation of state associated with a Wong−Sandler mixing rule to the case of systems containing ions. The study of binary systems allowed us to determine the parameters of the nonelectrolyte part of the equation of state. The ionic parameters have been fitted from experimental solubility data covering a wide range of experimental conditions (temperature range, 25−100 °C; amine concentration, from 0.5 to 3.5 M; loadings up to 2.34 molCO2/molamine). With the assumption used in previous applications of our model to various electrolyte systems, the adjusted ionic parameters are interaction ones involving protonated amine and anions as well as molecular compounds. The resulting model represents experimental data with deviations consistent with the .
Oxidation of lipids. XVII: Crossover effect of tocopherols in the spontaneous oxidation of methyl linoleate

Tocopherols suppressed the spontaneous, thermal oxidation of methyl linoleate and produced a clear induction period. During the induction period, small amounts of cis,trans-hydroperoxides were formed but the formation of trans,trans-hydroperoxides was almost completely inhibited. Tocopherols were consumed and when they were depleted, the induction period was over and a fast oxidation proceeded to give more trans,trans-hydroperoxides than cis,trans-hydroperoxides. However, tocopherols, especially α-tocopherol, acted as prooxidants when their concentrations were extraordinarily high and the rate of initial radical formation was low. The reducing agent such as ascorbic acid diminished the prooxidant action of α-tocopherol. This prooxidant effect of tocopherols was ascribed to the spontaneous formation of tocopheroxyl radical followed by the hydrogen atom abstraction by the tocopheroxyl radical from the hydroperoxide to give a peroxyl radical.
Detection of the voltage distribution in photovoltaic modules by electroluminescence imaging

We introduce an approach to determine the operating voltage of individual solar cells in photovoltaic (PV) modules by electroluminescence (EL) imaging. The highest EL signal of each solar cell is proportional to its operating voltage. Moreover the sum of all operating voltages equals the externally applied module voltage. Thus the operating voltage of individual solar cells is determined from the measured EL signal. The reliability of this relation is verified by measurements on specially prepared PV modules allowing us to measure the individual operating cell voltage. The experimentally measured cell voltages are deduced with an uncertainty of ±1% from an EL image.
Assessing above-ground biomass-functional diversity relationships in temperate forests in northern Mexico

Background Studies on the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem productivity have suggested that species richness and functional diversity are the main drivers of ecosystem processes. Several patterns on this relationship have been found, including positive, unimodal, negative, and neutral trends, keeping the issue controversial. In this study, taxonomic diversity and functional diversity as drivers of above-ground biomass (AGB) were compared, and the mechanisms that influence biomass production were investigated by testing the complementarity and the mass-ratio hypotheses. Methods Using data from 414 permanent sample plots, covering 23% of temperate forest in the Sierra Madre Oriental (México), we estimated the above-gound biomass (AGB), taxonomic and functional diversity indices, as well as community weighted mean values (CWM) for three functional traits (maximum height, leaf size and wood density) for trees ≥7.5 cm DBH, in managed and unmanaged stands. To compare taxonomic diversity differences between managed and unmanaged stands we carried out a rarefaction analysis. Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship between AGB and taxonomic and functional diversity metrics, as well as CWM traits throught spatial autoregressive models. Results We found a hump-shaped relationship between AGB and species richness in managed and unmanaged forests. CMW of maximum height was the most important predictor of AGB in both stands, which suggested that the mechanism underlaying the AGB-diversity relationship is the dominance of some highly productive species, supporting the mass-ratio hypothesis. Above-ground biomass was significantly correlated with three of the five functional diversity metrics, CWM maximum height and species richness. Our results show the importance of taking into account spatial autocorrelation in the construction of predictive models to avoid spurious patterns in the AGB-diversity relationship. Conclusion Species richness, maximum height, functional richness, functional dispersion and RaoQ indices relate with above-ground biomass production in temperate mixed-species and uneven-aged forests of northern Mexico. These forests show a hump-shaped AGB-species richness relationship. Functional diversity explains better AGB production than classical taxonomic diversity. Community weighted mean traits provide key information to explain stand biomass in these forests, where maximum tree height seems to be a more suitable trait for understanding the biomass accumulation process in these ecosystems. Although the impact of forest management on biodiversity is still debated, it has not changed the AGB-diversity relationships in the forests of the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico.
HOP RESINS AND BEER FLAVOUR III. HOP RESINS IN BEER

Additional evidence is presented that isohumulone A contains two components and that there are six isohumulones in beer. The significance of methods for the estimation of bitterness in beer is discussed; certain rapid methods give good correlation with bitterness and are excellent for quality control, though anomalies may occur. The beer components which originate in the various hop resins are assessed and in this connection the bittering ability of aged hops is shown not to be due to humulinone.
Biomagnification of α- and γ-Hexabromocyclododecane Isomers in a Lake Ontario Food Web

The extent of bioaccumulation of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) isomers (α, β, and γ) was determined in the Lake Ontario pelagic food web using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Concentrations of the α-isomer were consistently higher than that of the γ-isomer. The β-isomer was below method detection limits in all samples. Whole body concentrations (ng/g, wet wt) of α- and γ-HBCD were highest in the top predator lake trout samples ranging from 0.4 to 3.8 ng/g for the α-isomer and 0.1 to 0.8 ng/g for the γ-isomer. For the prey fish species, the trends in α- and γ-HBCD levels were slimy sculpin > smelt > alewife. Mean concentrations of total (Σ) HBCD (sum of α- and γ-isomers) in the macrozooplankter Mysis relicta (0.14 ± 0.02 ng/g wet wt) and in the benthic invertebrate Diporeia hoyi (0.16 ± 0.02 ng/g, wet wt) were similar and approximately twice as high as in plankton (0.06 ± 0.02 ng/g, wet wt). A strong positive linear relationship was found between ΣHBCD concentrations (wet wt) and.
From satisficing to artificing: The evolution of administrative decision-making in the age of the algorithm

Abstract Algorithmic decision tools (ADTs) are being introduced into public sector organizations to support more accurate and consistent decision-making. Whether they succeed turns, in large part, on how administrators use these tools. This is one of the first empirical studies to explore how ADTs are being used by Street Level Bureaucrats (SLBs). The author develops an original conceptual framework and uses in-depth interviews to explore whether SLBs are ignoring ADTs (algorithm aversion); deferring to ADTs (automation bias); or using ADTs together with their own judgment (an approach the author calls “artificing”). Interviews reveal that artificing is the most common use-type, followed by aversion, while deference is rare. Five conditions appear to influence how practitioners use ADTs: (a) understanding of the tool (b) perception of human judgment (c) seeing value in the tool (d) being offered opportunities to modify the tool (e) alignment of tool with expectations.
Measuring therapist cognitions contributing to therapist drift: a qualitative study

Abstract Therapist beliefs have been identified as a contributing factor to ‘therapist drift’ in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Scales have been developed to measure therapist beliefs, but none explicitly measure ‘therapy-interfering cognitions’, and there is no research on their usage. The aim of this study was to explore how best to conceptualise such a scale’s content and usage, based on clinicians’ perceptions and experiences of current scales. Three focus groups were conducted, involving 12 participants who were either qualified or trainee CBT therapists. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes were generated: (1) The Awareness and Importance of Cognitions, (2) Factors Fuelling Therapist Cognitions, (3) Addressing Therapist Cognitions, and (4) Using the Scale. Participants thought it important to be aware of and address therapist cognitions (not underlying beliefs). Participants emphasised that therapist cognitions are not just products of the individual, but are influenced by external factors. A scale could enable therapists to do better work through reflective practice, as long as it was used not just to identify cognitions but also to support changes in therapist behaviour. A scale could also meet a perceived need for making this part of routine practice. However, participants discussed how therapists might have reservations about disclosing cognitions in this way. Recommendations for current practice, and future research developing such a scale, are made. Key learning aims (1) To describe the phenomenon of therapist drift, and the contributions of therapist beliefs to this. (2) To explore the usage of current scales for measuring therapist beliefs. (3) To understand, based on therapist experience, how to address therapist beliefs in current practice using scales.
Nuclear Import of Creb and AP-1 Transcription Factors Requires Importin-β1 and Ran but is Independent of Importin-α

Although the specific role of transcription factors (TFs) is nuclear, surprisingly little is known in quantitative terms regarding the pathways by which TFs localize in the nucleus. In this study, we use direct binding assays, native gel electrophoresis, and fluorescence polarization measurements to show for the first time that the cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and related AP-1 and jun and fos constituents are recognized by importin beta1 (Impbeta) with nanomolar affinity. We reconstitute the nuclear import of these TFs in vitro, demonstrating dependence on cytosolic factors, and show that this is due to the requirement for Impbeta, since antibodies to Impbeta, but not to importin alpha (Impalpha), inhibit nuclear accumulation significantly. We show that Impbeta is necessary and sufficient for docking of CREB at the nuclear envelope; that Ran is essential for CREB nuclear import is demonstrated by the reduction of nuclear accumulation effected by RanGTPgammaS but not RanGDP, and by dissociation of the Impbeta-CREB-GFP complex by RanGTPgammaS but not RanGDP as demonstrated using fluorescence polarization assays. The results support the existence of an Impbeta1- and Ran-mediated nuclear import pathway for CREB and related constitutively nuclear TFs, which is Impalpha-independent and thus distinct from import pathways utilized by inducible TFs.
Word meaning in word identification during reading: Co-occurrence-based semantic neighborhood density effects

ABSTRACT Identifying individual words is an essential part of the reading process that should occur first so that understanding the structural relations between words and comprehending the sentence as a whole may take place. Therefore, lexical processing (or word identification) has received much attention in the literature, with many researchers exploring the effects of different aspects of word representation (orthographic, phonological, and semantic information of words) in word identification. While the influence of many orthographic and phonological factors in normal reading are well researched and understood (Rayner, 1998, 2009), the effect of semantic characteristics of a word in its identification has received relatively less attention. A complete account of lexical processing during normal reading requires understanding the role of word meaning in lexical processing. Currently, little is understood about whether and how the meaning of an individual word is extracted during early stages of word identification. This article primarily focuses on how word meaning contributes to the process of word identification.
Proposal of normally-off InN-channel high-electron mobility transistors

We propose N-polar normally-off InN-channel high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). A calculated energy band diagram shows full depletion of a quantum well channel provided by a negative polarization charge at an InN-channel/GaN-cap junction. For a 100 nm long gate-length HEMT with a 3 nm thick InN channel, 0.4 nm GaN cap and 4 nm thick HfO2/ZrO2 insulator we calculate a threshold voltage VT = 0.5 V and a transconductance of 3 S mm−1. Selective plasma etching of the GaN cap over the InN channel may facilitate monolithic integration of normally-off and -on InN channel HEMTs in a new generation of extremely fast digital circuits.
Influence of storage temperatures on physicochemical sensory and nutritional properties of chemically preserved mango pulp

Storage stability of mango pulp (Mp) was determined at room (r) 25 to 35°C and refrigerated (ref) 4°C with the addition of potassium sorbate (PS), sodium benzoate (SB) and potassium metabisulphite (PMS). The statistical analysis viz factorial analysis and least significant square design (LSD) verified the temperatures effect on different treatments: T0 (Mp), T1 (Mp + PS 0.1%), T2 (Mp + SB 0.1%), T3 (Mp + PMS 0.1%), T4 (Mp + PS 0.05% + SB 0.05%), T5 (Mp + PS 0.05% + PMS 0.05%), T6 (Mp + SB 0.0.5% + PMS 0.05%) and T7 (Mp + PS + SB + PMS 0.03%), respectively. Refrigerated treatment T5ref showed stability for physicochemical analysis and sensory attributes in comparison to other treatments stored at room and refrigerated temperatures during 90 days of storage. Treatments means confirmed mango pulp preserved with addition of PS in combination with PMS in T5 was found best according to physicochemical and sensory attributes. Treatments T5, T6 and T7 retained high amount of iron (0.50, 0.49 and 0.55 mg/100 g), calcium (3.24, 3.15 and 3.13 mg/100 g) and s- carotene (59.30, 58.46 and 58.25). Key words : Mango pulp, chemical preservatives, storage conditions.
Fluid Flow Characteristics of String Reactors Packed with Spherical Particles

A hydrodynamic investigation of three geometries of string pellet reactors filled with spheres was conducted. Two geometries were circular spiral channels, while the third was a straight horizontal square channel. Stimulus-response experiments provided data for residence time distribution analysis from which Pe numbers and liquid holdup were deduced. Flow regimes and transitions were determined from visual observations through the transparent tube wall. For the whole range of the experimental conditions applied in this work and for all reactors, the ratio of gas to liquid velocities, Vg/Vl, is a controlling parameter for Pe number, holdup, and pressure drop.
Revisiting the ‘mixed glass former effect’ in ultra-fast quenched borophosphate glasses by advanced 1D/2D solid state NMR

In this paper, the concept of mixed glass former effect (MGFE), an intriguing phenomenon leading to glasses with high conductivity and increased thermal properties, has been revisited thanks to the combination of (i) an efficient elaboration technique that helped in producing for the first time a series of Li-rich borophosphate glasses from pure phosphate to pure borate and (ii) a structural investigation based on advanced 1D/2D solid state NMR performed at standard and very high magnetic fields (9.4 and 18.8 T) using very recently developed methods (11B{31P} D-HMQC, 11B DQ–SQ). Homogeneous glasses, completely free of crystallization and exhibiting unreported and high values of conductivity when compared to other oxide-based materials, were prepared all along the 45Li2O–55[xB2O3–(1−x)P2O5] line, thanks to an ultra-fast quenching method. It allowed investigation of the relation between electrical/thermal properties and structure over the full range of composition. The advanced 1D/2D solid state NMR investigation helped in producing unreported and deep insights into the glass structure about (i) the multiple BO4 chemical environments, (ii) the BO3–BO4 connectivity, (iii) the wide range of phosphate speciation (described with the Qnm,BOx notation) and (iv) unexpected and unreported correlations between trigonal boron and phosphate species suggesting an original structure where both tetragonal and trigonal boron interact with the phosphate species. While confirming that the MGFE has a direct impact on the vitreous transition temperature, this investigation helped in giving the first clear evidence of the link that exists between structure and conductivity changes in these solid electrolytes.
Non-unique bubble dynamics in a vertical capillary with an external flow

Abstract We study bubble motion in a vertical capillary tube under an external flow. Bretherton (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 10, issue 2, 1961, pp. 166–188) has shown that, without external flow, a bubble can spontaneously rise when the Bond number (${Bo} \equiv \rho g R^2 / \gamma$) is above the critical value ${Bo}_{cr}=0.842$, where $\rho$ is the liquid density, $g$ the gravitational acceleration, $R$ the tube radius and $\gamma$ the surface tension. It was then shown by Magnini et al. (Phys. Rev. Fluids, vol. 4, issue 2, 2019, 023601) that the presence of an imposed liquid flow, in the same (upward) direction as buoyancy, accelerates the bubble and thickens the liquid film around it. In this work we carry out a systematic study of the bubble motion under a wide range of upward and downward external flows, focusing on the inertialess regime with Bond numbers above the critical value. We show that a rich variety of bubble dynamics occurs when an external downward flow is applied, opposing the buoyancy-driven rise of the bubble. We reveal the existence of a critical capillary number of the external downward flow (${Ca}_l \equiv \mu U_l/\gamma$, where $\mu$ is the fluid viscosity and $U_l$ is the mean liquid speed) at which the bubble arrests and changes its translational direction. Depending on the relative direction of gravity and the external flow, the thickness of the film separating the bubble surface and the tube inner wall follows two distinct solution branches. The results from theory, experiments and numerical simulations confirm the existence of the two solution branches and reveal that the two branches overlap over a finite range of ${Ca}_l$, thus suggesting non-unique, history-dependent solutions for the steady-state film thickness under the same external flow conditions. Furthermore, inertialess symmetry-breaking shape profiles at steady state are found as the bubble transits near the tipping points of the solution branches, which are shown in both experiments and three-dimensional numerical simulations.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Cuba.

INTRODUCTION With a global adult prevalence of 24%, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a global health problem that parallels the worldwide increase of obesity. Its frequency, clinical characteristics and related diseases in Cuba remain unknown. OBJECTIVE Describe the clinical characteristics, comorbidities and personal habits of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who are being treated in secondary and tertiary health facilities in seven Cuban provinces. METHODS A cross-sectional, multicenter study was carried out in 6601 adults seen at gastroenterology outpatient clinics of nine hospitals in seven Cuban provinces from September 2018 through May 2019. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound. The study included 1070 patients who met the diagnostic and study criteria and agreed to participate. Their personal habits and anthropometric and clinical characteristics, comorbidities and other aspects of their medical histories were recorded. RESULTS Of the 1070 participants, 60.7% (649) were women. Participants' average age was 54.5 years and average body mass index was 30.5 kg/m2. A total of 397 (37.1%) were overweight and 574 (53.6%) were obese, 945 (88.3%) led a sedentary lifestyle, 564 (52.7%) had high blood pressure, 406 (37.9%) had lipid disorders and 301 (28.1%) were diabetic. While 484 (45.2%) of patients were asymptomatic, the most frequent clinical signs and symptoms were fatigue (262; 24.5%), dyspepsia (209; 19.5%), abdominal pain (306; 28.5%) and hepatomegaly (189; 17.7%). Liver cirrhosis was present in 37 (3.5%) patients at the time of diagnosis. Family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity were identified in 391 (36.5%) and 279 (26.1%) of participants, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in these Cuban patients coincides with that reported in the Caribbean region, which has high levels of obesity, overweight and sedentary lifestyles. Most were asymptomatic, female or had metabolism-related comorbidities such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia.