Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of electrical pulse polarity shape on intra cochlear neural responses in humans: Triphasic pulses with anodic and cathodic second phase

Modern cochlear implants employ charge-balanced biphasic and triphasic pulses. However, the effectiveness of electrical pulse shape and polarity is still a matter of debate. For this purpose, in a previous study (Bahmer & Baumann, 2013) electrophysiological and psychophysical measurement after triphasic pulse stimulation with cathodic second phase was determined. Depending on the pulse shape configuration, the stimulation effectiveness differed similarly for electrophysiological and psychophysical measurements. However, the experiments were limited to stimulation pulses with cathodic second phase. In this study, cathodic and anodic second phase stimulation was applied. Evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) and psychophysical responses were recorded in eleven cochlear implant recipients (SYNCHRONY/SONATAti100/PULSARci100 devices, MED-EL Innsbruck). We compared the strength of the ECAP responses with individual psychophysical threshold levels depending on the pulse shape. Results for pulses with cathodic second phase showed the weakest ECAP response and highest psychophysical thresholds for symmetric triphasic pulse shapes, and the strongest ECAP response and lowest psychophysical thresholds for biphasic pulses. The ECAP responses for anodic second phase differed from the results of triphasic stimulation with cathodic second phase. The U-shape of the ECAP response with increasing phase amplitude ratio (PAR) for cathodic second phase could not be observed for the anodic second phase. Instead, a flat curve was observed. In contrast, psychophysical threshold curves with increasing PAR were similar between cathodic and anodic second phase stimulation.
Preparation of a Freestanding AlN Substrate from a Thick AlN Layer Grown by Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy on a Bulk AlN Substrate Prepared by Physical Vapor Transport

The structural and optical quality of a freestanding AlN substrate prepared from a thick AlN layer grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) on a bulk (0001)AlN substrate prepared by physical vapor transport (PVT) were investigated. The prepared HVPE-AlN substrate was crack- and stress-free. High-resolution X-ray diffraction ω-rocking curves of symmetric (0002) and skew-symmetric (1011) reflections had small full widths at half maximum (FWHMs) of 31 and 32 arcsec, respectively. Deep-ultraviolet optical transparency of the HVPE-AlN substrate was higher than that of the PVT-AlN substrate, which was related to lower concentrations of C, O impurities, and Al vacancy.
Changes in microemulsion and protein structure in IgG-AOT-brine-isooctane systems

Changes in structure of protein molecules and water-in-oil (w/o) microemulsion aggregates were investigated using the large protein immunoglobulin G (IgG, MW 155,000) and an equivolume oil/water mixture composed of brine, sulfosuccinic acid bis[2-ethylhexyl]ester (sodium salt) (AOT), and isooctane. The protein solution in the microemulsion phase was metastable: over time this solution changed, as protein and w/o droplets aggregated and precipitated to the interface between aqueous and organic phases. Such factors as AOT concentration, temperature, and salt concentration were found to influence the protein and surfactant structures in the microemulsion. Protein conformation was probed using circular dichroism spectroscopy whereas the microemulsion structure was determined from dynamic light scattering measurements. Protein conformation and microemulsion structure were found to have significant effects on protein stability in the microemulsion. The stabilizing effects of clusters formed at higher salt and/.
Reactions of atomic carbon, C[2 (3PJ)],with dienes and diynes investigated by time-resolved atomic resonance absorption spectroscopy in the vacuum ultraviolet

Absolute data for the collisional removal of ground-state atomic carbon, C[2 (3PJ)], generated by pulsed irradiation and monitored by time-resolved atomic resonance absorption spectroscopy in the vacuum ultraviolet, have been determined for reaction with a range of dienes and diynes. The precursor of atomic carbon was C3O2 (λ>ca. 160 nm), photolysed in the presence of excess helium buffer gas and the added reactant gases in a slow flow system, kinetically equivalent to a static system. C(23PJ) was then monitored photoelectrically at λ=166 nm (33PJ←23PJ) with data capture and signal averaging of complete atomic profiles by a transient digitiser with direct computer interfacing for kinetic analysis. The following absolute second-order rate constants (kR/c molecule-1 s-1, 300 K) for the reactions of ground-state carbon atoms with the various organic targets have been measured: allene, 8.0±0.1×10-10; buta-1,3-diene, 1.1±0.1×10-9; penta-1,4-diene, 1.2±0.1×10-9; hexa-1,5-diene, 1.2±0.1×10-9; hepta-1,6-diene, 1.2±0.1×10-9; octa-1,7-diene, 1.2±0.1×10-9; nona-1,8-diene, 1.3±0.1×10-9; deca-1,9-diene, 1.4±0.1×10-9; octa-1,7-diyne, 1.1±0.1×10-9; nona-1,8-diyne, 1.1±0.1×10-9. These absolute rate data are compared with data reported hitherto for the reaction of C(23PJ) with the analogous mono-alkenes and mono-alkynes. The large value of the rate constants for reactions of C(23PJ) with both the mono- and di-organic species indicate cross-sections which are sufficiently large to be included in the modelling of interstellar clouds characterised by low temperatures and densities, an aspect of this work which is considered.
The effect of gamma irradiation on the microbial load, mineral concentration and sensory characteristics of liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L)

Ground liquorice roots were exposed to various doses (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 kGy) of gamma radiation from a 60Co source. Irradiated and non-irradiated samples were stored at room temperature. Microbial population, viscosity, concentrations of some minerals and the sensory properties of the extracts were evaluated after 0 and 12 months of storage. Tests carried out immediately after irradiation showed that the microbial count had been reduced and that the dose required to reduce the count by 1 log cycle (D10) was about 2 kGy. No effect was observed on the total dissolved solids in extracts of liquorice roots. Glycyrrhizinic acid concentration in the extracts and the viscosities of suspensions produced from irradiated roots were lower than those from non-irradiated ones. Sensory evaluation indicated that there were no significant differences (P < 0.05) in colour, taste or flavour between extracts produced from irradiated and non-irradiated roots. However, after 12 months of storage, some mineral ion (Na+, Ca2+ and K+) concentrations in extracts produced from irradiated roots were lower than in those from non-irradiated ones; no significant differences (P < 0.05) in viscosity were found between suspensions of irradiated and non-irradiated roots. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydraulic conductivity of the matric porosity of an unsaturated vertisol: a field and laboratory comparison

In many swelling clay soils several types of porosity can be defined: matric, structural and crack porosities. Measuring the hydraulic conductivity associated with the matric porosity is of major interest because soil movements are governed by matric water flows. Our purpose was to determine the matric conductivity of a vertisol from Guadeloupe (French West Indies) under laboratory and field conditions. We used an Eulerian flow description to measure the conductivity of natural vertisol clods in the laboratory with a drying method. In order to take into account soil movements in every direction, we introduced a tensorial analysis of soil deformations and hydraulic conductivity. The instantaneous profile method was used in the field under wetting conditions. Using soil layer thickness transducers we described water flows in a material coordinate system that can deal with volumetric soil deformations. For wet soil the ratio between the hydraulic conductivity measured in the field and that measured at the laboratory was around 10. However, because the spatial variation of the water content was large, no final conclusion could be drawn to explain this discrepancy. We showed that the gradient of the overburden potential was smaller than that of the matric potential in the field experiment.
Levantamento da fertilidade nas principais unidades de mapeamento do Espírito Santo.

O conhecimento dos atributos quimicos dos solos e um fator de grande relevância, visando a utilizacao racional de corretivos e fertilizantes. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a fertilidade atual nas principais unidades de solos no Estado do Espirito Santo, com vistas a adequacao da fertilidade do solo para implantacao de culturas. Foram utilizadas 75 amostras compostas de solos, coletadas em areas homogeneas das principais unidades de solo do Estado do Espirito Santo, na camada de 0-20 cm de profundidade. Determinaram-se os principais atributos quimicos do solo. Os solos analisados apresentam baixo pH, teores de P, K, Ca, Zn e Cu baixos, valores CTC efetiva e V baixos e teores medios de Mg, Fe e Mn, bem como altos valores de H+Al. O teor de Mg e MO e medio a alto e os teores de argila elevados. Os resultados demonstraram que a maioria dos atributos da fertilidade do solo avaliados encontram-se em baixos niveis no solo, requerendo, para sua utilizacao na agricultura, de calagem e adubacoes. Knowledge of soil chemical attributes is very important for planning correction of soil pH and rational use of fertilizers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate current fertility of the main soil units in Espirito Santo State to aid in formulating appropriate fertilization schemes for different crops. Seventy-five compound soil samples were collected from the top 20 cm of homogeneous areas of the principal soil units for analysis of important chemical attributes. The soils analyzed were acidic and contained low levels of P, K, Ca, Zn, Cu and V as well as low cation exchange capacities. The soils contained average levels of Mg, Fe and Mn; H+Al values were high. Soil organic matter contents were medium to high and clay levels were high. The results demonstrate revealed that the majority of the soil fertility attributes evaluated were at low levels and thus the soils would require use of lime and fertilizers for crop production.
The mechanism of leader breakdown in electronegative gases

A survey is given of the present state of understanding of leader breakdown of electronegative gases in nonuniform field gaps and under fast-rising voltage waveforms. The basic physical processes involved are the formation of a pulsed streamer corona, the transformation of one of the streamers into a leader step, the temporal development of the leader channel, and the stepped propagation of the leader through the gap. The growth and structural characteristics of the corona are modeled and the results obtained are used to derive simple approximations for the spatial corona extension and the corona charge. Two leader inception mechanisms are discussed, namely, the stem and the precursor mechanisms. Inception criteria and characteristic time scales are derived for both of them in terms of the experimental parameters. A simplified model, which also predicts the random aspects of leader propagation through the gap, is presented. Some typical gas-insulation design problems are treated as examples. >
13C NMR spectra of para‐substituted methoxybenzenes and phenols in the solid state: Examination of chemical shift non‐equivalence in ortho and meta carbons related to non‐equivalent electron distribution, and application to assignment of peaks in meso‐hexestrol and its derivatives

13C NMR spectra of para‐substituted methoxybenzenes and phenols were recorded in the solid state to gain an insight into the manner and origin of substantial peak splittings in the ortho (up to 9.2 ppm) and meta (up to 2.5 ppm) carbon signals. It was difficult to account for these peak splittings only by the steric interaction with the methyl group of the substituent, because their magnitude varied widely from 4.6 to 9.2 ppm with a variety of substituents at the para position, and the meta carbon peaks are also split into doublets. Instead, it was found that the electron density non‐equivalence between the two ortho and the two meta carbons is mainly responsible for the splittings, as manifested by the presence of an approximate linear relationship between the displcements of the 13C NMR peaks and total electron density. The observed additional splitting in the 13C NMR spectra of meso‐hexestrol and its methyl or ethyl ether(s) in the solid state was similarly explained. Stereochemical features of these molecules in the solid state are discussed on the basis of the 13C NMR data.
Auger coefficients in type-II InAs/Ga1−xInxSb quantum wells

Two different approaches, a photoconductive response technique and a correlation of lasing thresholds with theoretical threshold carrier concentrations have been used to determine Auger lifetimes in InAs/GaInSb quantum wells. For energy gaps corresponding to 3.1–4.8 μm, the room-temperature Auger coefficients for seven different samples are found to be nearly an order-of-magnitude lower than typical type-I results for the same wavelength. The data imply that at this temperature, the Auger rate is relatively insensitive to details of the band structure.
Calculation of Two-Phase Pressure Drop for Vertical Upflow in Narrow Passages by Means of a Flow Pattern Specific Model

Allow pattern specific model is presented, which is used to estimate the overall two-phase pressure drop for vertical upflow. The model first predicts the flow pattern that is present. For bubbly flow a drift flux model is employed, slug flow is dealt with by a mechanistic description invoking separate section around and between the Taylor bubbles. For annular flow, a phenomenological approach is used, utilizing published descriptions for the rates of entrainment and deposition and film thickness, but employing a new, improved correlation for interfacial friction factor. It was found that the same model gave the best description of churn flow. The model has been tested against data from small diameter circular and noncircular channels obtained from experiments described in the paper, as well as published experimental data. The agreement is good over all flow patterns.
Tomato purèe quality from transgenic processing tomatoes

Summary The quality of tomato puree prepared from transgenic fruits (Lycopersicon esculentum) which had reduced amounts of polygalacturonase (PG) activity, were evaluated. The application of genetic modification yields products which have lower Bostwick consistency values (from 35 to 55%), reduced serum separation (c. 40%) and better sensory appearance and acceptability in comparison with their conventional counterparts. A new way of producing high quality tomato products using genetically modified fruits together with mild heat treatments is described.
Characterization of lignin-carbohydrate complexes from spruce sulfite pulp

Abstract Lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) were isolated from unbleached acid sulfite pulp by selective enzymatic hydrolysis followed by fiber swelling and extraction. Approximately 80% of the lignin in the pulp was found to be chemically linked to carbohydrates in three major fractions, viz. as one glucan-lignin complex (with 8% lignin) and two hemicellulose-lignin complexes (with 72% lignin). The latter two were further separated into one glucomannan-lignin complex (with ∼25% lignin) and one xylan-lignin-glucomannan complex (with 45–50% lignin). Based on model experiments, it can be concluded that the lignin and carbohydrate moieties are probably linked together through benzyl ether linkages. Xylan is more stable towards acidic hydrolysis than galactoglucomannan, and this finding may explain the greater amount of xylan-rich LCC in the pulp.
The Effect of Cigarette Design on the Content of Phenols in Mainstream Tobacco Smoke

Abstract The influence of cigarette design on the content of phenols in mainstream tobacco smoke was studied. The most abundant phenols - catechol, hydroquinone, phenol, o-, m-, and p-cresol, and resorcinol - were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Hydroquinone and catechol made the most significant contribution to the total content of phenols with maximum values of 135.0 µg/cig and 95.7 µg/cig, respectively. The highest total content of phenols (330.9 µg/cig) was measured in the smoke of a Virginia tobacco cigarette. The total content of phenols (µg/cig) in cigarette mainstream smoke decreased linearly with increased filter ventilation, R2 = 0.9536. The results obtained indicate that filtration and ventilation can strongly influence the mainstream tobacco smoke content of phenol and its less polar derivatives, o-, m-, and p-cresol, which were reduced by up to 85%. Hydroquinone and catechol are less affected and only cigarettes with the special “recessed charcoal filter system” and cigarettes with filter ventilation over 50% showed significant reductions. On a per mg ‘tar’ basis the largest contributor to phenols in cigarette mainstream smoke was the selection of the tobacco type. The use of any standard commercial filter on an unfiltered cigarette can substantially reduce the yield of phenols in cigarette mainstream smoke. The use of special filters (e.g., the “recessed charcoal filter system”) or high levels of cigarette ventilation does not reduce the amount of phenols in tobacco smoke considerably when normalized on a per mg ‘tar’ basis.
Thermophysical properties of seawater: a review of existing correlations and data

Correlations and data for the thermophysical properties of seawater are reviewed. Properties examined include density, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, dynamic viscosity, surface tension, vapor pressure, boiling point elevation, latent heat of vaporization, specifi c enthalpy, specific entropy and osmotic coefficient. These properties include those needed for design of thermal and membrane desalination processes. Results are presented in terms of regression equations as functions of temperature and salinity. The available correlations for each property are summarized with their range of validity and accuracy. Best-fi tted new correlations are obtained from available data for density, dynamic viscosity, surface tension, boiling point elevation, specifi c enthalpy, specific entropy and osmotic coefficient after appropriate conversion of temperature and salinity scales to the most recent standards. In addition, a model for latent heat of vaporization is suggested. Comparisons are carried out amo.
Modeling heat and degree of gelation for methyl cellulose hydrogels with NaCl additives

Methyl cellulose (MC) hydrogels are thermoreversible physical hydrogels and their gelation is an endothermic process. A model consisting of a generalized expression for two bell-shape curves was formulated to describe and capture enthalpy changes that take place during the gelation of an aqueous solution of MC, SM4000, in the presence of sodium chloride, NaCl, in different concentrations. The procedure followed in obtaining the necessary constants for the model using the differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) measurements is elaborated. The developed model described the salt-out effects of NaCl in various % on the MC gelation very well. One of the two bell-shape curves mapped most part of the DSC thermograms. The secondary bell-shape curves portrayed the minor enthalpy changes. The possible mechanisms and molecular bonding processes driven by the energy represented by the area under these two individual curves are discussed. Subsequently, a sigmoidal growth model for the degree of gelation was introduced, and its development is explained in the paper. The import of various constants for these two models, the bell-shape curves and the sigmoidal growth models, in terms of gelation kinetics is identified. The need for a specific term of the sigmoidal model for depicting the effect of the salt additive onto the gelation is recognized. The comparison between the results obtained using these two models is discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 1620–1629, 2006
Granular Activated Carbon and Biological Activated Carbon Treatment of Dissolved and Sorbed Polychlorinated Biphenyls

The most widely practiced treatment method for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in aqueous wastes is activated carbon adsorption. However, the presence of particulates in aqueous wastes may affect treatment processes primarily designed to treat dissolved PCBs because PCBs tend to partition strongly to solid surfaces. In this research, bench‐scale studies were conducted to investigate the performance of granular activated carbon (GAC) and biological activated carbon (BAC) processes for treating aqueous wastes containing dissolved and sorbed PCBs. When all influent PCBs were dissolved, influent PCBs of approximately 175 μg/L were removed to approximately 0.2 μg/L in the BAC column, compared to approximately 0.8 μg/L in the GAC column. A reduction in the extent of PCB removal was observed for both GAC and BAC processes when 10 mg/L of 0. 5μm polystyrene particles were added to the influent. In the presence of influent particulates, PCB removal was significantly better in the BAC column and equaled 99% compared to 62% in the GAC column. Performance differences between the GAC and BAC columns were attributed to higher particulate capture efficiency of the biological film covering the activated carbon in the BAC column. Biological activated carbon columns thus seem to offer advantages to conventional GAC processes for aqueous wastes containing either dissolved or sorbed PCBs.