Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling of Flow of Crude Oil in a Circular Pipe Driven by Periodic Pressure Variations

In this article fully developed pulsed flow of an incompressible Newtonian fluid (crude oil) through a pipe line has been modeled and analyzed using the finite element method and compared with results based on an analytical solution. The flow is generated by a periodic pressure gradient superimposed on a constant Poiseuille flow. The results show good agreement between analytical and numerical solutions based on finite element method for the Newtonian fluid under unsteady regimes. Results also indicate a smooth development of the transient centerline velocity evolution and of the spatial variation of the flow field, which is a consequence of the introduction of some physical diffusion in the equation of motion by means of the finite solvent viscosity. There are minor discrepancies in the simulation of fast oscillation during those parts of the solution cycle where the flow near the boundary moves in the opposite direction to that in the core of the pipe. Also, results show that the phase difference between the core and the boundary layer gives rise to an annular flow pattern during fast oscillations.
Forensic Fingerprinting of Oil-Spill Hydrocarbons in a Methanogenic Environment–Mandan, ND and Bemidji, MN

In recent decades forensic fingerprinting of oil-spill hydrocarbons has emerged as an important tool for correlating oils and for evaluating their source and character. Two long-term hydrocarbon spills, an off-road diesel spill (Mandan, ND) and a crude oil spill (Bemidji, MN) experiencing methanogenic biodegradation were previously shown to be undergoing an unexpected progression of homologous n-alkane and n-alkylated cyclohexane loss. Both exhibited degradative losses proceeding from the high-molecular-weight end of the distributions, along with transitory concentration increases of lower-molecular-weight homologs. Particularly in the case of the diesel fuel spill, these methanogenic degradative patterns can result in series distributions that mimic lower cut refinery fuels or admixture with lower cut fuels. Forensic fingerprinting in this long-term spill must therefore rely on more recalcitrant series, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon or drimane sesquiterpane profiles, to prove if the spilled oil is single-sourced or whether there is verifiable admixture with other extraneous refinery fuels. Degradation processes impacting n-alkanes and n-alkylated ring compounds, which make these compounds unsuitable for fingerprinting, nevertheless are of interest in understanding methanogenic biodegradation.
Investigating the effects of bredemolic acid on selected markers of some prediabetes-associated dysfunctions in diet-induced prediabetic rats.

xvi – xviii Chapter 1– Introduction and Literature review 1 1.0 Introduction 1 – 2 1.1 Literature review 2 1.1.1 Prediabetes 2 1.1.2 Diagnosis of prediabetes 2 – 3 1.1.3 Pathophysiology of prediabetes 3 – 4 1.2 Changes in glucose homeostasis during prediabetes 4 – 5 1.3 Complications of prediabetes 5 1.3. 1 Effects of prediabetes on hepatic functions 6 – 7 1.3. 2 Effects of prediabetes on cardiovascular functions 7 – 10 1.3. 3 Effects of prediabetes on renal functions 10 – 12 1.4 Management of prediabetes 12 1.4. 1 Lifestyle intervention 12 – 13 1.4. 2 Pharmacological intervention 13 – 14 1.4. 3 Alternative therapeutic approach 14 – 15 1.5 Animal models associated with prediabetes 16 – 17 1.6 Diet-induced animal models of prediabetes 17 – 19 1.7 Justification of study 19
Penta-co-ordinated aluminium in zeolites and aluminosilicates

Solid state 27Al n.m. r. spectroscopy of various aluminosilicates (zeolites, clays, amorphous SiO2–Al2O3) shows that upon thermal or hydrothermal treatment a line appears at ∼30 p.p.m. ; the position of this line suggests that penta-co-ordinated Al is present in all these aluminosilicates.
Effects of Erbuzhuyu Decoction Combined with Acupuncture on Endometrial Receptivity Are Associated with the Expression of miR-494-3p

Background/Aim Erbuzhuyu decoction (EBZYD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula and has been used in infertility treatment. Meanwhile, acupuncture is also used to treat female infertility. However, it is unclear whether EBZYD combined with acupuncture has better therapeutic effect. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of EBZYD combined with acupuncture and investigate its mechanism in superovulation mice. Methods The mice received the treatment of EBZYD, acupuncture, EBZYD combined with acupuncture, or miR-494-3p agomir combined with EBZYD and acupuncture. The blastocysts' number, endometrial microstructure, and endometrial thickness were observed, followed by the detection of endometrial receptivity-related factors, PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway-related proteins, and miR-494-3p expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the targeting relationship between HOXA10 and miR-494-3p. Results EBZYD combined with acupuncture treatment could increase the number of blastocysts, pinopodes, endometrial thickness, and the expression of endometrial receptivity-related factors, and the treatment effect of EBZYD combined with acupuncture was better than EBZYD or acupuncture alone. In addition, EBZYD combined with acupuncture treatment activated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and inhibited the expression of miR-494-3p. HOXA10 is one of the target genes of miR-494-3p. Overexpression of miR-494-3p reversed the therapeutic effect of EBZYD combined with acupuncture and suppressed the expression of HOXA10 and the activity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Conclusion This study suggests that EBZYD combined with acupuncture could improve endometrial receptivity in superovulation mice via miR-494-3p/HOXA10 axis.
Depression is Associated with Moderate-Intensity Physical Activity Among College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Differs by Activity Level, Gender and Gender Role

Purpose The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and associated restrictive measures have implications for depressive symptoms (henceforth depression) of young people and risk may be associated with their reduced physical activity (PA) level. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association between depressive symptoms and PA among college students with different gender and gender role (masculinity traits and femininity traits) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants and Methods Cross-sectional study included 628 healthy college students from nineteen different locations. The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scales (CES-D), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and the 50-item Chinese Sex-Role Inventory (CSRI-50) were used to measure depressive symptoms, PA continuous (weekly metabolic equivalent minutes, MET-minutes/week) and categorical indicators (activity level category) and gender role, respectively. The statistical analyses were used in partial correlation analysis, t-test, one-way ANOVA, moderation model tests, and linear regression model tests. Results Total of 34.72% participants had clinically relevant depression (16, CES-D scale). Total of 58.6% participants were classified as a “low” activity level for spending less time on PA. Depression significantly negatively correlated with MET-minutes/week in moderate-intensity PA but not vigorous and walking scores. Of note, the depression-PA association was only moderated by the “low” activity level group in terms of categorical scores across gender groups. Participants with higher masculinity traits were less likely to have depression among all participants. Moreover, more recovered cases and fewer deaths could also predict the lower depression risk in the “high” activity level group. Conclusion Moderate-intensity PA is beneficial for reducing depression risk among college students at a low activity level. College students with fewer masculinity traits (regardless of gender) are highly vulnerable to depression during the outbreak of COVID-19. Effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic seems critical to alleviating the burden of mental disorders of the public including depression.
A unified approach to understanding conductivity enhancement in nanoparticle-filled solid polymer electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries

The relationship between structure, polyethylene oxide [PEO] mobility, and ionic conductivity is investigated for the solid polymer electrolyte, PEO/LiClO4, filled and unfilled with Al2O3 nanoparticles. Oxide nanoparticles are known to improve conductivity in solid polymer electrolytes; however, the mechanism is not well understood. We measure semi-crystalline and amorphous samples over a range of lithium and nanoparticle concentrations. Unfilled samples are prepared with ether oxygen to lithium ratios of 4:1, 8:1, 10:1, 14:1, 30:1 and 100:1, where 10:1 is the eutectic concentration. Filled samples are prepared with Al2O3 nanoparticle concentrations of 5, 10 and 25wt%, at LiClO4 concentrations of 8:1, 10:1 and 14:1. Previous X-ray diffraction results show that three crystalline phases can form in this system depending on the LiClO4 concentration and temperature: (PEO)3: LiClO4, pure PEO and (PEO)6:LiClO4. 1 We use small-angle neutron scattering [SANS] to determine that the (PEO)3:LiClO4 phase forms cylinders with radius 125Å and length 700Å. We measure the amount and size of pure PEO lamellae by exploiting the neutron scattering contrast that arises because of crystallization, and we learn that nanoparticles do not affect the extent or crystal structure of pure PEO. We also learn that crystalline (PEO)6:LiClO4 does not form immediately, but requires several days if the sample is dry, or weeks if the sample is exposed to moisture. It is generally accepted that ion mobility is maximized in amorphous polymer electrolytes, because polymer mobility (and therefore ion mobility) is faster in amorphous regions. However, conductivity through the (PEO)6:LiX crystal structure, where X is the anion, has been reported to exceed that through the amorphous equivalent. Improved conductivity is attributed to the formation of cylindrical PEO channels that direct ion transport. The channels are formed by two PEO chains wrapped around a column of lithium ions at an ether oxygen to lithium ratio of 6:1. The channels are highly conductive at low PEO molecu-
Phosphorus fixation capacity and its relationship with the soil characteristics in laterite soils of Karnataka

Phosphorus fixation capacity of surface soil samples was determined in six soil series of coastal and hilly regions of Karnataka, where rice is grown mainly under rainfed situation. Two methods viz. conventional method (Waugh & Fitts 1966) and the method suggested by Hunter (1988) for evaluation of P fixation capacity of soil were compared. Soil samples were analyzed for physical and chemical properties and the relationship between the P fixation capacity and the soil properties were statistically worked out. The results revealed that P fixation capacity of soils exhibited rise with increase in the levels of applied P. Phosphorus fixation values were found to be relatively higher in the conventional method, as compared to the Hunter's method. Among the six soil series viz., Anajur, Belagola, Brahmavara, Heroor, Kapikadu and Someswara series, the fixation of P was the highest in Brahmavara series and the lowest in Kapikadu series. Phosphorus fixation capacity of soil showed significant and positive correlation with organic carbon and available P content.
Retinal Vein Occlusion Induced by a MEK Inhibitor - Impact of Oxidative Stress on the Blood-Retinal Barrier

The retina is a highly specialized sensory organ that transduces light energy into neural signal. It also has high energy requirement and an extensive vascular network. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated via light exposure, normal energy production, phagocytosis of spent photoreceptor membranes by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, and circulating toxins render retina at an increased risk for oxidative stress (Hardy et al., 2005; Siu et al., 2008). To cope with the high oxidant load, the retina is equipped with various antioxidant defense mechanisms, such as the expression of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, the production of glutathione by Muller cells, high levels of vitamins C and E, and the presence of free radical scavenger melanin in RPE cells (Siu et al., 2008). However, when the redox balance is disrupted, retinal pathologies could result, and one of the consequences is impairment of the blood retinal barrier (BRB). Indeed, several retinal diseases have been shown or postulated to be linked to a state of oxidative stress and resulting BRB dysfunction.
The Effects of Different Cooking Times and Temperatures on Tomato Sauce Lycopene Content

Julian. H. Williford, Jr., PhD, Advisor PURPOSE: The aim of present study was to determine the effects of different cooking times and temperatures on the lycopene content of three brands of commercially processed tomato sauce samples. METHODS: The experimentation was conducted on a total of three brands of tomato sauce (n=120) to determine the effects of cooking times (15, 30, 45 minutes) and temperatures (325, 350, 375 degree F) on lycopene content. At each of the constant oven temperatures, the samples were subjected to cooking for different lengths of time. The main effect of time, temperature, and interaction of both was determined by using ANOVA. The lycopene content was measured by using a HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) technique. RESULTS: All three brands were significantly different (P<0.001) in mean lycopene content. For two brands the lycopene content was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the samples cooked for 15 minutes, when compared to 30 and 45 minutes. As a main effect of temperature, two brands showed the highest lycopene content at cooking temperature of 375 °F, but one brand did not show the significant effect of cooking temperature on the lycopene content. All brands showed different results for the interaction effect of time and temperature on
Scale Dependence of Soil Permeability to Air: Measurement Method and Field Investigation

Errata for LBL-35369, Garbesi, et al., Scale Dependence of Soil Permeability to Air: Measurement Method and Field Investigation, November 1995, and to be published in Water Resources Research p. 12, second paragraph: replace . range of driving-signal frequencies with . range of driving-signal periods p. 19, equation (25b): in denominator, replace sin(8i) with sin(0i) p. 20, equation (25d): in denominator, replace sin(82) with sin(02) p. 20, after equation (25d): insert D = e( z z 2.L )•• a s equation (25e), and E = e ' as equation (25f) p. 22, fourth paragraph: insert in To explore anisotropy, DDP measurements were made between the source. p. 23, first paragraph: insert in To explore anisotropy, DDP measurements were made between the source. p. 24, fourth paragraph: change Brimhall et al. [1993] argue that. to Brimhall et al. [1993a] argue that. ; change . at the Ben Lomond site [Brimhall et a l , 1993] to . at the Ben Lomond site [Brimhall et al., 1993b] ; and insert . and root tubules control dialational mixing by providing connected avenues. p. 32, definition for L': replace Eq. 24b with Eq. 23b p. 33, definition for z': replace Eq. 24a with Eq. 23a p. 34, Baehr and Huit (1989): replace with: Baehr, A.L. and M.F. Huit, Determination of the air-phase permeability tensor of an unsaturated zone at the Bemidji, Minnesota, research site, in U.S. Geological Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology Program - Proceedings of the Technical Meeting, Phoenix, AZ, 1988, edited by G.E. Mallard and S.E. Ragone, pp. 55-65, Water Resources Investigations Rep. 88-4220, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA, 1989. p. 35, first Brimhall et al. reference: replace 1993 with 1993a p. 35, third Brimhall et al. reference: replace 1993 with 1993b p. 40, table footnote b: replace Brimhall et a l , 1993 with Brimhall and Lewis, 1992 p. 46, figure 4: the detector probe angle is 0°, not 90° Jan. 19,1996
Improvement of detection of weak aperiodic binary signals in a bistable optical system by vibrational resonance

The experimental and numerical evidence of improvement of detection of subthreshold aperiodic binary signals by the use of phenomenon of vibrational resonance in a bistable vertical cavity surface emitting laser is presented. It is shown that an additional periodic modulation with a period much shorter than the bit duration in the aperiodic input signal allows one to increase significantly a cross-correlation coefficient between the input and the output of a bistable system as well as substantially to decrease the bit error rate. An experimental observation of a time lag between the input and the output of a bistable laser due the high-frequency modulation is demonstrated. The effect of asymmetry of a bistable quasipotential on the signal detection is also studied. The numerical results are in a qualitative agreement with experimental ones.
Single Molecule Junction Conductance and Binding Geometry

This Thesis addresses the fundamental problem of controlling transport through a metal-organic interface by studying electronic and mechanical properties of single organic molecule-metal junctions. Using a Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) we image, probe energy-level alignment and perform STM-based break junction (BJ) measurements on molecules bound to a gold surface. Using Scanning Tunneling Microscope-based break-junction (STM-BJ) techniques, we explore the effect of binding geometry on single-molecule conductance by varying the structure of the molecules, metal-molecule binding chemistry and by applying sub-nanometer manipulation control to the junction. These experiments are performed both in ambient conditions and in ultra high vacuum (UHV) at cryogenic temperatures. First, using STM imaging and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) measurements we explore binding configurations and electronic properties of an amine-terminated benzene derivative on gold. We find that details of metal-molecule binding affect energy-level alignment at the interface. Next, using the STM-BJ technique, we form and rupture metal-molecule-metal junctions ~104 times to obtain conductance-vs-extension curves and extract most likely conductance values for each molecule. With these measurements, we demonstrated that the control of junction conductance is possible through a choice of metal-molecule binding chemistry and sub-nanometer positioning. First, we show that molecules terminated with amines, sulfides and phosphines bind selectively on gold and therefore demonstrate constant conductance levels even as the junction is elongated and the metal-molecule attachment point is modified. Such well-defined conductance is also obtained with paracyclophane molecules which bind to gold directly through the A° system. Next, we are able to create metal-molecule-metal junctions with more than one reproducible conductance signatures that can be accessed by changing junction geometry. In the case of pyridine-linked molecules, conductance can be reliably switched between two distinct conductance states using sub-nanometer mechanical manipulation. Using a methyl sulfide linker attached to an oligoene backbone, we are able to create a 3-nm-long molecular potentiometer, whose resistance can be tuned exponentially with Angstom-scale modulations in metal-molecule configuration. These experiments points to a new paradigm for attaining reproducible electrical characteristics of metal-organic devices which involves controlling linker-metal chemistry rather than fabricating identically structured metal-molecule interfaces. By choosing a linker group which is either insensitive to or responds reproducibly to changes in metal-molecule configuration, one can design single molecule devices with functionality more complex than a simple resistor. These ambient temperature experiments were combined with UHV conductance measurements performed in a commercial STM on amine-terminated benzene derivatives which conduct through a non-resonant tunneling mechanism, at…
Teste de condutividade elétrica para avaliar o vigor de sementes em milho-pipoca (Zea mays L.)

Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a eficiencia do teste de condutividade eletrica para avaliar o vigor de sementes de milho de pipoca. Foram utilizados cinco lotes, determinando-se, inicialmente, o teor de agua das sementes. Em seguida, as sementes foram submetidas aos testes de germinacao, envelhecimento acelerado e emergencia de plântulas em solo. O teste de condutividade eletrica foi conduzido com quatro repeticoes de 50 sementes no delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em parcelas subdivididas. As parcelas foram distribuidas no esquema fatorial 5 x 2 x 5, sendo cinco lotes, duas temperaturas (25 e 35 oC) e dois volumes de agua (50 e 75 mL). As subparcelas foram constitu- idas de dois periodos de embebicao (24 e 48 h), com quatro repeticoes por tratamento. O teste de condutividade eletrica mostrou-se eficiente em detectar diferencas na qualidade fisiologica dos lotes de milho-pipoca. A condutividade eletrica aumentou com o aumento do tempo de embebicao e com a temperatura e diminuiu com o volume de agua. Para a conducao do teste de condutividade em milho-pipoca, recomenda-se a embebicao das sementes tanto a 50 quanto a 75 mL de agua, na temperatura de 35 °C, independentemente se por 24 ou 48 horas.
Estimation of methane and carbon dioxide surface fluxes using a 3-D global atmospheric chemical transport model

Methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are the two most radiatively important greenhouse gases attributable to human activity. Large uncertainties in their source and sink magnitudes currently exist. We estimate global methane surface emissions between 1996 and 2001, using a top-down approach that combines observed and simulated atmospheric CH4 concentrations. As a secondary study, we describe our participation in a CO2 inverse-modeling intercomparison. The available methane time-series data used in this work include observations from 13 highfrequency stations (in-situ) and 74 low-frequency sites (flask). We also construct an annually-repeating reference emissions field from pre-existing datasets of individual methane processes. For our forward simulations, we use the 3-D global chemical transport model MATCH driven by NCEP meteorology. A prescribed, annually-repeating OH field scaled to fit methyl chloroform observations is used as the methane sink. A total methane source of approximately 600 Tg yr best reproduces the methane growth rate between 1993-2001. Using the reference emissions, MATCH can reproduce the observed methane variations at many sites. Interannual variations in transport, including those associated with ENSO and the NAO, are found to be important at certain locations. We adapt the Kalman Filter to estimate methane flux magnitudes and uncertainties between 1996 and 2001. Seven seasonal processes (3 wetland, rice, and 3 biomass burning) are optimized at each month, while three aseasonal processes (animals/waste, coal, and gas) are optimized as constant emissions. These optimized emissions represent adjustments to the reference emissions. For the entire period, the inversion reduces coal and gas emissions, and increases rice and biomass burning emissions. The optimized seasonal emission has a strong peak in July, largely due to increased emissions from rice producing regions. The inversion also attributes the large 1998 increase in atmospheric CH4 to global wetland emissions, consistent with a bottom-up study based on a wetland process model. The current observational network can significantly constrain northern emitting regions, but is less effective at constraining tropical emitting regions due to limited observations. We further assessed the inversion