Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous precipitation pattern formation by crystallites of Mn–Fe-based Prussian blue analogues in agarose gel

Precipitation patterns spontaneously formed by Mn–Fe-based Prussian blue analogues (Mn–Fe PBAs) in agarose gel were investigated over wide concentration ranges for the outer (0.10 ≤ [Mn2+] ≤ 0.70 M) and inner electrolytes (0.01 ≤ [[Fe(CN)6]3−] ≤ 0.35 M). The precipitation patterns were classified into five types: continuous in the inner electrolyte gel, continuous in the outer electrolyte gel, a very short band close to the gel boundary, periodic bands in the inner electrolyte gel, and filament-like patterns in the inner electrolyte gel. The concentrations found to be suitable for applications as pulsatile 137Cs adsorbent delivery materials, for which the periodic patterns were most distinct and frequently occurring, were [Mn2+] ≈ 0.55 M and [[Fe(CN)6]3−] ≈ 0.10 M. The filament-like pattern, reported here for the first time, was generated near the cylindrical gel surface in a local, stochastic, and two-dimensional manner. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the periodic band patterns indicate that the Mn–Fe PBA precipitates in periodic patterns consist of cubic crystallites (3–10 μm, each side), suggesting significant contributions from Ostwald ripening to the precipitation process. In contrast, precipitates in the filament-like pattern consist of relatively smaller cubic crystallites (≲1 μm, each side), implying an important role of rapid nucleation in the formation of this structure. SEM observations also suggest that, overall, agarose gels support crystallite ripening more effectively, and hence also better suppress the formation of definite periodic bands, than water-glass gels. These findings provide useful information for future applications of self-assembled Mn–Fe PBA patterns in gels.
Structure and Function

The main purpose of this chapter is to summarize the importance of changes in the composition, structure and properties of the extracellular matrix of comiective tissues. These changes may occur during normal development and ageing or as a consequence of pathology. Such biological changes invariably involve degradation of the matrix and/or the synthesis of new components by the cells. However, as explained below, it is not straightforward to define the differences between ageing and degeneration or between degeneration and pathology. Furthermore, even if the distinction were clear, it would often be difficult to separate the effects in practice, since degeneration and pathology of connective tissues are frequently associated with ageing. Mechanical properties of connective tissues also depend on time. For example, the stiffness of a tendon depends on whether it is stretched in a few seconds or in tens of seconds (Kenedi et al., 1975). Detailed fracture mechanisms in ligaments also depend on loading rates (Sikoryn and Hukins, 1988). Thus, connective tissues are unlikely to respond to rapid traumatic loading in the same way as to slower physiological loading. In the longer term, response to trauma will also involve biological repair mechanisms. The other chapters of this book concentrate on specific aspects of biological and/or mechanical changes which occur in connective tissues. They are concerned with processes, such as development (Chapter 2), or with the behaviour of specific tissues, such as the uterine cervix (Chapter 8). Therefore, this chapter serves as an introduction to the rest of the book by emphasizing the importance of the changes which can occur in tissues, either in the short term by response to mechanical load or in the
Effects of microwaving, and moist and dry heating on ruminal degradability of protein and dry matter in soybean meal

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of microwaving, autoclaving (moist heating), and roasting (dry heating) on gas production parameters and in situ rumen degradability of soybean meal (SBM). SBM was treated by roasting at 140°C for 30 and 60 min, and at 160°C for 30 and 60 min, autoclaving at 121°C for 20 min, and microwaving for 2, 4, and 6 min. A gas production trial was performed using rumen fluid collected from fistulated sheep. Cumulative gas production was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h after incubation. The organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME), net energy (NE), and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) in gas production trial were calculated after 24 h incubation. For in situ technique, three fistulated sheep of the Dalaq breed (with an average weight of 45 ± 1 kg) were housed in individual cages and fed at the level of maintenance. Samples of the processed and unprocessed SBM were ground to pass through a 3 mm screen, and 5 g of each sample were transferred into nylon bags. The results showed that treatments had a significant effect on gas production potential (P<0.05). With increasing the heating duration, gas production potential increased in roasted treatments. Processing methods significantly reduced gas production (P<0.05). The lowest volume of gas production was recorded for the autoclave treatment. Processing with Micro-6 and moist heating (autoclave) resulted in a significant decrease in organic matter digestibility (OMD) compared to dry heating (roasting). Micro-6 treatment significantly (P<0.05) decreased the concentration of SCFA compared to other treatments. The results of in situ experiments showed that processing of SBM significantly reduced the rate of dry matter and protein degradation (P<0.05). Processed SBM had a lower rapid degradable fraction (a) and higher slowly degradable fraction (b) compared to the control treatment. In conclusion, the methods of heating (autoclaving, dry heating, and microwaving) of SBM decreased the gas production and gas production rate and ruminal protein degradability.
Acid-Base Catalyzed Transesterification of Archontopheonix cunninghamiana (Bangalow Palm) Seed Oil

Currently, majority of global energy is sourced from petrochemicals which comes with its attendant environmental challenges. Efforts are therefore focused on developing renewable sources for energy and biofuel is in the front burner for these alternatives. In this paper, we explored Archontopheonix cunninghamiana seed; an inedible and waste material, as an opportunity for alternative feedstock for biodiesel production. The oil extraction recorded a low yield which may not be economically viable; the transesterification of extracted oil gave 94.56% yield of biodiesel. Physicochemical analyses of the produced biodiesel showed viscosity of biodiesel to be 2.64 mm2 /s, which is within American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) and EN590:1999 petrol diesel specifications. It also has a pour point value of 8 °C which is within acceptable range of European Committee for Standardization EN590:2008 for petrol diesel. The flashpoint was found to be 110 °C which make for easy handling and transportation and agrees with EN14214:2008 minimum value of 101 °C. Spectroscopic studies done on the extracted oil and the produced biodiesel showed successful transesterification of the oil and good biodiesel quality. Keywords : Archontopheonix cunninghamiana , bangalow palm, transesterification, biodiesel
VOLTAMMETRIC AND CHROMATOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF NAPROXEN IN DRUG FORMULATION

In this work, the electrochemical oxidation of naproxen (NAP) was studied at an ultra-trace graphite electrode (UTGE). The cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique was used to determine the optimum conditions and the effect of pH on the electrochemical oxidation of NAP. Acetate buffer (pH 4.50) was selected as the support electrolyte due to obtaining the highest electronic signal increase during oxidation of NAP at UTGE. The differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique was performed for electrochemical determination of NAP. In the optimum conditions, the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were determined to be 8.6610-8 M and 2.8810-7 M. In addition, the amount of NAP was determined in drug tablets. The recovery studies of NAP from the drug tablet were completed in order to check the accuracy and precision of the applied voltammetric method. Furthermore, the determination of NAP was performed with the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. These two methods were compared in terms of accuracy, precision and recovery studies.
Two‐terminal Perovskite silicon tandem solar cells with a high‐Bandgap Perovskite absorber enabling voltages over 1.8 V

Perovskite silicon tandem solar cells are a promising technology to overcome the efficiency limit of silicon solar cells. Although highest tandem efficiencies have been reported for the inverted p‐i‐n structure, high‐efficiency single junction perovskite solar cells are mostly fabricated in the regular n‐i‐p architecture. In this work, regular n‐i‐p perovskite solar cells with a high‐bandgap mixed cation mixed halide absorber suitable for tandem solar cells are investigated by compositional engineering and the open‐circuit voltage is improved to over 1.12 V using a passivating electron contact. The optimized perovskite solar cell is used as a top cell in a monolithic perovskite silicon tandem device with a silicon heterojunction bottom cell allowing for voltages up to 0.725 V. The tandem solar cells with an active area of 0.25 cm2 achieve record open‐circuit voltages of up to 1.85 V and have efficiencies over 20%. Analyzing the perovskite absorber by spatially resolved photoluminescence measurements shows a homogenous and stable emission at ~ 1.7 eV which is an optimal value for tandem applications with silicon. The tandem solar cells are mainly limited due to a low current. A spectrometric characterization reveals that the perovskite solar cell is current limiting which could be improved by a thicker perovskite absorber.
AMP-Activated Protein Kinase: Friend or Foe in Cancer?

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is activated by energy stress and restores homeostasis by switching on catabolism, while switching off cell growth and proliferation. Findings that AMPK acts downstream of the tumor suppressor LKB1 have suggested that AMPK might also suppress tumorigenesis. In mouse models of B and T cell lymphoma in which genetic loss of AMPK occurred before tumor initiation, tumorigenesis was accelerated, confirming that AMPK has tumor-suppressor functions. However, when loss of AMPK in a T cell lymphoma model occurred after tumor initiation, or simultaneously with tumor initiation in a lung cancer model, the disease was ameliorated. Thus, once tumorigenesis has occurred, AMPK switches from tumor suppression to tumor promotion. Analysis of alterations in AMPK genes in human cancers suggests similar dichotomies, with some genes being frequently amplified while others are mutated. Overall, while AMPK-activating drugs might be effective in preventing cancer, in some cases AMPK inhibitors might be required to treat it.
Nutritional, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Analysis of Bee Bread from Different Regions of Malaysia

Bee bread samples of stingless bee (Heterotrigona itama) collected from Kelantan (east coast), Selangor (central) and Perak (northern) regions of Malaysia were subjected to nutritional analysis using standard hydrolysis and oxidation methods. Phytochemical screening was carried out on aqueous and ethanol extracts of bee bread. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents, free radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing activity of the extracts were also assessed. All samples had essential and non-essential amino acids, carbohydrates, proteins, fat, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, xanthoproteins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, saponins, resins, and antioxidant activities. Sample from Kelantan had the significantly highest content of alanine, glycine and isoleucine, while sample from Selangor had the highest content of carbohydrate, total energy and proline. Sample from Perak had the highest content of fat. Bee bread ethanol extract demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant properties compared to bee bread aqueous extract with the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents in sample from Perak and the highest free radical scavenging activity in sample from Selangor. Bee bread from Malaysia has good nutritional and antioxidant properties, which might indicate its potential to be a dietary supplement. The differences in compositions and antioxidant activities among the samples might be related to the floral sources and geographical locations.
Insight into fractionation performance of American old corrugated containers pulp in pressure screening

Abstract In this work, the American Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) pulp was screened using pressure screen to investigate the factors affecting the fractionation performance. Three screen cylinders with different geometries, aperture size/contour heights, volumetric reject ratios, and aperture velocities were used. The results showed that the passing ratio of fibres increased with the increase of contour height, volumetric reject ratio, and aperture velocity for all the three screen cylinders. Moreover, among the three cylinders investigated, the 0.81 mm hole cylinder achieved the highest fractionation efficiency with a volumetric reject ratio of 0.1 followed by 0.15 and 0.2 mm slot screens. Freeness change of the accept side of the screen was similar to passage ratio, which shows an increasing trend with the increasing aperture velocity and volumetric reject ratio. However, the reject freeness showed decreasing trends with the increasing aperture velocity V s {V_{s}} and volumetric reject ratio R v {R_{v}}.
Associations of Added Sugar from All Sources and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages with Regional Fat Deposition in US Adolescents: NHANES 1999–2006

ABSTRACT Background The relative distribution of upper- versus lower-body fat may be an important determinant of cardiometabolic disease risk in youths. Dietary components associated with adolescent regional body fat distribution require further investigation. Objective To evaluate associations of added sugar intake overall and from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) with relative upper-body fat deposition in US adolescents. Methods This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from 6585 adolescents (aged 12–19 y) in the NHANES cycles 1999–2006. Trunk, leg, and total fat mass were assessed by DXA. Participants were grouped into categories of total and SSB added sugar intake as a percentage of total energy intake (TEI) in 5% increments. Stepwise multivariable linear regression was used to examine associations of added sugar intake with truncal-to-leg fat ratio (TLR) and truncal-to-total fat ratio (TTR). Results There were no associations of total added sugar intake with TLR or TTR. For SSB added sugar, compared with the lowest category of intake (<2% TEI), the highest category (>22% TEI) was associated with higher log-TLR [β (95% CI): >22% TEI versus <2% TEI: 0.05 (0.01, 0.09)] and TTR [1.30 (0.53, 2.07)] in the partially adjusted model with sex, age, race/ethnicity, income, physical activity, and smoking status as covariates (P-trend = 0.0001 for both). When BMI z-score and TEI were added as covariates, the magnitude of the associations were attenuated, but remained significant [log-TLR β (95% CI): 0.03 (0.005, 0.06), P-trend = 0.0018; TTR β (95% CI): 0.75 (0.27, 1.23), P-trend = 0.0004]. Conclusions These findings support that added sugar from beverages is associated with higher upper-body adiposity, though the magnitude and clinical significance of the associations may be small, especially when adjusted for BMI and TEI. Additional studies are needed to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms to explain these findings.
Topical corticosteroids: Abuse and Misuse

Background: The Topical Corticosteroids are among the most commonly prescribed medication in an out-patient dermatology setting since they were first introduced in early 1950s.Probably no other group of drugs has had such a profound impact on the specialty as Topical Corticosteroid. They provide rapid symptomatic relief in almost all inflammatory dermatoses, especially in the short term. Multiple pathways including rebound vasodilatation and proinflammatory cytokine release have been proposed as the mechanism for such reactions. Aim: To study various adverse effects of topical corticosteroids misuse over face. Materials and Methods: 130 patients with a history of topical corticosteroid use on face for minimum 1 month duration were included in this study. Results: Majority of patients were between age group of 21 to 30 (65.4%). Female sex preponderance over male sex with 67.8%. Majority of patients were House wives (49%) followed by Employees (23%). Duration of application of TC was 3-6 months (77%) in majority of cases. Most commonly abused TC was Betamethasone Valerate (79.2%). Conclusion: Topical Corticosteroid should not be used on the face unless it is under strict dermatological supervision.
Changes in the Composition of Aroma and Phenolic Compounds Induced by Different Enological Practices of Croatian White Wine

The composition of wine and, consequently, its overall quality depends on numerous factors and their interactions. During grape ripening, signifi cant changes occur in the chemical composition of grapes where, primarily, increase of sugar levels along with changes in phenolic and aroma compound profi les take place. Among them, signifi cant increase of volatile thiol precursors, namely 3-S-cysteinylhexan-1-ol (Cys-3SH), 3-S-glutathionylhexan-1-ol (Glut-3SH), 4-S-cysteinyl-4-methylpentan-2-one (Cys-4MSP), and 4-S-glutathionyl-4-methylpentan-2-one (Glut-4MSP) also occur during this vine-growing phase [Jeffery, 2016; Roland et al., 2011b]. Recent investigations suggested the presence of new thiol precursors such as cysteinyl-glycine S-conjugate (CysGly) and γ-glutamyl-cysteine S-conjugate (γGluCys) [Bonnaffoux et al., 2017, 2018], as well as S-3-(hexanal)-glutathione (Glut-3SH-Al) and its bisulfi te (Glut-3SH-SO3) [Thibon et al., 2016]. Generally, these precursors are odorless compounds that undergo enzymatic cleavage during alcoholic fermentation which result in volatile thiols release. Liber-
Biofilm Based on Modified Sago Starch: Preparation and Characterization

Biofilms made from modified sago starch to improve the mechanical and physical properties have been studied. This study aimed to prepare and characterize biofilms from sago starch and modified sago (acetylation, oxidation, cross-link and precipitation). Modified of sago starch was prepared by some methods: precipitation using ethanol as solvent, acetylation modified of sago starch using acetic anhydride, oxidation modification using hydrogen peroxide and cross-link modification using sodium acetate. Biofilms were made from modified sago using glycerol with a concentration of 1.0% weight, where glycerol acts as a plasticizer to impart the thermoplasticity of the starch film. Biofilm made from native sago was then compared to biofilm from modified sago starch. The effects of modified sago starch to the biofilm were measured on its moisture contents, contact angle value, mechanical properties such as elongation and tensile strength. The chemical structures were evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and morphology of biofilm were measured by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The optimum condition of modified sago starch used in biofilm in this study is by acetylation. The result show that modified acetylation of sago starch can improve the properties of biofilm Keywords: biofilms, sago, acetylation, oxidation, cross link, SEM, FTIR
Effect of Glyphosate (GLP) Induced Toxicity on Body Weights and Gross Pathology: Ameliorative Effect of Ascorbic Acid (AA) in Wistar Rats

Glyphosate (N-phosphonomethyl glycine) is a broad spectrum herbicide widely used to eliminate the unwanted plants both on agricultural and non-agricultural landscapes (Temple and Smith, 1992). Among all, the glyphosate is a very potential broad spectrum herbicide (Youness et al., 2016) and was first documented in 1971 and is said to be the world’s largest selling herbicide. Monsanto brought into the market for agricultural use in International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 8 Number 10 (2019) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Sympathovagal imbalance is enhanced by smoking in Saudi male young adults with prehypertension

Background and Aim: Hypertension and smoking are among the most common universal risk factors for heart attack and stroke, involving the impairment of the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, in this study, we aim to investigate the contribution of smoking to sympathovagal imbalance (SVI) in prehypertension. Methods: Hundred and twenty-two male subjects aged 19-30 years were classified into nonsmoker normotensive (n = 38), nonsmoker prehypertensive (n = 38), smoker normotensive (n = 30), and smoker prehypertensive (n = 16). SVI was assessed from low-frequency power to high-frequency power (LF-HF ratio) and correlated with number of cigarette smoked/day in all the groups by Pearson′s correlation. Results: LF-HF ratio, LF and LF in normalized units were significantly (P < 0.001) increased and total power, HF and HF in normalized units were significantly (P < 0.001) decreased in prehypertensive subjects in comparison to normotensive subjects and these changes were more prominent in prehypertensive smokers. LF-HF ratio was positively correlated to basal heart rate, blood pressure (BP) and number of cigarette smoked/day (P < 0.001) in prehypertensive smokers. Smoking was found to be an independent contributing factor to SVI (P < 0.001) among prehypertensives. Conclusion: In prehypertensive smokers, SVI was linked to number of cigarette smoking. Stopping smoking would enable to achieve the sympathovagal balance and BP homeostasis in prehypertensives.
Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using aqueous Brassica oleracea L. var. italica and the photocatalytic activity

ABSTRACT This study reports the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using the aqueous solution of broccoli extract. The nanoparticles, represented as broc-ZnO (with broccoli extract) and nb-ZnO (without broccoli extract), were obtained after calcination. The nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform infra-red (FTIR), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV) and Photoluminescence (PL). Hexagonal phases were identified for both nanoparticles, while average crystallite sizes of 14 and 17 nm for broc-ZnO and nb-ZnO, respectively, were obtained. UV studies indicated the bandgap of the broc-ZnO and nb-ZnO as 4.09 and 3.87 eV, respectively. A plausible mechanism for the synthesis of the nanoparticles was suggested. The photocatalytic efficiency of broc-ZnO, obtained via the broccoli extract, was evaluated by studying its photo-enhanced catalytic activity against methylene blue (MB) and phenol red (PR), under UV light irradiation and 74% and 71% degradation efficiency of the successive dyes were achieved. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Reproducibility, Replication, and Generalization in Research about Teaching Innovation

Innovation in the teaching and learning of chemistry is generally advanced by the creative efforts of many educators and education researchers. Many such efforts are reported, for example, in every subdiscipline of chemistry. It is less common, however, to have studies report on efforts to replicate previously published results. A newly released consensus report from the National Academies of Sciences, Reproducibility and Replicability in Science (DOI: 10.17226/25303), looks into several related aspects of the issue of repeating prior work in science. Some implications of this effort on the work of educators to innovate in teaching and learning are considered in this editorial.