Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Approach for Cognitive Clustering of Parkinsonisms through Affinity Propagation

Cluster analysis is widely applied in the neuropsychological field for exploring patterns in cognitive profiles, but traditional hierarchical and non-hierarchical approaches could be often poorly effective or even inapplicable on certain type of data. Moreover, these traditional approaches need the initial specification of the number of clusters, based on a priori knowledge not always owned. For this reason, we proposed a novel method for cognitive clustering through the affinity propagation (AP) algorithm. In particular, we applied the AP clustering on the regression residuals of the Mini Mental State Examination scores—a commonly used screening tool for cognitive impairment—of a cohort of 49 Parkinson’s disease, 48 Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and 44 healthy control participants. We found four clusters, where two clusters (68 and 30 participants) showed almost intact cognitive performance, one cluster had a moderate cognitive impairment (34 participants), and the last cluster had a more extensive cognitive deficit (8 participants). The findings showed, for the first time, an intra- and inter-diagnostic heterogeneity in the cognitive profile of Parkinsonisms patients. Our novel method of unsupervised learning could represent a reliable tool for supporting the neuropsychologists in understanding the natural structure of the cognitive performance in the neurodegenerative diseases.
Optical properties of copper nanoparticles in soda–lime silicate glasses

The influence of ion – exchange conditions upon the spatial distribution of small copper particles in soda – lime silicate glasses has been investigated. The samples, polished in the shape of a wedge with a taper approximately 1 µm per 1 mm of sample length, were characterised by means of transmission electron microscopy and optical absorption spectroscopy. The observed changes of the position of the plasmon resonant band with the distance from the surface were related to the spatial distribution of the size and/or shape of colloidal copper particles. The appearance of a new optical absorption band, located on the high – energy side of the colloidal one, could be related either to some aggregates of copper or to the copper oxide colloids. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Heat Treatments on Ripening and Postharvest Decay in 'Golden Delicious' Apples

Prestorage heat, CA storage, and pre- and poststorage treatments with the ethylene action inhibitor, 1- methylcyclopropene (MCP), were tested for their efficacy at inhibiting fungal decay and maintaining quality in 'Golden Delicious' apples (Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill. Yellow Delicious Group) stored 0 to 5 months at 0 °C and 7 days at 20 °C. Before storage in air at 0 °C, preclimacteric fruit were treated with either MCP at a concentration of 1 µL·L -1 for 17 hours at 20 °C, 38 °C air for 4 days, MCP plus heat, or left untreated. Some sets of untreated fruit were stored in a controlled atmosphere of 1.5 kPa O2 and 2.5 kPa CO2 at 0 °C while other sets were removed from cold storage in air after 2.5 or 5 months, warmed to 20 °C, and treated with 1 µL·L -1 MCP for 17 hours. Prestorage MCP, heat, MCP plus heat treatments and CA storage decreased decay severity caused by wound-inoculated Penicillium expansum Link, Botrytis cinerea Pers. :Fr. , and Colletotrichum acutatum Simmonds (teleomorph Glomerella acutata J.C. Guerber & J.C. Correll sp.nov.). Poststorage MCP treatment had no effect on decay severity. Both prestorage MCP treatment and CA storage delayed ripening as indicated by better retention of green peel color, titratable acidity, and Magness-Taylor flesh firmness, and the reduced respiration, ethylene production rates, and volatile levels that were observed upon transferring the fruit to 20 °C. The prestorage MCP treatment delayed ripening more than CA storage. Following 5 months cold storage, the prestorage MCP treatment maintained the shape of the compression force/deformation curve compared with that of fruit at harvest, as did CA storage, but at a lower force profile. The heat treatment had mixed effects on ripening: it hastened loss of green peel color and titratable acidity, but maintained firmness and delayed increases in respiration, ethylene production and volatile levels following cold storage. The MCP plus heat treatment inhibited ripening more than heat treatment alone but less than MCP treatment alone. In one of 2 years, the MCP plus heat treatment resulted in superficial injury to some of the fruit. Results indicated that MCP may provide an effective alternative to CA for reducing decay severity and maintaining quality during postharvest storage of 'Golden Delicious' apples. Prestorage heat to control decay and maintain quality of apples needs further study, especially if used in combination with MCP.
Hydrological effects on carbon cycles of Canada’s forests and wetlands

The hydrological cycle has significant effects on the terrestrial carbon (C) balance through its controls on photosynthesis and C decomposition. A detailed representation of the water cycle in terrestrial C cycle models is essential for reliable estimates of C budgets. However, it is challenging to accurately describe the spatial and temporal variations of soil water, especially for regional and global applications. Vertical and horizontal movements of soil water should be included. To constrain the hydrology-related uncertainty in modelling the regional C balance, a three-dimensional hydrological module was incorporated into the Integrated Terrestrial Ecosystem Carbon-budget model (InTEC V3.0). We also added an explicit parameterization of wetlands. The inclusion of the hydrological module considerably improved the model’s ability to simulate C content and balances in different ecosystems. Compared with measurements at five flux-tower sites, the model captured 85% and 82% of the variations in volumetric soil moisture content in the 0–10 cm and 10– 30cmdepths during the growing season and84%of the interannual variability in the measuredCbalance. The simulations showed that lateral subsurface water redistribution is a necessary mechanism for simulating water table depth for both poorly drained forest and peatland sites. Nationally, soil C content and their spatial variability are significantly related to drainage class. Poorly drained areas are important C sinks at the regional scale, however, their soil C content and balances are difficult to model and may have been inadequately represented in previous C cycle models. The InTEC V3.0 model predicted an annual net C uptake by Canada’s forests and wetlands for the period 1901–1998 of 111.9 Tg C yr-1, which is 41.4 Tg C yr-1 larger than our previous estimate (InTEC V2.0). The increase in the net C uptake occurred mainly in poorly drained regions and resulted from the inclusion of a separate wetland parameterization and a detailed hydrologic module with lateral flow in InTEC V3.0.
Antioxidant effects of four native medicinal plants collected in Córdoba

The antioxidant capacity of Thelesperma megapotamicum (Spreng.); Microliabum candidum (Griseb.) H. Rob; Capparis atamisguea Kuntze, and Ligaria cuneifolia (Ruiz et Pav.) Tiegh. were evaluated using two invitro systems. Aerial parts of the plants were collected within the Province of Cordoba, air-dried, and stored until needed. The FRAP method and an accelerated oil oxidation system were used to evalutae the antioxidant effects on the 4 native plants. BHT and quercetin were included as antioxidant control compounds. Results (FRAP) showed that C. atamisguea had the lowest value of antioxidant capacity (122 mol of Fe (II)/g) while L. cuneifolia the highest (1995 mol of Fe (II)/g) even higher that BHT antioxidant capacity. The use of an oxidation system showed that native plants from Cordoba could be a source for novel natural antioxidant compounds for use in the food industry.
Characterization and Scale-Up of Cyanogen Bromide Chemical Activation of Sepharose CL-4B in a Stirred Tank Reactor to Purify the rHBsAg

The aim of this paper was to characterize and to scale-up the CNBr chemical activation of Sepharose CL-4B in a stirred tank reactor to purify the recombinant Hepatitis B surface antigen for use in vaccines. The activation quality was assessed measuring the concentration of the cyanate esters and the percentage of nitrogen in the activated matrix. The Sepharose CL-4B incorporated less than 50% of the initial CNBr amount added to the matrix, but the monoclonal antibody CB.Hep-1, used as immunoligand to purify the rHBsAg, was efficiently immobilized in a weakly activated matrix (<8 ? mol/mL of matrix). The impellent type has a significant influence on activated matrix quality. The constant power per volume unit was a proper criterion to scale-up the Sepharose CL-4B March's modified chemical activation procedure with CNBr.
Unimolecular Decomposition of Pyruvic Acid: An Experimental and Theoretical Study

The thermal decomposition of pyruvic acid diluted in Ar has been studied behind reflected shock waves over the temperature range 850-1000 K, with a total density range of (0.3-1.3)×10 -5 mol/cm 3 . The decomposition process was monitored by time-resolved IR emission from carbon dioxide product. The vacuum-UV absorption at 193 nm suggested the production of hydroxyethylidene from the initial decomposition. This carbene isomerizes to acetaldehyde at temperatures higher than those used under the present conditions. From the experimental results, we propose that the initial reaction occurs through a five-center transition state (TS) as CH 3 COCOOH →CH 3 COH+CO 2 with a rate constant k=10 12.46 exp(-40.0 kcal mol -1 /RP) s -1
Effect of Stone-Wales Defects on transversely isotropic elastic properties of boron nitride nanotubes: a molecular dynamics study

Current revolutions in the synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) attracted researchers’ attention to developing their nanocomposites. This is because BNNTs possess wide band gap, strong hardness, thermally and chemically stable, and excellent piezoelectric properties than carbon nanotubes. Besides, BNNTs have comparable mechanical and thermal properties compared to CNTs. As the first of its kind, this study reports the transversely isotropic elastic properties of pristine and Stone-Wales (SW) defected BNNTs within the framework of MDS using a Tersoff force field. This is achieved by imposing axial extension, twist, in-plane biaxial tension, and in-plane shear to the BNNTs. The study report that a higher density of SW defect affects profoundly the axial Young’s modulus, shear modulus, plane strain bulk and in-plane shear moduli of BNNTs. The present fundamental study highlights the significant role played by SW defected BNNTs in determining their mechanical behaviours as reinforcements in multifunctional nanocomposites.
In situ lattice strain mapping during tensile loading using the neutron transmission and diffraction methods

In this study, the change in internal lattice strain in an iron plate during tensile deformation was investigated by performing in situ measurements under applied force. The lattice strain was evaluated by neutron diffraction and Bragg-edge transmission. The neutron diffraction results showed that the averaged 110 lattice strain along the direction perpendicular to the applied force was between −422 and −109 × 10−6. The position dependence of the lattice strain and the change in the distribution of elastic strain in an iron plate with notches during tensile deformation was obtained by Bragg-edge transmission. It was also observed that, when the load increased over 30 kN, the area of plastic deformation increased around the positions of the notches.
Dynamic Aspects of the InfoPriv Model

This paper describes the dynamic aspects of the InfoPriv model. The dynamic aspects are concerned with the actual information flow as well as the change of the privacy policy over time. An information can-flow graph represents the potential information flow between entities, thereby describing only the static aspects of InfoPriv. The dynamic aspects are divided into two categories: dynamic information flow and the evolution of the static aspects. “Dynamic information flow” refers to the simulation of the actual information flow as it occurs over time. Information flow is, therefore, permitted or denied based on the past information flow of a system. The “evolution of the static aspects” refers to the change of the privacy policy over time. For instance, it is necessary to give entities access to more information during their lifetime. An algorithm is presented that extends the can-flow graph without introducing unauthorised information flow.
Thermal diffusivity of aluminous spinels and magnetite at elevated temperature with implications for heat transport in Earth’s transition zone

Abstract The phonon component of thermal diffusivity (D) from 12 single crystals in the spinel family was measured at temperatures (T) of up to ~2000 K, using laser-flash analysis. Synthetic disordered spinel, 4 gemstones near MgAl2O4, nearly ZnAl2O4, 4 “hercynites” [(Mg,Fe2+)(Al,Fe3+)2O4], and 2 magnetites (nearly Fe3O4) were characterized using optical spectroscopy and electron microprobe analysis. The magnetic transition in Fe3O4 is manifest as a lambda curve in 1/D, but otherwise, D decreases with increasing T and approaches a constant (Dsat) at high T. Part of the decrease in D as T increases results from disordering above ~700 K: these two effects were distinguished by making multiple heating runs. At 298 K, D decreases strongly as either cation substitution or Mg-Al disorder increases, whereas Dsat is moderately perturbed by substitutions. For both ordered and (equilibrium) disordered spinels and hercynites, the temperature dependence of 1/D is best described by low-order polynomial fits. For spinel, combining our data with previous cryogenic studies of thermal conductivity (k) constrains the T dependence of D and k from ~0 K to melting. The response of D to disorder, impurity content, and cation mass for the aluminates is used to constrain D(T) for γ-Mg2SiO4 and ringwoodite. Pressure derivatives are provided by relationships such as ∂ln(klat)/∂P = ∂ln(KT)/∂P. Our results show that the phonon contribution to heat transport in Earth’s transition zone is high, particularly for large proportions of ringwoodite.
Entry and spreading of alkane drops at the air/surfactant solution interface in relation to foam and soap film stability

For droplets of hydrocarbon oil dispersed in surfactant solution to be effective in reducing foam stability it is necessary for the droplets to be capble of entering the air/solution interfaces of the lamellae within the foam. If entry is possible, then soap film rupture (hence foam destruction) can, in principle, occur by one of several mechanisms. These include macroscopic or molecular spreading along lamellae surfaces (potentially resulting in film thinning by a Marangoni process), and ‘bridging’ in which the oil drop enters both surfaces of a lamella producing an unstable bridge across the film. In the present work we have focused on the entry of drops into surfaces by obtaining (a) entry coefficients (from appropriate surface and interfacial tensions) as a measure of the feasibility of drop entry and (b) half-lives of single drops placed beneath the air/solution interface to assess the rate of drop entry. The findings are used to gain an insight into the way in which dispersed oil drops reduce both foam and single film stability. We have used a homologous series of alkanes as oils, chosen such that some homologues can enter the surface of the surfactant solution (3.8 mmol l–1 AOT in 0.03 mol l–1 NaCl) and some cannot. It is found that (fortuitously) all those oils which are capable of entry also spread as multi-molecular films, and reduce foam and film stability. It is believed that the observed effects of alkane chain length on single film stability result from the variation of single drop half-life with chain length rather than with any variation of spreading coefficients. Oils which are unable to enter the air/solution interface are found to enhance foam and film stability, possibly by a reduction in the rate of film thinning resulting from the pressence of oil droplets in the Plateau border regions.
Peroxide‐initiated grafting of maleic anhydride onto linear and branched hydrocarbons

The structural features of the grafting of maleic anhydride onto low-molecular-weight compounds have been elucidated using several spectroscopic and analytical techniques. Conclusive evidence for the occurrence of singly grafted anhydride residues in multiply grafted products has been established using 2,3-13C2 labeled maleic anhydride. In homogeneous solution, at the low concentrations of maleic anhydride employed, there is little evidence for oligomeric or polymeric grafts to dodecane, pristane, or squalane. The results suggest that isothermal grafting of maleic anhydride to hydrocarbon polymers should also lead to a predominance of single grafts. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 3817–3825, 1999
Experiments on a gravity-free dispersion of large solid spheres in a Newtonian fluid under shear

Dispersions of solid spherical grains of diameter D = 0.13cm were sheared in Newtonian fluids of varying viscosity (water and a glycerine-water-alcohol mixture) in the annular space between two concentric drums. The density σ of the grains was balanced against the density ρ of the fluid, giving a condition of no differential forces due to radial acceleration. The volume concentration C of the grains was varied between 62 and 13 %. A substantial radial dispersive pressure was found to be exerted between the grains. This was measured as an increase of static pressure in the inner stationary drum which had a deformable periphery. The torque on the inner drum was also measured. The dispersive pressure P was found to be proportional to a shear stress λ attributable to the presence of the grains. The linear grain concentration λ is defined as the ratio grain diameter/mean free dispersion distance and is related to C by λ=1(C0/C)12−1 where C0 is the maximum possible static volume concentration. Both the stressesT and P, as dimensionless groups TσD2/λη2, and PσD2/λη 2, were found to bear single-valued empirical relations to a dimensionless shear strain group λ½σD2(dU/dy)lη for all the values of λ< 12(C= 57% approx.) where dU/dy is the rate of shearing of the grains over one another, and η the fluid viscosity. This relation gives Tασ(λD)2(dU/dy)2 and T∝λ12ηdU/dy according as dU/dy is large or small, i.e. according to whether grain inertia or fluid viscosity dominate. An alternative semi-empirical relation F = (1+λ)(1+½λ)ηdU/dy was found for the viscous case, when T is the whole shear stress. The ratio T/P was constant at 0·3 approx, in the inertia region, and at 0.75 approx, in the viscous region. The results are applied to a few hitherto unexplained natural phenomena.
Characterizing spatial distribution and temporal variation of PM10 and PM2.5 mass concentrations in an urban area of Southwest China

Abstract To investigate the temporal and spatial behavior of particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ), daily data of PM 10 and PM 2.5 mass concentrations were collected from five air–quality monitoring stations in Chengdu from March 2013 to February 2014. In this period, the daily average concentrations of PM 10 and PM 2.5 were 156.6 and 99.5 μg/m 3 , respectively, which exceeded both the Chinese ambient air–quality standards for PM and the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Higher mass concentrations of both PM 10 and PM 2.5 were observed in winter and spring, indicating that meteorological parameters play an important role. Although PM mass concentrations were evidently lower than reported in previous studies, the average PM 2.5 /PM 10 ratio in this study was higher, indicating that fine particulate (PM 2.5 ) pollution has become more serious. Weekly variations of PM concentrations were analyzed to estimate the impact of traffic restriction policies. The results show that the highest concentrations of particles were observed on Mondays and the lowest on Thursdays. Weekend effects were also obvious, which were mainly attributed to human activities.
Decay of streaks and rolls in plane Couette–Poiseuille flow

Abstract We report the results of an experimental investigation into the decay of turbulence in plane Couette–Poiseuille flow using ‘quench’ experiments where the flow laminarises after a sudden reduction in Reynolds number $Re$. Specifically, we study the velocity field in the streamwise–spanwise plane. We show that the spanwise velocity containing rolls decays faster than the streamwise velocity, which displays elongated regions of higher or lower velocity called streaks. At final Reynolds numbers above $425$, the decay of streaks displays two stages: first a slow decay when rolls are present and secondly a more rapid decay of streaks alone. The difference in behaviour results from the regeneration of streaks by rolls, called the lift-up effect. We define the turbulent fraction as the portion of the flow containing turbulence and this is estimated by thresholding the spanwise velocity component. It decreases linearly with time in the whole range of final $Re$. The corresponding decay slope increases linearly with final $Re$. The extrapolated value at which this decay slope vanishes is $Re_{a_z}\approx 656\pm 10$, close to $Re_g\approx 670$ at which turbulence is self-sustained. The decay of the energy computed from the spanwise velocity component is found to be exponential. The corresponding decay rate increases linearly with $Re$, with an extrapolated vanishing value at $Re_{A_z}\approx 688\pm 10$. This value is also close to the value at which the turbulence is self-sustained, showing that valuable information on the transition can be obtained over a wide range of $Re$.
Electric double layer capacitor and its improved specific capacitance using redox additive electrolyte

Halogen (iodide, I−) added aqueous electrolyte facilitates the capacitive behaviour of biomass derived activated carbon based electric double layer capacitors. To produce economically viable electrodes in large scale for supercapacitors (SCs), the activated carbons (ACs) prepared from Eichhornia crassipes (common water hyacinth) by ZnCl2 activation. The prepared ACs were characterized by XRD, Raman, FT-IR and surface area, pore size and pore volume analysis. The electrochemical properties of the SCs were studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cycling stability. The 3I−/I3−, 2I−/ I2, 2I3−/3I2 and I2/IO3− pairs produce redox peaks in CV and a large Faradaic plateau in charge–discharge curves. Similarly, I− ions improves the good ionic conductivity (lower charge transfer resistance) at the electrode/electrolyte interface which was identified through EIS studies. The calculated specific capacitance and energy density was 472 F g−1 and 9.5 W h kg−1 in aqueous solution of 1 M H2SO4. Interestingly, nearly two-fold improved specific capacitance and energy density of 912 F g−1 and 19.04 W h kg−1 were achieved when 0.08 M KI was added in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte with excellent cycle stability over 4000 cycles. Subsequently, this improved specific capacitance and energy density was compared with 0.08 M KBr added to 1 M H2SO4 (572 F g−1, 11.6 W h kg−1) and 0.08 M KI added to 1 M Na2SO4 (604 F g−1, 12.3 W h kg−1) as electrolytes.