Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
N2 fixation of nodules and N absorption by soybean roots associated with ridge tillage on poorly drained upland fields converted from rice paddy fields

Abstract Sowing on elevated ridges is effective in reducing wet injury of soybean plants cultivated in upland fields converted from rice paddy fields. Therefore, we investigated the effect of ridge tillage (RT) on soybean N accumulation properties. We compared the amounts of plant N associated with N2 fixation of nodules and from soil and fertilizer in the RT treatment with amounts in conventional tillage (CT) in two fields in 2002–2003. Both fields were upland fields converted from rice paddy fields (Typic Hydraquents). The main difference between the fields was the presence of a field underdrain. The amounts of Rb and K accumulated in the shoots were also determined to estimate soybean root distribution. The grain yields with RT increased in both fields from 106% to 129% compared with CT. Increased pod number and seed weight were the major factors responsible for the yield increase. anova indicated that RT significantly increased the activities of both N2 fixation of nodules and N absorption by roots until R1 (flowering stage). The ratio of Rb and K accumulated in the shoots indicated that with RT, the root distribution was more abundant in the superficial layers compared with CT. Thus, RT reduced wet injury during the rainy season that overlapped the flowering stage. Nitrogen accumulation from N2 fixation until the R7 stage with RT was significantly higher than that with CT. We concluded that RT was effective in increasing N2 fixation of nodules in poorly drained upland fields converted from rice paddy fields.
Effect of KCNE1 and KCNE3 Accessory Subunits on KCNQ1 Potassium Channel Function: A Dissertation

The KCNE1 and KCNE3 type I transmembrane-spanning β-subunits assemble with the KCNQ1 voltage-gated K + channel to afford membrane-embedded complexes with dramatically different properties. Assembly with KCNE1 produces the very slowly activating and deactivating I Ks current that shapes the repolarization phase of cardiac action potentials. Genetic mutations in KCNQ1 or KCNE1 that reduce I Ks current cause long QT syndrome and predispose affected individuals to potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. In contrast, complexes formed between KCNQ1 and KCNE3 produce rapidly activating and mostly voltage-independent currents, properties that are essential for function in K + recycling and Cl − secretion in gastrointestinal epithelia. This thesis addresses how these two homologous accessory peptides impart their distinctive effects on KCNQ1 channel gating by examining two important protein regions: 1) a conserved C-terminal motif in the β-subunits themselves, and 2) the voltage sensing domain of KCNQ1 channels. Sequences in both the transmembrane domain and C-terminus of KCNE1 and KCNE3 have been identified as contributing to the divergent modulatory effects that these β-subunits exert. The homology of transmembrane-abutting C-terminal residues within the KCNE family and the presence of long QT-causing mutations in this region highlight its importance. A bipartite model of modulation was proposed that suggests the transmembrane domain of KCNE1 is passive, allowing the C-terminal domain to control modulation. Chapter II builds on this model by investigating the effect of mutating specific amino acids in the KCNE1 C-terminal domain. Point mutants that produce ‘high impact’ perturbations in gating were shown to cluster in a periodic fashion, suggesting an alpha-helical secondary structure that is kinked by a conserved proline residue and interacts with the Q1 channel complex. In Chapter III, the voltage sensing domain of Q1 channels is examined in the presence of either KCNE1 or KCNE3. To determine the influence of these two peptides on voltage sensing, the position of the S4 voltage sensor was monitored using cysteine accessibility experiments. In the slowly opening KCNQ1/KCNE1 complexes, voltage sensor activation appears to occur much faster than the onset of current, suggesting that slow channel activation is not due to slowly moving voltage sensors. KCNE3, on the other hand, shifts the voltage sensor equilibrium to favor the active state, producing open channels even at negative voltages. Taken together, these findings provide mechanistic detail to illustrate how two homologous peptides radically alter the gating properties of the same K + channel and present a structural scaffold to map protein-protein interactions.
Evaluation of infrared spectroscopic techniques to determine the Drago constants of a cycloaliphatic epoxy

The task of understanding adhesion is not complete without considering acid–base interactions. Such site-specific interactions play a major role in promoting adhesion. However, these interactions are often difficult to characterize or quantify. In this work, a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin is studied by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to identify and quantify possible molecular interactions. As controls, simple molecules such as acetone and ethyl acetate were also studied. Moreover, interactions of molecules with structural similarities to the epoxy resin were studied to provide additional insight. Two infrared spectroscopic techniques, carbonyl peak shifts and hydroxyl peak shifts, were employed to quantify the acid–base interactions of these organic molecules. The Drago constants from carbonyl peak shifts were determined from predicted heats of complexation and also directly from hydroxyl peak shifts. The constants obtained for the control molecules were compared with published data. The Drago constants of the control molecules determined by hydroxyl peak shifts agreed well with literature values, in contrast, to those derived from the carbonyl peak shifts. This lack of correlation may be attributed to the influence of solvent effects and concentration dependence on carbonyl shifts. Using the hydroxyl peak shift approach, the Drago constants for the cycloaliphatic epoxy group of cycloaliphatic epoxy resin were found to be E B = 2.69 (kJ/mol)1/2 and C B = 4.04 (kJ/mol)1/2 and E B = 3.45 (kJ/mol)1/2 and C B = 2.11 (kJ/mol)1/2 for the ester group of the epoxy resin. The average Drago constants for the resin were found to be E B = 3.28 ± 0.14 (kJ/mol)1/2 and C B = 2.00 ± 0.09 (kJ/mol)1/2.
Revised central force potentials for water

Computer simulation by the molecular dynamics technique has been used to investigate a modification of the previously introduced ’’central force model’’ for liquid water. The simulation involved 216 molecules, with periodic boundary conditions and Ewald summation, at 29.5°C and 1 g/cm3. In all respects considered (pressure, energy, pair correlation functions, self‐diffusion rate) the revised set of interactions represents water more accurately than the earlier set.
Irreversible Nature of the Stacked β-Pleated Sheets of a Model Polypeptide

A mode of association of β-sheets, most probably the stacking of the pleated sheets, has been studied by circular dichroism and light scattering on the 5×10−2 mol dm−3 NaCl solutions of poly(S-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine). It was found that the association is highly irreversible with respect to concentration change at constant pH. Relevance of the study of synthetic polypeptides is discussed in relation to the association mode found in proteins.
Nucleation regime map for liquid bound granules

Nucleation is the first step in granulation where the powder and liquid first contact. Two types of nucleation in wet granulation processes are proposed. Drop controlled nucleation, where one drop forms one nucleus, occurs when drops hitting the powder surface do not overlap (low spray flux Psi(a)) and the drop must wet quickly into the bed (short drop penetration time t(p)). If either criterion is not met, powder mixing characteristics will dominate (mechanical dispersion regime). Granulation experiments were performed with lactose powder, water, PEG200, and 7% HPC solution in a 6 L and a 25 L mixer granulator. Size distributions were measured as the drop penetration time and spray flux were varied. At short penetration times, decreasing Psi(a) caused the nuclei distribution to become narrower. When drop penetration time was high, the nuclei size distribution was broad independent of changes in dimensionless spray flux. Nucleation regime maps were plotted for each set of experiments in each mixer as a function of the dimensionless distribution width delta. The nucleation regime map demonstrates the interaction between drop penetration time and spray flux in nucleation. The narrowest distribution consistently occurred at low spray flux and low penetration time, proving the existence of the drop controlled regime. The nucleation regime map provides a rational basis for design and scale-up of nucleation and wetting in wet granulation.
Formation of conjugated polynaphthalene via Bergman cyclization

A series of enediyne containing chiral phthalimides were synthesized through Sonogashira coupling reactions. These enediynes were then subjected to thermal Bergman cyclization under vacuum. Polynaphthalenes with pendant chiral groups were obtained and characterized using GPC, IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, UV―Vis spectroscopy, and photoluminescence analysis. Under properly optimized conditions, the chirality of chiral directing group was maintained according to CD spectra of final products. After removal of chiral directing groups, weak CD signals representative of main chain chirality were visible. Further modification of the structure of the enediyne compounds will facilitate the synthesis of chiral polynaphthalene through this rather simple way. Extension of the Bergman cyclization to polymer chemistry is promising in the construction of novel polymers with rigid polyarene backbones.
Experimental investigation of condensation heat transfer in microchannels.

The thesis describes experiments aimed at measurement of heat-transfer coefficients for condensation in a multi micro channel tube. Experiments were performed with steam and R113, fluids chosen to cover a wide range of thermophysical properties, in particular, surface tension which plays an important role during condensation in small, non-circular channels. The aluminum extruded condenser tube used had cooled length 748 mm and 13 parallel channels each with height 1.38 mm and width 1.41 mm. The upper and lower outer surfaces were cooled separately by water in counter flow in channels above and below the test tube. The mass flow rates in the two channels were adjusted to be the same. Coolant temperatures were measured at 17 positions along each of the coolant channels as well as at inlet and exit. An accurate direct measurement of the overall inlet-to-outlet coolant temperature difference was also measured directly with a 10 junction thermopile for each of the two coolant streams with junctions downstream of mixers. Temperatures of the condenser tube wall were measured at 10 positions on each of the upper and lower surfaces using embedded thermocouples. Temperatures and pressures of the vapour were measured in chambers at the inlet and outlet of vapour stream. Pressures were also measured in the condenser channels just upstream and just downstream of the cooled section. Data have been obtained for cases where the vapour was saturated (for both steam and R113) at inlet. Runs were made for complete and incomplete condensation within the tube. Earlier investigations are critically reviewed and seen to exhibit wide scatter and disagreement. For reasons which will become clear in the thesis, the present results cannot, unfortunately, be claimed to have superior accuracy and generally fall within the ranges of earlier data. A new and innovative test section has been designed and will be used in forthcoming experiments.
Nonlinear behavior of micro bubbles under ultrasound due to heat transfer

We investigated the nonlinear behavior of a microbubble under ultrasound, taking into account the heat transfer inside the bubble and through the bubble wall. The polytropic relation, which has been used for the process of pressure change depending on the volume variation of ideal gases, cannot properly treat heat transfer involving the oscillating bubble under ultrasound. In this study, a set of solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations for the gas inside the bubble along with an analytical treatment of the Navier-Stokes equations for the liquid adjacent to the bubble wall was used to treat properly the heat transfer process for the oscillating bubble under ultrasound. Entropy generation due to finite heat transfer, which induces the lost work during bubble evolution, reduces the collapsing process and considerably affects the nonlinear behavior of the bubble.
Influence of media, temperature and pH on growth of Colletotrichum capsici (Syd.) causing anthracnose disease of chilli

Colletotrichum capsici, the incitant of anthracnose disease of chilli, is a serious disease of chill crop in causing major economic loss to chilli production worldwide, especially in tropical and sub-tropical countries. An attempt was made to identify best supporting medium as well as different temperatures and pH which may support luxuriant growth of the fungus. Five different media tested, among them, Potato Dextrose Agar medium (PDA) was found very suitable for mycelia growth of Colletotrichum capsici resulting full plate growth (9 cm) within 9 days followed by Yeast Extract Potato Dextrose Agar medium, Chilli Extract Agar medium, Wheat grain Extract Agar medium and Malt Extract Agar medium. The growth of Colletotrichum capsici was found to be more vigrous at the temperature 300C where full plate growth of the mycelium (9cm) was found within 9 days followed by 250C, 350C and 200C. Among the different pH maximum radial growth (9cm) was recorded at pH7 within 9 days followed by 8, 6, 5 and 4.
Aqueous deposited copolymerization of acrylonitrile and itaconic acid

Aqueous deposited copolymerization reactions of acrylonitrile (AN) with itaconic acid (IA) were carried out in deionized water at 60°C with a single water-soluble initiator. High-molecular-weight polyacrylonitrile (PAN) copolymers were acquired by adjustment of technical polymerization parameters. When the amount of IA in the feed reached 2 wt %, the conversion of the polymerization reaction, intrinsic viscosity, and viscosity-average molecular weight all achieved their maximum values, whereas the molecular weight distribution achieved its minimum value. The AN/IA reactivity ratios, calculated with Q–e schemes (where Q and e are measures of the reactivity and polarity, respectively), agreed well with those determined with the Fineman–Ross and Kelen–Tudos methods. The thermal properties and structural characteristics of the PAN polymers were measured with differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The introduction of IA into the polymerization system was found to be propitious for the preoxidation of the PAN polymers, and the characteristic absorption bands of CN, CO, or OH existed in the polymer main chains. With an increase in the required amount of IA in the polymerization system, the exothermic figure of the exotherms became broader, and the intensity of the CO and OH absorption bands became stronger. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Revision of French Occupational Exposure Limits of Asbestos and Recommendation of Measurement Method: Can the Dimensional Characteristics of the Asbestos Fibers (Long, Thin, Short) Be Taken Into Account?

In France, the present regulations on occupational exposure to asbestos fibers take into account fibers (FRp: fibers measured for industrial hygiene) with the following dimensions: L > 5 μm, D < 3 μm, and L/D > 3 where L is the length and D the diameter of the fiber. The limit value is set at 0.1 f/cm3 for 1 hr. By definition short asbestos fibers (SAFs) are the fibers with 0.5 μm < L< 5 μm, D < 3 μm, and L/D ≥ 3; thin asbestos fibers (TAFs) are the fibers with L ≥ 5 μm, D < 0.2 μm, and L/D ≥ 3. The aim assigned to the French Agency for Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (AFSSET) Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) Committee, was essentially to evaluate the following elements: the relevance of the present French OEL, knowing that this limit excludes the counting of SAFs and TAFs; the consistency of the OEL in light of the different varieties of asbestos by studying possible differential toxicity according to the type of asbestos (chrysotile vs. amphiboles); and the assessment of different measuring methods and their adaptation for taking into account the dimensional characteristics of the asbestos fibers (long, thin, short). In conclusion of this appraisal, AFSSET is calling for the OEL for asbestos to be lowered. Presently set at 0.1 f/cm3 (100 f/L), this leads to an excess risk for a worker that cannot be regarded as acceptable. Initially and without delay, AFSSET is suggesting lowering it to 10 f/L, as an average over 8 hr, In addition, AFSSET recommends that over a period of 15 minutes a concentration equal to 5 times the 8-hr value (8-hr OEL) should not be exceeded, in order to protect workers from the effects of potential peaks in exposure. Moreover, AFSSET recommends changing from optical to electronic microscopy to count asbestos fibers, within the framework of workplace regulations. This will allow thin asbestos fibers to be included.
An Investigation into Modeling of Solids Friction for Dense-Phase Pneumatic Conveying of Powders

This article presents results from an investigation into the modeling of solids friction factor for fluidized dense-phase pneumatic conveying of powders. A fundamental design approach was pursued by employing “straight pipe” and “back calculation” techniques for modeling and using two types of power function formats. The “straight pipe” models were found to be unexpectedly different depending on the selected location of pressure-measuring tapping points (even for the same product). An attempt to explain this variation by studying the “straight pipe” conveying characteristics suggested significant changes in flow mechanisms along the pipe. The derived models were evaluated for scaleup accuracy and stability by predicting for larger and longer pipes. The results showed significant variations in predictions. One format of power function model was found to result in more stable predictions than the other. Possible explanations for the causes of such variations are provided. Physical observations of the flow phenomena of dense-phase conveying for different powders showed the products were mostly conveyed as a dense non-suspension liquid-type-layer along the bottom of the pipe. This mechanism does not seem to be correctly represented by the existing design approach of using a Froude number term in the solids friction factor models, thus initiating a search for suitable alternative dimensionless grouping(s) that can adequately represent the non-suspension flow phenomena. In this study, Steady-state conveying data of three different powders conveyed in various pipes (diameter/lengths) were used for the purpose of modeling and scaleup investigations.
Binary Adsorption of Benzene and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide on Carbon: Density Functional Theory Study

Binary adsorption of benzene and supercritical carbon dioxide on the carbon of a slitlike pore was theoretically studied by the nonlocal density functional theory (NDFT) of Kierlik and Rosinberg. The interaction between adsorbate molecules was represented by Lennard-Jones potential, and the 10−4−3 model was applied for the solid−fluid interaction. The effects of temperature, pressure, and bulk mole fraction of benzene on the adsorption behavior of the supercritical CO2 fluid mixture were investigated. The bulk fluid density is found to be the main controlling factor determining the adsorption at higher pressure, and comparatively, the adsorption is only weakly dependent upon temperature. The variation of the binary adsorption with the pore width was calculated, and the adsorption packing mechanism is discussed. The calculated results suggest that an optimal pore structure of adsorbent is possible for an enhancement of benzene adsorption. Finally, by applying the NDFT modeling result to the experimental da.
Trends of combinations of elastic constants of covalent semiconductors with mean interelectronic separation

Abstract Motivated by the jellium model, which is most appropriate for simple sp electron metals, in which trends of elastic constants with interelectronic separation r s are the focus, some extrapolation is made to the covalent diamond-structure semiconductors. This leads to the exposing of interrelationships involving experimental elastic compliance data, for C, Si, Ge and α-Sn.
EFFECTS OF POTASSIUM FERTILIZER AND FALL HARVESTS ON ALFALFA GROWN ON THE EASTERN CANADIAN PRAIRIES

The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of soil and fertilizer potassium (K) on the yield and chemical composition of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and whether fall harvesting (October) had detrimental effects on alfalfa grown under the relatively cool and short growing season of the Eastern Canadian Prairies. Vernal alfalfa was sown on five soils, two high and three low in amounts of exchangeable K. Three harvests were taken each year in June, July, and October at the full bud stage. The soils were rated on their potential potassium supplying power (PKSP). The effect of fertilizer K on increasing the availability of soil K and on the K and N composition of the forage were measured. The PKSP of the soils was not related to initial levels of exchangeable K. However, soils with low exchangeable K and low PKSP required an annual application of 200 kg K/ha to produce maximum yield. There was response to K fertilizer on only one of the soils with high exchangeable K, and then only to the first.
Is serum complement C1q related to major depressive disorder?

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) has a high global incidence. While the pathogenesis of depression remains unknown, accumulating evidence has implicated inflammatory changes. Aim: The aim of the study is to compare the serum complement C1q levels in patients with MDD and healthy controls. Setting and Design: The design was a case–control study. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from the patients with MDD and healthy controls to assess the serum C1q levels using an immunotransmission turbidimetric method. Statistical Analysis: Differences in complement C1q levels between patients with MDD and the controls, as well as between sexes among patients with MDD and the controls, were assessed using Mann–Whitney U-test. Spearman correlations were obtained between complement C1q levels and age. Results: In total, 1016 participants (508 MDD and 508 controls) were recruited. Differences in the sex ratio (male/female among controls, 181/327; and MDD, 178/330) and age (controls, 47.0 ± 14.9 years; MDD, 46.5 ± 16.5 years) were not significant. The C1q level in the patients with MDD was significantly higher than that in the healthy controls (P < 0.05). In the MDD group, C1q level correlated significantly with age. Conclusion: Elevation of the serum complement C1q levels in MDD may support the use of C1q as a potential biomarker for diagnosing depression, but further research is needed.