Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unstable to Stable Transformations during Dolomitization

Dolomitization of calcite at 218°C in hydrothermal bombs resulted in a series of unstable precursors to the final product, stoichiometric, ordered dolomite. The first phase formed was high-Mg calcite with approximately $$35 mole \% MgCO_{3}$$. This was replaced by Ca-rich, poorly ordered dolomite that was, in turn, replaced by ordered, stoichiometric dolomite. The rate of dolomitization and the rate at which unstable phases transformed to stoichiometric dolomite was related to the $$Mg^{2+}/Ca^{2+}$$ ratio of the solution. There was no simple relationship between the $$Mg^{2+}/Ca^{2+}$$ ratio solution and that of the products. SEM analyses of the products are interpreted to indicate that the unstable to stable transformation occurs by three, possibly simultaneous, mechanisms: (1) The small rhombs in the final products indicate that new crystals continue to nucleate during the reaction. (2) The large rhombs indicate that overgrowths of the more stable phase grew on the less stable phase. (3) The very irregular interiors indicate that the initial unstable products underwent a intercrystalline-scale dissolution and reprecipitation replacement.
Heavy Metal Content in Lettuce Plants Grown in Biosolids Compost

The objective of this work was to evaluate the affects of the application of composted biosolids on the accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in lettuce leaves. Pots containing different proportions (0 to 100%) of composted biosolids were used to grow lettuce plants under greenhouse conditions. Dry and fresh weight, leaf area and Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn uptake were determined after harvest. It was found that the dry and fresh matter productions of the plants were significantly lower in the control treatment. The addition of composted biosolids caused a 20 and 40% increase in biomass accumulation. Cd and Pb concentrations in leaves were below detection limits (0.05 mg kg−1) in all treatments. Zn concentration in leaves increases as compost proportion decreases, ranging from 57.2 to 80.4 mg kg−1. Composted biosolids application increased the Cu and Ni plant concentrations, ranging from 5.1 to 9.8 mg Cu kg−1 and 2.3 to 3.7 mg Ni kg−1. In all treatments the proportions of heavy metals in plants were below the international standards of toxicity. The results allow us to suggest that, in short-term applications, composted biosolids could be used as soil amendment for lettuce production, without toxic effects in the chemical composition of the plant.
Structure and Packing in Smectic E and Smectic A Phases in the Series of 4-n-Alkyloxy-4′-alkanoylbiphenyls

By means of X-ray investigations the structure of the SE and SA-phases of the title compounds has been studied. The lattice parameters of the orthorhombic SE structure are given. The thickness of the smectic layers is nearly the same in the SE and SA phases and agrees well with the length of the molecules in their most stretched form. That suggests a similar conformation of the alkyl chains in both phases. A model of the packing in the SA phase is discussed which is based on a dense packing with antiparallel orientation of molecules with a non-symmetrical shape. Mit Hilfe von rontgenographischen Verfahren wurde die Struktur der SE und SA Phasen der genannten Verbindungen untersucht. Die Gitterparameter der orthorhombischen Struktur in der SE Phase werden angegeben. Die Dicke der smektischen Schichten in der SE und SA Phase ist nahezu gleich und stimmt gut mit der Lange der Molekule in ihrer gestreckten Form uberein. Dieses Ergebnis legt eine ahnliche Konformation der Alkylketten in beiden Phasen nahe. Es wird ein Packungsmodell fur die SA Phase diskutiert, das auf einer dichten Packung antiparallel orientierter Molekule von nichtsymmetrischer Form basert.
Feasibility of Sludge Ozonation for Stabilization and Conditioning

A pilot-scale sludge treatment plant was built to investigate the feasibility of ozonation processes for waste activated sludge treatment. Ozonation of wastewater sludge resulted in mass reduction by mineralization as well as by supernatant and filtrate recycle. Another advantage of sludge ozonation is a significant improvement of settleability and dewaterability. Experimental results showed that mass reduction of 70% and volume reduction of 85% compared with the control sludge was achieved through the sludge ozonation at a dose of 0.5 gO3/gDS. It is also interesting to note that the filterability deteriorates up to ozone dose of 0.2 gO3/gDS and then improves considerably at a higher ozone dose. The filterability could be improved by chemical conditioning even at a low ozone dose. The economic feasibility by cost analysis reveals that ozonation processes can be more economical than other alternative processes for sludge treatment and disposal at small-sized wastewater treatment plants.
Dissolution Testing and Potentiometric Assay of Sertraline Hydrochloride in Batch and FIA Conditions

An electrochemical polyvinyl chloride membrane sensor for sertraline (Ser) was prepared based on the ion associate of sertraline with phosphotungstic acid. The sensor was fully characterized in terms of its membrane composition, life span, effect of soaking, pH, interferences, and temperature and exhibited an average Nernestian response (61.6 ± 0.9 mV/decade) in the concentration range of 1.0 × 10−2 –5.0 × 10−5 M. Sertraline was assayed potentiometrically in its pure solutions and pharmaceutical preparations using the developed electrode under batch and flow injection conditions and the recovery values ranged from 93.44–101.12%, with a relative standard deviation of 0.53–1.27%. The sensor was successfully applied to the determination of the dissolution profile study of (Ser) tablets and the results were validated by comparison with spectrophotometric assays according to the quality control unit of the tablets pharmaceutical company producers. The results obtained from the proposed electrode were statistically analyzed and compared to a reported method. No significant difference was observed regarding both accuracy and precision.
Accumulation and effect of arsenic on tomatoes

Changes in plant growth and in pigment content were studied in tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum), cultivated on soils, polluted with arsenic (As) in sublethal doses (15, 25, 50, and 100 mg kg−1). An elongation of root system and increase of stem height and stem weight was observed at lower arsenic concentration (15 and 25 mg kg−1) especially at 15 mg kg−1. The higher element concentrations (50 and 100 mg kg−1) lead to a decrease in growth of both the vegetative and root system. An index of depression (ID), calculated on the base of morphological parameters shows a stimulation of plant growth in case of 15 mg kg−1 As in soil and depression of plant growth in case of 50 and 100 mg kg−1 As in soil. No significant change of ID was observed in the case of 25 mg kg−1 As in soil. The lower As doses (15 and 25 mg kg−1) stimulated synthesis of pigments may be as a result of defense mechanism of plants to the applied stress, while the higher ones (50 and 100 mg kg−1) decrease it. The significant decline of the pigments in plants treated with higher doses is an indication of poor conditions of those plants and the lack of adaptive adjustment to high As levels. All these changes could be an indication of arsenic toxicity on the plants. The As concentration 25 mg kg−1 in soil appeared to be a threshold value over which the element causes some toxic changes in plants.
δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase Test for Lead Exposure

The determination of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) in erythrocytes is one of the most reliable indicators for evaluating occupational exposure to a low concentration of lead. The ALA-D test is usually performed with incubation at the pH level found in normal blood. However, the optimum pH for determinations of ALA-D in occupational lead exposure is different from, and at a lower pH level compared with, the normal. Accordingly, I undertook to perform the ALA-D assay by simultaneous incubation at the normal and at a lower pH value, and the results were expressed as the value of an activity ratio in addition to the activity. The activity ratio in the ALA-D test has a close correlation with the level of lead in blood.
Dielectric Properties of PVDF/PZT

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) / lead zirconate titanate nanocomposite (PVDF/PZT‐NPs) were successfully prepared by mixing fine Pb(Zr0.52, Ti0.48)O3 nanoparticles (PZT‐NPs) into a PVDF solution under ultrasonication. The mixture was spin coated onto glass substrate and then annealed at 80° C. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the structure and properties of the obtained thin‐film nanocomposites. The nanocomposites exhibited good dielectric stability over a wide frequency range.
Implications of Illite/Smectite Stability Diagrams: A Discussion

Although all interstratified iUite/smectites contain some Mg and/or Fe, changes in the site occupancies of these cations are not required in the conversion of interlayers from smectite to illite (Garrels, 1984). Thus, to a first approximation, il l i te/smectite phase relationships can be represented in the simplified system K20A12Oa-SiO2-H20. On this premise, Garrels (1984) recently constructed chemical activity diagrams of the system K20-AI2Oa-SiO2-H20 to compare phase relat ionships expected i f i l l i te/smectite (I/S) behaves as a solid solution (single phase) or as a mixture o f two phases. Analyses of natural aqueous solutions in contact with clays (Aagaard and Helgeson, 1983) were found to lie close to the phase boundary representing US (two phase) equilibrium, assuming arbitrary but reasonable illite and smectite compositions, whereas these analyses cross the field of I/S solid solution (one phase). It is difficult, however, to determine whether these aqueous solutions are actually in equil ibrium with illite, because no composit ions are available for natural solutions known to coexist with illite (Aagaard and Helgeson, 1983). In the absence of conclusive data, Garrels (1984) reasoned that the available data are more nearly consistent with the interpretation that I/S is a two-phase assemblage rather than a single-phase solid solution. Inasmuch as the evidence available to Garrels was not definitive, he suggested criteria for distinguishing between these two hypotheses and proposed long-term experiments to resolve the problem. If I/S behaves as two phases, equilibration with kaolinite should result in isothermal, isobaric invariance, thus fixing solution composi t ion at the kaolinite-iUitesmectite triple point (Garrels, 1984, Figure 4). On the other hand, i f I/S behaves as a solid solution, equilibrat ion with kaolinite would not result in isothermal, isobaric invariance. A range of solution composit ions (aK./an§ asio2) could, therefore, coexist at equilibrium with kaolinite and I/S solid solution (Garrels, 1984, Figure 3). Garrels ' analysis is particularly t imely because the critical data necessary to test these hypotheses concerning the nature of illite have recently become available.
Recent papers utilizing Cape Point mercury monitoring data

Mercury is a globally important toxin that has the potential to cause significant adverse impacts to human and environmental health. Mercury that is released from natural or anthropogenic activities has the ability to enter the atmosphere and due to its long atmospheric lifespan it is able to be transported great distances around the world. As part of the biogeochemical cycling of mercury, gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) (the most abundant species of atmospheric mercury, accounting for >90% of the total atmospheric mercury) is able to be oxidised and is deposited in water and on land, where it undergoes further biogeochemical cycling to form methylated mercury.
Free Volumes and Free Angle Ratios of Molecules in Liquids

The free volume is defined as the total integral over that part of the potential energy of the molecule in the liquid which is due to thermal displacements of the center of gravity of the molecule from its equilibrium position. The free angle is the corresponding integral over angular displacements of the molecule. The free volume, Vf is related to the velocity of sound, u, in the liquid by u(liquid)=u (gas) (V/Vf)13. This equation is used to derive a formula connecting the sound velocity in the liquid with its thermal conductivity. The quantity, RT/p exp (ΔH/RT), gives the product of the free angle ratio and the free volume, rather than the free volume itself. Here p is the vapor pressure and ΔH is the heat of vaporization. The free volumes from sound velocities agree with those determined by independent methods. Specific heats, entropies of vaporization, the spectroscopic observations of Cartwright, and the differences between sound velocity, free volumes and the function RT/p ×exp (ΔH/RT) are examined .
A Generalized Mechanism for Ligand‐Induced Dipolar Assembly of Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticle Chain Networks

The mechanism of gold nanoparticle chain assembly associated with the induction of electric dipole–dipole interactions arising from the partial ligand exchange of surface‐adsorbed citrate ions by mercaptoethanol is investigated. UV‐vis spectrophotometry and electron microscopy are used, respectively, to determine the kinetics and time‐dependent structural changes associated with formation of the 1D nanoparticle superstructures between 5 and 50 °C. The results indicate that assembly of the plasmonic nanoparticle networks is extremely sensitive to changes in temperature. Formation of the nanoparticle chains is optimized at 25–30 °C and follows first order kinetics with increasing reaction rates attained for higher initial nanoparticle concentrations. Below 25 °C, plasmonic nanoparticle networks are produced but at a considerably reduced rate. In contrast, above 30 °C, short‐chain networks form rapidly but the process is superseded by a secondary mechanism that limits chain growth and produces small fragments and isolated Au nanoparticles. The changes in assembly behavior are attributed to the temperature‐dependent ordering and disordering of mercaptoethanol molecules associated with the gold nanoparticle surface. The results provide a general mechanistic model for the self‐assembly of metallic nanoparticles based on ligand‐induced electric dipolar interactions, which are globally under thermodynamic control but sensitive to kinetic aspects. It is also shown that the dipolar mechanism can be further exploited to introduce larger nanoparticles as topological dopants that reside specifically at branching points or termini in the self‐assembled 1D nanoparticle networks.
Crystal structure of an orthorhombic form of 1,2-bis(phenylsulfonyl)ethane at 86 K

C 14 H O 4 S 2 cristallise dans Pma2 1 avec a=24,249, b=11,079, c=5,257 A z=4; affinement jusqu'a R=0,027 (0,030 pour la meilleure description de la structure). La sequence C-C-S-C (phenyl) est orientee de facon trans, tandis qu'elle est de type gauche dans une forme monoclinique. L'un des cycle phenyl possede une symetrie de type C 2j , l'autre cycle est dans un environnement anisotrope. L'empilement cristalin differe de la forme orthorhombique a la forme monoclinique
INTERMEDIATES IN THE PHOTOCONVERSION OF FUNCTIONAL PHYTOCHROME IN FERN SPORES OF Dryopteris–II. In vivo KINETICS OF THE DECAY OF Ii700 AND OF THE FORMATION OF Pfr STUDIED WITH A DOUBLE‐LASER APPARATUS*

Abstract— Photoconversion of the red‐light‐absorbing form of phytochrome, Pr, to the far‐red‐light‐absorbing form, Pfr, was investigated in vivo at 22°C with 600 or 800 ns laser pulses of high spectral purity and induction of spore germination in Dryopteris paleacea was used as indicator for the progress of photoconversion. This reaction is initiated by a saturating R‐laser pulse of 648.5 nm, establishing an equilibrium of the photochromic system between Pr and the very early intermediates, Ii700 (Prφ Ii700)‐ The decay of Ii700 as well as the formation of Pfr was recorded by the application of a second pulse varied between 698 and 717.5 nm, which inhibits the formation of Plr being absorbed predominantly by Ii700or Pfr, respectively.
An interval dynamic multimedia fugacity (IDMF) model for environmental fate of PAHs and their source apportionment in a typical oilfield, China

An interval dynamic multimedia fugacity (IDMF) model with a new validation criterion of interval average logarithmic residual error (IALRE) was developed in this study. The environmental fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their source apportionment in a typical oilfield of China were simulated from 1985 to 2010. The PAH concentrations predicted by the model were in agreement with the measured concentrations, which were indicated by the IALREs calculated at 0.41, 0.63, 0.52, and 0.58 for air, water, soil, and sediment, respectively. The multimedia concentrations of Σ16 PAHs were 29.55, 39.22, 31.98, and 26.69 times greater in 2010 than those in 1985, and were higher than any other year modelled. Additionally, 87.82% of PAHs remained in the soil in 2010. PAH source emission into the soil was the major modelled source, whereas PAH degradation in the air was the major modelled loss pathway; the dominant transfer process between the adjacent compartments was atmospheric deposition from air to soil. It was demonstrated that high-temperature combustion was the major source of PAHs in the air and soil, whereas biomass and coal combustion were attributed to water and sediment compartments. The IDMF model was effective in the dynamic source apportionment of PAHs.
A comparison of the methods for determination of the rennet coagulation properties of milk

Abstract The objective of the present study was to compare two methods for measuring the rennet coagulation properties of milk: the Formagraph, and the Optigraph. The parameters used to describe rennet coagulation of 81 milk samples were rennet coagulation time (RCT, Formagraph, and R, Optigraph) and curd firmness 30 min after the addition of rennet (E30, Formagraph, and A30, Optigraph). New Optigraph system recipes were found: R slope = 1.784 and R offset = − 2.303. Using the above Optigraph system recipes, no statistically significant differences were found in rennet coagulation time measurements in either of the studied methods. Regarding curd firmness, the best approximation to describe the relationship between the methods was polynomial: E30= − 0.0357*A30 2+2.8795*A30 −5.2991 (R 2 =0.925). Such strong correlations indicate that the two techniques for detecting milk coagulation properties are comparable and that the data obtained by these methods allow for data interpretation in studies using either method.
Microbial biomass dynamics and soil wettability as affected by the intensity and frequency of wetting and drying during straw decomposition

Water repellency is influenced by soil management and biological process. We carried out a 60‐day laboratory incubation experiment to evaluate the effects of straw amendment, together with the intensity and frequency of wetting and drying (W/D), on microbial processes and water repellency. One W/D cycle consisted of 1.5‐day wetting at −0.03 kPa from the soil core bottom and different drying lengths in a temperature‐controlled laboratory, resulting in different drying intensities. At a regular interval, soil respiration rate (SRR) on drying and wetting, soil microbial biomass C and N (SMB‐C and N), and soil water repellency (SWR) after the wetting were measured simultaneously. Rice straw amendment had a greater effect on SRR, but smaller influences on SMB and SMB‐C : N than W/D frequency and drying intensity. The first W/D caused the largest decrease in soil respiration and the soil respiration recovered partly in the subsequent W/D cycles. The increase in SMB and SMB‐C : N as well as metabolic quotient with W/D frequency and intensity suggested a shift of microbial community from bacterial dominance to fungal dominance. SWR was significantly related to SMB‐C (R2= 0.689, P < 0.001). However, this study was limited to these indirect measurements. Direct measurements of fungal biomass and microbial community are needed in the future. The results suggest that rice straw amendment in dry season may increase C sequestration due to reduced decomposition and stabilize soil structure due to the enhancement of microbial induced water repellency.
Age and Second Language Development: A Critical Study

This paper focuses on the critical analysis of theoretical and the basic empirical findings dealing with the question of Age and Second Language Development (L2D). Both behavioral and brain-based results are shown in the contexts of background and terminology, age of acquisition, critical period hypothesis, age effects, native attainment, evidence of non-nativelikeness, age and nativelikenss in the brain-based results, the aging brain, cognitive considerations, affective considerations, brain volume, and dopamine mechanism among children and adults. Suggesting beyond the classical judgments of “deficient” L2 development, we comment on the complimentary issues of learner potential in post-adolescent L2D.
Elastic constants of monocrystal iron from 3 to 500 K

Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy was used to measure the monocrystal elastic constants of iron over a temperature range of 3–500K. All the moduli behave normally as a function of temperature and are well described by the semiempirical Einstein-oscillator model. Values at 300K are bulk modulus=166.2±0.9GPa; shear constant C′=(C11−C12)∕2=48.15±0.9GPa; shear constant C44=115.87±0.17GPa. The Poisson ratio (ν100) is 0.3679±0.0005. Representation surfaces of Young’s and torsion moduli are presented. The Debye temperature (θD) is 476.3K as calculated from 3K measured elastic constants. A thermodynamic Gruneisen parameter γth=1.65 is calculated. The temperature dependence of the internal friction associated with C′ is very different from that associated with C44. Possible reasons for this difference are suggested.
Graphene sheets decorated with SnO2 nanoparticles: in situ synthesis and highly efficient materials for cataluminescence gas sensors

Graphene sheets decorated with SnO2 nanoparticles were prepared through a facile hydrothermal-assisted in situ synthesis route. According to the XPS, XRD, FESEM and TEM analysis, rutile SnO2 nanocrystals were exclusively deposited on graphene sheets with high density and high uniformity to form layered composite sheets. Propanal, a common volatile organic compound, was selected as a model to investigate the cataluminescence (CTL) sensing properties of the SnO2/graphene composite in this paper. It was found that the strong CTL emission could be generated due to the catalyzing oxidization of propanal on the surface of SnO2/graphene composite and this composite was an efficient sensing material for propanal. We further studied the analytical characteristics of the CTL sensor based on SnO2/graphene composite sensing material for propanal under the optimal experimental conditions. The linear range of the propanal gas sensor was 1.34–266.67 μg mL−1 (r = 0.9987), over two orders of magnitude, and the detection limit was 0.3 μg mL−1(S/N = 3).