Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synaptic activity of auditory and vestibular hair cells

·--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------············xiv CHAPTER 1: The inner ear and hair cell resonant frequency Introduction: Sensory organs of the inner ear and innervation . ------------------------------·--------·1 Hair cell shape and innervation of the cochlea and sacculus . 2 Frequency detection in the cochlea and sacculus __________________________________________ . 4 Resonant frequency in non-mammalian hair cells . 5 CHAPTER II: The afferent synapse Introduction: Afferent synapse architecture . ---------------------------------------------·--------------·9 Exocytosis at the afferent synapse __________________________________________________________________ . 11 Vesicle replenishment . -----------------------------------------------------------·--------------------···16 Results: Calcium entry sites in hair cells ------------------------------------------------------------------------·18 CtBP staining of hair cell dense bodies . J9 Voltage-gated inward current and exocytosis . 20 Spontaneous fluorescence and membrane voltage oscillation at rest __________ 20 Fluo-3 fluorescence transients . 21 A fast RRP observed in hair cells . 21 Spontaneous release of FM1-43 dye observed with TIRF microscopy ________ . 22 Possible fusion of a small, synaptic vesicle . 23 Varied vesicle diameters at the dense body in electron micrographs ___________ 24 Dense bodies at presumed afferent synapses in electron micrographs _______ 25 Discussion: Identification of the afferent synapse in hair cells . 26 Voltage-gated calcium channels in bullfrog saccular hair cells . 27 Membrane voltage oscillation in bullfrog saccular hair cells . 28 Fluo dye fluorescence transients imaged with TIRF . 28 Ready-releasable poo1 . 29 The estimated RRP size exceeds the dense body's complement of vesicles in bullfrog saccular hair cells . 31 Physiologically-relevant stimulation and the RRP ___________________________________________ 33 Spontaneous vesicle fusion in bullfrog saccular hair cells ______________________________ 33 Endosome size and multi-vesicular release . 34 CHAPTER Ill: The efferent synapse Introduction: Efferent synapse activity __ . 36 Cholinergic efferent effects on sensory detection . 37 Ionic activity at the cholinergic efferent synapse . 37 Nicotinic ACh receptors . 38 SK channels . 39
pH‐sensing nanostar probe using surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS): theoretical and experimental studies

Local pH environment has been considered to be a potential biomarker for tumor diagnosis because solid tumors contain highly acidic environments. A pH-sensing nanoprobe based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) using nanostars under near-infrared excitation has been developed for potential biomedical applications. To theoretically investigate the effect of protonation state on SERS spectra of p-mercaptobenzoic acid (pMBA), we used the density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP functional to calculate Raman vibrational spectra of pMBA-Au/Ag complex in both protonated and deprotonated states. Vibrational spectral bands were assigned with DFT calculation and used to investigate SERS spectral changes observed from experiment when varying pH value between five and nine. The SERS peak position of pMBA at ~1580 cm−1 was identified to be a novel pH-sensing index, which has small but noticeable downshift with pH increase. This phenomenon is confirmed and well-explained with theoretical simulation. The study demonstrates that SERS is a sensitive tool to monitor minor structural changes due to local pH environment, and DFT calculations can be used to investigate Raman spectra changes associated with minor differences in molecular structure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relation of Ground-Sensor Canopy Reflectance to Biomass Production and Grape Color in Two Merlot Vineyards

Recent studies with optical remote sensing have demonstrated the relationship between canopy reflectance, biomass production, and certain quality attributes of grapes in red winegrape vineyards. Multispectral reflectance data are currently delivered by airborne platforms, but may not be available to producers in time to implement critical management decisions. Ground-based sensors are designed to overcome many limitations associated with satellite- or aircraft-based sensing systems. This study provides information about the potential of ground-based canopy sensors in predicting biomass production and quality attributes of grapes in two Merlot vineyards. Multispectral sensors were mounted on a tractor and recorded canopy reflectance from two different viewing angles and fields of view along selected rows of vines. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was compared to pruning weight, phenol, anthocyanin, and sugar content of grapes measured in 25 to 32 sampling positions within each vineyard over two growing seasons. Sensor canopy reflectance predicted the spatial variation of biomass production in the two vineyards with varying degrees of precision. A nadir viewing angle of the canopy near veraison provided estimates of NDVI that were better predictors of biomass production, while masking the sensor optics provided more reliable estimates of canopy reflectance. The quadratic relationship between NDVI and pruning weight improved with decreasing sensor resolution (from one plant to four plants). A negative correlation between canopy reflectance and anthocyanin content of grapes was significant in one of the two vineyards and implied an inverse relationship between biomass production and grape color. Results demonstrate the potential value of proximal remote sensing in optimizing production, improving wine quality, and reducing chemical inputs.
X-Ray Photoemission Spectroscopy of Nd2-xCexCuO4-y and La2-xSrxCuO4

We have measured the Cu 2p and O 1s X-ray photoemission spectra of the high-Tc superconductors Nd2-xCexCuO4-y and La2-xSrxCuO4, and the copper oxides CuO and Cu2O. The Cu 2p spectra of superconductors show features similar to those of CuO with divalent Cu ions. For Nd2-xCexCuO4-y, the intensity ratio of the satellite to the main peaks decreases with increasing Ce content. The O 1s spectra exhibit a single-peaked structure and are insensitive to whether either electron or hole is doped.
Coal combustion in O2/CO2 mixtures compared with air

As part of CO2 abatement strategies for climate change, we are investigating coal combusion behaviour in various O2/CO2 mixtures and in air. The goal is to simulate conditions of coal combustion with flue gas recirculation in order to maximize the CO2 concentration in the flue gas prior to its recovery. A western Canadian sub-bituminous coal and a U.S. eastern bituminous coal were investigated. Thermal input was set at 0.21 MW with a flue gas oxygen concentration of 5 vol%. Experiments were done using various O2/CO2 mixtures and air. The oxygen concentration ranged from 21% to 42%. Up to 95% CO2 concentrations were achieved in the flue gas. This paper describes experimental results in terms of flame temperatures and pollutant emissions (NOx', SO2 and CO).
Optimization of phosphorus removal from reject water of sludge thickening and dewatering process through struvite precipitation

AbstractChemical precipitation using magnesium salt is an effective technology for recovering phosphorus and ammonium nitrogen from wastewater. Effects of pH, Mg/P ratio, stirring rate, and seed crystal (SC) dosage on phosphate removal efficiency (PRE) and average particle diameter (APD) of precipitates were investigated for reject water from sludge thickening and dewatering process in municipal wastewater treatment. Response surface methodology was applied to understand the significance and the interactive effects of reaction factors. The increases in Mg/P ratio, stirring rate, and SC dosage were in favor of phosphate removal from reject water. pH is the dominant factor for phosphate removal by magnesium, followed by Mg/P and stirring rate, while SC dosage has the least effect on PRE and APD. Kinetic analysis showed that both pH regulation and SC addition could accelerate the reaction rate. The optimum conditions were obtained at pH 10.4, Mg/P of 2.0, stirring rate of 150 rpm, and SC dosage of 26.7 mg/L,.
Computerized motivational intervention and contingency management for smoking cessation in methadone-maintained opiate-dependent individuals

Approximately 20% of Canadian adults currently smoke, despite widespread knowledge of the significant health problems associated with tobacco use. Of the many smoking cessation interventions developed, contingency management (CM) appears to be among the most efficacious. This type of external motivation has previously been shown to be very efficacious when the contingency is in place, but its effects tend to diminish once the contingency is removed. In contrast, motivational interviewing (MI) is designed to increase an individual's internal motivation for behaviour change. Studies have shown this type of intervention to produce modest effects for smoking cessation, although follow-up data suggest that the effects of such interventions can be relatively longlasting. This study evaluated the combined efficacy of CM and a brief computer-delivered motivational intervention (CDMI) for smoking cessation. This CDMI is based on the principles of MI but is modified from this traditional approach in order to accommodate a computerized delivery of the intervention. The intention was to harness the short-term effectiveness of CM while enhancing or perhaps extending its effects by combining it with CDMI. Using a sample of 48 opiate-dependent persons receiving methadone maintenance therapy, this randomized trial compared rates of smoking cessation for patients receiving CDMI and CM together to those of patients receiving CDMI alone or treatment as usual. Results indicated that the combination of CDMI and CM was most effective at producing reductions in breath carbon monoxide during the four-week study period, while CDMI only participants endorsed the highest levels of motivation to quit smoking.
Beyond the Consensus View: Whole Science

The “consensus view”on the nature of science (NOS) is nowoutmoded. To help frame an enduring alternative, one should attend first to the “why”of NOS education. Functional, or civic, scientific literacy is foundational. Acknowledging a need for consumers and citizens to assess the reliability of scientific claims in personal and public decision making leads to an expansive, open-ended, and inclusive list of contextualized NOS elements—experimental, conceptual, and social—known as Whole Science. Any enduring reform also needs to consider practicalities, such as the challenge of assessment, the inevitable role of epistemic dependence (and lessons about expertise, trust, and science on artists), NOS education beyond the classroom, and the development of concrete lessons based on inquiry learning. RésuméLe « consensus » sur la nature des sciences/nature of science (NOS) est maintenant dépassé. Afin de définir ce cadre d’un autre point de vue durable, il convient de commencer par s’interroger sur le « pourquoi » de l’enseignement de la nature des sciences. l’alphabétisation scientifique en constitue la basez: le fait de reconnaître la nécessité pour les consommateurs et les citoyens d’évaluer la fiabilité des affirmations scientifiques dans la prise de décision personnelle et publique, mène à une liste ouverte et toujours plus étendue d’éléments contextualisésexpérimentaux, conceptuels et sociauxen nature des sciences, regroupés sous le nom de Science Entière ou Science Intégrale. Toute réforme durable doit également prendre en considération certains aspects pratiques tels que le défi que pose l’évaluation, le rôle incontournable de la dépendance épistémique (et les leçons à tirer de la compétence, de la confiance et des arnaques scientifiques), l’enseignement de la nature des sciences audelà de la formation scolaire, et la conception de leçons concrètes fondées sur l’apprentissage-enquête.
EFFICIENT COUNTER-CURRENT CHROMATOGRAPHIC ISOLATION AND STRUCTURAL IDENTIFICATION OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM SWEET POTATO LEAVES

High-speed counter-current chromatography was successfully applied to separate and purify bioactive ingredients from sweet potato leaves. Four caffeoylquinic acid derivatives and a mixture of two flavonoids were successfully obtained in one step. The caffeoylquinic acid derivatives were 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid (1), 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4), 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (5), and 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (6). The two-phase solvent system was composed of n-hexane\ethyl acetate\ethanol\water\acetic acid (1:5:2:4:0.1, v/v). The upper layer was used as the stationary phase, and the lower layer was used as the mobile phase. The flow rate was 1.5 mL/min, the revolution speed was 850 rpm, and the injection volume was 280 mg. The mixture of flavonoids was separated by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography into quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (2) and quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside (3). The purities of compounds 1–6 were 95.8% (5.4 mg), 99.5% (6.1 mg), 98.7% (15.1 mg), 97.8% (14.5 mg), 96.2% (10.3 mg), and 96.8% (7.8 mg), respectively, as determined by HPLC with a pulsed amperometric detector. The chemical structures were identified by electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. The results showed the efficiency of the method in purifying bioactive compounds from sweet potato leaves, and compound 2 was separated from sweet potato for the first time.
Phase transition in SrxBa1−xNb2O6 ferroelectric crystals probed by Raman spectroscopy

In this paper the temperature evolution of the main Raman peak at about 630 cm−1 has been studied in order to detect the ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition in strontium barium niobate (SrxBa1−xNb2O6) crystals with different stoichiometries (x = 0.33, 0.5 and 0.61). Both its peak wavenumber and width have been shown to be strongly dependent on temperature and display clear anomalies around the Curie temperature. The obtained results manifest the usefulness of simple unpolarized Raman spectra to probe the changes in Tc as a result of modifications in the crystal composition.
Protein Degradation and Instrumental Textural Changes in Fresh Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during Frozen Storage

Textural changes as well as protein degradation during frozen storage of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) at −18C for 150 days were studied. Salt-soluble protein and protein solubility decreased significantly during the frozen storage period. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed, and no visible changes in myosin heavy chain were observed up to 90th day of frozen storage period; however, the thickness of band was found to decrease thereafter. A new lighter band with molecular weight of 29 kDa was found on 120th and 150th day of sampling period. Actin was found more resistant to proteolysis. Texture profile analysis revealed that hardness 1, hardness 2, gumminess and chewiness gradually decreased up to 120th day, but showed an increase thereafter. Although sensory attributes decreased with the progress of frozen storage period, the fish was in acceptable condition on 150th day. Gradual toughening of muscle was recorded by the sensory panelists. Practical Application The popularity of tilapia is gaining importance for the development of different value-added fish products as well as for canning purposes. Therefore, it is important from the part of fish processor to know the changes of protein and texture profile during frozen storage. Although there was protein degradation and changes in texture profile during the study period of 150 days, the fish was in acceptable condition.
KAJIAN PENYERAPAN LOGAM KHROM DARI LIMBAH INDUSTRI ELEKTROPLATING MENGGUNAKAN RESIN DOWEX SBR-P

The reduction of toxic metal, especially Cr6+, could be done by ion exchange resin. The substitution of Cr6+ ion with other non-toxic ion contained in the resin will reduce the amount of toxic chromium to the permitted level. In this study ion exchange was done using Dowex SBR-P (Styrene-DVB) anion resin. Experiments were done using potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) as source of Cr6+ ion. This compound was diluted in water inside a beaker glass. Then a desired amount of resin were added and stirred at until a desired time reached. The result was analyzed by spectrophotometric method using 1-5 diphenylcarbazide (DPC) as an indicator. Results shows the highest adsorption was 40.64%, reached at stirring speed of 190 rpm, for 60 minutes and resin weight 25 gram with the amount of potassium dichromate 3.3 gram. Keywords: chromium metal, ion exchange resin
Microphysical Timescales in Clouds and Their Application in Cloud-Resolving Modeling

Computational phenomena (i.e., spurious supersaturation and negative mixing ratio of cloud water) usually exist in cloud-resolving models when the time step for explicit integration is larger than a microphysical timescale in clouds. In this paper, the microphysical timescales in clouds are studied, showing that the timescale of water vapor condensation (or cloud water evaporation) is smaller than 10 s - the order of a typical time step for cloud-resolving models. To avoid spurious computational phenomena in cloud-resolving modeling, it is suggested that moist entropy be used as a prognostic thermodynamic variable, and temperature be diagnosed from that and other prognostic variables. A simple numerical model with moist entropy as a prognostic variable, for example, is presented to show that spurious computational phenomena are removed when moist entropy is used as a prognostic variable.
Antioxidant Activities of Methanol Extracts fromRoot Parts of Korean Salad Plants

Phenolics level, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant were determined from the methanol extracts of the eight medicinal plants using roots. Total phenolics were found as the highest levels in the methanol extracts of Arctium lappa, and followed by Youngia sonchifolia and Cirsium japonicum. Total amount of the each phenol compounds were detected in C. japonicum extracts (319.2 mg kg -1 ) as the greatest component, and followed by A. lappa (96.3 mg kg -1 ) and Y. sonchifolia (22.9 mg kg -1 ). Total flavonoid content showed the highest amount in methanol extracts from A. lappa (68.1 mg 100 g -1 ), and followed by Y. sonchifolia (11.2 mg 100 g -1 ). Lycoris radiate extracts (87.2%) had the highest nitrite scavenging activity and followed by A. lappa (81.5%) and Y. sonchifolia (77.5%). Methanol extracts of A. lappa at 25 mg 100 g -1 exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity by 90.8%, even though less activity than synthetic antioxidants Vitamin C or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Level of polyphenols was highly correlated with antioxidative activity (r 2 = 0.85). The results suggest that several medicinal plants selected had the potent biological activities, and that their activities were differential depending on plant species.
Reaktionsverlaut während der härtung eines epoxidharzes mit dizyandiamid

Nach einem kurzen Uberblick uber bisherige Untersuchungen an Epoxidharz–Dizyandiamid-Systemen, wurde der Reaktionsverlauf eines handelsublichen dizyandiamidhartenden Epoxidharzes mittels Ultrarotspektroskopie verfolgt und mit den Ergebnissen fruherer anderer Methoden am gleichen System verglichen. Dabei ergaben sich gute Ubereinstimmungen hinsichtlich charakteristischer Reaktionszeiten (Polymerisationsbeginn, Polyadditionsbeginn, Vernetzungsende). Die Aktivierungsenergie fur das Vernetzungsende wurde zu 20 kcal/mol bestimmt. Infolge einer Sedimentation der Dizyandiamidkristalle kommt es vor dem Polyadditionsbeginn zu einem volligen Entmischen von Harz und Harter. Mit Hilfe der Mikrohartemessung ist es gelungen, den Reaktionsverlauf auch uber der Schichtdicke zu erfassen. Zumischen von Quarzmehl verhinderte ein Absinken des Harters. Dadurch konnte die als Schwachstelle fur Zugfestigkeitsmessungen wirkende Grenzschicht zwischen abgesunkenem Dizyandiamid und harterfreiem Epoxidharz vermieden werden. Auserdem erfolgte die Aushartung uber der Schichtdicke gleichmasig. Als Folge ergaben sich fur die gef¨llten Proben wesentlich hohere Zugestigkeiten.
Pilot-scale, two-stage, thermophilic batch anaerobic digestion of sugar beets.

Whole sugar beets without the tops and without size reduction were anaerobically digested in a batch, two-stage, thermophilic, pilot-scale digestion system. e two-stage system consisted of a solids digester (SD; 150 L working volume) into which the sugar beets were loaded and an anaerobic filter (AF; 600 L working volume). e methane yield from the system was 305 L at STP/kg volatile solids (VS) loaded and was obtained within 17 days. is is equivalent to 52 L of methane at STP/kg sugar beet as received from the stockpiles. 60% of the methane was formed in the AF and the rest in the SD. e methane yield from this pilot system was 80% of that obtained in laboratory scale trials. 90% of the total methane produced in the AF was collected within 10 days. A 10 day residence time would yield a total of 256 L at STP/kg VS or 84% of total yield from pilot scale system. e digester required addition of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients. e biogas may not require hydrogen sulfide clean up before utilization.
Prevalence of using Forensic Odontology in Crime Investigation in Identification of Individuals - A Retrospective Study in Pondicherry City, India

: Background of Study: Forensic dentistry, which is also referred to as forensic odontology, is a dental field that deals with the correct management, examination, evaluation and presentation of dental evidence in criminal or civil legal proceedings in the interest of justice. Aim of the Study: To identify the prevalence of usage of forensic odontology findings in solving crime investigation & identifying individuals in Pondicherry city, India. Methodology: A retrospective study was done during the month of April 2012. Out of32 police stations in Pondicherry, 3 police stations were selected using simple random sampling. The FIR and forensic reports were retrieved for the 3 years (2009-2011) in these police stations. The individual case files were examined and data like FIR number, age, sex, type of crime and type of forensic report were retrieved. Result: A total of 450 forensic reports were examined. The majority of death reports belonged to males (85.8%). No case had used forensic odontology method to solve the crime. About 34.5 % of total forensic reports has unknown individual and unknown reason for death. Conclusion: Forensic odontology is not being used to solve crimes in Pondicherry city, India.
Production of Bio-oil from Pine Sawdust by Rapid Pyrolysis in a Fluidized-bed Reactor

This article reports the experimental results of rapid or fast pyrolysis of pine sawdust in a bench-scale plant equipped mainly with a fluidized-bed reactor and a hot vapor filtration unit. The influence of pyrolysis temperature on product distribution was investigated. In each experiment, the mass balance was established and the chemical and physical characteristics of the products were examined. Fast pyrolysis experiments were conducted at a temperature range of 400–500°C using a biomass particle size of 250–425 µm. Results showed that the optimal reaction temperature for bio-oil production was 462°C. The maximum bio-oil yield was approximately 68.4 wt%. The density of bio-oil was found to be 1.2 g/ml. The lower heating value of the bio-oil was 18.2 MJ/kg, while the pH values of the bio-oil were approximately 2.5. The solids and ash contents of bio-oil were 0.3 and 0.01 wt%, respectively.