Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pervaporation and gas separation membranes made from polyimide/polydimethylsiloxane block copolymer

Polyimide/polydimethylsiloxane block copolymers were prepared from oligoimides based on 2-aminopyridine-terminated 3,3′-oxybis(phthalic anhydride) and 1,4-bis(4-amino-α, α-dimethylbenzyl)benzene, and 3-aminopropyl-terminated oligo(dimethylsiloxane)s. Selectivity of homogeneous membranes prepared from the copolymers depends on the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) content: Selectivity of copolymers with up to approximately 20 wt % of PDMS is similar to that of polyimide homopolymer, whereas selectivity of copolymers containing more than 20 wt % of PDMS resembles that of pure PDMS. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Study on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for grain yield and yield component traits (Linum usitatissimum L.)

The present investigation was carried out at Crop Research Center (Chirori), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut, during rabi season 2016-17. The experimental material comprised of forty diverse linseed accessions were obtained from Project coordinating unit (Linseed), CSAUA&T, Kanpur. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RBD) in three replications, to estimate the relative high magnitude of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for number of secondary branches per plant, seed yield per plant, number of primary branches per plant and biological yield per plant. Environmental influence was very meager on expression of these characters of the genetic material under study as it was evident by narrow gap between genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation. High estimates of genetic advance were observed for only one trait i.e. number of capsules per plant and moderately observed for plant height and harvest index. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for the traits viz., number of secondary branches per plant, number of primary branches per plant, biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant, indicating that heritability may be due to additive gene action and simple selection based on these characters may be effective. High estimates of genetic advance as percentage of means were recorded for number of secondary branches per plant, seed yield per plant, number of primary branches per plant and biological yield per plant.
ANALYSIS OF THE METABOLIC TRANSFORMATION OF MUTAGENIC NITROBENZOBENZANTHRONES BY MOLECULAR ORBITAL CALCULATIONS

The mutagenic activity of three nitrobenzobenzanthrones (NBBAs) and two dinitrobenzobenzanthrones (DNBBAs) was found to depend largely on the position and the number of the nitro groups as well as that of nitrobenzanthrones (NBAs). Two NBBAs exhibit the activity approximately two and a half times as large as that of 3-NBA, whereas the other less than one-hundredth. The activity of the DNBBAs is smaller than that of structurally corresponding NBBAs. To elucidate these differences in the mutagenicity, we postulated a metabolic activation pathway of NBAs and NBBAs and calculated physicochemical properties of the parent molecules, metabolites, and ultimate mutagens by the semi-empirical molecular orbital method. Correlation of the results with the mutagenic activity revealed that important factors determining the activity are the LUMO energies of the parent molecules and nitroso-metabolites and the HOMO energies of the hydroxylamino metabolites, which almost the same as those obtained in the case of NBAs and DNBAs.
Effect of strain rate on the interlaminar fracture toughness of Zanchor reinforced composites

The interlaminar fracture behavior of Zanchor, which is a novel out-of-plane reinforcement technique developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Shikibo, reinforced composite laminates was studied to clear the mechanism of Zanchor reinforcement, where the effects of loading mode and loading rate on fracture behavior were mainly focused on. The mode I test results showed that the mode I fracture toughness of the Zanchor reinforced composites considerably decreased with increasing loading rate, where the reduction of mode I interlaminar fracture toughness at higher loading rates was a consequence of the loading rate dependence of microscopic fracture behavior. On the other hand, mode II test results showed that the mode II fracture toughness of the Zanchor reinforced composites increased with increasing loading rate, where the reinforcing mechanism of Zanchor under mode II loading was basically different from that under mode I loading.
Abundances of Sulfur, Selenium, Tellurium, Rhenium and Platinum‐Group Elements in Eighteen Reference Materials by Isotope Dilution Sector‐Field ICP‐MS and Negative TIMS

Geological reference materials (RMs) with variable compositions and NIST SRM 612 were analysed by isotope dilution mass spectrometry for bulk rock concentrations of chalcogen elements (sulfur, selenium and tellurium), rhenium and platinum‐group elements (PGEs: Ru, Pd, Os, Ir and Pt), including the isotope amount ratios of 187Os/188Os. All concentrations were obtained from the same aliquot after HCl‐HNO3 digestion in a high pressure asher at 320 °C. Concentrations were determined after chemical separation by negative TIMS, ICP‐MS and hydride generation ICP‐MS (Se, Te). As in previous studies, concentrations of the PGEs in most RMs were found to be highly variable, which may be ascribed to sample heterogeneity at the < 1 g level. In contrast, S, Se and Te displayed good precision (RSD < 5%) in most RMs, suggesting that part of the PGE budget is controlled by different phases, compared with the chalcogen budget. The method may minimise losses of volatile chalcogens during the closed‐system digestion and indicates the different extent of heterogeneity of chalcogens, Re and PGEs in the same sample aliquot. OKUM, SCo‐1, MRG‐1, DR‐N and MAG‐1 are useful RMs for the chalcogens. NIST SRM 612 displays homogenous distribution of S, Se, Te, Pt and Pd in 30 mg aliquots, in contrast with micro‐scale heterogeneity of Se, Pd and Pt.
Excellent fluoride removal properties of porous hollow MgO microspheres

Porous hollow MgO microspheres were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. The removal properties of the MgO microspheres towards toxic fluoride were investigated, including adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms, and influences of pH and coexisting anions. The adsorption capacity was larger than 120 mg g−1 at a pH of 7.0. The effects of anions on fluoride removal were also investigated. The results indicated that phosphate was the greatest competitor of fluoride for adsorptive sites. In addition, the removal mechanism was revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The reaction of MgO and water molecules resulted in the formation of Mg(OH)2. The excellent adsorption properties towards fluoride resulted from the surface reaction between the generated Mg(OH)2 and fluoride in solution.
Effect of intra-ruminal urea infusions and changing digestible organic matter intake on nitrogen kinetics in sheep fed rice straw

Sixteen sheep were continuously fed diets based on straw, straw and barley grain, or NaOH-treated straw, each with adequate minerals and with or without additional urea (7·3 g N/day for the straw and straw and barley diets; 14·4 g N/day for the diet containing NaOH-treated straw) infused intra-ruminally. [14C] tracers were used to measure the rate of irreversible loss (i.e. synthesis) of plasma urea and its transfer to the rumen and to the remainder of the gastrointestinal tract in 4–6 sheep per treatment. [15N] tracers were also used to make these measurements in four sheep fed the straw, straw and barley and straw and barley with intra-ruminal urea infusions. Inclusion of the barley grain in the diet increased digestible organic matter intake by c. 70%. Replacing the straw with a greater amount of NaOH-treated straw increased digestible organic matter intake by 43% in the absence of additional urea, and by 65% when urea was infused intra-ruminally. Rumen ammonia concentrations were 37 and 31 mg N/l when straw or straw and barley diets respectively were provided and were reduced to 3 mg N/l when treated straw was given to the sheep. These concentrations exceeded 223 mg N/l when urea was infused intra-ruminally. Rate of irreversible loss of plasma urea measured using [14C]urea ranged from 3·7 g N/day in sheep given the treated straw diet to 16·8 g N/day when urea was infused intra-ruminally, while this rate was correlated with plasma urea concentration. In the three diets where it was measured, rate of irreversible loss of [15N]urea was on average 0·73 of the rate of irreversible loss of [14C]urea. Measurements made with 14C and 15N tracers of plasma urea transfer to the rumen were similar. This transfer measured with 14C tracers ranged from 1·4 to 2·4 g N/day for the three diets without additional urea, while providing urea by intra-ruminal infusions reduced the transfer to 1·1–1·4 g N/day. Transfer of plasma urea to the rumen was not changed by the higher digestible organic matter intake associated with either inclusion of barley grain in the diet or provision of a greater amount of more highly digestible NaOH-treated straw. These studies indicate that plasma urea transfer to the rumen is not always increased by greater organic matter fermentation in the rumen.
Numerical Performance Simulation of a Wetted Wall Bioaerosol Sampling Cyclone

Computational fluid dynamics techniques are used to study the performance of an axial flow bioaerosol sampling cyclone that continuously collects particles onto a flowing liquid film. A special shell-volume concept was developed to study formation and development of the liquid film on the inner wall of the cyclone. For a previous version of the cyclone, simulations demonstrated the presence of a ring of liquid in the region just upstream of the liquid skimmer that was suspected of causing liquid carryover into the exhaust air stream and degradation in aerosol collection efficiency. This ring was eliminated by re-design of the cyclone. For the upgraded version of the cyclone, CFD was used to successfully predict aerosol collection efficiency and cyclone pressure drop. The simulations reveal a complex flow evolution inside the cyclone. Stream-tubes are used to describe a significant narrowing of the width of the airflow as it enters the cyclone and an inward displacement of the flow as it travels in the axial direction. The particle deposition occurs primarily in a region that is subtended approximately by the length of the rectangular entrance slot and the first half turn of the flow in the cyclone. Cutpoint Stokes number is about 0.05 and the cutpoint particle size is about 1 μm aerodynamic diameter. At a flow rate of 1250 L/min, the pressure drop across the cyclone is 5.6 kPa (22 inches of water).
Kraft cooking characteristics and hexenuronic acid concentration of pulps from Eucalypt and other hardwood species

Fifteen different hardwood species have been investigated with regard to their kraft cooking characteristics. Firstly, all the species were cooked to a reference kappa number of 16.4+/-1.0. The evaluation of the results includes cooking yield, viscosity, xylan content and hexenuronic acid concentration. The difference between the different species is very large in many respects. In a second part of the study, ten Eucalypt species were cooked under identical conditions. Interestingly, the species yielding pulps with the highest kappa numbers also showed the lowest cooking yield, which emphasizes the importance of the choice of Eucalypt species when a forest is planted for pulping purposes. In a third part of the investigation, the mechanisms determining the concentration of hexenuronic acid in a pulp are discussed and exemplified with trials on Oak and Birch.
NMR Spectroscopic Evidence for an Intermediate of Formic Acid in the Water−Gas−Shift Reaction

The water−gas−shift (WGS) reaction (CO + H2O ⇄ CO2 + H2) is investigated in connection to formic acid. Using NMR spectroscopy, the reversible decomposition pathways of formic acid to both sides of the WGS reaction are studied in hot water at 240−260 °C. This reversibility strongly suggests that formic acid exists as an intermediate in the WGS reaction, and it is indeed demonstrated that carbon monoxide is treated in hot water to produce formic acid. The present result enables us to generate and store hydrogen in the liquid form of formic acid and to transform formic acid to hydrogen in water by tuning the thermodynamic conditions.
Fine structure and optical pumping of spins in individual semiconductor quantum dots

We review spin properties of semiconductor quantum dots and their effect on optical spectra. Photoluminescence and other types of spectroscopy are used to probe neutral and charged excitons in individual quantum dots with high spectral and spatial resolution. Spectral fine structure and polarization reveal how quantum dot spins interact with each other and with their environment. By taking advantage of the selectivity of optical selection rules and spin relaxation, optical spin pumping of the ground state electron and nuclear spins is achieved. Through such mechanisms, light can be used to process spins for use as a carrier of information.
Influence of CaO addition on the electrical properties of BaTiO3 ceramics

The microstructure and electrical properties of calcium‐modified barium titanate ceramics of compositions (Ba1−xCax)TiO3 have been investigated. From the influence of the CaO content and stoichiometry on the said characteristics of the materials, it is concluded that the cationic ratio, α=(Ba+Ca)/Ti, is the predominant factor affecting the resistance of materials against the reducing sintering atmosphere. The electrical properties, including resistivity and dielectric dispersion, can be completely preserved when the sintering atmosphere is switched from air to H2 /N2 , but only for samples with values of α greater than unity. The formation of a hexagonal BaTiO3−δ phase, which consumes the oxygen vacancies, is presumed to be the factor that improves the resistance of these materials against the reducing sintering atmosphere.
DISTRIBUTION OF SELECTED ELEMENTS BETWEEN THE SEED COAT AND EMBRYO OF TWO BLACK BEAN CULTIVARS

Differences in distribution of minerals between the seed coat and embryo of plant seed can affect their bioavailability. Concentrations of iron [Fe], manganese [Mn], zinc [Zn], calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg], potassium [K], and phosphorus [P] in these seed fractions of two black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars (T39 and UI-911) were studied in field experiments conducted on acid and calcareous soils. Seed of T39 and UI-911 at the acid soil site had 34% and 45% higher [Fe], respectively, than at the calcareous soil site. Seed-coat [Fe] in UI-911 was substantially higher than that in T39. In contrast, embryo [Fe] was higher in T39 than UI-911. Mean percentages of the total seed Fe located in the seed coat were 33% and 32% for UI-911 at the acid and calcareous soil sites, respectively. The corresponding percentages for T39 were 14% and 18%, respectively. Although UI-911 accumulated higher percentages of Ca, Mg, and Zn in the seed coat than T39, the cultivar differences were relatively small. Mean percentages of dry matter and elements in the seed, averaged over cultivars and sites, found in the seed-coat fraction were: Dry matter=10%, Ca=84%, Fe=24%, Mg=18%, K=8%, Zn=7%, Mn=3%, and P=2%. There is apparently a genetically-controlled barrier to the movement of Fe between the seed coat and embryo during seed development in P. vulgaris.
Large Cyclic Poly(oxyethylene)s: Chain Folding in the Crystalline State Studied by Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Scattering, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Crystalline cyclic poly(oxyethylene)s with number-average molar masses (Mn) of 4000, 6000, and 10000 g mol-1 were studied by wide-angle (WAXS) and small-angle (SAXS) X-ray scattering, high-frequency and low-frequency laser-Raman spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The subcell of the crystalline cyclic polymers was the same as that of high-molar-mass poly(oxyethylene). Cyclic polymers of Mn = 4000 or 6000 g mol-1 crystallized in their twice-folded conformation under the conditions investigated, but the cyclic polymer of Mn =10000 g mol-1 crystallized in a four-times-folded conformation when cooled from its melt and in a twice-folded conformation when crystallized slowly at high temperature. Comparison is made with the properties of corresponding linear poly(oxyethylene) dimethyl ethers.
Responses of Root Growth and Nitrogen Transfer Metabolism to Uniconazole, a Growth Retardant, during the Seedling Stage of Soybean under Relay Strip Intercropping System

Relay strip intercropping of soybean has been widely developed in the southwest of China to secure China's soybean production. However, due to the shading from maize, soybean plants are thin and have a poor root system. Uniconazole is a plant-growth retardant that could enhance root vigor; increase root length, root volume, and root dry weight; and affect nitrogen (N) metabolism. To understand the effects of uniconazole on the root growth and N-transfer metabolism of soybean seedlings under relay strip intercropping, the changes in some morphological characteristics of root, dry-matter weight, root vigor, nitrate (NO3 −)-N, ammonium (NH4 +)-N, and amino acid of xylem sap after seed treatment with uniconazole powder (0, 2, 4, and 8 mg kg−1 seed) were investigated. Main root length, total lateral root lengths, first lateral root numbers, root nodule numbers, root vigor together with bleeding sap, bleeding sap–top ratio, root dry weight, and root/shoot ratio were increased, indicating uniconazole improved soybean root system in relay strip intercropping. Uniconazole powder treatment could increase NO3 −-N, NH4 +-N, and total amino acid of xylem sap, to increase the potential of leaf and root N reduction and assimilation, and increase of leaf and root N contents. Thus, results suggested that uniconazole treatment can improve root growth and N transfer mechanism of soybean to support its further growth.
Heterocyclic Amine Content in Restaurant-Cooked Hamburgers, Steaks, Ribs, and Chicken

As part of a comprehensive survey of the heterocyclic amine content of foods, beef hamburgers, steaks, and pork ribs were purchased from restaurants, with cooking doneness specified. Samples were pooled by meat type, doneness, and cooking method and analyzed for heterocyclic amine content using HPLC. Results show detectable levels of heterocyclic amines in all samples, ranging from 0.5 ng/g PhIP from a pooled sample of ribs to 20 ng/g total of MeIQx and PhIP from a sample pooled of well-done charbroiled hamburgers. Grilled chicken samples from fast-food restaurant sandwiches or rotisserie-cooked chicken contained MeIQx and PhIP at combined levels of <2 ng/g. Compared to fast-food meat products from this and previous studies, restaurant products are ∼10-fold higher in heterocyclic amine content. The amounts of heterocyclic amines measured in these restaurant foods show that samples prepared for laboratory studies are representative of commonly consumed restaurant samples. Keywords: Heterocyclic amines; PhI.
Photoinduced grafting of vinyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride on polyester nonwoven fabric with surfactant coating and its anion‐exchange properties

Vinyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (VBTAC) could be efficiently and stably grafted onto polyester fiber coated with a surfactant polyester (PET) by a photoirradiation-induced graft polymerization with benzophenone as the photoinitiator without any cografting monomer required. The degree of VBTAC grafting could be controlled simply by the irradiation time and concentration of VBTAC in the monomer solution. The anion-exchange capacity (AEC) of the PET-g-VBTAC fabrics increased with increasing degree of grafting up to 80 ± 5% and then leveled off. The maximum AEC of PET-g-VBTAC was 2.2 mequiv/g; this was similar to that of a commercial anion-exchange resin (2.16 ± 0.04 mequiv/g) and much higher than those of nylon-g-VBTAC–2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate fabrics (≤1.0 mequiv/g) prepared with a conventional cografting system. The grafted fabric was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy studies, and the sorption selectivity for anions and regeneration efficiency were estimated. The results suggest that the grafting system, in which VBTAC alone was grafted onto PET fiber coated with surfactant, was more practical and effective for the preparation of the VBTAC-containing anion exchanger, and the resulting PET-g-VBTAC fabrics could be used as an effective anion exchanger. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41674.
Emergent structural and functional properties of hippocampal multi-cellular aggregates

Hippocampal neural networks are distinctly capable of integrating multi-modal sensory inputs to drive memory formation. Neuroscientific investigations using simplified in vitro models have greatly relied on planar (2D) neuronal cultures made from dissociated tissue. While these models have served as simple, cost-effective, and high-throughput tools for examining various morphological and electrophysiological characteristics of hippocampal networks, 2D cultures fail to reconstitute critical elements of the brain microenvironment that may be necessary for the emergence of sophisticated integrative network properties. To address this, we utilized a forced aggregation technique to generate high-density (>100,000 cells/mm3) multi-cellular three-dimensional aggregates using rodent embryonic hippocampal tissue. We contrasted the emergent structural and functional properties of aggregated (3D) and dissociated (2D) cultures over 28 days in vitro (DIV). Hippocampal aggregates displayed robust axonal fasciculation across large distances and significant neuronal polarization, i.e., spatial segregation of dendrites and axons, at earlier time points compared to dissociated cultures. Moreover, we found that astrocytes in aggregate cultures self-organized into non-overlapping quasi-domains and developed highly stellate morphologies resembling astrocyte structures in vivo. We maintained cultures on multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) to assess spontaneous electrophysiological activity for up to 28 DIV. We found that 3D networks of aggregated cultures developed highly synchronized networks and with high burstiness by 28 DIV. We also demonstrated that dual-aggregate networks became active by 7 DIV, in contrast to single-aggregate networks which became active and developed synchronous bursting activity with repeating motifs by 14 DIV. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the high-density, multi-cellular, 3D microenvironment of hippocampal aggregates supports the recapitulation of emergent biofidelic morphological and functional properties. Our findings suggest that neural aggregates may be used as segregated, modular building blocks for the development of complex, multi-nodal neural network topologies.