Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-aggregation of ionic liquids: micelle formation in aqueous solution

Interfacial tension (using a drop-shape analysis technique), fluorescence (of a widely used spectroscopic molecular probe, pyrene), and 1H NMR measurements were used to monitor the adsorption at the aqueous solution–air interface and self-aggregation behaviour (critical micelle concentration, CMC) of room-temperature ionic liquids (ionic liquids) of the 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium family of cations, [Cnmim]+, with different linear alkyl chain lengths, CnH2n+1 (½n = 1–7), and different counter-ions, namely [Cnmim]Cl (n = 2–14), [Cnmim][PF6] (n = 4 or 10), and [C10mim][NTf2]. Only [Cnmim]Cl with n > 8 unambiguously form aggregates in solution and the nature of this self-aggregation is discussed in terms of the electrostatic vs. hydrophobic contributions of the isolated cation. In contrast, the shortest chains behave, as anticipated, as simple salts. In turn, the transitional ionic liquid, [C6mim]Cl is able to develop a monolayer at the aqueous solution–air interface but shows no noticeable self-aggregation in the bulk fluid. Moreover, the micellar characteristics of the well-studied sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) aqueous solutions as a function of the total concentration of [Cnmim]Cl (½n = 1–7) showed a clear change in the behaviour of the mixtures [Cnmim]Cl + SDS for n ≈ 6–8, with a characteristic mixed-micelle formation for the longer and a pure salt effect for the shorter chain lengths of [Cnmim]Cl.
Development of Catalyst Free Carbon Nanotubes from Coal and Waste Plastics

DC‐Arc technique has been used to synthesize carbon nanotubes from super clean coal, chemically cleaned coal, original coal and waste plastics instead of using high purity graphite in the presence of metal catalysts. The results obtained are compared in terms of yield, purity and type of carbon nanotubes produced from different types of raw material used. In the present study different types of raw materials have been prepared i.e. chemically cleaned coal and super clean coal, and the carbon nanotubes have been synthesized by DC Arc discharge method. Taking in account the present need of utilizing coal as a cheaper raw material for bulk production of carbon nanotubes and utilization of waste plastics (which itself is a potential environmental threat) for production of such an advance material the present work was undertaken. Since the process does not involve presence of any kind of metal catalyst, it avoids the cost intensive process of removal of these metal particles. The residual coal obtained after refining has major fuel potential and can be utilized for various purposes.
The effects of soil amendments on arsenic concentrations in soil solutions after long-term flooded incubation

Abstract We investigated the effects of various soil amendments on the concentration of arsenic (As) in soil solutions under flooded anaerobic conditions. Ten amendments (six As adsorbents and four general agricultural amendments) were used with two soil samples (Aquepts). The time-course changes in the concentrations of As, iron (Fe) and silicon (Si) in soil solutions with or without amendments were measured after incubations of approximately 30, 60 and 100 d. We conclude that a precipitate of polysilicate-iron solution (1.1 mol L‒1 Fe) shows promise as a novel As adsorbent for flooded anaerobic soils such as paddy soils. The precipitate is present in sludge from water purification plants and is therefore potentially cost effective. Moreover, it could increase the concentration of Si in soil solution, which could decrease As uptake by rice plants. Ferrihydrite and aluminum-substituted ferrihydrite were also effective for decreasing the dissolved As in both soils and nano-sized layered double hydroxides, and magnesium oxides worked in one soil. Poultry manure significantly increased dissolved As in both soils, but composted bark and silicate fertilizers did not change As in either soil. Some amendments had different effects in the two soil samples; further comprehensive studies will need to focus on how soil properties influence the effects of amendments.
Direct Precipitation of Micron-Size Salbutamol Sulfate: New Insights into the Action of Surfactants and Polymeric Additives

Direct precipitation of salbutamol sulfate (SS) by antisolvent crystallization in the presence of surfactants and polymeric additives was investigated to obtain micrometer-sized SS for use in inhaled drug delivery. Among the additives studied — hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K25), lecithin (from soybean), and Span 85 — PVP K25 showed the strongest effect on crystal growth inhibition. By adding 2.5 mg/mL PVP K25 into the SS solution, the habit of SS crystallized was modified from a needle-like shape to a block-like shape with a lower aspect ratio, and the crystal size was reduced to less than 10 μm. On the basis of the predicted morphology of SS and the possible intermolecular interaction of the additives with a developing SS crystal in solution, we propose that PVP has a higher propensity to form hydrogen bonds with the functional groups that are exposed at the crystal surface. Further supporting evidence based on the effects of PVP concentration and molecular weight on S.
Methane Hydrate Dissociation Rates at 0.1 MPa and Temperatures above 272 K

Abstract: We performed rapid depressurization experiments on methane hydrate under isothermal conditions above 272 K to determine the amount and rate of methane evolution. Sample temperatures rapidly drop below 273 K and stabilize near 272.5 K during dissociation. This thermal anomaly and the persistence of methane hydrate are consistent with the reported recovery of partially dissociated methane hydrate from ocean drilling cores.
Synthesis of Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 thin films using an aqueous spray-pyrolysis approach, and their solar cell efficiency of 10.5%

Semiconducting Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGSSe) thin-film is prepared by the spray-pyrolysis of aqueous precursor solutions of copper (CuCl2), indium (InCl3), gallium (GaCl3), and sulphur (SC(NH2)2) sources. The non-vacuum approach of making the CIGSSe thin film using environmentally benign halide-based aqueous precursor solutions paves the way for fabricating solar cells at a much cheaper cost. Here, gallium (Ga) is incorporated into the host lattice of CuIn(S,Se)2 (CISSe) films grown on a Mo-coated soda-lime glass substrate to modify the optoelectronic properties of CIGSSe films. The bandgap engineered, Ga-doped CIGSSe film leads to better photovoltaic characteristics and shows one of the highest efficiency for CIGS thin film solar cell made by the non-vacuum deposition of environmentally-friendly precursors. The optimum efficiency of solar cells with the device configuration of glass/Mo/CIGSSe/CdS/i-ZnO/AZO show j–V characteristics of Voc = 0.621 V, jsc = 24.29 mA cm−2, FF = 69.84%, and a power conversion efficiency of 10.54% under simulated AM 1.5, 100 mW cm−2 illuminations, demonstrating its potential in making a cost-effective thin film solar cell.
Electrochemically Deposited Tin-Silver-Copper Ternary Solder Alloys

A study on film properties of electrochemically deposited tin-silver-copper (SnAgCu) alloys was performed with an alkaline bath. This research focused on the bath and process development for dendrite-free. near-eutectic SnAgCu alloy deposition through the investigation of cathodic polarization, morphological transition, and film composition. Effects of process parameters on surface morphology, film composition, and diffusion-limited current density (LCD) were also examined. Ternary alloys were obtained only when the current density was driven beyond the mass-transfer limitation of noble metals (silver and copper). which seemed to cause the transition of surface morphology and film composition with increasing current density. The morphological transition occurred through four stages (dendrites, suppression of dendrites, nodules, and columns/dendrites), and the content of noble metals in the film tended to drop with increasing current density. With increasing the concentration of noble metals, bath temperature, and agitation, the morphology at low current densities became increasingly dendrite-dominated and the content of noble metals in the film was enhanced at a fixed current density. The morphology of stage four was influenced by the ratio of the applied current density to the LCD, where the LCD was significantly influenced by the metal concentration, bath temperature, and agitation.
Exact time‐dependent wave packet propagation: Application to the photodissociation of methyl iodide

We propose a technique for exact wave packet propagation by a straightforward extension of the semiclassical wave packet propagation procedure. This is an efficient method to calculate photodissociation, Raman, and resonance Raman scattering cross sections. It is applied to the photodissociation of CH3I. The potential surfaces for CH3I are those suggested by Shapiro and Bersohn [J. Chem. Phys. 73, 3810 (1980)]. The results that we obtained by this time‐dependent approach differs significantly from those of Shapiro and Bersohn, where a time‐independent technique is used to calculate the cross sections.
Combined effects of concentrated thermophilic and mesophilic cultures and conditions of curd acidifications on the manufacture and quality of kasseri cheese

The effect of four process variables on the biological acidification of curd to be used for the manufacture of kasseri cheese was examined. The variables were (i) concentrated starter cultures: a thermophilic mixture of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp bulgaricus compared with a blend of Lactococcus lactis subsp lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp cremoris and Lactobacillus casei subsp casei, and (ii) acidification temperatures: 30 and 40°C for the thermophilic cultures and 20 and 30°C for the mesophiles. The use of concentrated starter cultures enabled the cheese to be made in one day as compared with three in the traditional system usually using raw milk and no culture. The mesophilic blend combined with a lower scalding temperature (35°C) gave a higher yield than the alternative culture, and the cheeses were higher in total solids, acidity and salt; the same cheeses were also harder and less elastic. The use of mesophilic cultures and a low acidification temperature (20°C) is recommended.
Investigating Major Recurring Campylobacter jejuni Lineages in Luxembourg Using Four Core or Whole Genome Sequencing Typing Schemes

Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, which has motivated the monitoring of genetic profiles circulating in Luxembourg since 13 years. From our integrated surveillance using a genotyping strategy based on an extended MLST scheme including gyrA and porA markers, an unexpected endemic pattern was discovered in the temporal distribution of genotypes. We aimed to test the hypothesis of stable lineages occurrence by implementing whole genome sequencing (WGS) associated with comprehensive and internationally validated schemes. This pilot study assessed four WGS-based typing schemes to classify a panel of 108 strains previously identified as recurrent or sporadic profiles using this in-house typing system. The strain collection included four common lineages in human infection (N = 67) initially identified from recurrent combination of ST-gyrA-porA alleles also detected in non-human samples: veterinary (N = 19), food (N = 20), and environmental (N = 2) sources. An additional set of 19 strains belonging to sporadic profiles completed the tested panel. All the strains were processed by WGS by using Illumina technologies and by applying stringent criteria for filtering sequencing data; we ensure robustness in our genomic comparison. Four typing schemes were applied to classify the strains: (i) the cgMLST SeqSphere+ scheme of 637 loci, (ii) the cgMLST Oxford scheme of 1,343 loci, (iii) the cgMLST INNUENDO scheme of 678 loci, and (iv) the wgMLST INNUENDO scheme of 2,795 loci. A high concordance between the typing schemes was determined by comparing the calculated adjusted Wallace coefficients. After quality control and analyses with these four typing schemes, 60 strains were confirmed as members of the four recurrent lineages regardless of the method used (N = 32, 12, 7, and 9, respectively). Our results indicate that, regardless of the typing scheme used, epidemic or endemic signals were detected as reflected by lineage B (ST2254-gyrA9-porA1) in 2014 or lineage A (ST19-gyrA8-porA7), respectively. These findings support the clonal expansion of stable genomes in Campylobacter population exhibiting a multi-host profile and accounting for the majority of clinical strains isolated over a decade. Such recurring genotypes suggest persistence in reservoirs, sources or environment, emphasizing the need to investigate their survival strategy in greater depth.
Engineering of Humanized Antibodies Against Human Interleukin 5 Receptor Alpha Subunit That Cause Potent Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity

Patients with severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA; characterized by persistent eosinophilia in blood and airway tissues) experience frequent asthma exacerbations with poor clinical outcomes. Interleukin 5 (IL-5) and IL-5 receptor alpha subunit (IL-5α) play key roles in eosinophilia maintenance, and relevant therapeutic strategies include the development of antibodies (Abs) against IL-5 or IL-5α to control eosinophilia. Benralizumab, an anti–IL-5α Ab that depletes eosinophils mainly via Ab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and through blockage of IL-5 function on eosinophils, has been clinically approved for patients with SEA. Here, we report engineering of a new humanized anti–IL-5Rα Ab with potent biological activity. We first raised murine Abs against human IL-5Rα, humanized a leading murine Ab, and then further engineered the humanized Abs to enhance their affinity for IL-5Rα using the yeast surface display technology. The finally engineered version of the Ab, 5R65.7, with affinity (KD ≈ 4.64 nM) stronger than that of a clinically relevant benralizumab analogue (KD ≈ 26.8 nM) showed improved neutralizing activity toward IL-5–dependent cell proliferation in a reporter cell system. Domain level Ab epitope mapping revealed that 5R65.7 recognizes membrane-proximal domain 3 of IL-5Rα, distinct from domain I epitope of the benralizumab analogue. In ex vivo assays with peripheral eosinophils from patients with SEA and healthy donors, 5R65.7 manifested more potent biological activities than the benralizumab analogue did, including inhibition of IL-5–dependent proliferation of eosinophils and induction of eosinophil apoptosis through autologous natural-killer-cell–mediated Ab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Our study provides a potent anti–IL-5Rα Ab, 5R65.7, which is worthy of further testing in preclinical and clinical trials against SEA as a potential alternative to the current therapeutic arsenal.
Identification of Allergic Epitopes of Soybean β-Conglycinin in Different Animal Species

Soybean can cause allergy in both humans and animals. The herein study aims to identify the antigenic determinants (epitopes) of β-conglycinin that lead to allergy in different animal species (swine, bovine, and rats). The epitopes of β-conglycinin were identified through co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry. The binding abilities of seven identified epitope peptides to allergic sera of three animal species were compared by ELISA and dot-blot techniques. Some epitope peptides could be recognized by the three animal allergic sera, while most epitopes showed some differences in binding abilities to the different animal sera. The strongest reaction using swine sera was detected with peptides α2, β2, and β3, but the biggest sensitive regions for bovine and rats were peptides α2, β1, and β4. Most epitopes of β-conglycinin exhibited different binding abilities to the three animal sera, in which the biggest sensitive regions were peptides α2, β2, and β3 for swine, but peptides α2, β1, and β4 were detected for bovine and rats.
Characterization of Treponema pallidum Dissemination in C57BL/6 Mice

The spirochetal pathogen Treponema pallidum causes 5 million new cases of venereal syphilis worldwide each year. One major obstacle to syphilis prevention and treatment is the lack of suitable experimental animal models to study its pathogenesis. Accordingly, in this study, we further evaluated the responses of mice to Treponema pallidum. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that Treponema pallidum could colonize the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, and testicles of C57BL/6 mice, and the organism may be able to rapidly penetrate the blood-brain barrier in mice by 24 h after infection. In subsequent rabbit infectivity tests, we observed evident signs of the microorganism in the mouse lymph node suspension. After infection, bacterial loads were higher in the tissues than in the blood of C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, a significant Th1 immune response was recorded by cytokine assays. Flow cytometric analysis suggested an obvious increase in the proportion of CD3+ T and CD4+ T cells in the spleen cells in the infected mice. Thus, improving our understanding of the response of C57BL/6 mice for Treponema pallidum will help to comprehensive elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of this bacterium and lay the foundation for the development of a new research model of Treponema pallidum.
Unraveling the Nanoscopic Organization and Function of Central Mammalian Presynapses With Super-Resolution Microscopy

The complex, nanoscopic scale of neuronal function, taking place at dendritic spines, axon terminals, and other minuscule structures, cannot be adequately resolved using standard, diffraction-limited imaging techniques. The last couple of decades saw a rapid evolution of imaging methods that overcome the diffraction limit imposed by Abbe’s principle. These techniques, including structured illumination microscopy (SIM), stimulated emission depletion (STED), photo-activated localization microscopy (PALM), and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM), among others, have revolutionized our understanding of synapse biology. By exploiting the stochastic nature of fluorophore light/dark states or non-linearities in the interaction of fluorophores with light, by using modified illumination strategies that limit the excitation area, these methods can achieve spatial resolutions down to just a few tens of nm or less. Here, we review how these advanced imaging techniques have contributed to unprecedented insight into the nanoscopic organization and function of mammalian neuronal presynapses, revealing new organizational principles or lending support to existing views, while raising many important new questions. We further discuss recent technical refinements and newly developed tools that will continue to expand our ability to delve deeper into how synaptic function is orchestrated at the nanoscopic level.
Prevention and Alleviation of Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mice With Bacillus subtilis-Fermented Milk via Inhibition of the Inflammatory Responses and Regulation of the Intestinal Flora

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) might be related to the local inflammatory damage and the dysbacteriosis of intestinal flora. Probiotics can regulate the intestinal flora and ameliorate IBD. The probiotic Bacillus subtilis strain B. subtilis JNFE0126 was used as the starter of fermented milk. However, the therapeutic effects of B. subtilis-fermented milk on IBD remain to be explored. In this research, the therapeutic effect of B. subtilis-fermented milk on dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced IBD mouse model was evaluated. Besides, the expression of pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines, the proliferation of the intestinal stem cells, and the reconstruction of the mucosa barrier were investigated. Finally, alteration of the gut microbiota was investigated by taxonomic analysis. As shown by the results, the disease activity index (DAI) of IBD was significantly decreased through oral administration of B. subtilis (JNFE0126)-fermented milk, and intestinal mucosa injury was attenuated. Moreover, B. subtilis could reduce the inflammatory response of the intestinal mucosa, induce proliferation of the intestinal stem cell, and promote reconstruction of the mucosal barrier. Furthermore, B. subtilis could rebalance the intestinal flora, increasing the abundance of Bacillus, Alistipes, and Lactobacillus while decreasing the abundance of Escherichia and Bacteroides. In conclusion, oral administration of the B. subtilis-fermented milk could alleviate DSS-induced IBD via inhibition of inflammatory response, promotion of the mucosal barrier reconstruction, and regulation of the intestinal flora.
Growth responses of 53 open-pollinated loblolly pine families to ozone and acid rain

Field exposures of 9950 containerized 12-wk-old loblolly pine (Pinustaeda L.) seedlings representing 53 commercially important, open-pollinated families were conducted to evaluate individual and interactive effects of acid rain and O{sub 3} on growth response. A 36-plot field research facility comprised of 33 open-top chambers and three open plots was used to test effects of five O{sub 3} levels that included ambient (A) and seasonally integrated levels that were 0.53, 1.10, 1.58, or 2.15 times ambient. Individual effects of three levels of simulated acid rain (pH 3.3, 4.5, and 5.2) as well as their interaction with O{sub 3} at 0.53A, 1.58A, and 2.15A levels were also included. Exposure to ambient air reduced average growth in height (26%), diameter (5%), and volume (14%) compared with growth of seedlings exposed to a 47% lower dose in charcoal filtered (CF) air. Responses to increasing O{sub 3} above ambient levels varied widely between families, became increasingly inhibitory at the highest O{sub 3} levels, but did not significantly exceed growth reductions found in ambient air. Diameter growth was reduced in most families by all levels of O{sub 3} addition. Acid rain caused a general stimulation of height growth at ambient levels (pH 4.5), while both heightmore » and diameter growth were reduced at a mean pH of 3.3. Significant antagonism between rainfall acidity and O{sub 3} effects on height and biomass increment was detected with increasing pollutant concentrations. Ozone reduced root/shoot biomass in most families, while acid rain did not. 51 refs., 6 figs., 6 tabs. « less
Activation of Toll Immune Pathway in an Insect Vector Induced by a Plant Virus

The Toll pathway plays an important role in defense against infection of various pathogenic microorganisms, including viruses. However, current understanding of Toll pathway was mainly restricted in mammal and some model insects such as Drosophila and mosquitoes. Whether plant viruses can also activate the Toll signaling pathway in vector insects is still unknown. In this study, using rice stripe virus (RSV) and its insect vector (small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus) as a model, we found that the Toll pathway was activated upon RSV infection. In comparison of viruliferous and non-viruliferous planthoppers, we found that four Toll pathway core genes (Toll, Tube, MyD88, and Dorsal) were upregulated in viruliferous planthoppers. When the planthoppers infected with RSV, the expressions of Toll and MyD88 were rapidly upregulated at the early stage (1 and 3 days post-infection), whereas Dorsal was upregulated at the late stage (9 days post-infection). Furthermore, induction of Toll pathway was initiated by interaction between a Toll receptor and RSV nucleocapsid protein (NP). Knockdown of Toll increased the proliferation of RSV in vector insect, and the dsToll-treated insects exhibited higher mortality than that of dsGFP-treated ones. Our results provide the first evidence that the Toll signaling pathway of an insect vector is potentially activated through the direct interaction between Toll receptor and a protein encoded by a plant virus, indicating that Toll immune pathway is an important strategy against plant virus infection in an insect vector.