Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pedologic Assessment of Radionuclide Distributions: Use of a Radio‐Pedogenic Index

Naturally occurring radionuclides in soil profiles can provide a useful pedological tool, if their distribution can be calibrated to pedogenesis. As a first step toward such calibration, this study presents a radio-pedogenic index that compares differences between sola and parent material with respect to distributions and equilibrium relationships of 214 Pb and 228 Ac activity. The ratios 228 Ac/ 214 Pb were used to indicate concurrent secular equilibrium within the parent 232 Th and 238 U decay series. Among the 12 Typic Haplorthod pedons examined, equilibrium prevailed in C horizons, but not in A, E, Bs, and BC horizons. The C horizon levels of both 214 Pb and 228 Ac were significantly (P 0.8, P < 0.0001), however. The 228 Ac deficiencies were larger than 214 Pb deficiencies and more strongly differentiated, particularly in E horizons. Profile distribution of 214 Pb was relatively homogenous, compared with that of 228 Ac. Analytical methodology ensured equilibrium between 224 Ac and 228 Ra and between 214 Pb and 226 Ra. Therefore, deficiencies can be interpreted as a pedogenically directed loss of Ra. Distribution differences, however, are probably due to radiogenic factors, such as half-life differences between the two Ra isotopes or chemistry of decay-chain precursors.
Formation of bioactive coatings on Ti–13Nb–13Zr alloy for hard tissue implants

In an attempt to increase the bioactivity of a vanadium-free titanium alloy, Ti–13Nb–13Zr, the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process for surface modification was utilised. Select samples were subjected to further treatment, either thermal or alkali. The morphology, chemical composition, and phase composition of the treated Ti–13Nb–13Zr alloy were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was observed that during the anodic process under sparking discharge conditions, the simultaneous incorporation of calcium and phosphorus in the forming oxide layer occurs. The resulting layers were porous and exhibited the typical morphology for layers formed during the PEO process. After the alkali treatment of samples oxidised at 150 V, a gel-like titanate layer was formed. The bioactivity investigations in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution indicated that after anodising at 150 V and following alkali treatment the Ti–13Nb–13Zr alloy exhibits osteoinductive properties. The approach presented here may be applied for fabricating Ti–13Nb–13Zr-based implants for hard tissue regeneration.
Actions of dolasetron and its major metabolite on guinea‐pig papillary muscle fibres and the α‐subunit of human heart sodium channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes

The present study evaluated the effects of the anti‐emetic 5‐HT3 antagonist dolasetron and its major metabolite MDL 73,405 on guinea‐pig papillary muscle fibres and human heart sodium channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Dolasetron and MDL 73,405 (3–10 μM) reduced the maximum depolarization rate during phase I of the action potential (Vmax) in papillary muscle fibres without significantly changing the action potential duration. The reduction in Vmax was both use‐ and concentration‐dependent. In Xenopus oocytes expressing the α‐subunit of human heart sodium channels, extracellular application of dolasetron or MDL 73,405 induced only a low affinity tonic block of the sodium channel; the apparent Kd values were 1.1 and 1.2 mM, respectively. In contrast to guinea‐pig sodium channels, neither compound induced a marked use‐dependent block of the human channel α‐subunit at a concentration of 100 μM (3 and 7% block, respectively). Flecainide produced a reversible, tonic, and use‐dependent block in the concentration range of 10 to 100 μM; the Kd value for tonic block was 50 μM. The present results demonstrate that dolasetron and MDL 73,405 do not act directly on the human heart sodium channel α‐subunit and further emphasise the need to study drug action on human ionic channels and/or receptors. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Movement and Deposition of Fibers in an Airway with Steady Viscous Flow

Deposition of fibrous particles in lung airways is drastically different from deposition of spherical particles because of aerodynamic differences. In the past, assessment of fibrous particle deposition in airways used appropriate modifications of the analytical expressions for deposition efficiency for spherical particles. Recently, Chen and Yu (1991a) presented an analysis of fiber deposition by sedimentation for a parabolic flow through a circular tube. Fiber orientation in the flow was obtained from Jeffery's equations (1922) adapted to the case of parabolic flow. Deposition efficiency was then found from the solution of equations of motion for fibers. A more general approach has been taken in this study, in which the flow field is arbitrary but at a low Reynolds number. Inertial effects on both rotation and translation of the fiber are neglected. Equations for fiber orientation are derived in terms of Euler angles π and θ, and flow variables. The behavior of fiber orientation is found to be a functio.
X-ray study of the electron density in calcite, CaCO3

The electron density in synthetic calcite, CaCO 3 , has been determined using diffraction data for a naturally faced single crystal measured with X-ray Mo Kα (λ=0.71073 A) radiation. Extinction corrections that minimize differences between equivalent reflection intensities are closely approximated by the values which optimize the extinction parameter as part of the least-squares structure refinement. Deformation electron densities evaluated with the two techniques are closely similar. There are 0.26 e A -3 high-density maxima in the C-O bonds and 0.28 e A -3 maxima at the 0-atom lone pairs
Ozone: Science & Engineering: Thirty-Three Years and Growing

The first issue of Ozone: Science & Engineering was published in early 1979 with Dr. L. J. Bollyky as the Editor-in-Chief. This was a milestone for the International Ozone Association enabling professional recognition of the advances in ozone technology. Since this first issue, 33 volumes of Ozone: Science & Engineering have been published containing 168 individual issues, 1128 technical articles and nearly 16,000 pages. Dr. Rip Rice became Editor-in-Chief in 1985 and continued this position until 1998. Under the leadership of these gentlemen, OS&E expanded from about 70 pages per issue four times per year to 100 pages, then to six issues per year, at about 100 pages. In 2001 the dimensions of the journal were increased to accommodate even more manuscripts. Early articles in Ozone: Science & Engineering focused heavily on aquaculture applications, municipal wastewater treatment and industrial applications. In 1980 the application of ozone to trihalomethane control was developed, and a shift to papers on drinking water treatment occurred. Early papers also introduced the use of ozone for pulp bleaching, odor control, bottled water treatment, swimming pool treatment, cooling tower treatment, the use of UV, advanced oxidation, and ozone measurement. As the journal and ozone science matured, papers began to cover more in-depth studies on disinfection removal of specific pollutants and to focus on current environmental problems such as inactivation of Cryptosporidium. Current issues are covering new applications for ozone such as agri-food applications and emerging contaminants (endocrine disruptors). In 1989, the Harvey M. Rosen Memorial Award was established to recognize the “best paper” published in Ozone: Science & Engineering during the two-year period between World Congresses. The selection of award is determined by the Editorial Board of Ozone: Science & Engineering. To date, 13 papers have received this prestigious award. This paper reviews the first 33 years of Ozone: Science & Engineering and offers a glimpse into the future of the journal. Emphasis is placed on the contributions to the Journal from France and Japan.
Ozone kinetics in low-pressure discharges: vibrationally excited ozone and molecule formation on surfaces

A combined experimental and modeling investigation of the ozone kinetics in the afterglow of pulsed direct current discharges in oxygen is carried out. The discharge is generated in a cylindrical silica tube of radius 1 cm, with short pulse durations between 0.5 and 2 ms, pressures in the range 1–5 Torr and discharge currents ∼40–120 mA. Time-resolved absolute concentrations of ground-state atoms and ozone molecules were measured simultaneously in situ, by two-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence and ultraviolet absorption, respectively. The experiments were complemented by a self-consistent model developed to interpret the results and, in particular, to evaluate the roles of vibrationally excited ozone and of ozone formation on surfaces. It is found that vibrationally excited ozone, , plays an important role in the ozone kinetics, leading to a decrease in the ozone concentration and an increase in its formation time. In turn, the kinetics of is strongly coupled with those of atomic oxygen and O2(a 1Δg) metastables. Ozone formation at the wall does not contribute significantly to the total ozone production under the present conditions. Upper limits for the effective heterogeneous recombination probability of O atoms into ozone are established.
Effect of Zinc Application on Growth and Some Biochemical Characteristics of Costmary (Chrysanthemum balsamita L.)

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different zinc (Zn) application methods (soil and foliar application) and concentrations (1 and 2 mg kg−1 in soil application and 1 and 3 g L−1 in foliar application) on the growth, some biochemical characteristics, and nutrient concentrations of costmary (Chrysanthemum balsamita L.). Growth parameters were increased by zinc application regardless of its concentration and application method. Protein and total phenol content, antioxidant capacity, and chlorophyll index were increased by zinc supply. In contrast, proline and soluble sugars content showed a decreasing pattern with zinc application. Zinc application, either through soil or foliar application, increased the zinc content of shoots. Manganese uptake potential of plants was increased by foliar zinc application method but not by soil application of zinc. Zinc application had no significant effect on potassium content of plants.
Surface modification using cubic silsesquioxane ligands. Facile synthesis of water-soluble metal oxide nanoparticles

The use of magnetic nanoparticles in biological applications is hampered by the lack of versatile methods to transfer them into aqueous solutions. Monolayer exchange using anionic octa(tetramethylammonium)−polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane provides individual particles that are soluble in aqueous environments and possess excellent stability in biologically relevant pH ranges and salt concentrations. In addition, this surface exchange reaction proved to be general in nature, allowing facile functionalization of a variety of magnetic nanoparticles.
DETERMINATION OF SINGLET OXYGEN RATE CONSTANTS IN AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

Abstract— A very efficient quenching of singlet oxygen (1O2) by N3‐ ions has been applied to the determination of rate constants of reactions of 1O2 with various substrates (A). This determination has been made possible by choosing experimental conditions which give simple competition between N3‐ and A for 1O2 formed in the steady state irradiation of convenient sensitizing dye (S). The consumption of oxygen by the substrate, as followed with an oxygen analyzer, decreases in the presence of low concentrations of N3‐. Using neutral air saturated aqueous solutions containing the dye phenosafranine + A and varying concentrations of N3‐, the 1O2 rate constants for reactions with biological substrates and some radiation protective agents have been determined.
Growth and properties of vacuum deposited CuInSe2 thin films

The vacuum deposition of CuInCe2 thin films is reported. As‐deposited films are generally n‐type due to selenide deficiencies. The temperature dependence of film mobility, conductivity, and carrier concentration are presented and indicate the dominance of the grain‐boundary scattering mechanism. Mobilities of the range 1–20 cm2/V s are reported for as‐deposited films. Data are also presented for films annealed in Ar atmospheres. Films annealed in Ar/H2Se can be made p‐type with mobilities in the range 1–8 cm2/V s. Electron and x‐ray diffraction data are discussed. Grain size data, especially the consideration of the effects of substrate temperature, are included. Photoconductive decay times are reported for the films.
High-power pulsed sputtering using a magnetron with enhanced plasma confinement

High-power pulsed dc magnetron discharges for ionized high-rate sputtering of metallic films were systematically investigated. The depositions were performed using two unbalanced circular magnetrons of different types with a directly water-cooled planar copper target of 100mm in diameter. The repetition frequency was 1kHz at a fixed 20% duty cycle and an argon pressure of 0.5Pa. Time evolutions of the discharge characteristics were measured to provide information on absorption of energy in the discharge plasma and on transfer of arising ions to the substrate at a target power density in a pulse up to 950W∕cm2. Time-averaged mass spectroscopy was performed at the substrate position to characterize ion energy distributions and composition of total ion fluxes onto the substrate. The deposition rate of the copper films formed on a floating substrate at the distance of 100mm from the target was 2. 2μm∕min at an average target power density over a pulse period of 96W∕cm2. Very effective ionization of sputtered c.
Detection of wet-pockets on the surface of Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. by near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy

Abstract Multivariate statistical models capable of rapidly and accurately predicting the surface moisture content in Tsuga heterophylla were developed based on near infrared (NIR) spectra of small specimens precisely conditioned within the hygroscopic range. In an initial research phase, the applicability of NIR as predictor of surface moisture was investigated. The first derivative spectra in the range of 1300–2100 nm yielded the best results. The partial least squares regression (PLS-1) model had coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.98, root mean square error of cross validation (RMSECV) of 0.97%, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 1.05%, and ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) of 7.25. In a subsequent phase, an inline pilot-plant NIR system combined with this PLS-1 model was constructed. The prediction ability of the NIR system was tested with line speeds of 0, 100, 200, and 400 mm s-1 on kiln-dried full-length lamination boards classified as “wets” after conventional kiln drying. In a calibrated range of moisture content (0–25.4%), the NIR system demonstrated R2 values of 0.79 and 0.74, RMSEP values of 3.13 and 3.28, and RPD values of 2.18 and 1.67 at a line speed of 0 and 100 mm s-1, respectively, regardless of the presence of knots and surface roughness. These results demonstrate that the NIR system at a line speed of 0–100 mm s-1 could be used to provide entire surface moisture distribution and to detect local moisture peaks that indicate surface wet-pockets in kiln-dried lumber destined for lamination.
Synthesis and properties of novel phosphorus‐containing thermotropic liquid crystalline copoly(ester imide)s

A series of novel phosphorus-containing polyesterimides were prepared from diols—a mixture of a new aromatic phosphorus-containing bisphenol, namely 1,4-bis[N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalimidyl-5-carboxylate]-2-(6-oxido-6H-dibenz oxaphosphorin-6-yl)-naphtalene, with aliphatic diols such as 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, and 1,12—dodecanediol—and an aromatic diacid chloride containing two preformed ester groups, namely terephthaloyl-bis-(4-oxibenzoyl-chloride), via high-temperature polycondensation in o-dichlorobenzene. The structures of monomers and polymers were verified by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and 1 H NMR spectroscopy. The molar ratio of aromatic bisphenol to aliphatic diol was varied to generate a series of copolyesterimides with tailored physicochemical properties, structure-properties relationships being established. The effect of the phosphorus content on the thermal properties and the flame retardancy was evaluated by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), TGA-FTIR, and scanning electron microscopy. The polymers were stable up to 340 °C showing a 5% weight loss in the range of 340-395 °C and a 10% weight loss in the range of 370-415 °C. The char yields at 700 °C were in the range of 13.6-38% increasing with the content of phosphorus-containing bisphenol. The effect of the aliphatic content on the liquid crystalline behavior was investigated by polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction. The transition temperatures from crystal to liquid crystalline melt were in the range of 209-308 °C.
Dynamics of vibrationally excited ozone formed by three-body recombination. II. Kinetics and mechanism

Spectrally resolved infrared chemiluminescence from vibrationally excited ozone, O3(v), has been used to study the reaction kinetics of O3(v) in discharged O2/Ar mixtures at ∼1 Torr and 80–150 K. Dependences of the excited state number densities on temperature and O2 mole fraction indicate O3(v) is formed primarily by three‐body recombination of O with O2 and is destroyed by rapid chemical reaction with O. Several secondary excitation reactions involving vibrationally and electronically excited O2 are also indicated. The data are treated with a detailed steady‐state analysis of the discharge kinetics, to extract estimates for rate coefficients of the key elementary reactions. The effective ‘‘quasinascent’’ state distribution in recombination is also inferred; this distribution shows selective recombination into the asymmetric stretching mode, but an apparently statistical (i.e., collisionally scrambled) behavior among the vibrational states within that mode. The results are discussed in terms of the detai.
Nonequilibrium Molecular Dynamics of a Dense Ionic Fluid

Abstract Although the structural and transport properties of molten salts have been frequently examined in equilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, relatively little is known about these systems in nonequilibrium conditions. In this article we report results from nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations of a dense ionic fluid composed of charged soft spheres and compare these with equilibrium MD simulation data for the same system. Using Gaussian isokinetic equations of motion, the response of the system to applied electrical fields, varying in magnitude and frequency, was investigated in detail. The frequency dependent electrical conductivity was evaluated in nonequilibrium conditions and was found to be in good quantitative agreement with the spectrum of current fluctuations in the equilibrium ensemble. In order to follow the distortion of the liquid structure in external electric fields we also considered the direction-dependent distributions of charges in an ionic flow.
Determination of correlation lengths in swollen polymer networks by small-angle neutron scattering

The analogy between semidilute polymer solutions and swollen polymer networks is reviewed and some implications of current theories are considered. Small-angle neutron scattering has been used to measure a characteristic correlation length in randomly cross-linked polystyrene gels at swelling equilibrium in cyclohexane over the range 308-333 K and in toluene at ambient temperature. The equilibrium polymer volume fraction ranged from ca. 0.01 to 0.3, depending on the cross-link density and the solvent used. These results, together with those from earlier quasi-elastic light scattering measurements, were compared with reported scaling laws for polymer solutions. Although similar behavior was noted, the presence of permanent cross-links restricts the region wherein strong excluded volume effects are evident.
Low‐Temperature Behaviour of Charge Transfer Excitons in Narrow‐Bandgap Polymer‐Based Bulk Heterojunctions

Photoluminescence studies of the charge transfer exciton emission from a narrow‐bandgap polymer‐based bulk heterojunction are reported. The quantum yield of this emission is as high as 0.03%. Low temperature measurements reveal that while the dynamics of the singlet exciton is slower at low temperature, the dynamics of the charge transfer exciton emission is temperature independent. This behavior rules out any diffusion process of the charge transfer excitons and energy transfer from these interfacial states toward lower lying states. Photoluminescence measurements performed on the device under bias show a reduction (but not the total suppression) of the charge transfer exciton recombination. Finally, based on the low temperature results the role of the charge transfer excitons and the possible pathways to populate them are identified.
The effects of a solar eclipse on photo-oxidants in different areas of China

Abstract. This study investigates the effects of the total solar eclipse of 22 July 2009 on surface ozone and other photo-oxidants over China. A box model was used to study the sensitivity of ozone to the limb darkening effect during an eclipse event, and to show that the impact on ozone is small (less than 0.5 %). In addition, the regional model WRF-Chem was applied to study the effects of the eclipse on meteorological and chemical parameters, focusing on different regions in China. Chemical and meteorological observations were used to validate the model and to show that it can capture the effects of the total solar eclipse well. Model calculations show distinct differences in the spatial distributions of meteorological and chemical parameters with and without the eclipse. The maximum impacts of the eclipse occur over the area of totality, where there is a decrease in surface temperature of 1.5 °C and decrease in wind speed of 1 m s −1 . The maximum impacts on atmospheric pollutants occur over parts of north and east China where emissions are greater, with an increase of 5 ppbv in NO 2 and 25 ppbv in CO and a decrease of 10 ppbv in O 3 and 4 ppbv in NO. This study also demonstrates the effects of the solar eclipse on surface photo-oxidants in different parts of China. Although the sun was obscured to a smaller extent in polluted areas than in clean areas, the impacts of the eclipse in polluted areas are greater and last longer than they do in clean areas. In contrast, the change in radical concentrations (OH, HO 2 and NO 3 ) in clean areas is much larger than in polluted areas mainly because of the limited source of radicals in these areas. The change in radical concentrations during the eclipse reveals that nighttime chemistry dominates in both clean and polluted areas. As solar eclipses provide a natural opportunity to test more thoroughly our understanding of atmospheric chemistry, especially that governed by photolysis, a comprehensive experimental campaign during a future solar eclipse is highly desirable.
Micellar Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers for Fabrication of Nanostructured Membranes

This research work examines the process of block copolymer membrane fabrication by self-assembly combined by non solvent induced phase separation. Self-assembly takes place from the preparation of the primordial solution until the moment of immersion in a non solvent bath. These mechanisms are driven thermodynamically but are limited by kinetic factors. It is shown in this work how the ordering of the assembly of micelles is improved by the solution parameters such as solvent quality and concentration of block copolymer. Order transitions are detected, yielding changes in the morphology. The evaporation of the solvents after casting is demonstrated to be essential to reach optimum membrane structure. The non solvent bath stops the phase separation at an optimum evaporation time.