Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Isopiestic Method (DIM): Measuring Moisture Sorption Isotherm of Freeze-Dried Garlic Powder and Other Potential Uses of DIM

Moisture sorption (adsorption and desorption) isotherm of freeze-dried garlic powder was measured by static and dynamic isopiestic methods. Isotherms measured by static isopiestic method produced deviations from the dynamic method at the lower and higher water activity ranges. Dynamic method showed that the temperature had more effects on desorption isotherms compared to the adsorption isotherm, and the degree of isotherm hysteresis reduced with the increase of equilibration temperature. The isotherm was fitted with BET, GAB, and Norrish models. Critical evaluations on the physical meaning of the model parameters are presented. The dynamic method has the potential to be used in studying other structural and drying characteristics of foods.
Continuous 13C and 15N Labeling of Tree Litter using a Climate-Controlled Chamber

Substrates with a unique stable isotope signature provide researchers with the ability to trace nutrients through food webs. Plant material labeled with carbon (13C) can be produced by exposure to carbon dioxide (CO2) with an isotopic composition that differs from ambient conditions during photosynthesis. Labeling can occur continuously or be repeated over several “pulses. ” Each method has a high cost either in the form of expensive control systems or significant time investments. In 2012, we built a large growth chamber and used an inexpensive, open-source ArduinoTM microcontroller to monitor and control interior conditions so that we could produce leaf litter dually enriched in 13C and nitrogen (15N) for future incubation experiments. We performed a labeling experiment on 73 saplings representing seven species in 2012 and repeated the labeling on 30 saplings of one species in 2013. We successfully produced over 1 kg of litter enriched in both isotopes; 15N-enrichment (δ15N: 759.2 ± 133.7‰) was much greater than 13C (δ13C: 11.2 ± 3.4‰). Roots (161.0 ± 8.6‰) were much more enriched in 13C than litter (11.2 ± 3.4‰), indicating significant translocation of newly fixed carbohydrates. Some species allocated more resources toward their leaves as trees with the most enriched litter had the least enriched roots. 13C litter enrichment in 2012 was at the lower end of the range reported by similar studies; however, litter from trees labeled over two seasons achieved a higher level of enrichment (401.4 ± 65.5‰).
Cloning and partial characterization of the Methanococcoides burtonii minichromosome maintenance ( MCM ) helicase

Minichromosome maintenance (MCM) helicases play an essential role in chromosomal DNA replication in archaea and eukarya. Here the isolation and partial characterization of the MCM homologue from the psychophilic archaeaon Methanococcoides burtonii is described. The protein was expressed and purified to near homogeneity from Escherichia coli and, like MCM homologues from other archaeons, the protein was shown to form hexamers.
Evaluation of Greek Post-Fire Erosion Mitigation Policy through Spatial Analysis

In the Mediterranean region severe wildfires occur mainly in summer and they are one of the main drivers of desertification in the region. Moreover, due to the speed and scale of climatic changes, it is likely that wildfires will hit this region more frequently. As a result, every year Mediterranean countries spend millions of euros on post-fire emergency watershed stabilization measures such as check dams in streams and erosion barriers on sensitive slopes. This study implements spatial analysis to evaluate the current Greek post-fire erosion mitigation policy and to support the decision made concerning the application of the most suitable response to post-fire erosion threat by fires. Applied to a case study area on the Kassandra peninsula, our spatial modeling approach of Kassandra post-fire treatment using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) has demonstrated the failure of the present policy and the need to adopt a new policy that will manage the inefficiency of the existing policy to mitigate post-fire erosion risks. Our results highlight the importance of incorporating more sophisticated and spatially detailed modelling approaches in order to achieve a more cost effective spatial targeting of land use policy interventions.
Transmission Electron Microscopic Study of Diagenetic Chlorite in Gulf Coast Argillaceous Sediments

Transmission and analytical electron microscopy have been used to study the diagenesis of the trioctahedral component of phyllosilicates (principally chlorite) in argillaceous core samples (depths of 1750, 2450, and 5500 m) from the Gulf Coast. Chlorite was observed as 100-150-Å thick packets intergrown within mixed-layer illite/smectite in the 2450-m sample and was more abundant and larger in packet thickness in the 5500-m sample. The chlorite is disordered in stacking sequence as characterized by diffuseness of reflections with k ≠ 3n in electron diffraction patterns. Berthierine (7-Å) was locally found to be intercalated within chlorite layers. Chlorite from the 5500-m sample is iron-rich and has an average chemical formula of Fe3.1Mg1. 1Al2.7Si2. 8O10(OH)8. This chemical composition and textural relations suggest that the chlorite formed within mixed-layer illite/smectite utilizing Fe and Mg released from the smectite during its conversion to illite. The berthierine is nearly identical in chemical composition with the coexisting chlorite although it may have a slightly higher Fe content. The 7-Å berthierine is probably a metastable precursor of the chlorite and may be diagnostic of the diagenetic environment.
Gas sensing and dielectric studies on cobalt doped hydroxyapatite thick films

This present paper deals with the investigation on effective utilization of cobalt doped hydroxyapatite (Co-HAp) thick films for improvement in gas sensing and dielectric properties. Chemical precipitation route is used for synthesis of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HAp) bioceramic and ion exchange process is carried out for the partial substitution of cobalt ions in HAp matrix. Hydroxyapatite thick films, prepared using screen printing technique, are used as samples for gas sensing and dielectric measurements. The structural identification of HAp thick films is carried out using X-ray diffraction and the presence of functional groups in pure and doped HAp is confirmed by means FTIR spectroscopy. The surface morphology of these films is visualized by means of SEM and AFM analysis. Detailed study on CO2 gas sensing performance of pure and Co-HAp thick films is carried out wherein operating temperature, response/recovery times and gas uptake capacity are determined. It is remarkable to note that Co-HAp film with 0.01M cobalt concentration shows maximum sensitivity to CO2 gas at relatively lower operating temperature of 135 o C in comparison with pure HAp as well as other concentrations of cobalt doped HAp films. The frequency dependent variation of dielectric constant (K) and dielectric loss (tan δ) of HAp thick films are also studied in the range of 10 Hz-1MHz at room temperature. The result shows that increase of cobalt concentration in HAp matrix leads to increase in dielectric constant. The study reveals clear influence of cobalt substitution on dielectric properties and gas sensing properties HAp matrix. Copyright © 2013 VBRI Press.
Effects Of Acute Sodium Ingestion On Water Consumption And Retention, Dehydration, And Exercise Performance In The Heat

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of sodium ingestion on pre-exercise fluid consumption and retention, rates of dehydration, and subsequent exercise performance in the heat. METHODS: Nine male subjects underwent three experimental procedures consuming either 60 mg/kg bm NaCl, (NA), placebo (PL), or no treatment (NT) followed by a 2-hr hydration period in which they consumed water ad-libitum (HP). Subjects began a 1-hr exercise session, followed by a 200 kJ time trial (TT) on a cycle ergometer. Elapsed time to complete TT was used as a performance measure. Blood samples were analyzed for plasma volume (PV). Heart Rate (HR) was obtained at minutes 5 and 50 of the 1-hr ride. RESULTS: Subjects consumed more water during HP in NA compared to PL and NT. Fluid retained at the end of HP was greater in NA compared to PL and NT. NA induced a significantly greater rate of HPE than did PL and NT. Dehydration rate following 1-hr ride was lower in NA compared to PL and NT. The TT was completed faster in NA compared to PL and NT. CONCLUSION: The results suggest acute sodium ingestion enhances voluntary fluid consumption leading to hyperhydration and improved exercise performance in the heat.
Preparation and Characterization of Poly(bisphenol A oxalate) and Studying its Chelating Behavior Towards Some Metal Ions

Abstract Poly(bisphenol A oxalate) was synthesized by condensation polymerization of Bisphenol A and oxalyl chloride in dichloromethane under dry nitrogen atmosphere below 5°C. The resulting linear alternating polymer was characterized by inherent viscosity, FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR. The thermal behavior of the polymer was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The chelating behavior of the synthesized polymer towards some divalent metal ions was studied by the batch equilibrium technique as a function of pH and contact time. The isothermal behavior and kinetics of the metal ions uptake onto the polymer were also investigated. The polymer showed high rates of metal ion uptake toward Pb(II), Cu(II), and Mg(II), but low rates toward Ni(II) and Cd(II) in the measurement of metal uptake. Interestingly, the polymer was found to selectively chelate Pb(II) and Mg(II) ions in the concentration variation isotherm experiments.
Synthesis and application of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid/acrylamide/N,N-dimethyl acrylamide/maleic anhydride as a fluid loss control additive in oil well cementing

Using 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylamide (AM), N,N-dimethyl acrylamide (NNDMA), and maleic anhydride (MA), a new dispersive type fluid loss control additive (FLCA) AMPS/AM/NNDMA/MA (PANM) was synthesized by free radical aqueous solution copolymerization, and the new FLCA could be used without dispersant existing in the cement. The optimal PANM (OPANM) was obtained under the optimum reaction conditions: mole ratio of AMPS/AM/NNDMA/MA = 4/2.5/2.5/1, monomer concentration = 32.5%, amount of (by weight of monomer) ammonium persulfate/sodium bisulfate = 1.0%, pH value = 4, and temperature = 40°C. The synthesized copolymer OPANM was identified by FTIR analysis. The evaluation results show the OPANM has excellent dispersing power, fluid loss control ability, thermal resistant, and salt tolerant ability. The OPANM was even stable when the temperature was below 300°C proved by TG analysis. The thickening time of the slurry containing the synthesized additive reduces as the temperature increases. The copolymer OPANM is expected to be an excellent FLCA. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Two-photon, carbon-13 and two-dimensional proton NMR spectroscopic studies of retinyl Schiff bases, protonated Schiff bases and Schiff base salts: evidence for a protonation induced .pi..pi.* excited state level ordering reversal

The . pi pi. * excited singlet state manifolds of the visual chromophores, all-trans-retinylpyrrolidiniminium perchlorate (ATRSBS) and all-trans-N-retinylidene-n-butylimine:HCl (ATRPSB) are studied by using one-photon and two-photon laser spectroscopy. The goal is a better understanding of how protonation and counterion location affect level ordering in retinyl Schiff bases. Ambient temperature two-photon thermal lensing spectra indicate that ATRSBS has a lowest lying /sup 1/A/sub g/*/sup -/-like state as was observed previously for all-trans-retinal and the Schiff base of all-trans-retinal. In contrast, two-photon spectra of ATRPSB indicate that the protonated Schiff base has a lowest lying /sup 1/B/sub u/*/sup +/-like state. The origin of this level ordering reversal is analyzed by using molecular orbital theory as well as /sup 13/C and two-dimensional /sup 1/H NMR. They conclude that the relative level ordering of the low-lying covalent and ionic . pi pi. * excited states of protonated Schiff bases and Schiff base salts is highly sensitive to counterion location (diffuseness). INDO-PSDCI molecular orbital theory is shown to be a reliable theoretical method of predicting the effect of counterion location on the one-photon and two-photon properties of retinyl protonated Schiff bases and Schiff base salts. This study provides further experimental support for the conclusions of a previous two-photon investigationmore » of the rhodopsin binding site which demonstrated that the protein bound 11-cis-retinyl chromophore is protonated and occupies a neutral binding site. « less
Interpretation of humic acid coagulation and soluble soil organic matter using a calculated electrostatic potential

The coagulation of humic substances and its role in controlling the solubility of organic matter in soils are not well understood. We therefore studied the physico‐chemical behaviour of purified humic acid from forest soil coagulated with Na, Ca, Cu, Al at pH 4 and 6, and then modelled the behaviour with the Non‐Ideal Consistent Competitive Adsorption Donnan (NICA‐Donnan) model. We found that the coagulation of humic acid occurs when the Donnan potential is less negative than −0.08 V. Based on this result, an empirical relation between the Donnan potential of humic acid and its concentration in solution was derived. In addition, the Donnan potential of the dissolved organic matter in the soil solution of six soil profiles from forests was calculated using the NICA‐Donnan model under the assumption that all the dissolved organic matter behaves as humic acid. The measured concentration of dissolved organic matter also decreases in a soil profile, as the calculated potential becomes less negative. The results are in many cases in semi‐quantitative agreement with the predicted concentration based on the humic acid coagulation experiment. Acid soils contain more dissolved organic matter, which may result from the presence of a fairly large fraction of more soluble organic molecules, such as fulvic acid.
Composition of soil organic matter and its water‐soluble fraction under young vegetation on drift sand, central Netherlands

Podzols tend to form on drift sands in The Netherlands given sufficient time. Differences in organic matter (OM) composition relate to vegetation succession on drift sand that evolves eventually into a micropodzol. We examined the relation between the water‐soluble organic matter (WSOM) and the total OM composition in the Ah horizons of the first vegetation stages, under grass (Corynephorus canescens), moss (Polytrichum piliferum), heather (Calluna vulgaris) and pine (Pinus sylvestris), as determined by pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py‐GC/MS) and analysis of polysaccharides after acid hydrolysis. Polysacharides dominate the OM in the Ah horizons under grass and moss. Lignin and aliphatic compounds are minor compounds in these profiles, but are more important under heather and pine. The Py‐GC traces of the WSOM under grass and moss contain abundant products derived from polysaccharides. The water‐soluble fraction is enriched in phenolic and aliphatic compounds in comparison with their contents in pyrolysates of the total OM. In the WSOM fractions under heather and pine, phenols dominate the pyrolysates, whereas lignin‐derived methoxyphenols are rare. Remarkably large amounts of alkenes and alkanes are present in the pyrolysates of these water‐soluble fractions, most probably derived from aliphatic biopolymers. Their presence in water might be explained through the formation of colloids, which are stabilized by micelle‐like arrangements.
Studies on the structure–property relationship of sodium alginate based thixotropic hydrogels

Sodium alginate (Na-Alg) reacted with 1-naphthylamine in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC·HCl) affording an amide derivative capable of forming soft hydrogel at a concentration of 4% w/v. The latter upon gentle stirring turned into a viscous sol, which assumed the original gel structure upon standing at room temperature in a reversible process. Such thixotropic materials have the potential to be used in biomedical applications and as sensors.
Electrical conduction of polyimide films prepared from polyamic acid (PAA) and pre-imidized polyimide (PI) solution

Abstract Electrical conduction characteristics in two different polyimide films prepared by the imidization of polyamic acid (PAA) and pre-imidized polyimide (PI) solution were investigated. It is found that the current density of the polyimide film from PAA was higher than that of the polyimide film from PI at the same electric field, even though the conduction mechanism in both polyimide films follows the ionic hopping model. The hopping distance was calculated to be 2.8 nm for PAA type and 3.2 nm for PI type polyimide film. It is also found that the decay rate of the residual electrostatic charges on the polyimide films becomes faster in the PAA type than in the PI type polyimide film.
THE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN E ON BODYWEIGHT AND FAT MASS IN INTACT AND OVARIECTOMIZED FEMALE RATS

SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin E deficiency and supplementation on body weight and body composition in intact and ovariectomized growing female rats. One hundred and twenty female Wistar rats aged 3 months were ovariectomized (OVX) or left intact (sham-operated). The intact and OVX rats were divided into 6 groups and given different dietary treatments, i.e. vitamin E deficient diets (VED, 75%VED, 50%VED, 25%VED), normal rat chow diet (RC) and rat chow with oral supplementation of 30mg/kg body weight of α-tocopherol (RC+ATF). Body weight of intact and OVX rats in the RC and the RC+ATF groups showed increased significantly after 15 weeks of dietary treatment. Intact and ovariectomized rats fed with VED, 75%VED, 50%VED and 25%VED did not gain weight after 15 weeks. OVX rats had significantly higher body weight than intact rats in the 50%VED, 25%VED, RC and RC+ATF groups. Fat mass of intact rats was increased only in the RC and RC+ATF groups. For OVX rats, fat mass was increased in the VED, 50%VED, RC and RC+ATF groups. OVX groups had significantly higher fat mass when compared with intact groups, however, the significance was greater for the RC and RC+ATF groups. Other parameters of body composition were not significantly affected. In conclusion, vitamin E played an important role in the weight gain of female rats and the gain was primarily due to the increase in fat mass, irrespective of the effect of ovariectomy. Alpha-Tocopherol supplementation conferred little benefit compared to giving RC diet alone in both the intact and ovariectomized female rats. The results also indicate that excessive vitamin
Wetting modifications of uhmwpe surfaces induced by ion implantation

Ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE) surfaces are characterized in terms of roughness and wetting. Changes in the surface morphology of the polymer were induced macroscopically by mechanical friction and microscopically by ion implantation. The ion irradiation was obtained by using 300 keV Xe+ beams with doses ranging between 1014 and 1015 ions/cm2. Roughness and wetting measurements were performed in order to investigate the UHMWPE surface properties before and after the surface treatments. The wetting angle of the polymeric surface increases with the decrease of the roughness and with the increase of the absorbed dose. Results are discussed from the point of view of the biological reactions that could degrade the UHMWPE biocompatible surfaces employed in different mobile prostheses.
Climatological perspectives of air transport from atmospheric boundary layer to tropopause layer over Asian monsoon regions during boreal summer inferred from Lagrangian approach

Abstract. The Asian Summer Monsoon (ASM) region has been recognized as a key region that plays a vital role in troposphere-to-stratosphere transport (TST), which can significant impact the budget of global atmospheric constituents and climate change. However, the details of transport from the boundary layer (BL) to tropopause layer (TL) over these regions, particularly from a climatological perspective, remain an issue of uncertainty. In this study, we present the climatological properties of BL-to-TL transport over the ASM region during boreal summer season (June-July-August) from 2001 to 2009. A comprehensive tracking analysis is conducted based on a large ensemble of TST-trajectories departing from the atmospheric BL and arriving at TL. Driven by the winds fields from NCEP/NCAR Global Forecast System, all the TST-trajectories are selected from the high resolution datasets generated by the Lagrangian particle transport model FLEXPART using a domain-filling technique. Three key atmospheric boundary layer sources for BL-to-TL transport are identified with their contributions: (i) 38% from the region between tropical Western Pacific region and South China Seas (WP) (ii) 21% from Bay of Bengal and South Asian subcontinent (BOB), and (iii) 12% from the Tibetan Plateau, which includes the South Slope of the Himalayas (TIB). Controlled by the different patterns of atmospheric circulation, the air masses originated from these three source regions are transported along the different tracks into the TL. The spatial distributions of three source regions keep similarly from year to year. The timescales of transport from BL to TL by the large-scale ascents r-range from 1 to 7 weeks contributing up to 60–70% of the overall TST, whereas the transport governed by the deep convection overshooting become faster on a timescales of 1–2 days with the contributions of 20–30%. These results provide clear policy implications for the control of very short lived substances, especially for the source regions over Indian subcontinent with increasing populations and developing industries.
Eficácia e fitotoxicidade de herbicidas aplicados para manejo de plantas daninhas infestantes do trigo

Objetivou-se com o trabalho identificar alternativas para o manejo quimico de plantas daninhas infestante do trigo, bem como verificar a fitotoxicidade de herbicidas sobre a cultura. Instalou-se o experimento em blocos casualizados, arranjado em esquema fatorial 2 x 13, com quatro repeticoes. No fator A, alocou-se as cultivares de trigo (Quartzo e Pioneiro) e no B os herbicidas (iodosulfuron – 0,100 kg ha -1 ; imazapic + imazapyr – 0,140 kg ha -1 ; clomazone 0,800 L ha -1 ; imazethapyr + imazapic – 1,250 L ha -1 ; propanil – 6,000 kg ha -1 ; oxyfluorfen – 1,000 L ha -1 ; penoxsulam – 0,175 L ha -1 ; metsulfuron-methyl – 0,0033 kg ha -1 ; 2,4-D – 1,250 L ha -1 ; cyhalofop-p-buthyl – 1,380 L ha -1 ; pyroxsulam – 0,400 L ha -1 ), mais duas testemunhas uma capinada e outra infestada. O iodosulfuron, propanil, oxyfluorfen, metsulfuron-methyl, 2,4-D, cyhalofop-p-buthyl, penoxsulam e pyroxsulam ocasionaram valores inferiores a 5,5% de fitotoxicidade as cultivares de trigo e de modo geral nao diferiram das testemunhas capinada e infestada. Os maiores efeitos fitotoxicos foram ocasionados pelo imazethapyr + imazapic, clomazone e imazapic + imazapyr sobre as cultivares de trigo. A aplicacao de iodosulfuron, imazethapyr + imazapic, imazapic + imazapyr e o pyroxsulam apresentaram elevados percentuais de controle do azevem, com indices superiores a 95,5%. O imazethapyr + imazapic, clomazone e imazapic + imazapyr apresentaram as maiores fitotoxicidades sobre as cultivares de trigo. O iodosulfuron, imazethapyr + imazapic, clomazone e imazapic + imazapyr e o pyroxsulam demonstraram os melhores controles do azevem. O iodosulfuron apresentou a menor influencia sobre os componentes do rendimento de graos do trigo ao se comparar com os demais herbicidas.