Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimization of point spread function of a high numerical aperture objective lens : application to high resolution optical imaging and fabrication

Nowadays, far field optical microscopy is widely used in many fields, for fundamental research and applications. The low cost, simple operation, high flexibility are its main advantages. The key parameter of an optical microscope is the objective lens.This thesis's work focuses mainly on the characterization and optimization of the point spread function (PSF) of a high numerical aperture (NA) objective lens (OL) for applications of high resolution imaging and nano-fabrication.In the first part of the thesis, we have systematically investigated the dependency of polarization and intensity distributions of the focusing spot on numerous parameters, such as the phase, the polarization, and the beam mode of incident beam, as well as the refractive index mismatch. Then, we demonstrated theoretically different methods for manipulation of the polarization and intensity distributions of the focusing spot, which can have desired shapes and are useful for different applications. By using a home-made confocal microscope, we have experimentally verified some of the theoretical predictions, for example, vector properties of light beam under a tight focusing condition. In the second part of dissertation work, a new, simple and inexpensive method based on the one-photon absorption mechanism has been demonstrated theoretically and experimentally for 3D sub-micrometer imaging and fabrication applications. The theoretical calculation based on vectorial Debye approximation and taken into account the absorption effect of material shows that it is possible to focus the light tightly and deeply inside the material if the material presents a very low one-photon absorption (LOPA) at the excitation wavelength. We have then demonstrated experimentally that the LOPA microscopy allows to achieve 3D imaging and 3D fabrication with submicrometer resolution, similar to those obtained by two-photon absorption microscopy.
Proceeding of International Conference on Computer Science and Information Technology ICCSIT-2012

Data Protection has been concern for majority of the organization. Pertaining to the various researches that has been published regarding the security issue in the cloud architecture, till now there has not been any discussion regarding the role of Cloud Security Manager in any of them. Cloud Security Manager or CSM being the pivot of this whole process is an important point in this Cloud Architecture. His role must be clearly defined and communicated. Throughout this research paper our primary concern is regarding the practices that must be followed by the CSM and also the necessary guidelines that should be followed in order to maintain the security and authenticity of the client’s data. In some of the papers there has been discussion regarding the level of trust between the cloud service provider and their clients regarding the security of the data. Such issues actually require a transparent process that should be followed by the Cloud Service Provider. So, in this paper we try to solve these issues by providing a framework for Cloud Security Manager, Cloud Authentication Framework and also described the scope of a Cloud Security Manager. These frameworks and scope for the CSM would actually help to increase the level of trust between the Cloud Service Provider and their clients. We try to cover all of the aspect related to CSM, however there could be some improvement regarding their job execution depending upon the continuously changing trend in the cloud industry.
Total Synthesis of Leukotrienes from Butadiene

The total synthesis of leukotrienes has been achieved starting from butadiene by a palladium-catalyzed telomerization at room temperature. A Sharpless catalytic asymmetric epoxidation generated the asymmetric centers with >94% ee. Simple transformations of the key intermediate 15 produced the leukotrienes LTA4 methyl ester (4), LTC4 (1), LTD4 (2) and LTE4 (3), as well as (14S,15S)-LTA4 methyl ester (24) and the novel [2H2]-LTA4 methyl ester (28). The use of the opposite chiral director in the Sharpless catalytic asymmetric epoxidation gave the key intermediate 15a that has been used in the synthesis of the double epimers of the leukotrienes as well as LTB4.
Midinfrared luminescence properties and laser potentials of Pr3+ doped KPb2Cl5 and CsCdBr3

The paper presents the spectroscopic and the fluorescence properties of the Pr3+ doped low-energy phonon and nonhygroscopic chloride and bromide single crystals KPb2Cl5 and CsCdBr3. Room temperature absorption spectra have been registered and analyzed, by using standard as well as modified versions of the Judd–Ofelt formalism, to derive the values for the radiative lifetimes and the branching ratios of the various emission transitions in both compounds. Low temperature absorption and emission spectra have been registered and exploited to derive the detailed positions of the Pr3+ energy levels in KPb2Cl5. These experimental values have been confronted to and completed by calculated ones obtained by using a standard crystal-field procedure. These data, combined with results of fluorescence decays and emission spectra measurements, then have been used to determine the emission and gain cross sections of the main midinfrared (mid-IR) emission transitions of interest in these materials. Finally, the different .
Formation of Micelles with Complex Coacervate Cores

Micelles are commonly regarded as colloidal structures spontaneously formed by amphiphilic molecules, that is, molecules consisting of two distinct parts of which one is soluble and the other is insoluble. This definition is too restrictive: other kinds of molecules can also form micelles. We report on the formation of micelles from a mixture of a (water-soluble) polyanion and a diblock copolymer with two entirely water-soluble blocks: one cationic and one neutral. The cationic block forms a complex coacervate with poly(acrylic acid); the neutral block serves as a stablizing block, prohibiting the growth of the complex coacervate droplets to macroscopic sizes. The formation of these micelles upon mixing is preceded by a macroscopic phase separation. The polymer-rich phase which initially forms rearranges into a stable micellar solution.
Determinação espectrométrica dos flavonóides das folhas de Maytenus (Celastraceae) e de Passiflora (Passifloraceae) e comparação com método CLAE-UV

This paper reports on a modification of the spectrometric procedures originally described in the French and European Pharmacopoeia for the analysis of Passiflora incarnata L. (Passifloraceae) flavonoids, proposing its application in the determination of total flavonoids from "espinheira-santa" (Maytenus aquifolium Mart. and Maytenus ilicifolia (Schrad.) Planch. , Celastraceae) and "maracuja" leaves (Passiflora edulis Sims and Passiflora alata Curtis, Passifloraceae). A comparison was made of the results obtained by the spectrometric procedure with those obtained by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV), which demonstrated complete compatibility between the modified French Pharmacopoeia (spectrometric) and HPLC-UV methods.
EFFECTS OF GRADIENT MAGNETIC FIELDS ON THE MAGNETO-THERMAL MIXED CONVECTION OF AIR IN A HORIZONTAL PIPE

Effects of gradient magnetic fields on the mixed convection of air in a gravity field are numerically studied with 3-D model equations. The detailed characteristics of the magneto-thermal wind in a pipe are computed for the length ratios L (pipe length divided by pipe diameter) of 20, 30, 62, and 100, with diameter ratios N (diameter of an electric coil versus that of the pipe) from 2 to 200. It is found that there exists a best diameter ratio N to maximize the airflow rate for a channel with a fixed length. Detailed flow and temperature profiles are graphically presented for various values of N.
Quasistatic Contraction of Magnetic Protostars due to Magnetic Flux Leakage

A protostar with sufficient magnetic flux can be in quasistatic equilibrium. The structure at the time t of such an axisymmetric protostar immersed in a medium of finite pressure is determined when the mass m(ϕ, t) in each axisymmetric magnetic tube with the flux ϕ is given. A new distribution m(ϕ, t+δt) is found by calculating the amount of matter which crosses the surface of the magnetic tube ϕ in a time δt due to plasma drift (ambipolar diffusion), and then the structure at t+δt is determined. By repeating this procedure we can follow the quasistatic contraction of a protostar. Here we take into account the effect of charged grains in addition to ions upon the plasma drift.
A nonsmooth approach for the modelling of a mechanical rotary drilling system with friction

In this paper, we show how the approach of nonsmooth dynamical systems can be used to develop a suitable method for the modelling of a rotary oil drilling system with friction. We study different kinds of frictions and analyse the mathematical properties of the involved dynamical systems. We show that using a general Stribeck model for the frictional contact, we can formulate the rotary drilling system as a well-posed evolution variational inequality. Several numerical simulations are also given to illustrate both the model and the theoretical results.
Relationship Among Serum Lipid levels, Obesity and Blood Pressure in Health Examined Adult Women

The present study was intended to reveal the relationships between serum lipid levels and various factors of obesity and blood pressure. The study subjects were 1,838 adult women measured at a mass health screening during the period from January through December, 2011. TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, SBP, DBP, degree of obesity, body fat rate were measured and the relation between these obesity and blood pressure measurements to serum lipid levels were studied. As a results, TC, TG, LDL-C, body fat rate and degree of obesity increased linearly with advancing age. TC, TG and LDL-C increased linearly with increasing blood pressure, and these values were higher in hypertension group than that of normal group. TC, TG and SBP increased linearly with increasing degree of obesity, and these values were higher in obesity group than that of normal group. HDL-C decreased linearly with increasing degree of obesity, and these values were lower in obesity group than that of normal group. TC, TG, HDL-C, degree of obesity, body fat rate was positive correlation with each others, but these values negatively correlated to HDL-C. Principal component analysis, showed that subjects could be divided into the group having the hypertensive group(1st principal component), the obesity group(2nd principal component), the hyperlipidemia group(3rd principal component), and HDL-C(4th principal component). In multiple regression analysis, age, TC, TG and body fat rate were affected to HDL-C. Above results suggest that higher the degree of obesity and blood pressure, the higher the serum lipid levels.
On the precision of systematic sampling: a review of Matheron's transitive methods

G. Matheron's theory of regionalized variables provides a suitable basis for obtaining variance approximations for estimators of integrals from systematically sampled observations, with applications in geostatistics, image analysis, stereology and numerical quadrature techniques in general. The approximations are often fairly accurate for practical purposes. The methods are, however, not sufficiently widespread outside the field of geostatistics. The purpose of this paper is to present in an informal way the transitive part of the methods (relevant to the design‐based approach) and a number of stereological applications.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Tetranuclear Zinc(II) Complexes with a Linear Array

1,3-Bis(salicylideneamino)-2-propanol (H3salpro) and 1,3-bis(salicylideneamino)propane (H2salpn) react with Zn(ClO4)2•6H2O and pyrazole (Hpz) to give tetranuclear complexes with a linear Zn4 array, [Zn4(Hsalpro)2(pz)2-(Hpz)2](ClO4)2 (1) and [Zn4(salpn)2(pz)2(Hpz)2] (ClO4)2 (2), which were characterized by infrared spectra and X-ray crystallography.
RP-HPLC METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION FOR SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF ILAPRAZOLE AND DOMPERIDONE IN THEIR COMBINED DOSAGE FORM

Ilaprazole is a proton pump inhibitor and Domperidone is a specific blocker of dopamine receptors. This combination of drugs will be used to treat peptic ulcers. In RP-HPLC method, a mobile phase of Phosphate Buffer (pH 3) : Methanol (40:60 v/v) was used to resolve Ilaprazole and Domperidone from a mixture. Phenomex C18 column was used and flow rate was selected as 1 ml/min. Detection was carried out at 229 nm which is Isobestic point of Ilaprazole and Domperidone. The linearity range obtained for the RP-HPLC method were 5 – 15 μg/ml and 15 - 45 μg/ml with corresponding correlation coefficient of 0.999 and 0.999 for Ilaprazole and Domperidone respectively. The method was found to be rapid, accurate and precise. This method was validated according to ICH guidelines.
A poly(polyoxometalate)-b-poly(hexanoic acid) block copolymer: synthesis, self-assembled micelles and catalytic activity

A hybrid block copolymer (H-BCP) composed of a poly(polyoxometalate) (poly(POM)) block and a poly(6-norbornene-hexanoic acid) (poly(COOH)) block was prepared by sequential addition of two norbornene monomers containing a POM cluster and a carboxyl as side groups via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Because the 5833 Da molecular weight of the POM-containing monomer is much higher than 277 Da of the carboxyl-containing monomer, the designed H-BCP has a degree of polymerization DP = 5 for the poly(POM) block and DP = 200 for the poly(COOH) block. Thus, the H-BCP not only has differences in its chemical structure and properties but also asymmetries in its molecular weight and length. In acetonitrile, it self-assembles into hybrid micelles with a thin shell of the poly(POM) block and a core of the poly(COOH) block. The micelles form thin films in which the micelles pack into a hexagonal pattern driven by attractive capillary forces between the micelles. Meanwhile, the H-BCP exhibits good catalytic activity. The H-BCP may become an important candidate for producing hybrid materials with good processability and ductility of the polymer components, and good functionality of the POM clusters.
Versatile synthesis of high surface area multi-metallic nanosponges allowing control over nanostructure and alloying for catalysis and SERS detection

We report a template- and surfactant-free synthesis of multi-metallic nanosponges with controllable composition, porosity, ligament and grain sizes, as well as control over alloying. The inexpensive approach is scalable to industrial production and produces not only sponges of various pure metals such as Ag, Au, Pd, Pt, Co, Ni, Cu, but also bi- and trimetallic alloys or non-alloys. The synthesis involves fast reduction of metal salts followed by a slow network assembly in ethanol–glycerol mixed solvents shaken in a temperature range of 25–90 °C. Freeze drying conserves the pores to ensure a high surface area. The involved growth mechanisms are discussed. Tri-metallic alloyed Ag34Au33Pd33 sponges with a specific surface area of 96 m2 g−1 exhibit the highest reported catalytic rate for the degradation of azo dyes and 4-nitrophenol reduction. They show higher catalytic activity and better long-term stability for formic acid electro-oxidation compared with Pd-based mono- and bimetallic nanostructures. The excellent catalytic performance is mainly attributed to the high porosity and large number of interfaces. Pressed into discs, the Ag sponges' sensitive SERS activity is highly reproducible over area.
Application of Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry to the Study of Grape Anthocyanins

A rapid method for the qualitative and semi-quantitative determination of grape anthocyanins has been developed. It consists of extraction of anthocyanins from grape skins with an ethanol/water/hydrochloric acid solution, purification and concentration by solid phase extraction, and analysis of extracts by direct infusion electrospray mass spectrometry and ion trap multiple mass spectrometry. Two different cultivars of hybrid grapes and a cultivar of Vitis vinifera grape were analyzed and they showed different anthocyanin profiles. Among the compounds detected and characterized in the extracts, four anthocyanin-3-(6-O-p-coumaroyl)5-O-diglucosides were identified in Clinton grape for the first time and their electrospray ionization mass spectra could be obtained for the first time together with those of cyanidin, peonidin, and malvidin 3,5-O-diglucosides. For malvidin 3,5-O-diglucoside and 3-O-monoglucoside a semi-quantitative determination could be achieved that would result interesting for the identification of hybrid grapes and wines.
A Fast and Efficient UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS Method for Detection, Identification, and Quantitative Analysis of Bioactive Substances in Medicinal Herbal Extracts of Preventing Hair Loss

A rapid, sensitive, and selective method involving ultraperformance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) was developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the constituents in a medicinal herbal complex extract (MHCE). The MHCE was obtained from 23 herbs traditionally used in oriental medicines that we have been developed as new therapeutic materials to prevent hair loss and enhance hair growth. The chromatographic analysis of the samples of MHCE was performed on a reversed-phase C18 (10 cm × 2.1 mm, flow rate 0.3 mL/min) column with gradient elution using acetonitrile and water with 0.1% formic acid. Mass spectrometry was performed in the positive ESI mode. The bioactive compounds were detected by selected reaction monitoring (SRM) with UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. All calibration curves of reference compounds showed good linearity (r2 > 0.9964) in the test ranges. The limit of detection and limit of quantification of the method were 0.02 ng/mL and 0.05 ng/mL, respectively.
SERS-active Au NR oligomer sensor for ultrasensitive detection of mercury ions

In this study, we developed a sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor based on a self-assembled Au NR oligomer for the detection of mercury ions (Hg2+) in aqueous solution. Taking advantage of the high sensitivity of Raman spectroscopy and high specificity of the T–Hg2+–T base pair, the method was used in ultratrace analysis of Hg2+ in real water samples. The developed Hg2+ detection method showed an excellent linear range from 5 to 5000 pM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.3 pM (0.86 pg mL−1). The recovery experiment presented excellent recovery ranging from 88.98%–105.76%, and demonstrated that the sensor could be used to monitor the concentration of Hg2+ for environmental water.
Advanced Nuclear Open Air-Brayton Cycles for Highly Efficient Power Conversion

Abstract Nuclear heated open air-Brayton cycles have been investigated both as topping cycles for combined cycle Brayton-Rankine cycles and as standalone recuperated Brayton cycles. The peak turbine inlet temperature chosen for the analysis was 933 K for a range of Generation IV molten salt reactors or lead cooled reactors. A baseline power level of 25 MW(electric) was chosen to be representative of some of the small modular reactor concepts being considered. Extensions to higher temperatures and power levels were evaluated. Thermal efficiencies in the 45% to 46% range can be achieved by both the combined cycle systems and the recuperated systems, though the combined cycle systems achieve about a 1% to 1.5% improvement over the recuperated systems. The nuclear heated open air-Brayton systems have several advantages over current light water reactor and other Generation IV systems. The analysis demonstrates that the cycle thermal efficiencies are higher than other proposed systems. The gas turbine hardware is readily available over a broad range of power levels. And both the combined cycle and recuperated systems require significantly less circulating water for waste heat rejection than any other proposed systems.
Immuno-Modulatory Effects of Bacteriocin-Producing Pediococcus pentosaceus JWS 939 in Mice

Pediococcus pentosaceus JWS 939 (JWS 939) is a nonpathogenic bacteriocin-producing probiotic isolated from the duckintestine. This study assessed the immunomodulatory effects of JWS 939 and compared them with those of Lactobacillusrhamnosus GG (LGG), a well-known immune enhancer. The immune-enhancing effects of JWS 939 were measured bymeasuring the production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines in C57BL/6 mouse peritoneal macrophages. In addition, toassess the immune enhancement abilities of JWS 939, in vivo, a Listeria monocytogenes challenge mice model was used.The results showed that heat-killed JWS 939 induced more NO and interleukin (IL)-1 β production in mouse peritoneal mac-rophages than in LGG, and that oral administration of viable JWS 939 in mice increased more NO, IL-1 β, and tumor necro-sis factor (TNF)-α level than in LGG in serum upon L. monocytogenes challenge. In addition, mice fed with JWS 939 hada longer survival time after lethal challenge with L. monocytogenes, and these effects were stronger than those induced byLGG. Collectively, P. pentosaceus JWS 939 is a remarkable strain that, by releasing bacteriocin and enhancing host immuneresponses, may have potential as a duck feed additive to suppress pathogens.Key words: lactic acid bacteria, immune response, bacteriocin(s), Listeria, macrophage(s)
Affinity-Modulation Drug Delivery Using Thermosensitive Elastin-Like Polypeptide Block Copolymers

Affinity-Modulation Drug Delivery Using Thermosensitive Elastin-Like Polypeptide Block Copolymers by Andrew J. Simnick Department of Biomedical Engineering Duke University Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ Ashutosh Chilkoti, Ph.D., Supervisor ___________________________ Mark W. Dewhirst, Ph.D., D.V.M. ___________________________ Kam W. Leong, Ph.D. ___________________________ George A. Truskey, Ph.D. ___________________________ Christopher D. Kontos, M.D. Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the Graduate School of Duke University 2010
Influence of surface topology and electrostatic potential on water/electrode systems

We have used the classical molecular dynamics technique to simulate the ordering of a water film adsorbed on an atomic model of a tip of a scanning tunneling microscope approaching a planar metal surface. For this purpose, we have developed a classical model for the water–substrate interactions that solely depends on the coordinates of the particles and does not require the definition of geometrically smooth boundary surfaces or image planes. The model includes both an electrostatic induction for the metal atoms (determined by means of an extended Lagrangian technique) and a site‐specific treatment of the water–metal chemisorption. As a validation of the model we have investigated the structure of water monolayers on metal substrates of various topology [the (111), (110), and (100) crystallographic faces] and composition (Pt, Ag, Cu, and Ni), and compared the results to experiments. The modeling of the electrostatic induction is compatible with a finite external potential imposed on the metal. This featur.
Determination of lead in soil by graphite furnace atomic-absorption spectrometry with the direct introduction of slurries

A simple procedure is described whereby 5–20 mg of a powdered soil are mixed with 25 ml of water and, while stirring, 20-µl aliquots of the slurry are pipetted into a graphite furnace electrothermal atomiser. Calibration with aqueous standards gives the total lead concentration of the soil. This is much simpler than the complex hydrofluoric acid digestion procedures normally required to obtain complete recoveries from soil. The over-all precision of the analysis (8% relation standard deviation) is adequate for this application, as is the sensitivity. A characteristic concentration (A= 0.0044) of 0.5 µg l–1 is equivalent to 0.62 µg g–1 soil in a typical slurry.