Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Removal of arsenic from Newfoundland water using impregnated peat

Arsenic exists naturally and it is the 20th most abundant element in the earth's crust. The high Arsenic concentration in some of Newfoundland water sources could be due to the oxidation of Arsenic bearing minerals by the heavy precipitations and rain fall all over the year. Arsenic is carcinogenic and the United States Environmental protection agency and the Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines limit set is 10 μg/l of Arsenic in drinking water. The main objective of this research was to find a cheap, efficient, and locally available material in Newfoundland that could remove Arsenic from water. Peat is an abundant material in Newfoundland, however, functional groups, which are the main constituent of peat do not react with Arsenic species. To improve peat properties, Fe was used to impregnate peat, react with the functional groups, get oxidized, and the impregnated Fe hydroxide and oxyhydroxide could then adsorb Arsenic. To detect the properties of horticultural peat, characterization tests were carried out for the untreated and impregnated peat. In addition, batch and column studies were conducted to test the peat capacity for Arsenic adsorption before and after impregnation. It was found that peat impregnated with 0.54 M ferrous chloride (Fe 0.54-Peat) was the best adsorbent and it could reduce the Arsenic level from 60 μg/l to less than 10 μg/l. A total of 9 liters were treated with Fe 0.54-Peat in a continuous flow system to a level below this one. The pH increased with the duration of the experiments, as conditions gradually become more reducing and the pH was the main factor controlling the Arsenic adsorption between pH 3 to 5. The two suggested mechanisms responsible for adsorption are inner sphere complex and coadsorption or a mix between ion exchange and complexation.
Anaerobic carbon filter for degradation of phenols

An innovative energy efficient process has been developed for the effective degradation of phenolic compounds. The treatment process, which consists of an anaerobic filter with granular activated carbon serving as a contact medium, effectively reduces the phenolic content of a synthetic catechol bearing wastewater. Degradation of another phenolic compound, o-cresol, was not realized. The o-cresol exhibited no inhibition to the formation of methane as a result of the breakdown of other organic cosubstrates—glucose, sodium citrate and an ethanol vitamin extract. The potential of the treatment process in the treatment of coal conversion wastewaters is currently under investigation.
Effects of lanthanum and mixtures of rare earths on ammonium oxidation and mineralization of nitrogen in soil

Rare earths are applied widely in Chinese agriculture to improve crop nutrition and incidentally in fertilizers, yet little is known of their effect on the biological functioning of the soil. We have studied the effects of lanthanum and of mixtures of rare earths on the potential ammonium oxidation and nitrogen mineralization in soil by incubation experiments in the laboratory. The no‐observed‐effect and median effective concentrations of the rare earths on these two processes are reported, and their corresponding mechanisms are discussed. For mixtures, the no‐observed‐effect concentrations relating to potential ammonium oxidation and N mineralization were at 393 and 373 mg rare earths kg−1 soil, respectively, and their median effective concentrations were at 1576 and 1108 mg kg−1 soil, respectively. When lanthanum was applied alone, the no‐observed‐effect concentrations relating to potential ammonium oxidation and N mineralization were at 432 and 443 mg La kg−1 soil, respectively, and their median effective concentrations were at 18 212 and 1237 mg kg−1 soil, respectively. Therefore, the influence of mixtures of rare earths on potential ammonium oxidation or on N mineralization was slightly stronger in comparison with that of lanthanum. Mineralization of nitrogen is apparently more sensitive to the stress caused by rare earths than ammonium oxidation. We conclude that the influence of individual rare earths in the mixtures on the above two processes can be additive and that the present dosage of mixed rare earths (< 230 g ha−1 year−1 or 0.15 mg kg−1 soil year−1) currently applied in China can hardly affect the potential ammonium oxidation and N mineralization in the soil even over a long period.
Volatile aroma and sensory analysis of black raspberry wines fermented by different yeast strains

Robus coreanus Miquel is a small berry fruit used for Korean black raspberry (KBR) wine-making. Twelve different yeast strains were investigated by laboratory-scale fermentation to develop a wine with a high flavour quality. Volatile aroma compounds from the wines were analysed using headspace–solid phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and sensory evaluation was performed to evaluate the flavour characteristics. The volatile aroma compounds that mostly contributed to the flavour of KBR wines were those related to fruity (esters) and floral (terpenes) aromas. Fifteen out of the 67 identified volatile compounds showed higher odour activity values than other compounds in the wines, and these compounds were considered as important contributors to the final aromas of the wine. Additionally, the KBR wine fermented by the M1 yeast strain had the highest sensory preference because of higher fruity and floral aroma characters compared with other wines. In addition to the M1 strain, the other yeast strains that produced favourable sensory characteristics included Enoferm CSM, Uvaferm VRB, Lalvin ICV GRE, Lalvin ICV Opale and LevureSeche Active. Of these strains, the M1 strain produced a particularly excellent black raspberry wine, and thus could be applied for further large-scale production of black raspberry wines. It is also expected that this work will expedite research on the production of high-quality black raspberry wines with beneficial physicochemical properties, functionality and good sensory characteristics. Copyright © 2015 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling
Effect of doping level on physical properties of antimony doped nanocrystalline tin oxide films fabricated using low cost spray technique

Antimony doped nanocrystalline tin oxide (SnO2∶Sb) films have been fabricated using a low cost and simple fabrication technique using a perfume atomiser. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) films show that the films are polycrystalline with tetragonal cassiterite structure having (110) plane parallel to the surface of the substrate. The preferred orientation remains constant for all the doping levels (0·5–3·0 at-%) and the degree of preferred orientation increases with increasing doping concentration in the starting solution. The intensity of the (110) plane steadily increases as the doping concentration of antimony increases. The fine quality of AFM images show that the films have homogeneous and uniform surface. The sheet resistance is found to decrease with increasing antimony doping level, attain a minimum value (6·34 Ω sq−1) when the doping concentration is 2·5 at-% and then increase for further doping.
Conforma: a program for determining ring conformations and puckering coordinates

A program (CONFORMA) was developed to calculate ring puckering coordinates using Cremer and Pople's (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1975, 97, 1354) methodology, which quantifies the conformation of five or more atom rings. The program performs, also, a conformational analysis based on these results.
High-Precision Determination of 2H/1H in H2 and H2O by Continuous-Flow Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry

The major obstacle to accurate and precise measurement of 2 H/ 1 H in H 2 by continuous-flow, isotope ratio mass spectrometry has been the interference of the 4 He + carrier peak with the neighboring 2 H 1 H + peak. This has been overcome using a novel mass spectrometer with high dispersion, giving an abundance sensitivity at m/z 3 of <1 ppm. Samples of H 2 with natural abundance 2 H/ 1 H can be analyzed routinely in <2 min with a precision of ±1.5‰. In combination with the equilibration of H 2 O with H 2 , this technique provides a fast, accurate method of analysis of water, with a precision of ±3.0‰ at natural abundance. There is no measurable memory between samples of either water or H 2 gas. The technique is accurate over a wide range of enrichment and is useful for tracer experiments as well as natural abundance studies.
Feasibility of Single Molecule DNA Sequencing using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

We have used a combined theoretical and experimental approach in order to assess the feasibility of using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for DNA sequencing at the single molecule level. We have developed a numerical tool capable of calculating the E-field and resulting SERS enhancement factors for metallic structures of arbitrary size and shape. Measurements of the additional SERS enhancement by combining SERS with coherent antistokes Raman scattering (CARS) show that only modest increases in the signal are achievable due to thermal damage at higher laser powers. Finally, measurements of the SERS enhancement from nanoparticles coated with an insulating layer show that the SERS enhancement is decreased by as much as two orders of magnitude when the molecule is not in contact with the metal surface.
Role of New Bis(2,2′-bipyridyl)(triazolopyridyl)ruthenium(II) Complex in the Organic Bistable Memory Application

A new ruthenium dye complex was synthesized in which N,N sites are part of a six-membered pyridine and five-membered triazolo rings in addition to two bipyridines. The complex shows bistable memory switching in sandwiched structures at room temperature with high ON/OFF ratio up to 1 × 103. The switching had an associated memory phenomenon and was reversible in nature. In the bistable devices, the active layer retained its high-conducting state until a reverse voltage erased it. We could “write” or “erase” a state and “read” it for many cycles for random-access memory applications. Switching behavior of this complex was explained in terms of the redox potential of the molecule.
Characterization of a periodic optical potential by means of particle dynamics analysis in a deterministic regime

We propose a technique for the characterization of a 1D-periodic optical potential by studying the dynamics of non-brownian microscopic particles immerse in water (negligible thermal noise). It has been demonstrated that in the Mie regime, a periodic light pattern applied to a particle acts as an effective potential that depends on the size of the particle respect to the period of the optical landscape [I. Ricardez-Vargas, et.al. Appl. Phys. Lett. 88, 121116 (2006)]. We verify this fact by studying the dynamics of a particle moving within the pattern due to the effect of a known constant external force. The periodic light pattern is generated with interference techniques whereas the external force is applied by means of a controlled inclination of the sample cell. We fit the experimental results for the ensemble average of particle position against time with a theoretical model of the physical situation. In this way we obtain a curve for the optical force as a function of particle's position for different periods.
The A in SAFT: developing the contribution of association to the Helmholtz free energy within a Wertheim TPT1 treatment of generic Mie fluids

An accurate representation of molecular association is a vital ingredient of advanced equations of state (EOSs), providing a description of thermodynamic properties of complex fluids where hydrogen bonding plays an important role. The combination of the first-order thermodynamic perturbation theory (TPT1) of Wertheim for associating systems with an accurate description of the structural and thermodynamic properties of the monomer fluid forms the basis of the statistical associating fluid theory (SAFT) family of EOSs. The contribution of association to the free energy in SAFT and related EOSs is very sensitive to the nature of intermolecular potential used to describe the monomers and, crucially, to the accuracy of the representation of the thermodynamic and structural properties. Here we develop an accurate description of the association contribution for use within the recently developed SAFT-VR Mie framework for chain molecules formed from segments interacting through a Mie potential [T. Lafitte, A. Apostolakou, C. Avendaño, A, Galindo, C. S. Adjiman, E. A. Müller, and G. Jackson, J. Chem. Phys. 139, 154504 (2013)]. As the Mie interaction represents a soft-core potential model, a method similar to that adopted for the Lennard-Jones potential [E. A. Müller and K. E. Gubbins, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 34, 3662 (1995)] is employed to describe the association contribution to the Helmholtz free energy. The radial distribution function (RDF) of the Mie fluid (which is required for the evaluation of the integral at the heart of the association term) is determined for a broad range of thermodynamic conditions (temperatures and densities) using the reference hyper-netted chain (RHNC) integral-equation theory. The numerical data for the association kernel of Mie fluids with different association geometries are then correlated for a range of thermodynamic states to obtain a general expression for the association contribution which can be applied for varying values of the Mie repulsive exponent. The resulting SAFT-VR Mie EOS allows for a much improved description of the vapour-liquid equilibria and single-phase properties of associating fluids such as water, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, and their mixtures. A comparison is also made between the theoretical predictions of the degree of association for water and the extent of hydrogen bonding obtained from molecular simulations of the SPC/E and TIP4P/2005 atomistic models.
Surface Charge Research of Graphene Oxide, Chemically Reduced Graphene Oxide and Thermally Exfoliated Graphene Oxide

In this contribution, the surface electrical properties of graphene oxide (GO), chemically reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and thermally exfoliated graphene oxide (EGO) were characterized by zeta potential. Their surface morphologies were observed by scanning electron microscope. Then they were immobilized on glass carbon electrodes and their electrochemical behaviors for different charged redox systems were also investigated by using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) method. Results indicated that the density of surface negative charge on GO is much more than those on RGO and EGO. Furthermore, the electrochemical performances of electrodes modified with GO, RGO and EGO for detecting the model analyte Cu2+ by CV were compared. The results demonstrate that negative charge on the surface of graphene materials affects their performances as electrochemical sensors significantly.
Application of PLS multivariate calibration for the determination of the hydroxyl group content in calcined silica by DRIFTS

A method based on diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) was developed for the rapid determination of the hydroxyl group content in calcined silica. Thermogravimetry (TG) was used as a reference method to determine the hydroxyl concentrations. The data pretreatment was performed with orthogonal signal correction (OSC) and it was followed by subsequent partial least squares (PLS) modelling. The calibration model was validated by predicting the hydroxyl content of samples not used in the construction of the models. The OSC‐PLS model was able, with sufficient accuracy, to predict the hydroxyl content of several calcined silicas with different physical properties. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physiological demands of singing for lung health compared with treadmill walking

Introduction Participating in singing is considered to have a range of social and psychological benefits. However, the physiological demands of singing and its intensity as a physical activity are not well understood. Methods We compared cardiorespiratory parameters while completing components of Singing for Lung Health sessions, with treadmill walking at differing speeds (2, 4 and 6 km/hour). Results Eight healthy adults were included, none of whom reported regular participation in formal singing activities. Singing induced acute physiological responses that were consistent with moderate intensity activity (metabolic equivalents: median 4.12, IQR 2.72–4.78), with oxygen consumption, heart rate and volume per breath above those seen walking at 4 km/hour. Minute ventilation was higher during singing (median 22.42 L/min, IQR 16.83–30.54) than at rest (11 L/min, 9–13), lower than 6 km/hour walking (30.35 L/min, 26.94–41.11), but not statistically different from 2 km/hour (18.77 L/min, 16.89–21.35) or 4 km/hour (23.27 L/min, 20.09–26.37) walking. Conclusions Our findings suggest the acute metabolic demands of singing are comparable with walking at a moderately brisk pace, hence, physical effects may contribute to the health and well-being benefits attributed to singing participation. However, if physical training benefits result remains uncertain. Further research including different singing styles, singers and physical performance impacts when used as a training modality is encouraged. Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov registry (NCT04121351).
Dynamics of a waveboard simplified

A study of dynamics of a waveboard is presented. The equations of motion are derived and analysed to understand the intriguing propulsion mechanism. A reduced order model is obtained, and the contributions of different terms are clearly brought out. The geometry of the castor wheels is found to play a key role in the conversion of the twisting oscillatory motion of the rider to the forward translational motion. The process of periodic gain in potential energy and its subsequent conversion to kinetic energy aids the propulsion. Interestingly, the dynamic analysis reveals that the efficacy of this propulsion mechanism tapers off as the speed increases. Rolling resistance in the wheels ultimately limits the speed of the device. The effect of various geometric and dynamic parameters on the motion and forces are studied, and optimality of design is indicated.
Expression patterns of HMGA2 in the placenta during pregnancy

Abstract Background High-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) expression can be detected in many embryonic and fetal tissues but becomes down-regulated during postnatal life except for many benign and malignant tumors. In the latter case, its expression has been correlated with epithelialmesenchymal transition and invasive growth. The placenta contributes essentially to proper development of the embryo and the fetus. In a tumor-like manner it shows rapid invasive growth during the first weeks of gestation. To address the possible role of HMGA2 during placental development, we have measured its expression throughout the prenatal period and in term placentae by mRNA quantification as well as by immunohistochemistry. Methods Expression of HMGA2 and HPRT was measured on 89 fetal placentas, encompassing calendar gestational age of five to 41 weeks, using quantitative real time-PCR. In eleven cases in addition immunohistochemistry was used to determine the localization of HMGA2 and to compare with data obtained by quantitative real time-PCR. Results The expression of HMGA2 was found to be inversely correlated with gestational age (p < 0.001). For the first part of the first trimester the level of HMGA2 is high. After that the expression shows a decline down to a baseline level where it remains until birth. HMGA2 protein was mainly detected in the nuclei of the stromal cells in the placental villi. Conclusions During pregnancy, the expression of HMGA2 follows a non-linear pattern of decrease. In the first trimester, from two to three weeks after the implantation of the conceptus until the blood supply is established (hypoxic phase), the expression is high, indicating a critical role during early development and in the control of its invasive behavior, respectively.
Answering Product-related Questions with Heterogeneous Information

Providing instant response for product-related questions in E-commerce question answering platforms can greatly improve users’ online shopping experience. However, existing product question answering (PQA) methods only consider a single information source such as user reviews and/or require large amounts of labeled data. In this paper, we propose a novel framework to tackle the PQA task via exploiting heterogeneous information including natural language text and attribute-value pairs from two information sources of the concerned product, namely product details and user reviews. A heterogeneous information encoding component is then designed for obtaining unified representations of information with different formats. The sources of the candidate snippets are also incorporated when measuring the question-snippet relevance. Moreover, the framework is trained with a specifically designed weak supervision paradigm making use of available answers in the training phase. Experiments on a real-world dataset show that our proposed framework achieves superior performance over state-of-the-art models.
A novel TNFR2 agonist antibody expands highly potent regulatory T cells

An antibody that stimulates the cytokine receptor TNFR2 activates immunosuppressive regulatory T cells. An antibody to trigger Treg cells For patients with autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases, increasing the number and activity of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) may be therapeutically beneficial. Torrey et al. identified an antibody that activated the receptor TNFR2, resulting in Treg cell expansion, and repressed the activity of effector T cells (Teff cells) within cultures of patient-derived T cells. Various physical and functional features of the antibody suggested it may be more potent and less toxic than current antibody or ligand-based methods of activating Treg cells. The findings suggest that this antibody has the potential to restore the balance between Treg cells and Teff cells to treat inflammatory disease. Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) restrict immune system activity, such as in response to self-antigens, and are switched on by tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2). Therapeutic activation of TNFR2, thereby expanding Treg cells and suppressing immune activity, may be beneficial to patients with various inflammatory diseases. Here, we characterized a new human TNFR2-directed antibody agonist isolated from mice. We found that the antibody agonist expanded the number of Treg cells within cultures of primary human CD4+ T cells from healthy donors and patients with type 1 diabetes or Sézary syndrome. These Treg cells had increased metabolic gene expression and intracellular itaconate concentrations, characteristics associated with maximally suppressive, anti-inflammatory Treg cells. Furthermore, antibody-expanded Treg cells repressed the activity of primary human CD8+ effector T cells (Teff cells). Epitope mapping suggested that the antibody bound to TNFR2 through a natural cross-linking surface and that Treg cell expansion was independent of the antibody Fc region. In addition, Treg cell expansion was not increased by adding either supplemental TNF ligand or a cross-linking reagent, suggesting that the antibody agonist by itself can elicit maximal activity, a notion that was confirmed by increased secretion of soluble TNFR2. Pending in vivo tests, these features indicate that this TNFR2 antibody agonist has the potential to safely and effectively treat various inflammatory disorders.