Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticles vs. nanofibers: a comparison of two drug delivery systems on assessing drug release performance in vitro

In this study, the different encapsulation methods involving emulsification and coaxial electrospinning were both utilized to fabricate a series of core/sheath composite, nanoparticles (NPs) and Nanofibers (NFs) separately, for drug delivery on potential biological and therapeutic applications. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was employed as an active pharmaceutical ingredient model for core; poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and methoxy poly(ethyleneglycol)-Poly lactic acid (mPEG-PLA) were selected as the encapsulation matrix for sheath. Attributed to the optimized fabrication procedures, the obtained NPs and NFs had the small average diameters and narrow size distributions with uniform structures and smooth surface morphologies. Based on the drug release profiles, both the NPs provided a burst release process followed by a drug diffusion manner, while for the NFs, the drug diffusion was the predominant factor in drug release. In particular, the mPEG-PLA NFs were fabricated with excellent hydrophilicity and highly neutralized surface resulting in a sustained release of BSA over 10 days. In addition, mPEG-PLA NFs also provided a better zero-order drug release profiles during the release time from 8 to 72 h, and a one-dimensional Fickian diffusion pattern during the whole BSA release period. A cytotoxicity study suggested that the two drug delivery systems were both safe to cells. In conclusions, the synergism of PEGylation with coaxial electrospinning may be an effective way to retard the release of drugs in a more sustained manner.
Polyelectrolyte stabilized bi-metallic Au/Ag nanoclusters modified electrode for nitric oxide detection

In situ synthesis of bi-metallic Au/Ag nanoclusters (NCs) embedded in poly(acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PADA) matrix and its application towards the detection of nitric oxide (NO) in nanomolar concentration range are reported. The cationic PADA matrix was used as stabilizer and support material for the preparation of bi-metallic Au/Ag NCs. The electrocatalytic oxidation and electrochemical sensing of NO were studied using the bi-metallic Au/Ag NCs modified electrodes. The modified electrode exhibited synergistic electrocatalytic activity, sensitivity and selectivity towards NO detection when compared to the mono-metallic Au and Ag nanostructures (NSs) modified electrodes. The present bi-metallic Au/Ag NCs modified electrode showed a sensitivity of 3.77 nA nM−1, a lowest experimental detection limit of 10 nM with S/N = ∼4.9, a fast response time (1 s) and a wide linear range of 10 nM to 0.9 μM towards the detection of NO. Selective sensing of NO was studied in the presence of NO3−, CO2, NH3 and other common physiological interferences.
EFFECT OF VARIOUS EXTRACTION SYSTEMS ON THE ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY KINETIC AND COLOR OF EXTRACTS FROM PURPLE CORN

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of extraction systems on the anthocyanin index, antioxidant kinetics (DPPH-radical scavenging capacity) and color of purple corn (Zea mays) seeds. The factors studied were: extraction system (methanol, 100%, 80%, 60%, 40, 20% v/v) using hydrochloric acid as a means of acidifying. Tristimulus colorimetry was applied to evaluate quantitatively and qualitatively the process. The estimated effect and ANOVA parameters were calculated. The anthocyanins index in different extraction systems was between 1.09 to 2.87 mg/g. The highest anthocyanin index was obtained at an extraction system of 100% methanol. To determine their radical scavenging capacity, the second-order rate constant for the oxidation of these extraction systems measured by the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) method, ranged from 1.19x10-2 to 1.27x10-2 (mg/mL)-1(s-1). The greatest second-order rate constant was obtained at an extraction system of 60% methanol. Regarding the simple regressions analysis the anthocyanin index showed a better relationship with CIELAB parameters: (L*; r =-0.928, p < 0.05), (a*; r = 0.982, p < 0.01), (b*; r = 0.927, p < 0.05), (C*ab; r = 0.9793, p < 0.01) and (hab; r = -0.936, p < 0.05). However, the correlation existing between color parameters and the second-order rate constant did not show a good relationship. When multiple linear regression analysis were applied considering the angular coordinates (L*, C*ab, hab) as independent variable values, a R2 nearing 1 was obtained for anthocyanins index. While a value of R2 = 0.63 was obtained for the second-order rate constant.
Preparation of Extracellular Matrices Produced by Cultured Fibroblasts

Fibroblasts secrete and organize extracellular matrix (ECM), which provides structural support for their adhesion, migration, and tissue organization, besides regulating cellular functions such as growth and survival. Cell‐to‐matrix interactions are vital for vertebrate development. Disorders in these processes have been associated with fibrosis, developmental malformations, cancer, and other diseases. This unit describes a method for preparing a three‐dimensional matrix derived from NIH‐3T3 cells; the matrix is three‐dimensions, cell and debris free, and attached to a two‐dimensional culture surface. Cell adhesion and spreading are normal on these matrices. This matrix can also be compressed into a two‐dimensional matrix and solubilized to study the matrix biochemically.
Determination and Optimization of Bulk Total Energy for Gallium-Arsenide (Gaas) Atom using FHI98MD Input Variables

The Optimization of bulk total energy Calculations have been performed using the Local Density approximation for the exchange-correlation functional of Perdew Wang, within density-functional theory (DFT) for Gallium-arsenide (GaAs) atom. The optimized values obtained were used to calculate the bulk total energy of Gallium-arsenide. These calculations were performed using the Density Functional Theory method which represents the most popular technique for examining a wide range of structural and electronic properties of semiconductors and its alloys. The DFT code FHI98MD was employed for this computation which contains seventy six input parameters / variables. Some of these variables were determined and calculated while seven parameters that determine electronic convergence were successfully optimized for Local Density Approximation (LDA). Result shows that the bulk total energies of - 8.6610957 were obtained for GaAs (LDA). This result of GaAs agrees well with the value -8.0691176 Rydberg/atom obtained 1999 by Stadele et al and -8.364 Rydberg/atom obtained 2003 by Franziska Gizegoizewski
Efficient Rejection of Fluorescence from Raman Spectra Using Picosecond Kerr Gating

An efficient method for the rejection of fluorescence from picosecond time-resolved resonance Raman (ps-TR3) spectra, applicable also to ground-state Raman spectroscopy, has been demonstrated. The technique removes fluorescence from Raman light in the time domain using a Kerr gate driven by 110 μJ, 1 ps pulses at 800 nm and a repetition rate of 0.65 kHz, giving a response time of ∼ 3 ps, representing the highest time resolution achieved experimentally for rejecting fluorescence from Raman spectra. The effectiveness of the method is proven by measuring Raman solvent bands and ps-TR3 spectra of S1 p-quaterphenyl from solutions contaminated with the laser dye DCM using laser wavelengths which excite the dye and so produce intense fluorescence emission. The optical transmittances accounting for losses in the optical elements and losses due to incomplete polarization rotation in the Kerr medium in the open and closed states were 15% and 0.005%, respectively. The use of the gate in a time-resolved fluorescence measurement of DMABN is also demonstrated.
Mediating between the ‘two cultures’ in academia: The role of conceptual metaphor

This contribution focuses on metaphorical expressions in academic papers in science and in the humanities. It represents an approach to ‘intercultural’ communication in the sense of the so-called ‘two cultures’ after C. P. Snow who referred to the sciences and to the humanities as two different cultures. Unfortunately, within academic discourse today there are few attempts at interdisciplinary communication between sciences and humanities. Only a few fi elds are bridging this gulf (e.g. some of the cognitive sciences). Much of the mediation between the two cultures is carried predominantly by metaphorical expressions. In this contribution, metaphor is analysed as the fi gurative use of verbs of perception within the framework of cognitive linguistics. We will focus on the analysis of source and target domain which are given membership in semantic ontologies.
Synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of the AM/AMPS/DMDAAC/SSS quadripolymer as a fluid loss additive for water‐based drilling fluid

According to the molecular structure design requirements of the fluid loss additive resistant to high temperature, 2-acrylamide-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylamide (AM), dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (DMDAAC) and sodium styrene sulfonate (SSS) are selected as the structure monomers. Using ammonium persulfate as initiator, a new quadripolymer is synthesized through free radical aqueous solution polymerization. According to the minimum filtration loss of the fresh water-based drilling fluid with 0.5 wt % quadripolymer, The synthesis conditions are optimized by orthogonal test: the mole ratio of AMPS/AM/DMDAAC/SSS is 5/7/2/1, the monomer concentration is 30 wt %, the initiator concentration is 0.8 wt %, the reaction temperature is 75°C and the pH is 10. The structure of the quadripolymer is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy. The results show that the quadripolymer contains all the designed functional groups. The thermal stability of the quadripolymer is tested by thermogravimetry, differential thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that the thermal degradation of the quadripolymer is not obvious before 272.3°C. The rheological performance and filtration loss of the quadripolymer are evaluated. The results indicate that the filtration loss decreases with the increasing dosage of the quadripolymer before and after thermal aging test at 180°C for 16 h, and the filtration loss before the thermal aging test is smaller than that after the thermal aging test. The high temperature high pressure filtration loss (FL(HTHP)) experiment results also show that the quadripolymer fluid loss additive has excellent temperature-resistant performance. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41762.
Synthesis of dl-Agrimonolide (Constituent of Rhizome of Agrimonia pilosa LEDEB)

The structure of agrimonolide, isolated as a constituent of Agrimonia pilosa LEDEB. in 1958, was confirmed by the synthesis to be 6, 8-dihydroxy-3-(p-methoxyphenylethyl-3, 4-dihydroisocoumarin.)
Spectroscopic properties and gelling ability of a set of rod-like 2,3-disubstituted anthracenes

The UV absorption spectra of 2,3-didecyloxyanthracene (DDOA) recorded in methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, acetonitrile and methylcyclohexane reveal interesting features: they show a striking contrast between the isotropic solution and the gel state where, at ambient temperature, a fine structure appears with an apparent bathochromic shift (Δν ≈ −700 cm−1), as observed in the solid state. Such an effect was mimicked by 2,3-dioxydi- (and -tri-) methyleneanthracenes in which the conformational mobility of the two juxtanuclear oxygen atoms is reduced in a manner similar to that assumed in the gel state. The fluorescence emission of DDOA (10−5 M) at very low temperature exhibits a loss of fine structure and a bathochromic shift, for the gel state, in agreement with the presence of aggregates; the excitation spectra were found to be superimposable upon the absorption spectra of the isotropic and gel phases, respectively. Solvent screening for DDOA gelling ability has shown that the most efficient solvents are CH3OH and CH3CN. From the phase transition diagram (temperatures of gel setting, Tgel, and gel melting, Tm, versus concentration), thermodynamic parameters were derived: ΔH0gel/kJ mol−1 = −70 (CH3OH), −66 (CH3CN); ΔS0gel/(J K−1 mol−1 = −147 (CH3OH), −140 (CH3CN) and ΔG0gel/kJ mol−1 (at 300 K) ≈ −26 (CH3OH), −24 (CH3CN). These parameters attest to the good stability of these gel systems. Finally, the influence of the chain length (n = C7H15 to C12H25) on the efficiency of gel formation (or melting) was investigated in methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile and heptane. It emerges that, to form gels, n-decyl and n-undecyl were found to be the most suitable chains and methanol and ethanol the most efficient solvents. It should be noted that the ability to form gels in methanol at a concentration of 0.6 mM at ambient temperature qualifies DDOA as a supergelator.
Theoretical Photovoltaic Conversion Efficiencies of ZnSnP2, CdSnP2, and Zn1-xCdxSnP2 Alloys

The performances of ZnSnP2, CdSnP2, and Zn1-xCdxSnP2 alloys as solar cell photoabsorbers are assessed using photovoltaic conversion efficiency simulations in conjunction with first-principles calculations based on hybrid density functional theory. The band gap of Zn1-xCdxSnP2 decreases with increasing Cd content x and shows a small bowing. The electronic structure and optical absorption spectrum depend weakly on the composition, aside from the band gap and spectral threshold. The conversion efficiency is almost converged to the Shockley–Queisser limit at a photoabsorber thickness of a few micrometers for any composition of Zn1-xCdxSnP2, similarly to the cases of GaAs, CdTe, CuInSe2, and CuGaSe2.
Die spezifische Phasengrenzfläche in Blasenschichten

Unter Verwendung von 223 Mesdaten aus der Literatur wird mittels Parameteroptimierung eine Korrelation fur die spezifische Phasengrenzflache hergeleitet, die sich als direkt proportional zum mittleren relativen Gasgehalt eg und proportional (H0/D)−0,3 erweist bei einer Standardabweichung von ± 0,54 cm2/cm3. Andere vorgeschlagene Korrelationen werden bezuglich ihrer Anwendbarkeit und Genauigkeit untersucht.
Análisis simultáneo de la remoción de azul brillante y rojo 40 mediante espectrofotometría de derivadas

Effluents from food and textile industries contain dye mixtures. However, the evaluation of these multicomponent systems has been poorly explored due to their complex quantification. As a closer approximation to the contamination caused by these effluents, it was evaluated the adsorption of the dye mixture Red 40 (R40) and Brilliant blue (AB) on the coconut bark under batch system, considering the variables pH, the initial dye concentration, the dosage of the adsorbent and the temperature. For the quantification the model of the first derivative was used, using an UV-Vis Perkin Elmer Lambda 35 spectrophotometer. Under the best conditions for the mixture of R40 and AB, the maximum removal (76.5 %) was achieved to acid pH (pH = 2.0), dosage of 20 g/L, initial dye concentration of 10 mg/L and temperature of 55 °C. The found average percentage error for the model of quantification was 1.35 % for R40 and 1.10 % for AB to indicate the validity of the method. Also, in the binary mixture AB experimented a minor antagonistic effect due to the presence of R40, recording a 3.7 adsorption percentage higher than the obtained for R40.
A three-dimensional investigation of the effects of excitation frequency and sheath gas mixing in an atmospheric-pressure inductively coupled plasma system

A three-dimensional numerical model for the simulation of the behaviour of a commercial inductively coupled plasma torch with non-axisymmetric reaction chamber has been developed, taking into account turbulence and gas mixing through RNG k–ϵ theory and the combined diffusion approach of Murphy, respectively. The effects of changing coil current frequency, the hydrogen mixing in an argon primary gas and the flow patterns and temperature distributions which take place in a reaction chamber with a lateral gas outlet system and two observation windows have been investigated, with the final aim of setting up a computational tool able to predict the main features of plasma assisted treating and processing of injected raw materials. Three-dimensional shapes of the temperature, velocity and mass fraction fields have been obtained and analysed for an Ar–H2 mixture at atmospheric pressure. Computations have been performed with two different coil current frequencies, i.e. 3 and 13.56 MHz, showing that for the lower value the 3D effects in the discharge are enhanced. Accurate mixing and demixing mechanisms have been investigated in both cases, including considerations on the relative importance of different thermal diffusion contributions due to mole fraction and temperature gradients. Temperature distributions in the reaction chamber for different cases have been correlated with different flow patterns and recirculation flows which take place as a consequence of the non-axisymmetry of the reaction chamber.
Breakdown Pattern of Hydrocarbons by Laser Breakdown Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry

The laser breakdown time-of-flight mass spectrometry was developed and applied to detect the breakdown patterns of hydrocarbons that are significant to improve the detectability of heavy metals compounded in various mixtures such as particles and hydrocarbons. The laser wavelength dependence of this method was evaluated using 1064, 532, and 266 nm laser outputs. Breakdown processes using 1064 and 532 nm outputs showed less interference of fragmentation for the detection of various heavy metals. The method was applied to various hydrocarbons and it showed the possibility of categorization of hydrocarbon groups using the pattern of breakdown products.
Slip flow heat transfer in micro-tubes with viscous dissipation

AbstractA numerical study for a steady-state, two-dimensional, laminar convective heat transfer of a rarefied gas in a micro-tube is conducted using first-order slip velocity and temperature jump boundary conditions and taking into account the viscous dissipation and the axial conduction. The numerical model based on the finite volume method was validated using the available data for fully developed slip flow and developing continuum flow. The study reveals significant impact of slip velocity and temperature jump conditions and viscous dissipation on the velocity and temperature profiles at different sections of the micro-tube. The friction coefficient and the Nusselt number are substantially affected by rarefaction and viscous dissipation. The influence of the viscous dissipation depends on whether the fluid is heated or cooled. For the heating case, the Nusselt number distribution exhibits a special behavior characterized by the existence of a singular point where Nusselt number goes to the infinity. Th.
Densities and Viscosities of 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate + Molecular Solvent Binary Mixtures

The densities and viscosities of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [Bmim][BF4] ionic liquid with methyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl formate, and acetone have been measured at 298.15 K. The excess molar volume VmE and the viscosity deviations Δη for the binary mixture have been calculated and were fitted to the Redlich−Kister polynomials. The values of VmE and Δη are negative over the whole composition range. The minima in VmE and Δη are observed at about mole fraction of the ionic liquid, x ≈ 0.3 and 0.7, respectively.
Effect Of Imposed Shear Stress On The Growth Rate Of LL Mode Instabilities

We studied the linear stability of two liquid layers flowing down an inclined rigid surface in presence of insoluble surfactant at GL interface and imposed shear stress also on GL interface for high viscosity ratio (μr = 50). The growth rate of unstable LL mode is suppressed in longwave limit when the value of applied shear stress is increased but the growth rate suddenly increased in high wave limit for high value of imposed shear stress. It can be applied to produce either stable or unstable configurations as per our requirement. For solving linear governing equation, we used MATLAB for initial guesses and C coding for producing final results or numerical results.
Circulating and extracellular vesicle-derived microRNAs as biomarkers in bone-related diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate posttranscriptional gene expression by repressing messengerRNA-targets. MiRNAs are abundant in many cell types and are secreted into extracellular fluids, protected from degradation by packaging in extracellular vesicles. These circulating miRNAs are easily accessible, disease-specific and sensitive to small changes, which makes them ideal biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic, predictive or monitoring purposes. Specific miRNA signatures can be reflective of disease status and development or indicators of poor treatment response. This is especially important in malignant diseases, as the ease of accessibility of circulating miRNAs circumvents the need for invasive tissue biopsy. In osteogenesis, miRNAs can act either osteo-enhancing or osteo-repressing by targeting key transcription factors and signaling pathways. This review highlights the role of circulating and extracellular vesicle-derived miRNAs as biomarkers in bone-related diseases, with a specific focus on osteoporosis and osteosarcoma. To this end, a comprehensive literature search has been performed. The first part of the review discusses the history and biology of miRNAs, followed by a description of different types of biomarkers and an update of the current knowledge of miRNAs as biomarkers in bone related diseases. Finally, limitations of miRNAs biomarker research and future perspectives will be presented.
Rate theory of irreversible linear random polymrisation. Part 1.—Basic theory

This paper presents an extension of the statistical approach to linear polycondensations in the absence of back reaction which enables not only the distribution of molecular species but also their interconversion to be described in detail. A—A self-polymerisations, and A—A + B—B polymerisations are considered.
Supramolecular architecture of a novel salt of trimesic acid and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane

We report the transformation of [(BPEH2)(H2BTC)2(H3BTC)2·(H2O)] (I) (the first organic salt of trimesic acid with 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)-ethane recently reported by us), into [(BPEH2)2(H2BTC)2(H3BTC)2·(H2O)14] (II), a new salt which was characterized structurally using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. II has increased crystal symmetry (monoclinic P21/n) when compared to I, and is formed by an extensive and very complex hydrogen bond network containing both homo- and heteronuclear neutral and ionic interactions. Water molecules play an important role in the hydrogen-bonding network, linking together adjacent zigzag ionic trimesic acid tapes leading to the formation of a 2D supramolecular anionic layer; connecting the BPEH22+ cations to the layers, and also acting as bridges between adjacent, close-packed layers.
Preparation and In Vitro Degradation Behavior of Poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) by Direct-Melt Polycondensation

Poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide)(PLGA)copolymer (85/15) was prepared by direct-melt polycondensation instead of a ring-opening process. The polymer samples were hydrolyzed at 37°C in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for periods up to 10 weeks and the degradation behavior was characterized through weight average molecular mass change, mass loss, water uptake, and morphology. The results indicate that mass loss, weight average molecular mass, and water uptake of PLGA increase with increasing time; however, pH value of the PBS solution decreases. The degradation is heterogeneous—degradation in their central parts was faster than in the surface and regions due to the increased concentration of the acidic degradation products inside.