Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Redox-Transmetallation Process for Coating of Gold(Au)-Shell on Nickel(Ni)-Core Nanoparticles

Core-shell nanoparticle has created great interest among researchers due to their various unique properties. The new properties created are combination of both the core and the shell. In this work, pre-prepared Nickel (Ni) nanoparticles were coated with Gold (Au) to produce core-shell structure. Formation mechanism of the core-shell structure is investigated via UV-Vis spectrum of the as-synthesized particles and its supernatants. Ni nanoparticles were synthesized using polyol method with hydrazine as the reducing agent. Coating of Au was conducted using sodium citrate as the reducing agent and acid citric to control the pH of the mixture. UV-Vis absorption spectra analysis of as-synthesized nanoparticles and the supernatant results revealed that the coating happened via redox-transmetallation process with a very broad peak at about 540 nm and size range of 26 - 40 nm. XPS results suggest that the coating consists of Au compound.
Bioreactors with Light-Beads Fluidized Bed: The Voidage Function and its Expression

Abstract Light-beads fluidized bed bioreactors with gel particles are an attractive alternative for the implementation of a system with immobilized cells. They have a number of advantages: soft operating conditions, ability to work in an ideal mixing regime, intensification of heat- and mass transfer processes in the fermentation system. The expansion characteristics of the fluidized bed were investigated in the present work. The fluidized bed expansion was described using the voidage function. It was found that the voidage can be described by nonlinear regression relationships and the regression coefficients were a function of the particles parameters.
High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Analysis of Omeprazole and 5-Hydroxyomeprazole in Human Plasma

ABSTRACT A sensitive, and reliable HPLC method was validated for the simultaneous measurement of omeprazole (OMP) and 5-hydroxyomeprazole (5OH-OMP) in human plasma. OMP, 5OH-OMP, and OPC-18827 (the internal standard) were extracted from human plasma by liquid-liquid extraction into CH2Cl2- iso-PrOH (9:1). Analytes were resolved using a C-18 HPLC column and gradient elution mobile phase containing 50 mM phosphate buffer in acetonitrile (22 - 50% in 43 minutes followed by 15 minutes equilibration). The eluents were monitored by UV detection at 302 nm. The HPLC retention times were 12.19 min for 5OH-OMP, 30.25 min for OPC-18827 and 34.18 min for OMP with resolution factors of 28.3 for 5OH-OMP/ISD and 6.2 for ISD/OMP. Using 0.75 mL of plasma, linearity was established over the range of 20-800 ng/mL for both analytes. Other metabolites were completely separated (OMP-sulfone, 27.50 min) or did not elute under these conditions (OMP- sulfide). In plasma, the analytes were stable at room temperature (bench top, 4 .
Instrumental and sensory characterisation of industrially processed applesauces

BACKGROUND: In the context of fruit consumption promotion, applesauce is an interesting ready-to-eat product. However, little information has been gathered on its sensory properties. Yet, the processing involved easily triggers rheological and structural changes, possibly modifying these sensory properties. The aim of this study was thus to provide a global approach for applesauce characterisation by studying instrumental and sensory properties, with knowledge of the processing conditions applied. Four applesauce samples processed under controlled parameters were therefore compared with seven purchased applesauces. RESULTS: The four studied samples were characterised by their high creaminess and low graininess. These products were homogeneous and presented a small average particle size (332–354 µm). Their flow properties were best described with the Hershel–Bulkey model. The products were shear-thinning with low yield stress. Interestingly, significant differences in textural and flow properties were also found among these four manufactured samples. CONCLUSION: Sensory characterisation revealed aromatic and textural diversity even though applesauce is considered as a common product. Differences found among the samples of interest might be related to postharvest maturity of fruits and consequent pectic degradation from cell walls. Finally, the candied odour and flavour that distinguished these products could be related to the extensive heating applied during processing. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Viscoelastic Properties of Narrow-Distribution Poly(methyl methacrylates)

The viscoelastic properties of two series of poly(methyl methacrylates) (PMMA) with different tacticities and very narrow molecular weight distributions were measured in the molten state at different temperatures by means of oscillatory rheometry. Zero-shear viscosity η0, steady-state shear compliance Je°, and plateau modulus GN° were obtained from the resulting master curves for the storage modulus G‘ and loss modulus G‘‘. Relaxation time spectra h(τ) were calculated by a nonlinear regularization method and could be used to determine the terminal relaxation time τ0. The molecular weight and polydispersity dependence of these parameters agrees with existing empirical rules for linear amorphous polymers. Stereoregularity, however, has a great influence on η0 and τ0. The entanglement molecular weight Me and the critical molecular weight Mc seem to vary with the tacticity as well. These results are possible explanations for some contradicting or inconsistent literature data concerning PMMA.
Discharge production of the singlet delta oxygen for an iodine laser

The properties and kinetics of singlet delta oxygen (SDO) metastables in discharge plasma, which are important for the development of the discharge excited oxygen-iodine laser, are discussed. A short description is given of available experimental activity in the development of SDO generators. Specific requirements to the SDO discharge generator are reported. The capability of different kinds of discharge to meet these requirements is evaluated. Issues are discussed which are important for the study of SDO kinetics in more detail, including processes involving individual electronic-vibrational states.
Sulphur and Ash Reduction in Coal by High Gradient Magnetic Separation

Laboratory tests had been carried out to clean pulverized coal in air streams using a process known as high gradient magnetic separation. Encouraging preliminary separability results were obtained for a British coal; most or the pyrites and greater than 70% of the ash were removed from the pulverized coal. The effects of some operating parameters such as gas velocity and matrix loading on coal cleanability were reported.
Amperometric Biosensor for Hydrogen Peroxide, Using Supramolecularly Immobilized Horseradish Peroxidase on the β‐Cyclodextrin‐Coated Gold Electrode

Horseradish peroxidase, previously modified with 1-adamantane moieties, was supramolecularly immobilized on gold electrodes coated with perthiolated β-cyclodextrin. The functionalized electrode was employed for the construction of an amperometric biosensor device for hydrogen peroxide using 1 mM hydroquinone as electrochemical mediator. The biosensor exhibited a fast amperometric response (6 s) and a good linear response toward H2O2 concentration between 12 μM and 450 μM. The biosensor showed a sensitivity of 1.02 mA/M cm2, and a very low detection limit of 5 μM. The electrode retained 97% of its initial electrocatalytic activity after 30 days of storage at 4 0C in 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.0.
Steady-State and Dynamic Fluorescence Measurements of a Perylene-Labeled Triblock Copolymer: Evidence for Ground-State Dye Aggregate Formation

Steady-state fluorescence and fluorescence decay measurements were carried out on a perylene-labeled triblock copolymer, polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-polystyrene (SEBS), both in toluene solution and in a thin film. For the polymer solution, the data fit well to a double-exponential function, and the same two lifetimes τ short = 4.4 ns and τ long = 9.2 ns, but with different relative intensities, are recovered at different emission wavelengths. The longer lifetime, τ long = 9.2 ns, is attributed to the presence of dye aggregates, with τ short = 4.4 ns assigned to unassociated dye. This interpretation of decay profiles is supported by steady-state fluorescence measurements: the onset of aggregate emission corresponds to a sharp decrease in the ratio of preexponential factors, A short /A long . Excitation spectra of the labeled polymer are found to be dependent on the emission wavelength, suggesting that the population of aggregated dye molecules exists in the ground state prior to excitation. The fractional contribution of unimer fluorescence in the polymer film (f short = 0.36-0.10) is much smaller than that in solution (f short = 0.97-0.84), suggesting a higher degree of aggregate formation in the film.
Au@organosilica multifunctional nanoparticles for the multimodal imaging

The increasing application of nanomaterials in biosensor and imaging sets a higher demand on the multifunctionalities of nanomaterials for obtaining multiple parameters of a same system under a same condition. In this work, multifunctional Au@organosilica nanoparticles with high stability were conveniently synthesized by direct hydrolyzing of 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane in an aqueous solution in the presence of a Au core. Modification of the Au core with Raman reporters and the organosilica shell with fluorophore before and after the hydrolysis, respectively, produces multifunctional nanoparticles exhibiting Rayleigh scattering of the Au core, fluorescence signals of the fluorophores and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of the Raman reporters. The nanoparticles can be used as multimodal tracers for living cell imaging and related biological research.
A novel treatment technique for DMSO wastewater

We have developed an efficient treatment technique for wastewater containing dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO, (CH/sub 3/)/sub 2/SO], a compound used as a photoresist stripping solvent in semiconductor manufacturing processes. Generally, wastewater containing organic compounds can be treated biologically, but with DMSO wastewater, biological treatment is not available because noxious compounds are produced that harm the environment. Here, we present an effective DMSO wastewater treatment technique in which we add an oxidizing agent and irradiate the wastewater with ultraviolet light to prevent damage to the environment. The use of hydrogen peroxide (H/sub 2/O/sub 2/) as an oxidizing agent in combination with ultraviolet irradiation causes DMSO to decompose promptly into methanesulfonic acid (MSA, CH/sub 3/SO/sub 2/OH). With continued treatment, the resultant MSA decomposes gradually into the inorganic compound sulfuric acid (H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/). In this reactive route, no noxious compounds are generated. We confirmed that MSA can be biologically treated comparatively easily, and that by combining the initial ultraviolet irradiation/H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ addition treatment to rapidly produce MSA with a biological treatment to convert the MSA to H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/, the total processing can be treated at very low cost. These treatment techniques make use of the characteristically high reactivity of DMSO and are very effective as a means of treating DMSO wastewater.
Comparison of kinetic models for predicting phosphate adsorption onto spent alum sludge in a continuous fixed-bed column

This study attempted to examine the effectiveness of fixed bed adsorption for phosphate removal by spent alum sludge. Experiments with different bed depths were conducted to evaluate their effects on the column performance, where different breakthrough curves were obtained and thereby compared by kinetic models. Experimental data confirmed that expanding bed height could apparently increase the equilibrium phosphate uptake and hence lengthen both the breakthrough time and exhausting time. Spent alum sludge was concluded in this study to be successfully employed in fixed bed column for removing phosphate from aqueous solution. Furthermore, five kinetic models (Adams–Bohart, Thomas, Clark, Yoon–Nelson and bed-depth/service time analysis (BDST) models) were applied to experimental data to predict the breakthrough behavior and to determine the characteristic parameters of the column that are valuable for process design. Result indicated that both Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models described appropriately the whole.
Colloidal particles at the interface between an isotropic liquid and a chiral liquid crystal

We create an interface between a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) and an isotropic liquid (silicone oil) at which homeotropic anchoring leads to a well aligned cholesteric layer and the formation of the fingerprint texture. Fluorescent colloidal particles with planar surface anchoring are dispersed in the CLC and subsequently imaged using confocal microscopy. A majority of these particles decorate the interface between the CLC and the silicone oil. We present a detailed study of the position of the particles along the direction perpendicular to the interface: the final distribution of particles perpendicular to the interface has a clear dependence on the ratio between the particle size and the pitch of the CLC. This suggests, supported by simulations, that there is a particle size and pitch length dependent drive to expel particles, due to the elastic energy cost of remaining in the CLC. We use polarizing optical microscopy to observe changes to the fingerprint texture as the particles perturb the interface. This is combined with a qualitative study of the in-plane ordering of the particles. Chains of particles form perpendicular to the helical axis (parallel to the cholesteric layers), whereas disordered aggregates are seen where the direction of the helical axis is not uniform.
The simulation of FIM desorption patterns

Abstract The lineal features of desorption patterns produced by rapid field evaporation in the field ion microscope, fall on projections of crystallographic zones which correspond to those orientations where bond vectors are parallel to the surface. A method is described for simulating these patterns by computation whereby it is assumed that the trajectory of a desorbing ion is perturbed by forces due to the presence of neighbours on or near the surface. Computed patterns for f.c. c. and b.c.c. structures show many features in common with the experimental patterns for iridium and tungsten. Further refinement would require detailed knowledge of the forces between surface atoms in a strong electric field.
Hybrid approach for generating realistic amorphous carbon structure using metropolis and reverse Monte Carlo

An improved method for the modelling of carbon structures based on a hybrid reverse Monte Carlo (HRMC) method is presented. This algorithm incorporates an accurate environment dependent interaction potential (EDIP) in conjunction with the commonly used constraints derived from experimental data. In this work, we compare this new method with other modelling results for a small system of 2.9 g/cc amorphous carbon. We find that the new approach greatly improves the structural description, alleviating the common problem in standard reverse Monte Carlo method (RMC) of generating structures with a high proportion of unphysical small rings. The advantage of our method is that larger systems can now be modelled, allowing the incorporation of mesoscopic scale features.
High-resolution photocurrent microscopy using near-field cathodoluminescence of quantum dots

We report a fast, versatile photocurrent imaging technique to visualize the local photo response of solar energy devices and optoelectronics using near-field cathodoluminescence (CL) from a homogeneous quantum dot layer. This approach is quantitatively compared with direct measurements of high-resolution Electron Beam Induced Current (EBIC) using a thin film solar cell (n-CdS / p-CdTe). Qualitatively, the observed image contrast is similar, showing strong enhancement of the carrier collection efficiency at the p-n junction and near the grain boundaries. The spatial resolution of the new technique, termed Q-EBIC (EBIC using quantum dots), is determined by the absorption depth of photons. The results demonstrate a new method for high-resolution, sub-wavelength photocurrent imaging measurement relevant for a wide range of applications.
Structure of the sulfuric acid-ammonia system and the effect of water molecules in the gas phase

The proton-transfer reaction of sulfuric acid (H{sub 2}SO{sub 4}) and ammonia (NH{sub 3}) and the effect of the first two water (H{sub 2}O) molecules were studied by density functional theory and ab initio molecular orbital theory. The equilibrium structures, binding energies, and harmonic frequencies were calculated for each of the three clusters H{sub 2}SO{sub 4}-NH{sub 3}-(H{sub 2}O){sub n} (n = 0, 1, 2) using the hybrid density functional (B3LYP) and the second-order Moeller-Plesset perturbation approximation (MP2) methods with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. Without water (n = 0), the H{sub 2}SO{sub 4}-NH{sub 3} system was determined to be only hydrogen bonded, with H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} acting as the hydrogen-bond donor and NH{sub 3} as the acceptor. However, in the presence of one or two water molecules (n = 1 or 2), the H{sub 2}SO{sub 4}-NH{sub 3} unit exists only as the NH{sub 4}{sup +}{center{underscore}dot}H{sub 2}SO{sub 4}{sup {minus}} ion pair that results from a complete proton transfer from H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} to NH{sub 3}. The analysis of selected equilibrium bond lengths, binding energies, and harmonic frequencies of the clusters provided strong support for the complete proton transfer in the presence of one or two water molecules. Atmospheric implications of the study aremore » discussed. « less
QSAR Prediction of Ozone Tropospheric Degradation

The lifetime of organic chemicals in the atmosphere can be calculated from a knowledge of the rate constant of their reaction with free radicals (OH . , NO 3 . ) and O 3 . The rate constant for the tropospheric degradation of 125 organic compounds by reaction with ozone, the least widely and successfully modelled degradation process, is predicted here by MLR-QSAR modelling based on a variety of theoretical molecular descriptors, selected by the Genetic Algorithm-Variable Subset Selection (GA-VSS) procedure. The proposed models, checked for their reliability and robustness, have good predictivity, verified by internal (Q 2 L M O ( 5 0 % ) = 82 - 88% ) and also external validation (Q 2 E X T =90%). The best splitting of the original data set into representative training and test sets has been obtained by the Experimental Design approach. The model applicability domain was always verified by the leverage approach. The average root-mean square error (RMS) for the prediction of log k O 3 was 0.73, similar to the typical range of experimental error.
Characterization and Pharmacological Modification

Batrachotoxin (BTX)-modified Na ÷ currents were characterized in GHn cells with a reversed Na + gradient under whole-cell voltage clamp conditions. BTX shifts the threshold of Na + channel activation by ~ 40 mV in the hyperpolar- izing direction and nearly eliminates the declining phase of Na* currents at all voltages, suggesting that Na + channel inactivation is removed. Paradoxically, the steady-state inactivation (h®) of BTX-modified Na + channels as determined by a two-pulse protocol shows that inactivation is still present and occurs maximally near -70 inV. About 45% of BTX-modified Na ÷ channels are inactivated at this voltage. The development of inactivation follows a sum of two exponential functions with ~d<f*t,) = 10 ms and ~d~sJo~) = 125 ms at --70 mV. Recovery from inactivation can be achieved after hyperpolarizing the membrane to voltages more negative than -120 mV. The time course of recovery is best described by a sum of two exponentials with "rr~f~,, ) = 6.0 ms and ~'r~sio~) = 240 ms at -170 mV. After reaching a minimum at -70 mV, the h~ curve of BTX-modified Na + channels turns upward to reach a constant plateau value of ~0.9 at voltages above 0 mV. Evidently, the inactivated, BTX- modified Na + channels can be forced open at more positive potentials. The reopening kinetics of the inactivated channels follows a single exponential with a time constant of 160 ms at +50 InV. Both chloramine-T (at 0.5 mM) and or-scorpion toxin (at 200 nM) diminish the inactivation of BTX-modified Na ÷ channels. In contrast, benzocaine at 1 mM drastically enhances the inactivation of BTX-modified Na + channels. The h® curve reaches a minimum of < 0.1 at -70 mV, indicating that benzocaine binds preferentially with inactivated, BTX-modified Na + channels. Together, these results imply that BTX-modified Na + channels are governed by an inactivation process.
Combining renewable gum rosin and lignin: Towards hydrophobic polymer composites by controlled polymerization

Rosin polymer-grafted lignin composites were pre- pared via ''grafting from'' atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) with the aid of 2-bromoisobutyryl ester-modified lignin as macroinitiators. Three different monomers derived from dehydroabietic acid (DA) were used for execution of grafting from ATRP, while DA was separately attached onto lignin by a simple esterification reaction. Kinetic studies indicated con- trolled and ''living'' characteristics of all monomer polymeriza- tions. Thermal studies indicated that rosin polymer-grafted lignin composites exhibited glass transition temperatures in a broad temperature range from � 20 to 100 � C. The grafting of both DA and rosin polymers significantly enhanced hydropho- bicity of lignin. Static contact angle measurement of water droplets showed � 90 � for all these rosin modified lignin com- posites. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated that the surface of rosin-lignin composites was dominated with chemical compositions originating from the hydrocarbon rich rosin moiety. The impartation of hydrophobicity of rosin into lignin provided excellent water resistance of this class of renewable polymers, as all rosin-modified lignin com- posites showed water uptake below 1.0 wt %. V C 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 49: 3728-3738, 2011
AGAP2-AS1 May Promote the Occurrence and Development of Glioblastoma by Sponging miR-9-5p: Evidence From a ceRNA Network

Glioblastoma (GBM), the primary malignant brain tumor, is typically associated with a poor prognosis and poor quality of life, mainly due to the lack of early diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, gene sequencing technologies and bioinformatics analysis are currently being actively utilized to explore potential targets for the diagnosis and management of malignancy. Herein, based on a variety of bioinformatics tools for the reverse prediction of target genes associated with the prognosis of GBM, a ceRNA network of AGAP2-AS1-miR-9-5p-MMP2/MMP9 was constructed, and a potential therapeutic target for GBM was identified. Enrichment analysis predicted that the ceRNA regulatory network participates in the processes of cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration.
Low-Level Drug Release-Rate Testing of Ocular Implants Using USP Apparatus 4 Dissolution and HPLC End Analysis

BACKGROUND Ocular implants are small, polymer-based discs or cylinders that improve the delivery of therapeutic drugs into the eye (1). Some common types of implants include epischleral implants, which are placed at the equator of the eye, and intravitreal implants, which are surgically placed in the vitreous humor of the eye (2). Figure 1 provides a visual representation of ocular anatomy and the placement of various implants. Ocular implants are used to treat a variety of ailments such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration (1). Apparatus 4 dissolution was chosen as the technique for testing this product because the laminar flow through the sample cell correlates well with the likely in vivo conditions, and the open-loop configuration is effective for providing sink conditions for compounds with low solubility.