Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Large Scale Production and Crystallization of Acid Carboxypeptidase from Submerged Culture of Penicillium janthinellum, and Stability of the Crystalline Enzyme

Acid carboxypeptidase of Penicillium janthinellum IFO–8070 was produced effectively in submerged culture on a medium of 4 ~ 5% rice bran. The enzyme production was enlarged to volume cultivation of 150-liters in a 200-liters jar fermentor, and the yield of acid carboxypeptidase per milliliter filtrate reached to the maximum 3 days after inoculation.Acid carboxypeptidase of low molecular weight (M.W. = 51,000) produced in the liquid culture broth was purified and crystallized in a large scale. Purification steps include Amberlite CG–50 treatment, ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis using “Diaflow,” activated charcoal treatment, and condensation using collodion-bag, or condensation and dialysis using “Diaflow. ”The crystals of the acid carboxypeptidase suspended in 50 mm acetate buffer (pH 3.7) were completely stable for six months at 5°C. On the other hand, at low enzyme concentration (0.01 U/ml) in 50 mm acetate buffer (pH 3.7), crystallized enzyme was somewhat labile, whereas, this inactivation was c.
Effects of UV-B radiation on phenolic composition and deposition patterns and leaf physiology in three Eastern tree species

Quantitative changes in foliar chemistry in response to UVB radiation are frequently reported but less is known about the qualitative changes in putative UV-screening compounds. It has also not been conclusively shown whether qualitative differences in screening compounds or differences in localization patterns influences the sensitivity of plants to damage from UVB radiation. In this study we evaluated the chemical composition and deposition patterns of UV-absorbing compounds in three tree species and assayed these species for possible effects on gas exchange and photosynthetic carbon assimilation. Branches of mature trees of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and red maple (Acer rubrum) were exposed to supplemental levels of UVB radiation over three growing seasons. Controls for UVA were also measured by exposing branches to supplemental UVA only, and additional branches not irradiated were also used for controls. These species demonstrated contrasting chemical composition and deposition patterns with poplar being the most responsive in terms of epidermal accumulation of phenolics including flavonols and chlorogenic acid and hydroxycinnamates. Sweetgum and red maple showed increases primarily in hydroxycinnamates, particularly in the mesophyll in red maple. Leaf area was marginally influenced by UV exposure level. Assimilation was generally not reduced by UVB radiation in these species and was enhanced in red maple by both UVB and UVA and by UVA in sweetgum. These finding are consistent with a hypothesis that epidermal attenuation of UVB would only be reduced in poplar, which accumulated the additional epidermal screening compounds. It is possible that photosynthetic efficiency was enhanced in red maple by the increased absorption of blue light within the mesophyll. Stomatal conductance was generally reduced, and this led to an increase in water use efficiency in red maple and poplar.
The crystal structures of adamite and paradamite

The crystal structures of adamite, Zn2(OH)(AsO4), and its dimorph, paradamite have been refined. Adamite is the andalusite-type structure, and paradamite is isostructural with tarbuttite. The structures of these two minerals are compared. Mean bond lengths of these structures are: adamiteparadamite As–O1.69A1. 68A Zn(VI)–O2.13– Zn(V)–O2.04{2.066 2.06
Distributions of total metals in the surface sediments of the Bandirma and Erdek Gulfs, Marmara Sea, Turkey

The aim of this study is to determine the contents of aluminum, iron, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, chromium, cadmium, lead, and mercury in sediments at 1–30 m depths of the Bandırma and Erdek Gulfs in the Southern Inner Shelf of the Marmara Sea. Sediment samples were collected from different depths (1 m, 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m) at each region in February 2008. Primary hydrographic conditions, such as temperature (6.6–14.5°C), salinity (22.6–26.875 psu), percentage of dissolved oxygen saturation (35–83 %), and pH (8.0–8.4) were recorded for each sampling point. Moreover the total organic carbon (0.5–2.9%) and the total calcium carbonate contents (0.8–60%) of sediment samples were determined. In surface sediments of both gulfs, Pb (21–62 mg kg−1) and Cd (0.52–0.86 mg kg−1) contents were determined to be higher than the shale average (Pb 20 mg kg−1, Cd 0.2 mg kg−1) while the other metal contents were measured to be lower in general. On the other hand, generally Hg (0.06–1.1 mg kg−1) contents were higher than the shale average (0.3 mg kg−1)at all of the examined stations in the Bandırma Gulf and lower than the shale average in the Erdek Gulf.
Predicting the Performance of an LPG Extractor: A Nomographic Approach

Abstract Performance prediction by use of correlations is an acceptable tool with reasonable accuracy. However, cumbersome calculations at times make them less popular and difficult to use especially by plant personnel needing quick and easy reckoning. Keeping this in mind, a nomographic approach has been adopted to represent correlation for prediction of liquefied petroleum gas extractor performance. This leads to an easier method of interpretation for faster implementation by process engineers.
Chemical Composition and In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Xylopia aethiopica (Dun) A. Rich. (Annonaceae) Fruit Essential Oil from Togo

Abstract Essential oil extracted (4.4% in yield) from air-dried fruits of Xylopia aethiopica harvested in Togo was investigated for percentage composition and in vitro cytotoxicity. The chemical composition of the essential oil was examined by GC and GC/MS. Thirty-five compounds were identified representing 89.9% of total oil. The major constituents were β-pinene (23.6%), α-pinene (11%), sabinene (9.8%), germacrene D (8.3%) and 1,8 cineole (8.2%). The cytotoxicity of the volatile oil was evaluated in vitro on the human epidermal cell line HaCaT. The tested sample did not show any cytotoxicity (IC50 >3000 μg.ml-1) effect at concentrations around 3000 μg. ml-1. Further testing in bioassay would probably help in validating some of medicinal uses of X. aethiopica in topical drugs and/or in cosmetics as natural products.
Er‐Doped Y2O3 Nanoparticles: A Comparison of Different Synthesis Methods

Nanoparticles of erbium-doped yttria (Er:Y2O3) are important precursors to transparent ceramics for high-power solid-state lasers systems. As structure influences properties and, subsequently, performance the purpose of this work is to compare the morphological and chemical nature of the nanoparticles synthesized using two common methods: solution precipitation and combustion synthesis. A thorough characterization of as-prepared and calcined powders was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, conventional and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer–Emmet–Teller methods. Solution precipitation was found to lead to two different precursor compositions (yttrium carbonate or yttrium hydroxide) depending on the precipitating reagent whereas combustion synthesis yielded only phase-pure, cubic Er:Y2O3. The hydroxide precipitation and combustion synthesis methods exhibited agglomerated particles with low surface area after calcining the precursors at 900°C. The addition of a small amount of ammonium sulfate during combustion synthesis was found to reduce the level of agglomeration, resultant particle size, and degree of crystallinity of the calcined Er:Y2O3 nanoparticles. The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) on the surface of the Er:Y2O3 powders is dependent on the powder surface area, however, increasing levels of gas absorption on the particle surfaces do not have a detrimental effect on the sinterability. The sintered density increases with increasing surface area and decreasing agglomeration.
Chloroform micro-evaporation induced ordered structures of poly(L-lactide) thin films

Self-assembly of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) in thin films induced by chloroform micro-evaporation was investigated by microscopic techniques and X-ray diffraction studies. A film-thickness dependent on highly ordered structures has been derived from disordered films. Ring-banded spherulitic and dendritic morphologies with radial periodic variation of thicknesses were formed in dilute solution driven by micro-evaporation of the solvent. Bunched morphologies stacked with a flat-on lozenge-shaped lamellae were created in thinner films. The formation of the concentric ring banded structures was attributed to the periodic rhythmic growth associated with radial periodic changes in the concentration gradient of PLLA. A diffusion-induced rhythmic growth mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of the ring banded morphologies with periodic variation of thicknesses.
Fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy and imaging of FRET probes for the study of cell signalling

3 Author declaration . 6 Copyright declaration . 6 Acknowledgements . 7 List of figures . 14 List of tables . 20 Chapter 0 Thesis overview . 23 Chapter 1 Introduction to fluorescence spectroscopy and FRET . 27 1.1 Principle of fluorescence microscopy . 27 1.1.1 The mechanism of fluorescence . 27 1.1.2 Fluorophores. 31 1.1.3 Fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy . 34 1.1.4 Optical sectioning in fluorescence microscopy . 35 1.2 Fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy . 37 1.2. 1 Wide-field FLIM . 38 1.2. 2 Fluorescence lifetime measurement by photon counting . 40 1.2. 3 Analysis of time-domain FLIM dataset . 42 1.3 Fluorescence anisotropy . 45 1.3. 1 Theory of fluorescence anisotropy . 45 1.3. 2 Measuring fluorescence anisotropy . 48 1.3. 3 Time-resolved anisotropy . 49 1.4 Introduction to FRET . 52 1.4. 1 Mechanism and conditions for FRET . 52 1.4. 2 Förster’s theory of FRET . 54 1.5 Measuring FRET . 57 1.5. 1 Intensity-based measurement . 58
Investigating lithium ion conductivity in amorphous solids containing [V10O28]6− clusters by computer simulation

Computer simulation method was applied to investigate the migration of lithium ion in three amorphous solid systems containing polyoxovanadate (POV) clusters [V10O28]6 − . The cluster was adopted from a recently synthesized crystalline poly[octa-μ-aqua-octaaqua-μ-decavanadato-hexalithium] (POAODH). The simulated POV systems correspond to amorphous solid half-dehydrated solid and completely dehydrated solid doped with LiCl salt. The simulation results show large diffusion constants of lithium ions in all systems in spite of highly negatively charged [V10O28]6 − clusters presented in the system. The estimated ionic conductivity due to the migration of lithium ions reaches a magnitude of 10− 4 S/m. The conductivity increases as the water content in the system decreases. The analysis of moving trajectories shows the lithium ion moves around the oxygen sites of POV clusters and hops between them. The estimated displacement of lithium ion is about 4∼5 Å, which is much larger than the corresponding displacement of lithium ion in a polymer matrix. Rapidly rotating clusters shown by orientation correlation function analysis, in conjunction with the large separation between clusters in the system, provides favorable conditions for the large amplitude migration of lithium ions.
Sequential conversion of orthogonally functionalized diblock copolymers based on pentafluorophenyl esters

Statistic and block copolymers exhibiting activated ester side groups were synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization in the presence of cumyl dithiobenzoate, benzyl dithiobenzoate, and 4-cyano-4-((thiobenzoyl)sulfanyl)pentanoic acid as chain transfer agents. Pentafluorophenyl methacrylate and pentafluorophenyl 4-vinylbenzoate were used to enable a sequential functionalization of the obtained copolymers by conversion of the activated esters with different amines. 1H NMR spectroscopy, 19F NMR spectroscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy showed the successful step-by-step conversion of the different activated esters by aniline followed by aliphatic amines, thereby realizing a sequential functionalization of block copolymers with just one specific reactive group. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 3683–3692, 2010
In-situ scanning tunneling microscopy study of uracil on Au(111) and Au(100)

The adsorption of uracil on Au(111) and Au(100) from sulfuric acid solution has been studied by in-situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Depending on the potential applied to the Au(hkl) electrode, uracil forms highly ordered two-dimensional physisorbed as well as chemisorbed adlayers, which were imaged with molecular resolution in-situ. “Steady-state” and time-dependent experiments were performed in order to follow structural changes of the respective substrate surfaces in the presence of these organic layers. The physisorbed films on Au(111)-(p×√3), Au(100)-(hex), and Au(100)-(1×1) are rather similar. They display characteristic properties of a hydrogen-bonded network of planar oriented uracil molecules. The influence of the substrate surface geometry for these systems was primarily reflected in the dimensions of the respective coincidence cells. At sufficiently positive electrode potentials, uracil deprotonates and forms highly ordered chemisorbed, perpendicularly oriented surface coordination comp.
Formation of Polymer and Nanoparticle Doped Polymer Minirods by Use of the Microsegmented Flow Principle

The microsegmented flow principle was applied for the preparation of polymer minirods. A microfluidic assembly was used to form monomer segments separated by an immiscible perfluorinated aliphatic solvent. These segments were transformed into polymer rods by thermal polymerization. Uniform-sized polystyrene rods with various diameters and lengths were prepared in this way. The microfluidic geometry and polymerization conditions were tuned to obtain polymer rods of various lengths and diameters. Metal nanoparticle doped polystyrene polymer rods were obtained by thermal polymerization of appropriate nanoparticle/monomer mixtures. After polymerization, the polystyrene rods were colored by an azo coupling reaction.
Voltammetry under microfluidic control: Computer-aided design development and application of novel microelectrochemical reactors

We describe the development, numerical quantification, and application of a new class of microelectrochemical reactors (MECR). The reactors were fabricated using standard photolithographic techniques and a photosensitive propriety glass to yield structurally well-defined rectangular ducts of the following critical dimensions: height 25-100 μm, width 100-500 μm, and length 1-10 cm. Separate microelectrode sensors were constructed on a base plate, and the two components were bonded to yield the MECR. Finite element (FE) simulations were carried out to aid in the design and quantification of the voltammetric analysis performed using the new devices. The numerical results revealed the 3D fluid dynamic and mass transport behavior within these cells and were used to quantify the variation of the 3D current density at the working electrode as a function of the transport rate through the cell. Experimental MECR studies were undertaken using aqueous and organic solutions containing ferrocene and potassium ferrocyanide to establish the experimental variation of the electrolysis current as a function of the solution flow rate. In both the numerical and experimental cases, a well-defined relationship between the mass-transport-limited current and volume flow rate was observed, and quantitative agreement between theory experiment was obtained for all cases explored.
X-ray photoelectron/Auger electron spectroscopic study of the initial oxidation of chromium metal

Previous work on the oxidation of chromium is briefly reviewed and the theoretical aspects relating to the determination of surface concentrations of metal oxide films by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is discussed. An ultra-high vaccum, high resolution X-ray photoelectron/Auger electron spectrometer was used to observe the initial stages of oxidation of clean crystalline chromium following accurate redetermination of the binding energies of chromium core electrons and the work function of the clean metal. High resolution LMM Auger spectra have also been obtained from the clean metal for the first time and show fine structure not previously observed. Using both X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy the rate of formation of oxide films on the surface of the metal in low pressures of pure oxygen and under oxide ion bombardment has been investigated and limiting thicknesses of the films determined.
Relaxation spectra in poly(methylmethacrylate): Comparison of acoustic attenuation and light scattering data

Relaxation processes in polymethylmethacrylate were investigated using light scattering and mechanical relaxation techniques. The acoustic attenuation data cover the frequency range from 1 Hz to 17 GHz and the light scattering from 0.5 to 10 000 GHz. Analysis of the data in a broad temperature range (80–350 K) shows that the model of the asymmetric double-well potentials, traditionally used for description of the acoustic attenuation in glasses, cannot describe all the data consistently. It is shown that assuming an additional relaxation in GHz region with a constant loss spectrum provides a good agreement of the model with experimental data.
Solubility of vinylidene fluoride polymers in supercritical CO2 and halogenated solvents

The cloud-point behaviors of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-22 mol % hexafluoropropylene) (VDF–HFP22) are reported at temperatures up to 250 °C and pressures up to 3000 bar in supercritical CO2, CHF3, CH2F2, CHClF2, CClF3, CH3CHF2, CH2FCF3, CHF2CF3, and CH3CClF2. The molecular weight of PVDF has a smaller effect on the cloud point than the solvent quality. Cloud-point pressures for both fluoropolymers decrease as the solvent polarizability, polar moment per molar volume, and density increases. However, it is extremely difficult to dissolve either fluoropolymer in CClF3, which has a large polarizability and a small dipole moment. CO2 is an effective solvent because it complexes with the CF dipole at low temperatures where energetic interactions fix the phase behavior. In addition, polymer architecture has a strong impact on the cloud-point pressure. VDF–HFP22 has lower cloud-point pressures than PVDF in all solvents because it has a larger free volume that promotes facile interactions between the solvent and the polymer segments. Cloud-point data are also reported for amorphous poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-x mol % 2,2-bistrifluoromethyl-4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxole) (TFE–PDDx ; x = 65 and 85) in CO2. These data provide an interesting comparison to the PVDF–CO2 and VDF–HFP22–CO2 systems because TFE–PDD65 and TFE–PDD87 have very high glass-transition temperatures of 160 and 240 °C, respectively. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 38: 2832–2840, 2000
Direct formation of quantum‐sized dots from uniform coherent islands of InGaAs on GaAs surfaces

The 2D–3D growth mode transition during the initial stages of growth of highly strained InGaAs on GaAs is used to obtain quantum‐sized dot structures. Transmission electron micrographs reveal that when the growth of In0.5Ga0. 5As is interrupted exactly at the onset of this 2D–3D transition, dislocation‐free islands (dots) of the InGaAs result. Size distributions indicate that these dots are ∼300 A in diameter and remarkably uniform to within 10% of this average size. The areal dot densities can be varied between 109 and 1011 cm−2. The uniformity of the dot sizes is explained by a mechanism based on reduction in adatom attachment probabilities due to strain. We unambiguously demonstrate photoluminescence at ∼1.2 eV from these islands by comparing samples with and without dots. The luminescent intensities of the dots are greater than or equal to those of the underlying reference quantum wells.
HYDROLYSIS OF ANIMAL PROTEIN MEALS FOR IMPROVED UTILITY IN NON-FEED APPLICATIONS

Rendered proteins are well suited for animal nutrition applications, but due to their insolubility, inhomogeneity, and the presence of non-protein substances, they are difficult to utilize in other applications. In an attempt to overcome these obstacles to utilization, three types of rendered proteins [meat and bone meal (MBM), feather meal (FM), and blood meal (BM)] were partially defatted and then hydrolyzed to varying extents using calcium hydroxide or one of three enzymatic treatments, in 4- or 6- L batches. After centrifugation, filtration, and spray drying, these hydrolysates were analyzed for changes in physical and chemical properties that relate to their potential utility. In all cases, the proportion of organic matter solubilized increased along with hydrolysis duration, although the molar mass distribution of the hydrolysis product only had a weak dependence on hydrolysis duration; the soluble material consisted of very small peptides at all time points. Alkali-hydrolysis was not effective in yielding a product low in ash; although the insoluble ash in MBM and FM appears not to have been carried over into the product, it was replaced by significant amounts of calcium salts; corresponding enzymatically-hydrolyzed batches contained approximately 40% less ash. Alkali-hydrolysis in particular had effects on the amino acid composition of the products, destroying some amino acids and creating others, including the cross-linked amino acids lysinoalanine and lanthionine; enzymatic hydrolysis effects on amino acid composition were different in type and generally lesser in magnitude. It is concluded that hydrolysis is a promising treatment for increasing the non-feed utility of rendered animal proteins.
Mesoporous Silica Coated Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as a Multifunctional Light‐Responsive Platform for Cancer Combination Therapy

The development of cancer combination therapies, many of which rely on nanoscale theranostic agents, has received increasing attention in recent years. In this work, polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified mesoporous silica (MS) coated single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are fabricated and utilized as a multifunctional platform for imaging guided combination therapy of cancer. A model chemotherapy drug, doxorubicin (DOX), could be loaded into the mesoporous structure of the obtained SWNT@MS‐PEG nano‐carriers with high efficiency. Upon stimulation under near‐infrared (NIR) light, photothermally triggered drug release from DOX loaded SWNT@MS‐PEG is observed inside cells, resulting in a synergistic cancer cell killing effect. As revealed by both photoacoustic (PA) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, we further uncover efficient tumor accumulation of SWNT@MS‐PEG/DOX after intravenous injection into mice. In vivo combination therapy using this agent is further demonstrated in a mouse tumor model, achieving a remarkable synergistic anti‐tumor effect superior to that obtained by mono‐therapy. Our work presents a new type of theranostic nano‐platform, which could load therapeutic molecules with high efficiency, be responsive to external NIR stimulation, and at the same time serve as a diagnostic imaging agent.