Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Adsorption and Cross-Linking of a Mussel Adhesive Protein Using Attenuated Total Internal Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR)

Mytilus edulis foot protein 1 (Mefp-1) contains the redox-functional amino acid 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), which is a typical feature of most mefp proteins. We have previously shown, using combined optic (ellipsometry) and acoustic (QCM-D) measurements, that the oxidizing agent sodium periodate (NaIO4) and the transition metal ion Cu2+ promote cross-linking of Mefp-1. However, different chemical reaction mechanisms can not be distinguished using these methods. In the present study, we have complemented our previous investigations using Attenuated Total Internal Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), allowing a spectroscopic analysis of NaIO4 and Cu2+-induced cross-linking of Mefp-1 adsorbed on a ZnSe surface. In aqueous solution, adsorbed Mefp-1 displays absorption bands at 1570, 1472, 1260, and 973 cm−1. Upon addition of NaIO4 and Cu2+, the absorptions at 1570, 1472, and 973 cm−1 increase by approximately a factor of two. In contrast, the band at 1260 cm−1 disappears upon cross-linking using NaIO4, but remains unchanged upon addition of Cu2+. This demonstrates that the band at 1260 cm−1 is attributed to the C‒O stretching vibration of the side chain hydroxyl groups in DOPA and that Cu2+ forms complexes with DOPA rather than transform it into an o-quinone. Moreover, upon addition of NaIO4 after cross-linking using Cu2+, the band at 1260 cm−1 disappears, indicating that the complex formation between DOPA and Cu2+ is reversed when DOPA is transformed into the o-quinone. These results demonstrate that NaIO4, which initiates a similar reaction to the naturally occurring enzyme catechol oxidase, contributes to the formation of di-DOPA cross-links. In contrast, the dominating contribution to the cross-linking from Cu2+, which is accumulated at high concentrations in the byssus thread of the blue mussel, is via complex formation between the metal and DOPA residues.
Client-Aware Negotiation for Secure and Efficient Data Transmission

In Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), server clusters, and other systems requiring secure transmission, the overhead of data encryption and transmission is often not negligible. Unfortunately, a conflict exists between security and efficiency in processing data. Therefore, this paper proposes a strategy to overcome this conflict, called Client-Aware Negotiation for Secure and Efficient Data Transmission (CAN-SEAT). This strategy allows a client with different security transmission requirements to use the appropriate data security transmission without modifying the client. Two methods are designed for different clients. The first method is based on two-way authentication and renegotiation. After handshakes, the appropriate data security transmission scheme is selected according to the client requirements. Another method is based on redirection, which can be applied when the client does not support two-way authentication or renegotiation. For the characteristics of different architecture, this paper classifies and discusses symmetric key algorithms, asymmetric key algorithms, and hardware encryption instructions. In four application scenarios, the CAN-SEAT strategy is tested. Compared with the general transmission strategy, when only software encryption is used, the data processing and transmission cost can be reduced by 89.41% in the best case and by 15.40% in the worst case. When supporting hardware encryption, the cost can be reduced by 85.30% and 24.63%, respectively. A good effect was produced on the experimental platforms XiLinx, FT-2000+, and Intel processors. To the best of our knowledge, for Client-Aware Negotiation (CAN), this is the first method to be successfully deployed on a general system. CAN-SEAT can be easily combined with other energy-efficient strategies.
KINETICS OF NON-ISOTHERMAL CRYSTALLIZATION

A kinetic equation of non-isothermal crystamzation was derived by extending Avrami’s equation to the non-isothermal situation. More crystallization information can be obtained from this kinetic equation. The curves of non-isothermal and isothermal crystallizations were analysed and compared for poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and the results were discussed.
New NMR methods for studying dynamics in solids

There is currently much interest in the investigation of dynamics in solids and the primary goal of this thesis is to present well-known and new NMR methods used for studying motion on Larmor and spectral timescale. The quadrupolar interaction usually dominates solid-state NMR spectra of quadrupolar nuclei. When the magnitude of quadrupolar interaction is large then the second-order correction to the dominant Zeeman Hamiltonian must be considered. Owing to this second-order quadrupolar effect, NMR peaks can be displaced from their chemical shift positions by a second-order shift. When considering motional averaging of the second-order shift, the critical frequency is the Larmor frequency, 0. In the case of motion that is faster than the Larmor precession, the isotropic quadrupolar shift is affected. This analogous phenomenon in solution-state NMR is known as the "dynamic shift". In Chapter 4, it will be shown that multiple-quantum NMR measurements of isotropic second-order quadrupolar shifts are a simple way to probe nanosecond timescale motions in solids. An analysis of one- and two-dimensional 11B MAS NMR spectra of three isomers of the closo-carboranes gives the results that provide the first evidence for the presence of solid-state dynamic shifts. There are several experiments that provide a sensitive test for the presence of dynamics on spectral timescale. One piece of evidence for dynamics on the spectral timescale is a motional broadening of quadrupolar satellite-transition spinning sidebands. Therefore, it is possible to investigate the influence of dynamic reorientation on satellite-transitions MAS spectra by recording variable-temperature one-dimensional spectra with wide spectral width or by comparing two-dimensional STMAS spectra with MQMAS spectra. These methods can be extended to 2H NMR spectroscopy as the sidebands observed in the magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectrum of a spin I = 1 2H nucleus may be very strongly broadened due to interference between the line-narrowing effects of MAS and the dynamics-driven reorientation of the 2H quadrupole tensor, if motion is present in the solid. In the last chapter, the 27Al, 31P and 2H NMR study of AlPO-34 type materials with the topology of chabazite are undertaken and the use of the full range of NMR methods to develop a structure and dynamic behaviour of these materials is presented. In addition, the NMR calculations are performed in order to combine DFT calculations with experimental data. Finally, GaPO-34 samples were investigated to extract information about the effects of Ga substitution in AlPO-34 on dynamical behaviour.
The Pressure-decay Method for Nature Convection Accelerated Diffusion of CO2 in Oil and Water Under Elevated Pressures

The diffusion of CO2 into oil and water are studied experimentally. The solubility of CO2 in the oil-water mixture and the density of CO2-saturated liquid are measured, and the pressure-decay method is used to measure effective diffusivity of CO2 in oil and water. It is found that the solubility of CO2 in oil-water mixture can be determined by that of CO2 in oil and water, respectively. With the dissolution of CO2 into water and oil, concentration-induced density gradient causes natural convection and accelerates the diffusion process. The determined effective diffusivities are almost two orders of magnitude larger than the molecular diffusivities.
Cinétique de cristallisation, structure et applications des stéréocomplexes de PLA

Poly(lactic acid) is a biobased and compostable thermoplastic polyester that has rapidly evolved into a competitive commodity material over the last decade. One key bottleneck in extending the use of PLA is the control of its crystallinity. Understanding the crystallization behavior is particularly crucial to control PLA's degradation rate, thermal resistance as well as optical, mechanical and barrier properties. PLA crystallization has also been a particularly rich topic from a fundamental point of view because of the existence of the two enantiomeric forms of lactic acid that can be used to control the crystallization rate but also to form high melting point stereocomplex structures. This article presents an overview of the current understanding on the fundamentals of PLA crystallization in quiescent conditions and on the practical means to enhance its rate. Data from the abundant literature on PLA crystallization were compiled and analyzed to provide comprehensive relationships between crystallization kinetics and the main molecular structure characteristics of PLA. In addition, the most promising efforts in enhancing PLA crystallization kinetics through plasticization or heterogeneous nucleation were reviewed.
Cytotoxic Metabolites Produced by the Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus clavatus

A new spiro azaphilone derivative, aspergillusone C (1), and a new cadinane-type sesquiterpenoid, aspergillusone D (2), together with a known azaphilone, felinone A (3), were isolated from the endo.
Matching the Mismatch: The interaction between perceptual and conceptual cues in bilinguals’ speech perception

Abstract Speech perception involves both conceptual cues and perceptual cues. These, individually, have been shown to guide bilinguals’ speech perception; but their potential interaction has been ignored. Explicitly, bilinguals have been given perceptual cues that could be predicted by the conceptual cues. Therefore, to target the perceptual-conceptual interaction, we created a restricted range of perceptual cues that either matched, or mismatched, bilinguals’ conceptual predictions based on the language context. Specifically, we designed an active speech perception task that concurrently collected electrophysiological data from Spanish–English bilinguals and English monolinguals to address the extent to which this cue interaction uniquely affects bilinguals’ speech sound perception and allocation of attentional resources. Bilinguals’ larger MMN-N2b in the mismatched context aligns with the Predictive Coding Hypothesis to suggest that bilinguals use their diverse perceptual routines to best allocate cognitive resources to perceive speech.
Coaxial electrospun poly(lactic acid)/silk fibroin nanofibers incorporated with nerve growth factor support the differentiation of neuronal stem cells

Coaxial electrospinning is an explicit method for encapsulation of protein drugs, and the process could preserve the bioactivity of the molecules. In this study, coaxial electrospinning was used to fabricate Poly(Lactic Acid)/Silk Fibroin/Nerve Growth Factor (PS/N) by encapsulating nerve growth factor (NGF) along with Silk Fibroin (SF) as the core of the scaffold. Air plasma treatment was applied to PS/N scaffold to improve the surface hydrophilicity without causing any damage to the nanofibers. Surface characterization of the plasma treated PS/N scaffold (p-PS/N) was carried out by Atomic Force Microscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and water contact angle test. PC12 cells cultured on both PS/N and p-PS/N scaffolds using Differentiation Medium devoid of NGF expressed neurofilament 200 protein on day 8, suggesting the differentiation potential of PC12 on both the scaffolds. By day 11, the cells cultured on p-PS/N scaffolds using the Differentiation Medium devoid of NGF showed elongated neurites with the length up to 95 μm. Our results suggested the sustained release of NGF, thus demonstrating the fact that the bioactivity of NGF was retained. The p-PS/N scaffolds were able to support the attachment and differentiation of PC12 cells, with ability to function as suitable substrates for nerve tissue engineering.
Research on landscape Spatial Structure Optimization of Garden sculpture based on improved Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm

Traditional methods in landscape sculpture landscape spatial structure optimization, did not consider the harmony between sculpture landscape and garden, there is a problem of long optimization processing time. Therefore, this paper designs a new optimization method of landscape sculpture spatial structure by improving particle swarm optimization algorithm. This paper analyzes the influence of garden sculpture on the whole space of the garden, and establishes the landscape space structure optimization model of garden sculpture. The spatial optimization index of garden sculpture landscape was established through analysis, and the spatial optimization constraints were set. The improved particle swarm optimization algorithm was used to solve the optimization model, and the optimization of the sculpture landscape spatial structure was completed. Compared with the optimization method based on genetic algorithm, the experiment shows that the optimization method based on improved particle algorithm has short processing time, and the optimized vegetation area, harmony between sculpture and garden are significantly improved, with better application effect.
Corynebacterium jeikeium native valve infective endocarditis case report: a confirmed microbiological and pathological diagnosis from heart valvular tissue

Abstract Background The Modified Duke criteria is an important structured schematic for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE). Corynebacterium jeikeium is a rare cause of IE that is often resistant to standard IE anti-microbials. We present a case of C. jeikeium IE, fulfilling the Modified Duke pathological criteria. Case summary A 50-year-old male presented with left leg peripheral vascular disease with septic changes requiring amputation. Routine echocardiography post-amputation demonstrated severe aortic valve regurgitation with vegetations that required valve replacement. Two initial blood cultures from a single venepuncture showed Streptococcus mitis which was treated with penicillin G prior to surgery. Subsequent aortic valve tissue cultured C. jeikeium with suggestive IE histological valvular changes and was successfully treated on a prolonged course of vancomycin. Discussion This is the first C. jeikeium IE case diagnosed on heart valvular tissue culture and highlights the importance for the fulfilment of the Modified Duke criteria in diagnosing left-sided IE. Mixed infection IE is rare, and this case possibly represents an unmasking of resistant C. jeikeium IE following initial treatment of penicillin G.
Development of a New Arylamination Reaction Catalyzed by Polymer Bound 1,3-(Bisbenzimidazolyl) Benzene Co(II) Complex and Generation of Bioactive Adamanate Amines

We herein report the preparation and characterization of an inexpensive polymer supported 1,3-bis(benzimidazolyl)benzeneCo(II) complex [PS-Co(BBZN)Cl2] as a catalyst by using the polymer (divinylbenzene cross-linked chloromethylated polystyrene), on which 1,3-bis(benzimidazolyl)benzeneCo(II) complex (PS-Co(BBZN)Cl2) has been immobilized. This catalyst was employed to develop arylamination reaction and robustness of the same reaction was demonstrated by synthesizing various bioactive adamantanyl-tethered-biphenylamines. Our synthetic methodology was much improved than reported methods due to the use of an inexpensive and recyclable catalyst.
Zinc oxide nanoclusters and nanoparticles as a drug carrier for cisplatin and nedaplatin anti-cancer drugs, insights from DFT methods and MC simulation

ABSTRACT In this work, we study the ability of (Zno) n (n = 2–5 and 12) nanoclusters and ZnO nanoparticles to act as a drug carrier for cisplatin and nedaplatin drugs by DFT methods and MC simulation. Binding energies in both gas and water phases are calculated, the bonds formed between (ZnO)n (n = 2–5 and 12) and cisplatin and nedaplatin drugs are studied and computed using QMAIM. The binding energy in water is lower than that in gas, which supports that the partially covalent and partially electrostatic bonding nature. Also, binding energies in the state of (ZnO) n -cisplatin complexes are lower than those in the (ZnO) n -nedaplatin complexes in both gas and water phases. Also, the adsorption of cisplatin and nedaplatin drugs on ZnO nanoparticles surface (different sizes and shapes) was studied by Monte Carlo simulation. We find that increasing the ZnO size dose not significantly influences on the adsorption energies of cisplatin and nedaplatin drugs for all studied nanoparticles shapes. All adsorption energies obtained by MC calculations are negative which revealed that the adsorption of the cisplatin and nedaplatin molecules on ZnO surfaces is exothermic, spontaneously and energetically favourable. So, ZnO nanoclusters and nanoparticles can act as a drug carrier for cisplatin and nedaplatin anticancer drugs. Abbreviations: Density Functional Theory; MC simulation: Monte Carlo simulation; QMAIM: quantum mechanics atoms in molecules GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Analisis Tindak Tutur Direktif Pada Ceramah Ustadz Abdul Somad Edisi Tanya Jawab Kajian Musawarah Bersama Artis Hijrah

The speech basically aims to invite, call, awaken, direct, and guide audiences to act in accordance with the guidance of Islamic teachings so that directive speech acts are often used by Islamic preachers, including those in Ustadz Abdul Somad's lectures. This study aimed to describe: 1) The types of directive speech acts in Ustadz Abdul Somad's speech, the question and answer edition of musawarah studies with hijrah artists; 2) the function of the directive speech acts used in Ustadz Abdul Somad's speech, the question and answer edition of musawarah studies with hijrah artists. This study applied a qualitative descriptive study. The objects of this study were the utterances of Ustadz Abdul Somad's speech, the question and answer edition of musawarah studies with hijrah artists on YouTube. The data were collected using observation and note-taking techniques. The current study found that there were direct speech acts, indirect speech acts, literal speech acts, and non-literal speech acts. Based on the pragmatic function of directive speech acts, directive functions included the functions of asking, questioning, ordering, prohibiting, and advising. The dominant type and function of directive speech acts in Ustadz Abdul Somad's speech referred to directive speech acts with the function of advising
Evaluation of Multiple Responses Associated with Arsenic Tolerance and Accumulation in Pteris vittata L. Plants Exposed to High As Concentrations under Hydroponics

Chinese brake fern (Pteris vittata L.) is recognized as an arsenic hyperaccumulating plant. Mechanisms underlying this capability and the associated hypertolerance have been described even if not completely elucidated. In this study, with the aim to expand the knowledge on the matter, an experimental trial was developed to investigate an array of responses, at the morphological, physiological, and biochemical level, in P. vittata plants exposed to high As concentrations in a long-term experiment under hydroponics. Results confirmed the ability of fern plants to both tolerate and accumulate a remarkable amount of As, especially in fronds. Notably, in As-treated plants, a far higher As content was detected in young fronds compared to old fronds, with bioaccumulation (BCF) and translocation (Tf) factors in accordance. At the biochemical level, As treatment affected macro and micronutrient, thiol, and phytochelatin concentrations in fronds of treated plants differently than that of the control. Physiological measurements accounted for a reduction in the photosynthetic activity of As-treated plants in the absence of visual symptoms of damage. Overall, the observed As tolerance and accumulation processes were discussed, evidencing how young fronds developed during As treatment maintain their physiological status while accumulating a high As content. Such indications could be very useful to improve the effective utilization of this plant species for phytofiltration of As-polluted water.
Shrinkage Porosity in Steel Sand Castings: Formation, Classification and Inspection

In this Chapter, shrinkage porosity defects in steel castings are analysed, particularly for low carbon, high alloyed steels, which have applications in critical engineering components. It begins with the mechanisms for porosity formation within the solidification contraction phase of the casting cycle, highlighting the importance of feeder design. This is followed by characterisation of the solidification phase of steel alloys, including the evolution of phases, which is important in distinguishing between microstructure and porosity in microscopy analysis. A more detailed discussion of interdendritic feeding and mechanisms for shrinkage micro-porosity is then provided. This leads to the well-established interdendritic flow model and commonly-used thermal criteria for shrinkage porosity prediction. The discussions are then consolidated through the classification of shrinkage porosity in terms of formation mechanisms and morphology, and its causes relating to composition, design and process conditions. Finally, engineering standards for classification and inspection of porosity types and severity levels in steel castings are discussed. Throughout, basic design and process improvement approaches for improving melt feeding during solidification contraction is given, with emphasis on providing practical solutions for prediction and evaluation of shrinkage porosity defects in castings.
Interactive Effects of Workplace Spirituality and Psychological Capital on Employee Negativity

This article examined the direct influence of workplace spirituality on employee negativity—organizational cynicism, counterproductive work behaviour and turnover intentions. The proposed framework also examined how psychological capital buffers the relationship between workplace spirituality and employee negativity. The sample of the study included 138 employees, working in different private and public sector organizations in Nepal. Linear regression analyses were employed to test the hypothesized direct relationships and moderated multiple regression analyses were used to test the buffering effect of psychological capital on these relationships. The analysis of data revealed that workplace spirituality negatively influences employees’ cynicism and intent to turnover. Workplace spirituality did not influence counterproductive work behaviour, while psychological capital was found to have buffering effect on the relationship between workplace spirituality and intent to turnover. The negative influence of workplace spirituality on organizational cynicism and intent to turnover suggests that organizations need to create such an environment in the workplace, where employees have feeling of higher level of workplace spirituality, in order to retain their workforce and reduce the feeling of organizational cynicism among employees. Suggestions are offered on generating spirituality and psychological capital in workplace environments. JEL Codes: M12, M53