Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A method of measuring the velocity of very rapid chemical reactions

In devising methods for determining the velocity of any chemical reaction there are two experimental problems which invariably arise : (1) To arrange that the chemical system under investigation be made initially unstable in a period of time that is negligibly short in comparison with that taken by the chemical reaction. (2) To record from time to time the stages reached by the system (during its passage from the initial unstable state to the final stable condition wherein the several reacting substances are in chemical equilibrium) by means of methods which take a negligibly short time in comparison with that taken by the chemical reaction. A perusal of the literature shows that previous investigators have, in the main, restricted themselves to the study of slow reactions, such as may require many minutes or even hours to reach completion. In such cases, both requirements which we have mentioned can be easily met. For the production of the initially unstable condition can be achieved without difficulty by merely mixing the several reacting substances together in proportions far removed from those which prevail when equilibrium has been attained. The time required by the mixing operation can be reduced to a few seconds, and can therefore be neglected when dealing with a process which may last many minutes or even hours. The slow reactions possess a further attraction, in that the procedure for estimating the concentrations of the several reactants at different stages during the progress of the reaction need not be a hurried one. This permits the use of a wide variety of methods, e. g . , polarimetry as in the study of the inversion of sucrose, ordinary titration as in the saponification of esters, and separation of one of the constituents as a gas phase as in the decomposition of diazo-acetic ester by water, i. e . , N2. CHCOOC2H5+H2O→OHCH2. COOC2H5+N2 (gas phase).
Differentiation Between Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors Antibody Conjugated and Unconjugated Gold Nanoparticles Using Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) along with UV-Vis was used to distinguish between structural differences between a normal human breast cell line (MCF-12 F) and a cancerous breast cell line (MCF-7) after both being treated with conjugated gold nanoparticles and unconjugated gold nanoparticles. The MCF-7 cell line possessed a small amount of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) on its cell surface whereas the MCF-12 F cell line did not. The anti-EGFR antibodies blocked the binding of epidermal growth factors to this receptor which plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. The infrared (IR) spectra for both cell lines yield several differences between normal biological samples and cancerous samples. As the malignancy of the sample increases, the peak intensity and wavenumber positions decrease. The same conclusion was drawn from thin-layers of conjugated nanoparticles and nonconjugated nanoparticles. The presence of conjugated nanoparticles increased the peak intensity of the MCF-7 cell line whereas it decreased the peak intensity for the MCF-12 F cell line. UV-Vis was used to show the presence of the anti-EGFR antibodies on the surface of the gold nanoparticles which was 5 nm red shifted compared to the gold nanoparticles solution.
Inclusive education from teachers' perspective : examining pre- and in-service teachers' self-efficacy and attitudes in mainland China

Governments worldwide have set the goal of including students with disabilities in regular classrooms of mainstream schools. This dissertation focuses on in-service and pre-service teachers’ perceived self-efficacy and attitudes related to inclusive education by using three separate quantitative datasets. The first sample was collected in 2007 from 523 students via internet and in two normal university campus areas in Beijing, China. The second sample was gathered in 2010 and consists of the responses of 554 Chinese normal university students and students of a special education college. The third sample was collected in 2010–2011 from 451 Chinese, 855 Finnish, and 605 South African inservice teachers. Based on the analysis, the teacher self-efficacy for inclusive practices appears to have a multidimensional structure. In this dissertation, teacher self-efficacy was divided into three factors – Efficacy in inclusive instruction, Efficacy in collaboration, and Efficacy in managing student behaviour – that could be confirmed in Chinese, Finnish, and South African data. In all three countries, the level of self-efficacy for inclusive practices was significantly explained by the teacher’s previous experience in teaching students with disabilities. Participants with a higher level of experience in teaching students with disabilities also had more positive attitudes towards inclusive education, but on average the perceptions were close to the mid-point of the measurement scale. This indicates that, as a group, the participants were not very extreme in their support for or opposition to inclusion. Participants recommended the most inclusive environment for students with visual impairment and the least inclusive environment for students with intellectual disability. The severity of disability had a consistent effect on participants’ views so that the more restrictive environment was preferred for students with severe levels of disability. Teachers’ self-efficacy and attitudes towards inclusive education had a relatively strong positive connection. Among the different self-efficacy dimensions, efficacy in collaboration was the best predictor of their attitudes.
A general method for the preparation of a thickness-controllable fluoro-containing organic film as a solid lubricant

This research presents a general electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method, which offers selective preparation of various heteroatom-containing (i.e., H, Cl, F, N, and S) carboxylic acid molecular (CAM) films directly on silicon wafers, as long as the precursors are water-soluble carboxylic acids. Among them, the as-prepared fluoro-carboxylic acid (trifluoroacetic acid) molecular film with controllable thickness exhibits a longer wear life than self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), along with very low friction coefficient and a superior tolerance to humidity. It may be a promising candidate to replace SAMs as a more wear-resistant solid lubricant in micro/nano electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS).
Single-Event Microkinetic Model for Fischer−Tropsch Synthesis on Iron-Based Catalysts

A single-event microkinetic (SEMK) model was developed for Fischer−Tropsch synthesis and applied to experimental data obtained on an iron-based catalyst in a temperature range from 523 to 623 K, total pressures from 0.6 to 2.1 MPa, and H2/CO inlet ratios from 2 to 6 mol/mol. The use of the single-event concept allowed a significant reduction of the number of adjustable parameters. The single-event pre-exponential factors were calculated based on statistical thermodynamics. The reaction enthalpies, as well as initial guesses for the activation energies, were obtained through the unity bond index−quadratic exponential potential (UBI-QEP) method. Ten activation energies of the kinetically relevant reaction families and four atomic chemisorption enthalpies remained as adjustable parameters, the latter corresponding to so-called catalyst descriptors. The SEMK model describes well the product distribution over a wide range of operating conditions with physically sound kinetic parameters. The reductive eliminati.
Characterization of P3HT/PCBM bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices using advanced secondary ion mass spectrometry techniques

In this work, we applied low‐impact energy secondary ion mass spectrometry (known as Sc‐Ultra SIMS) and high lateral resolution (NanoSIMS50) to characterize the P3HT/PCBM (poly(3‐hexylthiophene)/phenyl C61‐butyric acid methyl ester bulk heterojunction photovoltaic (PV) devices. Here we report results obtained on Al/P3HT:PCBM/PEDOT:PSS/ITO (poly(3‐hexylthiophene:phenyl C61‐butyric acid methyl ester/poly(ethylene‐dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)/indium tin oxide) using advanced SIMS measurements to monitor 3D molecular compositions and metal/organic interface. The measurements have been performed on as‐deposited as well as‐annealed samples of Al/polymer interface. Blend macrophase separation and polymer/fullerene distribution have been investigated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volatile Compounds of the White Truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico) from Middle Italy

The concentrations of the volatile components of the white truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico), determined by purge and trap methods, showed the impact role of 2,4-dithiapentane. The degradation of the aroma showed great dependence on the storage conditions. At 0°C amyl alcohols are released, while at room temperature the conversion of 2,4-dithiapentane into dimethyl disulphide becomes the most relevant alteration of the flavour.
Polyethylene Made with Combinations of Single-Site-Type Catalysts: Monte Carlo Simulation of Long-Chain Branch Formation

The formation of long-chain branches (LCBs) during ethylene polymerization with a combination of catalysts was studied by Monte Carlo simulation. The model describes polymerization with a non-branching catalyst that produces linear macromonomers, and a branching catalyst that produces linear and branched macromonomers. The LCBs are formed when the branching catalyst incorporates a macromonomer. The discussion is based on the three types of chain topology obtained during the synthesis: linear, comb-branched, or hyperbranched. Simulation results show how the chain length distribution and the number of LCBs change according to the ratio between the two catalysts present in the reactor. The ratio hyperbranched/comb-branched is defined to evaluate the system composition and the contribution of each catalyst.
Mesoscale Three Dimensional Lattices Formed in Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals: A Diamond-Like Face Centered Cubic

Mesoscale three-dimensional lattices are formed in polymer-dispersed liquid crystals using one-step holographic fabrication. Nematic liquid crystal domains are patterned within a rigid polymer binder through an irradiance-driven diffusion and phase-separation process, forming a low index-contrast photonic crystals whose dielectric profile mimics the irradiance profile applied during formation. Electric fields are used to align the liquid crystal domains, allowing electrical control of the coherent scattering from these lattices. Here we present a diamond-like face centered-cubic-lattice(fcc), highlighting the several advantages over the simple fcc counterpart, including easier processing, operation in the near infrared, and deeper stopbands.
A novel core-shell structured magnetic organic-inorganic nanohybrid involving drug-intercalated layered double hydroxides coated on a magnesium ferrite core for magnetically controlled drug release

A novel magnetic nanohybrid involving non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac (DIC) intercalated Mg–Al layered double hydroxides (LDH) coated on magnesium ferrite particles was assembled via a one step coprecipitation self-assembly method. The XRD, FT-IR and ICP measurements reveal that the magnetic nanohybrid consists of both DIC-LDH nanocrystallite and magnesium ferrite phases. The TEM image shows that the magnetic nanohybrid presents well-defined core-shell structure with diameter in the range of 90–150 nm. Compared to pure DIC-LDH, an obviously smaller dimension and less sharp hexagonal morphology of the coated DIC-LDH nanocrystallites in magnetic hybrids is observed due to a heterogeneous nucleation and crystal growth process with the introduction of the magnetic core. The in vitro drug release rate of the magnetic nanohybrid was thus enhanced owing to the much smaller size of the coated DIC-LDH nanoparticles on the surface of the magnetic core. However, under an external magnetic field of 0.15 Tesla, the drug release rate of the magnetic nanohybrid decreases dramatically owing to the aggregation of the magnetic nanohybrid particles triggered by non-contact magnetic force. The kinetic data reveal that the release of DIC from the magnetic nanohybrid is controlled by particle diffusion, and the release rate is mainly affected by the particle size and the aggregation extent of the hybrid magnetic particles. Additionally, the obtained nanohybrid has a strong magnetization response, implying the possibility of application in magnetic drug targeting.
Hydrolysis of hedycaryol: the origin of the eudesmols in the Myrtaceae.

The steam distillates of the family Myrtaceae are often found to contain the three isomeric sesquiterpene alcohols, β-, β- and γ-eudesmol. Associated with these alcohols but not steam-distilled with them are two hydrates of eudesmol, cryptomeridiol and 4-epicryptomeridiol, compounds which have not been previously reported in the Myrtaceae. These five alcohols are the major by-products of the hydrolysis of hedycaryol, which can occur during leaf ageing or distillation. The use of H218O during distillation implicated the presence of hedycaryol prior to distillation by trapping the eudesmyl-carbocation formed during the hydrolysis. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absolute H-atom concentration profiles in continuous and pulsed rf discharges

Absolute concentrations of ground state atomic hydrogen are determined by two‐photon absorption laser‐induced fluorescence in a pure hydrogen rf discharge. Axial concentration profiles obtained across the interelectrode space show a relatively constant concentration (of the order of 1014 atoms/cm3) in the region around the center of the discharge until it decreases sharply within 3–4 mm of each metal electrode surface. In addition, the temporal evolution of the atomic concentration is monitored by means of a pulsed discharge from short times to the establishment of a steady‐state concentration. We present a model according to which the formation and decay of the distribution of atomic hydrogen is dominated by diffusion from the production regions towards both the center of the discharge and the metallic electrode surfaces where H atoms are absorbed.
In Vivo Inspired Conditions to Synthesize Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite

We present a simple one-pot crystallization method, inspired by biological conditions, for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (Ca5(PO4)3OH) nanocrystals. The reaction proceeds via NH3 vapor diffusion into a CaCl2−NaH2PO4 mixed solution that is free of any organic additives. The advantage of relying on acidic calcium-phosphate precursors here is, first, that the reaction can be performed at room temperature within a short time and without direct pH control and, second, that it does not produce any secondary phases or byproduct. Furthermore, the addition of NaHCO3 to the salt solution or the introduction of (NH4)2CO3 instead of NH3 lead, respectively, to the precipitation of B- or A-type carbonate-apatite phases according to the FT-IR data. Multinuclear solid state NMR studies and especially 13C CP experiments allow an in-depth characterization showing the presence of A/B substitutions in carbonated samples as well and indicate a close similarity to deproteinated bovine compact bone. A precipitation mechanism .
Using Seasonal Climate Variability Forecasts: Crop Yield Risk

Circular 1498, an 8-page illustrated report by Clyde W. Fraisse, Joel O. Paz, and Charles M. Brown, explains how to use historical crop yield information available through the AgClimate Web site (www.agclimate.org) to understand yield risk for specific crops in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, January 2007.
LOGITTORISK: Stata module for conversion of logistic regression output to differences and ratios of risk

logittorisk computes the exposure/intervention group risk (r1) and a table of differences and ratios of risk from the baseline odds (constant) and odds ratio (from the first explanatory variable) obtained from a prior logistic regression. This conversion is aimed at facilitating use of the OR in the reporting of clinical trials and meta-analyses because the OR is the “portable” effect measure, while the RR varies with baseline risk.
Impact of cattle grazing on temperate coastal salt marsh soils

Over the last two decades, grazing intensity has increased in the temperate salt marshes of Samborombón Bay (Argentina) due to agricultural expansion and the displacement of domestic livestock to these areas. We investigated the effect of cattle grazing on soil chemical and physical properties in the higher (HE), medium (ME) and lower (LE) elevation levels of this temperate salt marsh. Soil data were collected from both a National Park, where cattle grazing has been excluded for more than 35 yrs, and an adjacent commercial livestock farm continuously grazed by cattle. We found that soil salinity was greater on the grazed than on the ungrazed sites, especially those in the ME and LE. This could be related to the upward flow of salts from the saline groundwater, driven by the increase in the proportion of bare soil on grazed sites. The increase in soil salinity changed the plant community structure through the increase of salt‐tolerant and non‐palatable species and the decrease of palatable species. Soil physical variables (soil bulk density and soil bearing capacity) were also higher on the grazed than on the ungrazed sites, which can be related to the decrease in soil organic matter (SOM), and suggest an incipient compaction process; however, the values were still lower than those considered critical for plant growth in clay soils. These results suggest that continuous grazing management in this temperate salt marsh might have negative consequences for animal production and ecosystem conservation, mainly related to the increased soil salinity. Further research will be necessary to evaluate the suitability of switching to intermittent grazing management.
Gas-Phase Br2 Production in Heterogeneous Reactions of Cl2, HOCl, and BrCl with Halide−Ice Surfaces

In order to evaluate the relative importance of different heterogeneous mechanisms that may release gas-phase Br2 into the Arctic boundary layer, interactions of Cl2, HOCl, and BrCl with halide-containing ice surfaces were studied in the laboratory. Results are presented from experiments using a coated-wall, low-pressure flow tube coupled to a mass spectrometer. Gas-surface reaction probabilities were calculated from the first-order loss of Cl2, HOCl, or BrCl on bromide-ice surfaces at 233 K and on chloride/bromide-ice surfaces at 248 K. In all cases, the reactions were relatively fast, and the primary product was gas-phase Br2. To determine the main factors that influence the kinetics of these reactions, experiments were conducted over a range of temperatures, hydrogen ion concentrations in ice, and halide concentrations in ice. Cl2 reaction probability increases with increasing bromide concentration in the ice film, up to approximately 3% bromide. At this point, the ice surface is completely saturated w.
Assessing the dominant height of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) in relation to edaphic and physiographic variables in the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran

Description of the subject. This study evaluates the application of Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) for predicting beech dominant height in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran, inscribed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage due to its remarkable biodiversity. Objectives. It is widely accepted that tree growth can be influenced by a wide variety of factors such as climate, topography, soil conditions and competition for resources. The early dominant height of trees modelling studies used the multiple linear regression. The development of more advanced non-parametric and machine learning methods provided opportunities to overcome the nonlinear relationships in forest ecosystems. Method. In this study, boosted regression trees was evaluated to model the dominant height of Fagus orientalis as the most important tree species in the Hyrcanian forest, Iran. Dominant height was related to soil and topographical variables, which are available for 190 sample plots covering all importance environmental gradients in the research area. Results. The results indicated BRT were found to outperform for modelling beech dominant height. This technique showed that phosphorus, percentage nitrogen, magnesium and percentage sand were among the most important variables. Conclusions. This study demonstrates the ability of BRT to accurately model the dominant height of oriental beech in relation to environmental predictors, and encourages its use in forest ecology.
Pressure Sensing and Electronic Amplification with Functionalized Graphite–Silicone Composite

A flexible yet electronically active composite that mimics mechanoreceptor neurons in the human skin is synthesized, generating voltage oscillations whose frequency increases with pressure. By encoding pressure into frequency, the sensor achieves a high pressure sensitivity (<10 Pa). The ability to sense pressure and to amplify signals arises from the robust negative differential resistance of functionalized graphitic flakes in silicone.
The Raman‐active O–H and O–D stretching vibrations and Raman spectra of gaseous formic acid‐d1 and ‐OD

In keeping with current theoretical activity concerning the OH and OD stretching bands of the carboxylic acids, we report the Raman spectra of gaseous formic acid‐OD and formic acid‐d1 for the first time. We emphasize the OH and OD stretching bands, which can be studied cleanly in these isotopomers but not in normal or perdeuterated formic acid. The spectra of the dimers and monomers below 2000 cm−1 are assigned, and current knowledge of the vibrations of the molecules is summarized. The Raman spectra allow the estimation of the energies of the Bu combination levels that may be in Fermi resonance with the infrared active Bu, OH or OD stretching fundamental, as well as those of the Ag overtone and combination levels that may interact with the Raman‐active stretching fundamental. We conclude that the sharp features on the Raman OH and OD stretching bands are due to overtone and combination transitions, that the stretching modes cause the underlying broad scattering, namely three broad bands, centered at 243.
Crystal structure of trimethyl 3-methyl-4-oxo-(E)-8-cyclodecene-l,1,6-tricarboxylate, C17H24O7

C17H24O7, triclinic, P I ( N o . 2) , a = 7 . 8 5 7 4 ( 6 ) Ä , b = 14 . 791(1) Ä , c = 16 . 874(2) Ä, α = 107.160(5)°, β = 99 . 995(5)° , γ = 9 7 . 5 1 2 ( 5 ) ° , V= 1810 . 6 Ä 3 , Z = 4 , R^F) = 0 . 049 , RJF) = 0 . 095 , Τ = 2 9 8 Κ.
The Assessment of Plant‐Available Cadmium in Soils

Three pot experiments were conducted to test the utilization of ash from different kinds of animal manures and vegetative crop residues as source of phosphorus fertilizer. Corn (Zea mays L.) yield grown on phosphorus-deficient soil (Aiken loam), treated with acidified ash at rates equivalent to 200, 400, 800, and 1,200 ppM P, responded almost like concentrated super phosphate (CSP) at the same rates. Yields from pots treated with ash acidified at 50% of its base equivalent were slightly less than those at 100% acidification. The leached acidified ash of agricultural waste materials proved to be a comparable source to CSP fertilizer.