Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Immobilized Enzyme in a High-Surface-Area Biofuel Cell Electrode Made of Redox-Polymer-Grafted Carbon Black

The current density of biofuel cell needs to be increased by 2 orders of magnitude to reach 10−1 A cm−2, which is the required density for portable energy devices. Model calculations have suggested that high-surface-area biofuel cell electrodes can achieve the required current density. However, experimental current density has amounted to only about 10−3 A cm−2 because of low enzyme surface coverage. In this study, we investigated the low surface coverage of glucose oxidase (GOD) in a high-surface-area biofuel cell electrode made of redox-polymer-grafted carbon black. Three possible explanations were considered: (i) low total amount of GOD, (ii) poor contact between GOD and mediator in the redox polymer, and (iii) deactivation of GOD. Among them, iii was found to be the main problem. Reducing this deactivation is the key for achieving a current density of approximately 10−1 A cm−2.
Structural approaches to protein sequence analysis

Various protein sequence analysis techniques are described, aimed at improving the prediction of protein structure by means of pattern matching. To investigate the possibility that improvements in amino acid comparison matrices could result in improvements in the sensitivity and accuracy of protein sequence alignments, a method for rapidly calculating amino acid mutation data matrices from large sequence data sets is presented. The method is then applied to the membrane-spanning segments of integral membrane proteins in order to investigate the nature of amino acid mutability in a lipid environment. Whilst purely sequence analytic techniques work well for cases where some residual sequence similarity remains between a newly characterized protein and a protein of known 3-D structure, in the harder cases, there is little or no sequence similarity with which to recognize proteins with similar folding patterns. In the light of these limitations, a new approach to protein fold recognition is described, which uses a statistically derived pairwise potential to evaluate the compatibility between a test sequence and a library of structural templates, derived from solved crystal structures. The method, which is called optimal sequence threading, proves to be highly successful, and is able to detect the common TIM barrel fold between a number of enzyme sequences, which has not been achieved by any previous sequence analysis technique. Finally, a new method for the prediction of the secondary structure and topology of membrane proteins is described. The method employs a set of statistical tables compiled from well-characterized membrane protein data, and a novel dynamic programming algorithm to recognize membrane topology models by expectation maximization. The statistical tables show definite biases towards certain amino acid species on the inside, middle and outside of a cellular membrane.
Study of the acid‐base properties of a peat soil and its humin and humic acid fractions

For accurate interpretation of cation binding to natural organic matter, the proton binding behaviour of both solid and dissolved natural organic matter must first be established. In the present study, potentiometric titrations of samples of humin and humic acid extracted from a peat soil were performed at different ionic strengths. Humic acid (HA) samples in solution (dissolved humic acid, DHA) and in suspension (aggregated humic acid, AHA) were titrated. The corresponding charge curves were analysed with the NICA‐Donnan model and the results were compared with those previously obtained for the peat soil. Good reproduction of the DHA charge curves was obtained, and in the case of the AHA, the exact forms of the charge curves were not reproduced at pH < 6 because of the conformational changes and dissolution of the sample that took place throughout the titration. The peat and humin displayed similar proton binding behaviour, which was different to that of the humic acid. With the Donnan approach, the value of parameter b, that relates the Donnan volume to the ionic strength, was the same for peat and humin and less than that of the humic acid, for both the dissolved samples and those in suspension, indicating that the effect of ionic strength on the charge is greater in the peat and humin than in the HA. The ratio between the contents of phenolic groups and of carboxylic groups was greater in peat and humin than in humic acid. The model used revealed that the acid‐base behaviour of the peat is closer to that of the humin than to that of the humic acid.
Study of bacteriocin as a food preservative and the L. acidophilus strain as probiotic.

Bacteriocin producing Lactobacillus acidophilus strain was isolated from the gut of marine prawn (Penaeus monodon). This bacteriocin has broad range of antibacterial activity against major food born pathogens. Maximum bacteriocin production was observed at temperature 50°C, pH 4 and 0.9% sodium chloride. The bacteriocin was purified by ammonium sulphate precipitate and ion exchange (DEAE cellulose) chromatography. Biochemically it was pure protein moiety and its molecular weight was 2.5 KDa. This study revealed the possibility of using bacteriocin as a food preservative and the L. acidophilus strain as probiotic.
Wine Tourists in South Africa: A Demographic and Psychographic Study

The aim of the study was to develop a demographic and psychographic profile of wine tourists in South Africa. Personal interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire involving 165 wine tourists selected through a systematic random sampling technique. The demographic variables such as type of tourist, age, main income categories, marital status, education levels and gender versus visitation rates of wine tourists were determined. The psychographic factors such as the accommodation preference of wine tourists, mode of transport, the number of wine farms visited, sources of information, general wine route habits, areas for improvement and key aspects of the wine tourism destination were assessed.
Strength and Fracture Behaviour of Dual Phase Steel Dp450 in Static and Dynamic Conditions

In this work, strength and plastic deformation effect of the dual phase steel are analysed in the static and dynamic conditions. Since the dual phase steel is extensively used in the outer body parts of the automotive vehicles, its dynamic strength and plastic strain energy absorption during the crash are essential. Dynamic strength of the dual phase steel is examined using the pendulum impact hammer tester machine. Spread of the plastic strain during the crash is an important factor for the energy absorption to passive safety, which is examined using the local hardness measurement using the Vickers hardness and local indentation yield strength is calculated using cylindrical indenter and obtained force-depth results are analysed using the Hencky theory for the plane strain indentation. Further, tested samples are observed using scanning electron microscopy for the fracture response after the static and dynamic tests.
A continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry method for high precision determination of dissolved gas ratios and isotopic composition

Dissolved gas ratios and isotopic compositions provide essential information about the biological and physical mechanisms influencing N2, O2, and Ar in aquatic systems. Current methods available are either limited by overall cost, labor‐intensive sample collection and analysis, or insufficient precision. Here, we present a new highly accurate and robust method for sample collection and subsequent simultaneous measurement of the dissolved gas ratios (N2/Ar and O2/Ar) and isotopic compositions (δ15N2 and δ18O2) in seawater. The relatively simple sampling procedure using low cost materials enables collection of hundreds to more than a thousand discrete samples on a single research cruise. Samples can be preserved and stored at room temperature and maintain their integrity for many months. Laboratory analysis employs an on‐line extraction system coupled to a multi‐collector isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). A continuous flow of He carrier gas completely degasses the sample, and passes through the preparation and purification system before entering the IRMS for analysis. The use of this continuous He carrier permits short analysis times (less than 8 min per sample) as compared with current high‐precision methods. In addition to reference gases, calibration is achieved using air‐equilibrated water standards of known temperature and salinity. Assessment of reference gas injections, air equilibrated standards, as well as samples collected in the field shows the accuracy and precision of this new method to be equal to or better than current standard techniques.
Utilization of softwood lignin as both crosslinker and reinforcing agent in silicone elastomers

Lignin, the second most abundant naturally occurring organic polymer on earth, is normally used only as a source of fuel because of the difficulties in processing it for other applications. While the Piers–Rubinsztajn reaction of phenols and alkoxybenzene groups with hydrosilanes can lead to highly degraded hardwood lignin, under different conditions, the process permits partial reduction of surface-presenting groups on softwood lignin. The method requires no pre-modification of the lignin surface, which reacts with silicon-hydride functional groups on silicone polymers in a process catalysed by B(C6F5)3. Simultaneously, crosslinking of the silicone occurs to give a reinforced elastomer. Lignin plays dual roles as crosslinker and reinforcing reagent. The mechanical performance of lignin crosslinked/reinforced composites, depending on formulation, is comparable to some commercially available silicone elastomers and can be readily tuned by lignin content and molecular weight of silicones used in the formulation. The composites demonstrated acceptable resistance to solvent extraction and excellent resistance to high temperature aging.
Preparation and application of polystyrene‐grafted ZnO nanoparticles

The precursor of ZnO was prepared by precipitation and ZnO nanoparticles were obtained by calcination afterwards. Poly(styrene) (PSt) was grafted onto the ZnO nanoparticles in a non-aqueous suspension to reduce the aggregation among nanoparticles and to improve the compatibility between nanoparticles and the organic matter. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), zeta potential measurement, lipophilic degree (LD) test, photocatalytic experiments, sedimentation test, and contact angle measurement. The LD of composite particles after a high-temperature treatment was stable. The photoluminescence of PSt-grafted ZnO nanoparticles was observed by naked eyes and was recorded using a digital camera. The ZnO nanoparticles were used to reinforce poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films and the mechanical and electric properties of the films were also measured. Copyright (C) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The kinetic chemistry of dense interstellar clouds

A detailed model of the time-dependent chemistry of dense interstellar clouds has been developed to study the dominant chemical processes in carbon and oxygen isotope fractionation, formation of nitrogen-containing molecules, evolution of product molecules as a function of cloud density and temperature, and other topics of interest. The full computation involves 328 individual reactions (expanded to 1067 to study carbon and oxygen isotope chemistry); photodegradation processes are unimportant in these dense clouds and are excluded.
Treatment of Omethoate on Edible Wolfberry by Atmospheric Pressure Air Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge

In this study, the effect of atmospheric-pressure air surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) on the degradation of Omethoate smeared edible wolfberry was investigated by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The degradation efficiency of SDBD on Omethoate is shown to be strongly dependent on the discharge voltage and plasma treatment time. The plasma-induced degradation mechanisms were studied through identification of the intermediates or by-products generated during SDBD plasma treatment. The results show that the degradation efficiency may be higher than 99% under the optimum discharge conditions, i.e., at the applied voltage of 10 kV and the treatment time of 30 min. It is concluded that the atmospheric-pressure SDBD plasma may degrade pesticide residue into nontoxic species (such as PO43−, H2O, SO42−, and CO2) during the plasma treating process.
Fluorine contamination in yttrium-doped barium zirconate film deposited by atomic layer deposition

The authors have investigated the change of chemical composition, crystallinity, and ionic conductivity in fluorine contaminated yttrium-doped barium zirconate (BYZ) fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD). It has been identified that fluorine contamination can significantly affect the conductivity of the ALD BYZ. The authors have also successfully established the relationship between process temperature and contamination and the source of fluorine contamination, which was the perfluoroelastomer O-ring used for vacuum sealing. The total removal of fluorine contamination was achieved by using all-metal sealed chamber instead of O-ring seals.
Precipitation of Kraft Black Liquors by Alcohol-Calcium Solutions

Abstract Industrial and laboratory kraft black liquors were precipitated with a) water-soluble solvents (alcohols and acetone), b) calcium and aluminum salts, and c) alcohol-calcium solutions. Volume of solvent and the amount of Ca (or Al) were varied over wide intervals, and their effect on the amount and composition of precipitate was studied. Alcohol-calcium solutions were the best precipitating agent (90% of the lignin was recovered with good filterability). The pollutant load of the resulting filtrate showed considerable reductions in some parameters. Precipitation of black liquors with alcohol-calcium solution instead of acid precipitation or ultrafiltration may be an alternative to combustion.
Adsorption Behaviour of Hg(II) from Acetate Medium onto PAR-Imbedded Polyurethane Foam

The sorption behaviour of a 2.46 • 10−5 M solution of Hg(II) on 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR)-loaded polyurethane foam (PUF) was investigated. Optimum sorption was observed from acetate medium at pH 6 with the maximum equilibration time being 30 min. The kinetic data indicated an intraparticle diffusion process with sorption being first order. The rate constant k was 0.053 min−1. The classical Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms were tested. The Freundlich constants 1/n and Kf were determined as 0.40 and 1.07 • 10−3 mol/g, respectively, and the Langmuir constants ‘M’ and ‘b’ were 3.84 • 10−5 mol/g and 3.5 • 104 dm3/mol, respectively. A sorption free energy (E) of 12.9 kJ/mol indicated chemisorption. The numerical values of the thermodynamic parameters ΔH, ΔS and ΔG indicated that sorption was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The Scatchard equation was tested as a means of evaluating the binding sites of PUF with Hg(II). The stability constants for sorption were determined and the sorption mechanism was discussed.
Preparation of a Radioactive Multitracer Solution from Gold Foil Irradiated by 135 MeV/nucleon 14N Ions

An irradiation facility and a radiochemical procedure for preparing a radioactive multitracer solution are reported. Gold foil was irradiated with 135 MeV/nucleon 14N-ion beam. The foil was dissolved in aqua regia and precipitation of gold as metal with hydrogen peroxide yielded a carrier- and salt-free multitracer solution.
Effect of Some Herbs on body weight,lipid profile and leptin on rats suffering from obesity

Obesity is a social problem with established links to adverse health outcomes, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance. As reported by world health organization at least 2.8 million adults die annually because of being overweight or obese. Thus, health organizations are giving significant attention to this problem (Al-Faris, 2014). In Egypt a report was done by (National Nutrition institute, 2004) Indicated that an increasing prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents reaching 5.8% among males and 9.7% among females. It is defined by an excessive accumulation of body fat content which according to its magnitude and anatomical distribution is related to health risks affecting life expectancy and quality of life (Moreno, 2012).
More Than a Methanotroph: A Broader Substrate Spectrum for Methylacidiphilum fumariolicum SolV

Volcanic areas emit a number of gases including methane and other short chain alkanes, that may serve as energy source for the prevailing microorganisms. The verrucomicrobial methanotroph Methylacidiphilum fumariolicum SolV was isolated from a volcanic mud pot, and is able to grow under thermoacidophilic conditions on different gaseous substrates. Its genome contains three operons encoding a particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO), the enzyme that converts methane to methanol. The expression of two of these pmo operons is subjected to oxygen-dependent regulation, whereas the expression of the third copy (pmoCAB3) has, so far, never been reported. In this study we investigated the ability of strain SolV to utilize short-chain alkanes and monitored the expression of the pmo operons under different conditions. In batch cultures and in carbon-limited continuous cultures, strain SolV was able to oxidize and grow on C1–C3 compounds. Oxidation of ethane did occur simultaneously with methane, while propane consumption only started once methane and ethane became limited. Butane oxidation was not observed. Transcriptome data showed that pmoCAB1 and pmoCAB3 were induced in the absence of methane and the expression of pmoCAB3 increased upon propane addition. Together the results of our study unprecedently show that a pMMO-containing methanotroph is able to co-metabolize other gaseous hydrocarbons, beside methane. Moreover, it expands the substrate spectrum of verrucomicrobial methanotrophs, supporting their high metabolic flexibility and adaptation to the harsh and dynamic conditions in volcanic ecosystems.
Alterations of Cognition and Cerebral Ventricle Volume in Manic and Euthymic Pediatric Bipolar Disorder

Introduction: It remains unknown whether volumetric alterations of ventricles are similar or not in pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) among different mood states. The present study aims to estimate ventricular volumetric alteration of PBD patients in manic and euthymic status, as well as the relationship between this alteration and cognitive changes. Methods: T1 magnetic resonance images were obtained from 20 manic PBD patients, 21 euthymic PBD patients, and 19 healthy controls (HCs). Ventricular volumes were automatically obtained via FreeSurfer 6.0 software. Ventricular volumes and cognitive indices were compared among the three groups, and the relationship between ventricular volumes and cognitive/clinical indices was analyzed. Results: In contrast to HCs, manic and euthymic PBD patients exhibited decreased cognitive scores of the Stroop color-word test and the digit span subtest. Manic PBD subjects presented enlarged volumes in the bilateral ventricles, third ventricle, and whole ventricles, and euthymic PBD participants displayed increased volumes in the third ventricle, fourth ventricle, and whole ventricles. No significant differences in cognitive performance and ventricular volumes were found between PBD groups. No significant correlation was discovered between ventricular volumes and cognitive/clinical indices in both manic and euthymic PBD patients. Conclusions: No significant differences in cognitive performance and ventricle volume were observed between euthymic and manic PBD groups, which may imply that the alterations are not specific to mood state. It may indicate structural and functional damage of corresponding brain circuits in euthymic PBD patients similar with that of manic PBD, which may provide clues to the diagnosis and treatment of euthymic PBD.
The Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Cell Wall-Associated Glycoproteins During Wood Formation in Populus

Plant cell wall associated hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) are involved in several aspects of plant growth and development, including wood formation in trees. HRGPs such as arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs), extensins (EXTs), and proline rich proteins (PRPs) are important for the development and architecture of plant cell walls. Analysis of publicly available gene expression data revealed that many HRGP encoding genes show tight spatio-temporal expression patterns in the developing wood of Populus that are indicative of specific functions during wood formation. Similar results were obtained for the expression of glycosyl transferases putatively involved in HRGP glycosylation. In situ immunolabelling of transverse wood sections using AGP and EXT antibodies revealed the cell type specificity of different epitopes. In mature wood AGP epitopes were located in xylem ray cell walls, whereas EXT epitopes were specifically observed between neighboring xylem vessels, and on the ray cell side of the vessel walls, likely in association with pits. Molecular mass and glycan analysis of AGPs and EXTs in phloem/cambium, developing xylem, and mature xylem revealed clear differences in glycan structures and size between the tissues. Separation of AGPs by agarose gel electrophoresis and staining with β-D-glucosyl Yariv confirmed the presence of different AGP populations in phloem/cambium and xylem. These results reveal the diverse changes in HRGP-related processes that occur during wood formation at the gene expression and HRGP glycan biosynthesis levels, and relate HRGPs and glycosylation processes to the developmental processes of wood formation.