Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coagulation of Mainstream Cigarette Smoke in the Mouth During Puffing and Inhalation

The effect of Brownian coagulation on the particle size distribution of mainstream cigarette smoke subjected to conditions encountered in the mouth during human smoking has been examined experimentally and simulated with a numerical coagulation model. Smoke puffed into an artificial mouth was subjected to variable aging times and exhausted to a fast electrical mobility analyzer for particle size distribution measurement. The experimental results agreed well with the predictions of a sectional-based model of Brownian coagulation that allowed for the modeling of various continuous feed and fixed volume coagulation environments. Due to the steady input of fresh, smaller particles, particle growth during the filling of the mouth with smoke, a process intrinsic to the puffing maneuver, was significant but slower than that during fixed volume, static aging. Mouth hold times and initial smoke mass concentration were found to be strong determinants of the average particle size of smoke exiting the mouth into the respiratory tract during inhalation. The results also suggest that the smallest particles present in fresh smoke, those less than 0.1 μm diameter, are greatly reduced in number during the unavoidable mouth coagulation during puffing and virtually eliminated after 1 s of mouth hold.
The effect of dielectric polarization of the electrode on anomalous temperature effects in the electrical double layer

Monte Carlo simulations and a modified Poisson–Boltzmann (MPB) theory are used to investigate the temperature dependence of the capacitance (around the potential of zero charge) of an electric double layer in the presence of surface polarization due to a dielectric boundary. Within the context of the restricted primitive model planar double layer, whose solvent dielectric constant is ε2, the cases when the electrode is an insulator (ε1 = 1), when the electrode and the electrolyte have the same permittivity (ε1 = ε2, no polarization), and when the electrode is a conductor (ε1 → ∞) are studied for the case where the electrolyte concentration is 0.1 M. The simulations reveal a capacitance anomaly, that is, a positive temperature dependence of the capacitance at low temperatures for the former two situations. The MPB theory also shows this effect for these two situations and is in qualitative or better agreement with the simulation data. In these two cases, both the simulations and theory show a dramatic increase of the diffuse layer potential in the temperature regime where capacitance anomaly occurs. However, in the latter situation, where the electrode is metallic, the capacitance always has a negative temperature derivative for the MPB theory and probably also for the simulation data.
Unusual reactions mediated by FMN-dependent ene- and nitro-reductases

Due to the chemical versatility of the flavin cofactor, FMN-dependent ene-reductases and nitro-reductases can catalyze or mediate a diverse spectrum of chemical reactions. Among them, two-electron transfer reactions dominate, which may proceed via sequential hydride transfer at the same or at alternate reactive sites. In addition, highly reactive intermediates are often formed, which undergo subsequent spontaneous (non-enzymatic) reactions leading to further enzymatic transformations in a cascade. Besides the well-known reductive processes involving alkenes and nitro groups at the expense of a reduced flavin cofactor, redox-neutral processes including disproportionation and CC-bond isomerization reactions are catalyzed by OYE homologues. Unusual flavin-dependent biotransformations are reviewed with a special focus on the OYE family of flavoproteins (ene-reductases) and oxygen-insensitive FMN-dependent nitro-reductases.
Exchange reactions of alkali atoms with alkali halides: a collision complex mechanism

Molecular beam studies of the reactions of Cs and K with RbCl and the reverse reactions are described. Use of a mass spectrometer with a surface ionization filament provides differential detection of both of the product species and both of the reactants. The results show that these reactions form collision complexes with lifetime long compared to a rotational period. In the centre-of-mass reference system, the angular distribution of products has symmetry about θ= 90° and peaks very strongly near θ= 0 and 180°. Furthermore, at wide angles the chemically elastic scattering shows a “sticky collision bump” arising from break-up of the complex to reform the reactants rather than the products. Both the products and the reformed reactants emerge from the complex with a translational temperature appreciably higher than that for the approach of the parent beams (e.g., Tout≃1600°K; Tin≃800°K for Cs + RbCl). The shape of the angular distributions is interpreted in terms of a statistical model adapted from the compound nucleus treatment of nuclear fission. The strong peaking of I(θ) indicates that the complex forms and dissociates with orbital angular momenta much larger than the rotational momenta of the reactant or product salt molecules. The complex thus must be formed with high probability in collisions with impact parameters as large as 8-9 A. This is consistent with calculations which assume that the cross section is governed by the long-range dipole-induced dipole interaction and that most collisions which surmount the centrifugal barrier lead to complex formation. A rough lower limit of 5 × 10–12 sec is estimated for the mean lifetime of the complex.
Stereoselective Synthesis of (1Z,3E)-2-Ethoxycarbonyl-Substituted 1,3-Dienes via Stille Coupling of (E)-α-Stannyl-α,β-Unsaturated Esters with Alkenyl Halides

Abstract Palladium-catalyzed hydrostannylation of alkynyl esters in benzene at room temperature gives stereoselectively (E)-α-stannyl-α,β-unsaturated esters 1 in good yields. (E)-α-Stannyl-α,β-unsaturated esters 1 are difunctional group reagents that undergo Stille coupling reactions with alkenyl halides 2 in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4 and CuI co-catalyst to afford stereoselectively (1Z,3E)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-substituted 1,3-dienes 3 in good yields.
Stress in films of silicon monoxide

An apparatus is described which records the stresses occurring in evaporated thin films during the deposition process. The effect of the variation of the deposition parameters on the stress in films of silicon monoxide is investigated and results are found to be in general agreement with those of previous workers. The conditions necessary for the production of stable films are defined.
Examination of Spruce Wood Biodegraded by Ceriporiopsis Subvermispora Using near and Mid Infrared Spectroscopy

The wood colonising white-rot basidiomycete Ceriporiopsis subvermispora is able to degrade lignin in preference to cellulose. To differentiate between fungal strains and to estimate their delignification behaviour, both in an early stage of degradation and over a specific period, is important for the wood industry. Mid infrared (MIR) and near infrared (NIR) spectra were taken from 60 milled spruce wood samples and their total lignin content was determined by wet laboratory methods. Good correlations were found between the MIR band–height ratio (H1510 cm−1 / H897 cm−1) and the lignin content (r = 0.965) and between the NIR band height at 5978 cm−1 (1673 nm) taken from spectra in the second derivative mode and the lignin content (r = 0.956). Furthermore, good linear correlations between the band–height ratios calculated from the MIR spectra and the amplitudes of the band around 5978 cm−1 (1673 nm) of NIR spectra in the second derivative mode were found for the calibration samples (r = 0.934) and for the fungal-treated samples (r = 0.984). The good correlation found between the MIR band–height ratio and the band height from NIR spectra in the second derivative mode could be interesting if calibrations exist for MIR (or NIR) to predict samples measured in the NIR (or MIR). MIR and NIR spectra recorded from milled spruce wood shavings that had been subjected to fungal treatment with three strains of Ceriporiopsis subvermispora (CBS 347.63, FPL 90.031 and FPL 105.752), for a period of up to 14 days, were investigated to see if these spectroscopic techniques could replace chemical methods. It is shown that the relative degree of delignification can be obtained directly from NIR spectra in the second derivative mode measuring the amplitude of a distinct band and from MIR spectra normalised with respect to the band at 897 cm−1. Subjecting the spectra to principal component analysis (PCA) made it possible to study the time course along a PC axis. The use of an appropriate NIR wavenumber range subjected to PCA led to a scores plot that made it possible to differentiate between the three strains of C. subvermispora along one axis. It was also possible to give a time course and an indication of the relative degree of delignification along the second axis. In both cases, 99% of the data variance was explained with the first two PCs. A similar time course was obtained from MIR spectra, but the strains could not be separated well. Besides strain differentiation and examination of delignification, some practical applications (for example, in the pulp and paper industries, fungi-screening, evaluation of wood preservatives) are discussed. The results clearly demonstrate that it is possible to compare and differentiate between the strains without applying time-consuming chemical methods. The examination of NIR spectra is sufficient.
Solvothermal Synthesized of TiO2 Microspheres and their Characterization

In this paper, we have successfully synthesized TiO2 microsperes by solvothermal method using titanium (IV) isopropoxide as titanium source and ethanol as a solvent. The solution was thermally treated at relatively low temperature of 150 °C for 3 hours. The as-prepared and annealed of TiO2 microsphere were characterized using FESEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The diameter of the microspheres was 1-6 µm. The X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy studies show that the microspheres has anatase phase.
Effect of Hardiness Training on Perceived Stress and Ways of Coping among Family Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia

Homecare of a patient with schizophrenia is a major issue taxing upon the family caregivers. Family caregivers are the one who are least attended by the health care professionals since the focus of everyone turns to the patients’ treatment and rehabilitation. The real issue happens over time that many of the caregivers experiences mental health issues and the patient turns to be the bystander in hospitals and these cycle continues. Here the mental health care centers have to extent their services to consider the ‘whole family’ as a focus of concern in terms of prevention of mental illness, promotion of mental health and rehabilitation. The current study focuses on the effects of hardiness training on Perceived Stress and Ways of Coping of family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. The Participants for this study comprised of 100 family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia randomly selected and randomly assigned to the experimental group (50) and the control group (50). Data were collected by administering Perceived Stress Scale and Ways of Coping Scale. After collection of the baseline data and pretest of the study variables, Hardiness Training was given to the Experimental Group for 20 days. Post-test was conducted after two weeks using the same instruments. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result revealed that the mean post-test score of Perceived Stress (X2 = 25.72) was significantly lower than the mean pre-test score of Perceived Stress (X1 =66.04) in the Experimental Group. The participants in the Experimental Group had Positive Ways of Coping as their predominant Ways of Coping, such as accepting responsibility, positive reappraisal, Planful problem solving and seeking social support after hardiness training. The ‘t’ value computed between the mean pre-test scores and the mean post-test scores of Perceived Stress (t =29.513, df-49, p
Mechanism and rates of conformational transitions in heterogeneous polymers

A general expression is presented for the rate of a trans to gauche conformational transition of a bond in a polymer backbone. The polymer is composed of nonidentical atoms, i.e., centers of differing friction constants and masses. The rate is obtained from a multidimensional extension of Kramers’ steady state solution to the Fokker–Planck equation for flux over a reaction barrier of a system in a frictional medium. Langer’s formulation is used. Results are appropriate for all but extremely small friction, with simplification occurring in the high friction limit. One also determines the reaction coordinate, an examination of which gives insight into the kinetic mechanism. Explicit results are obtained for six and 32 vertex chains, and the influence of chain conformation and relative friction constants are discussed.
The effect of different drying methods on the phytochemicals and radical scavenging activity of Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) plant parts.

Aim: The research aimed at ascertaining whether the different drying methods and plant parts have effect on the radical scavenging activity and phytochemical properties of cinnamon as an herb/spice. Methodology: Fresh samples of the cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) was collected at the Aburi Botanical Gardens, Ghana. Some of the samples were sun, oven, room and freeze dried. The dried and fresh samples were extracted with methanol and water and the extract analyzed. Results: Only the sun dried samples had the total phenolic and total flavonoid been degraded compared to the fresh sample. The flavonoid and phenolic contents and the DPPH radical scavenging activity were significantly expressed in different amounts in the root, stem, leaf and seed. Conclusion: Generally, the drying influenced the phytochemical contents which are major contribution to the radical scavenging activity of the cinnamon. Original Research Article European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4(11): 1324-1335, 2014 1325
Characterization and Electrochemical Responsiveness of Boron-Doped Nanocrystalline Diamond Thin-Film Electrodes

The deposition, characterization, and electrochemical responsiveness of boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond thin-film electrodes is reported. The films consist of clusters of diamond grains, ∼50−100 nm in diameter, and possess an rms surface roughness of 34 nm over a 5 × 5 μm2 area. The individual and randomly ordered diamond grains are approximately 10−15 nm in diameter, as evidenced by TEM. The ∼4-μm-thick films were deposited by microwave-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using a CH4/H2/Ar source gas mixture (1%/5%/95%). Under these conditions, C2, rather than CH3•, appears to be the dominant nucleation and growth precursor. The nanocrystallinity is a result of a growth and nucleation mechanism discovered by Gruen, which involves the insertion of C2 carbon dimer into C−H bonds on the growth surface (MRS Bull. 1998, 23, 32). The nanocrystalline morphology results from a high renucleation rate. However, unlike previously reported nanocrystalline diamond thin films that have electrical properties d.
Characterization and Catalytic Activity of Core−Shell Structured Gold/Palladium Bimetallic Nanoparticles Synthesized by the Sonochemical Method

This is a report regarding the preparation of nanosized gold/palladium bimetallic particles utilizing a cavitation phenomenon induced by irradiation of high-intensity ultrasound in an aqueous solution of gold(III) and palladium(II) ions. The particles are found to be composed of gold-core and palladium-shell by a transmission electron microscopic and nanoarea energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analyses. Sodium dodecyl sulfate added to the sample solution is found to be a stabilizer for the nanoparticles generated as well as an important source of reducing species for noble metal ions. The thickness of a palladium shell and the size of a gold core seem to depend on the ratio of the concentrations of noble metal ions. The morphological differences in the sonochemical and radiochemical products suggest that the formation of a core−shell structure can be affected by the physical effects of ultrasound, such as effective stirring, microjet stream, or shock wave during the collapse of a cavitation bubble. Bim.
Melting and fragmentation of ultra-thin metal films due to ultrafast laser irradiation: a molecular-dynamics study

Using molecular-dynamics simulation, we study the response of thin metal films to a sudden energization, such as might be effected by ultrafast laser irradiation. For small energy densities, the film melts in a heterogeneous nucleation process, i.e. the melt front starts from the surfaces and runs into the material. Above a critical energy per atom, the film breaks. This occurs when the pressure in the molten film becomes strongly tensile, such that voids nucleate in the middle of the film. Upon coalescence of the voids the film fractures.
LC−MS/MS Method for Confirmation of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin and Darbepoetin α in Equine Plasma

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) and darbepoetin α (DPO) are protein-based drugs for the treatment of anemia by stimulating red blood cell production. Consequently, they are abused in human and equine sports. To deter their abuse in the horse racing industry, a sensitive and reliable method for confirmation of these agents in equine plasma has been in urgent need. Such a method by LC−MS/MS is described in this paper. The method involved analyte enrichment by immunoaffinity separation using anti-rhEPO antibody linked to magnetic beads, digestion by trypsin, and analysis by LC−MS/MS. Two specific proteotypic peptides, 46VNFYAWK52 and 144VYSNFLR150 from rhEPO and DPO were employed for confirmation of the analytes based on chromatographic retention times and major product ions. The limit of confirmation of this method was 0.2 ng/mL, and the limit of detection was 0.1 ng/mL for rhEPO and DPO in equine plasma. This method was successful in confirming the presence of rhEPO and DPO in plasma samples colle.
Desenvolvimento de métodos de análise por CLAE-UV para os antimicrobianos tetraciclina, sulfametoxazol e trimetoprima utilizando materiais à base de sílica como sistemas de pré-concentração

This paper evaluates the adsorption capacity of zirconocene-based silica materials in the pre-concentration of antimicrobians (tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) in aqueous medium. These materials were prepared by grafting the zirconocene onto silicas pre-treated at different temperatures. The retention capacity of these materials was evaluated by off line SPE and HPLC-UV and the proposed methodology was validated in ultrapure, tap and river water. The recovery for tetracycline was 72% (in the solid phase A) and, for sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim was 68 and 95% in the commercial C18, respectively. The target antimicrobians were not detected in the Arroio Diluvio (Porto Alegre - RS).
Hormonal responses of broiler chickens to simulated crude petroleum flame and fumes

Hormonal responses of broiler chickens exposed to crude petroleum flame and fumes at varying distances over a period of 16 h daily were evaluated for 56 days in a poultry house. The burning of crude petroleum was simulated in a designed burner. The measured distances were 4, 8, or 12 m from the flame point. The experimental design was a two-factor factorial in a completely randomized design (CRD) with factor A as distance from the crude petroleum flame and factor B was the age of birds in weeks. One hundred and eighty Anak day-old broiler chickens were divided into four groups of 45 birds each, replicated thrice at 15 birds per replicate. Control birds were located in a separate poultry building without the flame treatment. Gaseous emissions from the burning crude oil were monitored. Proprietary broiler starter and finisher diets were fed ad libitum. Blood samples were taken at the fourth and eighth week for hormone radioimmunoassay from each treatment. The hormones assayed were growth hormone (GH), thyroxine (T4,), and adrenaline. Results indicated that treatments did not significantly alter hormonal levels. The age of birds significantly affected the levels of all three hormones measured.
Ionic and Electronic Conductivity of Poly‐(3‐methylpyrrole‐4‐carboxylic Acid)

The electronic and ionic conductivities of poly-(3-methylpyrrole-4-carboxylic acid) have been measured in situ by twin electrode voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy, respectively. The electronic conductivity of this polymer, ca. 10 -2 (Ω cm) -1 , is about 1000 times higher than its ionic conductivity, allowing application of a simple transmission line circuit to model ion transport within the polymer. Under almost all conditions investigated the impedance response was similar to that of a transmission line and unambiguous measurements of the polymer's ionic conductivity could be obtained
Two-step surface treatment technique: Realization of nonalloyed low-resistance Ti/Al/Ti/Au ohmic contact to n-GaN

A novel two-step surface treatment method has been developed to realize low resistance nonalloyed ohmic contact to n-type GaN doped with Si to 6×1017 cm−3. The removal of native oxide (oxides and hydroxides) formed on GaN surface is crucial for successful creation of nonalloyed low resistance ohmic contact. In the case of GaN, plasma etching of the material surface prior to metal deposition holds promise for developing such nonalloyed ohmic contacts. In this article, the effects of the postetch chemical treatment of the n-type GaN surface on the Ti based nonalloyed contact performance have been investigated. Contacts on samples without reactive ion etching (RIE) showed Schottky behavior. However, contacts on samples with 15 s of RIE using Cl2 showed ohmic behavior. The contact resistivity of this contact reached to ρs=1.2×10−3 Ω cm2. Treating the RIE etched sample in boiling aqua regia for 5 min yielded a contact resistivity on the order of 3.6×10−4 Ω cm2. Dramatic improvement in current–voltage character.
Bactericidal Efficiency of Silver Nanoparticles Deposited onto Radio Frequency Plasma Pretreated Polyester Fabrics

The potential application of low-temperature radio frequency (RF) plasma for fiber surface activation in order to enhance the binding efficiency of colloidal silver nanoparticles onto the polyester fabrics and improve the stability of antibacterial effects was studied. Antibacterial activity and laundering durability were tested against gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli and gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Plasma treatment positively affected the loading of silver nanoparticles as well as antibacterial activity and laundering durability of these textile nanocomposite materials. In spite of good laundering durability after five washing cycles, it was found that silver leached from the fabric into the bath during washing. Released silver from the washing effluent was efficiently removed by recycled wool-based nonwoven sorbent modified with hydrogen peroxide and biopolymer alginate.
Gelcasting of Carbide Ceramics

In this paper, the aqueous gelcasting of carbide ceramics (SiC, TiC, and B4C) were studied systematically. N, N-dimethyl acrylamide (DMAA) and N, N’-methylenebisacrylamide (MBAM) are used as organic monomer and cross-linker respectively. The initiator was selected from ammonium persulfate (APS) and 2, 2’-azobis[2-(imidazolin-2-yl) propane]dihydrochloride (AZIP2HCl) in accordance with the dispersant used. After gelcasting and drying, SiC samples can be densified by pressureless sintered at 2000°C. The gelcasted TiC green samples can be densified at 1530°C in vacuum with the strength as high as 1062.7749.81. The gelcasted B4C samples can be easily densified at 2250°C by pressureless sintering with the relative density around 96.2%. Results showed that it was possible to prepare carbide ceramics with complex shape and satisfied mechanical properties by gelcasting.