Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monodisperse ZnO nanodots : Synthesis, charaterization, and optoelectronic properties

An effective and reliable synthetic route has been developed for the preparation of almost perfectly monodisperse 3 to ∼4 nm ZnO nanocrystals. In addition, a PL peak with a blue-shift of 0.16 eV has been observed in the PL spectrum, showing good size uniformity of the nanodots. The band gap has also been verified in the analysis of I−V characteristics of an ITO/ZnO/SiO2/Al structure, from which the band alignment of the ZnO nanodots on ITO has been determined. This work demonstrates an efficient synthesis of ZnO nanodots and an easy approach to studying physical properties of nanocrystals that will help the material optimization in device application.
Rapid Preparation of Monolithic Silica Column for Electrophoretic and Chromatographic Separation by Microwave Irradiation

Abstract A porous monolithic sol-gel column with the solution of methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane in toluene with an acid catalyst was quickly prepared using microwave irradiation. Three typical silica based capillary monolithic columns prepared were used to evaluate the separation of some typical model compounds in the modes of CEC, pressure assisted CEC, and low pressure driven separation. Baseline separation of the analytes including thiourea, benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, biphenyl, and naphthalene could be obtained by the polymer with a length of 10 cm. A scanning electron micrograph of a cross section of the capillary column showed that the gel took the form of a spherical particle aggregate and adhered to the column inner wall.
Kinetics of Fullerene (C60) Inhibition in Polymerization of Methyl Acrylate using Bismuthonium Ylide and Bismuthonium Ylide-Mercuric Chloride Complex as Initiators

The effect of fullerene (C60 ) on the radical polymerization of methyl acrylate (MA), in dioxane, was studied kinetically, where triphenyl bismuthonium 1,2,3,4 tetra phenyl cyclopentadiene ylide and ylide-mercuric chloride {ylide-HgCl2} complex were used as initiators. Rp, at low fullerene concentration, may be expressed as Rp ∝ [Ylide]0.5 [MA]1.0 [Full]−0.5 on the basis of the results at 60°C. The {ylide-HgCl2} complex has been found to be more efficient initiator than ylide for the polymerization. The polymer has been characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic analysis. A mechanism for polymerization, involving the reactions of free radical produced by decomposition of ylide or ylide-complex (initiator) with MA and C60 in initiation steps, has been proposed. Fullerene competes with MA for free radicals and acts as a free radical inhibitor that can also be incorporated into the final polymer to produce fullerene terminated polymeric structures.
DETERMINATION OF ACETONE IN COW’S RAW MILK BY FLOW INJECTION AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHODS

An automatic flow injection (FIA) and two possible reference gas chromatographic (liquid and headspace sampling GC) methods including appropriate sample preparation were developed and validated for determination of acetone in milk. The methods were tested by preserved raw milk samples. The FIA results were compared with data obtained by GC determinations. It was found that FIA procedure is suitable for rapid automated measurement of acetone in the range of 0-5 mmol l-1 in milk, therefore it is a promising analytical method for ketosis monitoring in dairy farms.
Immobilized 8-oxine units on different solid sorbents for the uptake of metal traces

L'hydroxy-8 quinoleine et l'acide hydroxy-8 quinoleinesulfonique-5 ont ete absorbees sur une resine Amberlite XAD-2 et sur une resine echangeuse d'anion pour l'absorption et l'enrichissement de traces d'ions metalliques. Les ions etudies sont les suivants: Ca(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), Mg(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), Pb(II) et Zn(II). L'absorption et les quantites recuperees ont ete determinees par spectrometrie d'emission ICP. Les resines d'absorption ainsi preparees ont ete utilisees pour l'enrichissement d'echantillons de l'environnement
Conducting polymer blends : polypyrrole and poly(vinyl methyl ketone)

Blends of polypyrrole (PPy) and poly(vinyl methyl ketone) (PVMK) have been prepared both chemically and electrochemically. Hydrogen bonding between PPy and PVMK has been verified by IR spectroscopy. No significant change in conductivity occurs on stretching the blends over 200%. PPy/PVMK blends prepared chemically and electrochemically exhibit threshold conductivities near 10% PPy. X-ray diffraction spectra suggest that crystallinity does not vary with PPy concentration in the blend. Conductivity vs temperature and conductivity vs moisture are reported as measures of environmental stability
Excited‐state densities in a multicathode‐spot Al vacuum arc. II. Theoretical approach

A model is formulated to calculate excited‐state densities in a multicathode‐spot (MCS) vacuum arc. The model is composed of two components: (1) a semiempirical model for the emission of ions from the cathode surface and subsequent plasma flow and (2) a theoretical model for inelastic collisions, including excitation and ionization, and radiation in the interelectrode plasma. After consideration of characteristic times prevalent in MCS arcs, the model is reduced to a set of P‐1 simultaneous linear equations and one differential equation for each ionic species considered, where P is the number of states considered for that species, where the independent variable is time in the frame of the flowing plasma, or equivalently distance from the cathode, and where the dependent variables are the populations of the various states. The model was used to determine the electron temperature in a MCS Al arc by leaving the electron temperature as a free parameter and choosing the value giving the best agreement with exp.
Influence of anionic and nonionic micelles upon hydrolysis of 3‐hydroxy‐carbofuran

The effect of nonionic and anionic micelles upon the stability of 3-hydroxy-carbofuran in basic media has been studied. The presence of micelles in the reaction medium implies a large inhibition of the basic hydrolysis of 3-hydroxy-carbofuran, due to the association of 3-hydroxy-carbofuran with the micellar core. The kinetic constants for the basic hydrolysis in these microheterogeneous media have been obtained on the basis of a micellar pseudophase model. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 402–408, 2011
Radiation-Induced Selective Main-chain Scission in Polyvinyl Alcohol

Polyvinyl alcohols which are different in the mole fraction of the head-to-head structure, in which two of –OH substituents are situated on consecutive carbon atoms, have been irradiated with Co-60 gamma rays in a vacuum at room temperature in order to investigate the effect of this anomalous structure on the radiation-induced main-chain scission of the polymer. The selective main-chain scission in polyvinyl alcohol has been observed at such positions as the head-to-head structure. The average absorbed energy necessary to produce a main-chain scission, i. e. , Ed, is about 1700 eV. for polyvinyl alcohol containing no head-to-head structure, while Ed is 100 eV. for polyvinyl alcohol containing a 1.54 mol. % head-to-head structure. A rapid increase up to a certain value in Gd, the number of chain scissions produced per 100 eV. of energy absorbed by the polymer, has been observed with the increase in the head-to-head structure content in the polymer chain. Thus, it has been postulated that there is a transfer .
Bariatric Surgery: Consequences on Functional Capacities in Patients With Obesity

Introduction Bariatric surgery leads to loss of fat and fat-free mass (FFM). To preserve FFM it is recommended that weight loss interventions are accompanied by physical activity. However, it remains unknown if functional capacities spontaneously improve after a substantial weight loss. Study’s aim was to assess the effect of bariatric surgery on strength, functional capacities and quality of life of participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2. Method Anthropometric parameters (weight, BMI, waist circumference), physical functions (quadriceps strength, walking capacity, spatio-temporal gait parameters, dynamic balance, lower limb power) and quality of life were assessed before and at three months after the bariatric surgery in 33 individuals who did not follow any physical activity program. Results The anthropometric parameters, quality of life and three functional abilities (walking capacity, normal gait speed and lower limb power) improved significantly three months post-surgery. In contrast, fast gait speed, absolute strength, normalized strength, and dynamic balance did not improve. Discussion A massive weight loss should be accompanied by an exercise program aiming to maintain FFM and to enhance muscle strength and balance. Such a program might also enhance functional capacities and help to sustain the weight loss over time.
Low-frequency noise of strained-Si nMOSFETs fabricated on a chemical–mechanical-polished SiGe virtual substrate

The low-frequency noise characteristics in strained-Si nMOSFETs, utilizing the chemical–mechanical-polishing (CMP) treated SiGe virtual substrate have been investigated and compared with the results obtained on strained-Si counterparts without CMP technology. Additional 10.6% mobility improvement and four times lower 1/f noise over 1–100 Hz was obtained for strained-Si devices with the CMP process, indicting that the CMP process provides a smoother surface for the strained-Si/SiGe structure. Moreover, experimental results show that carrier number fluctuation, and not the unified model, is more suitable to interpret the mechanism of 1/f noise in strained-Si devices with the CMP process.
Plant and Soil Responses to Biosolids–Phosphorus in Two Florida Soils with High Phosphorus Content

Abstract Greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of biosolids amendments on phosphorus (P) availability in two Florida pasture soils with medium to very high native P content. Three granular, anaerobically digested, heat-treated, exceptional quality biosolids (from Baltimore, MD, Tampa, FL, and Largo, FL), and a commercial fertilizer, concentrated super phosphate (CSP) were applied to A horizons of the two soils: the Millhopper sand [very high native P and oxalate extractable iron + aluminum (Fe + Al)] and the Candler sand (medium to high native P and oxalate extractable Fe + Al). After a four-month cropping season, bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) yields did not vary with P-sources and application rates primarily because of the natively high soil-P. The effect of added P on P uptake by bahiagrass was minimal in the Millhopper soil, but significant in the Candler soil. The excessive native P and high P retention capacity of Millhopper soil masked the effect of P addition by the amendments. In the Candler soil, P uptake was much larger in treatments involving CSP and Largo biosolids, which have greater KCl-extractable (hence, readily available) P contents than Tampa and Baltimore materials. Biosolids-P availability varied in the order: Largo ≫ Tampa > Baltimore. The Mehlich I-P was better correlated with P uptake by bahiagrass in Candler soil than the Millhopper soil. Two factors appeared to control the availability of P in treated soils: the chemical forms of P in P-sources, and the chemical properties of soils. Native P contents and P fixing capacities of soils need to be considered while interpreting soil test results. This study demonstrated the presence of a soil P threshold beyond which there is virtually no effect of P addition on plant P uptake.
In vitro Evaluation of Programmed Cell Death in the Immune System of Pacific Oyster Crassostrea gigas by the Effect of Marine Toxins

Programmed cell death (PCD) is an essential process for the immune system's development and homeostasis, enabling the remotion of infected or unnecessary cells. There are several PCD's types, depending on the molecular mechanisms, such as non-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory. Hemocytes are the main component of cellular immunity in bivalve mollusks. Numerous infectious microorganisms produce toxins that impair hemocytes functions, but there is little knowledge on the role of PCD in these cells. This study aims to evaluate in vitro whether marine toxins induce a particular type of PCD in hemocytes of the bivalve mollusk Crassostrea gigas during 4 h at 25°C. Hemocytes were incubated with two types of marine toxins: non-proteinaceous toxins from microalgae (saxitoxin, STX; gonyautoxins 2 and 3, GTX2/3; okadaic acid/dynophysistoxin-1, OA/DTX-1; brevetoxins 2 and 3, PbTx-2,-3; brevetoxin 2, PbTx-2), and proteinaceous extracts from bacteria (Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vp; V. campbellii, Vc). Also, we used the apoptosis inducers, staurosporine (STP), and camptothecin (CPT). STP, CPT, STX, and GTX 2/3, provoked high hemocyte mortality characterized by apoptosis hallmarks such as phosphatidylserine translocation into the outer leaflet of the cell membrane, exacerbated chromatin condensation, DNA oligonucleosomal fragments, and variation in gene expression levels of apoptotic caspases 2, 3, 7, and 8. The mixture of PbTx-2,-3 also showed many apoptosis features; however, they did not show apoptotic DNA oligonucleosomal fragments. Likewise, PbTx-2, OA/DTX-1, and proteinaceous extracts from bacteria Vp, and Vc, induced a minor degree of cell death with high gene expression of the pro-inflammatory initiator caspase-1, which could indicate a process of pyroptosis-like PCD. Hemocytes could carry out both PCD types simultaneously. Therefore, marine toxins trigger PCD's signaling pathways in C. gigas hemocytes, depending on the toxin's nature, which appears to be highly conserved both structurally and functionally.
Dynamics of Transitional Phase Inversion Emulsification: Effect of Addition Time on the Type of Inversion and Drop Size

Emulsification processes are very sensitive to the time scale during which the dispersed phase is introduced into the continuous phase. A series of experiments were conducted across a transitional phase inversion path, which often leads to formation of nanoemulsions, with the speed of incorporation of the second phase (water) into the first phase (oil) being altered. The optimum condition could only be achieved if the optimum composition was maintained for a critical time. A slow addition (addition time > 60 s) of water to the oil allows the transitional phase inversion to become operative, leading to formation of sub-micrometer droplets. A very fast addition of the water phase (<5.0 s) caused the catastrophic phase inversion mechanism to become dominant, leading to formation of rather large drops. In the intermediate range of addition time, 20−40 s, both inversion mechanisms have contributed to drop formation, at least locally, and as a result skewed or bimodal drop size distributions were formed. The re.
Ambient Air Particulate Matter in the Yangtze River Delta Region, China: Spatial, Annual, and Seasonal Variations and Health Risks

Abstract This study provides the spatial, annual, and seasonal variations and the related human health risk assessment of PM10 in the ambient air of Yangtze River Delta Region (YRDR). Daily average PM10 concentrations of the 25 cities in this region in the previous 5 years (2005–2009) ranged from 52.8 to 112.1 μg/m3. PM10 levels showed a decreasing trend for the major cities in the YRDR during this period. PM10 mass was highest in winter (110.5 μg/m3), followed by spring (95.9 μg/m3) and summer (85.5 μg/m3), with lowest concentration in autumn (78.2 μg/m3). For the potential health risk analysis, the residents were divided into four age categories, namely, infants, children (1 year), children (8–10 years), and adults. The analysis took into account age-specific breathing rates, body weights for different age categories. Risk analyses showed that the potential health risks due to respiratory disease were highest for all age categories in Xuzhou, followed by Yancheng, Hangzhou, and Nanjing, and the citizens.
Semiconductor Nanosheet Crystallites of Quasi-TiO2 and Their Optical Properties

We have studied the optical properties of novel semiconductor nanosheets of Ti1-δ□δO24δ- (δ ∼ 0.09; □, vacancy) which were obtained by delaminating a layered titanate into elementary host layers. A uniform thickness in subnanometer scale as well as high crystallinity resulted in a sharp absorption onset with a well-developed peak assignable to excitonic transition. The absorption was pronouncedly blue shifted (>1.4 eV) relative to the band edge for bulk TiO2, which is attributed to size quantization effects. Room-temperature photoluminescence spectra showed resonant emission and well-structured fluorescence extending into a lower energy region.
Titanium Nanotube Modified With Silver Cross-Linked Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Improves Osteoblastic Activities of Dental Pulp Stem Cells and Antibacterial Effect

Titanium modifications with different silver loading methods demonstrate excellent antibacterial properties. Yet pure silver nanoparticles with limited bioactive properties may delay regeneration of bone surrounding the dental implant. Therefore, loading silver with bioactive drugs on titanium surfaces seems to be a very promising strategy. Herein, we designed a silver (Ag) step-by-step cross-linking with the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) by polydopamine (PDA) and heparin on titanium nanotube (TNT) as its cargo (TNT/PDA/Ag/bFGF) to improve the implant surface. Our results showed that TNT/PDA/Ag/bFGF significantly enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). It also showed an excellent effect in bacterial inhibition and a reduction of pro-inflammatory factors through inhibition of M1 macrophage activity. These results showed that bFGF cross-linked silver coating on TNTs presented good osteogenic differentiation and early anti-infiammatory and antibacterial properties. Together, this novel design on titanium provides a promising therapeutic for dental implants.
Purification of thorium from uranium-233 process residue

ABSTRACT Thorium-229 can be used to produce 213Bi. Researchers in phase I human trials are investigating the use of antibodies labeled with 213Bi for selectively destroying leukemia cells. Other types of cancer may potentially be treated using similar approaches. Crude 229Th was liberated from Rachig rings by sonication in 7.5 M HNO3 followed by filtration. Contaminants, included significant levels of uranium, a number of other metals, and radiolytic by-products of di-(2-butyl) phosphoric acid extractant (which was used in the original separation of 233U from thorium). Thorium was selectively retained on Reillex HPQ anion-exchange resin from 7.5 M HNO3 at 65°C, where U(VI), Ac(III), Fe(III), Al(III); Ra(II), and Pb(II) were eluted. Thorium and uranium isotherms on Reillex HPQ are reported. The thorium was then easily eluted from the bed with 0.1 M HNO3. To overcome mass transfer limitations of the resin, the separation was conducted at 65°C. The resin stood up well to use over several campaigns. Other res.
Microbially-Enhanced Vanadium Mining and Bioremediation Under Micro- and Mars Gravity on the International Space Station

As humans explore and settle in space, they will need to mine elements to support industries such as manufacturing and construction. In preparation for the establishment of permanent human settlements across the Solar System, we conducted the ESA BioRock experiment on board the International Space Station to investigate whether biological mining could be accomplished under extraterrestrial gravity conditions. We tested the hypothesis that the gravity (g) level influenced the efficacy with which biomining could be achieved from basalt, an abundant material on the Moon and Mars, by quantifying bioleaching by three different microorganisms under microgravity, simulated Mars and Earth gravitational conditions. One element of interest in mining is vanadium (V), which is added to steel to fabricate high strength, corrosion-resistant structural materials for buildings, transportation, tools and other applications. The results showed that Sphingomonas desiccabilis and Bacillus subtilis enhanced the leaching of vanadium under the three gravity conditions compared to sterile controls by 184.92 to 283.22%, respectively. Gravity did not have a significant effect on mean leaching, thus showing the potential for biomining on Solar System objects with diverse gravitational conditions. Our results demonstrate the potential to use microorganisms to conduct elemental mining and other bioindustrial processes in space locations with non-1 × g gravity. These same principles apply to extraterrestrial bioremediation and elemental recycling beyond Earth.
A Morphological Study of Urea-Formaldehyde Resins

Abstract The solid state of a variety of urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins has been characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy and wide angle x-ray diffraction studies. A first group of resins of various formaldehyde to urea mole ratios (F/U=1.0, 1.25, 1.5) and solids contents (25%, 45%, 65%) were prepared from oligomeric UF species and cured with NH4SO4 catalysts at room temperature for 120 days, and 90°C for 24 hours. Cured samples were dried by vacuum and elevated temperature (160°C). A second group of resins was also prepared by a more standard procedure to obtain F/U=1.2 and 1.6 and a solids content of 65%. These samples were cured at 160°C for 4 and 5 minutes with NH4C1 catalyst. The first group of samples showed colloidal character and definite crystallinity especially as F/U decreased to 1.0. The crystals appeared to have high melting points (Tm>230°C) and the formulation of the resin did not appear to vary the crystal structure but only the percent crystallinity. The water content of t.
Detection of Hydroxyl Radicals by a Chemiluminescence Method - A Critical Review

A chemiluminescence (CL) method for the sensitive and selective detection of free hydroxyl radicals has been investigated. The CL method is based on hydroxylation of non-chemiluminescent phthalic hydrazide by hydroxyl radicals to give the strongly chemiluminescent 3-hydroxyphthalic hydrazide. The selectivity of the method was tested against some one-electron oxidants, including the highly reactive sulphate anion radical. No hydroxylation of phthalic hydrazide was observed with these oxidants, showing that the method is selective for the hydroxyl radical. The CL method showed a high sensitivity : detection at a level of 0.1 picomole 3-hydroxyphthalic hydrazide was reached. In our studies on the role of the hydroxyl radical in the fungal degradation of wood and in the bleaching of pulp the method has proven to be reliable and has contributed in a crucial way to the results obtained. The method may also be suitable for in vivo studies.
Studies on heterocyclic chemistry. Part XIII. Cleavage of 5-benzyl-amino-oxazoles, photoproducts of N-benzyl-2H-azirine-2-carboxamides, by dialkyl phosphite

N-Benzyl-2H-azirine-2-carboxamides were prepared by the photochemical or thermal isomerisation of 5-benzyl-aminoisoxazoles. Photochemical reaction of the 2H-azirines in dialkyl phosphite afforded benzamido-N-benzyl-acetamides via 5-benzylamino-oxazoles.