Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vestigial mediated by miR-147b regulates wing development in the bird cherry-oat Rhopalosiphum padi

Background: The wing polyphenism occurs under crowding and nutrition-deficiency conditions in most aphid species. Although the influence of environmental factors on wing polyphenism of aphids have been extensively investigated, molecular mechanisms underlining morph differentiation (i.e. wing development /degeneration) has been poorly understood. Results: We examined the expression levels of the twenty genes involved in wing patterning network, and only vestigial (vg ) showed significantly different expression levels in both whole-body and wall-body of third instar nymphs, with 5.4- and 16.14- fold higher in winged lines compared to wingless lines, respectively in Rhopalosiphum padi . Moreover, vg expressions were higher in winged aphids compared to wingless aphids at third, fourth instar nymphs and adults, and larger difference ratio were observed in third (21.38-fold) and fourth (20.91-fold) instar nymphs relative to adult (3.12-fold) between wing morphs. Suppression of vg using RNAi repressed the wing development of third winged morphs. Furthermore, dual luciferase reporter assay revealed that the miR-147 can target the vg mRNA, and modulation of miR-147b levels by microinjection of its mimics decreased vg expression levels and repressed wing development. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that vg is essential for wing development and that miR-147b modulates its expression. To our knowledge, our results provide an evidence that miRNA is involved in the regulation of wing morphs in aphids.
Statistical Mechanics of a Compressible Ising Model with Application to β Brass

An Ising model in which the lattice parameter is allowed to fluctuate is studied, and the effects of antishearing forces which were omitted from a previous model are considered. It is found that, except in the limit when these forces are zero, the model exhibits a first‐order transition. Depending on the parameters, the model can nevertheless appear to be undergoing a second‐order transition which will only change to first order when the specific heat is quite large. The apparent exponents can fall on either side of the asymptotic values for the rigid lattice. A numerical study of the case when the antishearing forces are large shows good agreement with available neutron data for β brass. A comparison with the specific heat measurements of Ashman and Handler is also made.
Observation of bicarbonate in calcite by NMR spectroscopy

Abstract We show that the signal observed in 13C{1H} cross-polarization magic-angle-spinning (CP/MAS) NMR spectra of synthetic calcite precipitated at room temperature arises from bicarbonate ion. Although this peak occurs at the same chemical shift as for the bulk carbonate signal, its observation by CP/MAS indicates that it corresponds to carbonate associated with H. The variation in the CP/MAS intensity with contact time shows oscillations characteristic of C-H pairs separated by 1.9(1) Å and remote from other H, consistent with bicarbonate. 13C{1H} heteronuclear correlation spectra indicate that the hydrogen in the bicarbonate groups gives a relatively narrow 1H NMR signal at +7.4 ppm. A peak at this chemical shift is also observed in direct-observe 1H MAS NMR spectra of the synthetic sample, and also in natural biogenic and abiogenic calcite. This 1H chemical shift indicates a moderate hydrogen bonding interaction d(OH.O) ≈1.85 Å, which suggests significant structural relaxation occurs near the bicarbonate.
Optimization methodology applied to feed‐forward artificial neural network parameters

This article recommends a methodology for developing a neural network with great chances to be an optimal one. The method is based on trial and error in determining the internal parameters of the network considered as having a significant influence over its performance: the number of hidden layers, activation function, number of neurons in the hidden layers, training epochs, learning rate, and momentum term. This optimization methodology is presented in two separate sections: first of them contains a series of practical considerations recommended for neural network modeling, and the second is represented by the proposed optimization algorithm, formulated in six steps and based on the practical statements. Two case studies are chosen to exemplify the use of the algorithm for finding the near optimal neural network: the dependence of the reduced and intrinsic viscosities of the siloxane-organic copolymers of the solution concentration, temperature, and copolymer type, differing by the siloxane sequence length. The two siloxane-organic polyazomethines resulted by the reaction of a fully aromatic bisazomethine diol with α,ω-bis(chloromethyl)oligodimethylsiloxanes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
ADSORPTION BEHAVIOR OF β‐LACTOGLOBULIN ONTO STAINLESS STEEL SURFACES

Nonporous stainless steel particles with an average diameter of 25.5 micrometers and an average surface area of 215 cm2/g were used to study the adsorption of beta-lactoglobulin (beta-lg). Scanning electron microscopy of stainless steel particle surfaces with adsorbed beta-lg showed an obvious eradication of crevices as protein was adsorbed. The adsorption process for beta-lg was very rapid in the first 5 min and essentially reached equilibrium within 10 min. Precipitation of calcium phosphate onto the stainless steel surface was very slow compared to monolayer deposition of beta-lg. A monolayer of beta-lg adsorbed very tightly to the stainless steel surface and a significant fraction of the protein was irreversibly adsorbed. The amount of adsorbed protein decreased with increasing ratio of surface area to reaction volume. pH in the range 6.0-6.8 did not significantly affect the amount of adsorbed protein.
Preparation and characterization of microcapsulated red phosphorus and its flame‐retardant mechanism in halogen‐free flame retardant polyolefins

Microcapsulated red phosphorus (MRP), with a melamine–formaldehyde resin coating layer, was prepared by two-step coating processes. The physical and chemical properties of MRP were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and other measurements. The flame retardant action and mechanism of MRP in the halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) polyolefins (PO) blends have been studied using cone calorimeter, limiting oxygen index (LOI), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic FTIR spectroscopy. The results show that the MRP, which is coated with melamine–formaldehyde resin, has a higher ignition point, a considerably lower amount of phosphine evolution and of water absorption compared with red phosphorus (RP) itself. The data observed by cone calorimeter, LOI and TGA measurements from the PO/HFFR blends demonstrated that the MRP can decrease the heat release rate and effective heat of combustion, and increase the thermostability and LOI values of PO materials. The dynamic FTIR results revealed the flame-retardant mechanism that RP can promote the formation of charred layers with the P–O and P–C complexes in the condensed phase during burning of polymer materials. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Structure and permeability of porous films of poly(hydroxy ethyl methacrylate)

Porous films of poly(hydroxy ethyl methacrylate) have been made by photo-polymerisation of solutions of the monomer. The permeability of homogeneous films depends on the cross-link density and the concentration and composition of the polymerisation solvent. A membrane of minimum water permeability, in which the transport mechanism is principally diffusion, results from a cross-link concentration of ∼9.4 mol-% and a monomer concentration of ∼75% in an aqueous ethylene glycol solvent (20% ethylene glycol). More porous (macroporous) films were prepared by first cooling the solution such that the solvent freezes and the monomer occupies the interstices between the solvent crystals. After polymerisation and removal of the solvent, a porous structure results. The rate of freezing, the profile of the thermal gradient, and the solvent and crosslinker concentrations control the permeability of this film. Slow cooling gives random pores (K ≃6 × 10−15 cm2), but rapid, directional cooling from one face gives oriented pores with K ≃10−12 cm2. A 6-order change in K results from varying the monomer concentration from 40 to 85% in a 4:1 water: ethylene glycol solvent, and a 3-order change from increasing the ethylene glycol content of the solvent from 0 to 40% at a fixed monomer concentration.
Plant proanthocyanidins. Part 5. Sorghum polyphenols

The polymeric procyanidin from the seed coat of sorghum grain has been isolated. Chemical studies show that it has a molecular weight in the region 1 700–2 000 and that it is derived biosynthetically from the condensation of the flavanol carbocation (5)(chain extender) and (+)-catechin (3)(chain inititor).
Iridium complexes of N-heterocyclic carbenes in C–H borylation using energy efficient microwave technology: influence of structure, ligand donor strength and counter ion on catalytic activity

Bridged and unbridged N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands were metalated with [Ir(COD)Cl]2 to give iridium(I) mono- and biscarbene substituted catalysts [Ir(COD)NHC(Cl)] and [Ir(COD)(NHC)2][X] (X: I, PF6, BF4, CF3COO, OTf). The prepared NHC-complexes were tested in the C–H borylation reaction of aromatic carbons with bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2pin2) and pinacolborane (HBpin). The use of microwave technology in this study not only facilitates a time efficient screening of a wide range of influences such as ligand σ-donor strength and structural motif as well as the effects of the complex counter ion, but also provides an energy efficient heating source. Catalyst 6TFA, which features a chelating NHC ligand, proved to be most effective catalyst and further investigations with this complex in the borylation of mono- and disubstituted benzene derivatives exploring chemo- and regioselectivity were undertaken.
A Streamer-Like Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet (Postprint)

Abstract : The properties of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) are examined in a single-cell dielectric capillary configuration. In contrast to some other flow-driven APPJs, this stable, cold plasma jet is electrically driven, composed of rapidly propagating ionization fronts with speeds of the order of 107 sq cm. Using spatially and temporally resolved optical diagnostics, it is demonstrated that the plasma jet is initiated independent of the dielectric barrier discharge inside the capillary. It is also shown that the properties and dynamics of this APPJ are directly analogous to those of positive corona streamer discharges.
Sex Pheromone of Cigarette Beetle ( Lasioderma serricorne F.)

The present article involves the studies on aroma constituents of turkish tobacco and the sex pheromone of cigarette beetle, of which the former is considered to be the biologically active substances to human and the both are to the insect. A comprehensive investigation of aroma constituents of Turkish tobacco showed the existence of terpenoid acids related to tobacco thunberganoids. The degradation of thunberganoids to these terpenoid acids are considered to be closely related to the formation of the tobacco characteristic aroma. In the course of our another studies on the biologically active substances to cigarette beetle, a serious pest of cured tobacco leaves, a sex pheromone, 4,6-dimethy1-7-hydroxynonan-3-one (serricornin) and other 4, 6dimethylnonane derivatives as minor components were isolated. The presence of these 4, 6-dimethylnonane derivatives suggests that these pheromone components are derived from the polyketide biosynthesis. These biologically active substances were synthesized in practical scale and now the applications of these chemicals as tobacco flavors and the attractants of cigarette beetle are in progress.
Power Optimization of a Planar Single-Channel Shim Coil for a Permanent Magnet Circuit

We propose a new method of designing a power-optimized single-channel shim coil (SCSC), which enables high homogeneity in the magnetic field of a magnetic resonance imaging system. The design method is based on a superposition of multiple circular currents to account for the power dissipated in the current-carrying coils. With a power-optimized SCSC, magnetic field inhomogeneity is largely corrected and there is negligible degradation of the magnetic field in continuous use.
Performance Evaluation of Water Cooler with Modification of Liquid Suction Heat Exchanger

It is necessary to modify the simple vapour compression refrigeration systems in order to improve the performance. The coefficient of performance of the system can be increased either by decreasing the work of compression or increasing the refrigerating effect or by the combination of both. The refrigerating effect can be increased by maintaining the condition of refrigerant in lower temperature liquid stage, at the entrance of evaporator. This can be achieved by expanding the refrigerant very close to the liquid line i.e. by sub-cooling the refrigerant and by removing the flashed vapour. The present work describes the design of a VCRS and the design of the liquid suction heat exchanger. A tube in tube type heat exchanger is incorporated in the system, in between the liquid line i.e. pipe joining the condenser and the expansion device and the suction line i.e. pipe joining the evaporator and the compressor. So it is called as Liquid Suction Heat Exchanger (LSHX) or Suction line heat exchanger (SLHX). Effect of reduced flashing was found dominant, compared with the effect of sub-cooling on the refrigeration capacity. The effects of different flow rates of refrigerant and initial temperature of water on COP, work of compression, refrigeration effect of the system, heat exchange capacity of the LSHX, effectiveness of the LSHX & refrigeration capacity of the evaporator are calculated and analyzed. On the basis of experimentation and analysis, it is found that, use of liquid suction heat exchanger in the VCRS, increases the COP of the refrigeration unit for different initial temperatures of water. The power consumption by the compressor gets reduced by using the liquid suction heat exchanger. The optimum effect of the LSHX is seen at different flow rates of the refrigerant for lower initial temperature of water (30 to 35 °C).
Phase behavior of semiflexible tangent hard sphere chains

The isotropic–nematic phase transition in semiflexible hard chain fluids is investigated via an Onsager type density functional theory. The angle-dependent excluded volume of two chains required in the theory is obtained via Monte Carlo simulations. The theory predicts an isotropic to nematic phase transition at lower densities than those predicted by previous theories. These results compare favorably with available simulation data.
Confinement of pure ion plasma in a cylindrical current sheet

A novel method for containing a pure ion plasma at thermonuclear densities and temperatures has been modeled. The method combines the confinement principles of a Penning-Malmberg trap and a pulsed theta-pinch. A conventional Penning trap can confine a uniform-density plasma of about 5×1011 cm−3 with a 30-Tesla magnetic field. However, if the axial field is ramped, a much higher local ion density can be obtained. Starting with a 107 cm−3 trapped deuterium plasma at the Brillouin limit (B=0.6 Tesla), the field is ramped to 30 Tesla. Because the plasma is comprised of particles of only one sign of charge, transport losses are very low, i.e., the conductivity is high. As a result, the ramped field does not penetrate the plasma and a diamagnetic surface current is generated, with the ions being accelerated to relativistic velocities. To counteract the inward j×B forces from this induced current, additional ions are injected into the plasma along the axis to increase the density (and mutual electrostatic repuls.
Removal of tetracyclines from aqueous solution by nanoscale Cu/Fe bimetallic particle

ABSTRACTBimetallic nanoparticle (BNP) that comprises nanoscale zero-valent iron with a noble metal such as Pd, Pt, Ni, Ag, or Cu has been effective in removing various organic and inorganic compounds. In this study, the removal performance of tetracycline antibiotics, tetracycline (TC), oxytetracycline (OTC), and chlortetracycline (CTC), from aqueous solution by nanoscale copper/iron (Cu/Fe) bimetallic particle was investigated. Batch experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of experimental variables such as solution pH, bimetallic particle dosage, and temperature on the removal efficiency of tetracyclines. The results obtained from the study indicated that the removal rate of tetracyclines was greatly dependent on pH. The removal of TCs above 90% was achieved at optimum conditions. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were applied to experimental data and the results fitted to Langmuir model. The pseudo-first-order and the pseudo-second-order models were used to express of adsorption ki.
Plastics as Optical Materials

The Principal material used in optics is glass. Plastics can only gain acceptance in optics if they have properties not encountered with glass or if a desired article can be produced more rationally from a plastic. An example of the first case is provided by UV light guides consisting of a quartz glass core surrounded by a plastic cladding; there is no glass with a sufficiently low refractive index. Examples of the second case are viewfinder optics for cameras and lenses for sunglasses and industrial safety spectacles.
Characterization of LPPS Processes Under Various Spray Conditions for Potential Applications

Low Pressure Plasma Spraying (LPPS) is nowadays a well-established thermal spray process with a broad variety of important applications for functional surface coatings. The operating pressure for LPPS processes can vary in a wide range from typically 200 mbar down to only a few mbar. This leads to unconventional properties of the plasma jet, in terms of supersonic flow with strong shock structure at moderate pressure, towards rarefaction and frozen flow at very low pressure. In order to optimize and control the spray processes for specific applications, it is necessary to understand the underlying physical mechanisms. However, so far only limited knowledge has been established on the plasma jet properties and its interaction with the spray particles in LPPS conditions. We present several experimental investigations to characterize plasma spray processes under various pressure conditions. Measured plasma jet properties using a dedicated enthalpy probe system and imaging are combined with IR-pyrometry and velocimetry on the particles (DPV2000) to further improve the understanding of the plasma particle interactions. These results, along with spray deposit characterization, can be used to optimize the coating properties and explore further potential applications.
Single-Molecule Imaging Revealing the Deformation-Induced Formation of a Molecular Polymer Blend

Photoluminescence microscopy of conjugated polymer molecules in a polyethylene host has been applied to monitor the transition of a phase-separated polymer blend into a molecular dispersion induced by solid-state tensile deformation. Statistical analysis of conjugated polymer cluster sizes as a function of the degree of matrix deformation shows that phase-separated domains of conjugated polymer transform into smaller clusters and single molecules as the degree of matrix deformation increases. Concomitantly, the conjugated guest molecules tend to adopt the preferential orientation of the surrounding matrix. We demonstrate that single-molecule detection can be readily extended and applied to probing molecular dispersion, orientation, and morphology in polymer−polymer blends.
Determination of trace elements in petroleum exploration samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis

A suite of geochemical oil samples from a wide geographic area and a variety of depositional environments was analysed by INAA and ICP-MS. Good correlation between the two techniques was obtained for V, Ni and Co (r= 0.95–0.90). The correlation decreased in the order: Zn (r= 0.87), Fe, Sb, Se, U, Ti, La, As, Ba, Mn and W (r= 0.18). The contribution of trace elements to oils from produced waters, drilling fluids, biodegradation and migration has been suggested by some of the samples for which there was disagreement. Laboratory experiments confirmed that barite contributes Mn, Fe, Ga and Pb to oil samples that have not been filtered. On the ICP-MS 130Ba2+ interferes with 65Cu+ whereas 63Cu+ suffers from interference by 51V12C+. If formation water and produced water is not removed from the oil, the water contribution of elements e.g., As and Br is superimposed onto the organically bound contents in the oils. In such instances, it appears that these elements are not useful in fingerprinting and classifying oils. However, when the formation water contribution is removed, elements e.g., As are shown to be geochemically significant. It has thus been demonstrated that it is important to water wash and filter oil samples before analysing for geochemical exploration purposes. This work has also shown that metals such as Zn, Cd and Pb are picked up by oils migrating through ore bodies of these metals. Prior to examining the contributions of water, barite and migration, oils could only be classified using their V, Ni and Co contents. The new understanding acquired from this work, has made it possible to identify and eliminate samples with severe contamination. Application of multivariate statistics to the V, Ni, Co, Mo, As, Sb, Fe, Mn, Zn and Bi data for the Exxon oils enabled appropriate oils to be correlated with each other.
Mixed ligand complexes of essential metal ions with L-glutamine and succinic acid in sodium dodecyl sulfate-water mixtures

Speciation of mixed ligand complexes of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) with L-glutamine and succinic acid was studied in varying amounts (0.0-2.5 %, w/v) of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in aqueous solutions while maintaining an ionic strength of 0.16 mol L -1 (NaCl) at 303.0 K. Titrations were performed in the presence of different relative concentrations (M:L:X = 1:2:2, 1:4:2 and 1:2:4) of metal (M) to L-glutamine (L) to succinic acid (X) using sodium hydroxide. The stability constants of the ternary complexes were refined with MINIQUAD75. The best-fit chemical models were selected based on statistical parameters and residual analysis. The species detected were ML2X, MLX, MLXH and MLXH2 for Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II). The increased stability of the ternary complexes compared to their binary complexes was believed to be due to electrostatic interactions of the side chains of the ligands, charge neutralization, chelate effect, stacking interactions and hydrogen bonding. The species distribution with pH at different compositions of SDS and plausible equilibria for the formation of the species are also presented.