Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aqueous polyfluorene probe for the detection and estimation of Fe3+ and inorganic phosphate in blood serum

A novel anionic polyfluorene derivative, poly(9,9-bis(6′-sulfate)hexyl) fluorene-alt-1,4-phenylene sodium salt (P1) is synthesized. P1 exhibits exemplary activity towards the selective detection of Fe3+ and phosphates (Pi) under physiological conditions. On binding to Fe3+, exceptional fluorescence quenching of P1 occurred, demonstrated by a >97% reduction in the fluorescence intensity. Furthermore, the P1–Fe3+ assay is highly selective for inorganic phosphate (Pi) anions at biological pH values, observed by complete fluorescence dequenching and confirmed through a >95% fluorescence enhancement. In order to validate its diagnostic potential, this assay was employed to monitor the Pi levels in a competing biological environment like blood serum. At pH 7.4 this assay showed a high specific activity to detect Pi in the bioassay environment, observed by the unique enhancements in fluorescence intensities for varying and low Pi concentrations. Since this assay performed Pi detection at very low concentrations we utilized it successfully for the fluorometric estimation of Pi in blood serum with high accuracy and within short duration. This remarkable ability of P1 to accomplish in situ monitoring and estimation of indispensable biological targets like Fe3+ and Pi rapidly and in label-free conditions, corroborates the extension of this assay system for clinical application.
External actors in Russia’s Dagestan: competition and cooperation

The Republic of Dagestan is one of the 85 federal subjects of the Russian Federation. It is situated in the natural resource rich (hydrocarbons) Caspian Sea region of the North Caucasus within Russia. Dagestan is the richest republic in terms of hydrocarbon reserves in North Caucasus. Dagestan’s geographical location is very strategic and significant as it lies at the crossroads of many civilizations, viz. Slavic, European, Turkish, Islam, and Persian. The republic is very crucial for the Russian Federation both for ensuring political and economic stability on its southern borders as well as for maintaining its influence over the large swathes of the Caucasus region, the West Asia and Central Asia. Since 1991, the North Caucasus region has been witnessing a string of violent conflicts affecting Dagestan. Thus, the region is attracting several external actors, like Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, US, and EU, who are interested in exploiting rich resources of Dagestan, and at the time time they want to see a peaceful North Caucasus region, in general, and Dagestan, in particular, for carrying out energy trade smoothly. Some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) belonging to these external actors are also active in the region in this regard. Therefore, this paper analyses the roles of all these external actors both as Russia’s competitor and as Russia’s cooperative partner. It also examines their roles in mitigating conflict in Dagestan, and Russia’s attitude towards their involvement in the North Caucasus region.
Pistachio Rootstocks Influence Scion Growth and Ion Relations under Salinity and Boron Stress

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. biomass production, chlorophyll, foliar injury, ion relations, Pistacia vera, salt tolerance, trunk diameter ABSTRACT. Performance of 'Kerman' pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) trees on three rootstocks (P. atlantica Desf., P. integerrima Stewart and 'UCB-1', a P. atlantica x P. integerrima hybrid) was evaluated with 2-year-old trees grown in sand-tank lysimeters under combined SO4 2- and Cl - salinity and boron (B) stress for 6 months. Four salinity treatments were imposed by irrigating the plants with water at electrical conductivity (ECiw) of 3.5, 8.7,12, or 16 dS·m -1 each containing B at 10 mg·L -1 . Growth of 'Kerman' was evaluated based on increase in total leaf area, increase in trunk diameter, and total above-ground biomass production. All growth parameters decreased as salinity increased, but were not significant until ECiw exceeded 12 dS·m -1 . However, growth of 'Kerman' on P. atlantica and 'UCB-1' was considerably better than on P. integerrima at 16 dS·m -1 . The onset and severity of foliar injury differed among scions and treatments and was attributed primarily to B toxicity, rather than the effects of salinity. Concentrations of B in injured leaf tissue ranged from 1000 to 2500 mg·kg -1 . Leaf injury decreased with increasing salinity, although leaf B was not significantly reduced suggesting an internal synergistic interaction between B and other mineral nutrients. However for P. vera on P. integerrima, the highest level of salinity produced the greatest injury, possibly as a combination of B plus Cl - and/or Na + toxicity. Leaf transpiration, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll concentration of P. vera, determined by steady-state porometry, were also reduced to a greater degree by combined salinity and B when budded on P. integerrima than on the other two rootstocks.
The formation of country wineries networks for internationalization: an analysis of two new world wines regions

The objective of this study is to understand the characteristics of winemakers' networks and their effect on the internationalization process of the wine industry. Case studies in two emerging wine export countries were developed and analyzed. The Brazilian network, Integrated Sector Project Wines from Brazil, and the Uruguayan network, Wines of Uruguay, were both analyzed. The purpose of these networks is to promote those countries' wineries in international markets and to develop a common organizational structure shared by all the network members; however, local influences, such as market size and antecedent characteristics, result in different network roles. In each case, the network acts as an aggregate in the internationalization process of affiliate companies and assists in establishing the image of each country as a wine producer. The formation of a winemakers' network has a positive effect on the internationalization of the winemaking industry. Moreover, public policies to support internationalization demonstrate to improve the international competitiveness of wine companies. This study improves the understanding of the benefits winemakers' networks provide New World wines and the impact those networks have on the internationalization process. The results provide insights for advancing winemakers' internationalization strategy and the industrial policies affecting wine.
Weak Raman bands from water

Weak, broad, Raman bands have been observed from water and heavy water at shifts above and below those corresponding to the intramolecular bending and stretching vibrations. Bands near Δv = 1190 cm−1 for D2O and Δv = 1625 cm−1 for H2O, in addition to relatively sharp bands at 1210 cm−1 for D2O and 1640 cm−1 for H2O are thought to arise from intramolecular bending vibrations of D2O and H2O molecules that are either partially, or fully hydrogen bonded. Other weak bands can be explained as combinations of known intra‐ and intermolecular vibrations, in particular, librations.
Structure and vibrational dynamics of the strongly hydrogen-bonded model peptide: N-methyl acetamide

Density functional theory-based methods have been used to calculate the vibrations, in the harmonic approximation, of n-methyl acetamide in the solid state. Good agreement is obtained with previously published inelastic neutron scattering spectra. The starting point for the calculation is the crystal structure, which has to be measured at the same temperature as the vibrational spectra. Unit cell and atomic coordinates have been obtained using powder neutron diffraction on the methyl-deuterated material at 2 K. The controversial assignment of the N–H stretch mode at ∼1600 cm−1, made in the original analysis of the vibrational spectra, is not supported by the calculations presented here. Neither is evidence found for the proposed double-well potential for the proton in the hydrogen bond.
Generation of terahertz radiation by photomixing with dual- and multiple-mode lasers

Photomixing with dual-mode and multi-mode lasers in the sub-terahertz frequency region is presented with a description on the principle and efficiency of photomixing on low-temperature-grown-GaAs photoconductive antennae for generation of continuous-wave terahertz (THz) radiation. The difference frequency stabilization by the common-mode-rejection effect in the dual-mode lasers is discussed with several reported experimental results. It is also shown that generation and detection of broadband sub-THz radiation is possible by photomixing with multi-mode semiconductor lasers on the emitter and detector photoconductive antennae (multi-mode-laser-diode-based terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, MLD-TDS). The MLD-TDS system can be a low-cost and broadband spectrometer in the sub-THz frequency region, which is useful for measurement of complex refractive indices and carrier densities of semiconductor wafers.
Optimization of NOM Removal during Water Treatment

Abstract The aim of this paper is to describe the removal efficiency of individual fractions of natural organic matter (NOM) and the aluminum transformation during treatment of two types of surface water with an increased concentration of NOM of various origins. The coagulation conditions (dose of destabilization reagent and reaction pH value) were optimized for the best NOM and aluminum removal. The results show that the NOM removal efficiency depends on the NOM character, using destabilizing reagents and reaction conditions. The optimized doses of destabilization reagents influence especially the removal of hydrophilic charged (CHA) and very hydrophobic acids (VHA) fractions during treatment of both types of raw water. In contrast to this, the removal of hydrophilic neutral (NEU) fraction is very low (ϕ NEU =0.13–0.22). The optimal destabilization reagent dosage is characterized by the lowest content of the total reactive aluminum concentration and relatively low concentration of dissolved organic aluminum.
Drag force of intermediate Reynolds number flow past mono- and bidisperse arrays of spheres

Extensive lattice-Boltzmann simulations were performed to obtain the drag force for random arrays of monodisperse and bidisperse spheres. For the monodisperse systems, 35 different combinations of the Reynolds number Re (up to Re = 1,000) and packing fraction were studied, whereas for the bidisperse systems we also varied the diameter ratio (from 1:1.5 to 1:4) and composition, which brings the total number of different systems that we considered to 150. For monodisperse systems, the data was found to be markedly different from the Ergun equation and consistent with a correlation, based on similar type of simulations up to Re = 120. For bidisperse systems, it was found that the correction of the monodisperse drag force for bidispersity, which was derived for the limit Re = 0, also applies for higher-Reynolds numbers. On the basis of the data, a new drag law is suggested for general polydisperse systems, which is on average within 10% of the simulation data for Reynolds numbers up to 1,000, and diameter ratios up to 1:4
Dissolution Enhancement of Drugs. Part II: Effect of Carriers

Recent high throughput screening and combinatorial and parallel synthesis are increasing the number of drug molecules which are highly lipophilic. The oral route is the most preferred route of drug administration due to its convenience, good patient compliance and low medicine production costs. The challenges to formulation scientists have tremendously increased due to the pressure of formulating these lipophilic drugs into oral drug delivery systems. Reports in patent and scientific literature are also increasing day by day which shows the interest of industrial and academic research in dissolution enhancement of poorly water soluble drugs. Part I [Int J Health Res, Jun 2009; 2(2):107-124] of this review was a technological overview on various dissolution enhancement techniques for poorly water soluble drugs and role of few water soluble carriers, viz. polymers, superdisintegrants and surfactants, in dissolution enhancement. This part describes the use of cyclodextrin, carbohydrates, hydrotropes, polyglocolized glycerides, dendrimers, acids and miscellaneous carriers in enhancing dissolution of drugs. Keywords: Dissolution enhancement; aqueous solubility, water soluble carriers; lipophilic, excipients.
Facile axial chirality control by using a precursor with central chirality. Application to the preparation of new axially chiral diphosphine complexes for asymmetric catalysis

A diastereoselective synthesis of a new chiral diphosphine with planar chirality is performed in 2 steps from (S)-p-tolylferrocenyl sulfoxide with 60% overall yield. The ligand gives enantioselectivities up to 98% ee in Pd(0)-catalyzed allylic substitution reactions.
The effect of Sn for Ti substitution on the average and local crystal structure of BaTi1−xSnxO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20)

The effect of Sn for Ti substitution on the crystal structure of a perovskite, barium titanate stannate (BTS), BaTi1−xSnxO3 for x = 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.07, 0.10, 0.12, 0.15 and 0.20, was investigated. The powders were prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction technique. The structural investigations of the BTS powders were done at room temperature by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) and Raman spectroscopy analyses. Rietveld refinement of XRD data indicates that gradual replacement of titanium by tin in BaTiO3 provokes a phase transition from tetragonal for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.07 to cubic for x = 0.12, 0.15 and 0.20. The coexistence of tetragonal (P4mm) and cubic (Pm\overline 3m) crystal phases was established in powder with nominal composition BaTi0.9Sn0. 1O3. The crystal phases determined by Rietveld refinement were confirmed by HRTEM and SAED analyses. The crystal structures of the BTS powders at short-range scale were studied by Raman spectroscopy, which shows tetragonal (P4mm) and a small fraction of orthorhombic (Pmm2) crystal phases for all the examined BTS powders, implying a lower local ordering when compared to the average symmetry.
The Inhibition Performance of a New Imidazoline Derivative for Mild Steel in an Oil and Gas Field

The inhibition performance of a new imidazoline derivative for mild steel in CO2/H2S saturated 5% NaCl solution at 60°C were investigated by using weight loss method, and the surface analysis of mild steel was performed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectrometry. Results showed that the inhibitor could inhibit the corrosion of mild steel in simulation solution significantly. Its adsorption on the metal surface obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The inhibitor could form the product film on the metal surface by adsorption, which brought on high protection performance for mild steel.
Viscosity and density measurements of macromolecules

A micro-differential capillary pressure system has been established to measure the density and viscosity of macromolecular solutions as well as regular chemical solutions. Easy handling, short operational time, accuracy, low cost, high sensitivity and adaptability for on-line control of the instrument are demonstrated by the measurement on poly(ethylene glycol)/water, poly(acrylic acid)/water, sugar/water, glycerol/water, and poly(methyl methacrylate)/tetrahydrofuran systems.
Impact of the Instant Controlled Pressure Drop Treatment on Hot Air Drying of Cork Granules

Instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) is known to enhance drying kinetics of cork granules. The overall kinetics is limited by the internal mass transfer. Hence, the drying kinetics carried out at 50, 60, and 70°C allows the effective diffusivity values to be determined as 2.63E-10 to 4.50E-10 and 4.34E-10 to 6.99E-10 m2 s−1 for untreated and DIC-treated cork granules, respectively. Because the temperature dependence is represented by an Arrhenius-type relationship, the activation energy values are determined as 25.29–48.12 kJ/mol and 32.43–43.98 kJ/mol for untreated and DIC-treated cork granules, respectively.
Recognition between V- and dumbbell-shaped molecules

A series of 2,6-bis(imino)pyridyl-based V-shaped compounds bearing various para-substituents on the terminal aromatic rings [C5H3N(CHN–C6H4R)2; R = OMe, iPr, Me, H, Cl, F, and CF3] have been prepared and investigated for their reversible binding with the dumbbell-shaped cations NH2+–{CH2–C6H3(OMe-3,5)2}2 and 9-anthryl–CH2–NH2+–CH2–C6H3(OMe-3,5)2. Three crystalline V-shaped compounds and a dumbbell hexafluorophosphate were characterised in the solid state by X-ray structural analysis. The binding mode of the 1 : 1 V-shaped molecule·dumbbell complexes was evaluated by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The binding constants (90–400 M−1 in dichloromethane) and stoichiometries of the complexes were determined using the Method of Continuous Variations and the Rose-Drago Method based on 1H NMR spectroscopic data. In a series of V-shaped compounds, the binding strength with both dumbbell cations diminishes with the decreasing electron-donating ability of the R substituents. Specifically, one of the diimine V-shaped compounds shows a stronger binding with the symmetrical dumbbell than with the unsymmetrical anthracene-containing dumbbell. Fluorescence measurements of equimolar mixtures of the V-shaped compounds and the unsymmetrical dumbbell have revealed a reduced anthracene emission which is approximately 50% that of the original intensity. Rapid and complete dissociation (<5 min) of the V-shaped compounds from the dumbbells was realised using an excess of acid or base, whereas only partial dissociation of the complexes was achieved with a large excess of water (<1 h).
Nonaqueous Phase Liquid Dissolution and Soil Organic Matter Sorption in Porous Media: Review of System Similarities

We examine similarities in constraints to mass transfer of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) between the aqueous and various organic phases in porous media at the grain scale. Published research and data are reviewed regarding equilibrium coefficients and first-order rate constants for mass transfer of HOCs between water and natural organic matter present in various geosorbents (e.g., soils, sediments, and aquifer solids), and several oils (petroleum products, decane, and coal tar). We propose how these equilibrium and mass-transfer coefficients can be estimated by methods common to all organic phases. Equilibrium coefficients can be reliably estimated using Raoult's law. First-order rate constants obtained from extensive literature data appear to be dependent on aqueous-phase diffusion and duration of exposure (or contact). The aqueous diffusion domain may be either an interfacial film (for low viscosity oil ganglia) or a retarded immobile water zone (for geosorbents).
Synthesis of Aluminum‐Rich Analcime Using an Ethylene Diamine Derivative as Template

The hydrothermal synthesis of analcime (ANA) with N,N′-dibenzyl-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (DBTMED) as template was systematically studied. The various parameters that affect the crystallization of analcime, such as temperature, time, Al source, and Si/Al ratio were investigated. Systematic variations of these parameters revealed that ANA was obtained from the reaction mixture with the optimized ratios of SiO2/Al2O3 = 5–9.5 in presence of DBTMED, whereas template-free clear solution methods require SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of greater than 25. When experiments were conducted at 130 and 150 °C for 4 days, a mixture of analcime and zeolite P was present in the samples, and a pure analcime sample could be obtained with heating in the temperature range 160–180 °C. When microwave and conventional heating were used, analcime could be obtained after 2 days. The obtained products were characterized by XRD, SEM, and IR spectroscopy.
Experimental Investigation of Flow Resistance in a Coal Mine Ventilation Air Methane Preheated Catalytic Oxidation Reactor

This paper reports the results of experimental investigation of flow resistance in a coal mine ventilation air methane preheated catalytic oxidation reactor. The experimental system was installed at the Energy Research Institute of Shandong University of Technology. The system has been used to investigate the effects of flow rate (200 Nm3/h to 1000 Nm3/h) and catalytic oxidation bed average temperature (20°C to 560°C) within the preheated catalytic oxidation reactor. The pressure drop and resistance proportion of catalytic oxidation bed, the heat exchanger preheating section, and the heat exchanger flue gas section were measured. In addition, based on a large number of experimental data, the empirical equations of flow resistance are obtained by the least square method. It can also be used in deriving much needed data for preheated catalytic oxidation designs when employed in industry.
Microwave Spectrum of the SO Radical

Five microwave transitions of the SO free radical in the gas phase have been measured and assigned. The lines result from electric dipole transitions between rotational levels in the 3Σ— ground state which are strongly perturbed by the interaction of the electron spin. The molecular constants determined from the analysis are B0=0.71791 cm—1, λ=5.276 cm—1, and γ=—0.0052 cm—1. The electric dipole moment has been determined as 1.55 D from the Stark effect. Wavefunctions and intensities are discussed. A combination of microwave and optical data gives Be=0.72072 cm—1 and re=1.48095 A for the ground state and λ=3.5 cm—1 for the excited B 3Σ— electronic state. The spectrum was studied in a flow system in which SO was generated by the reaction of oxygen atoms with OCS or other materials. The apparatus is described in detail.
The interpretation of EBIC images using Monte Carlo simulations

Charge collection microscopy, usually known by the acronym EBIC (Electron Beam Induced Current) imaging, is a powerful technique for the observation and characterization of semiconductor materials and devices in the scanning electron microscope. Quantitative interpretation of EBIC images is often difficult because of the problem of accurately representing the electron‐beam interaction with the semiconductor. This paper uses a Monte Carlo technique to simulate the electron‐beam interaction, and it is shown that this permits simple analytical point‐source solutions to be generalized to fully represent the experimental situation of an extended, non‐uniform, carrier source. The model is demonstrated by application to EBIC imaging in the Schottky barrier geometry.
Measuring the adhesion strength of a thin film to a substrate by centrifugation

This paper describes a centrifugation-based method of quantifying the adhesion strength of a thin film to a substrate. Normally thin films possess extremely small mass, and the centrifugal force cannot dislodge the thin films from the substrates even with the most powerful centrifuge. To solve this problem, we synthesized hydrogel particles on top of the thin film. The hydrogel particle was bound to the thin film through covalent bonds. The centrifugal force was therefore substantially increased, and the thin film could be dislodged from the substrate together with the hydrogel particles in a tabletop centrifuge. We validated this method by measuring the adhesion strength of adhesive tape to Teflon and compared it with the pull-off test result. We applied this method to measuring the adhesion strength of a polydopamine (PDA) thin film to Teflon, which has not yet been characterized. The measurement of the PDA adhesion strength would help in studying the mechanism of PDA adhesion and develop stronger PDA adhesive. The centrifugation-based method is simple and applicable to a broad range of thin films and substrates.