Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recovery of plutonium from polymeric waste matrices using supercritical fluid extraction

AbstractPolymers are widely used materials and are indispensable in handling radioactive materials in fumehoods, gloveboxes, etc. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) technique is widely employed for the removal of radioactive contaminants from various matrices using supercritical carbon dioxide (Sc-CO2) modified with suitable ligands as an extraction medium. In the present study, recovery of plutonium from various polymeric matrices, such as neoprene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and surgical gloves has been demonstrated using Sc-CO2 modified with n-octylphenyl N,N-diisobutyl carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO) in methanol. The matrix was initially subjected to neat Sc-CO2 extraction to prevent co-extraction of organic compounds during SFE of plutonium; in the initial extraction with Sc-CO2, organic compounds added as additives to the polymeric matrix were extracted. In the initial studies, SFE method was developed for the complete recovery of plutonium from simulated polymeric waste matrices. Subsequently.
Characterizing circumnuclear starbursts in the local universe with the VLA

Abstract Nuclear rings are excellent laboratories to study star formation (SF) under extreme conditions. We compiled a sample of 9 galaxies that exhibit bright nuclear rings at 3-33 GHz radio continuum observed with the Jansky Very Large Array, of which 5 are normal star-forming galaxies and 4 are Luminous Infrared Galaxies (LIRGs). Using high frequency radio continuum as an extinction-free tracer of SF, we estimated the size and star formation rate of each nuclear ring and a total of 37 individual circumnuclear star-forming regions. Our results show that majority of the SF in the sample LIRGs take place in their nuclear rings, and circumnuclear SF in local LIRGs are much more spatially concentrated compared to those in the local normal galaxies and previously studied nuclear and extra-nuclear SF in normal galaxies at both low and high redshifts.
Control of Airborne Particle Concentration and Draught Risk in an Operating Room

The influence of location of airborne particle source, ventilation rate, air inlet size, supply air velocity, air outlet location, and heat source on the distributions of airborne particle concentration and draught risk in an operating room is investigated. The investigation is carried out by using flow program with the k-e model of turbulence. Based on a standard case, five cases, each with one changed parameter, are computed, and the detailed field distributions of air velocity, temperature, airborne particle concentration, and draught risk are presented. The parametric study concludes that, for a better air quality and thermal comfort, it is desirable to use a higher inflow rate, a larger inlet area, and a uniform velocity profile of supply air. Outlet location and heat source have little influence on the distributions ofthe particle concentration in the room. It has also been found that the distributions of particle concentration in the recirculating zone are very sensitive to the location of the particle sources.
Language testing and assessment (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this two-part review article (Alderson & Banerjee, 2001), we first addressed issues of washback, ethics, politics and standards. After a discussion of trends in testing on a national level and in testing for specific purposes, we surveyed developments in computer-based testing and then finally examined self-assessment, alternative assessment and the assessment of young learners. In this second part, we begin by discussing recent theories of construct validity and the theories of language use that help define the constructs that we wish to measure through language tests. The main sections of the second part concentrate on summarising recent research into the constructs themselves, in turn addressing reading, listening, grammatical and lexical abilities, speaking and writing. Finally we discuss a number of outstanding issues in the field.
Addition of thiols to phenylselenoalkynes using KF/Alumina under solvent-free conditions

We present herein the results of a simple and efficient protocol for the hydrothiolation of phenylselenoalkynes promoted by KF/Al2O3 using solvent-free conditions. This improved method furnishes selectively the corresponding (Z)-1-phenylseleno-2-organylthio-1-alkenes in reasonable to good yields starting from selenoalkynes and aliphatic or aromatic thiols. The presence of the phenylselenium group in the alkyne directed the regiochemistry of the thiol addition. The catalytic system can be reused up to 4 times without previous treatment.
Mapping the inner kpc of the interacting Seyfert galaxy NGC 2992: Stellar populations and gas kinematics

Abstract We present Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph Integral Field Unit (GMOS-IFU) observations of the inner 1.1 kpc of the interacting Seyfert galaxy NGC 2992. From full spectral synthesis we found that the stellar population is mainly (up to 80 per cent of the total light) composed by an old (t ≥ 1.4 Gyr) metal-rich (Z ≥ 2.0) populations with a smaller but considerable contribution (up to 30 per cent) from young (t ≤ 100 Myr) metal-poor (Z ≥ 1.0) populations. The gas kinematics presents two main components: one from gas in orbit in the galaxy disk and an outflow with mass outflow rate of ˜2 Mʘ yr–1 and a kinematic power of ˜ 2 × 1040 erg s–1.
Relaxation in the Exciton Fine Structure of Semiconductor Nanocrystals

A spectroscopic study is reported of relaxation in the exciton fine structure of CdSe nanorods measured using ultrafast cross-polarized heterodyned third-order transient grating (CPH-3TG) spectroscopy. The CPH-3TG spectroscopy probes the dynamics of population transfer between states accompanying exciton spin flip (radiationless transitions in the exciton fine structure associated with changes in the sign of the total angular momentum). Analysis of the data enabled elucidation of pathways for exciton fine structure relaxation (EFSR) involving all of the exciton fine structure states. The mechanism and origin of the EFSR dynamics in CdSe nanorods are discussed in the exciton state picture with an analogy to molecular radiationless transition processes such as internal conversion and intersystem crossing. Key conclusions are that the fast transitions are between states with total angular momentum of ±1 and ∓2 and that the rate of this transition follows an inverse diameter to the fourth power size dependenc.
A MODEL OF CHINESE CAPITAL ACCOUNT LIBERALIZATION

We provide a theory-based inquiry into the contours of China's international balance sheets after the renminbi becomes convertible under the capital account. We construct a two-country general equilibrium model with trading in equities and bonds and calibrate the model with U.S. and Chinese data. We interpret Chinese capital account liberalization as a removal of restrictions that prohibit agents trading Chinese bonds and U.S. equities. We explore how international risk-sharing can be achieved through portfolio diversification in each of these asset market configurations. We also look at how these holdings would change as China gradually rebalanced its production with a larger share of labor income, and as the productivity gap between China and the United States narrowed. We find that both U.S. and Chinese residents would have incentives to increase their holdings in each other's equities and to issue debt in each other's currency.
Comparative size distribution measurements on chain aggregates

Size distribution measurements of polydisperse iron oxide chain aggregates (600–1300 A thick with aspect ratios up to 700) were made and compared, using an aerosol centrifuge, a cascade impactor, and an electrical aerosol analyzer, with supporting data from electron microscopy. Number and volume frequency distributions are compared and analyzed on the basis of means and widths only. Appropriate conversions between aerodynamic and mobility equivalent diameters are made. Preferred particle orientation due to flow field and electrostatic field is taken into account. An estimate for the increase of average charge per fiber over that of spheres is given for the EAA's diffusion charger.
Semiempirical Treatment of the Hydrogen Bond

A semiempirical treatment of the hydrogen bond based on a slightly modified Lippincott‐Schroeder potential has been used to construct potential surfaces for simultaneous hydrogen and oxygen motion in OH···O hydrogen bonds. The resulting potential curves have been used to interpret the changes in infrared spectra and in lattice dimensions in H‐bonded crystals on deuteration. The ferroelectricity of KH2PO4 is also discussed.
Study of acid hydrolysis of bromazepam

Quantitative study of an acid hydrolysis of bromazepam, which in acidic solution simultaneously undergoes reversible 4,5-azomethine bond cleavage and protolytic reactions, was performed (t = 25 °C). When an equilibrium is established, four species are simultaneously present in solution. Two approaches, both based on theoretically derived dependence between the absorbance (A) and the solution acidity ([H3O+]), were used to determine appropriate equilibrium constants. In the first, the least-squares method was used to fit experimentally obtained (A, [H3O+]) value pairs to a derived function. With values obtained as fitting parameters, the probability distribution for equilibrium constants was calculated with the virtual experiments performed using Monte Carlo simulations. In the second one, spectrophotometric analysis indicated an existence of two distinct pH intervals, both with three dominant species involved. Spectral data were used to calculate equilibrium constants by a linear curve fitting analysis. V.
The genus Porpidia in northern and western Europe, with special emphasis on collections from the British Isles

Four new species and one new forma are described in the genus Porpidia. Porpidia flavocruenta Fryday & Buschbom, a member of the P. macrocarpa group that has previously been overlooked for ‘P. flavocoerulescens’, is reported from Austria, the British Isles, Scandinavia, Iceland, and North America (Alaska); P. islandica Fryday, Knoph & Hertel is reported from Iceland and Scotland; and P. pachythallina Fryday and P. striata Fryday from the British Isles only. The sorediate morph of P. superba is described as P. superba f. sorediata Fryday, known from the British Isles, Sweden, Svalbard, and North America (Maine). Variation in P. macrocarpa is discussed and the new combination P. macrocarpa f. nigrocruenta (Anzi) Fryday made. Secondary metabolite production is discussed and the variation in the production of chemosyndromes considered to be more variable than previously reported. The position of several other taxa is discussed and P. herteliana and P. musiva are reduced to synonymy with P. cinereoatra, P. calcarea to synonymy with P. superba, and P. diversa to synonymy with P. contraponenda. However, P. grisea and P. lowiana are provisionally maintained as distinct species from P. tuberculosa and P. cinereoatra respectively, although P. grisea has not been correctly recorded from the British Isles. The typification of Spiloma tuberculosa Sm. , the basionym of Porpidia tuberculosa, is discussed and a lectotype proposed; the new combination Porpidia rugosa (Taylor) Coppins & Fryday is made and shown to be the correct name for P. glaucophaea; and Porpidia flavicunda (Ach.) Gowan is used for the esorediate taxon usually known as Porpidia flavocoerulescens because this epithet is to be proposed for rejection as it is considered to be of confused usage. Porpidia hydrophila is shown to be a member of the P. albocaerulescens group. Porpidia lowiana, P. nadvornikiana, and P. thomsonii are recorded for the first time from the British Isles, and P. macrocarpa f. nigrocruenta confirmed as a British taxon. Notes and a key are provided for all the species of the genus that have been reported from the area.
The cognitive neuroscience of second language acquisition and bilingualism

MARIANNE GULLBERG & PETER INDEFREY (eds.), The cognitive neuroscience of second language acquisition. Oxford: Blackwell (2006). Pp. v + 348. ISBN 978-1-4051-5542-7. JOHN H. SCHUMANN, SHEILA E. CROWELL, NANCY E. JONES, NAMHEE LEE, SARA ANN SCHUCHERT & LEE ALEXANDRA WOOD (eds.), The neurobiology of learning: Perspectives from second language acquisition. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum (2004). Pp. xiii + 212. ISBN 0-80586141-6. MICHEL PARADIS, A neurolinguistic theory of bilingualism. Amsterdam: John Benjamins (2004). Pp. viii + 299. ISBN 155619739X.
An Empirical Correlation for Pu(III) Distribution Coefficients in 30% TBP/n‐Dodecane PUREX System in the Presence of U(VI), U(IV), Pu(IV), Pu(III), and Hydrazine Nitrate

Abstract For modeling and simulation of the partitioning step (either chemical or electrochemical) of the PUREX process, distribution coefficients of the involved species are needed. In this contribution, reported experimental data on Pu(III) extraction under PUREX conditions have been analyzed, and an empirical model is reported. The model reported here is considered more reliable than the model currently available in the literature.
An Improved Diffusion-Ordered Spectroscopy Experiment Incorporating Bipolar-Gradient Pulses

We report a study of BPPs (bipolar pulse pairs) in PFGNMR (pulsed field gradient NMR) that shows a drastic reduction in eddy currents for short (≃1 millisecond), closely spaced (<1 ms) gradient pulses. Improved resolution is obtained in LED-DOSY with reduced settling times (T e ) so that samplzs with shorter values of T 1 can be studied. The three gradient prepulses can be eliminated so that temperature control is improved and convection currents are reduced. Finaly, the 180° RF pulses in combination with the alternating gradients serve to restrict the observable volume so that only regions having a homogeneous B 1 field and a constant gradient are observed.
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight/thin layer chromatography/mass spectrometry—a rapid method for impurity testing

Thin layer chromatography/matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry (TLC/MALDI-MS) has been previously used to obtain mass spectra from a variety of compounds, principally peptides. For pharmaceutical compounds, which are often of relatively low molecular weight, it is important that any matrix materials employed do not interfere with the mass spectra obtained. The key step to successful TLC/MALDI-MS is hence the preparation of the TLC plate prior to mass spectrometry. Crucial to this is the deposition of matrix material into the plate to promote co-crystallisation with the analyte. In this work we have examined the literature methods for plate preparation and developed two new approaches. The first involves brushing the TLC plate with a supersaturated solution of matrix and the second involves electrospraying the TLC plate with a matrix solution. Data are presented from the direct analysis of tetracycline and its impurities. Using the electrospray method the limit of detection for tetracycline is 1 ng from a TLC plate. A commercial MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer has been modified to allow the acquisition of chromatographic data from TLC plates. Chromatograms from replicate spots of 100 and 1 µg of tetracycline are shown. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alkylidenefluorene–isoindigo copolymers with an optimized molecular conformation for spacer manipulation, π–π stacking and their application in efficient photovoltaic devices

D–(π)n-A-type copolymers with different thienyl spacers (n = 0–2) between alkylidenefluorene and isoindigo (P1, P2, P3) were synthesized via a Suzuki coupling reaction. As the number of spacers was increased in a polymer (P1), the UV-Vis absorption maximum (λmax) red-shifted, and the band gap decreased from 1.83 to 1.64 eV. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels of the polymers were increased by increasing the number of spacers. In addition, the facile intermixing due to better accessibility with the PCBM led to an increase in the hole mobility and JSC. In contrast to P1 and P2, when the P3 thin films were blended with PC70BM in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement, an increased face-on structure of the crystal was observed. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of P3 was 3.0% and it reached 4.2% for the inverted device fabricated at 1 : 2 ratio with PC70BM.
Surface analysis of GaN decomposition

The decomposition of GaN at a range of temperatures has been studied by Rutherford backscattering (RBS), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The development of a surface defect peak is a consequence of preferential N2 loss at elevated temperatures. Additionally, the emergence of a direct scattering peak approximately 0.25 µm beneath the surface at 1100 °C can be attributed to the buildup of extended defects. At such temperatures severe roughening of the surface is observed through AFM scans. Nevertheless, Ga droplet formation is not detected from our samples as verified by XPS. Our results show that GaN remains thermally stable in N2 up to 900 °C. At higher temperatures, significant decomposition occurs and gives rise to degradation of the structural and morphological properties of the film.
Effect of electron energy probability function on plasma CVD/modification in a 13.56 MHz hollow cathode discharge

Langmuir probe diagnostics is done on a RF hollow cathode discharge system (13.56 MHz, 200 W) by inserting a single cylindrical probe in the remote region (50 mm away from the primary argon plasma) and at a distance of 10 mm above the substrate holder. The effects of argon gas pressure, the injection of helium in the remote zone and the substrate bias on the measurements of the electron energy probability function (EEPF) and on the plasma parameters (electron density (ne), effective electron temperature (Teff), plasma potential (Vp) and floating potential (Vf)) have been investigated. The EEPFs and plasma parameters obtained have been used to control two remote plasma processes. The first is the remote plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PE-CVD) of thin films, on silicon wafers, from a hexamethyldisiloxane precursor diluted in the remote Ar–He plasma, where the relative thicknesses of the deposited films were investigated by the ex situ Rutherford back-scattering (RBS) technique. The second is the pure argon remote plasma treatment of a polymethylmethacrylate polymer surface, where the reflectance of the modified surface was measured and compared with the untreated one. It is revealed that by varying the gas mixture/pressure and substrate bias, one can engineer the EEPFs to enhance the desired plasma chemical gas phase reactions thus controlling the plasma CVD and plasma surface modification processes. Auxiliary optical emission spectroscopy diagnostics are discussed as well.
Homogeneous tandem catalysis of the bis -(diphenylphosphino ) -amine /chromium tetramerization catalyst with metallocene catalysts

Homogeneous tandem catalysis of the bis(diphenylphoshino)amine-chromium oligomerization catalyst with the metallocenes Ph2C(Cp)(9-Flu)ZrCl2 and rac-EtIn2ZrCl2, is discussed. GC, CRYSTAF, and 13C NMR analysis of the products obtained from reactions at constant temperatures show that during tandem catalysis, α-olefins, mainly 1-hexene and 1-octene, are produced from ethylene by the oligomerization catalyst and subsequently built into the polyethylene chain. At 40 °C the Cr/PNP catalyst acts as a tetramerization catalyst while the polymerization catalyst activity is low. Copolymerization of ethylene and the in situ produced α-olefins have also been carried out by increasing the temperature from 40 °C, where primarily oligomerization takes place, to above 100 °C, where polymerization becomes dominant. The melting temperature of the polymer is dependent on the catalyst and cocatalyst ratios as well as on the temperature gradient followed during the reaction, while the presence of the oligomerization catalyst reduces the activity of the polymerization catalyst. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6847–6856, 2006
3D ordered macroporous LaFeO3 as efficient electrocatalyst for Li–O2 batteries with enhanced rate capability and cyclic performance

Rechargeable lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) battery is one of the most promising technologies among various electrochemical energy storage systems, while the incapability of the electrocatalyst and the inefficient transport of reactants in the O2 electrode still limit the round-trip efficiency, rate capability, and cycle stability of the Li–O2 battery. Here, three-dimensional ordered macroporous LaFeO3 (3DOM-LFO) is synthesized and employed as electrocatalyst in Li–O2 battery with relatively stable TEGDME based electrolyte. The Li–O2 cells with 3DOM-LFO show enhanced electrochemical performances, including low overpotential, high specific capacity, good rate capability and cycle stability up to 124 cycles. This enhanced catalytic performance might be due to the synergistic effect of the porosity and catalytic activity of the 3DOM-LFO catalyst.
Evaluation of Cardiomyocyte Viability after Cardiac Tissue Incubated in Special Culture System

Cardiac myocytes maintained in cell culture develop hypertrophy both in response to mechanical loading as well as to receptor-mediated signaling mechanisms. However, it has been shown that the hypertrophic response to these stimuli may be modulated through effects of intercellular contact achieved by maintaining cells at different plating densities. We recently developed the new special tissue culture system to culture minced cardiac tissue and to evaluate the apoptotic effect of different agent in cardiomyocytes. After 24 hours culture period, different culture conditions and factors may damage the cardiomyocyte. Therefore, we performed different methods to evaluate the viability of cardiomyocyte in cardiac tissue with 24 hours culture period in our special culture system. Human cardiac atrial tissue was obtained from open-heart surgery (n=6). After cardiac tissue excision, the samples were immediately placed in oxygenated, nominally Ca2+-free Tyrode solution for transport to the laboratory. The time between excision and the beginning of laboratory processing was five to fifteen minutes.
Can an exotic tree (Jackfruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) influence the non-volant small mammals assemblage in a protected area of Atlantic Forest?

Abstract Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is an exotic invasive plant species in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest that causes changes in the environment through the release of allelopathic substances and has high fruit production. We aimed to understand the potential effects of the jackfruit on the non-volant small mammal assemblage in an area protected by law, in the municipality of Cariacica – Espírito Santo, south-eastern Brazil. We sampled the small mammals assemblage using live traps in 18 sites, eight with jackfruit and 10 without. We ordinated the assemblage and tested possible differences in species richness and abundance according to the jackfruit density. We recorded 31 species of non-volant small mammals, with 13 species endemic to the Atlantic Forest. Jackfruit species can affect both positively and negatively the studied assemblage of non-volant small mammals. For species with a frugivory habit, jackfruit has a positive effect favouring these species. On the other hand, for insectivorous species, jackfruit represents an impact inhibiting the presence of these species in an area with high jackfruit density. The results presented are the first step in understanding the effect of this invasive species on a small mammals assemblage and initiating a monitoring of these species in areas affected by jackfruits. Furthermore, management of jackfruits in this protected area is required.