Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of collection container material and holding times on sample integrity for mercury and methylmercury in water

Mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in streamwater can vary on short timescales (hourly or less) during storm flow and on a diel cycle; the frequency and timing of sampling required to accurately characterize these dynamics may be difficult to accomplish manually. Automated sampling can assist in sample collection; however use has been limited for Hg and MeHg analysis due to stability concerns during extended storage times. We examined the viability of using automated samplers with disposable low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) sample bags to collect streamwater with high levels of Hg (>45 ng L−1) and moderate levels of MeHg (0.2−2.5 ng L−1). Specifically, we investigated the effect of holding times ranging from hours to days on streamwater collected during baseflow and storm flow. Unfiltered and filtered Hg and MeHg concentrations decreased with increases in time before sample processing; holding times of 24 hours or less resulted in concentration changes (mean 11 ± 7% different) similar to variability in duplicates collected manually during analogous field conditions (mean 7 ± 10% different). Comparisons of samples collected with manual and automated techniques (holding times < 24 h) throughout a year for a wide range of stream conditions were also found to be similar to differences observed between duplicate grab samples. These results demonstrate automated sampling into LDPE bags can be effectively used to collect streamwater for Hg and MeHg analysis, and encourage the testing of these materials and methods for implementation in other aqueous systems where high‐frequency sampling is warranted.
Mechanism of Gold Diffusion into Silicon

Gold was found to diffuse into silicon by a complex mechanism involving a vacancy‐controlled interstitial‐substitutional equilibrium. This led to very complex diffusion concentration profiles. In analyzing the problem, a new experimental value was found for the self‐diffusion coefficient of silicon, 1.81×104 exp(−112±20 kcal/RT) cm2/sec, which compared very favorably with previous data on diffusion of bismuth, germanium, and tin in silicon. The interstitial gold‐diffusion coefficient was found to be 2.4×10−4 exp(−8.9±2 kcal/RT), the substitutional gold‐diffusion coefficient to be 2.75×10−3 exp(−47±10 kcal/RT), the equilibrium‐interstitial gold solubility to be 5.95×1024 exp(−58±10 kcal/RT), and the equilibrium‐substitutional gold solubility (Collin's data) below 1200°C to be 8.15×1022 exp(−40.6 kcal/RT).
Rheology and curing characteristics of epoxy–clay nanocomposites

Diglycidyl ethers of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) epoxy resin, filled separately with organoclay (OC) and unmodified clay (UC), were synthesized at room temperature and at high temperature (80 °C) by mechanical shear mixing. The room temperature curing (RTC) and high temperature curing (HTC) were carried out with the addition of triethylene tetramine (TETA) and diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) curing agents respectively. The OC used was alkyl ammonium modified montmorillonite (MMT) and the UC was Na+-MMT. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the structure and morphology of the nanocomposites. The influence of OC and UC particles on rheology and curing characteristics was studied. The rate of increase in viscosity was higher for OC-filled resin than that of the UC-filled resin. The curing study showed that the amine ions of the OC aided the polymerization process and favoured the curing at low temperature over the curing of unfilled epoxy resin. The tensile properties were enhanced for epoxy filled with OC particles rather than those filled with UC particles. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Nano-Bio Hybrid Electronic Sensors for Chemical Detection and Disease Diagnostics

The need to detect low concentrations of chemical or biological targets is ubiquitous in environmental monitoring and biomedical applications. The goal of this work was to address challenges in this arena by combining nanomaterials grown via scalable techniques with chemical receptors optimized for the detection problem at hand. Advances were made in the CVD growth of graphene, carbon nanotubes and molybdenum disulfide. Field effect transistors using these materials as the channel were fabricated using methods designed to avoid contamination of the nanomaterial surfaces. These devices were used to read out electronic signatures of binding events of molecular targets in both vapor and solution phases. Single-stranded DNA functionalized graphene and carbon nanotubes were shown to be versatile receptors for a wide variety of volatile molecular targets, with characteristic responses that depended on the DNA sequence and the identity of the target molecule, observable down to part-per-billion concentrations. This technology was applied to increasingly difficult detection challenges, culminating in a study of blood plasma samples from patients with ovarian cancer. By working with large arrays of devices and studying the devices' responses to pooled plasma samples and plasma samples from 24 individuals, sufficient data was collected to identify statistically robust patterns that allow samples to be classified as coming from individuals who are healthy or have either benign or malignant ovarian tumors. Solution-phase detection experiments focused on the design of surface linkers and specific receptors for medically relevant molecular targets. A non-covalent linker was used to attach a known glucose receptor to carbon nanotubes and the resulting hybrid was shown to be sensitive to glucose at the low concentrations found in saliva, opening up a potential pathway to glucose monitoring without the need for drawing blood. In separate experiments, molybdenum disulfide transistors were functionalized with a reengineered variant of a μ-opiod receptor, a cell membrane protein that binds opiods and regulates pain and reward signaling in the body. The resulting devices were shown to bind opiods with affinities that agree with measurements in the native state. This result could enable not only an advanced opiod sensor but moreover could be generalized into a solid-state drug testing platform, allowing the interactions of novel pharmaceuticals and their target proteins to be read out electronically. Such a system could have high throughput due to the quick measurement, scalable device fabrication and high sensitivity of the molybdenum disulfide transistor. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Physics & Astronomy First Advisor A. T. Charlie Johnson This dissertation is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn. edu/edissertations/1079
Micro-Morphological Features of Cured Urea-Formaldehyde Adhesives Detected by Transmission Electron Microscopy

This work examined micro-morphological features responsible for the crystallinity of cured urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesives, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to identify and characterize distinctive crystalline structures in resins obtained with different formaldehyde to urea (F/U) mole ratios and hardener levels. The TEM examination of cured UF resin adhesives impregnated into wood cell lumen revealed the presence of spherical particles with variable diameter and number per unit area. The diameter and number/area of the spherical particles increase for decreasing F/U mole ratio and decrease with an increase in the hardener levels, an effect which is closely related to their crystallinity. Therefore, the present findings suggest that the spherical particles are responsible for the crystallinity of cured UF resin adhesives. The results also indicate that crystalline structures represent an inherent feature of cured UF resin adhesives, particularly for low F/U mole ratios, even though these resins are usually classified as amorphous and cross-linked thermosetting polymers.
Predicting mobilization of suspended sediments and phosphorus from soil properties: a case study from the north west Po valley, Piemonte, Italy

Pedotransfer functions are useful for helping environmental agencies to identify soils vulnerable to both total suspended sediment (TSS) and phosphorus (P) mobilization and transport in storm runoff in order to establish strategies to control eutrophication. The DESPRAL test was applied to 90 different and representative agricultural soils of the Piemonte region in the west Po valley, Italy, to investigate the relationships between soil properties and potential TSS and P mobilization in land runoff. Sixty six percent of the variance in TSS is explained by clay, silt and Olsen P content using a multiple regression. Particulate P (PP) was the dominant fraction [89% of total P (TP)] dispersed by the test. The P enrichment of the dispersed particles is strongly related to the amount of TSS and soil clay content according to an exponential function, with a threshold of 20% clay below which sediment P content and PER (P enrichment ratio) increased. The ratio of PP to TSS is also significantly related to the P concentration of soil clay content (r2 = 0.69). The soluble reactive P (RP) fraction could be estimated by soil Olsen P (r2 = 0.74). Whilst the study suggests some key relationships between soil properties and potential mobilization of sediment and soluble P from cultivated soils of the Piemonte region, soil properties could not be used to estimate the amount of TP or particulate P dispersed by the test. Identification of the risk of TSS, PP and TP transfer within individual fields cannot simply rely on pedotransfer functions but must take account of local site conditions, crop cover and variable management.
An integrated signal validation system for nuclear power plants

The optimal control and safe operation of a nuclear power plant requires reliable information concerning the state of the process. Signal validation is the detection, isolation, and characterization of faulty signals. Properly validated process signals can provide increased plant availability and reliability of operator actions. This paper reports on a comprehensive signal validation software system developed for application to nuclear power plants. This system combines some previously established fault detection methodologies as well as some newly developed modules. The techniques have been implemented in a modular architecture that allows for the addition or removal of signal validation modules as deemed necessary. Intramodule confidence factors describing the validity of a given signal are derived using fuzzy membership functions. A final evaluation of signal status is made by the system executive based on results from each signal validation module.
POLYSOAPS VIA ALTERNATING OLEFIN/SO2 COPOLYMERS

Preparation des polymeres (CHR-CH 2 SO 2 ) (R=(CH 2 ) 9 N + Me 2 (CH 2 ) 3 SO 3 − , (CH 2 ) 8 CO[NC 4 H 8 N + (Me)([CH 2 ] 3 SO 3 − )] et R=CH 2 OCH 2 CHOHCH 2 N + Me(C 10 H 21 )(CH 2 ) 3 SO 3 − ) par copolymerisation spontanee des sels d'ammonium vinyliques correspondants avec SO 2 dans l'eau. Leurs proprietes de surface et de solubilisation de molecules hydrophobes en solution aqueuse sont caracteristiques de polysavons
A ZEKE photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio study of the cis- and trans-isomers of formanilide: Characterizing the cationic amide bond ?

The cis- and trans- conformational isomers of formanilide, an aromatic amide which represents a model peptide, have been studied using zero electron kinetic energy (ZEKE) spectroscopy to investigate the properties of cationic amides. Accurate ionization energies of 67 408 and 67 710 ± 5 cm−1 were measured for the trans- and cis-isomers respectively, allowing the trans-conformation to be assigned as the lower energy conformation in the D0 state. For trans-formanilide, the ZEKE spectra are dominated by excitation of the in-plane side-arm bend (211 cm−1) and the amide stretch (952 cm−1), while the cis-formanilide spectra are dominated by the out-of-plane side-arm bend (80 cm−1) and the C1–N torsion (126 cm−1). Ab initio (HF/MP2) and CASSCF calculations are presented to support the experimental observations.
Two‐Site/Two‐Region Models for Pesticide Transport and Degradation: Theoretical Development and Analytical Solutions

Analytical solutions are presented for two convection-dispersion type transport models useful for studying simultaneous pesticide sorption and degradation. One solution is for the familiar two-site sorption model in which adsorption-desorption proceeds kinetically on one fraction of the sorption sites, and at equilibrium on the remaining sites. Another solution holds for two-region (or mobile-immobile liquid phase) transport appropriate for aggregated or fractured media (.)
The Hosoya-Wiener Polynomial of Weighted Trees

Formulas for the Wiener number and the Hosoya-Wiener polynomial of edge and vertex weighted graphs are given in terms of edge and path contributions. For a rooted tree, the Hosoya-Wiener polynomial is expressed as a sum of vertex contributions. Finally, a recursive formula for computing the Hosoya-Wiener polynomial of a weighted tree is given.
Productivity of capsicum influenced by conjoint application of isolated indigenous PGPR and chemical fertilizers

ABSTRACT Inorganic fertilizers alone cannot sustain high levels of productivity. This study was conducted to determine whether higher productivity of capsicum could be achieved by conjoint application of chemical fertilizers and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Four PGPR isolates (RS2, RS3, RS4, and RS7) from capsicum roots and rhizosphere were evaluated at Solan, Himachal Pradesh (India), during 2009–2012. Two best performers: RS2 and RS7 were tried singly or in consortium with different levels of chemical fertilizers under field conditions, Randomized Block Design, replicated thrice. The conjoint use of 100% recommended nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) doses through chemical fertilizers (RDF) plus PGPR significantly increased fruit yield, plant height, and biomass by 37%, 20%, and 30%, respectively, over sole application of 100% RDF (control). Further, response of capsicum to 80% RDF plus PGPR was statistically comparable with control. The results, therefore, indicate the potential of isolated PGPR strains to substitute about 20% NP fertilizers besides enhanced productivity of capsicum.
Relationship of breast fillet deboning time to shear force, pH, cooking loss and color in broilers stunned by high electrical current

Selostus: Korkealla virranvoimakkuudella tainnutettujen broilereiden rintafileen irroitushetken vaikutus lihaksen leikkausvoiman vastukseen, pH:hon, keittohavikkiin ja variin
THE ADMINISTRATIVE CAPACITY INDEX OF STATE ADMINISTRATION

This paper is based on a research conducted among 80 administration groups of the executive authority. The aim of the survey was to measure the administrative capacity of those groups by 44 indicators. Respondents were selected according to the structure of the state administration formed by the number of employees in each unit of administration. The findings of the research were analysed by computing the average values of the scores of capacity; by employing average weighted values and by determining the uncertainty factor when assessing the capacity of different structures of state administration. We have designed a new, aggregate index for measuring administrative capacity – the Index of the administrative capacity of state administration for good governance. By employing that index, we are able to monitor the systematic progress in terms of current concepts about administrative capacity, applicable to the entire system of state administration.
Modelling, assessment and applications of multiple quantum well optical absorption modulators

This thesis describes a wide-ranging investigation of the multiple quantum well electroabsorption modulator, from the physical effect governing its operation to the systems in which it might be used. First, the important properties of the device are discussed and the parameters describing the modulation performance defined. A physical model for the field dependent absorption spectrum of quantum well material is developed and used to assess, understand and model the modulator operation. For realistic results this calculation includes the reduction in oscillator strength and the field-enhanced broadening mechanisms. These are inhomogeneous broadening mechanisms caused by well width fluctuations and field variations within the device. The theory is used to explain results from an experimental investigation into modulators of different well widths. Using the above model the optimal design of a non-resonant modulator is determined. It is found that in a transverse modulator, for operation at a particular voltage, there is an optimum thickness of device and this is used to investigate expected device performance. The work is briefly extended to embrace resonant devices such as the asymmetric Fabry-Perot modulator. Some applications of the modulator are then considered. The design of an optical interconnect for an electronic chip is investigated, with the intent of minimising the power dissipation for a optical link and comparing that dissipation with that of the equivalent electronic link. Finally new fibre-optic architectures are proposed that utilise the functional duality of the MQW diode as both modulator and detector.
Crystallographic, magnetic and electronic structures of a new layered ferromagnetic compound Cr2Ge2Te6

Cr2Ge2Te6 is a new layered material belonging to the lamellar ternary M2X2Te6 chalcogenides family (where M is a 3+ oxidation state metal and X2 a silicon or a germanium pair). It was synthesized from a stoichiometric mixture of the elements and heated in a sealed evacuated quartz tube for 20 d at 700 degrees C. The crystal symmetry is rhombohedral, of space group R3, with the following hexagonal cell parameters: a=b=0.68275(4) nm, c=2.05619(9) nm, V=0.830 1(1) nm3 and Z=3. The crystal structure of Cr2Ge2Te6 was solved using both X-ray single-crystal diffraction and neutron powder diffraction data. Growth defects were detected and investigated using high-resolution electron microscopy. The magnetic structure and properties of Cr2Ge2Te6 have been determined by neutron powder diffraction and susceptibility and magnetization measurements. Below 61 K, Cr2Ge2Te6 is ferromagnetic with spins aligned along the c axis of the cell ( mu (Cr3+)=2.80(4)mu B at 5 K). The thermal evolution of the magnetic moments below Tc is given. At room temperature, Cr2Ge2Te6 presents a rho =0.02 Omega cm resistivity. Above Tc, the thermal evolution of the resistivity can be fitted as rho =exp(A/kT), where A=0.2 eV. Band-structure and crystal orbitals of Cr2Ge2Te6 have been calculated using the extended Huckel method and indicate no gap but highly localized Cr 3d states, giving evidence of a hopping mechanism for Cr2Ge2Te6, electrical conductivity.
Long‐term irrigation effects on soil organic matter under temperate grazed pasture

Irrigation of grazed pasture significantly increases plant and animal production, which may in turn increase soil organic carbon (SOC), depending on the balance between primary production and below‐ground allocation of C on the one hand, and the decomposition and export of C from the soil on the other. To evaluate the effect of irrigation on SOC we sampled a grazed pasture field experiment maintained under different irrigation treatments for 62 years. The dry‐land treatment in this experiment only received rainfall at an average of 740 mm year−1. The 10 and 20% irrigation treatments involved application of 100 mm of irrigation when the soil reached 10 and 20% gravimetric moisture content, respectively. The 10 and 20% irrigation treatments received average total annual irrigation inputs of 260 and 770 mm year−1, respectively. The 10 and 20% irrigation treatments increased pasture production by 44 and 74%, respectively, compared with that from the dry‐land. Analysis of soils taken to 1‐m depth revealed that amounts of SOC were not significantly different between the dry‐land (125.5 Mg ha−1) and 10% irrigation (117.8 Mg ha−1) treatments, but these were significantly greater than the 20% irrigation treatment (93.0 Mg ha−1). At 50–100 cm, SOC was also less (34%) for the 20% irrigation treatment than for the 10% irrigation treatment. The relative quantities of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in the light fraction (LF) at all soil depths decreased successively from dry‐land to the 20% irrigation treatment, suggesting that wetter soil conditions accelerated decomposition of the LF fraction, a comparatively labile SOC fraction. The C‐to‐N ratio of the bulk soil was also less for the 20% irrigation treatment, indicating more decomposed SOM in the irrigated than in the dry‐land treatment. There were no significant differences in the microbial biomass between the three different irrigation treatments, but the respiration rate (CO2 production) of soil organisms in the 20% irrigation treatment was consistently greater than in the other two treatments. It was concluded that large increases in plant productivity as a result of irrigation had either no effect or significantly reduced SOC stocks under grazed pasture. The reduced SOC content observed in the 20% irrigation treatment was attributed to a combination of increased C losses in animal products and drainage associated with greater stocking, together with accelerated decomposition of organic C resulting from elevated soil moisture maintained throughout the growing season.
Electrochemical Studies on Uranium in the Presence of Organic Acids

We examined electrochemical redox reactions of UO2 2+ in perchlorate and organic acid (oxalic, malonic, succinic, adipic, L-malic, and L-tartaric acids) solutions using cyclic voltammetry to reveal the effects of complex formation with organic acids on the redox behavior. In the perchlorate and organic acid solutions, a redox reaction of UO2 2+/UO2 + and an oxidation reaction of U(IV) produced by a disproportionation of UO2 + were observed. The peak potentials of the UO2 2+ reduction showed a good linear relationship with the stability constants of 1:1 UO2 2+-organic complexes. In the presence of malonic acid, the redox potential for UO2 2+/UO2 + was constant at pH 1-2 and 5-6 while it decreased with an increase in pH from 2 to 5. Additionally, it was independent of malonate concentration at 0.1–0.5 M while it decreased with an increase in the concentration from 0.005 to 0.1 M. Based on the experimental and the speciation calculation results, we determined the redox reactions of UO2 2+-malonate complexes as a function of pH and malonate concentration. We also determined the redox reactions of UO2 2+-oxalate complexes in the same way.