Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and barrier properties of edible starch–protein-based films

The present investigation dealt with the mechanical properties, water-vapor transmission behavior at different relative humidity conditions, and DSC thermograms of edible films formulated using various proteins (casein, gelatin, albumin) in combination with starch and nonthermal as well as intense thermal blending. Nonthermal blended film showed in the DSC thermogram a double Tg, indicating poor miscibility of the components and, hence, a poor film-forming property. However, the DSC thermogram of all the films based on intense thermal blending showed a single Tg, indicating the complete molecular miscibility of the components. Casein-based film showed a lower water-vapor transmission rate, water gain at different relative humidity conditions, and higher tensile strength compared to its counterparts containing gelatin and albumin. Since the casein–starch blend gave better film properties, a blend of hydrophobic carnauba wax and casein was prepared to compare the properties of hydrophilic–hydrophilic and hydrophobic–hydrophilic blends. Both these blends compared well with respect to the water-vapor transmission rate. Wax-based film showed multiphased behavior in the DSC thermograms and the percent elongation was lower as compared to the casein–starch blend. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 64–71, 2003
Screening for Free Radical Scavenging Activities of Extracts from Coccinia grandis and Centella asiatica

Background : Coccinia grandis and Centella asistica are tropical vegetables and acclaimed in Thai folk medicind for treatment of various diseases. The mechanisms responsible for their pharmacological effects remain uncertain. The antioxidant activities. Are proposed to play role in th mechanism of action. Objectives : To investigate the antioxidant activities of C.grandis and C.asiatica. Method : Free radical scavenging activity was assessed by 1, 1 – Diphenyl – 2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Total antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Intracellular oxygen radicals scavenging effect in rats peritoneal macrophages was evaluated by using fluorescent dichlorofluorescein probe. Results : C.grandis and C.asiatica extracts showed ability to scavenge DPPH radical with EC 50 values of 164.78 + 5.63 and 172.33 + 9.13 ug/ml, respectively. It appeared that their potency were about 100 folds less than that of ascorbic acid and trolox. Total antioxidant power of wxtracts, as assayed by FRAP method revealed that 1 mg of C. Grandis extract had reducing power comparable to ascorbic acid 8.23 + 0.64 ug or FeCl 2 11.4+0.92 ug. In addition, both plant extracts at the concentration of 100, 300 ug/ma and tiron 10, 30 ug/ml significantly decreased the formation of oxygen radicals generated in rat peritoneal macrophages. Conclusins : Although both extracts had relatively low reducing power in these in vitro assays, however, thir antioxidant effects as shown in peritoneal macrophages may be of significance and worthwhile for further investigation.
Survival of free and microencapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis and their effect on texture of feta cheese

The survival and the effect of free and encapsulated probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus DD 910 and Bifidobacterium lactis DO 920) on pH, high salt environment, water-holding capacity, exo-polysaccharide production and influence on the textural attributes of feta cheese were studied over a 7-week storage. Addition of probiotic bacteria either in the free or encapsulated form slowed acid development during storage. Addition of encapsulated probiotic cultures increased water-holding capacity of the cheese due to the production of exo-polysaccharides and the polymer (alginate as encapsulant material) and filler material (Hi Maize starch) added. There was approximately 2 and 3 log cycle loss in the number of cells with free and encapsulated probiotic cultures respectively over a 7-week period. Microencapsulation did not offer protection to the probiotic bacteria, due to the open texture of cheese, possible disintegration of microcapsules in brine solution and a higher salt uptake when encapsulated cultures were incorporated. The addition of probiotic cultures, either in the free or encapsulated states, did not seem to significantly affect textural parameters such as springiness and cohesive-ness of the cheese over the 7-week period. There were, however, significant differences (p<0.05) in the chewiness, gumminess and hardness of the feta cheese when probiotic cultures were incorporated. This study has shown that calcium-induced alginate-starch micro capsules did not offer significant protection to maintain the viability of probiotic bacteria; however, coating of the micro capsules, selection of probiotic strains that are acid and salt tolerant and produces exo-polysaccharides may allow the production of a cheese with greater survival rate of probiotic bacteria and an improved texture.
Catalytic cracking of acetic acid to acetic anhydride

Catalytic cracking of acetic acid using triethyl phosphate and silica gel catalysts was investigated. The desired reaction leading to ketene is accompanied by side reactions: two parallel with respect to acetic acid decomposition and the consecutive ketene decomposition reactions. Effect of temperature, catalyst concentration, space velocity, and pressure was studied in detail. Triethyl phosphate was found to be a much better catalyst than silica gel. The optimum yield of ketene was obtained at 750° C, 100 mm. of Hg pressure, and apparent contact time of 5.687 × 10-4 hour.
Quantification de biomarqueurs protéiques dans des matrices biologiques complexes par spectrométrie de masse : développements et applications

Le travail presente ici s'est penche sur les problemes rencontres sur ce type d'etudes proteomiques, et sur les solutions qui peuvent etre explorees pour ameliorer le debit d'evaluation des candidats biomarqueurs. Les peptides a methionine sont generalement evites en raison de leur sensibilite a l'oxydation. Cependant, il semblait interessant d'etudier leur modification endogene pouvant affecter les processus biologiques. Une premiere evaluation de l'impact de l'oxydation des apolipoproteins dans le cas de la maladie d'Alzheimer, a permis de mettre de cote ce biomarqueur potentiel, et de faire apparaitre un certain nombre de problemes lies au prelevement et au stockage des echantillons biologiques. L'evaluation de dispositifs DBS (Dried Blood Spot) et Vivid a partir d'un panel de 32 proteines sanguines a permis de fournir une premiere solution envisageable pour maitriser ces problemes. Par la suite, un nouveau mode de quantification des peptides appele MRM3 a ete utilise pour depasser la complexite de la matrice biologique, et fournir une evaluation fiable des niveaux de concentration de 2 proteines plasmatiques, la C-Reactive protein et la TIMP-1, ainsi que 2 proteines urinaires, l'aquaporin-2 et la podocin. Pour ameliorer la sensibilite d'analyse et reduire les couts de solvants necessaires aux analyses, l'evaluation d'une plate-forme de micro-chromatographie a ete realisee par comparaison a une plate-forme narrow-bore. Cette etude a permis de mettre en evidence l'impact important de l'effet matrice sur le processus analytique, necessitant de developper de nouvelles strategies de travail. Enfin, afin de reduire la complexite de l'echantillon, l'evaluation de cartouches d'extraction en phase solide a base de large taille de pores a ete realise, et un protocole developpe a permis d'analyser avec succes des enzymes contenus dans un echantillon de lessive commerciale. De plus, la duree necessaire a la preparation d'echantillons biologiques a pu etre fortement reduite en combinant une digestion rapide assistee par temperature combinee au dessalage en ligne, afin de permettre l'analyse quantitative des proteines qu'il contient seulement quelques heures apres son arrivee au laboratoire
Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of endophytic fungi isolated from Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of endophytic fungi isolated from Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav ( P. crocatum ). Methods Ethyl acetate extracts were obtained by liquid-liquid partition of fermentation broth of endophytes followed by evaporation. The antimicrobial activities were determined by diffusion techniques followed by thin layer chromatography-bioautography. Cytotoxicity studies were conducted using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Data generated were used to plot a dose-response curve, of which the concentration of extract required to kill 50% of cell population (IC 50 ) was determined. Results Two endophytes were isolated from leaves and stem of P. crocatum , designated as DS1 and BS1. Ethyl acetate extracts of BS1 was found to inhibit the growth of Bacillus subtilis , Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at minimum dose of 31.25, 125 and 250 µg, respectively. thin layer chromatography-bioautography of this extract resulted in at least two inhibition zones. BS1 extract also inhibited the growth of WiDr and T47D cell lines with IC 50 of 120.38 µg/mL and 37.43 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusions BS1 extract produced by endophytic fungi of P. crocatum is potential to be developed as source of novel bioactive compounds.
Non-Contact Electrostatic Surface Force Imaging of Single Protein Filaments using Intermolecular Force Microscopy

An electrostatic force image from a single protein filament was measured and visualized in pure water using Intermolecular Force Microscopy (IFM). Refining atomic force microscopy in combination with very flexible cantilevers and an optical feedback system that controlled the position of the cantilever allowed these non-contact measurements to be made with piconewton and nanometer accuracy.Cantilever probes with positively charged ZnO whisker crystals as the scanning stylus were used to probe the electrostatic features of myosin filament surface. In contrast to topographical images obtained by a conventional atomic force microscope (AFM), non-contact force images revealed two areas on the myosin filament with different charge densities. A central bare zone had the greatest negative charge in the filament, which neutralized the repulsive interaction between the charged probe and a charged glass surface. The remainder of the filament was less negatively charged, because positively charged heads decreased the net charge density of the filament. This interpretation was supported by the observation that electrostatic repulsive forces exist between the S1 self-assembled monolayer formed on gold and the positively charged whiskers in a low salt solution. Thus, it is the electrostatic features of the protein surface, rather than the surface topography, that are measured and visualized at the molecular level.
Relative Reactivities of Middle Lamella and Secondary Wall Lignin of Black Spruce Wood

Key ward s Reactivity Middle lamella lignin Secondary wall lignin Chlorine Sodium bisulphite Chlorine dioxide Phenolic hydroxyl Black spruce wood Picea mariana Schlüsselwörter (Sachgebiete) Reaktivität Mitteilamellen-Lignin Sekundärwand-Lignin Chlor Natriumbisulfit Chlordioxid Phenol-Hydroxyl Nordamerik. Schwarzfichte Relative Reactivities of Middle Lamella and Secondary Wall Lignin of Black Spruce Wood
Use of graphene oxide nanosheets to regulate the microstructure of hardened cement paste to increase its strength and toughness

Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets are prepared by oxidation of graphite followed by sonication exfoliation. FTIR and AFM results indicate that the GO nanosheets have a thickness of about 6 nm, and that the GO surface is covered with oxygenated groups (–OH, –O–, –COOH and –SO3H). Hardened cement pastes containing different proportions of the GO nanosheets are prepared, and it is found that the GO formed both flower-like and polyhedron-like crystals, with these effects increasing as the GO content increases from 0.01% to 0.06% by weight of the cement. The compressive strength and toughness of the corresponding hardened cement paste are found to be markedly increased compared to a control sample. The results suggest that the GO nanosheets can control the crystalline form and assembly of the cement hydration products. A formation mechanism for regular hydration crystals is proposed, based on the experimental results. This research indicates significant potential for the practical application of GO nanosheets in the preparation of cement-based materials of high strength and durability.
Biosorption of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) by marine algae biomass

The use of biological materials or biomass as adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions or wastewater is increasingly getting attention. In the present studies, biosorption of heavy metals (i.e Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) by non living biomass of marine algae, Sargassum sp. , was investigated according to batch and column techniques. The experimental variables include contact time, initial metal concentration, biosorbent dosage, metal type, pH, solution composition, biosorbent pre-treatment, flow rate and bed height. The residual concentration of the metals in solution was determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). The results showed that the adsorption of all the metals by the biosorbent was rapid and approached maximum within 30 min contact time but attained equilibrium after 120 min. The adsorption obeyed pseudo-2nd order kinetics (RÂ²-1.0) with the rate constant, Kâ‚‚ following the order Pb > Cu - Zn > Cd. The amount of each metal adsorbed increased proportionally from approximately 980 I¼g/g to 4900 I¼g/g while percentage removal was fairly constant (- 98 %) with increase in initial metal concentration from 10 I¼g/mL to 50 I¼g/mL. The equilibrium adsorption data fitted better to Freundlich isotherm (RÂ² = 0.97 - 0.99) compared with Langmuir isotherm (RÂ² = 0.74 - 0.88). The calculated maximum monolayer adsorption, q max of the biomass vary according to the type of metal: Cd (16.67 mg/g) > Pb (14.29 mg/g) > Cu = Zn (12.50 mg/g). Percent adsorption increased slightly (i.e 2.32 % - 15.9 %) with increase in the biosorbent dosage from 0.1 to 1.0 g. The adsorption of all the metals increased with increase in pH from pH 2.0 to 4.0, with no further significant increase beyond pH 4.0. Metal removal efficiency was lower in mixed metal solutions compared to single metal solutions. The presence of other metal ions in solution resulted in the reduction of the adsorption of a particular metal in the order Zn > Cu > Cd > Pb, and this was more apparent at high initial metal concentrations. Acid pre-treatment of the biomass resulted in the reduction (14.5 % - 48.8 %) in its efficiency to adsorb the metals. Meanwhile, the results of the column experiments showed that the efficiency of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb removal decreased with the increase in flow rate but increased with the increase in bed height. Overall, non-living biomass of the locally available marine algae, Sargassum sp. , have promising potential as biosorbent for the heavy metals Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb
The Effect of Storage Time on the Quality of Olive Oil Produced by Cooperatives for Olive Growers in the North of Morocco

Olive oil is much appreciated for its nutritional value which is strongly related to the quality and olive oil shelf life is affected by storage time. The effect of storage time was studied for olive oil produced by cooperatives for olive growers in the north of Morocco, to evaluate the quality and mark improvement in quality parameters of olive oils produced in this region stored at room temperatures in dark and monitored for 12 months. The samples which were studied collected from the North of Morocco are specific to the region of Ouazzane in Loukkos area were examined for physical and chemical properties (free fatty acid (% oleic acid), peroxide values (meq O 2 /kg), saponification number (mg KOH/g), iodine value (g /100 g), specific absorbance values (k232, k270), refractive index, pH) and total phenol content. This work reports changes in the major quality parameters of olive oils samples stored at room temperature in dark and monitored every three months for one year and all olive oil samples compared with International Olive Oil Council (IOOC), were not exceed the limits and exhibited remarkable physicochemical properties and could be useful as edible oils and industrial applications after one year.
Mechanisms of Graphene Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Growth

Graphene chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth is the most studied method for graphene synthesis. It has the advantages of synthesizing very large area graphene, easy to controlling the number of layers and easy for transfer from the catalyst surface to the desired substrates. But the quality of graphene CVD samples is still not as good as those made by the mechanical peeling method. So, improving the quality of CVD synthesized graphene is the primary objective of study. To achieve this requires careful experimental design with the guidance of detailed and insightful mechanism of growth. Although a great number of experimental and theoretical efforts have been dedicated to the understanding of graphene CVD growth, our knowledge is far from sufficient to guide the experimental design. So, here we plan to briefly present the recent status of graphene CVD growth, especially the theoretical understanding on the mechanism in this chapter.
The Legacy of Janos S. Petofi: Text Linguistics, Literary Theory and Semiotics

Janos S. Petofi (1931-2013) was one of the founders of Text Linguistics in Germany in the early `70s. He developed different text models, the most famous of which were the Text Structure World Structure Theory (TeSWeST) and Semiotic Textology. In this volume, some of his colleagues and disciples discuss his theoretical contributions to prove the enormous impact of his thoughts in the fields of linguistics, literary theory, rhetoric and semiotics. The essays here consider the notion of coherence, which Petofi deemed to be the only sufficient condition for textuality, the relationships between his textual models and disciplines such as cognitive, computational and corpus linguistics, and his contributions to the analysis of literary and multimedial texts.
Sources of N2O–N following simulated animal treading of ungrazed pastures

It has been previously hypothesised that the treading of pastures by grazing animals can increase nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions as the result of reduced plant N uptake. In addition, grazing animals urinate and defecate on to soils which can also increase the N2O emissions. To avoid these additional N inputs, a treading machine was used in two field experiments where the pre-grazing dry matter (DM) was present or removed to test the above hypothesis. The N2O emissions were measured for 47 and 30 days afterwards, respectively. The soil nitrate (NO3−–N) pool was 15N labelled prior to treading in Experiment 2. Treading induced greater N2O emissions and reduced herbage DM yields (by 31%–41%) and soil NO3−–N concentrations when soil gravimetric water contents ranged from 0.45 to 0.63 g water/g soil. A comparison of treading in the presence and absence of pre-grazing DM showed that reduced plant N uptake did not induce greater N2O emissions. Rather, the 15N labelling of the NO3−–N pool indicated this pool contributed to the N2O emissions under treading. In addition, 15N labelling showed other soil–N pools became available as a consequence of either, (1) treading inducing soil perturbation and releasing N from the soil organic matter–N and/or plant root–N pools, or (2) as a result of simulated grazing causing the release of plant root–N. Soil water soluble carbon (C) also increased under treading in the absence of pasture, supporting the theory that organic–N was released from either the soil organic matter (OM) or plant root pools. Further research should investigate the effect of treading on the turnover and contribution of organic–N pools (roots, OM) in pasture soils in order to more fully understand the contributions these make to background N2O emissions and effects on N and C cycling in pasture soils.
Interfacial Phenomena and Convection

Interfacial phenomena driven by heat or mass transfer are widespread in science and various branches of engineering. Research in this area has become quite active in recent years, attributable in part, at least, to the entry of physicists and their sophisticated experimental techniques into the field. Until now, however, the field has lacked a readable account of the recent developments. Interfacial Phenomena and Convection remedies this problem by furnishing a self-contained monograph that examines a rich variety of phenomena in which interfaces pay a crucial role. From a unified perspective that embraces physical chemistry, fluid mechanics, and applied mathematics, the authors study recent developments related to the Marangoni effect, including patterned convection and instabilities, oscillatory/wavy phenomena, and turbulent phenomena. They examine Benard layers subjected to transverse and longitudinal thermal gradients and phenomena involving surface tension gradients as the driving forces, including falling films, drops, and liquid bridges. It is only in the past two or three decades that researchers have performed suitable, clear-cut experiments involving interfacial phenomena, and the stage is now set for a virtual explosion of the field. Interfacial Phenomena and Convection will bring you quickly up to date on the advances realized and prepare you to both use the results and to make further advances.
Development and Optimization of NOx Reduction Catalysts using Statistical Analysis

Increasing regulation and a push towards fuel-efficient automobile engines has driven the development of new NOx emission removal technology for natural gas reciprocating engines and diesel engines. While many technologies have been developed, one of the more promising advances has been the patented dual catalyst approach, which both oxidizes and reduces NOx in the presence of a reducing agent. The system operates by first oxidizing nitrogen monoxide to nitrogen dioxide over a cobalt-based catalyst, and then reducing the nitrogen dioxide to nitrogen over a reducing palladium-based catalyst under the presence of methane (reducing agent). The process is based on findings that it is thermodynamically easier to reduce nitrogen dioxide than nitrogen monoxide and the dual catalyst has shown experimentally to obtain nitrogen yields of close to 90% when operating under simulated exhaust conditions. While the approach has been effective in reducing NOx under dry conditions, the reduction catalyst has shown to deactivate in the presence of water vapor, a common component in engines. This report focuses on the development of new, water-resistant, reduction catalyst formulations that are active for NOx reduction with the emphasis on activity. Two pathways were chosen for the synthesis of new catalysts. The first pathway focused on modifying the preparation technique from incipient wetness impregnation to sol-gel technique, which changed the preparation from a physical route to a chemical route. Several levels of alkoxide concentration and nominal sulfuric acid loading were studied to see how these sol-gel parameters impacted surface area, pore volume, and activity. ANOVA and regression modeling were used as a method to determine parameter significance and for optimization work. Results indicated that the nominal sulfate loading heavily impacted the surface area and pore volume with a maximum occurring in the system that may be linked to monolayer surface coverage of sulfate. The alkoxide concentration was less important but the analysis indicated the presence of an interaction effect between the sulfate and alkoxide concentration. XPS data taken on these indicates that samples prepared with an alkoxide