Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nickel oxide growth on Si (111), c-Al2O3 and FTO/glass by pulsed laser deposition

NiO was grown on Si (111), c-Al2O3 and FTO/glass substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies revealed that layers grown on c-Al2O3 were fcc NiO with a dense morphology of cubic grains that were strongly (111) oriented along the growth direction. The relatively low ω rocking curve linewidth, of 0.12°suggests that there may have been epitaxial growth on the c-Al2O3 substrate. XRD and SEM indicated that films grown on Si (111) were also fcc NiO, with cubic grains, but that the grain orientation was random. This is consistent with the presence of an amorphous SiO2 layer at the surface of the Si substrate, which precluded epitaxial growth. NiO grown at lower temperature (200°C) on temperature-sensitive FTO/glass substrates showed no evidence of crystallinity in XRD and SEM studies. After flash annealing in air, however, peaks characteristic of randomly oriented fcc NiO appeared in the XRD scans and the surface morphology became more granular in appearance. Such layers appear promising for the development of future dye-sensitised solar cell devices based on NiO grown by PLD.
A simple method to evaluate the optimal size of nanoparticles for endocytosis based on kinetic diffusion of receptors

We have presented an analytic thermodynamic model to elucidate the mechanism of receptor-mediated endocytosis of nanoparticles (NPs) and provided a simple method to evaluate the optimal size of NPs by minimizing the kinetic diffusion time of the free receptors around the bound region toward the contact surface with NPs. It is found that the average density of receptors and chemical energy release upon the binding of a ligand-receptor pair determine the optimal size of NPs if the bending modulus of membranes and the cross-sectional area of the receptor are constants. The optimal radius of NPs can be calculated based on our model.
Emerging Contaminants of Environmental Concern: Source, Transport, Fate, and Treatment

Emerging contaminants (ECs) have been wildly distributed in the environment and attracted increasing attention over the past decades. In this paper, the contaminants including pharmaceuticals and personal care products, surfactants, and their degradation products, plasticizers, pesticides, and fire retardants are comprehensively reviewed. Their main categories, properties, followed by their occurrences and behavior (fate and transport) in natural and engineered systems are discussed. The fate of the nanomaterial in different environmental compartments as well as their effects on human health and other fauna are also presented in this paper. Furthermore, the emerging molecular biology techniques to enumerate microbes capable of degrading ECs are introduced. The study has clearly showed the presence of complex mixtures of ECs, having various origins, and raised concern about their potential interactive effects in the environment.
Facile Synthesis and Structure of Novel 2,5-Disubstituted 1,3,4-Selenadiazoles

The reaction of hydrazide with carbonyl chloride in the presence of sodium carbonates leads to the corresponding 1,2-diacylhydrazines [1a–t, R1C(O)NHNHC(O)R2, R1 = aryl, R2 = aryl or alkyl] in moderate to excellent yield (57–90 %). The latter reacts with 2,4-diphenyl-1,3-diselenadiphosphetane-2,4-diselenide (Woollins' reagent, WR) in refluxing toluene to give a series of new 2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-selenadiazoles (2a–t, 51–99 % yield). All compounds were characterized spectroscopically and six compounds were characterized crystallographically. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Effect of Pasteurization Temperature on Sensory Stability of an Acidified Sugarcane Juice Beverage

To evaluate the impact of pasteurization temperature on sensory stability of sugarcane juice with passion fruit pulp, nine batches of sugarcane juice with 4 g/100 g passion fruit pulp were processed at (85, 90 and 95)°C for 30s, in triplicate). The pasteurized beverage was aseptically packaged in Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles and stored at 7°C in the dark. The beverage was characterized by physicochemical tests. Enzymatic activities of Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) and Peroxidase (POD) were determined before and after processing. Coliforms and Salmonella counts were performed to ensure safety of the beverage safety. Psychrotrophic bacteria and yeasts and molds counts were carried out to assess the microbiological stability. Color parameters were measured in the processed juice throughout the storage period. A team of fifty panelists evaluated the appearance, aroma, flavor, and overall impression of the beverage using seven-point hedonic scale tests. Sensory stability was estimated by considering score averages above four and percentages of acceptance above 60%. The pH, soluble solids and titratable acidity of end product ranged from (3.96 to 4.19), (19.7 to 20.1) oBrix, and (0.163 to 0.175) g/100 g citric acid, respectively. The three processing binomials were effective for PPO inactivation; however, complete POD inactivation was reached at 95 °C/30 s only. Coliforms and Salmonella counts were in compliance with Brazilian Regulations. The estimated sensory shelf-lives for sugarcane juice with passion fruit pulp processed at (85, 90 and 95)°C/30 s were (30, 40 and 50) days, respectively. Thus, the increase of temperature pasteurization had a positive effect on product’s stability.
Variation in Phyto- and Zooplankton of Restored Lake Uzarzewskie

Our paper reports the phyto- and zooplankton changes studied in Lake Uzarzewskie in 2010-12 under the influence of a restoration procedure. It is a small (10.6 ha), not deep (up to 7.3 m) but thermally stratified, natural, kettle-shaped lake fed with waters from the Cybina River. Water of the tributary rich in nutrients was responsible for the hypertrophic state of the lake. To improve the condition of the lake, some restoration measures were applied. They included the iron treatment method used for phosphorus inactivation. The second method used for the lake restoration was transport of the water rich in nitrates flowing from the springs at the bottom of the slope near the lake by special pipes to the deepest part of the lake, to increase the redox potential at the sediments-water interface. The most abundant group of phytoplankton were cyanobacteria, (especially in summer and autumn months), diatoms, cryptophytes, and chrysophytes. Chlorophytes were the most numerous in respect to the number of taxa. The most important taxa were Planktothrix agardhii, Aphanizomenon gracile, Pseudanabaena limnetica, Limnothrix redekei, Cyclotella, Stephanodiscus, Rhodomonas lacustris, Cryptomonas marssonii, and C. reflexa. Comparing with mean abundance and biomass of phytoplankton in 2010, a small statistically significant decrease was noted in 2011, but an increase in 2012. Some improvement in water quality judged by Shannon-Weaver diversity index and species composition, abundance, and biomass in the lake plankton was observed. Zooplankton was dominated by rotifers. Among cladocerans the most abundant were Bosmina longirostris and Eubosmina coregoni, which were not effective enough in phytoplankton control.
Modeling specific pH dependent sorption of divalent metals on montmorillonite surfaces. A review of pitfalls, recent achievements and current challenges

Within the context of the clay barrier concept for underground nuclear waste disposal, montmorillonite and bentonite have been widely used as reference materials for sorption. In some cases, accompanying modeling work aims at understanding and predicting sorption in complex natural systems where clays are assumed to be representative of the most reactive phases. This bottom-up approach relies heavily on good confidence in the mechanistic understanding of sorption phenomena. The present study aims at reviewing experimental and modeling work on montmorillonite with a focus on divalent metals experiencing pH dependent specific sorption. Current knowledge points out distinct sorption mechanisms on three types of sites: cation exchange on basal planes and surface complexation on edge surfaces with two types of sites: high energy (or strong) sites (HES) with high affinity for metals but low site density and low energy (or weak) sites (LES) with lower affinity for metals but high site density. Based on this current knowledge, criteria are given to select data relevant for surface complexation model calibration (especially ionic strength, pH, clay preparation and characterization, metal to clay ratio and solubility limits), with an emphasis on data uncertainties and reproducibility. Problematic experimental features are highlighted, especially those related to the reversibility of sorption and to the effect of the solid to liquid ratio (RSL) on sorption distribution coefficients. Guidelines for data acquisition and selection are proposed. Surface complexation models available in the literature are then tested in terms of efficiency (data fit) and mechanistic likelihood. None of the currently available models is able to satisfy both aspects. Models directly adapted from oxide surface complexation models fail in both aspects. The most efficient model (in terms of simplicity and accuracy) is a non-electrostatic model. It is the only one that reproduces pH dependent specific sorption data at a low metal clay ratio (<0.001 mol/kgclay; HES) in all selected experimental conditions, as well as data obtained at medium metal to clay ratio (∼0.01-0.05 mol/kgclay; low energy sites). To account for physical mechanisms, an electrostatic surface complexation model has been developed. It takes into account the spill-over effect of negatively charged basal surfaces over edge surfaces, a typical feature of montmorillonite, and is able to reproduce sorption data for LES but not for HES. The reasons for this failure are explained through the mathematical derivations of model equations. This approach shows that it is impossible to reconcile HES properties with an oxide-like surface complexation electrostatic model. Amongst other alternatives, a successful electrostatic surface substitution model, which is compatible with current knowledge on HES structural properties, is proposed.
3D imaging with geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes

Laser radar (ladar) systems enable many points in a scene to be resolved to produce 3D imagery. Researchers at M.I. T. 's Lincoln Laboratory have built such ladar imaging systems using arrays of silicon Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes - which are capable of detecting as little as a single photon of light - and high-speed, all-digital CMOS timing circuitry in each pixel.
Electrochemical Determination of Bisphenol A Using a Molecularly Imprinted Chitosan‐acetylene Black Composite Film Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

In this study, a simple electrochemical sensor based on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with molecularly imprinted chitosan film doping with acetylene black (AB) has been developed for the determination of bisphenol A (BPA). Several important parameters controlling the performance of the sensor are investigated and optimised. Two good linear relationships between the oxidation peak current and BPA concentration are obtained in the ranges from 0.005 to 0.20 μM and 0.50 to 10.00 μM with a detection limit of 2 nM (S/N=3). Meanwhile, the fabricated sensor shows good selectivity and high sensitivity. The construction of this sensor is relatively simple and provided a rapid and economical electrochemical method for the determination of BPA. The sensor is successfully employed to detect BPA in drinking water samples.
Correlation of mobility and molecular packing in organic transistors based on cycloalkyl naphthalene diimides

A series of cycloalkyl-substituted naphthalene tetracarboxylic diimides (Cyn-NTCDIs, n = 3–8) are prepared and the transistor properties and molecular packings are systematically investigated. Cy5–Cy8-NTCDIs have similar brickwork structures, where two molecules are located on the top of a molecule with large displacement along the molecular short axis. The intermolecular overlap is maximized when the small slipping along the molecular long axis makes the molecules nearly perpendicular to the substrate. Consequently, the mobility decreases exactly in the same order as the interlayer d-spacings.
Benzene and Methane Adsorption on Ultrahigh Surface Area Carbons Prepared from Sulphonated Styrene Divinylbenzene Resin by KOH Activation

A commercially available styrene divinylbenzene ion-exchange resin, Amberjet 1200 H, was used to prepare a series of activated carbons through carbonization and subsequent activation with varying amounts of KOH. The resulting activated carbons showed a well-developed porous structure with specific surface area in the range of 730–3870 m2 g−1, total pore volume in the range of 0.44–2.07 cm3 g−1 and micropore volume in the range of 0.30–1.59 cm3 g−1. Importantly, these structural parameters can be changed by varying the amount of KOH used for the activation. These carbons showed extremely good adsorption properties towards benzene and methane at 20°C. The best uptakes for benzene and methane (19.6 and 1.68 mmol g−1, respectively) were obtained for the carbon activated using the KOH/C ratio of 4. These values correspond to the gravimetric adsorptions of 1.53 g/g and 27 mg/g, respectively. Benzene adsorption was analyzed using the Dubinin–Radushkevich (DR) equation. The micropore volume calculated using the DR equation based on benzene adsorption corresponds well with the micropore volume calculated from nitrogen adsorption by the αs comparative method. The high values of the structural parameters and the resulting high benzene and methane uptakes render the obtained activated carbons as prospective materials for use in environmental remediation and energy-related applications such as volatile organic compound adsorption and methane storage.
The first in situ Raman spectroscopic study of San rock art in South Africa: procedures and preliminary results

Southern Africa has a rich heritage of hunter-gatherer, herder and farmer rock art traditions made by using both painted and engraved techniques. Until now, there have been only a handful of studies on the chemical analysis of the paint, as all previous types of analysis required the removal of pigment samples from the sites a practice which has been avoided. Raman spectroscopy is an ideal techniques to analyse the paint non-destructively and also offers the possibility of in situ work with portable instruments. This article describes the procedures and reports the preliminary results of the first in situ Raman spectroscopic study of rock art in South Africa (also a first worldwide), where we, first, evaluate the capability of a Raman portable instrument in very difficult conditions, second, analyse the paints in order to contribute to a better knowledge of the technology used and, third, evaluate the possible contribution of in situ analyses in conservation studies. The paintings from two different rock art sites were studied. The instrument proved to be highly suitable for in situ analyses in physically very challenging conditions. Most of the pigments and alteration products previously detected under laboratory conditions were identified, thereby giving information on both the pigments and conservation state of the paintings. A layered structure of alteration products and pigment was identified in situ for the first time by controlling the laser power, thereby obtaining the same results as in mapping experiments of cross sections of paint. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure of saccharose-based carbon and transport of confined fluids: hybrid reverse Monte Carlo reconstruction and simulation studies

We present results of the reconstruction of a saccharose-based activated carbon (CS1000a) using hybrid reverse Monte Carlo (HRMC) simulation, recently proposed by Opletal et al. [1]. Interaction between carbon atoms in the simulation is modeled by an environment dependent interaction potential (EDIP) [2,3]. The reconstructed structure shows predominance of sp2 over sp3 bonding, while a significant proportion of sp hybrid bonding is also observed. We also calculated a ring distribution and geometrical pore size distribution of the model developed. The latter is compared with that obtained from argon adsorption at 87 K using our recently proposed characterization procedure [4], the finite wall thickness (FWT) model. Further, we determine self-diffusivities of argon and nitrogen in the constructed carbon as functions of loading. It is found that while there is a maximum in the diffusivity with respect to loading, as previously observed by Pikunic et al. [5], diffusivities in the present work are 10 times larger than those obtained in the prior work, consistent with the larger pore size as well as higher porosity of the activated saccharose carbon studied here.
Sticky problems: extraction of nucleic acids from molluscs

Traditional molecular methods and omics-techniques across molluscan taxonomy increasingly inform biology of Mollusca. Recovery of DNA and RNA for such studies is challenged by common biological properties of the highly diverse molluscs. Molluscan biomineralization, adhesive structures and mucus involve polyphenolic proteins and mucopolysaccharides that hinder DNA extraction or copurify to inhibit enzyme-catalysed molecular procedures. DNA extraction methods that employ the detergent hexadecyltrimethylammoniumbromide (CTAB) to remove these contaminants importantly facilitate molecular-level study of molluscs. Molluscan pigments may stain DNA samples and interfere with spectrophotometry, necessitating gel electrophoresis or fluorometry for accurate quantification. RNA can reliably be extracted but the ‘hidden break’ in 28S rRNA of molluscs (like most protostomes) causes 18S and 28S rRNA fragments to co-migrate electrophoretically. This challenges the standard quality control based on the ratio of 18S and 28S rRNA, developed for deuterostome animals. High-AT content in molluscan rRNA prevents the effective purification of polyadenylated mRNA. Awareness of these matters aids the continuous expansion of molecular malacology, enabling work also with museum specimens and next-generation sequencing, with the latter imposing unprecedented demands on DNA quality. Alternative methods to extract nucleic acids from molluscs are available from literature and, importantly, from communications with others who study the molecular biology of molluscs. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Molluscan genomics: broad insights and future directions for a neglected phylum’.
ISOFLURANE RESPIRATORY ANESTHETIC INDEX IN CHICKENS (GALLUS GALLUS DOMESTICUS)

Abstract: Respiratory depression from isoflurane seems to be greater in birds than in mammals. Isoflurane respiratory anesthetic index (AI) has only been evaluated in ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), which indeed showed a lower AI compared to mammals, but the isoflurane AI for other avian species is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the isoflurane AI in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Six adult hens were anesthetized with isoflurane for determination of the minimum anesthetic concentration (MAC) using the bracketing method. During a second anesthetic event, the isoflurane AI was determined by progressively increasing the expired fraction of isoflurane by 0.5 times MAC until apnea was achieved (ETiso-apnea). The isoflurane AI was considered the ratio between the ETiso-apnea and the MAC. Heart rate, systolic arterial pressure, respiratory rate, and end-tidal carbon dioxide were continuously monitored throughout both anesthetic events. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effect model with Greenhouse-Geisser correction, followed by Tukey's test. The MAC for isoflurane was 1.18% ± 0.09% (mean ± SD). The ETiso-apnea was 3.31% ± 0.34% and the isoflurane AI was 2.80 ± 0.26. In chickens, isoflurane AI is similar to that measured in mammals, which is in contrast with published data in other avian species.
Extraction and Characterization of Keratin from Chicken and Swiftlet Feather

Keratin is a durable and fibrous protein of hair, nails, horns, hoofs, feathers and the epithelial cells in the outermost layers of the skin. Keratin in animals mainly presents in vertebrates such as mammals, birds and reptiles including chicken and swiftlet. This study aims to characterize keratin extracted from chicken and swiftlet feathers. The extraction of the keratin performed using dimethyl sufoxide (DMSO) at high temperature. The extracted keratin from both samples were used for the characterization process using Bradford protein assay, CHNS analysis and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. This study showed that keratin extract of swiftlet feather showed higher protein concentration (0.813 mg/mL) than keratin extract of chicken feather (0.646 mg/ml). The highest composition for keratin extract is hydrogen which are 4.97% for keratin extract from swiftlet feathers and 3.12% for keratin extract from chicken feathers. FTIR analysis exhibited that carboxyl groups and amino groups are presence in both keratin samples however, the protein value is higher in swiftlet feathers compared to chicken feathers. This study's outcome is significant in discovering keratin extract from swiftlet feathers containing high protein content due to the breakdown of disulfide bonds. Furthermore, this research is the first report on keratin characterization from swiftlet feathers that would be useful for high value future keratin study.
Printing and Laser Curing of Ag and Cu Paste - Prospects and Challenges in Additive Manufacturing

This study depicts substantial characteristics of copper and silver pastes, dispensed and cured by oven processing. Different analyses, such as second electron microscopy (SEM), rheometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV-VIS-NIR-spectroscopy and 4-point measurement were used. This work also will illustrate some results of computational design of experiment (DOE) and regression analyses for jet and mechanical printing processes.
MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OF TAKIN (BUDORCAS TAXICOLOR) IN NORTH AMERICAN ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS FROM 1997 TO 2017

Abstract: Takin (Budorcus taxicolor) are classified as “Vulnerable” on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List. Thus, ex situ conservation efforts provide assurance populations for future survival of this species. The objective of this study was to identify common causes of morbidity and mortality in takin populations in human care. Twenty North American institutions that housed takin from 1997 to 2017 completed a survey requesting medical and husbandry data. Data were examined broadly, by sex and age groups. There were 206 morbidity events (male = 133; female = 73) submitted across 102 takin (male = 62; female = 40). The most common causes of morbidity were infectious or inflammatory diseases (50%; 104/206), degenerative diseases (22%; 46/206), and traumatic events (17%; 34/206). Necropsy reports were provided for 42 takin that died during the study period. The most common causes of mortality were infectious or inflammatory diseases (26%; 11/42), traumatic events (24%; 10/42), and degenerative disease (12%; 5/42). Sixty-two percent of infectious or inflammatory diseases causing morbidity were associated with endoparasites (64/104). Degenerative joint diseases more commonly affected males (78%; 36/46) as well as forelimbs (48%; 22/46) when compared to hindlimbs (30%; 14/46) and unspecified limbs (22%; 10/46). The prevalence of trauma as a cause of morbidity and mortality was higher in neonate and juvenile takin groups combined (morbidity = 19%; mortality = 50%) as compared to adult and senior takin groups combined (morbidity = 15%; mortality = 11%). Older takin were euthanatized more often (57%; 16/28) than younger takin (29%; 4/14). Correlations between husbandry and health were difficult as a result of the inherent limitations of the survey. These data will inform takin-holding zoologic institutions and contribute to the successful management of takin in human care.