Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Rising Tide Drowns Unstable Boats: How Inequality Creates Homelessness

Is income inequality a driver of homelessness at the community level? We theorize that inequality affects homelessness both by crowding out low-income households from the rental market (what we call an “income channel”) and by causing home prices to rise (a “price channel”). We construct a dataset of information on inequality, homelessness, rent burden, and housing prices in 239 communities from 2007 to 2018 and use it to assess the income inequality–homelessness relationship. Our results suggest that income inequality is a significant driver of community homelessness and that the “income channel” is the more likely mechanism through which homelessness is created. We argue that broader policy efforts to reduce income inequality are likely to have the collateral effect of reducing homelessness, and we discuss the need for national and local policies to help low-income households afford housing.
Redox Behavior of High-Surface-Area Rh-, Pt-, and Pd-Loaded Ce0.5Zr0.5O2Mixed Oxide

The temperature programmed reduction, oxygen uptake, and surface area stability of high-surface-area Rh-, Pt-, and Pd-loaded Ce0.5Zr0. 5O2solid solution have been investigated. It is observed that the presence of the noble metal strongly favors the reduction of the support compared with the metal-free Ce0.5Zr0. 5O2. A further improvement is observed on sintering induced by repetitive reduction/oxidation processes. Indeed, the temperature of support reduction decreases from 650–950 to about 450 K for the Rh- and Pt-loaded samples and to 520 K in the presence of Pd. In contrast, the low-temperature reduction of Rh/CeO2(surface area 194 m2g−1) is strongly encumbered after such treatments. The roles of noble metal and added ZrO2in promoting low-temperature reduction are discussed.
Third Row Transition Metals by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

XPS spectra have been obtained from 11 metals in the third row of transition elements using a Quantum 2000 Scanning ESCA Microprobe. The metals analyzed include La, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Pt, Au, Tl, Pb, and Bi. Each sample was Ar+ ion etched before XPS analysis to remove surface contamination and/or oxide. The spectra include standard survey scans and high-energy resolution scans of the photoelectron peaks, as well as selected x-ray induced Auger peaks. Each spectrum was collected using a 100 μm diameter monochromatic Al Kα x-ray beam scanned over a 1.5 mm × 0.2 mm area of each sample. Survey scans were collected using a 58.7 eV pass energy, while high energy resolution scans were collected using a 23.5 eV pass energy.
Decolourization of remazol brilliant blue R by enzymatic extract and submerged cultures of a newly isolated Pleurotus ostreatus MR3

A local white-rot fungus basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus MR3 was isolated from MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Singapore. Among all the ligninolytic activities, laccase was the only enzyme detected in the supernatant when the fungus was grown in liquid culture. This newly isolated white rot fungus was able to completely decolourise remazol brilliant blue R (RBBR) in-vivo on agar plates within five days and in the liquid culture (in the presence of inducers) within three days. The addition of inducers was able to enhance laccase production and therefore enhanced in-vivo RBBR decolourisation. Veratryl alcohol was shown to be the best inducer for laccase production with the maximum laccase activity reaching about 5.99 U/mL. Cu 2+ also had a positive effect on laccase production, the laccase activity being enhanced to 5.24 U/mL. In-vitro RBBR decolourisation using the laccase from P. ostreatus MR3 was much comparable to that using the commercial laccase from Trameters versicolor . Keywords: Dyes, remazol brilliant blue R, Pleurotus ostreatus MR3, decolourisation, inducers, laccase activity African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(39), pp. 5778-5783
A regular, compact but microporous packing structure: high-density graphene assemblies for high-volumetric-performance supercapacitors

Conventional graphene powder materials exhibit ultralow density characteristics, severely restricting their practical application. For addressing this issue, we propose a facile but efficient strategy for optimization of the graphene packing structure. Through the electrostatic orientation effect of K+ ions, a highly regular and compact graphene assembly with a high density is fabricated, at the same time, interlayer micropores are preserved due to the separation effect of K+ ions intercalated between graphene layers, optimizing the delicate balance between the dense and porous characteristics of graphene. Besides, good wettability to electrolytes and Faradaic pseudo-capacitance further improve the capacitive performances. Accordingly, a volumetric capacitance as high as 508 F cm−3 is achieved for the produced graphene film, which is the highest value for carbon-based electrode materials in aqueous electrolytes to date. Furthermore, the unique packing structure is retained for the graphene assembly in a powder form, and the symmetric two-electrode supercapacitors based on the produced graphene powder material with a mass loading density of 6–8 mg cm−2, close to the value of commercial supercapacitors, exhibit a good high-rate capability and a volumetric energy density as high as 30.2 W h L−1.
A CARS solution with high temporal resolution

Confocal and multiphoton microscopy are powerful fluorescence techniques for morphological and dynamics studies of labeled elements. For non-fluorescent components, CARS (Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering) microscopy can be used for imaging various elements of cells such as lipids, proteins, DNA, etc. This technique is based on the intrinsic vibrational properties of the molecules. Leica Microsystems has combined CARS technology with its TCS SP5 II confocal microscope to provide several advantages for CARS imaging. The Leica TCS SP5 II combines two technologies in one system: a conventional scanner for maximum resolution and a resonant scanner for high time resolution. For CARS microscopy, two picosecond near-infrared lasers are tightly overlapped spatially and temporally and sent directly into the confocal system. The conventional scanner can be used for morphological studies and the resonant scanner for following dynamic processes of unstained living cells. The fast scanner has several advantages over other solutions. First, the sectioning is truly confocal and does not suffer from spatial leakage. Second, the high speed (29 images/sec @ 512×512 pixels) provides fast data acquisition at video rates, allowing studies at the sub-cellular level. In summary, CARS microscopy combined with the tandem scanner makes the Leica TCS SP5 II a powerful tool for multi-modal and three-dimensional imaging of chemical and biological samples. We will present our solution and show results from recent studies with the Leica instrument to illustrate the high flexibility of our system.
Breakdown mechanism of liquid nitrogen viewed from area and volume effects

We investigated the area and volume effects on the breakdown strength in liquid nitrogen (LN/sub 2/) to discuss the breakdown mechanism in cryogenic liquids for superconducting power apparatus. We measured breakdown voltages in LN/sub 2/ with and without thermal bubbles over a very wide range of the electrode size. Experimental results revealed that the breakdown mechanism changed from an area dominant to volume effective region at larger electrode configurations in LN/sub 2/. Moreover, we discussed the contribution rate of area and volume effects to the breakdown strength in LN/sub 2/. It was suggested that a mutual contribution of area and volume effects appeared in breakdown characteristics in LN/sub 2/ under thermal bubble conditions, as a phenomenon peculiar to cryogenic liquids. Consequently, we pointed out that it is very important to consider both thermal bubbles and electrode surface condition for HV insulation of superconducting power apparatus.
Determination of absorption coefficients in AlInP lattice matched to GaAs

The absorption properties of Al0.52In0. 48P have been investigated near the fundamental absorption edge by measuring the photocurrent as a function of wavelength in a series of PIN and NIP diodes. Modelling of the photocurrent in these structures enables the absorption coefficients to be determined accurately over a wide dynamic range, which allows the direct and indirect band-gap to be determined.
Preparation of poly(methacrylic acid-g-ethylene oxide) microspheres

Preparation par copolymerisation radicalaire en suspension; apres gonflement dans l'eau, les particules ont un diametre compris entre 10 et 60 μm et sont stables entre pH 4,75 et 7,4. L'augmentation de la concentration en agent de surface (PDMS-CO-PEO) entraine une distribution plus etroite des dimensions
Local Electronic Structure of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 near Oxygen Dopants: AWindow on the High-Tc Pairing Mechanism

The cuprate material Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 (BSCCO-2212) is believed to be doped by a combination of cation switching and excess oxygen. The interstitial oxygen dopants are of particular interest because scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments have shown that they are positively correlated with the local value of the superconducting gap, and calculations suggest that the fundamental attraction between electrons is modulated locally. In this work, we use density functional theory to try to ascertain which locations in the crystal are energetically most favorable for the O dopant atoms, and how the surrounding cage of atoms deforms. Our results provide support for the identification of STM resonances at � 1e V with dopant interstitial O atoms, and show how the local electronic structure is modified nearby.
Grid‐connected photovoltaic systems: the Brazilian experience and the performance of an installation

Just as in several other countries, the Brazilian experience of installing in place solar photovoltaic technology was first aimed at meeting the needs of rural areas. More recently, the effects of the international trend towards grid‐connected photovoltaic systems are beginning to be felt in Brazil. In less than five years, the first four grid‐connected photovoltaic systems have been installed, and other projects are in progress. This work presents the overall characteristics of the first four systems and the technical performance achieved by one of them, with an annual production in the range of 1500 kW h/kWp. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of stable dispersion of copper nanoparticles in a water-in-supercritical carbon dioxide using polydimethylsiloxane as the stabiliser

This study reportes the synthesis of stable dispersion copper nanoparticles by chemical reduction of copper chloride (CuCl2) in a water-in-supercritical carbon dioxide medium using sodium borohydrate (NaBH4) as a reducing agent, polydimethylsiloxane as the stabiliser and sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulphosuccinate (AOT) as co-surfactant at temperature 40°C and pressure in the range 2000–2400 psi. UV–visible spectroscopy exhibits a typical emission peak at 560–590 nm for Cu nanoparticles. By changing the reaction pressure and the stabiliser concentration, the size and the shape of the copper nanoparticles could be easily controlled. The X-ray diffraction pattern reveals that the Cu nanoparticles are formed in the range 4–8 nm, which is consistent with the transmission electron microscopy images.
Solving the puzzle of autoimmunity: critical questions

Despite recent advances in delineating the pathogenic mechanisms of autoimmune disease, the puzzle that reveals the true picture of these diverse immunological disorders is yet to be solved. We know that the humanleukocyteantigen (HLA) loci as well asmany differentgenetic susceptibility lociwith relatively smalleffectsizes predispose to various autoimmunediseasesand thatenvironmental factors are involved in triggering disease. Models for mechanisms of disease become increasingly complex as relationships between components of both the adaptive and innate immune systems are untangled at the molecular level. In this article, we pose some of the important questions about autoimmunity where the answers will advance our understanding of disease pathogenesis and improve the rational design of novel therapies. How is autoimmunity triggered, and what components of the immune response drive the clinical manifestations of disease? What determines whether a genetically predisposed individual will develop an autoimmune disease? Is restoring immune tolerance the secret to finding cures for autoimmune disease? Current research efforts seek answers to these big questions.
Intra- and intermolecular photoinduced energy and electron transfer between oligothienylenevinylenes and N-methylfulleropyrrolidine

The photophysical properties of a homologous series of oligothienylenevinylenes (nTVs) and the inter- and intramolecular photoinduced energy- and electron-transfer processes between an nTV as a donor and N-methylfulleropyrrolidine (MP−C60) as an acceptor are described as a function of oligomer length (n = 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12) in apolar and polar solvents. Whereas the shorter oligomers fluoresce and have singlet excited-state [nTV(S1)] lifetimes of 280 ps (2TV) and 1360 ps (3TV), the S1 lifetimes of the longer oligomers (n > 3) are extremely short because of a fast thermal decay, resulting in negligible quantum yields for fluorescence and intersystem crossing to the triplet state [nTV(T1)]. Using photoinduced absorption (PIA) spectroscopy, we demonstrate, however, that the nTV(T1) state can be populated indirectly via intermolecular triplet energy transfer using photoexcited MP−C60 as a triplet sensitizer for n > 2. This enabled the spectral determination of the nTV (Tn ← T1) transition as a function of .
Technology of carbon nanotubes production in gas mixtures containing carbon monoxide

High-temperature processes of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) synthesis are inherently power-consuming and also are difficult to manage. The analysis of known technologies of CNTs production shows that the majority of low-temperature processes, anyhow, are closely related with conversion of hydrocarbons at various temperature regimes. Besides, these technologies differ for applied catalysts and methods of their deriving. Low-temperature processes, in turn, normally are inefficient and have a low use factor of hydrocarbons. In the present work there were studied new approaches which would give the possibility to continuously receive carbon nanotubes. (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical Manipulation in Liquid Crystals: Effects of Tight Focusing on Nonlinear Optical Reorientation

We report a detailed analysis of the problem of nonlinear optical reorientation induced in a nematic liquid crystal by a tightly focused Gaussian beam under experimental conditions that prevent the effect of conventional trapping originated by optical gradient forces. Novel features arise under these conditions: no threshold effect; reduced reorientation if compared the one induced by a paraxial Gaussian beam, orientational singularity at the focal waist.
On the Well-Posed Problems for Diffusion with Time Dependent Boundary Condition

This paper investigates a known problem of gas permeation into a finite volume. The literature treatment of this problem provides a solution, but misses the well-posedness analysis, which is of crucial importance, especially when a nonstandard problem is formulated. We have demonstrated that the Hadamard sense of well-posedness for this problem is satisfied by making use of the Duhamel's theorem. The solution we have obtained using the Duhamel's theorem and the solution available in the literature have different analytical representations, yet they are mathematically equivalent. In parallel, this paper provides some practical comments on the well-posedness analysis.
LIGHT‐INDUCED SYNTHESIS OF ANTHOCYANIN IN CARROT CELLS IN SUSPENSION—IV. THE ACTION SPECTRUM

Abstract— Using carrot cell suspension in 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D)‐depleted culture medium, fluence‐response curves for the formation of anthocyanin were determined at various wavelengths from 250 to 800 nm. In the fluence‐response curves at wavelengths between 260 and 330 nm, the response showed a sharp fluence‐dependent increase after the fluence exceeded threshold level at the respective wavelength. Such a sharp increase in response was not observed by light at 450 nm or longer wavelengths, although the response obtained by higher fluence of such light was always higher than that in the dark control. Action spectra determined at the sharp increasing phase of the response showed the single peak at 280 nm which equals the absorption maximum of UV‐B photoreceptor.
Method of Electric Energy Alternative Potential Analysis Based on Particle Swarm Optimization Support Vector Machine

“Electric energy alternative” strategy promotes electric energy consumption instead of scattered coal and oil burning in energy end-use link to ultimately achieve fundamental change of energy development. In order to provide theoretical guidance for power supply, power grid and capacity planning, an analysis method of potential of China's electric energy alternative based on support vector machine and particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed. Main factors affecting process of electric energy alternative are defined based on multi dimension data, fitted with cumulative electric energy alternative using support vector machine method. Parameter selection of support vector machine is optimized with particle swarm method, and effective prediction of cumulative electric energy alternative is realized. Simulation results show that this method can significantly improve prediction accuracy, having guiding significance for supporting potential analysis of electric energy alternative.
Laponite and hybrid surfactant/laponite particles processed as spheres by spray-drying

Laponite elementary disc crystals dispersed in water in the presence or absence of non-ionic Brij58 surfactant have been used as nanobuilding blocks to form laponite and laponite/surfactant spherical particles by spray-drying. The size distribution of the spherical spray-dried particles ranges from 70 to 1000 nm (average size about 220 nm). Although raw laponite (RL) was almost totally exfoliated in water, the spray-dried spherical particles were found partially delaminated and stable when spread into water. Based on a full characterization by several techniques such as dynamic light scattering, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, X-ray diffraction, thermal analyses, nitrogen volumetric sorption and solid-state multi-nuclear NMR studies, a mechanism has been proposed to explain the formation of the spherical micron size particles: a face-to-face and edge-to-edge stacking of the elementary disc crystals leads to the formation of few-layer laponite platelets that aggregate within the restricted volume of water droplets during the drying stage. In the presence of Brij58, elementary disc crystals are covered by surfactant molecules adsorbed on their surface. As a consequence, surfactant molecules fill the interlayer space to form spherical Brij58/laponite nanocomposite particles. These spray-dried laponite and Brij58/laponite spherical particles present a high potential for sorption applications.
Physical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity of a Poly(Lactic Acid)/Poly(Trimethylene Carbonate) Film Incorporated with Thymol

Thymol (TH), which has antimicrobial effect on many food pathogens, was incorporated as antimicrobial agent into composite poly (lactic acid)/poly (trimethylene carbonate)(PLA-PTMC) films. Antimicrobial active films based on PLA-PTMC were prepared by incorporating thymol at five different concentrations: 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 %(w/w). The mechanical characterization, water vapor permeability (WVP), and antimicrobial activity of all formulations composite film were carried out. A decrease in elastic modulus was obtained for the active composite film compared with neat PLA-PTMC film. The presence of thymol decreased water vapor permeability, with a significant antimicrobial activity. Antimicrobial activities of films were tested against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aurous, Listeria, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella. Increasing amount of the thymol in the film caused a significant increase in inhibitory zones. These results suggest that thymol incorporated PLA-PTMC films have a prospectively potential in antimicrobial food packaging.
Whole-Body Muscle MRI Characteristics of LAMA2 Gene Mutation Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Children

Merosin-deficient or LAMA2-related congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) belongs to a group of muscle diseases with an overlapping diagnostic spectrum. MRI plays an important role in the diagnosis and disease-tracking of muscle diseases. Whole-body MRI is ideal for describing patterns of muscle involvement. Our purpose is to analyze the pattern of muscle involvement in merosin-deficient CMD children employing whole-body muscle MRI. Ten children with merosin-deficient CMD underwent whole-body muscle MRI. We used a control group of other hereditary muscle diseases, which included 13 children. Overall, 37 muscles were graded for fatty infiltration using Mercuri scale modified by Fischer et al 2008. The results showed a fairly consistent pattern of muscle fatty infiltration in index group, which differed from that in control group. There was a highly statistically significant difference between the two groups in regard to the fatty infiltration of the neck, serratus anterior, rotator cuff, deltoid, forearm, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Additionally, results showed relative sparing of the brachialis, biceps brachii, gracilis, sartorius, semitendinosus and extensor muscles of the ankle in index group. There is evidence to suggest that whole-body muscle MRI can become a useful contributor to the differential diagnosis of merosin deficient CMD.