Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Lignin Dissolved During Alkaline Pretreatment of Softwood and Hardwood

Various alkaline pretreatments were applied to Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and silver/white birch (Betula pendula/pubescens) wood chips and the characterization of sulfur-free lignin dissolved was performed. The behavior of lignin during these pretreatments (alkali charge 1–8% NaOH, time 30–120 minutes, and temperature 130–150°C) was studied mainly in terms of lignin removal efficiency and molar mass distribution of dissolved lignin. The amount of lignin in pretreatment liquors increased along with an increase in the alkali charge of 0.8–4.4% and 0.6–3.4% of o.d. pine and birch wood, respectively. The most significant parameter affecting the molar mass of the dissolved lignin was shown to be the alkali charge, since an increase in this parameter clearly increased the -values of dissolved lignin, varying from 2,260 g/mol to 7,050 g/mol and from 2,200 g/mol to 5,550 g/mol for pine and birch lignin, respectively.
Potential effects of enhancing denitrification rates in sediments of the Sulejow reservoir

Denitrification is quantitatively the most important process of removing nitrates from freshwater ecosystems, thus contributing to the reduction of eutrophication. Littoral denitrification rates in a research period from 1998–2001 ranged from 0 to 833 μmol N2 m h and was mainly determined by organic carbon availability in the sediments (r = 0.6). It was calculated that 18.5% of the external total nitrogen load incoming to the reservoir was removed from the bottom sediments via denitrification. This value can be increased by enhancing sedimentation of organic matter, thus increasing the organic carbon content in littoral zones of the upper section of the reservoir. Enhanced denitrification lowers the N/P ratio and inhibits phytoplankton growth, especially during spring period. During summer, water temperature increases and cyanobacteria dominate, lowering the N/P ratio, which may provide an advantage in competition for nutrients over other phytoplankton groups.
Solid oxide fuel cell electrolytes produced via very low pressure suspension plasma spray and electrophoretic deposition

Fleetwood, James D. Ph.D., Purdue University, December 2014. Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrolytes Produced via Very Low Pressure Suspension Plasma Spray and Electrophoretic Deposition. Major Professors: Rodney W. Trice and Elliott Slamovich, School of Materials Engineering. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a promising element of comprehensive energy policies due to their direct mechanism for converting the oxidization of fuel, such as hydrogen, into electrical energy. Both very low pressure plasma spray and electrophoretic deposition allow working with high melting temperature SOFC suspension based feedstock on complex surfaces, such as in non-planar SOFC designs. Dense, thin electrolytes of ideal composition for SOFCs can be fabricated with each of these processes, while compositional control is achieved with dissolved dopant compounds that are incorporated into the coating during deposition. In the work reported, sub-micron 8 mole % Y2O3-ZrO2 (YSZ) and gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC), powders, including those in suspension with scandium-nitrate dopants, were deposited on NiO-YSZ anodes, via very low pressure suspension plasma spray (VLPSPS) at Sandia National Laboratories’ Thermal Spray Research Laboratory and electrophoretic deposition (EPD) at Purdue University.
New routes to indolizidine alkaloids: The total synthesis of (-)-grandisine B

The plant family Elaeocarpaceae has been the source of a plethora of structurally related alkaloids isolated over the last 50 years. This Thesis describes our synthetic approaches to (−)-grandisine B I, a bioactive indolizidine alkaloid isolated from Elaocarpus grandis in 2005. An overview of alkaloids isolated from the family Elaeocarpaceae is provided and preliminary studies into the synthesis of grandisine B I are described (Chapters 1 and 2). Novel routes to bicyclic lactams II and isoquinuclidinone frameworks III have been developed using aqueous ammonia in a one-pot amination/cyclisation sequence (Chapters 3 and 4). The scope of the developed methodology was initially demonstrated with a concise synthesis of the alkaloid (−)-mearsine V. A biomimetic synthesis of (±)-grandisine B I, using the alkaloid grandisine D IV as a synthetic precursor, is then described in Chapter 5. The development of a formic acid mediated alkyne/acetal cyclisation for the synthesis of heterocyclic scaffolds is also reported. The scope and limitations of the methodology are discussed and applications of the methodology in the synthesis of (−)-grandisine B I and structurally related Elaeocarpus alkaloids are described (Chapter 6).
Ti2Ni alloy: a potential candidate for hydrogen storage in nickel/metal hydride secondary batteries

An amorphous Ti2Ni alloy, prepared by mechanical milling of a crystalline Ti2Ni alloy, was heat-treated at several temperatures. The crystalline behavior of the amorphous alloy was studied , relative to a multi-stage crystallization mode, using X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and electron diffraction. X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy was performed to analyze the surface structure of the alloys. The alloy that was heat-treated at 693 K, with a non-equilibrium bulk structure and a protective surface layer, has a high discharge capacity and good cycling stability. The issue of severe capacity loss of Ti2Ni-based alloys, which has caused problems for many years, has been significantly improved.
Toxin Release from Microcystis Aeruginosa after Chemical Treatment

Cyanobacterial (blue-green algal) blooms in agricultural dugouts and eutrophic lakes or reservoirs are common across the Canadian prairies. These blooms have caused livestock and wildlife poisonings that have been attributed to neurotoxins and/or hepatotoxins produced by various species of cyanobacteria. The hepatotoxins are extremely potent acute poisons. For example, microcystin LR has an LD 50 of 50 µg/kg, by intraperitoneal injection, in mice. Hepatotoxins may also pose chronic health risks. Consequently, their presence in drinking water sources is attracting increasing attention. Chemical treatment with copper sulfate is the most common technique used to control algal blooms in drinking water reservoirs. Application of lime (calcium hydroxide) is an alternative treatment for the control of blooms. The effects of copper sulfate versus lime treatment on the release of microcystin LR from a naturally occurring bloom, involving three species of cyanobacteria including toxin-producing Microcystis aeruginosa , were studied. Water samples collected after chemical treatment of algal bloom material were monitored for microcystin LR at specific time intervals. In three replicate trials, the cells treated with coppa- sulfate released the majority of the toxin present within cellular biomass during the first three days after treatment. Substantial toxin release was not observed when cells were untreated (control) or treated with lime. After release, the persistence of microcystin LR was monitored. The aqueous toxin concentrations declined according to first order kinetics with a decay constant of 0.25 d −1 . The experimental conditions, involving high biomass content, may have favoured toxin degradation. The microcystin LR half life, under laboratory conditions, was 3 d from the time of maximum toxin release (2 to 4 d after chemical treatment), meaning that a 99% reduction would take approximately 3 weeks. These findings indicate that copper sulfate should not be used to treat potentially toxic cyanobacterial blooms in waters to be consumed by humans or animals within several weeks following treatment.
Polymorphic form of 1,3,5‐tris­[(di­phenyl­phosphine oxide)­methyl]­benzene aceto­nitrile solvate mono­hydrate

The title compound, benzene-1,3,5-triyl­tris­methyl­enetris­(di­phenyl­phosphine oxide) aceto­nitrile solvate monohydrate, C45H39O3P3·C2H3N·H2O, forms two polymorphs: (I), which crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1, and (II), which crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Pn. The crystal and molecular structures of (I) were previously determined. The results of the crystal structure determination of (II) are presented here. The overall arrangement of two of the di­phenyl­phosphine oxide substituents is determined by strong hydrogen bonds Owater—H⋯Ooxide. All three P atoms adopt distorted tetrahedral geometry, with C—P—C angles equal to or smaller than tetrahedral and O—P—C angles greater than tetrahedral. All three di­phenyl­phosphine oxide substituents are stabilized by weak Cphenyl—H⋯Ooxide hydrogen bonds. For each substituent, one of the phenyl rings is almost coplanar with the P=O bond.
Particle Size Distribution and Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Solid Matter Carried by Runoff from Motorways

This paper studies solid matter from a section of the A9 motorway, Kérault Region, France, used in a study of the effects of pollution. This study analyzed both settled sediments from collecting basin and characteristics of sediments in the water column during and after eight storm events between October 12, 1993, and February 6, 1994. Settled sediments were used to measure particle sizes, mineral content, and related characteristics, whereas water samples were used to document total suspended solids, mineral content, and heavy metals. Solid particles larger than 100 μm in diameter are easily separated by simple settling, unlike particles smaller than 100 μm in diameter, which remain in suspension in runoff. To treat runoff, particles smaller than 50 μm in diameter, which represent approximately three‐quarters of the weight of the solids, must be studied. On average, 50% v/v of particles have a diameter less than 15.2 μm, whereas the geometric mean is 12.6 μm. Regarding sedimentation speed, from the eight rainfalls studied, 50% w/w of particles smaller than 50 μm in diameter fall at a speed less than 2.98 m/h on average (results for the eight rainfalls vary from 2.5 to 3.3 m/h), and 50% of particles between 50 and 100 μm in diameter fall at a speed less than 9.8 m/h on average (results of the eight rainfalls vary from 5.7 to 13.1 m/h). Thus, treatment of runoff entails separating or eliminating solid waste. Furthermore, measuring sedimentation speed of particles with diameters smaller than 100 μm seems to be an essential stage in the design of treatment plants (Vignoles, 1991).
Gallstone Pancreatitis: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy during index admission

Purpose : study was undertaken to assess the feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with gall stone induced pancreatitis (GSP) during index admission. Methods : A total of 53 patients diagnosed with gall stone induced pancreatitis were randomized in to two groups; group I undergoing cholecystectomy during index admission within 15 days, and group II undergoing cholecystectomy after 6-8 weeks of acute attack. Results : 22/24 patients in Group I & 28/29 in Group II underwent successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There was statistically no significant difference in study groups in terms of intraoperative complications, conversion rate. Readmission rate was significantly higher in delayed cholecystectomy group. Conclusion : Laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the index admission even up to a fort night is not only safe but also ensures optimal care in developing countries like India where illiteracy, poverty, ignorance and dearth of medical facilities prevail and defaulter rate is very high.
Modification of poly(vinyl alcohol) membrane via blending with poly(γ-benzyl l-glutamate)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer

A series of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/poly(γ-benzyl l-glutamate)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PBLG-b-PEG) blend membranes with different PVA/PBLG-b-PEG mole ratios were prepared by pervaporation. Structure and morphologies of PVA/PBLG-b-PEG blend membranes were investigated using Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Mechanical and chemical properties of PVA/PBLG-b-PEG blend membrane were studied by tensile testing and other physical methods. It was revealed that the introduction of PBLG-b-PEG copolymer has significant effect on the properties of a PVA membrane.
Effect of packaging method and cold-storage time on chicken meat quality

This study was performed to determine the effects of vacuum packaging (VP) and modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) (CO2/N2 = 3:7) on the physicochemical properties and sensory attributes in chicken breast meat during storage at 2ºC±0. 5ºC for 5, 10 and 15 days. Results showed that storage time influenced the physicochemical properties, except sensory attributes, shear force and shear energy of chicken meat. The extended storage time was causing an increase in the pH value, drip loss and in values of color parameters (L, a* b*) in chicken meat. Moreover, the packaging method affected values of drip loss, cooking loss and shear force. Fresh meat (0 days of storage) was characterized by the highest overall quality assessed with the semi-consumer scaling method. Storage time and packaging method were found to exert significant effects on the physicochemical parameters determined instrumentally and on sensory attributes of meat evaluated with the semi-consumer scaling method.
Trace metal analysis on polluted sediments

Abstract Sediment analyses are used to pin‐point major sources of metal pollution and to estimate the toxicity potential of dredged materials on agricultural land. For source assessments (Part I of the present review) standardization is needed with respect to grain size effects, commonly achieved by analyzing the sieve fraction <63μm. Further aspects include sampling methods, evaluation of background data and extent of anthropogenic metal enrichment.
lncRNA MIR22HG-Derived miR-22-5p Enhances the Radiosensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Increasing Histone Acetylation Through the Inhibition of HDAC2 Activity

Background With the development of radiotherapy technology, radiotherapy has been increasingly used to treat primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, due to radioresistance and the intolerance of the adjacent organs to radiation, the effects of radiotherapy are often unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is necessary to study radiosensitization in HCC. Method A microarray was used to analyze the genes that were significantly associated with radiosensitivity. HCC cells, HepG2 and MHCC97H, were subjected to radiation in vitro. Real-time PCR was performed to determine MIR22HG (microRNA22 host gene) and miR-22-5p expression levels. Western blotting was performed to determine histone expression levels. A histone deacetylase (HDAC) whole cell assay was used to determine the activity of HDAC2. MTT, colony formation, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine, and wound healing assays were performed to examine the function of MIR22HG and miR-22-5p in cellular radiosensitivity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR was used to confirm that HDAC2 affects the acetylation level of the MIR22HG promoter region. Finally, animal experiments were performed to demonstrate the in vivo effect of MIR22HG on the radiosensitivity of hepatoma. Results Irradiation can up-regulate MIR22HG expression and down-regulate HDAC2 expression. Inhibition of HDAC2 expression promotes histone acetylation in the MIR22HG promoter region and up-regulates MIR22HG expression. MIR22HG can increase radiosensitivity via miR-22-5p in HCC. Conclusion Inhibition of HDAC2 expression promotes histone acetylation in the MIR22HG promoter region, thereby up-regulating the expression of MIR22HG and promoting the production of miR-22-5p, and ultimately increasing the sensitivity of liver cancer radiotherapy.
Staining of Amyloid Beta (Abeta) Using (Immuno) Histochemical Techniques and Abeta42 Specific Peptides

In the elderly, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia (Hebert et al., 2003). The two pathologies that characterize the disease are the presence of large numbers of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and extracellular neuritic plaques in the brain (e.g., Braak and Braak, 1991; 1998; Selkoe, 2001). Neurofibrillary tangles consist of hyperphosphorylated, twisted filaments of the cytoskeletal protein tau (e.g., Duff, 2006), whereas plaques are primarily made up of amyloid ┚(A┚ [Selkoe, 2001; Dickson and Vickers, 2002]), a 39-43 amino acid long peptide derived from the proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP [Selkoe, 2001; Vetrivel and Thinakaran, 2006]). When APP is sequentially cleaved by the ┚-secretase and ┛-secretase, one of the resulting breakdown product is A┚, in contrast, initial cleavage by ┙-secretase (in the middle of the A┚ sequence) leads to production of APPs┙ and the C83 peptide (Selkoe, 2001). Most cases of AD are sporadic, however approximately 5 % of AD cases are familial (Price and Sisodia, 1995; Selkoe, 2001), these cases are related to mutations in the genes for APP, and presenilin 1 and 2 (PS1 and PS2 [Price and Sisodia, 1995; Hardy, 1997; Selkoe, 2001]). Transgenic mice expressing mutated human AD genes offer a powerful model to study the role of A┚ in the development of pathology (e.g., Duff and Suleman, 2004; McGowan et al, 2006). The present study employs three lines of transgenic mice expressing both human APPswe and/or PS1 mutations. These lines of mice develop elevated levels of A┚42 at different ages, and at different locations (Van Groen et al., 2005; Wang et al., 2003).
Wet etching of Al2O3 for selective patterning of microstructures using Ar+ ion implantation and H3PO4

A new etching method for single-crystal Al 2 O 3 is proposed using Ar + implantation and H 3 PO 4 chemical etching. Photolitographically defined patterns are transferred into sharp structures on the wafer surface by selectively removing the damaged material. A double implantation of Ar + at 50 keV followed by 180 keV was performed on all samples, using a dose of 2 x 10 15 ions/cm 2 for the low-energy implant. Doses of 2 x 10 15 , 2 x 10 16 , and 4 x 10 16 ions/cm 2 were used for the 180 keV implant. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the pattern obtained, while transmission electron microscopy and Rutherford backscattering channeling analysis were employed to study the implanted layer. Under the conditions investigated, both the etchable range (90 to 160 nm) and the etching rate (1 to 7 nm/min) were found to be strongly correlated with the implanted dose. Sharp and uniform interfaces between etched and unetched regions were obtained, forming steps with an average slope of 30 to 45°. The proposed method offers high selectivity, lack of contamination of the substrate, and compatibility with standard processing.
Semi-supervised learning with an open augmenting unknown class for cost-effective training and reliable classifications.

The ability to (a) train off partially labelled datasets and (b) ensure resulting networks separate data outside the domain of interest hugely expands the practical and cost-effective applicability of neural network classifiers. We design a classifier based off generative adversarial networks (GANs) that trains off a practical and cost-saving semi-supervised criteria which, specifically, allows novel classes within the unlabelled training set. Furthermore, we ensure the resulting classifier is capable of absolute novel class detection, be these from the semi-supervised unlabelled training set or a so-called open set. Results are both state-of-the-art and a first of its kind. We argue this technique greatly decreases training cost in respect to labelling while greatly improving the reliability of classifications.
Polymers with well-defined end groups via RAFT - Synthesis, applications and postmodifications

The control over the chain-end functionality of a polymeric chain produced by controlled/‘living’ radical polymerization is inherent to the mechanism of the re- action. Indeed, the ﬁnal product contains a majority of polymeric chains showing an ω-functional end group which is used to control the molecular weight growth. The growth of the molecular weight can be mediated either via the reversible homolytic cleavage of the covalent bond between the terminal carbon and the chain-end group (e.g. halogen for transition-metal-mediated living radical poly- merization/atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), nitroxide for nitroxide- mediated polymerization (NMP)) or via the degenerative transfer of chain-end groups between propagating radicals and dormant species (e.g. thiocarbonylthio groups for reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)). Furthermore, α-functional end groups can also be introduced via the initiator/mediator of the polymerization, for example, halogen alkyls (ATRP), alkyl nitroxides (NMP) or dithioesters (RAFT).
Electromagnetic imaging through thick metallic enclosures

The ability to image through metallic enclosures is an important goal of any scanning technology for security applications. Previous work demonstrated the penetrating power of electromagnetic imaging through thin metallic enclosures, thus validating the technique for security applications such as cargo screening. In this work we study the limits of electromagnetic imaging through metallic enclosures, considering the performance of the imaging for different thicknesses of the enclosure. Our results show, that our system can image a Copper disk, even when enclosed within a 20 mm thick Aluminum box. The potential for imaging through enclosures of other materials, such as Lead, Copper, and Iron, is discussed.
Reflectance IR Spectroscopy

Infrared spectroscopy is study of the interaction of radiation with molecular vibrations which can be used for a wide range of sample types either in bulk or in microscopic amounts over a wide range of temperatures and physical states. As was discussed in the previous chapters, an infrared spectrum is commonly obtained by passing infrared radiation through a sample and determining what fraction of the incident radiation is absorbed at a particular energy (the energy at which any peak in an absorption spectrum appears corresponds to the frequency of a vibration of a part of a sample molecule).
Exact Solution of the Debye‐Hückel Equations for a Polarized Electrode

A recent solution of the Debye‐Huckel equations for a single polarized electrode obtained by Breyer and Gutmann is revised to yield an exact solution of this problem. This solution is compared with an earlier result of H. Muller derived from different initial equations and the solutions are shown to be identical.The present solution applies only to the diffuse part of the double layer of electrolyte theory and yields the following expression for the mean local potential within the material as a function of the distance x from a polarized anode ψ=(2kT/e)ln{coth[12(x/LD+sinh−1{csch(eV0/2kT)})]}, where LD is the Debye length and V0 the potential applied between electrode and charge‐containing material.