Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of total gas flow on carbon nanotube forests synthesised by water-assisted chemical vapour deposition

The influence of total gas flow on the growth of carbon nanotube (CNT) forests in water-assisted chemical vapour deposition has been investigated. It was found that the average height of the CNT forests decreased gradually from 996.53 to 696.8 μm, and the growth yield decreased notably from 2.91 to 1.98 mg/cm2 as the total flow increased, but the crystallinity and thermostability of CNT forests increased with increasing total flow. Investigation on CNT growth kinetics suggested that increasing the total flow could decrease the growth rate and shorten catalyst lifetime because of decreased gas dwell time and enhanced subsurface diffusion of Fe catalyst.
Visible and near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy for the Determination of Moisture, Fat and Protein in Chicken Breast and Thigh Muscle

Near infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy was used to determine the chemical composition of chicken breast and thigh muscles. Samples from twenty-four males and twenty-four females were scanned from 400 to 2500 nm, both as intact muscle and as comminuted (minced) tissue. Modified partial least squares (MPLS) regression on scatter corrected spectra (standard normal variates and Detrend) gave calibration models for chemical variables from NIR measurements on the defrosted minced breast samples having multivariate correlation coefficients and standard errors of calibration of 0.995 (2.4), 0.974 (2.11) and 0.946 (4.55) for moisture, crude protein and fat in g kg −1, respectively.
Functional properties of polylactic acid starch-based loose-fill packaging foams

ABSTRACT In this study, attempts were made to improve the characteristics of starch-based plastic foams by blending starch with polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polymer made from renewable sources. Formulations of the foams (types of starch, ratio of starch to polymer, and moisture content) were optimized. Physical and mechanical properties of the foams, including expansion, unit density, bulk density, water solubility index (WSI), spring index, and compressibility on both single piece and bulk samples were determined. The addition of the PLA polymer to regular (25% amylose) and waxy corn starches significantly improved the physical and mechanical properties of the extruded foams. Foams made from waxy starch had better radial expansions, higher WSI, higher compressibilities, and lower spring indices than those of regular starch foams. Both regular and waxy starches produced foams with similar unit and bulk densities, bulk compressibilities, and bulk spring indices. Increasing PLA polymer contents in.
In vitro release of selected nonsteroidal antiinflammatory analgesics [NSAIA] from reservoir-type transdermal formulations

AbstractIndomethacin [I], Ketoprofen [II] and Sulindac [III] were evaluated for in vitro percutaneous uptake from various ointment bases. Three doses for each NSAIA were employed for evaluation. Each reservoir system was evaluated for drug release across composite skin (semipermeable membrane) using a modified FDC assembly over a 12 h period. The drug release profiles were examined for mechanism of drug release and developing recommendations for designing a dermal product for a NSAIA.For all NSAIAs: This study demonstrated that I, II and III can penetrate the composite skin barrier with differing efficiencies. II penetrated with maximal ease while I with minimal ease. The drug release rate increased with increasing drug load. 0/W and water soluble system compositions yielded superior drug release rates when compared to other reservoir systems. The drug release characteristics indicated adherence to diffusional pathways borne out of Q versus square-root-of-time relationship. The Qmax:Drug Load (Dose) ratio.
Estimating the Secondary Organic Aerosol Contribution to PM2.5 Using the EC Tracer Method Special Issue of Aerosol Science and Technology on Findings from the Fine Particulate Matter Supersites Program

The EC tracer method is applied to a series of measurements by different carbonaceous aerosol samplers in the Pittsburgh Air Quality Study (PAQS) in order to estimate the concentration of secondary organic aerosol. High-resolution measurements (2–6 h) and daily averaged concentrations were collected during the summer 2001 intensive (1 July to 4 August 2001) and are used for the analysis. The various samplers used during PAQS show differences in the measured concentrations of OC and EC due to the different sampling artifacts and sampling periods. A systematic approach for the separation of periods where SOA contributes significantly to the ambient OC levels from the periods where organic and elemental carbon concentrations are dominated by primary emissions is proposed. Ozone is used as an indicator of photochemical activity to identify periods of probable secondary organic aerosol production in the area. Gaseous tracers of combustion sources (CO, NO, and NO x ) are used to identify periods where most of the OC is primary. Periods dominated by primary emissions are used to establish the relationship between primary OC and EC, a tracer for primary combustion-generated carbon for the different sets of measurements for July 2001. Around 35% of the organic carbon concentration in Western Pennsylvania during July of 2001 is estimated to be secondary in origin.
Expression of a Schistosoma mansoni 28-kilodalton glutathione S-transferase in the livers of transgenic mice and its effect on parasite infection

Schistosomiasis is a debilitating tropical disease for which an effective vaccine is needed. A 28-kDa glutathione S-transferase from Schistosoma mansoni (Sm28GST) has been shown to induce protective immunity. Sm28GST possesses significant sequence identity to mammalian GST isoforms. In order to study self-reactivity in mice immunized with Sm28GST and the concomitant phenomena of immune tolerance and epitope suppression, as well as their consequences for the protective immunity induced by this vaccination, we developed transgenic (Tg) mice that express Sm28GST under the control of a part of the mouse transferrin gene promoter. A study of (P28)Tg mice showed that the expression of Sm28GST was strictly localized in pericentrolobular hepatocytes. No histological change, inflammatory infiltrates, or modification of seric L-aspartate: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase concentration was observed over an 18-month period, despite a cross-reactivity between Sm28GST and a mouse molecule of 30 kDa. The immunoglobulin G anti-Sm28GST response of (P28)Tg mice immunized with recombinant Sm28GST was lower (P < 0.001) than that observed in non-(P28)Tg littermates and inversely proportional of Sm28GST liver expression. The response of non-(P28)Tg mouse spleen cells to Sm28GST stimulation was greater (P < 0.01) than that observed with (P28)Tg mouse spleen cells. (P28)Tg mice infected with 40 S. mansoni furcocercariae harbored more worms (P < 0.05) than did non-(P28)Tg control mice. The increase in the level of infection in (P28)Tg mice was reflected in concomitant increases in the numbers of adult worms and schistosome eggs found in livers and intestines after whole-body perfusion at 56 days postinfection, but no relative increase in the fertility of individual female worms was observed. The results obtained argue for the involvement of Sm28GST in reducing levels of infection and support the view that this enzyme has a central role in the maintenance of parasite viability, at least during its migration through host tissues.
Systematic relationships within the genus Trichomanes sensu lato (Hymenophyllaceae, Filicopsida): cladistic analysis based on anatomical and morphological data

Systematics within the genusTrichomanes sensu lato(Hymenophyllaceae, Filicopsida) have continued to be controversial because of the difficulty in identifying homologies and informative characters within high morphological diversity. Systematic relationships are investigated in this study by using a cladistic approach with 31 anatomical and morphological characters from 20 taxa which correspond to the sections defined by Morton. The results broadly confirm Morton's four subgenera:Trichomanes,Didymoglossum,PachychaetumandAchomanes.The monophyly ofPachychaetumremains fragile and the sectionLacosteaappears to be excluded from its traditional subgenus (Achomanes). In addition, by producing two major «ecological» clades (terrestrial and epiphytic), the analysis shows that several selected characters appear to be strongly linked with the ecology which may have a significant influence on the topology.
Advanced Oxidation Processes for Organic Contaminant Destruction Based on the Fenton Reaction and Related Chemistry

Fenton chemistry encompasses reactions of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of iron to generate highly reactive species such as the hydroxyl radical and possibly others. In this review, the complex mechanisms of Fenton and Fenton-like reactions and the important factors influencing these reactions, from both a fundamental and practical perspective, in applications to water and soil treatment, are discussed. The review covers modified versions including the photoassisted Fenton reaction, use of chelated iron, electro-Fenton reactions, and Fenton reactions using heterogeneous catalysts. Sections are devoted to nonclassical pathways, by-products, kinetics and process modeling, experimental design methodology, soil and aquifer treatment, use of Fenton in combination with other advanced oxidation processes or biodegradation, economic comparison with other advanced oxidation processes, and case studies.
Tomographic Separation of Composite Spectra. VI. The Physical Properties of the Massive Close Binary HD 152248

We present the results of a Doppler tomographic reconstruction of the UV spectra of the double-lined O binary HD 152248 based on observations made with IUE. We used cross-correlation methods to obtain radial velocities, confirm the orbital elements, estimate the UV flux ratio, and determine projected rotational velocities. The individual component spectra are classified as O7 I + O7 I using UV criteria defined by Penny, Gies, & Bagnuolo. We present a model fit of the eclipsing light curve from which we derive an orbital inclination, i=72° ± 3°. This analysis indicates that neither star is currently experiencing Roche lobe overflow. We place the individual components in the theoretical H-R diagram and show that the individual masses (Mp/M☉=24.2 ± 2.0; Ms/M☉=25.8 ± 2.0) derived from the combined spectroscopic and photometric analysis are significantly lower than those computed from evolutionary tracks for single stars.
The incidence and distribution of stress fractures in competitive track and field athletes : A twelve-month prospective study

The incidence and distribution of stress fractures were evaluated prospectively over 12 months in 53 female and 58 male competitive track and field athletes (age range, 17 to 26 years). Twenty athletes sustained 26 stress fractures for an overall incidence rate of 21.1%. The incidence was 0.70 for the number of stress fractures per 1000 hours of training. No differences were observed between male and female rates (P > 0.05). Twenty-six stress fractures composed 20% of the 130 musculoskeletal injuries sustained during the study. Although there was no difference in stress fracture incidence among athletes competing in different events (P > 0.05), sprints, hurdles, and jumps were associated with a significantly greater number of foot fractures ; middle- and long-distance running were associated with a greater number of long bone and pelvic fractures (P < 0.05). Overall, the most common sites of bone injuries were the tibia with 12 injuries (46%), followed by the navicular with 4 injuries (15%), and the fibula with 3 injuries (12%). The high incidence of stress fractures in our study suggests that risk factors in track and field athletes should be identified.
Adiabatic molecular dynamics: two-body and many-body aspects

We compare various types of adiabatic dynamics that occur during atomic collisions and molecular dynamics. Born–Oppenheimer and non-adiabatic effects in molecular dynamics are contrasted with the time-dependent Landau–Zener transition problem for transitions that occur when a parameter in the Hamiltonian is varied slowly, and these are contrasted with the coherent many-body transitions that occur for a degenerate gas of atoms when an external parameter is tuned slowly near a Feshbach resonance to create loosely bound molecules. Analysis of an adiabatic sweep through a Feshbach resonance in a quantum gas of fermionic atoms shows that the dependence of the remaining atomic fraction on the sweep rate α varies from exponential Landau–Zener behaviour for a single pair of particles to a power-law dependence for large particle number N.
Effects of the Blandford—Znajek process on the evolution of the central black holes of accretion discs

AbstractThe effects of the Blandford-Znajek (BZ) process on the evolution of the central black holes of accretion discs are investigated by an analytical method and numerical calculations in this paper. It is shown that the BZ process reduces the rates of change of some parameters of the black hole, such as mass, angular momentum, dimensionless angular momentum and temperature, and the evolution of the central black hole towards the extreme Kerr black hole is depressed effectively. However, the rate of change of entropy of the central black hole is augmented in the BZ process. In addition, the consistency of the BZ process with the three laws of black hole thermodynamics is discussed.
Altimetric observations of surface characteristics of the Antarctic ice sheet

Abstract The aim of this paper is to investigate the geophysical characteristics of the Antarctic ice sheet using radar altimetric observations. To do this, we use an altimetric waveform simulator, in situ observations, ERS-1 (European remote-sensing satellite) data and SPOT (Satellite pour l’observation de la terre) images. The small-scale study takes place at Dome C, Terre Adélie, which is a relatively flat region with gentle undulations and low wind speed. Despite this, the altimetric waveform parameters (height, energy, leading edge and trailing edge) are highly noisy. The effect of undulations on the waveform parameters is found to be dominant. The combination of a subsurface signal and a rough surface produces a linear effect on the altimetric backscattering or on the trailing edge of the waveform, but a strongly non-linear effect on the leading edge of the waveform or height estimation. As a consequence, the height measurement is very sensitive to the altimeter technical or orbital characteristics and is not reproducible from one mission to another. Observations show sastrugi fields that enhance the leading edge and affect the whole waveform. Observed local backscattering changes, probably due to local variations in surface microroughness, enhance the backscattered energy and may artificially create a topographic signal. The continental-scale study shows coherent patterns. Even if both surface and subsurface components affect the altimetric observation, the large-scale signal is mostly controlled by surface backscattering variations. The surface or near-subsurface characteristics of the snowpack may then be reached by altimetric observations.
Solution Structure, Dimerization, and Dynamics of a Lipophilic α/310-Helical, Cα-Methylated Peptide. Implications for Folding of Membrane Proteins

The solution structure and the dimerization behavior of the lipophilic, highly Cα-methylated model peptide, mBrBz-Iva1-Val2-Iva3-(αMe)Val4-(αMe)Phe5-(αMe)Val6-Iva7-NHMe, was studied by NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. The conformational analysis resulted in a right-handed 310/α-helical equilibrium fast on the NMR time scale with a slight preference for the α-helical conformation. The NOESY spectrum showed intermolecular NOEs due to an aggregation of the heptapeptide. In addition, temperature-dependent diffusion measurements were performed to calculate the hydrodynamic radius. All these findings are consistent with an antiparallel side-by-side dimerization. The structure of the dimeric peptide was calculated with a simulated annealing strategy. The lipophilic dimer is held together by favorable van der Waals interactions in the sense of a bulge fitting into a groove. The flexibility of the helical conformations concerning an α/310-helical equilibrium is shown in a 3 ns molecular dynamic.
Sulfur-Cured Natural Rubber Elastomer Networks: Correlating Cross-Link Density, Chain Orientation, and Mechanical Response by Combined Techniques

We present a combination of independent techniques in order to characterize vulcanized natural rubber elastomer networks. We combine solid state proton multiple-quantum NMR, equilibrium swelling, mechanical experiments, and in-situ tensile X-ray scattering measurements, all of them giving access to the segmental orientation effects in relation to the cross-linking of the systems. By means of the combination of these techniques, we investigate a set of unfilled natural rubber networks with different levels of cross-linking. The relevance of this work is the application of this approach in order to study the reinforcement effect in filled elastomers with nanoparticles in a following work.
Thin‐film temperature sensors deposited by radio frequency cathodic sputtering

In order to gain better knowledge on the heat exchanges occurring in the turbines of aircraft motors, ONERA is presently developing thin‐film heat sensors capable of operating up to a maximum temperature of 1100 °C. These high‐temperature sensors are surface thermometers and fluxmeters of the gradient type. They consist of metal films forming thermocouples and insulating films such as alumina or zircon stabilized by yttrium oxide. These layers are deposited by radio frequency cathodic sputtering on substrates such as IN100, DS200, and CMXS2 superalloys which are either aluminized or coated with a NiCoCrAlY alloy. The present state of development of the thermometers is described herein as well as the first results obtained.
Determination of dissolved sulfide and sedimentary sulfur speciation using gas chromatography-photoionization detection

The determination of dissolved sulfide and sedimentary sulfur is important to studies of trace element cycling in the aquatic environment. A method employing selective generation of hydrogen sulfide, liquid-nitrogen-cooled trapping, and subsequent gas chromatographic separation/photoionization detection has been developed for such studies. Dissolved sulfide is determined via acidification and gas stripping of a water sample, with a detection limit of 12.7 nM and a precision of 0.5% (relative standard deviation). With preconcentration steps, the detection limit is 0.13 nM. Hydrogen sulfide is generated from sedimentary acid volatile sulfides (AVS) via acidification, from greigite using sodium borohydride and potassium iodide, and from pyrite using acidic chromium(II). The detection limit for these sulfur species is 6.1 . mu.g of S/g, with the precision not exceeding 7% (relative standard deviation). This method is rapid and free of chemical interference, and field determinations are possible. Numerous natural water and sediment samples have been analyzed by using the described procedures.
Biofortification of maize with micronutrients by Spirulina

Abstract The aim of the present work was to examine the effect of the application of Spirulina platensis post-extraction residues enriched with Zn(II), Mn(II), Cu(II) via biosorption as micronutrient fertilizer for the biofortification of maize grains with micronutrients in field tests. As a nominal dose 2.5 kg ha-1 of zinc, 1.0 kg ha-1 of manganese and 0.5 kg ha-1 of copper were applied. The preparation was applied also in higher doses (150%, 200%) to investigate agronomic biofortification of maize grains. In field trials, obtained grain yield (7.2 Mg ha-1 for Spirulina 100%) was higher than in control group (6.2 Mg ha-1) and commercial reference product (6.6 Mg ha-1). For the same dose of micronutrients, their bioavailability was higher for bio-preparations than for reference fertilizer. The highest content of micronutrients delivered to plants (2.15 mg kg-1 – Cu, 7.07 mg kg-1 – Mn, 29.0 mg kg-1 – Zn) was observed for maize grains fertilized with preparation of Spirulina 150%, which signifies that biofortified maize grain was obtained. Corn grains biofortified with micronutrients can be used as staple food or feed preventing from micronutrient malnutrition. The application of micronutrient biocomponents based on Spirulina biomass allows to manufacture a valuable fertilizer with bioavailable micronutrients. Graphical Abstract
Spring–summer imbalance of dissolved inorganic carbon in the mixed layer of the north-western Sargasso Sea

The surface concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study site (BATS) decreased gradually by ca. 30 μ mol kg − 1 from April to October in 1989. This decrease occurred almost in the absence of measurable nitrate in the mixed layer. Although ancillary data about the C system point to the possible importance of lateral transport, horizontal gradients in surface [DIC] and the mean flow in the area indicate that local effects should prevail in the seasonal drawdown of DIC. On the basis of an one-dimensional model, we hence estimate the mixed layer budget of DIC for this period, from surface [DIC] data, temperature profiles, and concomitant meteorological records. According to model uncertainties, the [DIC] drawdown should be mostly explained (71–93%) by a net community production (NCP) averaging 1.4–2.3 mgC m −3 d −1 , and to a lesser extent, by outgassing of CO 2 to the atmosphere. These losses are partially compensated ( 50%) is not respired in the mixed layer. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.1996. 00011.x
Metabolic and endocrine changes induced by chronic heat exposure in broiler chickens: growth performance, body composition and energy retention.

The present study was performed in order to investigate the effect of chronic heat exposure (32 degrees, constant) on growth, body composition and energy retention of broiler chickens in relation to age. At 2 and 4 weeks of age, fifty-four male Shaver broiler chickens were allocated to three treatments according to the following design: 22 degrees, ad lib. feeding (22AL); 32 degrees, ad lib. feeding (32AL); and 22 degrees, pair-feeding with the 32 degrees group (22PF). Ambient temperature was kept constant at either 22 or 32 degrees for 2 weeks. Heat exposure decreased feed intake by 14% between 2 and 4 weeks and by 24% between 4 and 6 weeks of age. Even with the same feed intake, chicks gained less weight at 32 degrees than at 22 degrees, 5.5% less in young chickens and 22% less in older ones. Hot environmental conditions thus resulted in decreased feed efficiency; the feed:gain ratio was 2.85 at 32 degrees compared with 2.06 at 22 degrees in 22AL birds for the period 4-6 weeks. Body composition appeared significantly affected by high ambient temperature. Feathering was reduced at 32 degrees in absolute weight but not as a proportion of body weight. Heat-exposed birds showed a decrease in body protein content, protein gain and protein retention. Group 32AL birds were fatter than the pair-fed (22PF) or ad lib. -fed (22AL) groups at 22 degrees. The percentage of energy retained as fat was 79 in heat-exposed chickens compared with 64 in the control groups. The energy retained as protein:energy retained as fat for groups maintained at 22 degrees (0.56) was twice that for those maintained at 32 degrees (0.28). These modifications should be investigated further in relation to metabolic and endocrinological changes.