Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monthly variation of forage and soil minerals in Central Florida. II, Trace minerals

Abstract A two‐year study was conducted to determine the trace mineral status of cattle grazing forages (bahiagrass) and soils on a ranch in central Florida. Forage and soil samples were collected every month for two years. Month effect (P 0.05) in forage trace mineral concentrations. Few and low correlation coefficients were observed between and within soil and forage trace minerals concentrations. Percentages of total forage collected with trace minerals below critical values (in parentheses) and suggestive of deficiency.
Simulation and modeling of mono- and bidisperse suspensions

We present a numerical simulation technique which allows us to study three-dimensional, non-Brownian particle suspensions at low Reynolds numbers. We use this simulation technique to study mono- and bidisperse suspensions. And extend the Kynch theory of sedimentation to a advection-diffusion model, which is able to describe the evolution of the concentrations of polydisperse suspensions. The simulation technique couples the particles and the fluid by means of constraint forces and is verified on various test cases like fluid flow through a bed of fixed spheres and the calculation of the volume fraction dependency of the mean sedimentation velocity. We study the velocity fluctuations of monodisperse suspensions and find that the velocity fluctuations in systems with periodic boundary conditions diverge with the system size L. The increase of the velocity fluctuations is in agreement with theoretical arguments. In the case of monodisperse suspensions where the container is bounded by walls in the directions perpendicular to gravity no such scaling is found. Based on Kynch's one-dimensional theory for the evolution of concentrations in monodisperse suspension, we formulate an extension for polydisperse suspensions. The choice of the flux function is based on Batchelor's sedimentation coefficients, which reproduces the basic features of the results of three-dimensional simulations of batch sedimentation. We extended the Kynch model to an advection-diffusion model, where the volume fraction dependency of the diffusion coefficient is described by a phenomenological expression, which shows a good agreement with experimental data. The system of coupled partial differential equations resembles the results of simulations to a high degree and allows to describe the experimental concentration profiles of monodisperse particle suspensions of a given size distribution.
Frequency stabilization of semiconductor laser diodes

Part 1 Introduction: why frequency stabilization of semiconductor laser diodes now? developmental history of frequency stabilized lasers optical fibre communications and requirements for frequency stabilized lasers. Part 2 Semiconductor lasers: structure and operation of semiconductor lasers dynamic characteristics of semiconductor lasers. Part 3 Fundamental concepts of frequency stabilization: line-width and frequency noise measurement absolute frequency stability. Part 4 Frequency references: interferometers atomic transitions optogalvanic effect gas molecule absorptions. Part 5 Frequency stabilization schemes and apparatus: compact frequency references frequency stabilization and apparatus stabilization schemes without frequency dithering combined stabilization schemes gas laser stabilization solid-state laser stabilization. Part 6 Applications of frequency stabilized semiconductor lasers: multi-channel frequency stabilization schemes demonstration of multi-channel FDM transmission and switching.
Highly porous graphitic carbon and Ni2P2O7 for a high performance aqueous hybrid supercapacitor

An aqueous Na-ion based hybrid capacitor has been successfully developed by using highly porous graphitic carbon (HPGC) derived from waste writing paper and a new electrode material as a negative and positive electrode, respectively. HPGC was prepared via hydrothermal carbonization and subsequent KOH activation of waste writing paper which showed a highly porous stacked sheet-like morphology with an exceptionally high BET specific surface area (1254 m2 g−1). HPGC exhibited typical electrical double layer capacitor (EDLC) behavior with a high specific capacitance of 384 F g−1 and good negative working potential (−1.0 V) in an aqueous electrolyte. On the other hand, Ni2P2O7 was synthesized by a simple co-precipitation technique and tested as a cathode material which delivered a maximum specific capacitance of 1893 F g−1 at 2 A g−1 current density. The fabricated HPGC‖Ni2P2O7 hybrid device displayed excellent cyclic stability up to 2000 cycles and delivered a maximum energy density of 65 W h kg−1 at 800 W kg−1 power density in a Na-ion based aqueous electrolyte.
Free Radical Scavenging Activities of Methanol Extract and Fractions of Picralima Nitida (APOCEANACEA)

Picralima nitida commonly called picralima or pile plant is a tree or shrub with widely varied applications in West African folk medicine. The study evaluated the free radical scavenging activities of the crude methanol extract of Picralima nitida root bark and its various fractions. The methanol extract of P. nitida and its fractions were subjected to in vitro antioxidant evaluation using the DPPH free radical scavenging method. The IC-50 values for the percentage radical scavenging effects for the extract and fractions were determined. Statistical significance between the IC-50 values of the extract/fractions and that of ascorbic acid (standard) was determined using regression analysis. The crude extract has IC-50 value for radical scavenging activity of 5μg/mL which was significantly higher than that of ascorbic acid (2.55μg/mL). However, the percentage inhibition of the crude extract and ascorbic acid (standard) showed no significant difference. Picralima nitida has the potential for use as natural plant antioxidants in preventing against free radical damage. Keywords : Picralima nitida, free radical, root bark extract J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage . Sept. , 2012, Vol. 16 (3) 291 - 294
Polysulphated glycosaminoglycans modulate transcription of interleukin-1β treated chondrocytes in monolayer culture

Summary The ability of polysulphated glycosaminoglycans (PSGAGs, Adequan®) to modulate the transcription of major articular cartilage matrix proteins and enzymes was examined. Northern blot analyses were used to compare steady-state mRNA levels of type-II procollagen, aggrecan core protein, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, and TIMP-3 in equine chondrocytes grown in monolayer culture. The groups included: control, low-dose (0.1mg/ml) Adequan®, high-dose (1.0mg/ml) Adequan®, IL-1 β (10ng/ml), IL-1 β with low-dose Adequan®, and IL-1 β with high-dose Adequan®. The responses (p<0.05) to treatment were compared with one-way analysis of variance and post hoc least significant difference test. Interleukin-1 β significantly decreased steady-state levels of type-II procollagen (0.5x) and aggrecan core protein (to undetectable levels) and significantly increased MMP-1 (11.7x), MMP-3 (1.8x), TIMP-1 (1.9x), and TIMP-3 (5.1 x). Adequan® alone significantly increased steady-state mRNA levels of type-II procollagen (1.6x) and decreased MMP-1 (0.3x at high-dose only), MMP-3 (0.5x), and TIMP-1 (0.3x at high-dose only). In IL-1 β-treated chondrocytes, Adequan® significantly increased steady-state mRNA levels of type-II procollagen (1.4x of IL-1 β-treated levels), aggrecan core protein (IL-1 β -treated had no detectable expression), and MMP-3 (3.6 x at high dose) and significantly decreased steady-state mRNA levels of MMP-1 (0.3 x), and TIMP-1 (0.2x). This study is the first to demonstrate that Adequan® alters steady-state mRNA levels of key matrix proteins and enzymes; that it counteracts some of the deleterious effects of IL-1 β; and that these effects are in part dose-dependent.
Phosphorus sorption and desorption properties of soils developed on basic rocks under a subhumid Mediterranean climate

Representative samples of A, B and C horizons from 11 pedons (Luvisols, Solonetzs and Cambisols) developed on intermediate and basic rocks were studied regarding evaluation of phosphorus (P) behaviour, with the aim of delineating site‐specific management practices. For this purpose, (i) sorption properties were evaluated by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, (ii) soil samples were fertilized to a level of ca. 0.5 mg P/L, estimated by the Freundlich isotherm fitted to each horizon and (iii) the amount of phosphate‐P desorbed to a dilute electrolyte mimicking fresh water over periods of up to 60 days at soil:solution ratios of 1:100, 1:1000 and 1:10 000 was measured. The pedons had a slightly acidic or alkaline reaction and a limited capacity to sorb P, sorption seemingly occurring by both adsorption and precipitation. The nature of the sorption processes seemed to change with depth: precipitation dominated in C horizons, adsorption in A horizons and both types of processes being balanced in B horizons. The short‐term capacity of the soil to transfer P to water was related to the sorption curve parameters and the nature of the process seemingly controlling sorption. The ability of soil to desorb P increased with decreasing soil:solution ratio and when precipitation was the dominant process in sorption. After P fertilizer application, soils exhibited a high capacity to transfer P to water, thus making it advisable to use a replacement P strategy to prevent P accumulation in the topsoil and its downward movement.
RECUPERACIÓN QUÍMICA DE UN SUELO DEGRADADO MEDIANTE LA UTILIZACIÓN DE UN VERMICOMPOSTO

The objective of this research was to study the effect of rabbit manure vermicompost (VC) use onto the different organic carbon fraction (C) considering time and soil depth, in order to analyze the organic amendment potential as a C source and the degraded soil capacity for its retention. The VC was place onto the degraded soil as a pile. Chemical and physicochemical determination was carried out at different times after the application, onto VC and soil, at two depths. The VC application increased the Cox, WSC (Water soluble carbon) and TN (Total Nitrogen) content. Carbon and their different fractions were retained, mainly, in the first 5 cm. The use of this kind of organic amendments, applied as a pile on the soil, is an important strategy for the C sequestration (enrichment) on degraded soils.
Total-NOx sensor based on mixed-potential for detecting of low NOx concentrations

We have been developing the mixed-potential type NOx sensor which can detect the total-NO x concentration directly in exhausts for automobiles. It has been confirmed that the sensor is capable of detecting wide concentrations of total-NOx from 20 to 1000 ppm under the condition from rich-burn (A/F=12) to lean-burn without any interference from reducing gases, such as HC and CO. In addition, it has been confirmed that the sensor output is correlated fairly well to NOx concentrations from the analyzer in the engine test at any rotations. The results obtained here indicate that the present sensor has great possibility of being utilized as an on-board NOx sensor for practical use.
Plasma-material interaction and electrode degradation in high voltage ignition discharges

Erosion of material caused by electrical discharges takes place in many technical applications. Particularly, in spark plugs, the durability is mainly determined by the electrode erosion caused by ignition discharges. A better understanding of the wear mechanisms will help in developing new electrode materials with enhanced resistance against spark erosion. In this work, different aspects of the complex interaction between the plasma of the ignition discharge and the electrode are investigated based on experimental observations and simulations. The discharge mode behavior is quantitatively analyzed with regard to the arc and glow phase fractions for different electrode materials and conditions of pressure and gas. The influence of these parameters on the discharge is discussed. This work especially focuses on the formation of microscopic erosion craters on the electrode surface. Their morphology and microstructure are characterized by means of FIB/SEM dual beam techniques. The depth of modifications and the extent of the molten region are determined. To complete these experimental observations, thermal analysis of the crater formation is performed using analytical models and FEM simulations. Characteristic values of time, power density and current involved in the crater formation are estimated. These values are related to the electrical characteristic of the spark, and the effects of the discharge phases on the electrode surface degradation are discussed. Die Erosion von Materialien, die von einer elektrischen Entladung hervorgerufen wird, tritt in zahlreichen technischen Anwendungen auf. Auch die Lebensdauer einer Zundkerze wird durch die von den Zundentladungen verursachte Erosion an Elektrodenmaterialien masgeblich bestimmt. Ein besseres Verstandnis der Verschleismechanismen ist von groser Bedeutung, um masgeschneiderte Werkstoffe mit verbessertem Funkenerosionsverhalten zu entwickeln. In dieser Arbeit werden verschiedene Aspekte der komplexen Wechselwirkung zwischen dem Plasma der Zundentladung und der Elektrode anhand von experimentellen Beobachtungen und Simulationen erforscht. Das Entladungsverhalten (Bogen- und Glimmanteil) wird fur verschiedene Elektrodenwerkstoffe, Gas-, und Druckbedingungen quantitativ untersucht. Die Morphologie und Mikrostruktur von Erosionskratern werden mit Hilfe von FIB/REM Dual-Beam-Techniken charakterisiert. Die mikrostrukturellen Veranderungen des Materials unterhalb der Oberflache und insbesondere der Schmelzbadgrose werden bestimmt. Zur Erganzung der experimentellen Beobachtungen, wird eine thermische Analyse der Kraterbildung mittels analytischen Modellen und FEM-Simulationen durchgefuhrt. Charakteristische Werte des Kraterbildungsprozesses wie z.B. die Warmezufuhr, der Strom, und die Wechselwirkungsdauer werden bestimmt und in Bezug auf die verschiedenen Phasen der Zundentladung diskutiert.
Influence of hydrodynamic shear on performance and microbial community structure of a hybrid anaerobic reactor

BACKGROUND Hydrodynamic shear plays a major role in the formation, maintenance, structure, and metabolism of self-immobilized microbial communities in reactors. The study attempts to correlate the performance and microbial community structure of granular sludge in a mesophilic hybrid anaerobic reactor under different upflow velocities to fluidize the bed. The reactor was started with an initial upflow velocity of 4 m h-1, which was increased gradually till system deterioration to observe its effect on granule size, reactor performance, and microbial community structure. Monte Carlo method was used to quantify hydrodynamic shear range at different upflow velocities using a modified Ergun equation for the respective ranges of granule size. RESULTS Up to 6 m h-1 performance was positively affected, but beyond this upflow velocity, the system started showing reduced performance and completely deteriorated at 10 m h-1. Significant reduction in the abundance and diversity of both Archaea and Bacteria was observed. Among all methanogenic groups, Methanosaetaceae was most severely affected due to breakage and wash out of granules. CONCLUSION It can be concluded that hydrodynamic shear can be employed as a sensitive control parameter to improve reactor performance, and a specified range should be determined experimentally to avoid negative influences associated with this. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Transient photocurrents in a-Si:H diodes: effects of deep trapping

The decay of the photocurrent of photodiodes, which consist of a-Si:H sandwiched between blocking contacts (Pd, Ti), is studied after excitation to the steady state through the Pd-electrode. The slow decay of the primary photocurrent is attributed to deep trapping of electrons. It is suggested that the time-limiting process for the decay is thermal emission from traps in a depth of 0.5 to 0.65 eV below the mobility edge. Das Abklingen des Fotostroms aus dem Gleichgewichtszustand unter Beleuchtung wird an Fotodioden aus amorphem Silizium mit blockierenden Kontakten (Pd, Ti) untersucht. Die langsamen Transienten des primaren Fotostroms werden auf tiefes Trapping von Elektronen zuruckgefuhrt. Die thermische Emission der Elektronen aus Haftstellen, die 0,5 bis 0,65 eV unter dem Leitungsband liegen, bestimmt das Abklingen des Fotostroms.
Vitamin D and Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Vitamin D1 Compound of ergocalciferol with lumisterol (stereoisomer of ergosterol) 1:1 ratio Vitamin D2 Ergocalciferol (made from ergosterol) Vitamin D3 Cholecalciferol (made from 7dehydrocholesterol in the skin) Vitamin D4 22-dihydroergocalciferol Vitamin D5 Sitocalciferol (made from 7-dehydrositosterol) Vitamin D6 Calciferol 25-(OH) Vitamin D Calcidiol or calcifediol; indicates no distinction between D2 and D3 forms. When relevant, forms are distinguished as 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 Vitamin D with one hydroxyl group added equivalent to liver activation.
TRANSFERÊNCIA DE METAIS PESADOS, FLÚOR E RADIONUCLÍDEOS PARA SOLOS AGRÍCOLAS NA BACIA DO RIO CORUMBATAÍ (SP)

The use of phosphate fertilizers and amendments in sugar cane crops may increase the concentration of some elements in soils, from where they would become available for plants (principally in acid soils) and transferred to the human food chain. This paper reports the transference of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn), fluorine and radionuclides (238U, 234U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K) from phosphate fertilizers and amendments to agricultural soils at Corumbatai River basin (SP). The products utilized and colleted in sugar cane crops at Corumbatai River basin are: phosphate fertilizers NPK 5:25:25 (two samples), limestones (three samples), phosphogypsum (two samples) and KCl (two samples). The heavy metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), fluorine by potentiometry and radionuclides by alpha and gamma spectrometry. Heavy metals (17.8, 31.2, 75.2, 69.5, 138.8, 114.9 and 342.9 g/ha of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and F, respectively) and radionuclides (0.47, 0.16, 0.17 and 6.33 Bq/kg of soil to 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively) incorporated in phosphate fertilizers and amendments are annually added in the sugar cane crops, but if utilized in accordance with the recommended rates, they do not raise the concentration levels in soils up to hazards values. Keywords: Radionuclides and heavy metals, agricultural soils, phosphate fertilizers and amendments, sugar cane crops.
Silver-Mediated Oxidative Fluorotrifluoromethylation of Unactivated Alkenes

An efficient regioselective fluorotrifluoromethylation of unactivated alkenes has been developed. The reaction of alkenes with (trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane (TMSCF3) and Selectfluor in the presence of silver trifluoromethanesulfonate (AgOTf), cesium fluoride (CsF), and iodobenzene diacetate [PhI(OAc)2] in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) at −20 °C gave the corresponding fluorotrifluoromethylated products in moderate to good yields. The silver salt turns out to be crucial for this transformation.
Evaluation of the Tribological Behavior of Krytox 143AB With Nano-Onions

Abstract Nanoparticles have been widely developed over the past ten years and have found several applications. This work presents the use of carbon nano-onions, i.e. nanoparticles, as a potential additive in an oil for aerospace application. It was shown that these particles can provide adequate lubrication very similar to graphitic material. I. Introduction Soot, carbon material, represents one of the very first nanostructured materials, although it has rarely been considered as such. Soot has not been observed to differ substantially among laboratory-scale systems, a likely consequence of similarity in production conditions [1] and use of common hydrocarbons [2]. However, careful examination of the internal structure of these carbon materials reveals that the structure is highly variable and depends upon the starting material and processing conditions. Similarly, the nanostructure of carbon black also depends upon the reaction process [3]. The significance with respect to degradation of the internal structure of carbon is its effect upon reactivity. In general, more graphitic carbons are less prone to degradation, which primarily occurs through oxidation, though other such reactions may also occur [4]. Graphitic carbons are characterized by layer planes with large in-plane dimensions [5]. The connection between layer plane dimensions and oxidation is due to the anisotropic reactivity of the graphitic segments comprising the carbon. Carbon atoms within basal plane sites, surrounded by other carbon atoms, exhibit a far lower oxidative reactivity than those located at the periphery of such segments (so-called edge sites) [6]. Thus, by virtue of geometry, larger layer planes contain fewer carbon atoms at edge sites relative to basal plane sites. For these reasons, processes that induce growth of layer planes will necessarily affect the carbon’s reactivity. Changes in the carbon nanostructure, resulting in increased graphitic layer plane length, are correlated with reactivity loss [7]. Layer plane segments can grow by bonding to adjacent graphene segments and by addition of amorphous carbon material within the soot particle from which they are produced [8]. Whether thermally or oxidatively induced, an increase in the dimensions of graphene segments corresponds to graphitization and a parallel decrease in reactivity. Upon heating spherically shaped carbon black of nanometer scale dimensions in the absence of oxidant, graphene
Signalling Oxidative Stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mitochondrial oxidation appears to be a major cause of signalling to different pathways; however it is still unclear which one of the inflammatory or the apoptotic signals plays a more relevant role in the mitochondrial generation of ROS. Starvation can increase ROS steady-state concentration and autophagy. Hydrogen peroxide appears to be the major oxidant in these conditions, and would oxidise specific cysteines in autophagyc genes leading to the increase in the autophagosome formation. However it is unknown how the signal is transduced to specific targets (Reviewed in Finkel, 2011).
Principles and application of intrinsic Förster resonance energy transfer (iFRET) for label-free detection of native proteins

Tryptophan residues in proteins of interest were evaluated as FRET donors to facilitate the development of a label-free protein detection system, coined "intrinsic Förster (or fluorescence) resonance energy transfer (iFRET)". iFRET fluorescence probes, composed of an efficient and tryptophan-specific FRET acceptor in addition to a target protein-specific ligand, selectively bind to the target proteins thereby enabling Förster resonance energy transfer between the protein tryptophan residues and the iFRET probe. We have developed efficient iFRET acceptor fluorophores and a deep UV microscope, which were successfully applied to detect native target proteins in live cells.
The Impact of Soil Moisture Availability upon the Partition of Net Radiation into Sensible and Latent Heat Fluxes

The impact of soil moisture availability on the Bowen ratio and on the partition of net radiation flux into sensible, latent and soil heat fluxes was investigated by using one-dimensional primitive equations with a refined soil parameterization scheme. Simulation results presented that as soil moisture availability increases, the Bowen ratio and the partition of net radiation flux into sensible and soil heat fluxes decrease. The partition of net radiation flux into latent heat flux, however, increases. Quantitative relationships between Bowen ratio and the partitions with soil moisture availability were also given in this study.