Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
One-pot synthesis of water-soluble and carboxyl-functionalized β-NaYF4:Yb,Er(Tm) upconversion nanocrystals and their application for bioimaging

Poor water-solubility and biocompatibility are the biggest obstacles for the bioapplications of upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs). In this work, a facile solvothermal approach was developed for the one-pot synthesis of monodisperse and water-soluble β-NaYF4 UCNPs by employing poly(acrylic acid, sodium salt) (PAAs) as the capping reagent. The as-prepared UCNPs were thoroughly characterized and a possible reaction mechanism is proposed, which indicates that PAAs plays a crucial role for the shape and phase evolution of the NaYF4 UCNPs. More importantly, each multidentate PAA can tightly bind to the UCNPs surface through multiple –COO− groups, while an abundance of uncoordinated carboxyl groups on the polymer chain extend into the solution, making the UCNPs highly water-soluble. The presence of free carboxyl groups on the surfaces also facilitates the conjugation of the UCNPs with various biomolecules, which paves the way for further bio-applications. As a proof-of-concept model, transferrin was covalently linked to β-NaYF4:Yb,Er to form the transferrin–UCNPs conjugates, which have been successfully applied to the high-contrast fluorescent imaging and detection of HeLa cells. Possessing the advantages of good biocompatibility and inherent high upconversion efficiency, our directly synthesized β-NaYF4 UCNPs exhibit great potential as excellent bio-probes for in vitro or in vivo imaging, detection and diagnosis.
Low-Molecular-Weight-Organic-Acids as Extractant to Predict Plant Bioavailability of Rare Earth Elements

Abstract A mixture of malic acid and citric acid as extractant for the evaluation of plant bioavailability of rare earth elements (REEs) in soils is presented. Extractable REEs by malic-citric acid, acetic acid (CH3COOH), DTPA, EDTA, Mehlich 3 and total REEs in soils were compared with the REEs in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in the soils in greenhouse. Malic-citric acid extractable REEs gave the best prediction of plant-available REEs. The correlation coefficients between malic-citric acid extractable REEs and REEs in wheat were from 0.7153 to 0.9635. Mehlich-3 and EDTA resulted in acceptable predictions for REEs, while the total contents and CH3COOH, DTPA extractable REEs in soil were not correlated with that in plant for most of the REEs. It was possible to infer that REEs extracted by 0.1 M malic-citric acid could be used as a predictor of available REEs in soils.
High Thermoelectric Performance in PbTe Due to Large Nanoscale Ag2Te Precipitates and La Doping

Thermoelectrics are being rapidly developed for waste heat recovery applications, particularly in automobiles, to reduce carbon emissions. PbTe‐based materials with small (<20 nm) nanoscale features have been previously shown to have high thermoelectric figure‐of‐merit, zT, largely arising from low lattice thermal conductivity particularly at low temperatures. Separating the various phonon scattering mechanisms and the electronic contribution to the thermal conductivity is a serious challenge to understanding, and further optimizing, these nanocomposites. Here we show that relatively large nanometer‐scale (50–200 nm) Ag2Te precipitates in PbTe can be controlled according to the equilibrium phase diagram and these materials show intrinsic semiconductor behavior with high electrical resistivity, enabling direct measurement of the phonon thermal conductivity. This study provides direct evidence that even large nanometer‐scale microstructures reduce thermal conductivity below that of a macro‐scale composite of saturated alloys with Kapitza‐type interfacial thermal resistance at the same overall composition. Carrier concentration control is achieved with lanthanum doping, enabling independent control of the electronic properties and microstructure. These materials exhibit lattice thermal conductivity which approaches the theoretical minimum above ∼650 K, even lower than that found with small nanoparticles. Optimally La‐doped n‐type PbTe‐Ag2Te nanocomposites exhibit zT > 1.5 at 775 K.
Induction of apoptosis in human breast cancer cells by a pulsed atmospheric pressure plasma jet

By using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet driven by pulsed dc voltage with repetition rate of several tens of kilohertz, we were able to induce apoptosis in cultured human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). The apoptotic changes in cells with plasma treatment were detected by flow cytometry and fluorescence staining assay. A significant portion of these cells was observed to exhibit the apoptotic fragmentation. Helium plasma with additive O2 gas was found to be effective in the induction of apoptosis. This plasma jet provides an effective mode of human breast cancer cell therapy.
The competitive ablation and polymerization (CAP) principle and the plasma sensitivity of elements in plasma polymerization and treatment

The competitive ablation and polymerization (CAP) principle relates the ablation of materials in plasma to the deposition of materials in plasma. Plasma polymerization and plasma treatment cannot be elucidated without consideration of the fragmentation of molecules in both the gas and solid phases. The general fragmentation tendency follows a plasma sensitivity series of the elements involved that is based on element electronegativity. When consecutive plasma treatments, sequential plasma polymerization, or a combination of plasma treatment and plasma polymerization are carried out in the same reactor, factors that are often not considered in an ordinary individual process become crucial. The CAP principle and the concept of a plasma sensitivity series of the elements explain the rather complicated and interrelated influences of fragmented elements in the plasma deposition of materials. Plasma polymers should be considered a mixture of oligomers and polymeric networks. The oligomer content in a plasma-polymerized layer is vitally important to the adhesion of the plasma polymer to the substrate as well as to any subsequent coating applied to the layer of the plasma polymer. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 943–953, 2000
Liquid Crystalline Colloidal System Obtained by Mixing Niobate and Aluminosilicate Nanosheets: A Spectroscopic Study Using a Probe Dye

A novel colloidal system composed of two kinds of inorganic oxide nanosheets dispersed in water was prepared by mixing exfoliated layered niobate K4Nb6O17 and montmorillonite clay. According to the observation of the colloids under crossed polarizers, the obtained niobate−clay colloids were liquid crystalline with apparently homogeneous macroscopic ordering, similar to the previously reported single-component colloids of the exfoliated niobate layers. X-ray diffraction measurements of the dried colloids indicated that the niobate−clay colloids were regarded as mixtures of the niobate and clay microphases: the colloids are microscopically demixed. Spectroscopic investigations using a cationic cyanine dye as a probe showed that the dye was selectively adsorbed on the clay platelets; the results indicated mass transfer of the dye molecules from the niobate nanosheets to clay platelets, and the transfer was accompanied by alterations of the aggregation state of the probe dye. The microenvironments provided b.
Advances in chemically vapour deposited wear resistant coatings

The aim of this paper is to review recent advances in the area of chemical vapour deposition of wear resistant coatings. The development of the coating structures from the early single TiC coatings to modern multilayer coatings of TiC, Ti(C,N) and Al 2 O 3 will be described briefly. Enhanced techniques to deposit Ti(C,N) coatings at lower deposition temperatures leading to increased adhesion and toughness of the tool are dealt with. The chemical reactions occurring in the interfacial part of the cemented carbide substrate are explained and the interfacial structures of the coating-substrate and coating-coating interfaces are discussed in light of adhesion and cutting performance. Development of the first generation alumina layers with poor coating uniformity and undefined crystal structures to tailor-made Al 2 O 3 coatings composed α-Al 2 O 3 , κ-Al 2 O 3 or γ-Al 2 O 3 modifications or combinations of these will be described. In addition to production scale aspects on deposition of Al 2 O 3 , recent developments concerning wear properties, stabilities and nucleation control of the α-Al 2 O 3 , κ-Al 2 O 3 and γ-Al 2 O 3 polymorphs will be reported.
Re-Mapping Russia from the Viewpoint of Foreign Investors - Applying a Self-Organizing Map in the Context of Russian Regions

When a foreign company enters Russia, it has plenty of choices for choosing a favourable location. A country with 17 million square kilometres, 33 cities with more than 0,5 million inhabitants and 89 different administrative regions contains a wide selection of alternatives. Even though these 89 re gions have different resources, there are apparent similarities when comparing their socio-economic indicators, which in turn describe the business environment where a company operates. This paper analyses the regional economic similarities (and dissimilarities) of the 89 Russian re gions from the viewpoint of a foreign investor. The aim is to test how Russian regions could be cate gorized by using the self-organizing map (SOM) method (Kohonen, 1995). The SOM is a hierarchy preserving non-linear mapping, which can organize similar regions close to each other based on their numerical data. In addition, the SOM has many beneficial properties, such as tolerance of incomplete and missing data, and it has been successfully used in similar tasks, such as in forecasting bankruptcies, future prices, workplace behaviour and energy use (Wong, 1996). The goals of this paper are to find out: 1) what Finnish companies are seeking when investing in Russia (market, resource, efficiency, strategic asset); 2) which are the most decisive external factors affecting the investment decision making; and 3) whether utilizing self-organizing maps (SOM) are adequate in analyzing the Finnish enterprises' investment decision-making grounds in cess of a foreign investing company, in this study we conducted a survey among Finnish enterprises in order to find out the reciprocal dynamics of these indicators. On the basis of these results, the Russian regions will be categorized by utilizing the SOM. Thus, in comparison to existing investment potentia lity ratings (see for example RA-Expert, 2002), this study provides a unique and valuable insight into Russian regions from the viewpoint of investing Finnish enterprises. This study of Russian regions, applying self-organizing maps, provides a useful insight into the understanding of the uniqueness of Russian regional economic discrepancies.
A novel surfactant aided micellar system of oxidation inhibitors in clotrimazole bioadhesive gel: development, characterization, in vitro and in vivo antifungal evaluation against Candida clinical isolates

Clotrimazole (CLZ) is a widely used antifungal agent with poor aqueous solubility, which requires the development of new delivery systems to improve its therapeutic activity. However, butylatedhydroxy anisole (BHA) and butylatedhydroxy toluene (BHT) have been known as potential antioxidants with antimicrobial properties. In an attempt to develop a better formulation with an antifungal profile, a surfactant aided antioxidant micellar system was dispersed within a clotrimazole gel formulation. Initially, the gel library was prepared and subjected to in vitro evaluation. Based on in vitro release and kinetic profiles, the best three formulations were selected for further analysis. Moreover, in vitro antifungal activity (MIC) and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) against different drug resistant and susceptible Candida isolates were carried out and directed to the best among the 27 formulations. The optimized best selected formulation was thereafter evaluated via morphology studies and in vivo antifungal evaluation. Morphology studies depicted the distribution of micellar structures within the polymeric gel network as well as the contact activity mechanism against Candida albicans. The physicochemical characterization showed that average micellar size was lower than ∼160 nm, low polydispersity index, negative zeta potential and gel pH 6.9. After 60 days, no significant change was observed within the formulation. Photostability studies revealed that antioxidants eminently inhibit the drug degradation under UV radiation with improved drug stability. In addition, in vivo antifungal activity was investigated on experimentally induced cutaneous infection in immunosuppressed Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. The in vivo study confirmed the maximum therapeutic efficacy, as the lowest number of cfu ml−1 was recorded. Conclusively, this study provide a good skin targeting effect and may be promising for stable and effective topical delivery of CLZ offering a maintained localized effect.
Internal photoemission and quantum‐mechanical transmission coefficient

The effect of the quantum-mechanical transmission coefficient on the photoemissive quantum yield in sandwich structures with thin insulators is investigated for the trapezoidal barrier and for the barrier with a parabolic top. The transmission coefficient evaluated in an explicit form from the exact solution of the Schrodinger equation is compared with that obtained from the modified WKB approximation and its applicability to real barriers is discussed. The resulting Fowler plots (square root of the quantum yield plotted against photon energy) deviate from the straight line in the low-energy region; this deviation corresponds in its magnitude and shape to the so-called low-energy tail known from experiment. Moreover, the Fowler plots obtained using the transmission coefficient evaluated exactly from the Schrodinger equation show weak superimposed oscillations; this effect results from the oscillations in the transmission coefficient which have their origin in the interference of electron waves within the insulator. Es wird der Einflus des quantenmechanischen Transmissionskoeffizienten auf die Quantenausbeute der Photoemission in Sandwichstrukturen mit dunnen Isolatoren fur die trapezformige Barriere und fur die Barriere mit parabolischem Gipfel untersucht. Der in expliziter Form aus der exakten Losung der Schrodingergleichung berechnete Transmissionskoeffizient wird mit dem aus der modifizierten WKB-Naherung verglichen und seine Anwendung auf reale Barrieren diskutiert. Die resultierenden Fowler-Kurven (Quadratwurzel der Quantenausbeute uber der Photonenenergie) weichen im niederenergetischen Bereich von der Geraden ab; diese Abweichung entspricht in Grose und Form dem niederenergetischen Teil, wie er experimentell bekannt ist. Daruberhinaus zeigen die Fowler-Kurven, die mit dem aus der Schrodingergleichung exakt berechneten Transmissionskoeffizienten erhalten wurden, schwache uberlagerte Oszillationen; dieser Effekt ruhrt von Oszillationen im Transmissionskoeffizienten her, die ihren Ursprung in der Interferenz der Elektronenwellen innerhalb des Isolators haben.
Graphene for advanced Li/S and Li/air batteries

Li/S and Li/air cells have attracted much recent attention as potential successors to lithium ion batteries because of their exceptionally high energy density compared with current battery technology. Although the two new battery systems have the potential to satisfy the demand for a significant leap forward in energy storage technology, there remain significant problems to be addressed, including poor cycle stability and low rate capability for practical applications. To address these issues, much research effort has been invested. In particular, graphene, with its high surface area combined with catalytic properties, is considered to be a key potential material to advance Li/S and Li/air battery technology. Indeed, recent research into graphene has led to substantial performance improvements of Li/S and Li/air batteries. In this review, we describe recent achievements in Li/S and Li/air cells that have been facilitated by the application of graphene, together with the electrochemical reaction mechanisms and major issues facing both Li/S and Li/air batteries.
INCLUSÃO DO CAROÇO DE ALGODÃO EM RAÇÕES DE ALTO CONCENTRADO CONSTITUÍDO DE CO-PRODUTOS AGROINDUSTRIAIS SOBRE O DESEMPENHO ANIMAL EM TOURINHOS CONFINADOS

Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusao do caroco de algodao (0%, 10%, 20% e 30% na MS) em racoes contendo alto concentrado 85% (casca do grao de soja e farelo de soja) e volumoso 15% (bagaco de cana-de-acucar hidrolisado) na alimentacao de tourinhos terminados em confinamento sobre o ganho medio diario (GMD), conversao alimentar (CA) e eficiencia alimentar (EA). Foram utilizados 32 tourinhos da raca Nelore, com idade media de 36 meses e com peso corporal (PC) inicial medio de 424 ± 25 kg, por 90 dias, distribuidos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. Os dados de GMD, CA e EA foram submetidos ANOVA e as diferencas obtidas foram testadas utilizando equacao de regressao a 5% de probabilidade. A inclusao do caroco de algodao (0%, 10%, 20% e 30%) em racoes com alto concentrado nao influenciou (P > 0,05) o GMD, a CA e a EA de tourinhos terminados em confinamento. O valor medio obtido para o GMD, CA e EA para os tourinhos alimentados com os diferentes teores de inclusao do caroco de algodao foi de 1,41 kg/dia, 8,76 kg de MS/kg de ganho e 0,12 kg de ganho/kg de MS, respectivamente. Conclui-se que a inclusao de 30% de caroco de algodao em racoes compostas com alto concentrado fornecidas a tourinhos terminados em confinamento nao altera o ganho medio diario a conversao alimentar e a eficiencia alimentar.
Comparative investigation of infrared optical absorption properties of silicon oxide, oxynitride and nitride films

Amorphous silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride and silicon nitride films were deposited in a PECVD reactor using silane (SiH4),ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) as precursor gases. The N2O/NH3 flow ratio was varied in order to obtain different oxynitride compositions. The films were characterized by spectroscopic ellipsometry, XPS and FTIR spectroscopy. The compositions and infrared optical absorption properties of the three different types of films were investigated and compared. Special attention was paid to analyze the Si-O/Si-N bond stretching absorption including the absorption band intensity. It was found that the silicon oxynitride films show a dominant infrared stretching band due to the Si-O/Si-N bond , with the infrared absorption peak located between 860cm-1(11.6μm) for Si-N bond in silicon nitride and 1063cm-1(9.4μm) for Si-O bond in silicon oxide. The position of peak also shifts to a shorter wavelength when increasing the N2O/NH3 flow ratio. The infrared optical absorption properties of the silicon oxynitride films make them well suited for the absorber of uncooled microbolometer detectors
The Properties of the Interstitial Compounds of Graphite. III. The Electrical Properties of the Halogen Compounds of Graphite

The presence of lamellar or of residual bromine in artificial graphite reduces the resistance, the absolute magnitude of its temperature coefficient near room temperature, and the magneto resistance. The Hall coefficient increases and eventually changes from negative to positive values. The changes resemble very closely those obtained in the oxidation of graphite in sulfuric acid. This similarity in properties suggests that the electron acceptors in these compounds are only weak scattering centers for conduction electrons.Since the electrical properties of graphite bisulfate and of graphite bromide are very similar, it may be assumed that both compounds are of a similar type. Since the bisulfate compound is ionic in nature, the bromine in graphite bromide is also probably ionized. On this assumption the graphite bromides have the formulas CnBr·3 Br2 for the lamellar and CnBr·2.25 Br2 for the residue compounds.Chlorine reacts with graphite at low temperatures only. The properties of the compounds of chlori.
Modified Design Model for the Adsorption of Dye onto Peat

For over 20 years, peat has been recognized as a potential biosorbent for the treatment of wastewaters. Several studies have been reported in the literature including its use in cleaning oil spills 1 , the removal of heavy metals from wastewaters 2 , the removal of herbicides 3 , the treatment of slaughterhouse wastewaters, septic tank effiuents and dairy wastes 4 . The ability of peat to remove several dyes from aqueous effiuent was reported some time ago 5 . Further studies on single component adsorption of basic and acid dyes were carried out to study equilibrium isotherms 6 , diffusion based mass transport processes for batch and fixed bed systems 7 . Carbon has been used for acid dyes in fixed beds 8 . However, in these previous studies, conventional simplifi ed design methods—namely, bed depth service time (BDST) and empty bed residence time (EBRT) models—were applied to the experimental breakthrough curve data but failed to correlate these data due to the non-linearity of the BDST versus bed height data obtained. In the present paper new modifications have been developed based on an expression, N t / N 0 = 1 – exp(– a * sqrt ( t )), where N t , N 0 , a, t represent the bedcapacity at service time t, the saturated bed capacity found in isotherm experiments, a rate constant and the service time of the bed respectively. The expression correlates the residence time in the adsorption bed with the time dependent fraction degree of saturation of the bed. It enables modified BDST and EBRT models to be applied and correlate the experimental data very accurately. This model is particularly suited to predicting the performance of fixed bed adsorbers, when the system requires a long time to reach equilibrium or when several fixed bed adsorbers are used in series.
The Preparation and Crystallography of Cadium Zinc Sulfide Solid Solutions

Single crystals and powders of were grown using chemical transport with iodine. These components form a continuous series of solutions over the entire range of x, 0 to 1. The wurtzite structure was produced over the entire range. The lattice parameters and the composition of the solid solutions were determined to approximately 1% using x‐ray diffractometry techniques. The results provide a definitive calibration of lattice constants for the wurtzite structure of solid solutions of and and allow the analysis of samples. The variation of lattice parameters with composition was found to obey Vegard's law. The variation of the c/a ratio with composition was also linear. The ideal ratio, assuming close packing of hard spheres, occurred at 70% . The volume relationship with composition showed a slightly negative deviation from linearity. A least squares method for refining lattice parameters is described.