Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New insights into the synthesis, morphology, and growth of periodic mesoporous organosilicas

Periodic mesoporous organosilicas with two-dimensional and three-dimensional hexagonal as well as cubic (Pm3n) symmetry were synthesized using bridged silsesquioxane species (RO)3Si−CH2−CH2−Si(RO)3 as precursors and cetyl- or octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (C16TMACl or C18TMACl) as structure-directing species. These materials were characterized by N2 adsorption, SEM, TEM, and solid-state MAS NMR spectroscopy. 13C and 29Si NMR data showed unambiguously that all carbon atoms were covalently linked to Si. The cubic material obtained in the presence of C16TMACl and 1,2-bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane (BTME) first formed into truncated rhombic dodecahedral particles that grew into spheres. The sample prepared in the presence of C18TMACl and BTME at 100 °C was entirely comprised of concentrically self-assembled 10-μm hexagonal rods. Using C16TMACl in the presence of 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTEE) at 95 °C afforded high-quality two-dimensional hexagonal organosilica comprised of unusually long (30−40 μm) f.
Magnetic resonance imaging of absorbed aluminum in alfalfa roots

Abstract An estimated 30% of the world's arable soils are acidic and aluminum (Al) toxicity is often the primary growth‐limiting factor. Excess Al is especially undesirable in sub‐soils because it reduces rooting depth and branching and predisposes plants to drought injury. Liming the plow layer does not generally neutralize subsoil phytotoxicity and Al‐tolerant cultivars offer an alternative or supplemental solution to the problem. Genetic diversity for acid soil tolerance in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is limited and a better understanding of the basic tolerance mechanisms would facilitate the design of more efficacious breeding procedures. Evidence is accumulating that organic acids and proteins elicited by Al stress may complex and detoxify Al either within, or external to, the root. Because Al is a paramagnetic element that can reduce T2 relaxation times (inter‐proton interactions) markedly, the mechanism of Al tolerance in alfalfa was investigated through T2‐based Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) o.
Cash Holdings in Private Firms

Evidence from a wide sample of Italian private firms shows that cash holdings are significantly related with smaller size, higher risk and lower effective tax rates, therefore supporting predictions from the trade-off model. More cash is also held by firms with longer cash conversion cycles and lower financing deficits, as predicted by the financing hierarchy theory. Reported evidence also shows that dividend payments are associated with more cash holdings, and both bank debt and net working capital represent good cash-substitutes. When controlling for macroeconomic and industry factors, some variables lose their significance, but the general findings are confirmed. Finally, cash-rich companies are found to be more profitable, to pay more dividends and to invest more in a medium-term future horizon.
Effects of a carrier and its diluent on the transport of metals across supported liquid membranes (SLM). II. Viscosity Effect

A new model equation was developed which incorporates the solubility and viscosity effects of the diluent and the carrier immobilized in a supported liquid membrane. It was found that these effects influence the system significantly. The negative effect of increased viscosity on diffusivity, accounted for in the theoretical development, was found to give better predictions of the measured fluxes. The theory is so simple that one needs only to specify the maximum point and determine the flux at 100% carrier concentration in order to predict the flux at any other points.
Block copolymer vesicles containing paramagnetic lanthanide complexes: a novel class of T1- and CEST MRI contrast agents

Block copolymer vesicles containing paramagnetic lanthanide complexes represent a versatile class of MRI contrast agents. By exploiting the water flux across the membrane, these nanovesicles can be employed as T1- and CEST MRI contrast agents. The incorporation of paramagnetic amphiphilic lipids (Gd-1 for T1 MRI CAs agents and Tm-2 for CEST MRI CAs) into the polymeric bilayer markedly improves the properties of the MRI contrast agents with respect to the longitudinal relaxivity (22 mM−1 s−1 at 20 MHz) and the chemical shift of the intrapolymersomal water protons.
On the deactivation of the dopant and electronic structure in reactively sputtered transparent Al-doped ZnO thin films

We report on the possible origin of electrical heterogeneities in 4 at% Al-doped ZnO (AZO) reactively sputtered films. It is found through the Zn L3 and Al K edge x-ray absorption near-edge structure that a fraction of the Al dopant is deactivated by its positioning in octahedral conformation with oxygen. This fraction as well as the conductivity, optical bandgap and c-axis parameter of ZnO wurtzite are all found to depend on the sample position during deposition. The present results suggest the formation of a metastable Al2O3(ZnO)m homologous phase that degrades the electrical conductivity.
Role of zinc in bone formation and bone resorption

Zinc is essential for the growth of the human and other animals. Bone growth retardation is a common finding in various conditions associated with zinc deficiency, suggesting a physiological role of zinc in the growth and mineralization of bone tissue. Bone zinc content is decreased by development with aging, skeletal unloading, and postmenopausal conditions. Zinc deficiency may play a pathophysiological role in the deterioration of bone metabolism. Zinc has been demonstrated to have a stimulatory effect on bone formation and mineralization; the metal directly activates aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase in osteoblastic cells, and it stimulates cellular protein synthesis. Moreover, zinc inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast-like cell formation from marrow cells. Zinc may act on the process of bone-resorbing factors-induced protein kinase C activation, which is involved in Ca2+ signaling in osteoclastic cells. Zinc plays a role in the preservation of bone mass. AHZ is a zinc compound, in which zinc is chelated to β-alanyl-L-histidine. The stimulatory effect of AHZ on bone formation was more intensive than that of zinc sulfate. It is confirmed that bone-forming effect of AHZ is a greater than that of various bone-regulating hormones and other factors. The oral administration of AHZ has a fine restorative effect on osteopenia with various pathophysiological conditions. Zinc compound may be a new drug in the therapy of osteoporosis. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 11:119–135, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Accurate structure determinations of very small (4–20 nm) areas, using refinement of dynamic electron diffraction data

It is shown that accurate structure refinements are possible from electron diffraction data obtained using areas 4–20 nm in diameter and 4–20 nm thick. To obtain accurate atomic positions it is essential to take the dynamic diffraction fully into account, for which new software was developed. Examples (La3Ni2B2N3, Ba2Ca3Cu5O10+δ and Ce5Cu19P12) are given of the structure refinements of known and unknown structures with R‐values in the range 2–6%. The procedure reported in this paper opens the way to structure determination of particles in many materials of industrial and scientific interest which cannot be solved by conventional structure determination (e.g. because of small size, heavily twinned materials or small fractions in polyphase materials).
Removal of Pesticides by a Combined Ozonation/Attached Biomass Process Sequence

Different combinations of ozonation and biological treatments were tested on an industrial effluent containing high pesticide concentrations. Ozonation was performed in 450 L columns at 1.5 h HRT each. Biological treatment was carried out in a submerged filter (BIOFOR). Ozone was effective in removing herbicides but dosages up to 1000 mg L−1 were needed. The improved biodegradability of the organic compounds after pre-ozonation was demonstrated by Oxygen Uptake Rates (OUR) tests and by the efficiency of biological treatment towards COD, and pesticides. The Italian discharge limit of 50 ppb total pesticides was achieved by combining pre-ozonation, biological treatment, and post- ozonation.
Odour and molecular vibration. I. Quantum and thermodynamic considerations

The physical basis of odour is uncertain because the odours of compounds have never been satisfactorily correlated with their other characteristic properties. The suggestion that a particular odour is a result of a particular molecular pattern is qualitatively reasonable and can be tested experimentally. It is shown on quantum grounds that the vibrations in question must correspond to absorption in the far infra-red, so that the most suitable avenue of attack on the problem is through the Raman effect.
Comparison of post-COVID depression and major depressive disorder

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic rates of depressive symptoms are markedly elevated, particularly among survivors of infection. Understanding whether such symptoms are distinct among those with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, or simply a nonspecific reflection of elevated stress, could help target interventions. Method: We analyzed data from multiple waves of a 50-state survey that included questions about COVID-19 infection as well as the Patient Health Questionnaire examining depressive and anxious symptoms. We utilized multiple logistic regression to examine whether sociodemographic features associated with depression liability differed for those with or without prior COVID-19, and then whether depressive symptoms differed among those with or without prior COVID-19. Results: Among 91,791 respondents, in regression models, age, gender, race, education, and income all exhibited an interaction with prior COVID-19 in risk for moderate or greater depressive symptoms (p<0.0001 in all cases), indicating differential risk in the two subgroups. Among those with such symptoms, levels of motoric symptoms and suicidality were significantly greater among those with prior COVID-19 illness. Depression risk increased with greater interval following acute infection. Discussion: Our results suggest that major depressive symptoms observed among individuals with prior COVID-19 illness may not reflect typical depressive episodes, and merit more focused neurobiological investigation.
Experimental study of the inverse fluidized bed biofilm reactor

A new apparatus, the inverse fluidized bed biofilm reactor, is described. Introduction of the so called inverse fluidized bed, in which low density particles covered by a biofilm are fluidized by downflow of the liquid, allows control of the biofilm thickness and provides a high oxygen concentration in the reacting liquid. Characteristics of the reactor were studied by carrying out two important biotechnological processes: aerobic wastewater treatment by a mixed bacterial culture, and ferrous iron oxidation by the bacteria Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. The bioreaction rates per unit volume of the reactor were up to 14 times higher than those in the equivalent airlift bioreactor. The structure of the liquid flow was determined by a tracer method.
Solubilities of O and Si in liquid iron in equilibrium with (Mg,Fe)SiO3 perovskite and the light elements in the core

Chemical reaction between liquid iron and (Mg,Fe)SiO3 perovskite was investigated by a combination of laser‐heated diamond anvil cell (LHDAC) and analytical transmission electron microscope (TEM). The compositions of quenched liquid iron in contact with perovskite were determined quantitatively using both energy‐dispersive (EDS) and electron energy loss (EELS) spectra. Results demonstrate that the dissolution both of O and Si into molten iron is significantly enhanced with increasing pressure. The quenched liquid iron contains 5.3 wt% O and 2.8 wt% Si at 97 GPa and 3150 K that can account for the 7% core density deficit. Reaction products such as SiO2, FeSi, and FeO were not observed as stable phases in this study. The bottom of the mantle in contact with outer core liquid could be depleted in iron. O and Si are important light elements in the core, whose contents may have increased over the geological time.
Precision nutrition: weighing feed ingredients correctly

The ability to mix a quality feed is often equated to the quality of the mixer; the ability to weigh ingredients correctly has received little attention. To assess how accurately feed mills weigh their ingredients, 14 feed mills specialising in swine diets were surveyed, which yielded 8432 data points (for 229 ingredients and 11–44 batch records per ingredient within mills). Amounts actually weighed (according to scale readings) were compared to calls, and differences were analysed statistically. Feed mills overdosed ingredients by 1.5 ± 16.3%: between mills, overdosing ranged from −0.7 to 13.0%. Within ingredients, weighing variation ranged from 0.6 to 11.1% between mills and averaged 5.2%. Some of the weighing problems observed were attributed to discrepancies between the call size and the scale resolution. For example, weighing 11.3 units (pounds) on a scale with a 2 unit resolution leads to a minimum error of 6%. Such problems occurred for 8.7% of the calls and resulted in a minimum error ranging from 0.01 to 20%, averaging 1.95%. Poor choice of scales was the major source of errors in weighing, and the relationship weighing variation = 10∧ [1.56 − 0.50 log (call/scale resolution)] explained 40% of the variation observed (p < 0.05). Weighing ingredients in the right scale would thus not only benefit feed quality but also reduce diet cost, as it would reduce the overdosing of ingredients. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Titania nanotubes supported gelatin stabilized gold nanoparticles for medical implants

TiO2 nanotube (TN) arrays produced by electrochemical anodization have been studied extensively in recent years as a new biomaterial for implants, drug delivery systems, immuno-isolation, biosensors, cell growth, bioartifical organs and tissue engineering. A bare TiO2 nanotube implant has many weaknesses when placed in contact with biological systems and surface modification is a possible solution for this problem. The aim of this study is to develop a very simple method for surface modification of TiO2 nanotubes to tailor new interfacial properties important in many biomedical applications. TiO2 nanotubes were fabricated by electrochemical anodization of titanium plate using 70 wt% glycerol in deionized water with 1 wt% NH4F as an electrolyte. The lyophilization method has been applied to impregnate gelatin stabilized gold nanoparticles into the TiO2 nanotubes followed by vacuum drying. This approach for tailoring different surface chemistry of TiO2 nanotubes develops a new platform for biomedical applications.
STUDYING THE STRUCTURAL STABILITY OF LEUPROLIDE ACETATE AFTER RELEASING FROM LACTIDE-CO-GLYCOLIDE COPOLYMER BY DIFFERENT SPECTROSCOPIC METHODS AND HPTLC

To prepare the injectable implant, 3% (v/v) of LPA was dissolved in a mixture of 33% (v/v) of PLGA (intrinsic viscosity of 0.5 dL/g) in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as solvent. Upon introduction of 1 g of the above mixture (containing 30 mg of LPA) into 4 mL of aqueous carbonate buffer at pH 7.2, NMP diffuses out from the matrix causing the polymer to precipitate. Release of the drug into 4 mL of the fresh buffer solution at 37oC was measured every 24 h for one month. The UV-Vis and intrinsic fluorescence spectra of the solutions were recorded right after collection. Then, the release media were lyophilized and studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Although a clear interpretation of the CD spectra was faced to some ambiguities, the first derivative of the UV-Vis spectra and the results of fluorescence studies indicated that the tertiary structure of the peptide had suffered little destruction during its stay in PLGA. 1H NMR studies of the released medicine showed no change in the peptide primary structure. HPTLC analysis of the release medium showed one band with similar R f to the original sample of LPA. The collected results indicate that the entrapped LPA suffers no structural changes during its stay in polymer formulation and remains stable during the first 24 h of release.
GENETIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE EFFECT OF LIGHT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MOSS, PHYSCOMITRELLA PATENS

The germination of Physcomitrella patens spores only occurs when wet spores are exposed to light. Depending on their ripeness, spores require from 44 to 64 h illumination to bring about maximum germination. There is a lag period of about 15 h between the reception of sufficient light to elicit germination before germination can be observed. Wavelengths in the range 640–64080 nm are much more effective in inducing germination than longer or shorter wavelengths, but far‐red reversal of red light induction of germination has not been demonstrated. Light also has very marked effects on protonemal and gametophore development. In darkness, only caulonemata are produced, and these grow negatively geotropically. No new gametophores develop but existing gametophores grow negatively geotropically, etiolate and bear only scale leaves. In light, chloronemata, as well as caulonemata are produced, the former grow positively phototropically, while the latter grow at right angles to the direction of light, and neither cell type is sensitive to gravity. In the light, gametophores grow positively phototropically, are indifferent to gravity, produce large leaves and do not etiolate. All these responses to light by protonemata and gametophores are shown by cultures growing in a 23 h dark/l h red light cycle, but if this red light treatment is followed by 15min far‐red light, the effect of the red light is reversed, indicating an involvement of phytochrome in the mediation of these responses. Mutants showing abnormal growth in the dark have been isolated, as well as mutants having abnormal phototropic responses. The latter type has lost the phototropic response of both the protonemal cell types, as well as of gametophores, indicating that these different responses may share a common component.
Microbial fuel cells based on carbon veil electrodes: Stack configuration and scalability

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of three different sizes of microbial fuel cell (MFC) when operated under continuous flow conditions using acetate as the fuel substrate and show how small‐scale multiple units may be best configured to optimize power output. Polarization curve experiments were carried out for individual MFCs of each size, and also for stacks of multiple small‐scale MFCs, in series, parallel and series–parallel configurations. Of the three combinations, the series–parallel proved to be the more efficient one, stepping up both the voltage and current of the system, collectively. Optimum resistor loads determined for each MFC size during the polarization experiments were then used to determine the long‐term mean power output. In terms of power density expressed as per unit of electrode surface area and as per unit of anode volume, the small‐sized MFC was superior to both the medium‐ and large‐scale MFCs by a factor of 1.5 and 3.5, respectively. Based on measured power output from 10 small units, a theoretical projection for 80 small units (giving the same equivalent anodic volume as one large 500 mL unit) gave a projected output of 10 W m−3, which is approximately 50 times higher than the recorded output produced by the large MFC. The results from this study suggest that MFC scale‐up may be better achieved by connecting multiple small‐sized units together rather than increasing the size of an individual unit. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic tuning of pore morphologies and pore volumes in macroporous materials by freezing

Freezing and its combination with emulsion-templating are investigated to systematically tune pore morphologies and volumes in macroporous materials. Macroporous structures with controllable pore morphologies are formed under defined freezing conditions. Oil-in-water emulsions are processed to produce porous polymeric materials with a controlled proportion of ice-templated pores and emulsion-templated pores by systematically changing the volume ratio of the internal oil droplet phase to aqueous continuous phase in the emulsions. Pore morphology, bulk density, and pore volumes of these macroporous materials can thus be systematically tuned. Chemical crosslinking and sol–gel processing are further employed to produce porous polymeric and inorganic materials (silica, silica–alumina, and zirconia) with enhanced mechanical stability and hierarchical porosity.
Modelling the supermodulus effect in metallic multilayers

To change the elastic moduli of a material by several hundred per cent is a noteworthy achievement. In metallic multilayer thin film structures, this phenomenon, 'the supermodulus effect', can be selectively incorporated. To date, this effect has only been observed in man-made structures fabricated with an artificial one-dimensional composition modulation. It has not yet been found in naturally occurring systems. To truly understand the cause of the supermodulus effect will prove useful, in concept, in elaborating the inter-relation between microstructure and physical properties and, in application, in the search for structures as yet unidentified. Some insight into the cause of this effect has been obtained for single unbounded layers using a rather practical 'coherency strain' model. This approach will be expanded upon in this paper to model the effect in the actual multilayer systems measured experimentally. The role of the interface in these materials of nanometric-scaled periodic structures will be seen to play a key role in understanding and modelling the supermodulus effect.
Large Area Single-Crystal Diamond Synthesis by 915 MHz Microwave Plasma-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition

A 75 kW, 915 MHz microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition system was adapted and utilized to scale up production of high-quality single-crystal diamonds at high growth rates. A 300 mm diameter plasma discharge was achieved with uniform temperature distributions of ±250 °C on up to 300 single-crystal diamond substrates. Diamond single crystals were synthesized from H2/CH4/N2 gas mixtures at pressures between 90 and 180 Torr, with recorded growth rates from 10 to 30 μm/h. The source of N2 was from vacuum chamber leakage, and it greatly affected synthesis chemistry. Optical emission spectroscopy was used to probe the localized plasma chemistry and plasma uniformity at different gas pressures. Production rates of up to 100 g/day of single-crystal diamonds were demonstrated, with 25% of the material categorized as colorless. Crystals up to 3.5 mm in thickness could be produced during a single deposition run. The quality of the crystals produced was assessed by photoluminescence and UV–visible absorp.