Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thin Layer Chromatographic Analysis of Neutral Lipids in Snail Conditioned Water and Feces of Biomphalaria glabrata Infected with Echinostoma caproni

Abstract Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to determine neutral lipids in snail conditioned water (SCW) and feces from Biomphalaria glabrata snails infected with Echinostoma caproni. Samples were extracted in chloroform–methanol (2:1), and the neutral lipids were separated on silica‐gel plates with a mobile phase consisting of petroleum ether–diethyl ether–glacial acetic acid (80:20:1). Zones were detected with phosphomolybdic acid reagent and quantified by densitometry. Qualitative analysis of SCW samples showed the presence of free sterols, free fatty acids, and triacylglycerols; qualitative analysis of fecal samples showed free sterols, free fatty acids, and unidentified pigments. Quantitative analysis of SCW with feces (SCW‐WF) from infected snails showed 7.35 ± 2.3 µg 2−1 mL−1 free fatty acids compared with uninfected controls, which had 8.05 ± 0.54 µg 2−1 mL−1. Quantitative analysis of SCW without feces (SCW‐WOF) showed that infected snails contained 4.76 ± 0.64 µg 2−1 mL−1 of free fatty acids compared with uninfected controls, which had 5.88 ± 0.34 µg 2−1 mL−1. Free fatty acids were the major fraction in snail feces. Samples from infected snails had 0.0224% ± 0.0022% compared with the uninfected controls, which had 0.0353% ± 0.0036%. The free fatty acids composition of the feces for infected snails was significantly lower than that of the uninfected samples (Student's t‐test, P < 0.05).
THE STRUCTURE OF PULCHERRIMINIC ACID

The red pigment pulcherrimin was isolated from three strains of Candida pulcherrima and converted to pulcherriminic acid. The properties of derivatives of this acid and the products obtained from its reduction indicate that it differs from pulcherriminic acid isolated by other workers. A probable structure for the new pulcherriminic acid is 2,5-diisobutyl-3,6-dihydroxy-pyrazine-1,4-dioxide. The structures of the compounds obtained from its reduction were also investigated.
SIZE EXCLUSION CHROMATOGRAPHY OF LIGNINS USING LITHIUM CHLORIDE/N,N-DIMETHYLACETAMIDE AS MOBILE PHASE. I. DISSOLVED AND RESIDUAL BIRCH KRAFT LIGNINS

The molecular weight distributions (MWDs) of dissolved and residual lignins from different delignification phases during flow-through kraft cooking of birch have been studied. The fundamental characteristics of the isolated lignin samples were evaluated and the lignins were characterised by size exclusion chromatography using lithium chloride/N,N-dimethylacetamide (LiCl/DMAc) not used for isolated lignin samples before. The MWDs of underivatized and acetylated samples were compared with the MWDs of acetylated samples obtained by using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as mobile phase in a similar chromatographic system. The results indicate that removal of pulp lignin during the initial phase of kraft cooking of birch is restricted partly because of the large size of the lignin polymer. However, at the end of the cook no such restrictions remain. The apparently larger molecular size obtained with the LiCl/DMAc-system compared to the THF-system, may be due to interactions between the polystyrene standards and column m.
Combination of Carbon Nanotubes with Ni2O3 for Simultaneously Improving the Flame Retardancy and Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene

Effects of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Ni2O3 on the flame retardancy of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) have been studied. A combination of MWCNTs and Ni2O3 showed a synergistic effect in improving the flame retardancy of LLDPE compared with LLDPE composites containing MWCNTs or Ni2O3 alone. As a result, the peak value of heat release rate measured by cone calorimeter was obviously decreased in the LLDPE/MWCNTs/Ni2O3 Composites. According to the results from rheological tests, carbonization experiments, and structural characterization of residual char, the improved flame retardancy was partially attributed to the formation of a networklike structure due to the good dispersion of MWCNTs in LLDPE matrix, and partially to the carbonization of degradation products of LLDPE catalyzed by Ni catalyst originated from Ni2O3, More importantly, both viscoelastic characteristics and catalytic carbonization behavior of LLDPE/MWCNTs/Ni2O3 composites acted in concert to result in a synergistic effect in improving the flame retardancy.
Local and cooperative molecular mobilities in thermoplastic polymers

Comparative measurements of calorimetry and low-frequency mechanical spectroscopy (temperature interval between 120 and 400 K) in a thermoplastic interpenetrating polymer network based on semicrystalline poly(urethane) and a styrene–acrylic acid block copolymer show the existence of distinct calorimetric and mechanical transitions associated with the two components, as a clear indication of a multiple-phase heterogeneous structure. In contrast with the apparent thermodynamic incompatibility of the components, significant deviations in the magnitudes of local and cooperative transitions from a simple dilution effect are revealed. These findings are associated with a limited miscibility due to weak interactions (hydrogen bondings) between the functional groups of the two polymeric components.
Gelatin/dextran intelligent hydrogels for drug delivery : dual-stimuli-responsive degradation in relation to miscibility in interpenetrating polymer networks

Biodegradable hydrogels consisting of gelatin (Gtn) and dextran (Dex) with an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structure were prepared by sequential cross-linking reaction below and above the solgel transition temperature (T trans ) of Gtn, and their enzymatic degradability was examined. IPN-structured hydrogels prepared below T trans showed to be homogeneous in terms of phase-contrast microscopic observation and small-angle light scattering measurements. In contrast, IPN-structured hydrogels prepared above T trans showed a phase-separated structure. The water content and compression modulus of the IPN-structured hydrogels were almost constant in contrast to the phase morphology, suggesting the existence of physical chain entanglements between Gtn and Dcx networks in the hydrogels prepared below T trans . Much more bound water was observed in the IPN-structured hydrogel prepared below T trans , presumably supporting the above suggestion. The IPN-structured hydrogels prepared below T trans exhibited a specific degradation behavior: degradation of the hydrogels by either α-chymotrypsin or dextranase alone was completely hindered whereas the hydrogel was completely degraded in the presence of both enzymes. Such a specific feature of enzymatic degradation was not observed for the IPN-structured hydrogels prepared above T trans . It is concluded that the dual-stimuli-responsiv degradation can be achieved by enhancing physical chain entanglements of Gtn and Dex networks.
Direct comparison of cross‐sectional scanning capacitance microscope dopant profile and vertical secondary ion‐mass spectroscopy profile

The scanning capacitance microscope (SCM) has been shown to be useful for quantitative 2D dopant profiling near the surface of silicon. An atomic force microscope is used to position a nanometer scale tip at a silicon surface, and local capacitance change is measured as a function of sample bias. A new feedback method has been recently demonstrated in which the magnitude of the ac bias voltage applied to the sample is adjusted to maintain a constant capacitance change as the tip is scanned across the sample surface. The applied ac bias voltage as a function of position is then input into an inversion algorithm to extract the dopant density profile. The new feedback approach allows for the use of a quasi‐1D model in the inversion algorithm. Since there are no alternative 2D dopant profiling techniques which are well established at present, evaluation of the quantitative character of 2D SCM measured profiles has been a challenge. To avoid this obstacle, we have developed sample preparation methods which all.
Developing a BIM based asset management strategy - first highlights from specific client case study

Asset managers require meaningful asset data in order to effectively manage their assets. Asset owners from the public and private sectors are increasingly adopting Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the lifecycle of their investments in order to improve asset data delivery, operations and maintenance practices. Despite this momentum, there is insufficient understanding by asset owners of the right standards, processes and policies to follow in delivering such data. Therefore, further awareness and research are needed to develop good BIM implementation practices in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Owner and Operator (AECOO) industry in order to improve the adoption of BIM-based processes by asset owners. The paper seeks to understand the current Asset Management (AM) methods and further aims to develop a BIM-based AM strategy that focuses on the development of a consolidated Asset Information Model (AIM) that can support building information management with the optional requirement of 3D-models in a specific client case study. The case study is a public asset owner that manages residential buildings and social housing. The purpose of the paper is to frame, evaluate and test the defined strategic approach based on organisational requirements and established AM development stages. The first stage which is covered by this paper involves the development of a BIM-based AM strategy that is based on non-graphical data and documentation. The research, methodology and outcomes led to the following results: (a) developing better understanding by the asset owner and improved awareness of the difficulties of implementing the defined BIM-based AM strategy in a practical case study; (b) identifying generic barriers and obstacles relating to the implementation of a BIM-based approach in managing asset data of all building stock owned by the public asset owner; (c) highlighting direct uses of the strategy and benefits towards future asset operation and maintenance actions; (d) demonstrating the business value of BIM across building maintenance actions and new construction processes.
Complexes of Importance to the Absorption of Solar Radiation

Complexes of atmospheric molecules and atoms with water, H2O·X, where X is H2O, N2, O2, Ar, and CO2, are investigated to evaluate their possible role in the absorption of solar energy and consequently in influencing the Earth's climate. The atmospheric abundance and absorption spectra of these complexes are calculated and used in a line-by-line radiative transfer model to assess their contribution. We have used statistical mechanics to calculate equilibrium constants and the harmonically coupled anharmonic oscillator local mode model to calculate fundamental and overtone OH-stretching vibrational band frequencies and intensities. Parameters for these calculations were obtained with the use of ab initio methods. Apart from the water dimer, no OH-stretching bands are significantly frequency shifted compared to those in the water monomer, implying that observation of the vibrational spectra of these hydrates in the atmosphere will be difficult. Of the studied complexes, we find that the O2 and N2 monohydrate.
Nitrogen-Metabolizing Enzymes: Effect of Nitrogen Sources and Saline Irrigation

Abstract Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. cv. RH-30) was grown under different types and levels of nitrogen (N) sources, i.e. nitrate, ammonical, and nitrate plus ammonical, at 40, 80, and 120 kg ha− 1 under green house conditions. The plants were salinized with 8 and 12 dSm− 1 at 35 and 55 days after sowing. A progressive inhibition of the activity of enzymes of N metabolism, i.e., nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate synthase (GOGAT), and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), was observed with increasing level of salinity. However, the magnitude of such reductions was lowest at the highest level of N (120 kg ha− 1) as compared with the lowest level (40 kg ha− 1) irrespective of N source. The activity of nitrate-assimilating enzymes (NR and NiR) was maximum with nitrate fertilizer, and minimum with the ammonical form. The alleviation of detrimental effects of salinity on NR and NiR was better with the highest level of N (120 kg ha− 1) in nitrate form as compared with the lowest level of N (40 kg ha− 1). In contrast, the maximum activity of ammonium-assimilating enzymes (GS, GOGAT, and GDH) was observed with the highest level of N (120 kg ha− 1) and the minimum with the nitrate form of N under salinity. These results indicate that despite the high salinity, an increase in the concentration and uptake of N stimulates the activities of nitrate-assimilating enzymes (NR and NiR) as well as of the ammonia-assimilating enzymes (GS, GOGAT, and GDH).
Epoxy Toughening with Low Graphene Loading

The toughening effects of graphene and graphene‐derived materials on thermosetting epoxies are investigated. Graphene materials with various structures and surface functional groups are incorporated into an epoxy resin by in situ polymerization. Graphene oxide (GO) and GO modified with amine‐terminated poly(butadiene‐acrylonitrile) (ATBN) are chosen to improve the dispersion of graphene nanosheets in epoxy and increase their interfacial adhesion. An impressive toughening effect is observed with less than 0.1 wt% graphene. A maximum in toughness at loadings as small as 0.02 wt% or 0.04 wt% is observed for all four types of graphene studied. An epoxy nanocomposite with ATBN‐modified GO shows a 1.5‐fold improvement in fracture toughness and a corresponding 2.4‐fold improvement in fracture energy at 0.04 wt% of graphene loading. At such low loadings, these graphene‐type materials become economically feasible components of nanocomposites. A microcrack mechanism is proposed based on microscopy of the fracture surfaces. Due to the stress concentration by graphene nanosheets, microcracks may be formed to absorb the fracture energy. However, above a certain graphene concentration, the coalescence of microcracks appears to facilitate crack propagation, lowering the fracture toughness. Crack deflection and pinning likely contribute to the slow increase in fracture toughness at higher loadings.
Density Functional Theory Study of the Interaction of Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic Acid with Graphene, Defective Graphene, and Graphene Oxide

This study investigated the interaction between carbon nanostructures, including pristine graphene, defective graphene with monovacancy, graphene oxide (GO), and tripeptide arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD), by density functional theory. The results from the adsorption energy analysis show that the strongest adsorption is observed when RGD is parallel to graphene surfaces, in which graphene interacts with all three functional groups of RGD, including NH3+, COO–, and guanidine. The interaction of NH3+···π was stronger than that of guanidine–NH2···π and COO–···π. The vacancy improves the ability of graphene to attract RGD because of active dangling C atoms. GO has a stronger interaction with RGD than the pristine and defective graphene because of O-containing groups. The comparison of the GO model with the OH, epoxy, and mixed OH/epoxy groups reveals that various O-containing groups have distinguishing binding abilities with RGD. Water molecules strengthen the interactions between graphene and RGD, where.
Novel Personalised Determinants of Atrial Substrate in Atrial Fibrillation

I DECLARATION . IV PREFACE . V PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS . VII ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . X ABBREVIATIONS . XIV TABLE OF CONTENTS . XVII CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW .
Collective coherence in planar semiconductor microcavities

Semiconductor microcavities, in which strong coupling of excitons to confined photon modes leads to the formation of exciton–polariton modes, have increasingly become a focus for the study of spontaneous coherence, lasing and condensation in solid state systems. This review discusses the significant experimental progress to date, the phenomena associated with coherence which have been observed and also discusses in some detail the different theoretical models that have been used to study such systems. We consider both the case of non-resonant pumping, in which coherence may spontaneously arise, and the related topics of resonant pumping, and the optical parametric oscillator.
Individual defects at the Si:SiO2 interface

In micron-sized MOSFETS, the alternate capture and emission of carriers at individual Si-SiO2 interface defects generates discrete switching in the source-drain resistance. The resistance changes are observed in the drain current as random telegraph signals, or as stepped transients after a strong perturbation of the trap occupation. The study of individual defects in MOSFETS has provided a powerful means of investigating the capture and emission kinetics of interface traps, has demonstrated the defect origins of low-frequency (1/f) noise in MOSFETS, and has provided new insight into the nature of defects at the Si:SiO2 interface.
Star - shaped Thiourea Derivative as Single Molecule Conductive Thin Film

The electronic delocalization in extended π - orbital system of conjugated organic molecules br ings significant contribution and has lead for further investigation to exploit this system to be used as potential conductive thin film. In this work, a star - shaped thiourea, N 1 ,N 3 ,N 5 - tris(4 (nonyloxy)phenyl) - N ’ - (benzene - 1,3,5 tricarbonyl) thiourea ( STU ) based on Donor(D) - π - Acceptor(A) system was successfully synthesized from continuous reactions of intermediate compound 4 nonyloxy aniline hydrochloride with benzene - 1,3,5 - tricarboxylic acid chloride pri or to form active substrate in the form of film. These compounds were characterized via several spectroscopic and analytical methods namely IR, UV - Vis, CHNS elemental analysis,
On-Chip ESD Protection Design: Optimized Clamps

The extensive use of Integrated Circuits (ICs) means complex working conditions for these tiny chips. To guarantee the ICs could work properly in various environments, some special protection strategies are required to improve the reliability of system. From all the possible reliability issues, the electrostatics discharge (ESD) might be the most common one. The peak current of electrostatics can be as high as tens of amperes and the peak voltage can be over thousand voltages. In contrast, the size of semiconductor device fabricated is continuing to scale down, making it even more vulnerable to high level overstress and current surge induced by ESD event. To protect the on-chip semiconductor from damage, some extra “clamp cells” are put together to consist a network. The network can redirect the superfluous current through the ESD network and clamp the voltage to a low level. In this dissertation, one design concept is introduced that uses the combination of some basic ESD devices to meet different requirements first, and then tries to establish parasitic current path among these devices to further increase the current handling capability. Some design cases are addressed to demonstrate this design concept is valid and efficient: 1. A combination of silicon-controlled-rectifier (SCR) and diode cluster is implemented to resolve the overshoot issue under fast ESD event. 2. A new SCR structure is introduced, which can be used as “padding” device to increase the clamping voltage without affecting other parameters.
Modelling the microbial breakdown of pesticides in soil using a parameter estimation technique

Results of field measurements and laboratory experiments were used to simulate the behaviour of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) in a loamy sand soil. Microbial activity was described using pre-set conditions to compute transformation rates as dependent on compound concentrations and temperature. These kinetics could only be analysed using non-linear transformation rates. To link the development of microbial populations and the consumption of the compound over time, an iterative technique was used to estimate the necessary parameters.
Erosão hídrica, em três momentos da cultura do milho, influenciada por métodos de preparo do solo e semeadura

Independentemente do sistema de preparo, as condicoes superficiais do solo que regem o processo erosivo pela agua da chuva se alteram durante o desenvolvimento da cultura de milho. Ao mesmo tempo, as condicoes fisicas de superficie do solo que maneam as perdas de solo sao distintas das que conduzem as perdas de agua por erosao. A hipotese desta pesquisa foi que essas alteracoes ocorridas durante o desenvolvimento da cultura do milho reduziriam as perdas de solo, mas nao alterariam as perdas de agua por erosao. Com base nisso, realizou-se este trabalho com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de diferentes condicoes fisicas de superficie do solo, criadas por metodos de seu preparo, nas perdas de solo e agua por erosao hidrica (causada por chuva simulada), em tres momentos de crescimento da cultura do milho. O estudo foi desenvolvido na EEA/UFRGS, municipio de Eldorado do Sul, RS, em Argissolo Vermelho distrofico tipico, com textura franco-argiloarenosa no horizonte A e declividade media de 0,08 m m-1. Os tratamentos estudados, estabelecidos sobre residuos culturais (recem-colhidos) de aveia-preta, foram: preparo convencional (uma aracao+duas gradagens - A+2G), preparo reduzido 1 (uma escarificacao+uma gradagem - E+G), preparo reduzido 2 (apenas uma escarificacao - E), semeadura direta 1 (semeadora-adubadora provida de facoes ou hastes sulcadoras para colocacao do fertilizante na profundidade de 12 cm - SDf), semeadura direta 2 (semeadora-adubadora desprovida de hastes sulcadoras, mas contendo discos-duplos desencontrados para colocacao das sementes na profundidade de 5 cm - SDd) e tratamento testemunha (preparo convencional - aracao+duas gradagens -, porem sem cultivo do solo - parcela padrao ou unitaria - T), seguidos da semeadura do milho (exceto o tratamento T). A avaliacao das perdas de solo e agua por erosao foi feita por meio da aplicacao de tres chuvas simuladas (simulador de bracos rotativos), na intensidade de 64 mm h-1 e com duracao de 120 min cada uma, nos seguintes momentos da cultura do milho: logo apos a semeadura; aos 45 e aos 116 dias, apos a primeira aplicacao de chuva. A rugosidade superficial do solo criada pela escarificacao retardou o inicio da enxurrada e aumentou a infiltracao de agua, consideravelmente diminuindo a perda dessa ultima por erosao, enquanto a cobertura por residuos culturais expressivamente reduziu a perda de solo. A maquina de semeadura direta provida de facoes ou hastes sulcadoras mobilizou o solo mais do que a desprovida desses orgaos (equipada apenas com sulcadores tipo discos-duplos desencontrados), diminuindo a perda de agua ao redor de 35 % e mantendo a perda de solo pequena. No solo preparado convencionalmente e com cultivo, em razao do processo natural de reconsolidacao e da cobertura gradual oferecida pelas plantas de milho, a perda de solo foi maior no inicio da cultura, enquanto a perda de agua foi maior no seu final.