Ca Salts Research Articles

Effect of calcium application on rice ears for suppressing cesium transfer from roots to brown rice.

Researchers have stressed that crops may absorb radioactive cesium (Cs) in the soil and translocate it to its edible parts. Therefore, a method was developed to suppress Cs absorption through high K fertilisation. However, this method is less effective for rice plants after ear emergence, thus demanding the application of a suppression method at this stage. In this study, we test whether immersion of ears in a Ca solution during its ripening period could suppress the translocation of Cs from roots to brown rice. The results show that the translocation of Cs absorbed from the hydroponic solution to brown rice is reduced based on the Ca concentration applied to the ears. In addition, differences in the inhibition of translocation were observed among the different Ca salts. In addition, the effect of immersion of ears in Ca solution on Cs translocation was effective at lower concentrations than that effective for K.

Effect of supplementation to offspring during early gestation and the growing phase with different sources of fatty acids on learning and memory ability of post-weaning lambs

Abstract The objective of the current experiment was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with different dietary fatty acid profiles on the dam during the first third of gestation and on the offspring during growth on the offspring’s cognitive behavior. Seventy-nine post-weaning lambs were blocked by body weight and sex using a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The first factor (maternal supplementation; MS) was supplementation to the ewes in the first third of gestation with 1.61% Ca salts of palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) or Ca salts enriched with eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) to early pregnant ewes. The second factor (offspring supplementation; OS) was to supplement the offspring during their growing phase with diets that contained 1.48% of PFAD or Ca salts of PFAD or EPA and DHA. Ewes were housed in groups, three ewes per pen and 12 pens per treatment, with different treatments until day 50 of gestation. From day 51 of gestation until weaning, all the animals (ewes and lambs) were housed in a common pen. After weaning, lambs were housed in group pens (5 pens per treatment, three to five per pen). The lambs ran maze tests on weeks five and seven after weaning to evaluate cognitive ability. The maze contained two trap zones and had the pen conspecific lambs at the end of the maze. The measurements were the times to solve the traps and the total time to complete the maze. Data were analyzed using a mixed procedure considering the 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. There was a MS × OS × time interaction for the time to complete the maze (P = 0.02). Lambs receiving a different type of fatty acid supplementation during gestation than post-weaning took less time to complete the maze on the second relative to the first day compared with the lambs fed the same type of fatty acids during gestation and growing. In conclusion, combining different fatty acids during different life stages may improve lambs' cognitive abilities.

Screening Dietary Fat Sources and Concentrations Included in Low- and High-Forage Diets Using an In Vitro Gas Production System

Including dietary fat can increase the energy density of diets fed to ruminants, reducing dry matter intake (DMI). Effects of different fat sources on nutrient digestion and fermentation can vary depending on dietary fat concentration and the forage-to-concentrate ratio (F:C). Therefore, this study’s objective was to screen the effects of fat sources supplemented at different concentrations to high- and low-forage diets on in vitro digestibility and fermentation. Treatments included either low forage (LF; 35%) or high forage (HF; 70%) with two fat levels (6 or 9% DM) using six different fat sources, plus control. The control diet (CON) had a basal level of fat in the diet (3% fat; 0% fat inclusion), and fat sources were added to attain 6% or 9% dietary fat and consisted of the following: Coconut oil, CO; Poultry fat, PF; Palm oil, PO; Palm kernel oil, PKO; Soybean oil, SOY; and Ca Salts, MEG. In vitro Gas Production (GP) modules were randomly assigned to treatments in a 2 × 2 × 7 factorial design and were incubated for four 24 h runs. The CO-fed module had the highest dry matter (DM) apparent digestibility (AD) (p < 0.01), followed by SOY and PF. The true DM digestibility (TDMD) and organic matter (OM) AD were the highest in CO (p < 0.01) than the other fat types. The AD for DM, OM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was higher in LF (p < 0.01). The 6% fat inclusion had a higher GP (109 vs. 103 mL ± 2.09; p < 0.03). Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration was lower in different fat types than the CON and the acetate molar proportion (p > 0.01). The propionate was the lowest for the CON, which increased the acetate to propionate (A:P) ratio (p < 0.01). These results suggest that LF diets with high fat concentrations can be utilized, and different fat sources may improve DM and fiber digestibility.

Aggregation Characteristics of Biobased Anionic Surfactant, Hydroxy Alkane Sulfonate in Aqueous CaCl2 Solutions: Vesicle and Supported Bilayer Formation.

Vesicles are known to spontaneously adsorb onto solid-liquid interfaces and to form supported bilayers in aqueous solution. Cationic surfactants have typically been used to generate supported bilayers because solid surfaces in water are often negatively charged. The present study investigated the aggregation behavior of an anionic surfactant, hydroxy alkane sulfonate having a C18 alkyl chain (C18HAS) in aqueous CaCl2 solutions. These assessments were performed by acquiring data related to equilibrium surface tension, the solubilization of an oil-soluble dye, UV-visible transmittance, pyrene fluorescence and dynamic light scattering together with freeze-fracture transmission electron microscopy observations. The results suggest that C18HAS can form vesicles in aqueous CaCl2 solutions under certain surfactant concentrations. Specifically, this aggregation behavior is greatly affected by C18HAS/CaCl2 molar ratio. At the C18HAS/CaCl2 molar ratio is less than an equivalence point (that is, less than 2:1), phase separation occurs with the formation of a vesicle above solubility limit of the C18HAS Ca salt. On the other hand, in the case that the C18HAS/CaCl2 molar ratio is above an equivalence point (that is, above 2:1), the Na salt of C18HAS forms micelles above the critical micelle concentration (cmc), causing solubilization of vesicles. Analyses by high-speed atomic force microscopy demonstrated that the C18HAS vesicles can spontaneously form a supported bilayer on a negatively charged mica surfaces, similar to the behavior of cationic surfactant vesicles, even though C18HAS is an anionic surfactant. These results suggest that C18HAS could serve as a detergent component but also as a surface modifier when the C18HAS/CaCl2 molar ratio is optimized.

Influence of solid residence time on the phosphorus adsorption of extracellular polymer substances

Influence of solid residence time (SRT) on phosphorus (P) adsorption of extracellular polymer substances (EPS) was investigated from the perspectives of the contents, compositions and properties of loosely bound and tightly bound extracellular polymers (i.e., LB-EPS and TB-EPS) and microbial community structure. The TP contents of EPS were 59.6±6.0 - 87.4±4.4 mg·g-1 VSS and 63.7% - 68.1% of those of sludge, which was still underestimated due to the residual TB-EPS protecting cell membrane integrity. The influences of SRT on the yield and compositions of TB-EPS were obviously greater than those of LB-EPS. Compared with the SRTs of 12 d and 18 d, the significant P storage enhancement of biological P removal (BPR) sludge with the SRT of 25 d was related with the increases of TB-EPS yield, polyP content and average chain length in TB-EPS. The P adsorption property of TB-EPS was slightly increased through increasing SRT, while the K, Mg and Ca adsorption properties were markedly reduced. Increasing extracellular P content could kept good BPR efficiency at longer SRTs, but the loss risk of phosphorus accumulating organism dominance was increased. Additionally, adding Mg and Ca salts might improve extracellular P adsorption at longer SRTs.

140 Effects of ɷ-3 PUFA supplementation during late gestation to first-calf beef heifers on physiological and performance responses of offspring

Abstract The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effects of ɷ-3 PUFA supplementation to late gestation first-calf beef heifers on milk and immunoglobulin production and performance and physiological responses of the offspring. Non-lactating, pregnant Angus heifers (n = 44) were ranked by age, body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) and allocated to receive DDG + 1 of the 2 treatments: 1) 234 g/heifer per feeding of Ca salts of PUFA based on eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids (OMG, Strata; Virtus Nutrition LLC, Corcoran, CA; n = 22), 2) 234 g/heifer per feeding of Ca salts of saturated and monosaturated fatty acids based on palmitic and oleic acids (CON; EnerGII, Virtus Nutrition, LLC; n = 22; Table 1). The animals were gathered each week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and individually fed DDG + treatments. Immediately after calving, heifer-calf pairs were removed from their respective treatments and assigned to the general management of the research herd until weaning, which did not include fatty acid supplementation. Calves were transported to a feedyard for a 90-d preconditioning and feedlot receiving period. Initial cow BW and BCS were similar (P ≥ 0.49) among treatments. No differences were also detected (P ≥ 0.33) for BW or BCS change, and at calving BW or BCS (Table 3). No differences were observed between groups for average colostrum composition (P > 0.37). However, there was an increase in colostrum fat percentage (P = 0.03) and a tendency of greater concentration of colostrum IgG (P = 0.08) in OMG heifers compared with the control group. No significant differences were observed among treatments at calving results (P > 0.83; Table 3). However, a tendency was observed for crown to rump measure (P = 0.07). During the preconditioning period, there was a difference among groups for final BW (P = 0.04) and average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.05), remaining throughout the receiving phase among treatments for initial BW (P = 0.04), final BW (P = 0.04) and ADG (P = 0.05). A tendency (P = 0.09) for greater NEFA concentration and greater cortisol concentrations (P = 0.05) was observed in OMG vs. CON cohorts (Table 4, Table 5). Supplementation during late gestating first-calf beef heifers yielded similar outcomes on cow and offspring performance from birth to weaning; however, OMG calves were 6 kg heavier when compared with CON after being fed a high-energy feedlot diet, meaning that ɷ-3 PUFAs supplemented during late gestation might be an alternative to optimize feedlot responses of the offspring.

Theoretical study of adsorption of sodium, lithium, magnesium and calcium chloride and sulfate salts by pure and Sc-doped B12N12 nanocages and pure boron nitride nanosheet

High concentrations of water-soluble chloride and sulfate salts may cause adverse effects to humans and plants. Boron nitride (BN) nanostructures seem able to remove these water-soluble salts. In addition, Li+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Na2+ interactions with BN nanostructures have received much attention in fabricating high-performance metal-ion batteries. Accordingly, this study investigated the adsorption of chloride and sulfate salts of Li, Mg, Ca, and Na on pristine and scandium (Sc)-doped B12N12 nanocages and pure BN nanosheet through DFT calculations. Optimizing the structures at the B3LYP/6-31 g (d, p) and M062X/6-311 g (d, p) computational levels indicated very exothermic chemisorption of chloride and sulfate salts on the pure and Sc-doped B12N12 nanocages. The B12N12-LiCl and Sc@B11N12-LiCl complexes showed the highest negative adsorption energies of −26.33 and −57.30 kcal/mol among the chloride salts. The B12N12-MgSO4 and Sc@B12N12-MgSO4 complexes showed the highest adsorption energies of −69.27 and −102.70 kcal/mol among the sulfate salts. Studying the effect of the adsorption process on the electronic properties of the B12N12 nanocage showed a reduction in the energy gap upon the adsorption of all salts on the pure B12N12 nanocage with the lowest energy gap of 3.98 eV for B12N12-MgSO4. The adsorption energies of the individual salts and their complexes on the B12N12 nanosheet at the B3LYP/6-311 g (d, p) level imply the occurrence of physisorption. A significant reduction was observed in the energy gap by adsorbing the salts on the BN nanosheet. Adsorbing CaSO4 and MgSO4 on the BN nanosheet caused the largest variation of 1.71 and 1.56 eV in the energy gap, respectively. The promising results of our study highlight the potential application of BN nanostructures in the removal of various soluble salts and the fabrication of metal-ion batteries.

Calcium-Salt-Enhanced Fiber Membrane with High Infrared Emission and Hydrophilicity for Efficient Passive Cooling.

Radiative cooling fabrics have gained significant attention for their ability to enhance comfort without consuming extra energy. Nevertheless, sweat accumulation on the skin and diminishing cooling efficiency usually exist in the reported polymer cooling membranes. Herein, we report a universal method to obtain a calcium (Ca)-salt-enhanced fiber membrane with high infrared emission and hydrophilicity for efficient passive cooling and flame retardancy. The modification by Ca salts (including CaSiO3, CaSO3, and CaHPO4) with strong infrared emission results in an improvement in hygrothermal management ability, especially for moisture absorption and perspiration regulation in hot and humid environments. As an example, the CaSiO3@PMMA fiber membrane exhibits exceptional reflectivity in the solar spectrum (∼94.5%), high emittance in the atmospheric window (∼96.7%), and superhydrophilicity with a contact angle of 31°. Under direct sunlight, the CaSiO3@PMMA membrane exhibits an obvious temperature drop of 11.7 °C and moisture management achieves an additional cooling of 8.9 °C, as further confirmed by the ability to reduce the rate of ice melting. Additionally, the composite membrane provides notable flame retardancy and UV resistance. This work paves a new path in developing new materials with perspiration management and flame retardancy for zero energy consumption cooling in hot and humid environments.

Increasing long-chain n-3 fatty acids in beef from forage-finished cattle through supplementation with the calcium salts of fish oil

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of dietary fish oil Ca salts supplementation on the muscle deposition of fatty acids, with the major focus on eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) in beef cattle. For Experiment 1, thirty-eight grazing LowLine Angus steers were divided into three groups and supplemented either control, fish oil (FO)- or palm oil (PO)-based fatty acid Ca salts, supplemented individually in dry form. In Experiment 2, 14 Angus heifers and 14 Angus steers were fed free-choice harvested forage and supplemented either PO or FO Ca salts, delivered as a suspension within dried molasses lick tubs. Growth performances, sensory characteristics and the concentrations of EPA and DHA of the M. Longissimus thoracis (LT) were evaluated. M. Longissimus thoracis fatty acid concentrations of EPA and DHA were greater (P<0.001) for cattle fed FO; whereas C18:2 n-6 and the ratio of n-6 to n-3 were greater (P<0.001) for cattle fed PO in both experiments. Sensory evaluation of LT steaks obtained from the carcasses of the LowLine steers of Experiment 1 did not reveal any adverse effects of the FO supplementation (P≥0.2695). We conclude that supplementing FO Ca-salts to forage-fed beef cattle increases muscle deposition of EPA and DHA, with no adverse effects on flavor. Supplementing fish oil to beef cattle is a way to meet the omega fatty acid requirements of humans.

Paramagnetic Salts of Ca, Ba, and Pb with Difurazanopyrazine and Difurazanopyrazine-N-oxide Radical Anions

Paramagnetic Salts of Ca, Ba, and Pb with Difurazanopyrazine and Difurazanopyrazine-<i>N</i>-oxide Radical Anions

171 Supplementing Ca Salts of Soybean Oil Via Low-Moisture Molasses-Based Blocks to Improve Reproductive Performance and Overall Productivity of Beef Cows

Abstract This experiment evaluated reproductive and productive responses of beef cows receiving self-fed low-moisture blocks (LMB) enriched or not with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) throughout the breeding season. Non-pregnant, suckling multiparous Angus-influenced cows (n = 554) were assigned to a fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) protocol (day -10 to 0) followed by natural service (day 15 to 70). Cows were managed in 12 groups (46 ± 4 cows/group) maintained in individual pastures, and groups received LMB enriched with 25% (as-fed basis) of CSSO or ground corn (CON) from day -10 to 100. Both treatments were designed to yield a daily LMB intake of 0.454 kg/cow (as-fed basis). Groups were enrolled in an estrus-synchronization + fixed-time AI protocol from day -10 to 0 (AI occurred on day 0) of the experiment and beginning 15 days after AI cows were exposed to mature Angus bulls for 55 d. Pregnancy status was verified on day 55 and 100 of the experiment, and cows that gave birth during the initial two weeks were considered pregnant to fixed-time AI. Calf birthdate and weight was recorded during the subsequent breeding season. All calves were weaned at the same time, and a calf BW and age were recorded. Blood samples were also collected from a subsample of cows on days -10, 0 (fixed-time AI), and 55 (pregnancy diagnosis). All data were analyzed using group as the experimental unit and Satterthwaite approximation to determine the denominator df for the tests of fixed effects. Quantitative data were analyzed with the MIXED procedure of SAS, and binary data analyzed with the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with a binomial distribution and logit link function. Data were analyzed with group (treatment × location), cow(group), and location as random variables. Significance was set at P ≤ 0.05 and tendencies were determined if P &amp;gt; 0.05 and ≤ 0.10. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) mean concentrations of ω-6 fatty acids in plasma samples collected on days 0 and 55. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P = 0.05) pregnancy rate to fixed-time AI (67.2 vs. 59.3%), whereas final pregnancy rate did not differ (P = 0.92) between treatments. Pregnancy loss was less (P = 0.03) in CSSO cows (4.50 vs. 9.04%), which also calved earlier during the calving season (treatment × week; P = 0.04). Weaning rate tended to be greater (P = 0.09) in CSSO (84.8 vs. 79.4%), although calf weaning age and weight did not differ (P ≥ 0.72) between treatments. Kilos of calf weaned/cow exposed was greater (P = 0.04) in CSSO cows (234 vs. 215 kg). Therefore, supplementing CSSO to beef cows via LMB during the breeding season improved their reproductive and overall productivity during a cow-calf cycle.

Morphological control of CaCO3 superstructures in seawater: Insights into Ca-source anion influence and formation mechanism

This work provides crucial insights into the crystallization and morphogenesis of CaCO3 polymorphs in seawater at elevated temperatures. Using Ca source anions as a controlling factor, we modify the crystallization of CaCO3 and demonstrate that stable and intricate particle morphologies of CaCO3, such as hexagonal bipyramidal, disks, and twin structures, can be generated in seawater without surfactants. The synthesis of CaCO3 was accomplished through a direct hydrothermal method utilizing water-soluble Ca salts (calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, and calcium acetate) as Ca source and urea as a carbonate source. Depending on the specific source anions used, various morphological changes were observed. The CaCO3 prepared with the nitrate source yields vaterite as the major polymorph with hexagonal bipyramidal morphology. Pseudohexagonal prisms of aragonite were the primary product obtained with calcium acetate as the source. In contrast, chloride ions yielded vaterite and aragonite depending on the reaction temperature and time. The purity of CaCO3 prepared with seawater was > 94 % regardless of the Ca source. We observe that the phase formation follows the order of gypsum-vaterite-aragonite with an increase in hydrothermal reaction time. Further, we propose the formation mechanism of vaterite hexagonal bipyramidal and aragonite pseudohexagonal prism superstructures where directional aggregation of particles occurs in the presence of ammonium ions and seawater solvent. These findings, obtained through the exploration of seawater and different Ca sources, offer a comprehensive understanding of how source anions influence the selective formation of CaCO3 polymorph and its morphological tuning. This information can be applied to tailor the synthesis of CaCO3 for specific applications.

Effects of calcium supplements on oral bioavailability of fluoride in soil based on In Vivo and In Vitro methods

Dietary calcium (Ca) intake can alleviate fluoride (F) induced fluorosis to maintain bone health. However, it is unclear whether calcium supplements can reduce the oral bioavailability of F present in contaminated soils. Here we evaluated the effects of Ca supplements on F bioavailability in three soils using an in vitro method (Physiologically Based Extraction Test) and an in vivo mouse model. Seven Ca salts, commonly used in calcium supplements, significantly reduced the F bioaccessibility in the gastric and small intestinal phases. Particularly for Ca phosphate at 150 mg Ca supplementation, F bioaccessibility in the small intestinal phase was reduced from 35.1–38.8% to 0.7–1.9% where soluble F concentrations were less than 1 mg/L. Overall, the eight Ca tablets tested in this study showed greater efficiency at decreasing F solubility. The in vitro bioaccessibility after Ca supplementation was consistent with the relative bioavailability of F. As supported by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, a possible mechanism is that freed F can be bound by Ca to form insoluble CaF2 and exchanged with OH groups from Al/Fe hydroxide to strongly adsorb F. These findings provide evidence of Ca supplementation in reducing health risks associated soil F exposure.

36 Productive and Physiological Responses of Feedlot Cattle Receiving Different Sources of Ca Salts of Fatty Acids in the Finishing Diet

Abstract This experiment compared productive and physiological responses in feedlot cattle receiving a finishing diet that included Ca salts of palm oil (CSPALM), or a blend of Ca salts of palm, cottonseed, and soybean oils (CSMIX). Ninety yearling steers were housed in 15 pens equipped with Calan-gate feeders (6 steers/pen). Steers within each pen were ranked by shrunk body weight (BW; 410 ± 3.3 kg) on d 0 and assigned to receive a total-mixed ration (TMR) containing (as-fed basis) 2% of CSMIX (n = 30), 2% of CSPALM (n = 30), or no supplemental fat (CON; n = 30). Individual TMR intake was evaluated weekly. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 28, 56, 119, and 147. Samples of the Longissimus muscle (LM) were collected on d 84 via needle biopsy. Upon slaughter on d 148, hot carcass weight (HCW) was recorded and used to determine final BW (63% dressing), whereas one LM steak sample (2.54 cm) was removed from the right side of each carcass. Steer ADG was greater (P = 0.02) for CSMIX compared with CSPALM and tended to be greater (P = 0.09) for CSMIX compared with CON. Feed efficiency was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for CSMIX compared with CSPALM and CON, and carcass LM area was less (P = 0.01) for CSPALM compared with CSMIX and CON. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.21) for TMR intake, final BW, and other carcass merit traits including marbling. Mean plasma cholesterol concentrations were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in CSMIX and CSPALM compared with CON, and expression of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein in the LM was greater (P ≤ 0.04) in CSPALM compared with CSMIX and CON. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.15) for plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor I, and leptin, nor for other LM genes associated with marbling and muscle growth. Concentrations of total fatty acids (FA) in plasma and in LM steaks were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in CSMIX compared with CSPALM and CON, and greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in the LM steaks of CSPALM steers compared with CON. Moreover, steers receiving CSMIX had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) concentrations of polyunsaturated and ω-6 FA in plasma samples and LM steaks compared with CSPALM and CON. Collectively, supplementing CSMIX improved performance traits and FA profile in the LM of feedlot steers, but the same responses were not observed when CSPALM was offered. The advantages noted from CSMIX supplementation appear to be resultant from the nutraceutical benefits of increased polyunsaturated ω-6 FA supply to the finishing diet.

Molecular dynamics study of low molecular weight gel forming salt-triggered dipeptide

Molecular dynamics simulation method was used to study the aggregation of Na and Ca salts in different concentrations of Naphthalene-dipeptide (2NapFF) solutions. The results show that high-valence Ca2+ triggers the formation of a gel at a certain dipeptide concentration, and the low-valence Na+ system follows the aggregation law of general surfactants. The results also show that hydrophobic and electrostatic forces are the main driving forces for the formation of dipeptide aggregates, and that hydrogen bonds do not play a major role in the formation of dipeptide solution aggregates. Hydrophobic and electrostatic effects are the main driving forces for the formation of gels in dipeptide solutions triggered by Ca2+. Electrostatic attraction drives Ca2+ to form a weak coordination with four oxygen atoms on two carboxyl groups, which causes the dipeptide molecules to form a gel with a branched network structure.

Supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil via low-moisture molasses-based blocks to improve reproductive performance and overall productivity of beef cows

This experiment evaluated reproductive and productive responses of beef cows receiving self-fed low-moisture blocks (LMB) enriched or not with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) throughout the breeding season. Non-pregnant, suckled multiparous Angus-influenced cows were assigned to a fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) protocol (day −10 to 0) followed by natural service (day 15–70). Cows were managed in 12 groups (46 ± 4 cows/group) maintained in individual pastures, and groups received LMB enriched with 25 % (as-fed basis) of CSSO or ground corn (CON) from day − 10 to 100. Both treatments were designed to yield a daily LMB intake of 0.454 kg/cow (as-fed basis). Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P < 0.01) mean concentrations of ω-6 fatty acids in plasma samples collected on days 0 and 55. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P = 0.05) pregnancy rate to fixed-time AI (67.2 vs. 59.3 %), whereas final pregnancy rate did not differ (P = 0.92) between treatments. Pregnancy loss was less (P = 0.03) in CSSO cows (4.50 vs. 9.04 %), which also calved earlier during the calving season (treatment × week; P = 0.04). Weaning rate tended to be greater (P = 0.09) in CSSO (84.8 vs. 79.4 %), although calf weaning age and weight did not differ (P ≥ 0.72) between treatments. Kilos of calf weaned/cow exposed was greater (P = 0.04) in CSSO cows (234 vs. 215 kg). Therefore, supplementing CSSO to beef cows via LMB during the breeding season improved their reproductive and overall productivity during a cow-calf cycle.

Acrylamide monomers in universal adhesives.

The mono-functional monomer 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is often added to universal adhesives (UAs) to improve surface wetting and prevent phase separation. Nevertheless, HEMA promotes water sorption and hydrolysis at adhesive interfaces, hereby affecting long-term bonding to dentin. This study investigated if two acrylamide monomers could replace HEMA in an UA formulation applied in etch-and-rinse (2E&R) and self-etch (1SE) bonding mode. Four experimental UAs were bonded to bur-cut dentin. In addition to 12wt% 10-MDP, 25wt% Bis-GMA and 10wt% TEGDMA as common monomer composition, 20 %wt ethanol and 15 %wt water as solvent, and 3wt% polymerization-related additives, the four formulations solely differed for either the acrylamide cross-linker monomer 'FAM-201' as TEGDMA alternative and HEMA replacement, the hydroxyethyl acrylamide monomer 'HEAA' as HEMA alternative, HEMA ('HEMA+'), or extra TEGDMA in a HEMA-free control ('HEMA-'), all added in a 15wt% concentration. The split-tooth study design involved application in 2E&R mode on one tooth half versus 1SE mode on the corresponding half. Micro-tensile bond strength of half of the micro-specimens was measured upon 1-week distilled water storage ('immediate' 1w μTBS), with the other half measured after additional 6-month storage ('aged' 6m μTBS). Statistics involved linear mixed-effects (LME) modelling (p<.05). Additionally, interfacial TEM characterization, thin-film (TF) XRD surface analysis, LogP determination, and a cytotoxicity assay were carried out. FAM-201 revealed significantly higher μTBS than HEMA+at 1w and 6m when applied both in E&R and SE bonding modes. HEAA's μTBS was significantly lower than that of HEMA+at 1w when applied in SE mode. TF-XRD and TEM revealed similar chemical and ultrastructural interfacial characterization, including stable 10-MDP_Ca salt nano-layering. FAM-201 was least cytotoxic and presented with an intermediary LogP, while HEAA presented with the highest LogP, indicating high hydrophilicity and water-sorption sensitivity. The acrylamide co-monomer FAM-201 could replace HEMA in an UA formulation, while HEAA not.

Excess methane production and operation stability for anaerobic digestion of oily food waste controlled by mixing intensity: Focusing on heterogeneity of long chain fatty acids

Long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) are the key intermediate of anaerobic digestion of oily food waste, not completely soluble in a water-dominant anaerobic system due to their long hydrocarbon chains with hydrophobic property. Their effective concentration affects release of high methanogenic potential and system stability. A long-term continuous anaerobic digestion of oily food waste demonstrated excess methane production of even more than feedstock in an anaerobic continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). Assuming feedstock COD at 100%, approximately 120% of COD as methane could be achieved. Oil floating and crystallization with Ca salt resulting from the distribution heterogeneity of LCFAs in the CSTR were found responsible for the excess methane production. Moreover, slow conversion and accumulation of saturated LCFAs with relatively lower solubility played an important role as well. Compared with unsaturated oleic (C18:1) and linoleic acids (C18:2), around twice slower methane production rate and longer lag time could be observed for those saturated LCFAs. Mixing intensity was proved to be a critical controlling factor for methanogenesis and stability possibly by affecting interaction between oil/LCFAs and anaerobes to change effective lipid loading.

Computational Predictions of the Stability of Fluorinated Calcium Aluminate and Borate Salts

Energy storage concepts based on multivalent ions, such as calcium, have great potential to become next-generation batteries due to their low cost and comparable cell voltage and energy density to Li-ion batteries. However, the development of Ca batteries is still hindered by the lack of suitable materials that grant a long cycle life. Specific to electrolyte materials, developing a calcium salt that is chemically stable under ambient conditions and enables reversible electrodeposition of Ca is critical. In this work, we use first-principles calculations to study the intrinsic and reductive stability of twelve Ca salts with fluorinated aluminate and borate anions and analyze the decomposition products formed on the metal anode surface that are critical to early-stage solid electrolyte interphase formation. We found anions with significant steric hindrance and a high degree of fluorination are intrinsically less stable and deemed unviable designs for Ca salt. Aluminate salts are generally less reactive with the Ca anode than their borate counterparts, and a high degree of fluorination leads to weaker reductive stability. Calcium fluoride is the most prominent decomposition product on the anode surface, and carbide-like motifs were also found from the decomposition of the designed salts.

Ewe early gestation supplementation with eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids affects the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue fatty acid profile and liver mRNA expression in the offspring.

Our objectives were to assess the effects of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) supplementation to pregnant ewes during the first third of gestation on their offspring's liver, adipose, and muscle tissues fatty acid (FA) profile and liver mRNA expression after a finishing period receiving diets with different FA profiles. Twenty-four post-weaning lambs, blocked by sex and body weight, were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The first factor was dam supplementation (DS) in the first third of gestation with 1.61% of Ca salts of palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) or Ca salts enriched with EPA-DHA. Ewes were exposed to rams with marking paint harnesses during the breeding. Ewes started DS at the day of mating, considered day 1 of conception. Twenty-eight days after mating, ultrasonography was used to confirm pregnancy, and nonpregnant ewes were removed from the groups. After weaning, the offspring lambs were supplemented (LS, second main factor) with two different FA sources (1.48% of PFAD or 1.48% of EPA-DHA) during the growing and fattening phase. Lambs were fed the LS diet for 56 d and sent to slaughter, where the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue samples were collected for FA analysis. Liver samples were collected for relative mRNA expression for genes associated with FA transport and metabolism. The data were analyzed as a mixed model in SAS (9.4). In the liver, the amount of C20:5 and C22:6 (P < 0.01) increased in lambs with LS-EPA-DHA, while some C18:1 cis FA isomers were greater in the lambs from DS-PFAD. In muscle, amounts of C22:1, C20:5, and C22:5 increased (P < 0.05) in lambs born from DS-EPA-DHA. The adipose tissue amounts of C20:5, C22:5, and C22:6 were greater (P < 0.01) in lambs from LS-EPA-DHA. Interactions (DS × LS; P < 0.05) were observed for DNMT3β, FABP-1, FABP-5, SCD, and SREBP-1; having greater mRNA expression in liver tissue of LS-EPA-DHA, DS-PFAD and LS-PFAD, DS-EPA-DHA lambs compared with the lambs in the other two treatments. Liver ELOVL2 mRNA relative expression (P < 0.03) was greater in the offspring of DS-PFAD. Relative mRNA expression (P < 0.05) of GLUT1, IGF-1, LPL, and PPARγ increased in the liver from LS-EPA-DHA lambs. Dam supplementation during early gestation using with different FA sources changed the lipid FA profile in MT, LT, and SAT during the finishing period depending on the tissue and type of FA source administered during the growing phase.