Proprietary Blend Research Articles

A cosmetic formulation containing a proprietary blend of ingredients improves skin barrier function and facial redness in vivo

A cosmetic formulation containing a proprietary blend of ingredients improves skin barrier function and facial redness in vivo

133 Effect of a proprietary medium chain fatty acid blend on nursery pig performance

Abstract Previous studies have shown that the inclusion of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) results in an improvement in nursery pig performance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate a proprietary C8:C10 MCFA blend (CaptiSURE, Kemin Industries, Inc., Des Moines, IA) on nursery pig performance. A total of 360 weaned piglets (initial BW = 6.1 kg) were randomly assigned to a control (no MCFA blend) or 10 kg/t MCFA blend (10 pigs/pen, 18 replicate pens/treatment), in which MCFA blend was substituted at the expense of tallow at a 1:1 rate. Diets were manufactured in 3 dietary phases (d 0–7, 7–21, and 21–42) in pelleted form. Due to an unintended bacterial challenge at the sow farm, pigs were treated with amoxicillin using a pulse protocol (48 hrs on / 48 hrs off) from placement to d 21. Data were analyzed using the students T-test procedure, and pen served as the experimental unit. Within dietary phase 2 (d 7–21), the inclusion of MCFA blend improved ADG (264g vs 326g, P = 0.017) and G:F (0.79 vs 0.89, P = 0.005), while exhibiting a trend to improve ADFI (330g vs 364g, P = 0.080). Within dietary phase 3 (d 21–42), the inclusion of MCFA blend improved ADG (518g vs 581g, P = 0.024) and ADFI (719g vs 799g, P = 0.006). Overall (d 0–42), the inclusion of MCFA blend improved ADG (379g vs 438g, P = 0.007), ADFI (503g vs 0.562g, P = 0.009), and G:F (0.75 vs 0.78, P = 0.042), resulting in a 2 kg heavier pig (P = 0.043). In summary, the inclusion of a proprietary C8:C10 MCFA blend at 1.0% in nursery pig diets improved growth performance.

PSII-3 Effect of molasses-based block supplementation on cattle fed endophyte-infected Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) seed

Abstract Ergot-alkaloid toxicosis induces persistent vasoconstriction in cattle, interfering with efficient thermoregulation. Our objective was to evaluate impact of cooked molasses-based block supplements (MBS) on performance and physiological measurements in cattle fed ergot-containing Tall Fescue seed (TFS). Crossbred steers (n = 95; 287 ± 6.4 kg) were blocked by body weight, randomly assigned to individual indoor feeding pens and treatments consisting of: Negative Control (NC; prairie hay only); Positive Control (PC; hay plus TFS); and molasses block treatments fed hay and TFS with ad libitum access to a 38% protein block (CB); 38% protein block containing 0.3% crystalline menthol (MB); or a 38% protein block containing a proprietary blend of mannan oligosaccharide and capsaicin (AB). The TFS was mixed with molasses (9:1), and amount fed was increased gradually at 3-d intervals from 45 to 520 g/animal daily by day 42. Temperature differential between ocular conjunctiva and ear tip (ΔT) was determined weekly using thermographic imaging. Coccigeal vein diameter (CVD) was measured with Doppler ultrasound imaging (DU) on days 63 and 84. Data were analyzed as mixed models with block as a random effect and treatment, time, and treatment by time interaction as fixed effects. Block intakes did not differ among MBS treatments (P > 0.05). Cattle fed MBS had greater ADG, DMI, gain:feed (P < 0.01) compared to NC and PC. For the second half of the study MBS treatments had lower ΔT (P < 0.05). Supplementing cooked molasses-based block supplements low-moisture molasses block can improve performance and potentially enhance peripheral blood irrigation in cattle consuming ergot-infested feeds.

365 Effect of feeding a blend of short, medium, and long chain fatty acids and triglycerides to lactating sows on piglet growth, feed intake, and survivability to weaning

Abstract Dietary fat may impact energy intake and palatability of feed, and influence energy storage. The objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that including a blend of short, medium, and long chain fatty acids and triglycerides (R2 Feed Energy, Pleasant Hill, IA) in lactation diets will reduce pre-weaning mortality and increase litter weaning weight. On day 114 of gestation, dietary treatments were initiated: 1) Negative control diet and 3.2% of an all-vegetable oil blend, (Trt B); 2) Control diet with replacement of oil blend with 3.2% proprietary blend of short, medium, and long chain fatty acids and triglycerides (Trt R). Sows (n = 207; L02 Cross; PIC, Hendersonville, TN) were allotted to treatment based on body condition and parity. There were 88 parity 0 and 1 sows: 45 on TRT R and 43 on TRT B, and 119 parity 2 to 6 sows: 59 on TRT R and 60 on TRT B. Average sow parity was 2.85. Sows received 1.56 kg of their assigned diet twice per day prior to farrowing. After farrowing, sows were fed ad libitum with free access to water. Data on sow ADFI, litter weaning weight, and number of piglets weaned per sow were evaluated using PROC MIXED (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Compared with B, sows fed R consumed more feed (6.44 vs. 5.90 kg/d; P < 0.025). There was no difference in weaning weight (6.1 vs. 5.9kg; P > 0.10) or number weaned per litter (11.44 vs. 11.28; P > 0.10), for treatments R and B, respectively. There was no difference in sow body condition score after weaning (2.07 vs. 1.93; P = 0.18) for treatments R and B, respectively. The addition of R2 to sow lactation diets improved sow feed intake, but not piglet growth or number weaned.

Application of an Environmental Phage-Based Assay (Sample6 Detect HT/L) for the Detection of Listeria spp. in Ice Cream.

Background: Dairy products are common sources of Listeria outbreaks, and early detection of the pathogen is critical to prevent outbreaks of illnesses and financial losses for dairy producers. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate Sample6 Detect HT/L for effective detection of Listeria monocytogenes and L. innocua in ice cream. Methods: Performance of the Sample6 DETECT HT/L was compared with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) Chapter 10 method for detection of Listeria spp. in ice cream using an unpaired study design. Results: R2-enriched samples tested with Sample6 Detect HT/L performed as well as the reference method at all time points tested from 15 to 24 h. R2 is a proprietary blend for use with the test kit that helps with early detection. All the dPODC values (Sample6 Detect HT/L presumptive and confirmed results) equaled zero, indicating 100% concordance between the methods. Both Sample6 Detect HT/L and FDA BAM results showed low dPODC values, with confidence intervals indicating no significant differences between Sample6 Detect HT/L and reference method results. Conclusions: Sample6 Detect HT/L is suitable to detect Listeria spp. in ice cream, even with a 12 h enrichment. Sample6 Detect HT/L demonstrated equivalent detection of L. monocytogenes and L. innocua from R2-enriched samples as expected with 15 and 18 h enrichment when compared with the 24 h FDA BAM method for L. monocytogenes. Highlights: These results indicate that Sample6 Detect HT/L, primarily developed for environmental samples, can be used to detect Listeria spp. in ice cream with less incubation time, resulting in faster detection.

A phase II, double-blinded, randomized study using a proprietary amino acid mixture as diarrhea prevention in patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (AST) for multiple myeloma (MM) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

11607 Background: Melphalan, remains the mainstay of conditioning for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients. Gastrointestinal symptoms represent the most significant non-hematologic toxicities following high-dose melphalan conditioning, with approximately 40% of patients experiencing CTCAE grade 2 or higher diarrhea following conditioning regimens containing melphalan. Enterade is a proprietary blend of electrolytes and five amino-acids that can facilitate retention of the absorbing capacity of the small intestine by rebuilding the villi and reduce antigenic translocation by tightening the mucosal barrier. In a study of irradiated mice, enterade improved survival and improved body weight following irradiation. The goal was to investigate the effectiveness of enterade to reduce GI toxicities after high-dose melphalan chemotherapy. Methods: The trial was designed as a Phase 2, multi-center, double-blinded, 2-arm randomized study. 114 MM or NHL patients were enrolled between October 2016 and October 2017. Patients received either two 8oz bottles/day of enterade or placebo starting on the day of admission through Day +14. GI toxicity was scored by the CT-CAE 4.0 system from admission through Day + 14. Compliance was arbitrarily set at consumption of 2 bottles daily for 11+ days. Results: Of the 114 enrolled patients, 99 (61 MM, 38 NHL) attempted to consume at least 1 dose of enterade/placebo. Compliance overall was much lower than anticipated; with no MM patients achieving compliance compared to 34.2% in the NHL group. Compliance in NHL patients was 31.6% in the enterade group versus 36.8% in the placebo group. Analysis of primary endpoint in NHL patients showed a 16% incidence of diarrhea ≥ grade 2 in enterade compliant patients versus 86% in the placebo group (p= 0.02). Conclusions: Eleven days of two 8oz bottles of liquid is a difficult task during ASCT, especially for MM with nausea, altered taste and poor appetite. For those NHL patients, compliant per protocol (who consumed ≥11 days), enterade significantly reduced diarrhea. The use of enterade to prevent diarrhea following high-dose chemotherapy should be explored further in populations capable of reasonable oral intake. Clinical trial information: NCT02919670.

Effects of decreased dietary vitamin E plus a proprietary antioxidant blend on mitochondria in young performance horses

Effects of decreased dietary vitamin E plus a proprietary antioxidant blend on mitochondria in young performance horses

Common Ingredient Profiles of Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplements.

Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements are a popular class of dietary supplements which are purported to improve exercise performance. However, the composition of these products varies substantially between formulations, thus making comparisons challenging. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify a common ingredient profile of top-selling pre-workout supplements and to compare ingredient dosages to established efficacious values. The top 100 commercially available pre-workout products were analyzed for listed ingredients and amounts, if available, from the supplement facts panel. The mean ± SD number of ingredients per supplement (n = 100) was 18.4 ± 9.7 with 8.1 ± 9.9 of these ingredients included in a proprietary blend at undisclosed quantities. Relative prevalence and average amounts of the top ingredients amounted to: Beta-alanine (87%; 2.0 ± 0.8 g), Caffeine (86%; 254.0 ± 79.5 mg), Citrulline (71%; 4.0 ± 2.5 g), Tyrosine (63%; 348.0 ± 305.7 mg), Taurine (51%; 1.3 ± 0.6 g), and Creatine (49%; 2.1 ± 1.0 g). Nearly half (44.3%) of all ingredients were included as part of a proprietary blend with undisclosed amounts of each ingredient. The average amount of beta-alanine per serving size was below the recommended efficacious dose. The average caffeine content was near the low end for an effective relative dose for a 70 kg individual (3–6 mg·kg−1 of bodyweight).

DNA Gene Expression to Study Immunologic Mechanisms for the Long-Term Cure of Malaria in Babies and Children in South-Western Nigeria

Malaria infection has been a very serious public health problem in Nigeria and most parts of Africa. Development of antimalarial treatments capable of providing a permanent cure for malaria has been a herculean task for drug researchers. A trial of a novel, proprietary blend formulation (TriantimalTM) in gel caps for children (n = 112) and water-soluble, 18.51 nm diameter, NutraNanoSphereTM encapsulated TriantimalTM drops for babies (19.9 Months ± 8.7 SD, n = 15) was conducted in Osogbo, Nigeria. The enrolled subjects were screened for malaria, treated with TriantimalTM for 16 consecutive days and sera collected on days 0, 5, 10, 16, 30, 60, and 730. Also, 31 of the children donated buffy coat samples for the gene expression studies when sera were collected. The children showed 90.2% parasite-free at 60 days and 85.1% at 730 days. The babies revealed 93.3% parasite-free at 60 days. These data show for the first time a real possibility for a cure of malaria in Nigeria. The one-time, low dose, extended treatment and synergism of the natural components minimize the ability of the parasites to develop resistance, while boosting the immune system. Indeed, the DNA amplification data showed that all aspects of the humoral, innate, and innate defensin immunity are involved in the long-term immunity against P. falciparum in which may be termed a type of “in vivo immunization”.

Improvements in Social Cognition, Executive Functioning, and Trichotillomania with Characteristics of Trichophagia in a 26-year-old Female Patient Following Neurological Rehabilitation.

Event Abstract Back to Event Improvements in Social Cognition, Executive Functioning, and Trichotillomania with Characteristics of Trichophagia in a 26-year-old Female Patient Following Neurological Rehabilitation. Trevor D. Eason1* 1 Carrick Institute, United States Presentation: A 26-year-old female patient presented with social cognitive impairment, memory decline, executive function limitations, persistent episodes of pica via trichophagia, and trichotillomania. The history included episodes of hair pulling and ingestion with no memory or recollection of the episode. Social cognition and executive functioning cues were slow and mild cognitive impairment had been made evident in the previous diagnosis. The patient stated that she had never been able to act appropriately in society after a history of multiple streptococcus A and mycoplasma pneumonia infections when she was 2 years old. The patient's mother stated that the mental processing of the patient is evident yet slower than the expected norm. Findings: During neurocognitive testing on the C3 Logix program, upon intake, Trails A time was measured at 49.1 seconds while Trails B time was measured at 55.9 seconds. Her simple reaction time was 423 milliseconds and her choice reaction time was 511 milliseconds. Her initial symptom severity score was 56% based on the associated subjective questionnaire where 0% is no symptoms. A Comprehensive Assessment of Postural Systems (CAPS®) (Pagnacco 2014) was performed assessing the patient's balance and stability, on both a solid and foamed surface, with his eyes opened, eyes closed, and with multiple head positions. Her average balance and stability score on intake was calculated as 67.12%. Comprehensive behavioral Intervention score of 23.5%. Videonystagography (VNG®) demonstrated saccadic oscillations. These eye movements were observed with similar frequency (15-20 Hz.) and equality sided to side with gaze fixation eliminated in primary position. Methods: A 12-day multi-modal neurological rehabilitation program was administered in 12 one-hour treatment sessions (Carrick, 2017). Each session consisted of neurological and vestibular rehabilitation exercises directed towards the cerebellum and basal ganglia integration, somatosensory evoked potentials, comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT) treatment associated with habit reversal training and function-based treatments, orthoptic training, and off-vertical axis rotation (Gdowski 1999) using a multi-axis rotational chair. Based on clinical symptoms indicating alterations in energy production, she was placed on multiple nutrient formulas containing pantothenic acid (300 mg), L-α glycerylphosphorylcholine (100 mg), acetyl L-carnitine hydrochloride (25 mg), Butyric acid and calcium propionate blend (575 mg) and Huperzia serrata (75 mcg) 3 times daily. Also, the patient administered a gastrointestinal tissue repair compound containing a proprietary blend of sodium (10 mg), L-Glutamine (3.5 g), deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract (500 mg), aloe vera gel concentrate (50 mg), ginger extract (40 mg), and an enzymatic blend once daily with a meal. Outcomes: Upon discharge, Trails A time decreased to 37.6 seconds (-23.4%), and Trails B time decreased to 42.7 seconds (-23.6%). Simple reaction time decreased to 347 seconds (-18.0%), and choice reaction time decreased to 386 seconds (-24.5%). Symptom severity score decreased to 23 (-58.9%) where 0 is no symptoms. The average balance and stability score improved resulting in a score of 79.17% (+18.0%). Upon Videonystagography (VNG®), saccadic oscillation frequency was diminished per time observed with gaze stability in primary position, 20 degrees horizontally and 15 degrees vertically (circumferentially). Comprehensive behavioral Intervention score 49.8% (+111.9 %). No nystagmus was observed with gaze fixation eliminated in primary gaze position. Concurrently, the patient is now able to implement awareness strategies to compete against her trichotillomania and trichophagia episodes which ultimately proves an increase in executive functioning. Conclusions: The author suggests further investigation into the use of multi-modal neurological rehabilitation strategies, comprehensive behavioral interventions and supplemental clinical nutrition strategies for the treatment of trichotillomania with associated trichophagia, and cognitive impairment.​ The author also suggests further investigation into multi-modal, intensive approaches to improve stability scores, simple and choice reaction times, symptom severity scores and multimodal integration associated with proper neurological and cognitive function. Acknowledgements The author would like to thank and acknowledge Professor Frederick Carrick and his pioneering work in the field of clinical neuroscience. The author would also like to thank the Carrick Institute for providing the education utilized to create the multi-modal treatments implemented in this case study.

AmLexin, a Standardized blend of Acacia catechu and Morus alba, shows benefits to delayed onset muscle soreness in healthy runners.

[Purpose]Sudden and exhaustive exercise causes muscle damage accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to muscle fatigue and soreness. AmLexin contains a standardized blend of extracts from the heartwood of Acacia catechu and the root bark of Morus alba, and is known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of this proprietary blend supplementation on muscular pain and redox balance in healthy runners, in comparison to a placebo.[Methods]A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out over 9 weeks in a single center. Thirty physically active male and female subjects within 18−70 years of age were randomized into AmLexin (mean age = 42.92 ± 2.48 and gender 7/5, male/female, respectively) and placebo (mean age = 41.15 ± 3.5 and gender 10/3, male/female, respectively) groups. Subjects were supplemented with 400 mg of AmLexin/day or a look-alike placebo during an 8-week training program, and for one week following a 13.1-mile half-marathon. Twenty-six subjects completed the 9-week supplementation trial.[Results]Results showed the AmLexin group experienced significantly lower levels of post-exercise pain on day 1−3 following the half-marathon compared to the placebo group. The AmLexin group also showed lower post-exercise oxidative stress and higher antioxidant capacity on days 1 and 6 following the half-marathon. These results demonstrated the rapid benefits of AmLexin on pain and oxidative stress within 1−6 days post-exercise.[Conclusion]Our data suggest that AmLexin could be a safe, effective botanical alternative for delayed onset muscle soreness.

Effects of Pre-Workout Supplements on Strength, Endurance, and Mood

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the acute effects of consuming pre-workout supplements on indices of muscular strength, endurance and mood states. Methods: In a double- blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover design, fourteen moderate to highly-trained recreational athletes (7 female, 7 male) participated in this investigation. Subjects came to the lab twice between testing sessions. They consumed either pre supplement (mixed with 8 to 12 ounces of water) or placebo 30-minutes prior to testing. The pre-workout supplement combination (Athelite Nutrition Inc.) contained 15.62 grams per serving, 25 kcals, that consisted of a proprietary blend including caffeine (as green coffee bean extract), L-theanine, black pepper extract, micronized creatine monohydrate, CarnoSyn® beta-alanine, Huperzine A, N-Acetyl L-carnitine, Nitrosigine®), or placebo. The placebo was a similar tasting drink with an equal amount of caffeine. Their body composition was assessed via the DEXA (Hologic Model Horizon W). Participants’ mood was also assessed via a profile mood states questionnaire (POMS) 30 minutes after product or placebo was consumed. After taking the profile mood states questionnaire, subjects had their exercise performance assessed via the 1-repition maximum bench press followed by bench press repetitions to failure at 60% of 1-repetition maximum with 30 seconds rest between sets (3 total sets). Results: There were significant differences (p Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the acute consumption of pre-workout supplements can enhance muscular endurance. Caffeine alone cannot explain effect on muscular endurance since the placebo also contained caffeine. However, the supplements had no effect on strength or mood states.

Utilizing bioaugmentation to improve performance of a two-phase AnMBR treating sewage sludge

ABSTRACTBioaugmentation in the acid-phase of a two-phase anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) treating primary sludge was investigated as a means for targeting and improving hydrolysis and acetogenesis. Bioaugmentation was carried out using a proprietary bioculture blend containing a mixture of hydrolytic, acidogenic, and acetogenic microorganisms. This mixture was added on its own and in combination with recycled anaerobic sludge from the methane-phase of the AnMBR. Both bioaugmentation strategies had a positive effect on overall hydrolysis (25–38%), and acid-phase acetic acid generation (31–52%) compared to operation without bioaugmentation. This led to subsequent increases in average methane production (10–13%), and greater average solids reduction (25–55%). Microbial community analysis using 16S Illumina MiSeq generated sequences revealed increased relative abundance of Acetobacter and Syntrophomonas species in bioaugmented communities, suggesting these to be key players in improvements in process performance. However, in general the relative abundance of bioaugmented microorganisms within bioaugmented communities was relatively low, highlighting the need to optimize the bioculture composition and dosage. Overall, bioaugmentation was found to benefit the conversion of primary sludge to methane, when initial solubility was relatively low. Future work should optimize the bioculture composition and dosing strategy to improve its effectiveness and long-term stability, and minimize associated operating costs.

Identification of Proprietary Amino Ethoxylates in Hydraulic Fracturing Wastewater Using Liquid Chromatography/Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry with Solid-Phase Extraction.

This work describes the discovery of amino-poly(ethylene glycol)s, amino-poly(ethylene glycol) carboxylates, and amino-poly(ethylene glycol) amines in 20 produced water samples from hydraulic fracturing in the western United States. These compounds, with masses in the range of m/ z 120-986, were identified using solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The polymeric sorbent, Oasis HLB, gave good recovery for all three ethoxylated surfactants and desalted the samples, which significantly reduced suppression of the mass spectral signal allowing detection and identification. The Kendrick mass defect, mass spectra, fragmentation pathways, and pure standards were used for confirmation. Finally, because these compounds are not explicitly listed in FracFocus reports, rather they are categorized as a proprietary surfactant blend; their identification is an important step in understanding the chemistry, treatment, and possible toxicity of hydraulic fracturing wastewater.

A Purported Detoxification Supplement Does Not Improve Body Composition, Waist Circumference, Blood Markers, or Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Healthy Adult Females

ABSTRACTNumerous popular “detoxification” supplements claim to promote the removal of harmful compounds from the body, thereby alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms, improving body composition, and enhancing overall health. The present double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to examine the effects of a purported detoxification supplement in healthy young adult females. Participants were randomly assigned to consume a multi-ingredient supplement or placebo daily for four weeks. The supplement contained 1,350 mg/serving of a proprietary blend of papaya leaf, cascara sagrada bark, slippery elm bark, peppermint leaf, red raspberry leaf, fenugreek seed, ginger root, and senna leaf. Body composition, waist circumferences, symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, and blood safety markers were evaluated before and after supplementation. Twenty-two participants completed the study, and data were analyzed via two-way mixed ANOVA and t tests. No beneficial or harmful effects of supplementation were found for body composition, waist circumference, gastrointestinal symptoms, or blood markers. These results indicate that consuming a commercially available dietary supplement that purportedly provides detoxification and body composition benefits is apparently safe in healthy young adult females but does not provide any beneficial effects for body composition or gastrointestinal symptoms.

Plant Communities Suitable for Green Roofs in Arid Regions

In extensive green roof settings, plant communities can be more robust than monocultures. In addition, native plants might be hardier and more ecologically sound choices than non-native plants in green roof systems. The objectives of this research were to (1) compare the performance of plant communities with that of monocultures and (2) compare the growth of natives to non-natives in a simulated green roof setting. We conducted a two-year experiment at an outdoor site in a desert environment using four plant morphological types (groundcover, forb, succulent and grass). Native plants selected were Chrysactinia mexicana, Melampodium leucanthum, Euphorbia antisyphilitica, and Nassella tenuissima, and non-natives were Delosperma nubigenum, Stachys byzantina, Sedum kamtschiaticum and Festuca glauca. Plants were assigned randomly to either monoculture or community and grown in 1 m × 1 m custom-built trays filled with 15 cm of a proprietary blend of 50/20/30 lightweight aggregate/sand/compost (by volume). Native forb, Melampodium, in community had greater coverage for four of the five measurements in the first year over native forb in monoculture and non-native forb regardless of setting. Native forb coverage was also greater than non-native forb for three of the four measurements in year 2, regardless of setting. Coverage of native grass was significantly greater than non-native grasses throughout the experiment. Coverage was also greater for eight of nine measurements for native succulent over non-natives succulent. However, non-native groundcover coverage was significantly greater than native groundcover for seven of nine measurements. On 1 November 2016, relative water content (RWC) for succulents (p = 0.0424) was greatest for native Euphorbia in monoculture at 88%. Native Euphorbia also had greater RWC than non-native Sedum on 4 April 2017 (78%) and 4 July 2017 (80%). However, non-native Sedum had greater root length (6548 cm), root dry weight (12.1 g), and root-to-shoot dry weight ratio (0.45) than native Euphorbia. At the end of year 2, the relative growth rate (RGR) of native Euphorbia of 0.15 g·g−1·d−1 was greater than that of Sedum. While the native succulent had a smaller root biomass, its greater RWC and RGR would indicate it had better plant water status and grew faster than the non-native. The lack of differences in plant performance regardless of assignment to monoculture or community would imply that communities and monocultures are equally suitable for arid region green roofs.

Effects of increasing dietary level of a commercial liquid supplement on growth performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers.

Feeding cattle liquid supplements has become increasingly popular in the feedlot industry; however, optimal inclusion of liquid supplements in feedlot cattle diets is not known. The objectives of this study were to determine the optimal inclusion of liquid supplementation to maximize growth performance and improve carcass characteristics, as well as estimate the energy value of liquid supplementation when used as a direct corn replacement, for feedlot steers fed a concentrate-based diet. Two hundred and eighty steer calves were stratified by BW into light (BW = 208 ± 9 kg; n = 24) and heavy (BW = 275 ± 8 kg; n = 16) pens. Pens within BW block were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 supplements: 1) dry at 4.5% inclusion (0LIQ), 2) liquid (a proprietary blend from Quality Liquid Feeds; Dodgeville, WI) at 4.5% inclusion (4.5LIQ), 3) liquid at 9% inclusion (9LIQ), or 4) liquid at 13.5% inclusion (13.5LIQ). The remainder of the diet was 47.5% to 55.5% dry rolled corn, 20% corn silage, and 20% modified wet distillers grains with solubles (DM basis). Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design and linear and quadratic were examined to determine effects of increasing dietary concentrations of liquid. Steers fed 4.5LIQ and 9LIQ had greater (quadratic; P ≤ 0.05) final BW, HCW, and NEm and NEg, and less DMI as a percent of BW compared to steers fed 13.5LIQ. Steers fed 0LIQ were intermediate and not different from other treatments. However, ADG and total BW gain did not differ (P ≥ 0.15) among treatments. Despite the lack of treatment effect on live measures of gain, feeding steers 4.5LIQ and 9LIQ resulted in greater carcass ADG (quadratic; P = 0.03), total carcass gain (quadratic; P = 0.04), and more efficient carcass gain (quadratic; P ≤ 0.01) compared to carcasses from steers fed 13.5LIQ. Feeding steers a liquid supplement at 9% of the diet, DM allowed for the greatest final BW and ADG in this study; however, there was no benefit of increasing liquid to 13.5%.

282 Effect of a Proprietary Blend of Medium Chain Fatty Acids and Functional Components (OutPace®), a Yeast-Based Product, or Their Combination, on Weaned Pig Performance.

282 Effect of a Proprietary Blend of Medium Chain Fatty Acids and Functional Components (OutPace®), a Yeast-Based Product, or Their Combination, on Weaned Pig Performance.

Development and evaluation of foam-based conformance control for a high-salinity and high-temperature carbonate

The extreme heterogeneity of carbonate reservoirs in the form of fracture corridors and super-permeability thief zones present challenges to the efficient sweep of oil in both secondary and tertiary recovery operations. In such reservoirs, conformance control is crucial to ensure injected water and any EOR chemicals optimally contact the remaining oil with minimal throughput. Foam-based conformance control is a relatively new technology especially its use for deep diversion in high-salinity and high-temperature conditions. In this work, a laboratory study was conducted to develop and evaluate a foam-based conformance control technology for application in a high-salinity and high-temperature carbonate. Foaming agents (surfactants) were first screened for their suitability with regard to reservoir temperature and salinity where properties such as foamability and foam stability were measured. The best performing surfactants were then used to study the foam-induced mobility reduction across a core composite. The experiments were conducted at reservoir conditions. Foam stability and decay were also investigated in those permeability reduction experiments. Brine and crude oil were injected after foam formation where observed pressure drops allowed quantification of foam stability and decay; hence, the sustainability of mobility reduction. Finally, the potential improvement in reservoir contact and hence oil recovery were examined by oil displacement experiments conducted in specially prepared heterogeneous composites. For the studied conditions of high salinity and high temperature, foaming agents of the amphoteric family as well as one manufacturer proprietary surfactants blend were found suitable in terms of salt tolerance and foam stability. Using the proprietary blend and without oil in core, the generated foam reduced fluids mobility by a factor of 12. The attained mobility reduction was lower in presence of oil but was still acceptable for flow diversion purposes. Using the proprietary blend and with oil in core, the generated foam reduced fluids mobility by a factor of 6 (compared to 12 without oil in core). Oil recovery improvement with foam placement was also found to be significant. These results demonstrate the potential of foams for carbonates with harsh salinity and temperature conditions.

Inhibitory activity of a green and black tea blend on Streptococcus mutans

ABSTRACT Through the years, tea consumption has been associated with good health, and some publications are related to oral health. The bioactive components of green tea are thought to be able to influence the process of caries formation through inhibition of proliferation of the streptococcal agent, interference with the process of bacterial adhesion to tooth enamel, and inhibition of glucosyl transferase and amylase; however, little is known about black tea and oral health. The aim of the present in- vitro study was to determine the inhibitory activity of a novel, patent-pending and proprietary blend of green and black tea aqueous extracts on Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium widely associated with plaque development and tooth decay. A minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 12.5 mg/mL was established against S. mutans, meaning that at concentrations of 12.5 mg/mL and higher, the proprietary tea blend is effective against the growth of S. mutans. This MIC concentration is lower than the ones reported in the literature for alcoholic black tea and green tea extracts tested separately. As a promising natural ingredient for oral health, this finding is a good indicator for the use of this proprietary blend of black and green tea water extracts.