Iodide Solution Research Articles

Potentialities of Investigation of Reservoir Hydrophobization by Compilation of X-Ray Core Tomography and Lateral Logging

Abstract —The potentialities of studying rock wettability by X-ray core tomography are considered using Visean terrigenous reservoirs of the Solikamsk depression as an example. The studies included comparison of the tomograms of core samples in a dry state and saturated of sodium iodide solution, which acts as a radiopaque analog of formation water. Differences in impregnation of the core samples, characterizing their wettability, have been established. According to the tomography data, in the hydrophilic samples the solution filled all pores, except for a small portion of the largest ones. In the hydrophobic samples, there was no impregnation of both small and large pores in the central zone. Based on the tomograms, the rocks were divided into groups by their wettability: absolutely hydrophobic, with strong signs of hydrophobicity, with signs of hydrophobicity, and hydrophilic. Comparison of the results of tomography with the standard approach showed that the Tulbovich method commonly used for the study area does not fully reflect the rock wettability. Comparison of the results of core tomography and study of thin sections with the results of electrometric logging shows their good agreement. The rocks with absolute hydrophobicity established by tomography have an anomalously high electric resistivity, >1000 Ohm∙m, and the rocks with signs of hydrophobicity, >120 Ohm∙m. For the hydrophilic intervals, the electric resistivity values are significantly lower, from 17 to 100 Ohm∙m. Thin sections of the core samples were studied. Their microscopic analysis has shown a higher content of organic matter in the hydrophobic rocks as compared with the hydrophilic ones. Few exceptions might be due to the study of only local thin sections of the samples. Thus, rock wettability can be monitored by electrical methods, especially lateral logging. The results of the assessment of rock wettability by core study and well logging can be compiled for the exploration of Visean deposits of the Solikamsk depression. Geological models constructed with regard to the recognized zones of hydrophilic and hydrophobic reservoirs can be effectively used to optimize exploration of deposits, especially reservoir flooding.

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite – TiO2 nanorod arrays for efficient and stable photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution from HI splitting

Solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production offers a promising solution to simultaneously tackle the global energy crisis and the environmental pollution. Herein, we report a PEC cell of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite (methylammonium lead iodide, MAPbI3)-TiO2 nanorod array (TNAs) for efficient and stable hydrogen evolution in aqueous hydrogen iodide (HI) solution. The built-in electric field created across the MAPbI3-TiO2 junction is able to efficiently separate the electron-hole pairs photogenerated in MAPbI3 with electrons quickly injected from MAPbI3 to TiO2, which are then transported along the one-dimensional TiO2 nanorod channels to the counter electrode to reduce proton to evolve hydrogen. The optimized MAPbI3-TNA PEC cell exhibits a high photocurrent density of 1.75 mA cm−2 at 0.14 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) under AM 1.5G illumination, which is able to stably produce molecular hydrogen at a rate of 33.3 μmol cm−2 h−1 for more than 8 h.

Exchange reactions of zinc hydroxide-sulfate minerals in halide solutions

The possibilities of exchange reactions in two types of layer Zn-hydroxy sulfate minerals with neutral and negatively charged hydroxide layer – namuwite (Zn4(OH)6(SO4)·4H2O) and gordaite (NaZn4(OH)6(SO4)Cl·6H2O) – were studied. As starting materials, synthetic analogs of these minerals are used. Through direct synthesis, besides the known namuwite, gordaite, and its Ca2+ form, a series of new cationic (K+, NH4+) and anionic (Cl− and Br−) gordaite forms were synthesized. The K+, NH4+ content is respectively about 1/3 and 2/3 of the nominal compositions. The determined characteristics of Br-forms showed similarity with corresponding chloride forms.The results of the experimental study of the interaction between gordaites and namuwite and various halide solutions showed the realization of three types of solid-state exchange reactions: cation exchange, simultaneous cation-anion exchange, and water molecule-halide anion exchange. All samples were characterized by powder XRD and EDS chemical analysis, and the transformation mechanism was monitored by SEM investigation.By cation exchange, the all cationic gordaite forms were formed, and in addition, Sr2+-form was also obtained. Mutual conversions between the isovalent cations Na+-K+, Ca2+-Sr2+, and between all possible combinations of heterovalent cation pairs were established.Regardless of the charge of the hydroxide layer – neutral (namuwite) or negatively charged (gordaites), due to the stronger interaction of halide anion with the interlayer cations than that with the hydroxide layer's tetrahedral Zn2+ cation, the anion exit together with the leaving cations was observed, causing the simultaneous cation-anion exchange or mutual substitution of H2O molecules and halide anions. In the first case, the gordaite Br-forms from chloride one are formed. However, under treatment of the all various gordaite forms with iodide solutions, no exchange was observed. The big size of I− anion probably prevents its occupation of the apical position of hydroxide layer's Zn-tetrahedron and provokes the formation of new pure zinc-hydroxy-sulfate-hydrate phase with unknown specific structure.In the second case, the solid-state mutual substitution of H2O molecules and halide anions halide in the apex of the Zn-tetrahedron resulted in the formation of different zinc hydroxy sulfate hydrates, depending on the treating water amount. The reversible reaction caused a formation of different cationic gordaite forms under treatment of namuwite with chloride solutions of Na+, K+, NH4+, Ca2+, and Sr2+.The treatment of gordaites and namuwite with chloride solutions of some of the other alkaline and alkaline earth metals Li+, Mg2+, and Ba2+ resulted in gordaite dissolution and subsequent pseudomorphic simonkolleite crystallization. The simonkolleite formation is probably due to geometric difficulties for Li+ and Mg2+ interlayer incorporation caused by their great hydration capability and for Ba2+ due to its ability to form insoluble barite.

Biocompatible Soft Fluidic Strain and Force Sensors for Wearable Devices.

Fluidic soft sensors have been widely used in wearable devices for human motion capturing. However, thus far, the biocompatibility of the conductive liquid, the linearity of the sensing signal, and the hysteresis between the loading and release processes have limited the sensing quality as well as the applications of these sensors. In this paper, silicone based strain and force sensors composed of a novel biocompatible conductive liquid (potassium iodide and glycerol solution) are introduced. The strain sensors exhibit negligible hysteresis up to 5 Hz, with a gauge factor of 2.2 at 1 Hz. The force sensors feature a novel multi-functional layered structure, with micro-cylinder-filled channels to achieve high linearity, low hysteresis (5.3% hysteresis at 1 Hz), and good sensitivity (100% resistance increase at a 5 N load). The sensors' gauge factors are stable at various temperatures and humidity levels. These bio-compatible, low hysteresis, and high linearity sensors are promising for safe and reliable diagnostic devices, wearable motion capture, and compliant human-computer interfaces.

КОНСЕРВАТИВНАЯ ТЕРАПИЯ БОЛЕЗНИ ПЕЙРОНИ

Целью исследования было изучение эффективности консервативной терапии у пациентов с болезнью Пейрони.
 Материал и методы. Нами проведен ретроспективный анализ историй болезни и амбулаторных карт 196 пациентов с болезнью Пейрони. Возраст пациентов был от 23 до 76 лет. Продолжительность заболевания варьировала от 2 до 32 месяцев. Угол девиации полового члена колебался от 0° до 90°. Половая жизнь была затруднена или невозможна у 102 (52,04%) мужчин там, где угол искривления составлял от 45° до 90°. Количество бляшек отмечалось от одной до трех. Болевой синдром разной степени выраженности беспокоил всех больных во время эрекции. Консистенция бляшки у 137 (69,89%) пациентов была плотноэластической, у 55 (28,06%) – хрящеподобной, у 4 (2,04%) – костной консистенции.
 Клиническое обследование пациентов осуществлялось в соответствии рекомендациям Европейской ассоциации урологов.
 Назначалась консервативная терапия, разработанная кафедрой урологии ГОО ВПО «Донецкого национального медицинского университета имени М. Горького», на протяжении до 3-х месяцев. Консервативная терапия включала: назначение плаквенила, тамоксифена, токоферола ацетата.
 Параллельно с пероральной консервативной терапией назначались физиотерапевтические методы лечения: электрофорез с лидазой (64 ЕД) через день №20; электрофорез с 3% раствором калия йодида через день №20 и фонофорез с 1% гидрокортизоновой мазью в область фиброзной бляшки через день №20, с частотой ультразвуковых волн 2500-3000 кГц, t=10'.
 Результаты и обсуждение. Болевой синдром после лечения остался у 12 (6,1%) пациентов, что потребовало продолжения консервативной терапии более трех месяцев. Размер бляшки, который измерялся пальпаторно и при помощи ультрасонографии, после проведенной консервативной терапии уменьшился у 121 (61,7%) пациента. Полного рассасывания бляшки удалось достичь у 43 (21,9%) пациентов. Угол искривления полового члена во время эрекции уменьшился у 152 (77,6%) пациентов, остался без изменений у 31 (15,8%) и увеличился у 13 (6,6%) пациентов. Улучшение эрекции наблюдалось в 167 (85,2%) наблюдениях. У 44 (22,4%) пациентов эффекта от проводимой консервативной терапии не было, что послужило показанием к хирургическому лечению.
 Выводы. Болезнь Пейрони тяжело поддается консервативному лечению, и основной его целью можно считать остановку процесса гиалинизации и оссификации структур белочной оболочки. Комплекс консервативной терапии, разработанный кафедрой урологии ГОО ВПО «Донецкого национального медицинского университета имени М. Горького», позволяет добиться удовлетворительных результатов при воспалительной стадии заболевания. В стадии стабилизации процесса необходимо хирургическое лечение.

The preclinical study of a new nasal spray with the anti-inflammatory properties: the effect on the leukotriene-induced inflammation

The use of medicines of the local action with complex effects on the pathogenic cascade of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is expedient. Farmak Joint-Stock Company (Ukraine) has developed a new original dosage form of a nasal spray, which contains an aqueous solution of the known pharmaceutical substance Enisamium Iodide (EI). The presence of the effect on the leukotriene link inflammation in EI can determine the high rate of the antiexudative action development in the topical (intranasal) application. This may be useful for pathogenetic therapy of ARS on the background of acute respiratory viral infections taking into account the potential effectiveness for nasal congestion relief. Aim. To substantiate experimentally the expediency of application of a new nasal spray with EI under conditions of leukotriene-induced exudative inflammation. Materials and methods . A new nasal spray EI (JSC Farmak (Ukraine)) – “Amizon” – with the active substance concentration of 10 mg/ml was chosen as the study object. Ibuprofen – “Nurofen” (Reckitt Benckiser Helchere International Limited (UK)), film-coated tablets, 200 mg – was used as the reference drug and was administered once daily in the dose of 48 mg/kg intragastrically. The study of anti-inflammatory properties of EI (nasal spray, 10 mg/ml) in the external (epicutaneous) application was performed on white nonlinear rats of both genders in the experimental zymosan-induced inflammation development. The anti-inflammatory activity (AIA) of EI (nasal spray, 10 mg/ml) compared to Ibuprofen was assessed in percentage in dynamics in 0.5, 1 and 2 hours of observation. Results. According to the results of the studies conducted EI in the dosage form of a nasal spray in the active substance concentration of 10 mg/ml on the model of zymosan-induced inflammation of the rat foot showed the anti-inflammatory properties. According to the degree of its anti-inflammatory properties EI was not inferior to the reference drug Ibuprofen, but even exceeded its activity as of the 30 th minute of observation after zymosan injection. The result obtained allows suggesting the presence of high rate of the antiexudative action in the experimental object in the topical (intranasal) application in the treatment of patients with ARS due to the ability to inhibit the lipoxygenase route of the arachidonic acid metabolism. Conclusions . The presence of the anti-inflammatory activity of Enisamium Iodide (nasal spray) has been proven under conditions of leukotriene-induced inflammation reproduction on the model of the zymosan edema. By expression of the anti-inflammatory action during all periods of observation EI is not inferior to the reference drug Ibuprofen, exceeding the activity of the classical NSAID by 1.5 times as of the 30 th minute after the pathology onset. The anti-inflammatory activity of Enisamium Iodide in the dosage form of nasal spray experimentally substantiates the expediency and perspectivity of its further preclinical studies.

3D Multilayered paper- and thread/paper-based microfluidic devices for bioassays.

In this paper we describe the fabrication of novel 3D microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (3D-μPADs) and a 3D microfluidic thread/paper-based analytical device (3D-μTPAD) to detect glucose and BSA through colorimetric assays. The 3D-μPAD and 3D-μTPAD consisted of three (wax, heat pressed wax-printed paper, single-sided tape) and four (hole-punched single-sided tape, blank chromatography circles, heat-pressed wax-printed paper, hole-punched single-sided tape containing trifurcated thread) layers, respectively. The saturation curves for each assay were generated for all platforms. For the glucose assay, a solution of glucose oxidase (GOx), horseradish peroxidase, and potassium iodide was flowed through each platform and, upon contact with glucose, generated a yellow-brown color indicative of the oxidation of iodide to iodine. For the protein assay, BSA was flowed through each device and, upon contact with citrate buffer and tetrabromophenol blue, resulted in a color change from yellow to blue. The devices were dried, scanned, and analyzed yielding a correlation between either yellow intensity and glucose concentration or cyan intensity and BSA concentration. A similar glucose assay, using unknown concentrations of glucose in artificial urine, was conducted and, when compared to the saturation curve, showed good correlation between the theoretical and actual concentrations (percent differences <10%). The development of 3D-μPADs and 3D-μTPADs can further facilitate the use of these platforms for colorimetric bioassays.

Solution evaporation processed high quality perovskite films

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs), due to their high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and low cost, have been considered as one of the most promising photovoltaic devices. Well-distributed large-grain perovskite crystals play an important role for light adsorption and charge transfer. While, high quality perovskite crystals closely relate to the preparation method. Generally, the preparation of perovskite films requires a nitrogen atmosphere and toxic anti-solvents, which hinder their practical applications. Here, we reported a novel and simple solution evaporation process followed with a methylammonium iodide (MAI) solution immersion to prepare high quality perovskite films. Porous lead iodide (PbI2) films were firstly formed by evaporation of PbI2 precursor solution. The obtained porous PbI2 films were completely transformed into well-distributed large-grain perovskite films after a quick MAI solution immersion. As a result, the corresponding PCE was enhanced by 30% compared to that prepared with a regular sequential deposition. This solution evaporation method provides a convenient and practical way for preparing high-quality perovskite films.

Antitumor Effects of Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid (NDGA) in Bladder T24 Cancer Cells are Related to Increase in ROS Production and Mitochondrial Leak Respiration

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) on tumor bladder T24 cells. Bladder cancer T24 cells were cultured on Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium in presence of NDGA. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 h by using fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and Alexa fluor 488 annexin-V/propidium iodide solution, respectively. To determine the mitochondrial effects of NDGA (0-24 h), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by dihydroethidium fluorescence, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) by 5,5’,6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1’,3,3'-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) dual fluorescence and cellular respiration states by high resolution respirometry were evaluated. It was found that NDGA reduced T24 cell viability after 72 h of incubation in a concentration-dependent manner and apoptosis increased at 48 h. Furthermore, 20 μM NDGA increased ROS levels, decreased ΔΨm and promoted leak of respiration from mitochondrial respiratory chain in T24 cells which was associated to the death of tumor cells. Taken together these results suggested that antitumor effects of NDGA in T24 cells are related to its ability to induce mitochondrial alteration.

A rapid and economical method for the quantification of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using a modified HPLC apparatus

H2O2 is one of the most commonly used oxidants for the degradation of recalcitrant organic contaminants in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). However, most research aiming to optimize AOPs is missing the monitoring of the remaining H2O2, an important parameter to assess the efficiency of the process. In this work, a novel method for [H2O2] quantification was developed using simple modifications of an HPLC-DAD setup that is available in most analytical chemistry laboratories. The modifications include the use of acidified potassium iodide solution as mobile phase and replacing the reverse phase column with a series of capillary columns. This instrument configuration allowed also the quantification of organic contaminants using the same H2O2 containing sample. The method's LOD and LOQ were calculated to be as low as 8.29 × 10−4 mM and 2.76 × 10−3 mM, respectively with an LDR range of 0.01–150 mM. The cost per analysis ranged between 0.8 and 1.8 USD cents depending on the concentration tested. This analytical method was validated by a statistical comparison to a well-known titrimetric method that is commonly used for H2O2 quantification. It was also tested using standards prepared in natural matrices such as spring and seawater, and in media containing high concentration of several spectator species such as chlorides, bicarbonates, humic acids, fumaric acids and micro pollutants. The method showed excellent robustness by maintaining high regression coefficient and excellent sensitivity in all calibration curves regardless of the matrix content.

Large Solvent Isotope Effect Associated with the Hydrolysis of Allylindium Iodide.

Allylindium halides are valuable allylating reagents, which can even be applied in aqueous solutions. Previous 1H NMR spectroscopic investigations suggested that these reagents are stable for several hours in D2O, whereas ESI-mass spectrometric experiments in H2O pointed to much shorter lifetimes. To resolve this seeming discrepancy, the present study systematically examines the solvolysis of allylindium iodide in H2O, D2O, and mixtures thereof by both analytical methods. Kinetic measurements find a large kinetic isotope effect (KIE = 12.0 ± 1.5 at 298 K), which fully explains the different behavior in H2O and D2O. Moreover, new intact and partially hydrolyzed allylindium intermediates are detected. Additional experiments on solutions of allylindium iodide in CH3OH, CH3OD, and EtOH observe ions identical or similar to those present in aqueous solutions, but determine a somewhat smaller kinetic isotope effect.

Standard Partial Molar Heat Capacity and the Volume of the Cadmium Ion in Acetonitrile at 298.15 K

The heat capacity and volumetric properties of cadmium iodide solutions in acetonitrile (AN) are measured at 298.15 K by calorimetric and densimetric means. Standard partial molar heat capacity $$\bar {C}_{{p,2}}^{^\circ }$$ and volume $$\bar {V}_{2}^{^\circ }$$ of CdI2 in AN are calculated. Standard heat capacity $$\bar {C}_{{p,i}}^{^\circ }$$ and volume $$\bar {V}_{i}^{^\circ }$$ of the cadmium ion in AN at 298.15 K are determined. The effect produced by the nature of such solvents as AN, DMF, DMSO, and MP on $$\bar {C}_{{p,i}}^{^\circ }$$ and $$\bar {V}_{2}^{^\circ }$$ of the cadmium ion is analyzed, and a substantial contribution from the electrostatic component is discovered.

The effect of solution process control on the formation of the α-FAPbI3 perovskite: FAPbI3 versus MAPbI3 solar cells

This study aims at the fabrication of hole-conductor-free perovskite solar cells by the sequential deposition method. To develop the cells, MAPbI3 (CH3NH3PbI3) and FAPbI3 (HC(NH2)2PbI3) perovskites were used as light-absorbing materials. It is difficult to achieve a black α-FAPbI3 perovskite due to the unwanted yellow δ-FAPbI3 phase that is usually first formed at a low temperature and then converted into a black α-FAPbI3 perovskite at a high annealing temperature. A high annealing temperature can also lead to the uncontrollable degradation of the α-FAPbI3 perovskite. Here, we report the effect of various temperatures of a dipping solution of formamidine iodide (FAI) in isopropanol on the formation of black α-FAPbI3 perovskites from the initial stage. The effects of various annealing temperatures on the surface morphology and the optical properties of the perovskite layer are also studied. The optimum temperatures of the FAI solution and annealing for making an FAPbI3 perovskite were 80 °C and 170 °C respectively. A stable black FAPbI3 perovskite layer was formed in these optimum conditions. Moreover, the short-circuit current density and the efficiency of the fabricated FAPbI3 and MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells were approximately the same.

On the features of crystallization methods used for the purification of aqueous solutions of cesium iodide

On the features of crystallization methods used for the purification of aqueous solutions of cesium iodide

Verification of the potency testing method for the monoclonal antibody drugs using reporter gene assay

The photovoltaic properties of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are significantly influenced by the morphology of their constituent perovskite films. In this study, perovskite materials with two different morphologies, compact (c-perovskite) and nanowires (nw-perovskite), were prepared with a simple two-step spin coating solution process and their photovoltaic properties were investigated. We found that the presence of partially grown perovskite nanowires in the photoactive layer results in an excellent photovoltaic performance, i.e. a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.7%. The shape and size of the perovskite nanowires are controlled by varying the concentration of N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in the methylammonium iodide (MAI) solution and keeping constant all other processing parameters such as the spin-coating speed and the annealing temperature. The optimal nw-perovskite film exhibits better light harvesting properties in the visible region, improved charge separation, and high charge carrier mobility. The mechanisms of charge carrier transfer in the two type of perovskites and their recombination dynamics were investigated by performing time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) and transient photovoltage (TPV) measurements respectively. Further, with an additional approach, the morphologies and solar cell performances of the c-perovskite and nw-perovskite films are improved by the addition of a fullerene derivative (PC60BM). These morphological advantages, together with the significant suppression of hysteresis effects, mean that the nw-perovskite:PC60BM photoactive film could be useful in the fabrication of high-performance PSCs.

Selective recovery of mercury from high mercury-containing smelting wastes using an iodide solution system.

The mercury resources recovery and safe disposal of mercury-containing waste is an urgent problem. In this study, a new method using an iodide solution system was proposed to selectively recover mercury from high mercury-containing smelting wastes. The mercury leaching efficiency, yields, leaching kinetics and thermodynamics were researched. The major factors which affect mercury leaching efficiency including iodide concentration, oxidant, pH and temperature were evaluated. Over 97% and 93% of mercury can be efficiently leached from wastewater treatment sludge (W-S) and acid sludge (A-S). After leaching, the mercury concentration during leaching toxicity test is under the limits set for hazardous waste. Additionally, the electrolytic technology can efficiently recover mercury from leachate in the form of elemental mercury, and the leachate after electrolytic can be reused for mercury leaching. The mercury leaching kinetics follows the shrinking core diffusion model and is controlled by solid product diffusion. The mechanism research shows the leaching efficiency was strongly dependent on the distribution of mercury species in smelting waste. The consequence on mercury leaching and recovery could provide nonferrous smelters with a practical and yet easy-to-adopt perspective to reduce the risk of mercury contamination and selectively recover mercury resources from mercury-containing smelting wastes.

Large grain size CH3NH3PbI3 film for perovskite solar cells with hydroic acid additive

To reduce the defects of perovskite films, various additives are often introduced into the precursor solution. Here, Hydriodic (HI) acid is used as additive in Isopropanol (IPA) solution of methylammonium iodide (MAI) in two-step spin-coated method to obtain high quality MAPbI3 perovskite film. According to the scanning electron microscope (SEM) image, the grain size of the film increases with the increase of the concentration of HI. When the concentration of addition is 0.004 vol% HI/IPA, the grain size is the largest and the film is the most uniform. In addition, photoluminescence spectra (PL) and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy show the enhancement of the optical absorption, which also proves the improvement of the film’s quality. With the structure of ITO/PTAA/MAPbI3/PCBM/Ti/Au, Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs) were fabricated using MAI solutions with different volume ratios of HI/IPA. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the best cell was increased to 18.21% from 16.1%. This study proposes a simple and very effective method of using two-step sequential deposition to produce high-performance PSCs.

In vitro Studies on Pollen Viability, Pollen Germination and Pollen Tube Growth of Hornstedtia conoidea Ridl. – a Philippine Endemic Ginger Species

Zingiberaceous plants are predominantly propagated through underground rhizomes and seeds. In this study, the viability of pollen, rate of pollen germination and length of pollen tube of the Philippine endemic Hornstedtia conoidea were examined. Four petri plates containing pollen samples were prepared, of which two petri plates were used immediately after the collection, while the other two petri plates were stored for one week. The determination of pollen viability was made employing stain tests using IKI (iodine + potassium iodide) solution and safranin and measured immediately after the collection and after one week. Likewise, pollen germination test was carried out in vitro on agar medium and measured after 24 hours and one week of incubation. Data revealed that pollen viability was higher in the samples which were sown immediately with safranin with percentage pollen viability of 92.43%, while IKI test was lower with 89.36%. On the other hand, the pollen stored for one week measured 47.29% for safranin test and 33.14% for IKI test. The percentage germination of pollen after 24 hours was 72.65%, while 11.13% after one week. The pollen samples which were subjected for tube growth were examined for two weeks and gave positive results. Overall, it can be concluded that H. conoidea pollen can successfully be collected and stored for certain time. Knowledge regarding the pollen viability, pollen germination and pollen tube growth of this species will give practical benefit for plant breeding and conservation purposes, since H. conoidea is found in the wild, and as of now, the species has been recorded only in the Philippines.

Paper-based 3D printing of anthropomorphic CT phantoms: Feasibility of two construction techniques.

To develop and evaluate methods for assembling radiopaque printed paper sheets to realistic patient phantoms for CT dose and image quality testing. CT images of two patients were radiopaque printed with aqueous potassium iodide solution (0.6 g/ml) on paper. Two methods were developed for assembling the paper sheets to head and neck phantoms. (1) Printed sheets were fed to a paper-based 3D printer along with corresponding 3D printable STL files. (2) Paper stacks of 5-mm thickness were glued with toner, cut to the patient shape and assembled to a phantom. In a sample application study, both phantoms were examined with five different tube current settings. Images were reconstructed using filtered-back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction (AIDR 3D) with three strength levels. Dose length product (DLP), signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were analysed. Data were analysed using 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Both methods achieved anthropomorphic phantoms with detailed patient anatomy. The 3D printer yielded a precise reproduction of the external patient shape, but caused visible glue artefacts. Gluing with toner avoided these artefacts and yielded more flexibility with regard to phantom size. In the sample application study, non-inferior SNR and CNR and up to 83.7% lower DLP were achieved on the phantoms with AIDR 3D compared with FBP. Two methods for assembling radiopaque printed paper sheets to phantoms of individual patients are presented. The sample application demonstrates potential for simulation of patient imaging and systematic CT dose and image quality assessment. • Two methods were developed to create realistic CT phantoms of individual patients from radiopaque printed paper sheets. • Analysis of five tube current and four reconstruction settings on two radiopaque 3D printed patient phantoms yielded non-inferior SNR and CNR and up to 83.7% lower dose with iterative reconstruction in comparison with filtered back projection. • Radiopaque 3D printed phantoms can simulate patients and allow systematic analysis of CT dose and image quality parameters.

Standard Partial Molar Heat Capacities and Volumes of Barium and Cadmium Ions in Dimethylformamide at 298.15 K

The heat capacity and bulk properties of barium and cadmium iodide solutions in dimethylformamide (DMF) at 298.15 K are measured via calorimetry and densimetry. Standard partial molar heat capacities $$\bar {C}_{{p,2}}^{^\circ }$$ and volumes $$\bar {V}_{2}^{^\circ }$$ ВаI2 and CdI2 in DMF are calculated. The standard values of heat capacity $$\bar {C}_{{p,i}}^{^\circ }$$ and volume $$\bar {V}_{i}^{^\circ }$$ of barium and cadmium in DMF at 298.15 K were determined.