Volume Research Articles

Evaluation of the Radiation Shielding Properties of a Tellurite Glass System Modified with Sodium Oxide.

In this study, the X-ray and gamma attenuation characteristics and optical properties of a synthesized tellurite–phosphate–sodium oxide glass system with a composition of (85 − x)TeO2–10P2O5–xNa2O mol% (where x = 15, 20, and 25) were evaluated. The glass systems we re fabricated by our research group using quenching melt fabrication. The shielding parameters of as-synthesized systems, such as the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), effective atomic number (Zeff), half-value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective electron density (Neff) in a wide energy range between 15 keV and 15 MeV, were estimated using well-known PHY-X/PSD software and recently developed MIKE software. Herein, the optical parameters of prepared glasses, such as molar volume (VM), oxygen molar volume (VO), oxygen packing density (OPD), molar polarizability (), molar refractivity (Rm), reflection loss (RL), and metallization (M), were estimated using MIKE software. Furthermore, the shielding performance of the prepared glasses was compared with that of commonly used standard glass shielding materials. The results show that the incorporation of sodium oxide into the matrix TeO2/P2O5 with an optimum concentration can yield a glass system with good shielding performance as well as good optical and physical properties, especially at low photon energy.

Micropore Structural Characteristics and Influence Factors of Triassic Shale Gas Adsorption in the Ordos Basin

Continental shale is investigated for potential shale gas reservoirs in the Tongchuan area, southern Ordos Basin. The kerogen macerals of Upper Triassic Chang 7 Shale are vitrinite 28–43%, exinite 4–7%, and inertinite 52–69%, and Ro is 0.85–0.88%, and the kerogen type is II. The total organic carbon (TOC) content is 9.75–29.92%, free hydrocarbon (S1) is 3.21–12.14%, pyrolysis hydrocarbon (S2) is 41.86–165.39%, and maximum pyrolysis temperature (Tmax) is 439–445°C. The mineral composition is mainly dominated by quartz 3.94–43.27%, followed by feldspar 9.65–30.07% and clay minerals 13.46–59%. Illonite/smectite (I/S) is the main clay mineral, accounting for 47–69%. The liquid nitrogen adsorption curve showed that the pore types were tubular and plate-like. The pores are mainly microporous (<2 nm) and mesoporous (2–50 nm) in size. Isothermal adsorption results show that Langmuir volume (VL) is 2.06–5.57 cm3 g−1, Langmuir pressure (PL) is 2.16–3.28 MPa, and shale adsorption capacity is small and easy to desorb. A quartz content less than 25% is negatively correlated with the specific surface area (SSA); otherwise, it is positively correlated. A clay mineral content less than 45% is negatively correlated with SSA; otherwise, it is positively correlated. The relationship between the carbonate content and pore structure is not obvious. Pyrite content less than 2% is positively correlated with SSA; otherwise, it is negatively correlated. The SSA is positively correlated with TOC, inertinite, and exinite and negatively correlated with vitrinite. The adsorbed gas content is positively correlated with the TOC content, SSA, inertinite content, and exinite content and negatively correlated with vitrinite.

Excess properties and activation properties for viscous flow of amino acid ionic liquids with H2O binary mixtures

Amino acid ionic liquids (ILs) 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium glycine ([C4Dmim][Gly]), 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium alanine ([C4Dmim][Ala]) and 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium threonine ([C4Dmim][Thr]) were prepared. Over the temperature from (288.15–318.15) K, the density, surface tension and viscosity for binary system mixtures of ILs with H2O were measured, and excess thermodynamic properties and activation properties for viscous flow of these binary system mixtures were systematically studied. Secondly, the variation trend between excess molar volume (VE)/excess molar surface Gibbs energy (gsE) and mole fraction for ILs + H2O binary system mixtures was investigated. With the increase of mole fraction, the VE and gsE values of binary system mixtures increased firstly and then decreased, and they were positive value, which may be due to the weak chemical interaction between ILs and H2O in the mixture. Furthermore, according to the thermodynamic formula, the Gibbs energy of activation for viscous flow of the relative viscosity (ΔG≠r), activation entropy (ΔS≠r) and activation enthalpy (ΔH≠r) were calculated. Over the entire concentration range, the ΔG≠r values for binary system mixtures of ILs with H2O were negative value, and the result was in good agreement with relative viscosity (ηr).

Delivery balloon volume positively correlates with the diameter and effective orifice area of implanted SAPIEN 3

BackgroundIn transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using SAPIEN 3 (S3) (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA), some clinicians decrease or increase the delivery balloon volume (VOL) when deploying S3 or conducting post-dilatation. However, the effects of controlling VOL on transcatheter heart valve diameter (THVD) and valve function remain unclear. We assessed associations among VOL, THVD, and effective orifice area (EOA) of S3. MethodsWe enrolled patients undergoing TAVR using 23- and 26-mm S3 in Sendai Kousei Hospital between 2017 and 2019. VOL was controlled based on preprocedural computed tomography and intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). THVD were defined as the diameters of transcatheter heart valve at mid-level measured by TEE. ResultsIn enrolled 332 patients (23-mm, n = 188; 26-mm, n = 144), one (0.3%) and two (0.6%) developed annulus rupture and moderate/severe paravalvular leak, respectively. VOL at deployment was positively correlated with THVD on deployment (23-mm, r = 0.44, p < 0.001; 26-mm, r = 0.57, p < 0.001) and EOA (23-mm, r = 0.23, p = 0.0019; 26-mm, r = 0.22, p = 0.0094). In multiple regression analyses, VOL and post-dilatation were significant determinants of THVD, although aortic annulus area, calcium volume, and pre-dilatation were not. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve that were used to evaluate the accuracy of the index obtained by dividing THVD by body surface area (indexed THVD) to predict patient–prosthesis mismatch (PPM) were 0.744 and 0.811 in the 23- and 26-mm cohorts, respectively. A cut-off indexed THVD of ≤11.5 and 12.1 mm/m2 well predicted PPM (23-mm, odds ratio, 5.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.33–20.3; 26-mm, odds ratio 14.1, 95% confidence interval 2.40–81.0). ConclusionVOL was positively correlated with THVD and EOA. Smaller indexed THVD was associated with a higher incidence of PPM. Controlling VOL under on-site THVD evaluation may be useful in reducing the PPM incidence.

Excess Thermodynamic Properties of Ethyl Acetate with Primary Alcohols At 303.15 K

Densities (ρ) and sound velocity (u) for the binary mixtures of ethyl acetate with 1-methanol, 1- ethanol, 1- propanol, 1- butanol, 1-hexanol and 1-octanol were measured over the entire composition range at 303.15 K. From these data, excess molar volume (VE), isentropic compressibility (Ks ) and deviation in isentropic compressibility (ΔKs ) have been calculated with the Redlich-Kister Polynomial equation. The experimental data were discussed in terms of intermolecular interactions between component molecules.

Marine Shale Gas Occurrence and Its Influencing Factors: A Case Study from the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation, Northwestern Guizhou, China

Organic-rich shales were found in the Ordovician to Silurian Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in northwestern Guizhou province, China, which has high shale gas content revealed by field measurement. Shale gas occurrence, free gas/sorbed gas ratio, and their influencing factors are crucial for shale gas exploitation strategy. Results indicated that the Wufeng-Longmaxi shales are dominated by type I kerogen, with total organic carbon (TOC) and equivalent vitrinite reflectance (eqvRo) of 0.77%–6.98% and 2.37%–2.53%, respectively. The total porosity and permeability are in the range of 1.23%–8.43% and 3 × 10 − 4 – 2.23 × 10 − 1 mD, respectively. FE-SEM observation and correlation analysis show shale porosity is dominated by organic matter (OM) pores, followed by interparticle (interP) pores related to brittle minerals. CH4, derived from oil cracking, is the main component of shale gas, but its proportion is lower than that in Fuling and Weiyuan areas, probably due to the weak preservation condition. Desorption gas and lost gas determined by in situ desorption test are 0.42–1.54 cm3/g and 1.9–7.14 cm3/g, respectively, and Langmuir volume ( V L ) from isothermal adsorption experiment is 1.63–4.78 cm3/g. Shale gas content is positively correlated with micropore volume, mesopore volume and TOC content but negatively correlated with macropore volume and clay mineral content, indicating that methane is preferentially stored in micropores (&lt;2 nm) and mesopores (2–50 nm) related to OMs. By comparing actual total gas content with theoretical gas content, shale gas is considered to exist primarily in sorbed state, and the free gas proportion can increase with increased TOC content, due to that OM pores with larger sizes are also main space for free gas. Combined with the two methods, it can result in accurate calculations of shale gas reserves and free/sorbed gas ratio. Based on this understanding, a model of shale gas occurrence was proposed, which can provide a reference for shale gas exploitation in normal pressure areas.

Corrigendum

Earth Surface Processes and LandformsVolume 47, Issue 4 p. 1124-1124 CORRIGENDUMFree Access Corrigendum This article corrects the following: Regional debris-flow and debris-flood frequency–magnitude relationships Matthias Jakob, Emily Mark, Scott McDougall, Pierre Friele, Carie-Ann Lau, Stephanie Bale, Volume 45Issue 12Earth Surface Processes and Landforms pages: 2954-2964 First Published online: August 10, 2020 First published: 20 March 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.5314AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat In the referenced article, Jakob et al. (2020), the author would like to correct the notations of the key equations for the following: Table 2: The second column header “Estimated event volume (V) (m3)” should be: “Estimated event volume (VE) (m3)”. Figure 2: The Y-axis “Normalized volume (m3/km2)” should be “Normalized debris flow volume Vdfw/Af (m3/km2)”. Table 3: The caption, “F–M equations developed for each region and process type. VNV is the normalized fan volume (m3km_3), VNA is the normalized fan area (m3km_3), Af is the fan area (km2), Vf is the fan volume (km3), and T is the return period (years)” should be: “F–M equations developed for each region and process type. Vdfw and Vdfd are the debris flow and debris flood volumes, respectively.” Table 3: The data under the second column header are incorrect: VNA = Af[97393ln(T)_353 596] (1); VNA = Af[13910ln(T)_33 236] (2); VNA = Af[5700ln(T)_4238] (3); VNV=Vf[354ln(T) + 218] (4) should be: Vdfw/Af = 97393ln(T)_353 596 (1); Vdfw/Af = 13910ln(T)_33 236 (2); Vdfd/Af=5700ln(T)_4238 (3); Vdfd/Vf=354ln(T) + 218 (4). Figure 3: The Y-axis, “Normalized volume (m3/km2)” should be “Normalized debris flow volume Vdfw/Af (m3/km2)”. Figure 4: The Y-axis, “Normalized volume (m3/km2)” should be “Normalized debris flood volume Vdfd/Af (m3/km2)”. Figure 5: The Y-axis “Normalized volume (m3/km2)” should be “Normalized debris flood volume Vdfd/Vf (m3/km2)”. Table 4: The caption, “F–M relationships for debris flows of return periods from 300 to 3000 years at A and B creeks in the village of Zeballos” should be: “F–M relationships for debris flows of return periods from 300 to 3000 years at A and B creeks in the village of Zeballos. VBE stands for best estimate of debris-flow volumes”. Figure 6: The Y-axis “Normalized volume (m3/km2)” should be “Normalized debris flow volume Vdfw/Af (m3/km2)”. Table 5: The last column header, “Best estimate volume (m3)” should be: “Best estimate volume VBE (m3)”. The authors would like to apologise for these errors. REFERENCE Jakob, M., Mark, E., McDougall, S., Friele, P., Carie-Ann Lau, C.-A. & Bale, S. (2019) Regional debris-flow and debris-flood frequency–magnitude relationships. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 45(12), 2954– 2964. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.4942Wiley Online LibraryADSWeb of Science®Google Scholar Volume47, Issue430 March 2022Pages 1124-1124 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Gadoxetic Acid Uptake Rate as a Measure of Global and Regional Liver Function as Compared With Indocyanine Green Retention, Albumin-Bilirubin Score, and Portal Venous Perfusion

PurposeGlobal and regional liver function assessments are important for defining the magnitude and spatial distribution of dose to preserve functional liver parenchyma and reduce incidence of hepatotoxicity from radiation therapy for intrahepatic cancer treatment. This individualized liver function-guided radiation therapy strategy is critical for patients with heterogeneous and poor liver function, often observed in cirrhotic patients treated for hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to validate k1 as a measure of global and regional function through comparison with 2 well-regarded global function measures: indocyanine green retention (ICGR) and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI). Methods and MaterialsSeventy-nine dynamic gadoxetic acid enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired in 40 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in institutional review board approved prospective protocols. Portal venous perfusion (kpv) was quantified from gadoxetic acid enhanced magnetic resonance imaging using a dual-input 2-compartment model, and gadoxetic acid uptake rate (k1) was fitted using a linearized single-input 2-compartment model chosen for robust k1 estimation. Four image-derived measures of global liver function were tested: (1) mean k1 multiplied by liver volume (k1VL) (functional volume), (2) mean k1 multiplied by blood distribution volume (k1Vdis), (3) mean kpv, and (4) liver volume (VL). The measure's correlation with corresponding ICGR and ALBI tests was assessed using linear regression. Voxel-wise similarity between k1 and kpv was compared using Spearman ranked correlation. ResultsSignificant correlations (P < .05) with ICGR and ALBI were found for k1VL, k1Vdis, and VL (in order of strength), but not for mean kpv. The mean ranked correlation coefficient between k1 and kpv maps was 0.09. k1 and kpv maps were predominantly mismatched in patients with poor liver function. ConclusionsThe metric combining function and liver volume (k1VL) was a stronger measure of global liver function compared with perfusion or liver volume alone, especially in patients with poor liver function. Gadoxetic acid uptake rate is promising for both global and regional liver function.

Investigation of solute-solvent interactions between 2-butoxyethanol and substituted ketones by volumetric, acoustic and FTIR studies at T=(303.15–318.15) K

The densities (ρ) and speeds of sound (u) were measured for the binary mixtures of 2-butoxyethanol (BE) with methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), methyl propyl ketone (MPK), di-ethyl ketone (DEK) and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) mixtures at temperatures (303.15–318.15) K and pressure (P = 0.1 MPa) over the entire composition range. The experimental data were used to derive the excess molar volume (VmE), excess isentropic compressibility (κSE) and excess speed of sound (uE). The calculated excess parameters have been correlated by Redlich-Kister equation. These results have been analysed by different theoretical models such as PFP, CFT and FLT. The effect of alkyl chain length of ketones on the excess properties has been discussed in terms of disruption of H-bonding and dipole–dipole interaction between the components of the mixtures. The thermodynamic results of the present investigation have been correlated with FTIR spectral studies and obtained a good agreement.

Effect of Lithium Iodide on transport phenomenon in Lithium Borophosphate glass Electrolyte

Ion transport study for the lithium iodide doped Lithium Borophosphate (LBP) glass electrolyte x(LiI):[(100−x).(60Li2O:8B2O3:32P2O5)] has been carried out over a range of composition (x=0 to 25 wt.%). The electrical conductivity has been measured by complex impedance spectroscopy from 303 K to 423 K temperature. The physical parameter and conductivity study indicate to obey the Arrhenius relationship and the frequency dependent conductivity is in consonance with Jonscher's universal power law. The Correlated Barrier Hopping (CBH) model for ion transport is observed to follow in the present glass system. Further investigation of the conductivity has also been carried out to calculate the hopping frequency (ωp), relaxation time (τ), power-law exponent (n) and decoupling index (Rτ). The enthalpy for migration and free energy have been estimated using the frequency-dependent power-law exponent (n) behaviour. Charge dynamics between local states due to the activated hopping process has been discussed according to Anderson- Drago and Elliot's model. To reinforce the Lithium ion transport study, several physical parameters such as density (ρ), molar volume (VO), oxygen packing density (OPD), cation concentration (NLi), the mean distance between cations (R′LiI) and the total number of energy states per unit volume at Fermi level N(Ef) have been calculated using various empirical formulae to discuss the present LBP ionic glass system.

A CBCT based analysis of the correlation between volumetric morphology of the frontal sinuses and the facial growth pattern in caucasian subjects. A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between frontal sinus shape and facial growth pattern.MethodsThe three-dimensional examination was carried out by means of 80 CBCT scans selected from a sample of 1247 records of patients treated, for different reason, at the Department of Biomedical Surgical and Dental Sciences at University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan. The sample (age ranges between 12 and 40 years) was divided according to gender and age in four groups (12-17, 18-20, 21-30, 31-40). Left and right frontal sinus volume (VOL), surface (SUP) and linear maximum width (XMAX), depth (ZMAX) and height (YMAX) were calculated using Mimics Research 17.0 (Materialise N.V., Leuven, Belgium). Cephalometric analysis has been performed for all subjects to categorize the patients depending on their facial growth pattern. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were performed to investigate any association of frontal sinuses measurements (height, width, depth, volume and surface) and cephalometric variables. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 160 frontal sinuses were measures in 80 patients: 40 men and 40 women, average age of 23.5 ±14.6. Globally the frontal sinuses had the following average dimensions: volumes of 9055.8 ± 6505 mm3 and surfaces of 3820.3 ± 2125 mm2. The statistical analysis showed that frontal sinus volume was statistically significant (p=0.003) greater for male (11,425 mm3) than female (6597.5 mm3). Similarly, the surface showed to be greater in men than in women (p=0.005). No correlation between age and frontal sinuses characteristics has been found. A statistically significant (p<0.05) increase of frontal sinus depth, surface and volume was correlated with SNB angle. In addition, frontal sinus volume increased in subjects with greater anterior skeletal dimension values and with a superior length of the cranial base. Furthermore, a decrease of ANB has been found related to an increase in frontal sinus volume (p=0.04).ConclusionsThe present study showed a correlation between frontal sinuses dimensions and craniofacial aspects, despite the inter-individual variability of their morphology. The results suggested that young adults in whom the frontal sinuses have reached their maximum size, while vertical growth continues, a larger frontal sinus may be associated with future vertical growth.

Excess thermodynamic properties and FTIR studies of binary mixtures of aniline with esters at different temperatures

Densities (ρ) and speeds of sound (u) were measured over the entire mole fraction range for the binary mixtures of aniline with butyl acetate (BA), iso-butyl acetate (IBA), tert-butyl acetate (TBA) and butyl acrylate (BAc) at T = (303.15–318.15) K. These data were used to compute excess molar volume (VmE), excess isentropic compressibility (κSE) and excess speed of sound (uE) for investigating the different types of intermolecular interactions present in the mixtures. These parameters have been correlated with Redlich-Kister equation. Further, the u and VmE values have been analyzed with different theoretical models. The molecular structure and polarity of the ester molecule along with the nature and bulkiness of its alkyl group found to affect the magnitude of investigated excess thermodynamic properties of the binary systems. FTIR spectral analysis of these mixtures was used to understand the interactions between component molecules and to correlate them with the thermodynamic findings.

Liquid bridges between particles and the hydrophobic or hydrophilic surfaces of solar photovoltaic glass

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation technology is one of the most important methods for reaching the carbon peak and achieving carbon neutralization. Dust accumulation on the surface of PV glass greatly reduces the working performance and power generation efficiency of PVs. The hydrophobic or hydrophilic surfaces on the PV glass have substantial self-cleaning potential. In this study, the liquid bridges formed between particles and the hydrophobic or hydrophilic surfaces of solar PV glass are investigated. The effects of the liquid bridge force and the influencing factors for these two surfaces on particle dynamics behaviours are studied. Furthermore, the self-cleaning abilities of these two surfaces are also discussed. The results indicate that the liquid bridges formed between a particle and a hydrophilic PV glass placed horizontally or obliquely exhibit similar saddle shapes, but the liquid bridges wrap the particle on the surface of hydrophobic PV glass. The influence of the liquid bridges causes particles to adhere to the tilted hydrophilic or hydrophobic surfaces at liquid bridge volumes (VL) < 6 μL, making initially moving particles stay on these two tilted surfaces with 6 μL ≤ VL ≤ 20 μL and even achieving self-cleaning properties at VL > 20 μL. Both hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces increase the self-cleaning forces resulting from the liquid bridge formation with increasing VL, thus completing the self-cleaning process. Increasing the self-cleaning forces and decreasing the friction force and the liquid bridge force improves the self-cleaning abilities of the surface. These research findings have important theoretical significance and commercial engineering value in preventing and reducing dust accumulation on glass.

Dissecting the Root Phenotypic and Genotypic Variability of the Iowa Mung Bean Diversity Panel.

Mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is a drought-tolerant, short-duration crop, and a rich source of protein and other valuable minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. The main objectives of this research were (1) to study the root traits related with the phenotypic and genetic diversity of 375 mung bean genotypes of the Iowa (IA) diversity panel and (2) to conduct genome-wide association studies of root-related traits using the Automated Root Image Analysis (ARIA) software. We collected over 9,000 digital images at three-time points (days 12, 15, and 18 after germination). A broad sense heritability for days 15 (0.22–0.73) and 18 (0.23–0.87) was higher than that for day 12 (0.24–0.51). We also reported root ideotype classification, i.e., PI425425 (India), PI425045 (Philippines), PI425551 (Korea), PI264686 (Philippines), and PI425085 (Sri Lanka) that emerged as the top five in the topsoil foraging category, while PI425594 (unknown origin), PI425599 (Thailand), PI425610 (Afghanistan), PI425485 (India), and AVMU0201 (Taiwan) were top five in the drought-tolerant and nutrient uptake “steep, cheap, and deep” ideotype. We identified promising genotypes that can help diversify the gene pool of mung bean breeding stocks and will be useful for further field testing. Using association studies, we identified markers showing significant associations with the lateral root angle (LRA) on chromosomes 2, 6, 7, and 11, length distribution (LED) on chromosome 8, and total root length-growth rate (TRL_GR), volume (VOL), and total dry weight (TDW) on chromosomes 3 and 5. We discussed genes that are potential candidates from these regions. We reported beta-galactosidase 3 associated with the LRA, which has previously been implicated in the adventitious root development via transcriptomic studies in mung bean. Results from this work on the phenotypic characterization, root-based ideotype categories, and significant molecular markers associated with important traits will be useful for the marker-assisted selection and mung bean improvement through breeding.

Productivity and quality of tomato submitted to irrigation levels using mulching in economic beds

The objective of this study was to evaluate irrigation levels in tomato crops, using economical beds with mulch. A randomized block design within a split-plot had run in a 2 x 5 factorial treatment scheme structure, with four replications. The plots were the five irrigation levels (50, 75, 100, 125, and 150%) of crop Evapotranspiration (ETc), and subplots were two tomato varieties RASTEIRO RIO GRANDE (RR) (Lycopersicon lycopersicum) and CALINE IPA- 7 (IPA) (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). In the end, 40 experimental units consisting of five plants each were evaluated. The variables assessed were tomato productivity (PROD), fruit mass (FM), volume (VOL), fruit diameter (DIA), titratable acidity (TA), hydrogen potential (pH), soluble solids (° Brix), and soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio (SS/AT). The results showed that the irrigation level of 117.85% of ETc provide greater productivity for a cultivar RASTEIRO RIO GRANDE, while for CALINE IPA-7, it was 150% of ETc. The variety CALINE IPA-7 had higher acidity content and lower soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio. The addition of irrigation levels influenced a decrease in acidity content by applying levels of up to 125% of ETc.

Genome-wide association study of beef bull semen attributes

BackgroundCattle production is dependent upon fertility because it results in producing offspring to offset production costs. A number of semen attributes are believed to affect fertility and are frequently measured as part of routine breeding soundness exams or semen collection procedures. The objective of this study was to perform a single-step genome-wide association study (ssGWAS) for beef bull semen attributes. Beef bull fertility phenotypes including volume (VOL), concentration (CONC), number of spermatozoa (NSP), initial motility (IMot), post-thaw motility (PTMot), three-hour post-thaw motility (3HRPTMot), percentage of normal spermatozoa (%NORM), primary abnormalities (PRIM), and secondary abnormalities (SEC) were obtained from two artificial insemination (AI) centers. A total of 1819 Angus bulls with 50,624 collection records were used for ssGWAS. A five-generation pedigree was obtained from the American Angus Association and consisted of 6521 sires and 17,136 dams. Genotypes on 1163 bulls were also obtained from the American Angus Association and utilized in ssGWAS.ResultsA multi-trait animal model was used for the estimation of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effects. Significant SNP were those with a -log10P-value threshold greater than 4.0. Volume, CONC, NSP, IMot, PTMot, 3HRPTMot, %NORM, PRIM, and SEC have five, three, six, seven, two, six, six, and two genome-wide significant SNP, respectively.ConclusionsSeveral significant SNP were determined to be near or within quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with beef bull semen attributes. In addition, genes associated with fertility were found to contain or be near the significant SNP found in the study. The results indicate there are regions of the genome that impact fertility, proving inclusion of genomic information into genetic evaluation should be advantageous for genetic improvement of male fertility traits.

Two-phase forest inventory using very-high-resolution laser scanning

In this study, we compared a two-phase laser-scanning-based forest inventory of stands versus a traditional field inventory using sample plots. The two approaches were used to estimate stem volume (VOL), Lorey's mean height (HL), Lorey's stem diameter (DL), and VOL per tree species in a study area in Sweden. The estimates were compared at the stand level with the harvested reference values obtained using a forest harvester. In the first phase, a helicopter acquired airborne laser scanning (ALS) data with >500 points/m2 along 50-m wide strips across the stands. These strips intersected systematic plots in phase two, where terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) was used to model DL for individual trees. In total, phase two included 99 plots across 10 boreal forest stands in Sweden (lat 62.9° N, long 16.9° E). The single trees were segmented in both the ALS and TLS data and linked to each other. The very-high-resolution ALS data enabled us to directly measure tree heights and also classify tree species using a convolutional neural network. Stem volume was predicted from the predicted DBH and the estimated height, using national models, and aggregated at the stand level. The study demonstrates a workflow to derive forest variables and stand-level statistics that has potential to replace many manual field inventories thanks to its time efficiency and improved accuracy. To evaluate the inventories, we estimated bias, RMSE, and precision, expressed as standard error. The laser-scanning-based inventory provided estimates with an accuracy considerably higher than the field inventory. The RMSE was 17 m3/ha (7.24%), 0.9 m (5.63%), and 16 mm (5.99%) for VOL, HL, and DL respectively. The tree species classification was generally successful and improved the three species-specific VOL estimates by 9% to 74%, compared to field estimates. In conclusion, the demonstrated laser-scanning-based inventory shows potential to replace some future forest inventories, thanks to the increased accuracy demonstrated empirically in the Swedish forest study area.

Density, speed of sound, refractive index and relative permittivity of methanol, propan-1-ol or pentan-1-ol + benzylamine liquid mixtures. Application of the Kirkwood-Fröhlich model

Densities (ρ), speeds of sound (c), relative permittivities at 1 MHz (εr) and refractive indices at the sodium D-line (nD) at T = (293.15 K to 303.15 K) and p = 0.1 MPa are reported for binary liquid mixtures alkan-1-ol + benzylamine. Methanol, propan-1-ol and pentan-1-ol are the alkan-1-ols studied in this work. The values of the excess molar volume (VmE), excess isentropic compressibility (κSE), excess speed of sound (cE), excess refractive index (nDE), excess relative permittivity (εrE) and its temperature derivative (∂εrE/∂T)p are calculated, and they are adjusted to Redlich-Kister polynomials. The VmE values are negative, indicating a predominance of the solvation between unlike molecules and structural effects. εrE values indicate a positive contribution from the creation of (alkan-1-ol)-benzylamine interactions, and the positive value for the methanol mixture emphasises the importance of solvation. Calculations on excess molar refractions point out to weaker dispersive interactions than in the ideal mixture, which may be explained by the mentioned solvation effects. The Kirkwood-Fröhlich model has been applied to the mixtures, and the Kirkwood correlation factors suggest an important relative weight, especially in the methanol system, of linear-like molecules in the solutions, which is in accordance with the positive contribution of the formed multimers to εrE due to their good effective response to the electric field.

Influence of n-alcohols on aqueous DTAB micelles studied by ultrasonic analysis

Abstract The influence of chain length of n-alcohols such as 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol and 1-heptanol on cationic dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB) micelles has been investigated. The effect of concentration was determined at alcohol concentrations of (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50) mM and at temperatures of 298.15 K, 303.15 K, 308.15 K and 313.15 K using ultrasonic velocity, density, viscosity and conductivity measurements. To study molecular interactions in micelles of various mixtures of DTAB and n-alcohols by using acoustical parameters, such as adiabatic compres-sibility (β ad), intermicellar free length (L f ), acoustic impedance (Z), molar volume (V M ) have been calculated by using ultrasonic velocity (U) and density (ρ). With the help of the trends observed when varying these parameters, the molecular interactions and thus the micellar growth of mixed systems of DTAB and n–alcohol were discussed. Viscosity data such as absolute viscosity, viscous relaxation time, oil solubilization, foam stability and conductance data complemented the observed ultrasonic data.

Probing the ion-dipole interactions between the imidazolium-based ionic liquids and polyethylene glycol 200 using excess thermodynamic and spectroscopy studies

The use of volatile organic compounds in industrial applications has generally been considered as detrimental to the environment and been a contributor to unsustainable activity. Ionic liquids (ILs) are generally considered as “green” and ecologically friendly solvents compared to volatile organic solvents. In the application of ILs in various processes, they are typically mixed with other solvents in order to modify their physicochemical properties. Thus, the focus in the present study on the interactions between ILs and polymer via thermophysical properties together with FT-IR analysis. In this study, density (ρ), viscosity (η), speeds of sound (u), and refractive index (nD) of the binary mixtures of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIM+PF6-), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIM+BF4-) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIM+BF4-) with polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG200) were measured at (293.15, 303.15, 313.15, 323.15 and 333.15) K and at p = 0.1 MPa. Excess thermodynamic properties: excess molar volume (VE), excess isentropic compressibility (KsE), excess viscosity (ηE), excess refractive index (nDE) and excess thermal expansion coefficient (αPE) were calculated from the thermophysical properties for the new systems studied. Excess thermodynamic properties were best correlated using the Redlich-Kister polynomial equation. Excess thermodynamic properties such as excess molar volume (VE), excess isentropic compressibility (KsE), and excess thermal expansion coefficient (αPE), displayed negative deviations, while excess viscosity (ηE) and excess refractive index (nDE) exhibited positive deviations throughout the entire composition range for the new systems. In addition, FT-IR spectroscopy was further utilized to confirm the presence of ion–dipole interactions/hydrogen bonding between the molecules of ILs and PEG200. The results from FT-IR spectra support the results obtained from excess thermodynamic properties. The results from both excess thermodynamic properties and FT-IR spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of ion–dipole interactions/hydrogen bonding. The strength of the ion–dipole interactions formed between molecules of PEG200 and ions of ILs follows the order: EMIM+BF4- >BMIM+PF6- > BMIM+BF4-. This study of the ILs + PEG200 binary mixtures contributes to the knowledge of physicochemical properties of these mixtures which can be utilized in specific applications such polymeric electrolytes in different electrochemical devices.