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This paper presents the preparation and characterization of a porous and antimicrobial composite material consisting of diatomaceous earth, an inorganic pore-forming agent, and nano-zinc oxide (ZnO). A modified direct precipitation device produced high-surface area ZnO powder. The effect of reaction temperature, volume flow rate, and titration rate on ZnO particle size was studied. Using sodium chloride, potassium nitrate, and sodium percarbonate as porosity to create porous structures through dissolution was also investigated. This study found that adding cement sand to diatomaceous earth improved mold strength while lowering the volume flow rate, and increasing the reaction temperature increased the specific surface area of ZnO. At 60 °C, the crystalline structure changed from an irregular spherical form to a regular nanorod structure. The specific surface area of the prepared ZnO nanorods reached over 15 m2/g, which is about five times higher. In an antibacterial experiment, adding 5% ZnO nanorods of 50 nm diameter to the porous diatomaceous earth composite material resulted in a nearly 100% antibacterial rate against E. coli in an aqueous environment. The results suggest that the porous diatomaceous earth/nano-ZnO composite has potential applications as an antimicrobial material, and the modified direct precipitation method could have broader implications in materials science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study has been conducted on the electrochemical properties of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate (EmimTFO) protic ionic liquid enhanced by adding potassium nitrate (2.5 M) aqueous solution. The properties of EmimTFO as well as mixtures diluted by molar fractions of 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9 of KNO3 were also investigated through measurements of viscosity, density, and conductivity. In a three-electrode test run at 0.25 A g-1, the addition of 2.5 M KNO3 solution generated peak specific capacities of ~40.2 and ~85.8 mAh g-1 on the positive and negative potentials, respectively. These performances surpassed the specific capacities obtained for EmimTFO in a three-electrode run at 0.25 A g-1 using the same electrode material (activated carbon). The top-performing electrolyte mixture ([EmimTFO]0.8[2.5 M KNO3]0.2) was then used to assemble a symmetric supercapacitor, which could run at a voltage of ~2.1 V. The device was able to retain 71.35% of its capacitance after 10,000 cycles of charge and discharge. It also displayed higher specific energy and power of 22.21 Wh kg-1 and 520 W kg-1, respectively, at 0.5 A g-1 as compared to specific energies of 4.73 Wh kg-1 and 11.2 Wh kg-1 for the devices assembled with single EmimTFO and 2.5 M KNO3 as the electrolytes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is one of the new crops being grown in Zimbabwe for its plethora of benefits in crop production and human diet. However, like most grain legumes preliminary research has shown that chickpea seed has a problem of poor germination hindering the realization of the crops full potential yield. Seed priming has a potential to improve germination of chickpea. Therefore, a laboratory experiment was carried out to determine the effects of seed priming on seed germination. The experiment was laid out as a 4 × 5 factorial in completely randomised design (CRD) with 20 treatments replicated three times. The treatments investigated were five seed priming methods viz hydro-priming, halo-priming (KNO3), prechill, preheat, and no priming (control); and four chickpea varieties that were ICCV00305, ICCV03404, ICCV97105, and ICCV92944. Hydro-priming involves soaking seed for 24 hours and leaving it to dry in the laboratory for 24 hours at room temperature before it is planted. Halo-priming was done by soaking the seed in a solution with 2.4 g of potassium nitrate and 1.2 ml of distilled water. Prechill treatment involves subjecting seed at a temperature of 10°C for 7 days before planted. Preheating was done by subjecting the seed in an oven at 35° C for 30 minutes. The parameters measured were germination percent, speed of germination, radicle and plumule length, and seedling vigor index. The results showed that preheating and halo-priming chickpea seed significantly p < 0.05 improved germination percentage, increased radicle and plumule length, and seedling vigor index. Hyro-priming and no priming reduced germination percentage, decreased radicle and plumule length with poor seedling vigor. Results also indicated that variety ICCCV92318 recorded the highest germination percentage, radicle and plumule length, and seedling vigor index, while variety ICCV97114 recorded the least figures on all tested parameters of chickpea. It can be concluded that preheating seed and halo-priming seed improved germination and seedling vigor in chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global challenges resulting from increased population and increased use of water and soil resources encourage researchers to focus on new compounds, such as nano-fertilizers. Hence, the present study aims to find out and compare the impact of foliar spray of two potassium (K) sources with the different formula, i.e. nano-chelated potassium and potassium nitrate, on olive oil yield and content over two successive years (2017–2018). During the bud-swelling stage, before blooming, the pit hardening stage, and shortly after the harvest of table olive, the fertilizers are used at the concentration of 1.84 (K1) and 2.45 (K2) g potassium nitrate, 3 (nano-K1) and 4 (nano-K2) g potassium nano-chelated, corresponding to 0.81 g (K1 and nano-K1) and 1.08 g (K2 and nano-K2) pure potassium per liter. The results show that fruit yield and characteristics are affected by k2 foliar application. High oil percentage is achieved by k1, which results in a low crop load and the highest leaf carbohydrate content in August. Traits, such as total phenol compound and antioxidant capacity of oil, are strongly enhanced under nano-K1 fertilizer, but quality characteristics of olive oil are relatively affected. Furthermore, nano-K1 treatment can positively affect fatty acid composition through the improvement of leaf mineral content rather than controlling tree. According to the results, fruit yield and traits are better under potassium nitrate (K2) treatment, and the quality of olive oil is more stable after nano-chelate potassium (nano-K1) foliar application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS), and the efficacy of in-office bleaching after applying an experimental desensitizing gel composed of 10% calcium gluconate, 0.1% dexamethasone acetate, 10% potassium nitrate, and 5% glutaraldehyde. Material and methods: In a split-mouth, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 50 participants had their upper hemiarches randomized into experimental and placebo groups. Desensitizing and placebo gels were applied for 10 min before in-office bleaching (35% hydrogen peroxide, 1 × 50 min; two bleaching sessions; 1-week interval). TS was recorded immediately after bleaching, 1, 24, and 48 h after each session, with a 0–10 visual analogue scale (VAS) and a five-point numerical rating scale (NRS). The color was recorded in all groups at baseline, 1 week after each session, and 1 month after the end of bleaching using shade guide units (ΔSGUs) and a spectrophotometer (ΔEab, ΔE00, and ΔWID). Results: Most participants (96%) felt some discomfort during treatment regardless of the study group. The odds ratio for pain was 0.65 (95% CI 0.1 to 4.1; p = 1.0). The intensity of TS did not differ between groups (p > 0.31), and it was only 0.34 VAS units lower in the experimental group. A significant color change occurred in both groups regardless of the group. Conclusions: The desensitizing experimental gel applied before in-office bleaching did not reduce the risk and the intensity of TS and did not affect color change. Clinical relevance: Although the experimental desensitizing agent with varying mechanisms of action did not jeopardize the color change, it did not reduce the risk or intensity of in-office bleaching. Clinical trial registration number: RBR-7T7D4D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides nitrate deposits located in the Atacama Desert of Chile and the Mojave Desert of California, the present work documents, for the first time, the occurrence of potassium nitrate as oval-suboval-shaped aggregations associated with the Late Maastrichtian-Early Paleocene Dakhla Shale and the Paleocene-Early Eocene Esna Shale encountered in the northeastern part of the Kharga Oasis, particularly at G. Um El-Ghanayem and G. Ghaneima. Consequently, integrated petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical investigations were carried out for shale deposits and nitrate salts to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental conditions of shale, reveal the extent to which nitrate salts are genetically related to the paleoenvironment of shale deposits, and build up a complete scenario about the source and the formation mechanism of nitrate salts. The overall results showed that the studied shale deposits were sourced from mafic igneous and quartzose sedimentary provenances where humid climatic conditions were dominant; the transported detrital particles were then settled down under oxidizing bottom water and shallow depositional conditions. Moreover, the nitrate salts are of an epigenetic origin and sourced from the microbial nitrification of organic matter and the wet atmospheric deposition that is believed to be triggered by the active volcanic eruptions during the Late Eocene/Early Oligocene transition where warm climatic conditions prevailed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glasswort (Salicornia persica) is identified as a halophyte plant, which is one of the most tolerant plants to salt conditions. The seed oil of the plant contains about 33% oil. In the present study, the effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mM) and potassium nitrate (KNO3; 0, 0.5, and 1%) were evaluated on several characteristics of glasswort under salinity stress (0, 10, 20, and 40 dS/m). Results: morphological features, phenological traits, and yield parameters such as plant height, number of days to flowering, seed oil, biological yield, and seed yield significantly decreased in response to severe salt stress. However, the plants needed an optimal salinity concentration (20 dS/m NaCl) to obtain high amounts of seed oil and seed yield. The results also showed that a high level of salinity (40 dS/m NaCl) caused a decrease in plant oil and yield. In addition, by increasing the exogenous application of SNP and KNO3, the seed oil and seed yield increased. Conclusions: The application of SNP and KNO3 were effective in protecting S. persica plants from the deleterious effects of severe salt stress (40 dS/m NaCl), thereby restoring the activity of antioxidant enzymes, increasing the proline content, and maintaining cell membrane stability. It seems that both factors, i.e. SNP and KNO3, can be applied as mitigators of salt stress in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays open field and protected vegetable cultivation practices require and use genotypes which are precisely tailored to their intended growth environments. Variability of this kind provides a rich source of material to uncover molecular mechanisms supporting the necessarily divergent physiological traits. In this study, typical field-optimized and glasshouse-cultivated cucumber F1 hybrids were investigated, and displayed slower growth ('Joker') and faster growth ('Oitol') in seedlings. Antioxidant capacity was lower in 'Joker' and higher in 'Oitol', pointing to a potential redox regulation of growth. The growth response of seedlings to paraquat treatment indicated stronger oxidative stress tolerance in the fast-growing 'Oitol'. To test whether protection against nitrate-induced oxidative stress was also different, fertigation with increasing potassium nitrate content was applied. This treatment did not change growth but decreased the antioxidant capacities of both hybrids. Bioluminescence emission revealed stronger lipid peroxidation triggered by high nitrate fertigation in the leaves of 'Joker' seedlings. To explore the background of the more effective antioxidant protection of 'Oitol', levels of ascorbic acid (AsA), as well as transcriptional regulation of relevant genes of the Smirnoff–Wheeler biosynthetic pathway and ascorbate recycling, were investigated. Genes related to AsA biosynthesis were strongly upregulated at an elevated nitrate supply in 'Oitol' leaves only, but this was only reflected in a small increase in total AsA content. High nitrate provision also triggered expression of ascorbate–glutathion cycle genes with stronger or exclusive induction in 'Oitol'. AsA/dehydro–ascorbate ratios were higher in 'Oitol' for all treatments, with a more pronounced difference at high nitrate levels. Despite strong transcriptional upregulation of ascorbate peroxidase genes (APX) in 'Oitol', APX activity only increased significantly in 'Joker'. This suggests potential inhibition of APX enzyme activity specifically in 'Oitol' at a high nitrate supply. Our results uncover an unexpected variability in redox stress management in cucumbers, including nitrate inducibility of AsA biosynthetic and recycling pathways in certain genotypes. Possible connections between AsA biosynthesis, recycling and nitro-oxidative stress protection are discussed. Cucumber hybrids emerge as an excellent model system for studying the regulation of AsA metabolism and the roles of AsA in growth and stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adding potassium nitrate (KNO3) to the diet improves the physiological properties of mammalian muscles (rebuilds weakened muscle, improves structure and functionality). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of KNO3 supplementation in a mouse model. BALB/c mice were fed a KNO3 diet for three weeks, followed by a normal diet without nitrates. After the feeding period, the Extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle was evaluated ex vivo for contraction force and fatigue. To evaluate the possible pathological changes, the histology of EDL tissues was performed in control and KNO3-fed groups after 21 days. The histological analysis showed an absence of negative effects in EDL muscles. We also analyzed 15 biochemical blood parameters. After 21 days of KNO3 supplementation, the EDL mass was, on average, 13% larger in the experimental group compared to the controls (p < 0.05). The muscle-specific force increased by 38% in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). The results indicate that KNO3 has effects in an experimental mouse model, showing nitrate-diet-induced muscle strength. This study contributes to a better understanding of the molecular changes in muscles following nutritional intervention and may help develop strategies and products designated to treat muscle-related issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Dietary nitrate (NO3−) supplementation increases nitric oxide bioavailability and can enhance exercise performance. We investigated the distribution and metabolic fate of ingested NO3− at rest and during exercise with a focus on skeletal muscle. Methods: In a randomized, crossover study, 10 healthy volunteers consumed 12.8 mmol 15N‐labeled potassium nitrate (K15NO3; NIT) or potassium chloride placebo (PLA). Muscle biopsies were taken at baseline, at 1‐ and 3‐h post‐supplement ingestion, and immediately following the completion of 60 maximal intermittent contractions of the knee extensors. Muscle, plasma, saliva, and urine samples were analyzed using chemiluminescence to determine absolute [NO3−] and [NO2−], and by mass spectrometry to determine the proportion of NO3− and NO2− that was 15N‐labeled. Results: Neither muscle [NO3−] nor [NO2−] were altered by PLA. Following NIT, muscle [NO3−] (but not [NO2−]) was elevated at 1‐h (from ~35 to 147 nmol/g, p < 0.001) and 3‐h, with almost all of the increase being 15N‐labeled. There was a significant reduction in 15N‐labeled muscle [NO3−] from pre‐ to post‐exercise. Relative to PLA, mean muscle torque production was ~7% greater during the first 18 contractions following NIT. This improvement in torque was correlated with the pre‐exercise 15N‐labeled muscle [NO3−] and the magnitude of decline in 15N‐labeled muscle [NO3−] during exercise (r = 0.66 and r = 0.62, respectively; p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study shows, for the first time, that skeletal muscle rapidly takes up dietary NO3−, the elevated muscle [NO3−] following NO3− ingestion declines during exercise, and muscle NO3− dynamics are associated with enhanced torque production during maximal intermittent muscle contractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity and the loss of fertilizer from agricultural soils through runoff, which also leads to contamination of other areas, are increasingly common problems in agriculture. To mitigate nitrate water pollution, the technology of controlled release formulations (CRFs) provides a promising alternative for improving the management of nutrient supply and decreasing environmental pollution while maintaining good quality and high crop yields. This study describes the influence of pH and crosslinking agent, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) or N,N′-methylenebis (acrylamide) (NMBA), on the behavior of polymeric materials in swelling and nitrate release kinetics. The characterization of hydrogels and CRFs was performed by FTIR, SEM, and swelling properties. Kinetic results were adjusted to Fick, Schott, and a novel equation proposed by the authors. Fixed-bed experiments were carried out by using the NMBA systems, coconut fiber, and commercial KNO3. Results showed that on the one hand, no significant differences were observed in nitrate release kinetics for any system in the selected pH range, this fact allowing to apply these hydrogels to any type of soil. On the other hand, nitrate release from SLC-NMBA was found to be a slower and longer process versus commercial potassium nitrate. These features indicate that the NMBA polymeric system could potentially be applied as a controlled release fertilizer suitable for a wide variety of soil typologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine how potassium nitrate (KNO 3) effect apple roots and sulfate assimilation in the presence of wood biochar in soil, KNO 3 was applied to the root-zone soil without or with 150-day naturally aged wood biochar (1% w/w) in soil. Soil properties, root architecture, root activity, the accumulation and distribution of sulfur (S), enzyme activity, and gene expression related to sulfate uptake and assimilation in apple trees were analyzed. Results showed that KNO 3 and wood biochar application exhibited synergistic effects on improving S accumulation and root growth. Meanwhile, KNO 3 application increased the activities of ATPS, APR, SAT, OASTL and upregulated the expression of ATPS , APR , Sultr3;1 , Sultr2;1 , Sultr3;4, and Sultr3;5 in both roots and leaves, and the positive effects of KNO 3 addition on both genes and enzyme activity were enhanced by wood biochar. Wood biochar amendment alone promoted the activities of enzymes described above, upregulated the expression of ATPS , APR , Sultr3;1 , Sultr2;1 , Sultr3;4, and Sultr4;2 in leaves, and enhanced S distribution in roots. KNO 3 addition alone decreased S distribution in roots and increased that in stems. In the presence of wood biochar in soil, KNO 3 application decreased S distribution in roots but increased that in both stems and leaves. These results indicated that the wood biochar in soil enhances the effect of KNO 3 on S accumulation by promoting root growth and sulfate assimilation in apple trees. • KNO 3 and aged wood biochar improved S accumulation and root growth of apple trees. • Aging wood biochar enhanced the sulfate assimilation of KNO 3 by apple trees. • KNO 3 promoted S distribution into stems by upregulating sulfate transporter genes. • Aged biochar enhanced KNO 3 's stimulatory effect on S distribution in apple trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four granulates were prepared from waste, including lignite ash, industrial sludge, sawdust, ammonium nitrate and potassium salt (60% K2O). The produced granulates were chemically tested. They contained significant Ca and C organic contents and slightly less S, P, K and Mg. The concentration of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn did not exceed the applicable standards. Then, they were tested in a experiment with 2 plants: spring rape, Larissa cv., and spring triticale, Milikaro cv. The content of the tested heavy metals in rape seed and triticale grain largely depended on the chemical properties and the amount of components used to produce granulates. As a rule, a higher share of industrial sludge and a lower share of lignite ash (granulates II with industrial sludge 40% and IV with industrial sludge 50%) in the granulates increased the content of heavy metals in the test plants. Applying the 2nd and 3rd doses of granulates increased the contents of cadmium, copper, chromium, nickel, lead, and zinc. Increasing doses of granulates significantly increased the uptake of heavy metals by rape seed and triticale grain. Under the influence of applied fertilizer granulates, the content of heavy metals in rape seeds and triticale grain was significantly positively correlated with their uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain protein content (GPC) is an important quality trait that effectively modulates end-use quality and nutritional characteristics of wheat flour-based food products. The Gpc-B1 gene is responsible for the higher protein content in wheat grain. In addition to higher GPC, the Gpc-B1 is also generally associated with reduced grain filling period which eventually causes the yield penalty in wheat. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of potassium nitrate (PN) and salicylic acid (SA) on the physiological characteristics of a set of twelve genotypes, including nine isogenic wheat lines carrying the Gpc-B1 gene and three elite wheat varieties with no Gpc-B1 gene, grown at wheat experimental area of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, PAU, Punjab, India. The PN application significantly increased the number of grains per spike (GPS) by 6.42 grains, number of days to maturity (DTM) by 1.03 days, 1000-grain weight (TGW) by 1.97 g and yield per plot (YPP) by 0.2 kg/plot. As a result of PN spray, the flag leaf chlorophyll content was significantly enhanced by 2.35 CCI at anthesis stage and by 1.96 CCI at 10 days after anthesis in all the tested genotypes. Furthermore, the PN application also significantly increased the flag leaf nitrogen content by an average of 0.52% at booting stage and by 0.35% at both anthesis and 10 days after anthesis in all the evaluated genotypes. In addition, the yellow peduncle colour at 30 days after anthesis was also increased by 19.08% while the straw nitrogen content was improved by 0.17% in all the genotypes. The preliminary experiment conducted using SA demonstrated a significant increase in DTM and other yield component traits. The DTM increased by an average of 2.31 days, GPS enhanced by approximately 3.17 grains, TGW improved by 1.13g, and YPP increased by 0.21 kg/plot. The foliar application of PN and SA had no significant effect on GPC itself. The findings of the present study suggests that applications of PN and SA can effectively mitigate the yield penalty associated with Gpc-B1 gene by extending grain filling period in the wheat.

The presented RNAseq data were obtained from Arabidopsis seeds dry and 6h imbibed to describe, in wild-type and glucosinolate (GSL)-deficient genotypes, the response at the RNA level to nitrogen compounds, i.e., potassium nitrate (KNO3, 10mM), potassium thiocyanate (KSCN, 8µM). The cyp79B2 cyp79B3 (cyp79B2/B3) double mutant deficient in Indole GSL, the myb28 myb29 (myb28/29) double mutant deficient in aliphatic GSL, the quadruple mutant cyp79B2 cyp79B3 myb28 myb29 (qko) deficient in total GSL in the seed and the WT reference genotype in Col-0 background were used for the transcriptomic analysis. Total ARN was extracted using NucleoSpin® RNA Plant and Fungi kit. Library construction and sequencing were performed with DNBseq™ technology at Beijing Genomics Institute. FastQC was used to check reads quality and mapping analysis were made using a quasi-mapping alignment from Salmon. Gene expression changes in mutant seeds compared to WT were calculated using DESeq2 algorithms. This comparison with the qko, cyp79B2/B3 and myb28/29 mutants made it possible to identify 30220, 36885 and 23807 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. Mapping rate result was merge into a single report using MultiQC; graphic results were illustrated through Veen diagrams and volcano plots. Fastq raw data and count files from 45 samples are available in the repository Sequence Read Archive (SRA) of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and can be consulted with the data identification number GSE221567 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE221567.

Muscari comosum (L.) Mill. is a spontaneous plant that grows in the whole Mediterranean area, including the Basilicata and Puglia regions (southern Italy), where it has received inclusion in the Italian National List for Traditional Agri-Food Product (TAP). The food and medicinal uses of bulb are ancient due to its antioxidant properties and high variety of nutrients, such as starch, sugars, and minerals. Muscari seed is characterized by morpho-physiological dormancy, and in order to achieve uniform germination, some pre-germinative treatments are needed. In this research, the effects of hydro-priming and osmo-priming, i.e., PEG 8000 and KNO3, as well as three germination temperatures (4, 10, and 20 °C), have been evaluated. In general, the average results pointed out that the pre-treatments increased the germination index (GI) by 5% and the germination percentage (GP) by 3% compared to the no-primed control. The germination temperature of 10 °C significantly reduced the median germination time (T50) by 5.4 days and the mean germination time (MGT) by 5 days compared to temperature at 4 °C. In particular, the best results were obtained by “hydro-priming treatment × 10 °C” interaction, in terms of T50 (34.9 days) and MGT (36.3 days). This combination decreased the T50 by 10.5 days and the MGT by 9.6 days compared to the “control × 4 °C” interaction. Pearson’s correlation matrix results highlighted a significant positive link between T50 and MGT (r = 0.993). In conclusion, these techniques enhanced the germination potential so that the use of pre-treated seeds could be included in a cultivation protocol to improve the germination phase and satisfy the growing demand for Italian bulbs.

Purpose: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a prevalent painful condition of the teeth, the management of which lies in the obliteration of patent dentinal tubules. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of 5% potassium nitrate (PN), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and combination of low-level laser therapy and 5% potassium nitrate (LLLT+PN) in patients with fluorotic and non-fluorotic hypersensitive teeth.Materials and Methods: Ninety self reporting patients with DH completed the randomised, double-blind study. Patients were equally divided into fluorosis group (FG), with moderate to moderately severe fluorosis and the non-fluorosis group (NFG) and subdivided into 3 groups to receive PN, LLLT (810 nm, 1 W) alone and LLLT+PN. Each participant had at least one tooth eliciting a response of ≥ 3 on a visual analog scale (VAS) to evaporative, thermal and electric tactile stimulus (digital scratch-o-meter). The teeth were evaluated at baseline, 30 min post treatment, 1 week, 4 weeks and 12 weeks. The magnitude of pressure applied by the scratch-o-meter was also assessed for all three interventions.Results: Statistically, LLLT+PN was more effective in alleviating DH at all time intervals compared to baseline. However, statistically significant results (p ˂ 0.05) were seen with LLLT+PN at 12 weeks in FG. Magnitude of pressure applied showed statistically significant differences with LLLT+PN at 30 min post treatment.Conclusion: LLLT+PN alleviated DH at all time intervals, with a greater effect in the fluorotic group. However, LLLT+PN was more efficacious in reducing DH at 12 weeks post treatment in the fluorotic group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the efficacy of a toothpaste containing paeonol, potassium nitrate, and strontium chloride with control toothpaste on dentine hypersensitivity (DH). Methods: DH patients who had at least two sensitive teeth and did not use desensitization toothpaste in the past 3 months were randomly allocated to either test or control group. The toothpaste containing paeonol, potassium nitrate, and strontium chloride was used in the test group, while the placebo toothpaste used in control group. The outcome measures included Yeaple probe score and Schiff Index score at 4 and 8 weeks. The patients, personnel and assessors were blinded to the allocation. The differences in Yeaple probe score and Schiff Index score between groups were analyzed with ANOVA. Results: 91 eligible subjects were randomized. 88 of them completed 8-week follow-up and were analyzed (45 in the test group and 43 in the control group). In both groups, the Yeaple probe score showed an upward trend, while the Schiff sensitivity score showed a downward trend. At week 8, the Yeaple probe score had increased by 30.22 g in the test group, and the Schiff Index score had decreased by 0.89. Compared with the control group, the Yeaple probe score in the test group increased by 286.85% from baseline, and the Schiff Index score decreased by 42.96%, showing a statistically significant difference. Five cases of adverse events were observed. Conclusion: The toothpaste containing paeonol, potassium nitrate, and strontium chloride was effective against DH. Clinical significance: This combination of paeonol, potassium nitrate and strontium chloride could be a novel functional ingredient choice for anti-hypersensitivity products in future. Registration: The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000041417).

The DTA signal was studied in comparison with X-ray phase analysis of potassium nitrate particles in carbon nanotubes. It is shown that, for potassium nitrate particles in nanotubes, the temperature range of the existence of the KNO3 ferroelectric phase expands up to 300 K and the ferroelectric and low-temperature paraelectric phases coexist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis micropropagation is an effective method for producing clean plants in the new and expanding cannabis industry. However, existing protocols are not efficient enough to mass propagate for industry demands and to preserve large numbers of elite cultivars. This research was designed to validate optimal mineral nutrition for cannabis micropropagation. Currently, Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal salts are used in commercially available cannabis medium. Three mineral nutrient factors were defined from MS salts: ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and mesonutrients (CaCl2·2H2O, KH2PO4, MgSO4·7H2O). A total of 20 treatments (MS1-20) were designed, and each factor was varied over a range of concentrations. Leaf canopy area, shoot fresh weight, and multiplication number were measured to quantify the effects of mineral nutrients on the in vitro growth of three cannabis cultivars. All cultivars responded positively to increased nitrogen and mesonutrients (MS6) relative to MS medium. Plantlets grown on MS6 exhibited a significant increase in canopy area and fresh weight in two out of three studied cultivars. Additionally, an increase in multiplication number was noted on MS6 with an average increase in shoots per explant of 52% across three cultivars. The addition of potassium silicate (4.86 mM) to MS6 media reduced hyperhydricity symptoms in three hyperhydric cultivars. An improved root induction was observed on inert media, rockwool, and Oasis foam plugs when compared to standard culture media (½ MS containing 2.4 µM IBA and MS containing 2 µM m-topolin) that are routinely used as cannabis rooting media. Plantlets grown in rockwool resulted in healthy shoots and a high root fresh weight after 4 to 6 wk with mineral nutrient solution while plantlets grown on standard culture media did not produce roots during this period. Together, this study presents an end-to-end efficient procedure for cannabis micropropagation and preservation to be used in industrial large-scale production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gypsophila paniculata L. is one of the most important commercial cut flowers worldwide. The plant is sterile and propagated mainly by in vitro culture techniques. However, hyperhydricity hinders its micropropagation and increases mortality during ex vitro acclimatization. Hyperhydric shoots of G. paniculata were proliferated from nodal explants on MS medium without growth regulators that contained 30 g L−1 sucrose, and gelled with 6.0 g L−1 agar. Medium components and environmental culture conditions were optimized to revert hyperhydricity in G. paniculata microshoots and develop an efficient micropropagation protocol for commercial production. Multiple shoots with high quality were successfully regenerated on MS medium fortified with potassium and ammonium nitrate at full concentration, 2.0 mg L−1 paclobutrazol, solidified with 9.0 g L−1agar in Magenta boxes of 62.87 gas exchange/day and incubated under light density of 60 µmol m−2s−1. We recorded 4.33 shoots, 40.00 leaves, 6.33 cm, 2.50 g and 95.00% for number of shoots/explant, number of leaves/shoot, shoot length, shoot fresh weight and normal shoots percentage, respectively. Well-rooted plantlets of G. paniculata were developed from the reverted microshoots, with the rooting percentage (95.00%) on MS medium augmented with 1.0 mg L−1 IBA in Magenta boxes of 62.87 gas exchange/day and 60 µmol m−2s−1 light density. In vitro-rooted plantlets exhibited reduced electrolyte leakage, and enhanced antioxidant enzymes activity of peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase due to good ventilation at the highest gas exchange rate of the culture vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to assess the potential hazards of potassium nitrate (NK) fertilizer on the adult earthworm Aporrectodea trapezoides (Dugès, 1828) as a bioindicator animal test of soil pollution. The research was based mainly on two complementary toxicity tests in order to point out the 50 LC values then the adverse effect on growth rate and morphohistological alterations in worms. Four increasing concentrations for the lethality test ranged from 2500 to 5500 mg/kg of dry soil weight (d.w.) of potassium nitrate fertilizer. Therefore, the sub-lethal's concentrations were determined based on 10%, 30%, 40%, and 50% of 14 days' median lethal concentration (LC50), with a control set for both tests. The 50 LC values of NK fertilizer were recorded relatively higher at 7 days than at 14 days of exposure, with 5530.43 and 4955.70 mg/kg d.w., respectively. Significant inhibitory effects on the growth rate of earthworms were found under exposure to various concentrations and time exposures. Morphological deformations were also accentuated with high concentrations, namely: clitellar swelling, bloody lesions, yellowish fluid, body strangulation, and fragmentation, as major morpho-pathological changes in worms. While the histopathological manifestations included epidermal layer injuries, vacuolated body walls, and circular and longitudinal muscles were disintegrated completely with increasing concentrations of fertilizer. The bioindicator A. trapezoides earthworm displayed a worthwhile biological control agent against the toxic salinity of potassium nitrate fertilizer with a strong concentration and exposure timeresponse relationship. The present work is noteworthy for being used in the biological control of environmental risk assessment of chemical fertilizers and then as biomarkers to evaluate soil toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A composite inorganic salt core with good water solubility and formability was proposed using potassium nitrate (KNO3) and potassium chloride (KCl) as base materials. The KNO3–KCl molar ratio has been optimized for the KNO3–KCl composite salt core, and then a low-cost bauxite powder acting as a reinforcing material was added to strengthen the optimized KNO3-KCl composite salt core for the application of hollow zinc alloy die castings. The results show that 70 mol% KNO3-30 mol%KCl composite salt core (CSC) possesses a good comprehensive performance, which has the maximum bending strength of 26.5 MPa and the excellent water solubility rate of 998 g/(min·m2). With increasing the bauxite powder content, the bending strength and vickers hardness of the CSC increase, but the water solubility rate of the CSC decreases gradually. When the bauxite powder content is 30 wt.%, the CSC has a bending strength of 42.99 MPa and vickers hardness of 39.2 HV, which respectively increased by 62.2% and 39.5%, and the water solubility rate is still higher than 692.9 g/(min·m2). The microanalysis reveals that the bauxite powder is stable and evenly distributed among the CSC matrix, which significantly refines the KCl primary phase, resulting in improving the properties of the CSC. Additionally, the crack deflection and branching caused by bauxite powder also enhance the properties of the CSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goat's wheat manna (Atraphaxis spinosa L.), which naturally spreads in arid and unproductive areas (Iğdır-Aralık Province) in the Northeast of Türkiye, is an important species in erosion control and feeding of grazing animals. For this reason, it is of great importance to know the seed viability and dormancy-breaking methods of A. spinosa to bring into production the marginal areas where very few species grow. A. spinosa seeds collected at the wind erosion site were germinated for 28 days at 10, 15, 20, 25, 20/10, 20/15 25/10, and 25/15 °C in dark conditions, and the mean germination time of the seeds, total and normal germination rates have been determined. As a result of the experiment, the highest normal (21%) and total (27%) germination rates were determined at 25/10°C and 25/15°C, respectively, and these results showed a high dormancy of seeds. To eliminate the germination problem, 34 different pre-treatments were applied at different application times and levels of 12 dormancy-breaking methods: (1) matrixpriming, (2) hydro-priming, (3) gibberellic acid (GA3), (4) potassium nitrate (KNO3), (5) chemical (sulphuric acid, H2SO4) scarification, (6) mechanical scarification, (7) warm stratification, (8) cold stratification, (9) warm + cold stratification, (10) cold + warm stratification, (11) soaking in cold water, and (12) soaking in hot water. Afterwards, seed germination characteristics were determined at temperatures where the highest germination (25/10°C and 25/15°C) was achieved. The highest normal (94.6%) and total (100%) germination rates and the fastest germination time (1.0-4.1 days) were obtained from the seeds incubated at 25/15°C after cold stratification (4 weeks) and cold + warm stratification (3 weeks cold + 1 week warm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】To solve the problem of large differences in the maturity status of the upper leaves of flue-cured tobacco at one-time harvest, the present experiment explored the effects of gibberellin and potassium nitrate spraying concentration and spraying time on the simultaneous maturation and flue-cured tobacco quality of the upper 6 tobacco leaves of the flue-cured tobacco Zhongchuan 208. The impact was expected to provide a theoretical basis for promoting the one-time harvest of flue-cured tobacco. 【Method】Using the Box-Behnken method in response surface optimization design, the concentration of gibberellin (0, 15, 30 μmol/L) and potassium nitrate (0, 0.5, 1.0 g/L) and the spraying time (20, 25, 30 days) after topping was designed with three factors and three levels, a total of 16 treatments. The physiological indicators related to the maturation of the 1-3 tobacco leaves from top to bottom(denoted as Tup) and the 4-6 tobacco leaves from top to bottom(denoted as Tdown) were measured, and the treatment indexes were calculated. The synchronization maturity value was used as a basis for measuring synchronization maturity. The smaller the value, the better the synchronization maturity state. 【Result】 The synchronous maturity value of each treatment was significantly lower than that of the control, and the appearance quality and total chemical composition of cured tobacco leaf were higher than that of the control. The treatment of spraying 15 μmol/L gibberellin and 0.5 g/L potassium nitrate (T2, T5, T9, T16) had the best synchronous mature state, and the highest total score of appearance quality and chemical composition; The results of response surface showed that gibberellin and potassium nitrate had a very significant impact on the comprehensive score, and the impact curve was similar. The spraying time also had a very significant impact on the comprehensive score. The model validation and optimization results showed that the comprehensive score of flue-cured tobacco was close to the predicted value, indicating that the model was reliable and could predict the comprehensive score of flue-cured tobacco.【Conclusion】Spraying gibberellin and potassium nitrate can promote the uniform maturity of upper leaves and improve the quality of flue-cured tobacco leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To examine the effects of potassium nitrate fertilizer (40 and 80 kg ha-1) and inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (25, 50, and 100 g inoculum) on the physiological performance and glycyrrhizin production of licorice plants (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) under salt stress (irrigation with 4 and 8 dSm-1 of saline water), two field experiments were conducted in 2021 and 2022. Salinity reduced the physiological performance of plants but increased the concentration of glycyrrhizin in the roots. The application of potassium nitrate, especially at a rate of 40 kg ha-1, along with mycorrhiza, resulted in increased nutrient content, antioxidative activities (catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities), membrane stability index, leaf relative water content, photosynthetic pigment content, glycyrrhizin production, and growth (about 45%) of licorice plants. On the other hand, the treatment with KNO3 and mycorrhiza reduced the accumulation of sodium in plant tissues (about 16%). The application of 40 kg ha-1 KNO3 with 50 g of inoculum was found to be the superior treatment for improving the performance of licorice plants under salt stress. According to the findings of this study, the use of KNO3 in combination with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi is a successful approach to improve plant growth and productivity under saline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the Potassium Nitrate as an oxidizer in solid rocket propellants has been common in recent years for experimental research in solid rocket propulsion systems. This chemical is used as a compound of black powder and explosives, but in the last 30 years, it has been studied for applications in semiprofessional rocket propellant, implemented by Universities in research and academic projects. The Potassium Nitrate/Dextrose propellant is also known as Candy propellant and presents some advantages compared with other solid propellants. They are low production costs and ease of acquisition for the chemical components. These advantages are attractive for low-cost projects, compared to the low performance; this does not discourage its use. The Candy propellant presented a lack of experimental data to characterize, for example, its thermal properties. For this reason, were used the Differential Scanning Calorimetry and the Semi-Micro Calorimetry tests, to obtain the heat of combustion, power, and temperatures of melting and ignition. The grains of Candy propellant were manufactured at the University of Conception by the Propulsion Interest Team. This is the first time which is reported the calorimetric data of the Candy propellant (Potassium Nitrate/Dextrose). The results in this work presented a heat combustion in the range 523 - 567 Cal·g-1, decomposition temperature in the range 356 - 361 °C and a heat released in the range 1080 - 1809 J·g-1 of the mixture KNO3/Dextrose, which contribute to the professional characterization of the propellant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To search for an in vitro strategy to favor both germination and a greater number of seedlings in Tillandsia ionantha; also, to promote the development of future research on this species. Design/methodology/approach: Factor one: lighting conditions (light-dark), factor two: 13 preconditioning treatments, which included storage at room temperature and in refrigeration at 10 °C, soaking (12 and 24 hours), with hydrogen peroxide (10 and 20%), potassium nitrate (0.2 and 0.4%), gibberellins (50 and 150 ml.l-1), three alternate incubation temperatures (28, 32 and 36 °C). They were sown in MS medium (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) at 25%, adding 20 g.l-1 of sugar, 2 g.l-1 of activated carbon, and 5.5 g.l-1 of agar. A flask with three seeds which coma removed was established as an experimental unit; 15 repetitions were established and placed in the incubation room at 24 °C with a photoperiod of 16:8. The germination process was recorded, and the seedlings were extracted two months after their establishment. Results: The treatment that resulted in the highest number of seeds that initiated the germination process and the highest number of plants was when the seeds were kept at room temperature. The highest contamination was observed in the treatment exposed to 32 °C. It was observed that 80% of the experimental units showed signs of imbibition within a few days, although the vast majority did not complete the process and the maximum yield was on average 1.4 seedlings. Conclusions: The best treatment is to use seeds stored at room temperature and if storage is necessary, to soak them for 12 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Research in Agricultural Sciences is the property of Ataturk University Coordinatorship of Scientific Journals and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Many short-term studies with dietary nitrate supplementation in humans and animal models reported positive effects on the cardiovascular system, exercise efficiency, and immune function. However, there has been long-standing concern related to cancer and adverse hormonal effects. We studied the long-term effects of different potassium nitrate (KNO3) concentrations on laboratory mice longevity and structural changes in their organs. Four groups of male mice were treated with 0 mg (0%), 45 mg (1%), 90 mg (2%), and 140 mg (3%) KNO3 in the drinking water. The groups were monitored for agility and health status daily. The lifespan of mice and organ pathological changes were analyzed. We found no detrimental effects of life-long supplementation of KNO3 on the survival of mice in treatment groups. Nitrate supplementation was associated with a lower level of pathological changes (p = 0.002). We conclude that KNO3 supplementation had no carcinogenic effect on mice and possibly prevented the organs from aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted during the two successive seasons, 2017 and 2018, at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, to investigate the effects of foliar sprays on Ziziphus jujuba trees by yeast extract at 1% and 2% and potassium nitrate (KNO3) at 1% and 2%. All treatments were foliar applied twice (December 15 - January 15) in both seasons. Yield and fruit quality were studied. Treatments significantly improved yield, physical fruit and fruit chemical characteristics, moisture content, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll by most tested treatments in both seasons than the control (water only). Yeast spray treatments significantly decreased juice content vitamin C (mg/100 g), while KNO3 spray treatments increased juice content vitamin C in both seasons. It can be concluded that foliar application with KNO3 at 2% recorded the best treatment to obtain the highest yield, fruit weight, flesh weight, fruit volume, fruit length and fruit diameter, while yeast extract at 2% treatment gave the highest TSS% and total sugar contents in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed dormancy is the major challenge in the cultivation of Amaranth and Cleome gynandra. Amaranth and C. gynandra are affected by chemical, physical, and physiological dormancy. The current study was conducted at the Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST) farm in 2021 and 2022. The effects of gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate seed treatments on the emergence and seedling vigour of Amaranth and C. gynandra were evaluated. Seeds of Amaranth and C. gynandra were pre-soaked in gibberellic acid (control 0, 100, 200, 300,400, and 500 ppm) and potassium nitrate (control 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5%) solutions for 24 h to have a factorial layout within a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Seeds of Amaranth and C. gynandra treated with gibberellic acid showed a significant difference while potassium nitrate showed no significant difference. The highest emergence percentage and vigor index were recorded in seeds treated with 500 ppm gibberellic acid. The maximum emergence percentages of Amaranth (62.1%) and C. gynandra (60.7%) were obtained in 2022 and 2021. The least emergence percentages of Amaranth (46.4%) and C. gynandra (45.3%) were obtained in control in 2021. The highest vigor index of Amaranth (603) was obtained in 2022, while the highest vigor index of C. gynandra (562) was obtained in 2021. The lowest vigor indices of Amaranth and C. gynandra were 341 and 270, which were recorded in 2021 and 2022. The results showed that gibberellic acid has the potential to reduce seed dormancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out in Egyptian Deserts Gene Bank (EDGB), North Sinai Research Station, Desert Research Centre, Egypt. The present study investigated the responses of Balanites aegyptiaca seeds to some chemical and physical factors, such as mechanical scarification, chemical scarification, GA3 (gibberellic acid), dry heat treatment, potassium nitrate (KNO3) in solutions of water, sulphuric acid (H2SO4), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), tap and hot water. Results indicated that the highest germination percentage 73.50% was achieved with dry heat treatments at 60 °C for 15 minutes. Treated seeds with dry heat treatments at 60 °C for 15 minutes enhanced standard germination percentage to 70.62 % and germination rate to 1.3. GA3. Hot water and mechanical scarification gave the best results in germination percentage, germination rate and standard germination. Some treatments were found to decrease germination percentage, standard germination and germination rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed priming is a promising technique that can improve the growth and yield of plants under optimum conditions. The specific priming duration and concentration required for adequate vegetative growth, yield quality, and phytochemical accumulation of Abelmoshus esculentus need clarification. This study was evaluated under screen house conditions, using a completely randomized design (CRD) approach. The seeds of Abelmoshus esculentus were subjected to priming with potassium nitrate for 6 and 12 h duration at a concentration of 0.5 and 1.00 mM while unprimed seeds served as the control. The results revealed that the primed seeds showed improved vegetative growth, yield components, and phytochemical constituents compared to the unprimed control seeds. This observation was irrespective of the priming duration and concentration of potassium nitrate used. Moreover, seeds primed for a 6 h duration at 1 mM were significantly higher in yield, fruit mineral, and phytochemical constituents compared to other treatments. At 12 h priming duration, seeds primed in 0.5 mM of potassium nitrate had higher growth and yield than at 1 mM. Priming with inorganic salts such as KNO3 induces faster growth and maximum crop yield of Abelmoshus esculentus. Priming for a short duration (6 h) 3 and at high concentration is sufficient to enhance the growth process and increased yield of Abelmoshus esculentus and has practical implications in the production of Abelmoshus esculentus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental impact and availability of ingredients are vital for the new generation of rocket propellants. In this context, several novel composite propellants were prepared based on the "greener" oxidizer phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN), a micronized aluminum–magnesium alloy fuel, iron oxide powder burn rate modifier, triethylene glycol dinitrate (TEGDN) energetic plasticizer and a polyurethane (PU) binder. The novelty of this study is brought by the innovative procedure of synthesizing and combining the constituents of these heterogeneous compositions to obtain high-performance "eco-friendly" rocket propellants. The polymorphism shortcomings brought by ammonium nitrate in these energetic formulations have been solved by its co-crystallization with potassium salts (potassium nitrate, potassium chromate, potassium dichromate, potassium sulphate, potassium chlorate and potassium perchlorate). Polyester–polyol blends, resulting from recycled post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) glycolysis, were utilized for the synthesis of the polyurethane binder, especially designed for this type of application. To adjust the energetic output and tailor the mechanical properties of the propellant, the energetic plasticizer TEGDN was also involved. The performance and safety characteristics of the novel composites were evaluated through various analytical techniques (TGA, DTA, XRD) and specific tests (rate of combustion, heat of combustion, specific volume, chemical stability, sensitivity to thermal, impact and friction stimuli), according to NATO standards, providing promising preliminary results for further ballistics investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nadorcott is a well-established and appreciated mandarin by the fresh market. However, it produces seeds due to cross-pollination with other compatible varieties, which is quite frequent in most producing countries. Consumers prefer seedless mandarins and, therefore, citrus growers need techniques to avoid seeds forming. This study aims to evaluate the effect of six treatments (ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sulfur, saccharose, methylcellulose, callose) on seed number per fruit when applied to Nadorcott trees. In this way, we evaluate which of them is more efficient and can be used in the future as an agronomic treatment to avoid seeds in mandarins. The effect of treatments on yield and fruit quality is also reported. To fulfill this main objective, a randomized complete block design experiment with three applications at flowering was performed on trees. Of the six tested treatments, only elemental sulfur was able to significantly reduce seed number by 87% compared to the positive control. This is a very novel result because it is the first time that such an effective treatment has been found. The biggest seed number per fruit was obtained for the saccharose treatment. Treatments did not significantly influence yield or fruit quality. These results are entirely consistent with a previous study that evaluated the effect of the same products on pollen tube growth, and they can help to develop new techniques. Nevertheless, more studies are necessary to test, for example, different treatment doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical description is proposed for the environmentally safe resource-saving processes of the crystallization granulation of melt drops on cooled surfaces. It incorporates crystallization processes, enantiotropic polymorphic transitions, and cooling with consideration for heat-removal conditions variable over the surface of the grains, shrinkage phenomena, kinetic parameters, and variable model coefficients and, in addition, not only radial, but also longitudinal heat-transfer and interface dynamics, in contrast to our earlier proposed models. The iterative locally one-dimensional algorithm of numerical solution with mobile interface nodes on a six-point implicit nonlinear stable conservative finite-difference scheme is improved. The adequacy of this model to the character of the real process is confirmed by high-speed thermography. As a scientific and practical illustration for the proposed method, computational experiments and performance analysis are carried out for strip, roller, and disc crystallizers as applied to a number of industrial products, such as nitrogen-containing mineral fertilizers, alkalies, sulfur, potassium nitrate, acetonanyl, phosphorus furnace slags, and others. The proposed mathematical description can be applied to both "classic" phase transitions (crystallization–melting, enantiotropic polymorphic transitions) and to some processes which are formally identical to them, such as sol–gel transitions within the framework of formal similarity between the processes with the structural reengagement of an initial system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slips are side-shoots or fruit with large crowns that grow from buds on the pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) peduncle. The slips are widely used for pineapple vegetative propagation when crowns are left attached to the fruit that is marketed. There is a difference between the two most popular low-acid pineapple hybrids grown worldwide. The 'Pineapple Research Institute 73-50' (CO-2, MD-1) slips develop few roots when planted compared with 'Pineapple Research Institute 73-114' (MD2). The slow rooting of 73-50 leads to slow field establishment and can extend the crop cycle. Our objective was to determine the cause of this reduced rooting and evaluate treatments to increase the rooting rate. Rooting trials in moist, coarse vermiculite showed that larger slips and green slips with red hues also had a greater number of roots compared with smaller slips and green or yellow slips. Delaying harvesting of the slips after the fruit were harvested also resulted in a greater number of roots. Treatments including components frequently used for rooting cuttings did not significantly increase root numbers. An exception was a tendency for slips treated with potassium nitrate to have greater rooting during some tests. We present data that support the conclusion that the poor root development is associated with the mechanical impedance of the root from the tightly affixed basal leaf bracts. Removal of the lower ten bracts can lead to greater root numbers. When the slip with the bracts removed was tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and masking tape, rooting was reduced. The sizing and selection of slips that are green with a red hue and collected as late as possible after fruit harvest had the best rooting response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the primary ingredient in gunpowder, saltpeter was an extraordinarily important commodity in the early modern world. Historians of science and technology have long studied its military applications but have rarely focused on its uses outside of warfare. Due to its potential effectiveness as a fertilizer, saltpeter was also an integral component of experimental agricultural reform movements in the early modern period and particularly in seventeenth-century England. This became possible for several reasons: the creation of a thriving domestic saltpeter production industry in the second half of the sixteenth century; the development of vitalist alchemical theories that sought a unified explanation for the "growth" of minerals, metals, and plants; the rise of experimental natural philosophy; and the mid-seventeenth-century dominance of the English East India Company in the saltpeter trade, which allowed agricultural reformers to repurpose domestically produced saltpeter in agriculturally productive ways. This paper argues that the Hartlib Circle – a loose network of natural philosophers and social reformers – adopted vitalist matter theories and the practical, experimental techniques of alchemists to transform agriculture into a more productive enterprise. Though their grandiose plans never came to fruition, their experimental trials to develop artificial fertilizers played an early role in the origins and development of saline chemistry, agronomy, and the British Agricultural Revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a source of xylan, lignocellulose waste such as wheat bran and aquatic weed Pistia stratiotes were employed, together with potassium nitrate as a nitrogen source, which were optimized using the Box- Behnken design to increase the production of xylooligosaccharides. The yield of xylooligosaccharides increased to 2.05- fold in the optimized medium than non-optimized medium. The produced xylooligosaccharides showed a peak at 890-900 cm-1 confirming the presence of β-glycosidic linkages when detected by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT IR). The prebiotic effect of produced xylooligosaccharides was studied on two strains named Lactococcus lactis Cl MN515342 and Lactococcus lactis Cp MN515343 isolated from curd samples. The growth of these Lactococcus strains was found to be stimulated. A log Colony Forming Unit/ml value of 7.813 and 8.146 for Cp and Cl was observed in a medium incorporated with XOS. The Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) production by Lactococcus lactis in a medium incorporated with xylooligosaccharides was detected by GCMS. The use of lignocellulosic waste for the production of xylooligosaccharides reduces the production cost. The xylooligosaccharides produced by Massilia timonae has shown promising result in stimulating the growth of Lactococcus lactis. Thus, XOS can be incorporated in curd or Yoghurt along with the Lactococcus lactis and used as synbiotic food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate different protocols for dentin hypersensitivity treatment with low-power lasers and desensitizing agents, and the association between low-power lasers and desensitizing agents. Materials and methods: Fifty-four patients (303 teeth) were randomly allocated to three groups: G1, 3% nitrate potassium gel, UltraEZ (n = 17); G2, photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) with a low-level infrared laser (n = 17), 100 mW, spot size of 0.028 cm2, and dose of 1 J per point; and G3, nitrate potassium + PBM (n = 20). Treatments were applied to the buccal cervical region at intervals of 72 h, and all protocols were performed in three sessions. The patients' response to evaporative stimuli was rated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Re-evaluations were performed immediately after each application and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment. A two-way repeated measures test and Tukey's post hoc test were used for multiple comparisons (α = 5%). Results: There was a reduction in pain levels at the end of treatment in all groups. There were no significant differences in VAS score changes between the groups immediately after treatment and after the third month, compared to the baseline (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Under the limitations of this in vivo study, the proposed three-session protocol was effective in reducing dentin hypersensitivity after 3 months, regardless of the desensitization mechanism used. Conservative and long-term protocols are interesting for the control of pain caused by dentin hypersensitivity. Clinical relevance: The increase in cervical dentin hypersensitivity prevalence warrants easy-to-apply and long-lasting desensitizing protocols for pain control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single clean, good-yielding, environment-friendly microwave-assisted procedure for O-silylation of uridine with tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (TBDMSCl), 1,8-Diazabicyclo(5.4.0)undec-7-ene (DBU) and potassium nitrate as catalyst under solvent-free conditions is reported. Subsequent silyl ether deprotection is accomplished with a reusable acidic resin via microwave irradiation. Both the silylation and desilylation protocols have been applied to a panel of alcohols of pharmaceutical interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]