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Resonators based on two-dimensional (2D) materials have exceptional properties for application as nanomechanical sensors, which allows them to operate at high frequencies with high sensitivity. However, their performance as nanomechanical sensors is currently limited by their low quality (Q)-factor. Here, we make use of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) to apply pure in-plane mechanical strain, enhancing both their resonance frequency and Q-factor. In contrast to earlier work, the 2D material resonators are fabricated on the MEMS actuators without any wet processing steps using a dry-transfer method. A platinum clamp, which is deposited by electron beam-induced deposition, is shown to be effective in fixing the 2D membrane to the MEMS and preventing slippage. By in-plane straining the membranes in a purely mechanical fashion, we increase the tensile energy, thereby diluting dissipation. This way, we show how dissipation dilution can increase the Q -factor of 2D material resonators by 91%. The presented MEMS actuated dissipation dilution method does not only pave the way toward higher Q -factors in resonators based on 2D materials, but also provides a route toward studies of the intrinsic loss mechanisms of 2D materials in the monolayer limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dilution refrigerators are widely used in the fields of condensed matter physics and quantum technology. The condensation-driven dilution refrigerator uses a condenser operating at temperatures below the Still to liquefy the 3He vapor and achieve the circulation of 3He, which has the advantages of compact structure, lightweight, low cost, and low vibration. The published research primarily focuses on the system architecture and performance, and the research and analysis on the thermodynamic cycle are still incomplete. In this paper, the condensation-driven dilution refrigeration cycle has been clarified as a thermally driven refrigeration cycle, and the thermodynamic performances including the figure of merit and thermodynamic perfectibility are investigated. Optimizations have been made to the key components of the previous prototype, and the lowest no-load temperature of 68 mK and a cooling power of 4 μW at 100 mK were achieved. Compared with the previous prototype, the thermodynamic perfectibility of the system increased from 7.63% to 17.83%. The impact of the Still heating strategies on the system was analyzed, and a start-up strategy was proposed to speed up the cooldown process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study evaluated the possible interference of Burosumab (human recombinant monoclonal antibody directed against N-terminal domain of FGF23) on the immunoassay of intact FGF23 (iFGF23) with the Liaison XL. The analytical method uses three different antibodies, one of which directed against the N-terminal portion of FGF23. The evaluation of the method accuracy involved the fully automated execution of a dilution test on EDTA plasma from 5 subjects who had not received any monoclonal antibody (mAb), 20 EDTA plasma from patients treated with Burosumab, and 2 EDTA plasma from subjects who had not received any mAb in witch an adequate volume of Burosumab had been added in vitro. One sample with specific diluent (LIAISON® FGF 23) with an adequate volume of Burosumab had been added in vitro. The dilution assay provided highly inaccurate iFGF23 results in samples with therapeutic concentrations of Burosumab and in samples with concentrations below the LoQ (6.5 pg/mL). The addition of Burosumab to the diluent did not produce any analytical interference. Dissociation of iFGF23 from the mAb-target complex in diluted sample could explain the loss of accuracy in the iFGF23 immunoassay using the Liaison XL analyzer. Burosumab could be an interferent in immunoassay procedures of iFGF23. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, the unresolved question of why single‐chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) prepared from a weak polyelectrolyte (PE) precursor can be synthesized on a large scale in a concentrated solution is addressed, unlike SCNPs obtained from an equivalent neutral (nonamphiphilic) polymer precursor. The combination of the standard elastic single‐chain nanoparticles (ESN) model −developed for neutral chains− with the classical scaling theory of PE solutions provides the key. Essentially, the long‐range repulsion between electrostatic blobs in a weak PE precursor restricts the cross‐linking process during SCNPs formation to the interior of each blob. Consequently, the maximum concentration at which PE‐SCNPs can be prepared without interchain cross‐linking is not determined by the full size of the PE precursor but, instead, by the smaller size of its electrostatic blobs. Therefore, PE‐SCNPs can be synthesized up to a critical concentration where electrostatic blobs from different chains touch each other. This concentration can be 30 times higher than that for non‐PE polymer precursors. Upon progressive dilution, the size of PE‐SCNPs synthesized in concentrated solution increases until it reaches the bigger size of PE‐SCNPs prepared under highly diluted conditions. PE‐SCNPs do not adopt a globular conformation either in concentrated or in diluted solution. It shows that the main model predictions agree with experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser cladding multi-channel forming is a complex, nonlinear process characterized by multi-parameter coupling. To determine the technology parameters, an optimization method of multivariate black-box prediction model (MVBM) matching non-dominated sequential genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) was constructed. Multi-channel LC orthogonal experiments were designed. The MVBM was established with process technology parameters as inputs and characteristic parameters reflecting the quality (surface hardness, dilution rate) as responses. The set of optimal solutions for technology parameters by the NSGA-II. The experimental results showed that, under the optimum parameters, the average hardness of the optimized increased by 6.1%, and the dilution rate was reduced by 49.8%. The dilution rate was maintained within the optimal range. The study's findings can provide theoretical support for optimizing LC multi-objective technology parameters and improving coating quality control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Tol2 transposable element is the most widely used transgenesis tool in zebrafish. However, its high activity almost always leads to multiple unlinked integrations of the transgenic cassette in F1 fish. Each of these transgenes is susceptible to positional effects from the surrounding regulatory landscape, which can lead to altered expression and, consequently, activity. Scientists therefore must strike a balance between the need to maximize reproducibility by establishing single‐insertion transgenic lines and the need to complete experiments within a reasonable timeframe. Results: In this article, we introduce a simple competitive dilution strategy for rapid generation of single‐insertion transgenics. By using cry:BFP reporter plasmid as a competitor, we achieved a nearly fourfold reduction in the number of the transgene of interest integrations while simultaneously increasing the proportion of single‐insertion F1 generation transgenics to over 50%. We also observed variations in transgene of interest expression among independent single‐insertion transgenics, highlighting that the commonly used ubiquitous ubb promoter is susceptible to position effects. Conclusions: Wide application of our competitive dilution strategy will save time, reduce animal usage, and improve reproducibility of zebrafish research. Key Findings: Competitive dilution of Tol2 transgenesis vectors facilitates isolation of single‐insertion transgenic zebrafish lines in the F1 generation, reducing animal usage, improving reproducibility, and saving time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia is a promising hydrogen carrier and carbon-free fuel. In this work, new laminar burning velocity data of ammonia under intensified preheating (773K–848K) and N 2 diluted condition is provided. Temperature coefficient that reflects the exponentially positive effect of preheating is reevaluated and compared with literature data at lower preheating temperatures, which is in the range of 2.08–2.30 with an improved accuracy. In contrast, dilution is of a linearly negative effect. The laminar burning velocity decreases by more than 20% as the O 2 content drops from 21% to 19%. Besides, 11 recently published kinetic models are evaluated based on the experimental data. The Otomo18 model makes the best prediction with a small relative difference (≤±5%). Accordingly, the effects of radiation heat loss and dilution are analyzed in detail. The former is found insignificant, and the latter is mainly attributed to the adiabatic flame temperature drop. [Display omitted] • New S l data of NH 3 flame over 773K is provided. • Temperature coefficient is still close to 2.0. • Thermal effect dominates the negative dilution effect. • Radiation heat loss is no more significant under preheated condition. • Otomo mechanism performs better in S l prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe submerged arc welding (SAW) process generates a large quantity of slag, which, when disposed-of, harms the environment and wastes valuable ingredients. A technology was developed to recycle the SAW slag generated in stainless steel cladding, enabling its reuse as flux. Bead geometry and dilution play crucial roles in weld cladding. Dilution determines the minimum number of layers needed to achieve the desired chemistry, while bead width dictates the fewest passes required to cover the entire surface area. Additionally, bead geometry influences the mechanical strength of the clad layers. The microstructure and solidification mode also significantly affect clad quality. Therefore, understanding the impact of recycled slag on bead geometry, dilution, and microstructure is essential. This paper presents a systematic investigation into the effects of process variables and recycled slag on bead geometry and dilution in clad welding. It includes a comparison of microstructures obtained using fresh flux versus recycled slag. The results indicate that increasing the welding current (I) by 37.5% enhances weld penetration (p), bead width (w), reinforcement (r), and dilution (d) by 50.9%, 14.4%, 69.5%, and 5.5%, respectively. Conversely, increasing the travel speed (V) by 90%, decreases p, w, and r by 19.29%, 11.9%, and 25.3%, respectively; however, dilution (d) increases by 17.6%. On the other hand, increasing the open-circuit voltage (V) by 26.7% increases bead width (w) and dilution (d) by 10.4% and 5.4%, respectively, while reinforcement (r) decreases by 7.5%. Both single and multilayer claddings prepared with fresh flux and recycled slag exhibit similar microstructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To accurately characterize the geometric features in the repair of Ti-6Al-4 V alloy, a laser cladding mathematical model was developed and experimentally validated. The model employed a quartic polynomial function to analyze the geometric features of the clad layer, investigating correlations among deposition angle, clad layer width, melt pool depth, and clad layer area. Additionally, it utilized a quadratic polynomial function to characterize the geometric profile of the melt pool, establishing relationships involving clad layer width, melt pool depth, and melt pool area simultaneously. By means of the areas of the cladding layer and the melt pool, the value of the dilution rate can be obtained. Subsequently, the measured and predicted values of the clad layer, melt pool, and dilution rate were compared. The results demonstrated the mathematical model's capability to accurately forecast geometric features in laser cladding. Furthermore, an orthogonal experiment was conducted to investigate how process parameters—laser power, scanning speed, and powder feeding rate—affect the geometric dimensions (height, width, and melt pool depth) of single-pass, single-layer cladding, and to elucidate the underlying reasons. These investigations offered theoretical insights and practical guidelines for controlling the clad layer, melt pool, and dilution rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At T = (278.15–318.15) K and atmospheric pressure, Hepler’s constant values, (∂2VB/∂ T2)P, and apparent molar expansivities (Eφ) were calculated using the temperature dependence of apparent molar volumes (VB). Because of the increase in hydrophobic hydration of tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl-based ionic liquids (TILs), the Hepler’s constant values were found to change from positive to negative, indicating that the TILs under consideration changed primarily from structure-promoting to structure-breaking. The critical micelle concentration of conductivity (CMC) was calculated based on experimental conductivity, which reflects the dissociation and the interaction and aggregation behaviour of TILs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toona sinensis is one of the traditional Chinese medicinal materials with rich physiological activities. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition differences of the essential oils from the tender leaves and shoots of T. sinensis, collected from four main producing areas in China, and to verify their anti-listeria and antioxidant properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was conducted on the essential oils obtained by hydro-distillation. The results indicated that compounds such as β-elemene (3.5∼8.1%), α-caryophyllene (3.7∼7.2%), and trans-caryophyllene (4.0∼9.7%) were the main common components of T. sinensis essential oils (TSEO) from four producing areas. The results of DPPH and ABTS showed that the essential oil from Dazhou, Sichuan, China had the best antioxidant effect. At a concentration of 1.25 mg/mL, the antioxidant activity of TSEO-DZ from Sichuan was comparable to 0.08 mg/mL of BHT and was only slightly lower than 0.06 mg/mL of VC. The broth dilution method showed that the essential oil from Tai 'an, Shandong, China, showed better antibacterial effect, with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MLC) values of 1.25 μL/mL and 2.54 μL/mL, respectively. This study demonstrates that TSEO possesses promising application potential in antioxidant and anti-listeria activities, and it confirms that the growth environment of T. sinensis significantly influences the quality, content, and biological activity of the essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the physicochemical properties and tenderness of vacuum‐packaged beef M. semitendinosus as affected by various dilution ratios (DRs, 1:4, 1:2, and 1:1) of green kiwifruit juice extract (GKJE) with phosphate buffer during storage at 4°C for 7 days. In addition, the formation of peptides with antioxidant activity for GKJE ability to hydrolyze proteins present in beef was evaluated at different steps of in vitro digestion. Beef with GKJE showed higher tenderness than control (CTL, beef with brine solution alone) during storage, and the increased DR increased tenderness as compared to lower DRs. The addition of GKJE increased protein digestibility during in vitro digestion. To increase the antioxidant activity in the body, GKJE having a DR of 1:2 and 1:1 should be applied to the beef muscle with effective antioxidant activity. These results suggest that DRs of phosphate buffer and kiwifruit juice of 1:1 and 1:2 have the potential to be used as a meat‐tenderizing agent and could increase the digestibility of meat as well as the antioxidant capability of bioactive peptides. Practical Application: The dilution ratio of kiwi juice with phosphate buffer at 1:1 has the potential to be used as a meat‐tenderizing agent during refrigerated storage and also increase the digestibility of beef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity loss and anthropogenic modifications to species communities are impacting the frequency and magnitude of disease emergence events. These changes may be related through mechanisms in which biodiversity either increases (amplifies) or decreases (dilutes) disease prevalence. Biodiversity effects can be direct, when contacts among competent hosts are replaced by contacts with sink hosts, or indirect through the regulation of host abundances.Here, we introduce a multihost compartmental disease model, weighting host competences by their evolutionary relatedness. Our model simulates host communities with substitutive and additive assembly patterns and frequency‐ and density‐dependent pathogen transmission modes, from which we estimate the community disease outbreak potential R0.Simulations show how differences in phylogenetic structure can switch host communities from diluting to amplifying a disease, even when species richness is unchanged. We additionally show that phylogenetic dilution can occur simultaneously with (classic) amplification through species richness.We illustrate our model using empirical data describing the relationship between phylogenetic distances separating hosts and their likelihood of disease sharing. Our study demonstrates how host evolutionary histories can drive disease dynamics through a phylogenetic dilution effect. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disordered polymer chain entanglements within all‐polymer blends limit the formation of optimal donor–acceptor phase separation, and thus the performance of all‐polymer organic solar cells (all‐PSCs). Considering the challenge and importance of morphology regulation in all‐PSCs, a diluted layer‐by‐layer (N‐LBL) strategy is thereby adopted to fine‐tuning the properties of all‐polymer blends. When comparing the traditional PM6:PY‐IT based bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) film and PM6/PY‐IT layer‐by‐layer (LBL) film, the N‐LBL film, which is prepared from diluted PM6 (with 3% PY‐IT) bottom layer and diluted PY‐IT (with 6% PM6) top layer, displayed a clearer bi‐continuous fibrillar network and a higher exciton generation process. Benefiting from these unique characters, the all‐PSC consisting the N‐LBL active layer exhibited a short‐circuit current density over 26 mA cm−2 and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.33%, which are both higher than those of BHJ (16.88%) and LBL (17.13%) devices. Moreover, the universality of the dilution strategy in other all‐polymer blends (PM6 and PY‐DT, PM6 and PY‐FT‐o) is also demonstrated with unanimously improved device performance. This work underscores the effectiveness of the diluted layer‐by‐layer method in tuning the morphologies and charge dynamics for high‐performance all‐PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research has examined the effects of CO 2 dilution on ignition characteristics in H 2 /air mixtures. An ignition kernel was initiated by a laser-induced plasma in H 2 /air/CO 2 mixtures with a bulk velocity of 6.5 m/s. An infrared camera was used to measure radiation intensity emitted from H 2 O and ignition probabilities. A high-speed schlieren image system was utilized to measure ignition kernel areas and ignition time. High-speed chemiluminescence was performed to examine OH* intensities. Numerical simulations were conducted using GRI 3.0 mechanisms to calculate reaction rates and laminar flame speeds. The ignition probability is highest for the undiluted mixtures and decreases with increasing the CO 2 dilution fraction at constant adiabatic temperatures. A prolonged ignition time is observed at elevated CO 2 dilution concentrations. Increasing the CO 2 mole fraction decreases the ignition kernel growth, the integrated OH* intensity, and the integrated radiation intensity for each adiabatic temperature. CO 2 reacts with H radicals and decreases the production of OH*, OH, and H 2 O. The CO 2 dilution in the H 2 /air flames significantly contributes to the reduced reaction rate and flame speed, resulting in the low ignition probability. The high ignition probability is found at the large integrated OH* intensity in all cases. The ignition probability is high at the large integrated radiation intensity under the constant adiabatic flame temperatures. The OH* intensity is a critical parameter to estimate the ignition probability in the diluted lean hydrogen flames. • The effects of CO 2 dilution on the ignition process have been studied in lean premixed H 2 /Air flames. • The ignition probability decreases with increasing the CO 2 dilution fraction. • An increase in the CO 2 dilution fraction in the mixtures reduces OH* intensity and radiation intensity emitted from H 2 O. • The presence of CO 2 in the mixtures decreases reaction rates and flame speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Objective Method Results Conclusion Trial Registration Poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA‐SCA; Sculptra) was approved in 1999 in Europe and 2004 in United States as a collagen biostimulator. It is a freeze‐dried preparation containing 150 mg PLLA‐SCA per vial and, since approval, has been recommended to be reconstituted 72 h before treatment, which can hinder its use in clinical practice. In 2021, the manufacturer authorized the reconstitution of PLLA‐SCA immediately before use.To evaluate adverse events in patients treated with immediately reconstituted PLLA‐SCA on the face, body, and scars.This was a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients treated with immediately reconstituted PLLA‐SCA for aesthetic purposes from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, at two medical centers.A total of 274 treatment sessions were conducted on 167 patients (ranging from 1 to 5 sessions per patient). Of these, 228 sessions (151 patients) targeted the face, 39 sessions (22 patients) addressed the body, and 7 sessions (5 patients) focused on scars. The mean final concentration of PLLA‐SCA was 15.30 mg/mL for the face, 8.35 mg/mL for the body, and 10.53 mg/mL for scars. The majority of injections were administered with a blunt cannula (face: 87.3%, body: 100%, scars: 57%), and in 6 out of 7 scar treatments, PLLA‐SCA was additionally applied topically after fractional treatment. One patient developed a PLLA‐SCA nodule 30 days after facial treatment, which resolved after two saline injections. The most common adverse events were bruising (face: 6.57%, body: 7.69%) and mild pain (face: 3.07%). No events required further intervention.This study reports an adverse event profile with immediately reconstituted PLLA‐SCA, used on the face, body, and scars, similar to that reported with PLLA‐SCA reconstituted 72 h prior to use.This was a retrospective study of medical records at two medical centers, and trial registration was not required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, U-Net architecture has been extensively explored for remote sensing (RS) image haze removal, demonstrating remarkable performance. However, most existing RS image haze removal methods based on the U-Net fail to fully utilize feature information extracted in the encoding layers during decoding, resulting in unsatisfactory haze removal results. Moreover, most haze removal algorithms neglect the interaction of cross-level feature information, which is particularly important for scene recovery and context information constraints. To address these issues, this paper presents an Embedded U-shaped Network with Cross-Hierarchical Feature Adaptation Fusion Network (EUCHA). Specifically, an Embedded U-shaped Network Framework (EUNF) is proposed to fuse the features extracted from different scale encoding layers as supplementary information into the corresponding decoding layers by embedding multiple parallel U-shaped subnetworks, which alleviates feature information dilution during the decoding process and enhances the network receptive field. Furthermore, we propose a Cross-Hierarchical Feature Adaptive Fusion (CHAF) module, which effectively and adaptively fuses multiple adjacent hierarchical features extracted by channel attention and pixel attention through learnable factors to enhance the expressive ability of features. Experiments were conducted on both real and synthetic datasets and compared with the nine most advanced algorithms. The results showed that EUCHA algorithm performs better in removing artefacts in both RS images and natural images. The source code is available at . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine olfaction is a highly developed sense and is utilized for the benefit of detection applications, ranging from medical diagnostics to homeland security and defense prevention strategies. Instrumental validation of odor delivery methods is key to standardize canine olfaction research to establish baseline data for explosive detection applications. Solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography (SPME/GC-MS) was used to validate the odor delivery of an olfactometer. Three explosive classes were used in this study: composition C-4 (C-4), trinitrotoluene (TNT), and ammonium nitrate (AN). Dynamic airflow sampling yielded the successful detection of previously reported target volatile organic compounds (VOCs): 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane (DMNB) in C-4 and 2-ethylhexan-1-ol (2E1H) in ammonium nitrate and TNT across odor dilutions of 80%, 50%, 25%, 12%, and 3%. C-4 highlighted the most reliable detection from the olfactometer device, depicting a response decrease as a function of dilution factor of its key odor volatile DMNB across the entire range tested. TNT only portrayed 2-ethylhexan-1-ol as a detected odor volatile with a detection response as a function of dilution from 80% down to 12%. Comparatively, ammonium nitrate also depicted 2-ethylhexan-1-ol as an odor volatile in the dynamic airflow sampling but with detection only within the upper scale of the dilution range (80% and 50%). The results suggest the importance of monitoring odor delivery across different dilution ranges to provide quality control for explosive odor detection using dynamic airflow systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate determination of the post-dilution concentration of biological buffers is essential for retaining the necessary properties and effectiveness of the buffer to maintain stable cellular environments and optimal conditions for biochemical reactions. In this work, we introduce a silicon-based impedance chip, which offers a rapid and reagent-free approach for monitoring the buffer concentrations after dilution with deionized (DI) water. The impedance of the impedance chip is measured, and the impedance data are modeled using a multiparameter equivalent circuit model. We investigated six aqueous biological buffers with pH values above and below the physiological pH for most tissues (pH ~ 7.2–7.4) following dilution with DI water by factors of 2.0, 10.0, 20.0, 100.0, and 200.0. The impedance measurement is then performed for the frequency spectrum of 40 Hz to 1 MHz. From the interpretation of the impedance measurement using the multiparameter equivalent circuit model, we report a buffer-sensitive equivalent circuit parameter RAu/Si of the silicon-based impedance chip showing a linear trend on a logarithmic scale with the buffer concentration change after dilution. The parameter RAu/Si is independent of the buffer pH and the added volume. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the silicon-based impedance chip as a versatile tool for precise post-dilution concentration determination of diverse biologically relevant buffers. The presented impedance chip offers rapid, accurate, and reliable monitoring, making it highly suitable for integration into automated liquid-handling systems to enhance the efficiency and precision of biological and chemical processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The densities $\rho $ ρ of binary mixtures of 2-(dimethylamino)ethanol and 2-diethylaminoethanol with pyridine were measured over the entire concentration range at 293.15, 303.15 and 313.15 K. The values of excess molar volume, $V_m^E$ V m E , apparent molar volume, ${V_{\varphi ,DMAE}}$ V φ , DMAE and ${V_{\varphi ,DEAE}}$ V φ , DEAE ; partial molar volumes, ${\bar V_{m,1}}$ V ˉ m , 1 and ${\bar V_{m,2}}$ V ˉ m , 2 , excess partial molar volumes, $\bar V_{m,1}^E$ V ˉ m , 1 E and $\bar V_{m,2}^E$ V ˉ m , 2 E have been computed using the experimental observations. The partial molar volumes, $\bar V_{m,1}^o$ V ˉ m , 1 o and $\bar V_{m,2}^o$ V ˉ m , 2 o ; excess partial molar volumes, $\bar V_{m,1}^{oE}$ V ˉ m , 1 oE and $\bar V_{m,2}^{oE}$ V ˉ m , 2 oE at infinite dilution were also calculated. The variations of these parameters as a function of composition and temperature are discussed in terms of the intermolecular interactions in the studied binary mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish biologists have long assumed a link between intestinal length and diet, and relative gut length or Zihler's index are often used to classify species into trophic groups. This has been done for specific fish taxa or specific ecosystems, but not for a global fish dataset. Here, we assess these relationships across a dataset of 468 fish species (254 marine, 191 freshwater, and 23 that occupy both habitats) in relation to body mass and fish length. Herbivores had significantly relatively stouter bodies and longer intestines than omni- and faunivores. Among faunivores, corallivores had longer intestines than invertivores, with piscivores having the shortest. There were no detectable differences between herbivore groups, possibly due to insufficient understanding of herbivorous fish diets. We propose that reasons for long intestines in fish include (i) difficult-to-digest items that require a symbiotic microbiome, and (ii) the dilution of easily digestible compounds with indigestible material (e.g., sand, wood, exoskeleton). Intestinal indices differed significantly between dietary groups, but there was substantial group overlap. Counter-intuitively, in the largest dataset, marine species had significantly shorter intestines than freshwater fish. These results put fish together with mammals as vertebrate taxa with clear convergence in intestine length in association with trophic level, in contrast to reptiles and birds, even if the peculiar feeding ecology of herbivorous fish is probably more varied than that of mammalian herbivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-channel dilution analysis (MCDA) is a new calibration method that performs multiple dilutions of a standard solution as it makes its way from an autosampler to an analytical instrument. MCDA is based on the standard dilution analysis (SDA) method that combines the traditional standard additions and internal standardization calibration methods, correcting for both matrix interferences and fluctuations in signal levels associated with variations in the sample environment. Analysts operate the instrument in the normal manner, as all dilutions are performed automatically by splitting the sample stream entering the instrument into multiple channels of different tubing diameters and lengths. This setup results in a signal "stairstep" as portions of solution are measured at different points in time. A calibration curve is prepared from the plateau regions of the signal stairstep. MCDA has been exhibited using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, which is a workhorse for the determination of trace metals in solution. However, MCDA is applicable for any analyte of interest in any sample type, as long as the selected measurement technique accepts samples as a flowing liquid stream. MCDA is applied to the analysis of three certified reference materials by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Percent recoveries for a suite of analytes range from 87--106%, with relative standard deviations on the order of 1%. MCDA simplifies the analysis process, increasing sample throughput by significantly decreasing the time required for solution preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2014, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4 have been dominating the outbreaks across Europe, causing massive deaths among poultry and wild birds. However, the factors shaping these broad‐scale outbreak patterns, especially those related to waterbird community composition, remain unclear. In particular, we do not know whether these risk factors differ from those of other H5 clades. Addressing this knowledge gap is important for predicting and preventing future HPAI outbreaks. Using extensive waterbird survey datasets from about 6883 sites, we here explored the effect of waterbird community composition on HPAI H5Nx (clade 2.3.4.4) spatial patterns in the 2016/2017 and 2020/2021 epidemics in Europe, and compared it with the 2005/2006 HPAI H5N1 (clade 2.2) epidemic. We showed that HPAI H5 occurrences in wild birds in the three epidemics were strongly associated with very similar waterbird community attributes, which suggested that, in nature, similar interspecific transmission processes operate between the HPAI H5 subtypes or clades. Importantly, community phylogenetic diversity consistently showed a negative association with H5 occurrence in all three epidemics, suggesting a dilution effect of phylogenetic diversity. In contrast, waterbird community variables showed much weaker associations with HPAI H5Nx occurrence in poultry. Our results demonstrate that models based on previous epidemics can predict future HPAI H5 patterns in wild birds, implying that it is important to include waterbird community factors in future HPAI studies to predict outbreaks and improve surveillance activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluxapyroxad, a persistent fungicide in soil, was investigated for differences in residue dissipation in Chinese cabbage and spring scallion through the application methods of soil, foliar, and systemic treatment. Soil application of 0.4% granule fluxapyroxad resulted in residues up to 0.09 mg kg−1 in the scallion, while it did not contribute to the residues in the harvested cabbage. The 50% dissipation time (DT50) of fluxapyroxad in the scallion was 6.8 days. The residues from systemic treatment were highly correlated with foliar application in both the cabbage and the scallion, and the initial residue and DT50 values were similar for foliar and systemic treatments. In comparing the residues from the systemic treatments between the two crops, the initial residue was 3.11 and 0.22 mg kg−1 in the cabbage and the scallion after the systemic treatment, respectively. The DT50 values were 2.6 and 12.2 days in the cabbage and the scallion, respectively. The theoretical dilution effect due to crop growth was higher for the cabbage (4-fold) than for the scallion (1.2-fold), and the half-lives of fluxapyroxad without considering the dilution effect were 6.4 days in the cabbage and 17.8 days in the scallion. Thus, the residue difference was drastically reduced after 14 days from the last treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Pesticide dilution is one of the essential aspects of plant protection. However, the effect of dilution on the deposition characteristics of pesticide droplets containing particulate additives on crop leaf surfaces remains unclear and warrants further research. Herein, a validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD)‐volume of fluid (VOF)‐discrete phase model (DPM) numerical model was developed to analyze the influence of particle content on the deposition behavior of droplets on the leaf surface comparatively, taking into account the particle content of different diluted thifluzamide solutions. Additionally, the study aimed to analyze further the kinetic behavior of pesticide droplets landing on rice leaves across different dilution conditions. RESULTS: Pesticide droplets diluted 100‐fold had a lower retraction rate during spreading than particle‐free droplets, so the solution is more easily deposited in the leaves. Moreover, the low dilution (high concentration) increased the critical adhesion rate between droplets and rice leaves, inhibiting the bouncing of droplets on the leaf surface, thus promoting their effective deposition on the surface. In addition, low dilution (high concentration) is not conducive to spreading droplets when the impact velocity is high, and it also results in a large amount of pesticide use. CONCLUSION: The actual application process can be through understanding the dilution factor of the configured pesticide solution, and reasonable adjustment of the nozzle pressure can effectively improve the utilization rate of pesticides and reduce the pollution brought by pesticides to the environment. These results provide an essential reference for studying pesticide droplet deposition characteristics, including rice plant protection and spraying technology. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionally graded material is a type of material characterized by gradual variations in the chemical composition and structure over volume. Dilution is a major concern in producing such materials produced using welding techniques. In this paper, the effects of the number and thickness of weld overlay layers on the dilution were systematically investigated for two common wire arc additive manufacturing processes. Gas metal arc welding and flux-cored arc welding processes were used to clad plain carbon steel substrate by 410 stainless steel and Stellite 6, respectively. Welding speed was varied to create weld layers with a thickness of 2 mm to 8 mm. The results showed that the weld thickness had the main effect on the dilution. Regarding the number and arrangement of the thin or thick weld layers, no direct effects on the dilution were observed. Consequently, by controlling the thickness of the weld overlay, the changes in the chemical composition in each weld layer could be justified.

The optical properties of Carbon dot (CD) solution significantly change on dilution. Herein, the effect of dilution on the optical properties of folic acid-derived CD was meticulously analyzed using absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Absorption spectra of as-prepared CD solution consist of four overlapping yet discernable absorption bands centered at ~ 249, 302, 348, and 330 nm, respectively, attributed to originate from the π-π* transition and n-π* transitions and/or surface states. As the CD solution is diluted from 100 to 5%, these four absorption bands become more resolved. Moreover, we observed a blueshift of ~ 30 nm for the transitions at ~ 302 nm due to surface state with dilution up to 20% CD concentration. This is attributed to the decrease in the interaction between surface states due to the increase in the interparticle distance with dilution. PL emission from the as-prepared CD solution is centered at 463 nm and is asymmetric. This can be resolved into three components centered at 446 nm (intense), 474 nm (intense) and 508 nm (weak) respectively. With dilution, the PL intensity corresponding to the 463 nm emission seems to increase up to an optimum concentration of 15% CD and then decreases. The high concentration effectively quenches the luminescence through inner filter effect which is evident from the overlapping of absorption peak with the peak in the excitation spectrum together with no notable change in the average decay time. The decrease in the percentage of overlapping area of the absorption and excitation spectra with dilution causes the reduction of inner filter effect and enhances the luminescence for diluted solutions. Furthermore, we found that the surface states become more dominant in the contribution of luminescence of CD, whose influence diminishes in extremely diluted solutions, thereby the intensity decrease below 15% dilution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing use of bacteriophages in the fields of agriculture, agri-food, veterinary treatments, and medicine involves the quantitative production of these bacteriophages. In this study, we propose a bacteriophage production protocol that can easily be transposed to industry. We used a cellstat production system because the latest studies have shown that it is the most suitable process for the production of phages due to volumetric productivity, safety (limitation of co-evolution), and flexibility (choice of growth rate criteria). Sizing of the assembly used makes it possible to extrapolate the results to industrial production. The production conditions are indicated precisely, which would allow manufacturers to adapt the protocol to their own equipment. We propose experimental conditions in order to obtain a stable Escherichia coli population, qualitatively and over time, and production of high-titer T7 bacteriophages. The optimized production conditions (yield, cost and simplicity of the process) are: a buffered peptone water medium concentration of 11 g L−1 and a dilution rate of 1.6 h−1. Under these conditions, we obtained a production of 7.35×1016 plaque-forming units (PFU) L−1 day−1 with a concentration of 9.8×1012 PFU mL−1. The strength of this work lies in its focus on industrial applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and effective heuristic approach was developed and validated to predict the concentration of non-relevant metabolites (nrM) of pesticides in groundwater and drinking water resources based on the simulated concentrations in leachate as used in product authorizations. The evaluation of extensive monitoring data for 50 nrM has demonstrated that the heuristic has a high predictive performance, i.e., concentrations of < 10 µg/l in shallow leachate in the unsaturated zone of the soil in 1 m depth are protective of 1 µg/l in groundwater and raw water in 98 % of cases (49/50 nrM). The reason for the excellent predictive power of the heuristic approach is the large concentration attenuation from leachate to groundwater and to raw water, which was determined to be, on average, 25- and 45-fold, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine olfaction is a highly developed sense and is utilized for the benefit of detection applications, ranging from medical diagnostics to homeland security and defense prevention strategies. Instrumental validation of odor delivery methods is key to standardize canine olfaction research to establish baseline data for explosive detection applications. Solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography (SPME/GC-MS) was used to validate the odor delivery of an olfactometer. Three explosive classes were used in this study: composition C-4 (C-4), trinitrotoluene (TNT), and ammonium nitrate (AN). Dynamic airflow sampling yielded the successful detection of previously reported target volatile organic compounds (VOCs): 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane (DMNB) in C-4 and 2-ethylhexan-1-ol (2E1H) in ammonium nitrate and TNT across odor dilutions of 80%, 50%, 25%, 12%, and 3%. C-4 highlighted the most reliable detection from the olfactometer device, depicting a response decrease as a function of dilution factor of its key odor volatile DMNB across the entire range tested. TNT only portrayed 2-ethylhexan-1-ol as a detected odor volatile with a detection response as a function of dilution from 80% down to 12%. Comparatively, ammonium nitrate also depicted 2-ethylhexan-1-ol as an odor volatile in the dynamic airflow sampling but with detection only within the upper scale of the dilution range (80% and 50%). The results suggest the importance of monitoring odor delivery across different dilution ranges to provide quality control for explosive odor detection using dynamic airflow systems.

Abstract This study addresses the effect of using animal excreta on the nutritional content of forages, focusing on macro- and micro-element concentrations (nitrogen; N, phosphorus; P, sulphur; S, copper; Cu, zinc; Zn, manganese; Mn, selenium; Se) from animal feed to excreta, soil, and plants. Data were collected from pot and field trials using separate applications of sheep or cattle urine and faeces. Key findings indicate that soil organic carbon (SOC) and the type of excreta significantly influences nutrient uptake by forages, with varied responses among the seven elements defined above. Although urine contributes fewer micronutrients compared to faeces (as applied at a natural volume/mass basis, respectively), it notably improves forage yield and micronutrient accumulation, thus potentially delivering positive consequences at the farm level regarding economic performance and soil fertility when swards upon clayey soil types receive said urine in temperate agro-climatic regions (i.e., South West England in the current context). In contrast, faeces application in isolation hinders Se and Mn uptake, once again potentially delivering unintended consequences such as micronutrient deficiencies in areas of high faeces deposition. As it is unlikely that (b)ovine grazing fields will receive either urine or faeces in isolation, we also explored combined applications of both excreta types which demonstrates synergistic effects on N, Cu, and Zn uptake, with either synergistic or dilution effects being observed for P and S, depending largely on SOC levels. Additionally, interactions between excreta types can result in dilution or antagonistic effects on Mn and Se uptake. Notably, high SOC combined with faeces reduces Mn and Se in forages, raising concerns for grazed ruminant systems under certain biotic situations, e.g., due to insufficient soil Se levels typically observed in UK pastures for livestock growth. These findings underscore the importance of considering SOC and excreta nutritional composition when designing forage management to optimize nutrient uptake. It should be noted that these findings have potential ramifications for broader studies of sustainable agriculture through system-scale analyses, as the granularity of results reported herein elucidate gaps in knowledge which could affect, both positively and negatively, the interpretation of model-based environmental impact assessments of cattle and sheep production (e.g., in the case of increased yields [beneficial] or the requirement of additional synthetic supplementation [detrimental]).

The use of shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) equipment to synthesize alloys is one of the most promising methods as it can be used for in-situ fabrication. The hardness and corrosion properties of the deposited layer during the welding process can be enhanced by dilution of nichrome (NiCr) during the process. Therefore, the alloy was synthesized on the surface of the mild steel using SMAW equipment with various NiCr additions. The properties of the alloy were investigated using an X-ray diffraction (XRD), an Optical microscope, a Potentiostat, and a Vickers hardness apparatus. The appearance of martensite overlaps with the ferrite phase could be affected by the addition of NiCr to the alloy. An increase in NiCr content is followed by an increase in the lattice parameter value of the ferrite phase. The presence of a certain amount of nickel (Ni) contributes to the formation of lower transformation phases, including martensite. At the same time, the incorporation of chromium (Cr) also plays a significant role in promoting the formation of acicular ferrite. An increase in NiCr content in NiCr2 and NiCr3 samples results in a quantitative increase in martensite formation. Adding 0.434 g of NiCr to the weld deposited layer could result in the corrosion rate of the alloy being 0.1118 mm/y. Higher hardness is found in the NiCr3 sample, around 742.06 HV.

AbstractLow carbon steels can be cladded with super-duplex stainless steels to enhance the surface’s mechanical and wear properties. The current study examines the impact of process parameters on weld bead geometry and dilution % during cold metal transfer (CMT) cladding of super duplex stainless steel 2507 over low carbon steel. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design matrix was used to optimize the process parameters (welding current, welding speed, and nozzle to workpiece distance (NTD)). The adequacy of the model was checked using an ANOVA analysis. The optimal bead width, height, penetration, and dilution values were 8.05 mm, 4.52 mm, 1.56 mm and 14.64%, respectively. The ideal input parameters were 200 A of welding current, 4.64 mm/s of welding speed, and 14 mm of NTD. The welding speed is the most dominant parameter, followed by the welding current and NTD. The cladding samples were prepared from the optimal parameters. The CMT-clad layer’s microstructure, microhardness, and wear properties were also evaluated. The results indicate a dense crack-free and non-porous clad surface was obtained under optimal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the detonation behaviors of stoichiometric methane-hydrogen-oxygen (CH 4 –H 2 -2.5O 2) mixtures, diluted or not with carbon dioxide (CO 2), nitrogen (N 2) or helium (He), were investigated. By varying the initial pressure (p 0) or CO 2 , N 2 or He dilution concentration (0–60%), four modes of propagation could be clearly identified: stable detonation, fluctuation mode, galloping mode, and low-velocity mode. For each tested mixture, the detonation limit pressures for low-velocity mode were determined. It has been found that for given mixtures at higher dilutions, higher initial pressures are required to achieve steady mode with nitrogen dilution compared to helium dilution. As the initial pressure decreases and the dilution concentration increases, that will lead to the increase of the induction zone length and the more obvious influence of the pipeline boundary layer. This results in the increase of energy loss and velocity deficit during the propagation of detonation wave in the pipeline. As close to the critical limit pressures, there will be fluctuation, galloping and low-velocity detonation propagation modes. Depending on the type of the dilution gas as well as its concentration, the form of propagation mode at critical limit pressures will also be different. • The critical limit for different propagation modes for CH 4 –H 2 -2.5O 2 - diluted mixtures is analyzed. • Detonation velocity deficits for CH 4 –H 2 -2.5O 2 - diluted mixtures are determined. • The prediction formulas of CH 4 –H 2 -2.5O 2 - diluted mixtures between the induction zone length and initial pressure are performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of hydrogen in a dual-fuel mode based on natural gas and diesel offers great potential for improving engine efficiency and reducing emissions. Therefore, detailed numerical simulations have been used to explore the effects of soot formation characteristics of natural gas-diesel dual-fuel engines doped by hydrogen at elevated pressure. Numerical simulations are compared with available experimental data, the effects of H 2 addition on soot formation in laminar CH 4 + n-heptane, H 2 + CH 4 + n-heptane, FH 2 + CH 4 + n-heptane diffusion flames at 2, 4, 6 and 8 atm are simulated, FH 2 is added to separate the H 2 chemical effects. The results show that the dilution and thermal effects of H 2 inhibit soot formation, while the chemical effects of H 2 promote soot formation under different pressures. The addition of H 2 increases the concentration of H and OH radicals, which promotes the formation of C 2 H 2 and benzene (A1). By simplifying the reaction path and analyzing the production rate of A1, the mechanism of H 2 addition to promote A1 formation is illustrated. The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pyrene (A4), benzo(ghi)fluoranthene (BGHIF) and benzo(a)pyrene (BAPYR) are inhibited at higher pressures that result in lower inception and condensation rates. Therefore, the increase of hydrogen abstraction acetylene addition (HACA) rate is the main reason for the increase of soot formation under chemical effects. While the O 2 oxidation rate decreases and the OH oxidation rate increases, that is due to the decrease of O 2 concentration and the increase of OH concentration in the soot formation area under chemical effects. • The dilution, thermal and chemical effects of H 2 addition on soot formation in methane/n-heptane flame were investigated at high pressures. • Key specie A1 formation pathways and related reactions were confirmed when H 2 addition. • The changes of soot formation and oxidation mechanisms with H 2 addition in different pressure were explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting life has driven research and exploration for centuries, but recent attempts to compile and generate a framework that summarizes life features, aimed to develop strategies for life detection missions beyond planet Earth, have disregarded a key life feature: behavior. Yet, some behaviors such as biomineralization or motility have occasionally been proposed as biosignatures to detect life. Here, we capitalize on a specific taxis' motility behavior, magnetotaxis, to experimentally provide insights in support of behavior as an unambiguous, sensitive biosignature, and magnetic forces as a prescreening option. Using a magnetotactic bacterial species, Magnetospirillum magneticum, we conducted a lab sensitivity experiment comparing PCR with the hanging drop behavioral assay, using a dilution series. The hanging drop behavioral assay visually shows the motility of MTB toward magnetic poles. Our findings reveal that the behavioral assay exhibits higher sensitivity in the detection of M. magneticum when compared to the established PCR protocol. While both methods present similar detection sensitivities at high concentrations, at ≥ 10–7 fold dilutions, the behavioral method proved more sensitive. The behavioral method can detect bacteria even when samples are diluted at 10–9. Comparable results were obtained with environmental samples from the Hula Valley. We propose behavioral cues as valuable biosignatures in the ongoing efforts of life detection in unexplored aquatic habitats on Earth and to stimulate and support discussions about how to detect extant life beyond Earth. Generic and robust behavioral assays can represent a methodological revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NO-reburning by C 3 H 8 /H 2 mixtures with N 2 and CO 2 dilutions is systematically studied using a jet-stirred reactor. Experimental and kinetic studies are performed to assess the impacts of temperature (T), equivalence ratio (Φ), H 2 proportion in fuel, initial NO volume fraction (X NO), and CO 2 volume fraction (X CO2). NO-reburning and HCN formation are inhibited with CO 2 dilution. The inhibition of CO 2 on NO-reburning diminishes at T > 1200 K and Φ > 1.5. The NO reduction efficiency peaks at T = 1200–1300 K when Φ ≥ 1. At Φ = 2.2 and T = 1300 K, NO reduction amounts to 71.7% with CO 2 dilution. With X H2 /(X H2 + X C3H8) ≤ 0.5, the inhibition of H 2 on NO-reburning with CO 2 dilution is weak. The recommended reaction condition is identified to reduce both NO and CO 2 emissions. This research provides new insights into NO-reburning using C 3 H 8 /H 2 mixtures with N 2 and CO 2 dilutions. • At T = 1300 K and Φ = 2.2, 71.7% NO is reduced when diluted with CO 2. • 50% H 2 addition reduces carbon emissions and keeps high NO reduction efficiency. • The CO 2 dilution inhibits HCN generation and NO reduction. • The optimal Φ for NO-reburning with CO 2 dilution increases with T. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the preparation of high dilutions, repeated external vibration (shaking) is used. We hypothesized that it was the vibration treatment, and not the negligible content of the initial substance, that underlies the activity of highly diluted preparations. In order to test this, the vibration was separated from the dilution process. After vibrating two tubes together on a vortex mixer (one containing water and the other the initial substance) the electrical conductivity and radio frequency radiation intensity of water differed from the unvibrated control, and the ability to exert a modifying effect on the target solution appeared, as assessed using ELISA and terahertz spectroscopy, appeared. Thus, the properties of the neutral carrier (water) changed after non-contact exposure to the initial substance. We have named this process 'crossing' and its products 'aqueous iterations of the initial substance'. Several aqueous iterations with different physical properties were obtained, some of which have a modifying effect and others cause various chemical (catalytic) and biological (antiviral) effects similar to those of the initial substance. This indicates that during crossing, substances enter into post-vibration supramolecular interactions. At the nanoscale level, aqueous iterations and the initial substance are structurally symmetrical, which allows us to assume that the preservation of the symmetry of substances subjected to vibration treatment is the basis of the post-vibration interaction phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Arterial-phase artifacts are gadoxetic acid (GA)–enhanced MRI's major drawback, ranging from 5 to 39%. We evaluate the effect of dilution and slow injection of GA using automated fluoroscopic triggering on liver MRI arterial-phase (AP) acquisition timing, artifact frequency, and lesion visibility. Methods and materials: Saline-diluted 1:1 GA was injected at 1 ml/s into 1413 patients for 3 T liver MRI. Initially, one senior abdominal radiologist, i.e., principal investigator (PI), assessed all MR exams and compared them to previous and follow-up images, as well as the radiology report on record, determining the standard of reference for lesion detection and characterization. Then, three other readers independently evaluated the AP images for artifact type (truncation (TA), transient severe motion (TSM) or mixed), artifact severity (on a 5-point scale), acquisition timing (on a 4-point scale) and visibility (on a 5-point scale) of hypervascular lesions ≥ 5 mm, selected by the PI. Artifact score ≥ 4 and artifact score ≤ 3 were considered significant and non-significant artifacts, respectively. Results: Of the 1413 exams, diagnostic-quality arterial-phase images included 1100 (77.8%) without artifacts, 220 (15.6%) with minimal, and 77 (5.4%) with moderate artifacts. Only 16 exams (1.1%) had significant artifacts, 13 (0.9%) with severe artifacts (score 4), and three (0.2%) non-diagnostic artifacts (score 5). AP acquisition timing was optimal in 1369 (96.8%) exams. Of the 449 AP hypervascular lesions, 432 (96.2%) were detected. Conclusion: Combined dilution and slow injection of GA with MR results in well-timed arterial-phase images in 96.8% and a reduction of exams with significant artifacts to 1.1%. Clinical relevance statement: Hypervascular lesions, in particular HCC detection, hinge on arterial-phase hyperenhancement, making well-timed, artifact-free arterial-phase images a prerequisite for accurate diagnosis. Saline dilution 1:1, slow injection (1 ml/s), and automated bolus triggering reduce artifacts and optimize acquisition timing. Key Points: • There was substantial agreement among the three readers regarding the presence and type of arterial-phase (AP) artifacts, acquisition timing, and lesion visibility. • Impaired AP hypervascular lesion visibility occurred in 17 (3.8%) cases; in eight lesions due to mistiming and in nine lesions due to significant artifacts. • When AP timing was suboptimal, it was too late in 40 exams (3%) and too early in 4 exams (0.2%) of exams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates 16 year results of the Allergy EQA program shared by EQA organisers in Belgium, Finland, Portugal, and The Netherlands. The performance of Thermo Fisher and Siemens user groups (in terms of concordance between both groups, between laboratory CV, prevalence of clinically significant errors) and suitability of samples (stability and validity of dilution of patient samples) are evaluated using data of 192 samples in the EQA programs from 2007 to 2022. Measurands covered are total IgE, screens and mixes, specific IgE extracts and allergen components. There is perfect (53 %), acceptable (40 %) and poor (6 %) concordance between both method groups. In case of poor concordance the best fit with clinical data is seen for Thermo Fisher (56 %) and Siemens (26 %) respectively. The between laboratory CV evolves from 7.8 to 6.6 % (Thermo Fisher) and 7.3 to 7.7 % (Siemens). The prevalence of blunders by individual laboratories is stable for Siemens (0.4 %) and drops from 0.4 to 0.2 % for Thermo Fisher users. For IgE, the between year CV of the mean of both user groups is 1 %, and a fifteen-fold dilution of a patient sample has an impact of 2 and 4 % on the recovery of Thermo Fisher and Siemens user groups. The analytical performance of Thermo Fisher is slightly better than that of Siemens users but the clinical impact of this difference is limited. Stability of the sample and the low impact of dilution on the recovery of measurands demonstrates the suitability for purpose of the EQA program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cooling capacity of a typical dilution refrigerator is mainly determined by the circulating flow of the He-3 in the system, which is usually realized by the external circulation pump. In order to increase the concentration of circulating He-3, the still often take the orifice structure to limit the influence of the superfluid helium film, and this structure will also have a certain impact on the flow rate of He-3. This paper summarizes the flow rate models of each part of the orifice structure, and establishes a model related to the influence of pumping speed and the diameter of orifice on the flow rate of circulating He-3. The relationship between pumping speed and flow rate is developed and the relation is divided into three phases for detailed analysis. It is found that the flow rate and the concentration of circulating He-3 increase first and then decrease with the increasing diameter of orifice at a certain pumping speed, and the possible reasons for this phenomenon are analyzed. The results indicate that there is an optimal orifice diameter at a determined pumping speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissimilar welds between ferritic and austenitic stainless steels are widely used in industrial applications. Taking into account the issues inherent to arc welding, such as the high heat input and the need to carry out multiple passes in the case of thick plates, a procedure with two simultaneous laser beams (working in a single pass) and consumable inserts as filler metal has been considered. Particular attention was paid to the choice of the filler metal (composition and amount), as well as welding parameters, which are crucial to obtain the right dilution necessary for a correct chemical composition in the weld zone. The first experimental investigations confirmed the achievement of a good weldability of the dissimilar pair ASTM A387 ferritic/AISI 304L austenitic steel, having ascertained that the microstructure of the weld zone is austenitic with a little amount of residual primary ferrite, which is the best condition to minimize the risk of hot cracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the zero-temperature hysteresis characteristics of the diluted random field 3-state clock model under a cyclic driving field with zero frequency. This analysis is conducted in the presence of two types of quenched random fields within the mean field approximation. The influence of dilution on the hysteretic response of the model at moderate concentration levels is observed to be contingent on the particular form of disorder. Following this, simulations on a simple cubic lattice are performed for a comparative analysis with mean field predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 3C-like protease (3CLpro) is a crucial target in anti-Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) drug design. Herein, we performed high-throughput synthesis of catechol derivatives from the bioactive catecholterminal alkyne scaffold A4, by using modular click chemistry. Subsequently, we conducted two rounds of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibition screening and selected seven compounds for synthesis and further efficacy validation. Compound P1- E11 had potent inhibitory effects toward SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro (IC50 = 2.54 ± 0.46 µM); exhibited good selectivity toward the human cysteine proteases cathepsins B and L; and demonstrated superior anti-SARS-CoV-2 potency (EC50 = 4.66 ± 0.58 µM) with low cytotoxicity (CC50 > 100 µM) in A549-hACE2-TMPRSS2 cells. The irreversible covalent mechanism of P1-E11 was confirmed through time-dependent experiments, enzyme kinetic studies, and dilution and dialysis assays. The binding affinity between P1-E11 and SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro with a KD value of 0.57 µM was validated through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments. Molecular docking provided insights into the binding mode of P1-E11 to the target protein. This study demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of modular click reactions in natural-productbased structural modifications and presents a novel approach for leveraging this strategy in antiviral drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to compare the lipemia removal efficiency of highspeed centrifugation, lipid scavengers, and dilution for biochemical analytes. Methods: We collected 30 cases of lipemic plasma in an emergency laboratory and divided them into 4 aliquots. Lipemia was removed by highspeed centrifugation, lipid scavenger, dilution, and ultracentrifugation, then analytes were measured by an AU5800 analyzer. Taking ultracentrifugation as reference, the efficiencies of the other three methods were evaluated based on the deviation. Results: When highspeed centrifugation was used for lipemia removal, DBIL (18.62%), and Magnesium (6.09%) could not satisfy the criterion. When lipid scavengers were applied to remove lipemia, CRP (-86.70%), TP (-8.29%), CKMB (-44.85%), DBIL (37.96%), Glu (4.20%) and phosphate (14.32%) were not suggested as lipid scavengers. For dilution, nearly half of the analytes could satisfy the criterion, including AMY (2.41%), CRP (5.54%), ALT (2.85%), GGTL (-1.73%), ALP (-0.04%), Glu (-0.84%), LDH (0.06%), CK (0.68%), BUN (3.80%), CREA (-1.54%), UA (5.42%), and magnesium (0.43%). Conclusions: Neither of the methods for lipid removal could satisfy all emergency department tests for lipid removal. This finding suggests that removing lipemia in the clinical laboratory should be based on the characteristics and the method of testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with a model of chemostat with two cross‐feeding species and involving two inhibitions. The excess of hydrogen inhibits the growth of acetogenic bacteria which, in turn, inhibit the growth of methanogenic hydrogenotrophic bacteria. The model is described by a system of four ordinary differential equations. We established the conditions of existence and stability of equilibria with respect to the operating parameters which are the dilution rate and the input substrate concentrations of the species of the model, then we illustrate the operating and bifurcation diagrams. This technique makes it easy to interpret different regions of operating diagrams. Inhibitions let some regions of stability rise and others vanish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the effect of using animal excreta on the nutritional content of forages, focusing on macro- and micro-element concentrations (nitrogen; N, phosphorus; P, sulphur; S, copper; Cu, zinc; Zn, manganese; Mn, selenium; Se) from animal feed to excreta, soil, and plants. Data were collected from pot and field trials using separate applications of sheep or cattle urine and faeces. Key findings indicate that soil organic carbon (SOC) and the type of excreta significantly influences nutrient uptake by forages, with varied responses among the seven elements defined above. Although urine contributes fewer micronutrients compared to faeces (as applied at a natural volume/mass basis, respectively), it notably improves forage yield and micronutrient accumulation, thus potentially delivering positive consequences at the farm level regarding economic performance and soil fertility when swards upon clayey soil types receive said urine in temperate agro-climatic regions (i.e., South West England in the current context). In contrast, faeces application in isolation hinders Se and Mn uptake, once again potentially delivering unintended consequences such as micronutrient deficiencies in areas of high faeces deposition. As it is unlikely that (b)ovine grazing fields will receive either urine or faeces in isolation, we also explored combined applications of both excreta types which demonstrates synergistic effects on N, Cu, and Zn uptake, with either synergistic or dilution effects being observed for P and S, depending largely on SOC levels. Additionally, interactions between excreta types can result in dilution or antagonistic effects on Mn and Se uptake. Notably, high SOC combined with faeces reduces Mn and Se in forages, raising concerns for grazed ruminant systems under certain biotic situations, e.g., due to insufficient soil Se levels typically observed in UK pastures for livestock growth. These findings underscore the importance of considering SOC and excreta nutritional composition when designing forage management to optimize nutrient uptake. It should be noted that these findings have potential ramifications for broader studies of sustainable agriculture through system-scale analyses, as the granularity of results reported herein elucidate gaps in knowledge which could affect, both positively and negatively, the interpretation of model-based environmental impact assessments of cattle and sheep production (e.g., in the case of increased yields [beneficial] or the requirement of additional synthetic supplementation [detrimental]). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]