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OBJECTIVE Dye-diluent combinations have different nerve-staining behavior, making locoregional cadaveric dye study findings difficult to compare. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of 4 diluents on nerve color saturation when used in combination with commercial food dye. METHODS 48 unpreserved brachial plexus nerves were randomized into 4 diluent groups. Lidocaine, bupivacaine, iodinated contrast, and sterile water were combined with commercial food dye (10:1), and prosected nerves were immersed in one of these groups for 1, 15, 30, or 60 minutes. Images at baseline and at each timepoint were processed using ImageJ. Color saturation was divided into quartiles (dark, medium dark, medium light, or light). The percentage of nerve area stained in each quartile was compared using a 2-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS At 1 minute, water and bupivacaine had a higher percentage of area of dark saturation compared to contrast. At 15 and 30 minutes, dark and medium-dark saturation percentages of area were also larger in lidocaine, bupivacaine, and water compared to contrast. There were no differences in saturation percentages of areas between groups at 60 minutes. Within groups, all diluents had darker percentages of area saturation at 15, 30, and 60 minutes compared to minute 1. CONCLUSIONS In porcine nerves, the staining profiles of 2% lidocaine, 0.5% bupivacaine, and sterile water combined withcommercial food dye appear similar and may be used interchangeably after 15 minutes of exposure. When using iodinated contrast, exposures over 60 minutes yield comparable results to other diluents. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Diluents contribute to heterogeneous nerve-staining behavior and should be considered when comparing study outcomes. If contrast is used as the diluent in cadaveric studies with postoperative imaging, researchers should be aware of the significant delay to reach a saturation level comparable to other diluent combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the effect of adding different concentrations of sorbitol to the Ringer’s lactate-egg yolk (RLEY) diluent on the quality of Gaga roosters’ semen during cold storage. A completely randomized design was used with 10 replicates and 4 levels of diluent treatment, including control, 1%, 2%, and 3% sorbitol. Semen was collected using a massage method, followed by fresh semen evaluation and dilution with a ratio of 1:5. Semen was stored at a cold temperature (5 ºC) and observed after 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours. The variables observed were semen pH, motility, kinematics, viability, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+) concentrations of sperm. All data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Subsequently, the evaluation of sperm mitochondrial activity and DNA damage was carried out, and the data were analyzed using the T-test. The results showed that treatment with sorbitol in the diluent had no effect on semen pH, kinematics (except straightness), acrosomal cap integrity, DNA damage, mitochondrial activity, and MDA concentration. However, sorbitol concentrations significantly affect (p<0.05) total motility, progressive motility, static motility, STR, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and intracellular Ca2+. In conclusion, the addition of 1-3% sorbitol preserves the quality of Gaga roosters’ semen during 72 hours of cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Animal & Poultry Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) 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.)

Simple Summary: Ram sperm are easily affected by cold shock and ice crystal damage during cryopreservation. Appropriate dilutions and freezing methods are crucial as they can provide energy to sperm, maintain a stable environment, minimize the formation of ice crystals, and ultimately impact the cryopreservation of semen. However, there is a lack of diluent formulas and semen freezing methods with simple components, low cost, easy operation, and effective results. Therefore, the effects of eight basic diluents and three freezing methods during ram semen cryopreservation were studied by assessing sperm motility, biokinetic characteristics, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and acrosome and membrane integrity. The findings indicated that combining basic diluent C (Tris-Citric acid-fructose) with liquid nitrogen fumigation (2 cm above the liquid–gas interface for 20 min) achieved the best effect for semen cryopreservation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different diluents and freezing methods on the quality of thawed sperm after cryopreservation and find an inexpensive and practical method for freezing Hu ram semen for use in inseminations under farm conditions. Ejaculates were collected from five Hu rams. In experiment I, ejaculates were diluted with eight different freezing diluents (basic diluents A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H). After dilution and cooling, the samples were loaded into 0.25 mL straws and frozen using the liquid nitrogen fumigation method. In experiment II, diluent C was used as the basic diluent and the semen was frozen using liquid nitrogen fumigation and two program-controlled cooling methods. For analysis, frozen samples were evaluated in terms of motility parameters (total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM)), biokinetic characteristics (straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), wobble movement coefficient (WOB), average motion degree (MAD)), reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and membrane and acrosome integrity. In experiment I, diluent C had higher TM, PM, and acrosome and membrane integrity and lower ROS compared to other extenders (p < 0.05) except diluent A. Diluent C exhibited higher (p < 0.05) VCL, VAP, ALH, WOB, and MAD compared to diluents B, D, E, and F. In experiment II, TM and all biokinetic characteristics did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) amongst the three freezing methods. Liquid nitrogen fumigation resulted in higher (p < 0.05) PM, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and lower ROS level compared to the program. In conclusion, the thawed semen diluted with diluent C had higher quality compared to other diluents. The liquid nitrogen fumigation demonstrated superior semen cryopreservation effects compared to the program-controlled cooling method using diluent C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foam sandwich composite (FSC) has recently been widely used in transportation, aerospace, shipping, and construction because of its lightweight, high specific strength, stiffness, and fatigue resistance characteristics. This study aimed to prepare, characterize, and test FSC with different diluent addition amounts. Benzyl glycidyl ester was added to the epoxy foam (EF) as a reactive diluent. Then, the EF was introduced into the three‐dimensional hollow composite (3DHC) by vacuum introduction process to prepare the FSC. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that increased diluent content enhanced SiN bond formation, augmenting thermal stability in resin molecules. The effects of different diluents on the mechanical properties of FSC showed that the mechanical properties of FSC were the best when the diluent content was 5 wt%. Compared with 3DHC, the flat compressive strength, flat tensile strength, and shear strength were increased by 7.2, 6.4, and 2.9 times, respectively. Highlights: Diluent improves foaming agent dispersion by lowering resin viscosity.Diluent makes the EP easier to be introduced into 3DHC.FSC demonstrates a 723% increase in flat compression strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was made of the ability of crown ethers in heavy polar organic diluents (chloroform; 1,2‑dichloroethane; bis(2-chloroethyl) ether; 1,1,7-trihydrododecafluoroheptyl alcohol) to extract cesium and strontium from nitrate solutions. It was shown that the use of bis(2-chloroethyl) ether as a polar diluent in the extraction with dibenzo-21-crown-7 and 4,4'(5')di-tert-butyldibenzo-18-crown-6 leads to sufficiently high distribution coefficients DCs of cesium from solutions with a nitric acid concentration of 1–5 mol/dm3. When extracting strontium with dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6, the highest distribution coefficients DSr were achieved using chlorine-substituted hydrocarbons and bis(2-chloroethyl) ether with a maximum extraction of 1–3 mol/dm3 HNO3, depending on the diluent used. Extraction systems based on selective crown ethers in a mixture of solvents were proposed for the co-extraction of cesium and strontium from nitric acid solutions of complex chemical compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to high demands for the production of propionic from fermentation broth, the reactive extraction of the acid using green and non-toxic and microorganism-friendly diluent instead of toxic and harmful conventional organic solvents is considered in this work over the temperature range of 298–318 K. Soybean oil and rice bran oils which reduce the toxic effect of the used reactive extractant tri-octyl amine (TOA) are used as the diluents. The achieved overall distribution coefficient and extraction efficiency are found higher in soybean oil (0.73, 42.25%, respectively) as compared to rice bran oil (0.66, 40.00%, respectively). Due to the low cost and microorganism-friendly nature, soybean and rice bran oils are anticipated to use in bio-refinery industries to recover propionic acid from fermentation broth. The estimated K D chem / K D phy ratio greater than 1.0 shows that the extraction of the acid is dominated by the chemical extraction at the relatively higher initial concentration of TOA. The chemical reaction equilibrium constant, K E (m : n) , and complexation stoichiometries m and n are determined by applying differential evaluation (DE) technique. K E m : n is found higher in the case of soybean oil. Despite the loading ratio Z < 0.5, m is found greater than 1.0. The concentration of the complex [ H A m S n ] org is higher in soybean oil than rice bran oil. The negative enthalpy change due to the complexation reaction shows that it is exothermic. The positive entropy changes due to only mass transfer direct to supply external energy to mix the studied immiscible phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diglycolamide (DGA) extractant is a kind of rare-earth extractant with promising applications that has the advantages of high extraction capacity, ease of synthesis, good thermal stability and good radiation stability. It is a green extractant that contains only four elements, C, H, O and N, and produces no residue after incineration. The properties of DGAs containing branched N , N ′-alkyl substituents have been much studied in recent years, and it has been shown that branched side chains lead to better separation. The introduction of structurally rigid elements in DGA provides new possibilities for separation of rare earth elements (REEs). Owing to the tiny differences in the chemical properties of adjacent REES, the simple use of DGA extractant cannot meet all separation requirements, and a masking agent is added to the aqueous phase to improve the separation by coextraction to meet the requirements of different processes. This review presents the structural analysis of the complexes and crystals of diglycolamide extractants with rare-earth ions through different characterization means, and the effects of different structural extractants, solvents, nitric acid and phase modifiers on extraction behavior are reviewed. This review pays special attention to the effect of the side chain structure of diglycolamide on extraction behavior, which provides a theoretical basis and guiding direction for the field of separation of the REEs by diglycolamide extractants. In the analytical methods for the extraction of rare-earth elements (REEs) by diglycolamide (DGA), liquid–liquid extraction experiments can demonstrate basic extraction properties, spectroscopic techniques can provide information on the inner-sphere coordination of REEIII–DGA complexes, and scattering techniques can be used to study the size and morphology of aggregates with nanoscale structures. (Image credits: bottom right, G. B. Deacon et al. ; other images, A. Gong.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to assess the impact of the dilution ratio of Tris diluent, storage at 0°C, and long-distance transportation on the spermatozoa of Simmental cattle. It also validated the feasibility of the regional distribution of fresh semen. Methods In experiment 1, semen was diluted at four dilution ratios (1:6, 1:9, 1:12, and 1:15) to determine the optimal dilution ratio of Tris diluent. In experiment 2, we assessed sperm viability, progressive motility (objectively assessed by computer-assisted sperm analyzer), and acrosome intactness in Tris dilutions kept at constant 0°C for 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days. We compared them to Tianshan livestock dilutions (Commercial diluent). In experiment 3, semen was diluted using Tris diluent, and sperm quality was measured before and after long-distance transport. Artificial insemination of 177 Simmental heifers compared to 156 using Tianshan Livestock dilution. Results The outcomes demonstrated that 1:9 was the ideal Tris diluent dilution ratio. The sperm viability, Progressive Motility, and acrosome integrity of both Tris and Tianshan dilutions preserved at 0°C gradually decreased over time. sperm viability was above 50% for both dilutions on d 9, with a flat rate of decline. The decrease in acrosome integrity rate was faster for Tianshan livestock dilutions than for Tris dilutions when stored at 0°C for 1 to 6 days. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in sperm viability between semen preserved in Tris diluent after long-distance transportation and semen preserved in resting condition. The conception rates for Tris dilution and Tianshan livestock dilution were 49.15% and 46.15% respectively, with no significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusion This shows that Tris diluent is a good long-term protectant. It has been observed that fresh semen can be successfully preserved for long-distance transport when stored under 0°C conditions. Additionally, it is feasible to distribute semen regionally.

A method is needed that can be used to maintain sperm quality in order to produce superior seeds. The use of poultry egg yolk as a diluent is of course widely used because poultry eggs can maintain the good quality of cattle sperm. This research aims to determine the level of effectiveness of egg yolks of various types of poultry as a sperm diluent on the motility and viability of cattle sperm. The method used in this research is the literature review method and the descriptive method. The results showed that the use of free-range chicken egg yolk and quail egg yolk as sperm diluent showed the highest motility values. The highest percentage of viability was in purebred chickens, while the lowest abnormality was in dilution with goose yolk eggs.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an interesting material for drug delivery applications due to its high purity. This study aimed to compare the properties of tablets prepared by the wet granulation method using bacterial cellulose prepared by different methods as a diluent, using acetaminophen as a model drug. BC used as diluents were prepared using two different methods: freeze-drying (BC-FD) and phase-inversion (BC-PI), and their characteristics were analyzed and compared with that of commercial microcrystalline cellulose PH 101 (Comprecel® M101). Acetaminophen tablets were prepared by wet granulation using BC-FD, BC-PI, or Comprecel® M101 as diluents, and their tablet properties were examined. The result showed that the morphology, polymorph, and crystallinity of BC-PI and Comprecel® M101 were similar but they were different compared with that of BC-FD. Tablets could be successfully formed using BC-PI and Comprecel® M101 as diluents without any physical defects but the tablet prepared using BC-FD as diluent appeared chipped edge. The characteristics (thickness, weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration, drug content, and dissolution) of the tablets prepared using BC-PI diluent were also similar to those prepared using Comprecel® M101 diluent, but those of BC-FD diluent were inferior. This indicates that BC prepared in BC-PI can potentially be used as a diluent for tablets prepared by wet granulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epoxy resin-based (ESB) intumescent flame-retardant coatings were modified with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (14BDDE) and butyl glycidyl ether (BGE) as diluents and T403 and 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) as curing agents, respectively. The effects of different diluents and curing agents on the flame-retardant and mechanical properties, as well as the composition evolution of the coatings, were investigated by using large-plate combustion, the limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical combustion, a cone calorimeter, X-ray diffraction, FTIR analysis, a N2 adsorption and desorption test, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a tensile strength test, and a viscosity test. The results showed that the addition of 14BBDE and T403 promoted the oxidation of B4C and the formation of boron-containing glass or ceramics, increased the residual mass of char, densified the surface char layer, and increased the specific surface area of porous residual char. When their dosage was 30%, ESB-1T-3 coating exhibited the most excellent flame-retardant properties. During the 2 h large-plate combustion test, the backside temperature was only 138.72 °C, without any melting pits. In addition, the peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release rate (THR), total smoke production (TSP), and peak smoke production (PSPR) were reduced by 13.15%, 13.9%, 5.48%, and 17.45%, respectively, compared to the blank ESB coating. The LOI value reached 33.4%, and the vertical combustion grade was V-0. In addition, the tensile strength of the ESB-1T-3 sample was increased by 10.94% compared to ESB. In contrast, the addition of BGE and DDM promoted the combustion of the coating, affected the ceramic process of the coating, seriously affected the formation of borosilicate glass, and exhibited poor flame retardancy. The backside temperature reached 190.93 °C after 2 h combustion. A unified rule is that as the amount of diluent and curing agent increases, the flame retardancy improves while the mechanical properties decrease. This work provides data support for the preparation and process optimization of resin-based coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As semi-crystalline polyester (lactic acid) (PLA) is combined with other reinforcing materials, challenges such as phase separation, environmental pollution, and manufacturing difficulties could hinder the benefits of PLA, including complete biodegradability and strong mechanical properties. In the present investigation, melt blending is utilized to establish a mixture of low- and high-molecular-weight polylactic acids (LPLA and HPLA). The crystallinity, rheology, and mechanical properties of the combination were analyzed using rotational rheometry, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, polarized optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and universal testing equipment. The results demonstrate compatibility between LPLA and HPLA. Moreover, an increase in LPLA concentration leads to a decrease in the crystallization rate, spherulite size, fractional crystallinity, and XRD peak intensity during isothermal crystallization. LPLA acts as a diluent during isothermal crystallization, whereas HPLA functions as a nucleating agent in the non-isothermal crystallization process, promoting the growth of LPLA crystals and leading to co-crystallization. The blended system with a 5% LPLA mass fraction exhibits the highest tensile strength and enhances rheological characteristics. By effectively leveraging the relationship between various molecular weights of PLA's mechanical, rheological, and crystallization behavior, this scrutiny improves the physical and mechanical characteristics of the material, opening up new opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial insemination in pigs is a crucial technique supporting efficient pig production, with implementation rates exceeding 80% in worldwide. In this process, collected semen is diluted and preserved using a diluent, and subsequently injected into sows. The diluent not only serves to protect sperm function but is also believed to assist in enhancing sperm migration within the female reproductive tract. Notably, pig diluents feature a distinctive characteristic of containing a high concentration of the nutrient substrate glucose. In light of this, we undertook a metabolic and motility analysis of pig sperm using diluents with varying glucose concentrations, aiming to unravel the role of glucose in the diluent. Our investigations revealed that within a diluent containing 30.6 mM glucose, glucose is utilized not only for energy production through glycolysis but also plays a role in suppressing reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the pentose phosphate pathway, thus supporting mitochondrial function. In this manuscript, we focus on the diluent crucial to porcine artificial insemination and the high glucose concentration therein. We summarize insights into semen extenders and the role of glucose in porcine sperm, while also presenting our emerging understanding of the role of glucose in the diluent we have been exploring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Reprodução Animal is the property of Revista Brasileira de Reproducao Animal 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.)

Due to superior characteristics, ionic liquids (IL) have become a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional toxic, flammable, and volatile organic solvents. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is a widely distributed phenolic acid and a key metabolite of complex polyphenols. It is a molecule that functions as a chemical building block for polymers and plastics as well as has pharmacological effects. The current project's goal is to enhance the recovery of PCA by IL-based extraction from industrial waste streams and fermentation. This research investigates the separation of PCA from an aqueous stream using Imidazolium-based IL, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium octyl sulfate and 1-Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate with an efficiency of about 87% at 10% IL concentration for a PCA concentration of 10 mmol L−1. The influence of the initial PCA concentration and IL concentration on the separation efficiency was also investigated, and various parameters helpful for the design of an industrial separation unit were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different diluents and freezing methods on the quality of thawed sperm after cryopreservation and find an inexpensive and practical method for freezing Hu ram semen for use in inseminations under farm conditions. Ejaculates were collected from five Hu rams. In experiment I, ejaculates were diluted with eight different freezing diluents (basic diluents A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H). After dilution and cooling, the samples were loaded into 0.25 mL straws and frozen using the liquid nitrogen fumigation method. In experiment II, diluent C was used as the basic diluent and the semen was frozen using liquid nitrogen fumigation and two program-controlled cooling methods. For analysis, frozen samples were evaluated in terms of motility parameters (total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM)), biokinetic characteristics (straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), wobble movement coefficient (WOB), average motion degree (MAD)), reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and membrane and acrosome integrity. In experiment I, diluent C had higher TM, PM, and acrosome and membrane integrity and lower ROS compared to other extenders (p < 0.05) except diluent A. Diluent C exhibited higher (p < 0.05) VCL, VAP, ALH, WOB, and MAD compared to diluents B, D, E, and F. In experiment II, TM and all biokinetic characteristics did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) amongst the three freezing methods. Liquid nitrogen fumigation resulted in higher (p < 0.05) PM, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and lower ROS level compared to the program. In conclusion, the thawed semen diluted with diluent C had higher quality compared to other diluents. The liquid nitrogen fumigation demonstrated superior semen cryopreservation effects compared to the program-controlled cooling method using diluent C.

In the current study, we report the progress in developing new UV polymerizable hydrophobic biobased coatings from modified vegetable oil for porous substrates like paper and wood. The aim was to produce novel hydrophobic coatings on porous substrates and investigate how the porous nature of the substrates will be affected by different chemical formulations that penetrate into the interior of the substrate during the exposure to different intensities of UV light, and what hydrophobic properties that interaction will result in. The curing formulations were based on acrylated epoxidized linseed oil (AELO) as a prepolymer. For the UV polymerization, 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone (Irgacure 184) was used as a photoinitiator; isobornyl acrylate (IBA) and isosorbide methacrylate (IM) were used as bio-based diluents; hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS), vinyl-polydimethylsiloxane (v-PDMS), triethoxyoctylsilane (TEOS) were used as hydrophobic additives and they were added in different concentrations to the AELO curing formulations. The formulations were then cured under UV light on wood and paper substrates. FT-IR analysis showed that the AELO resin was successfully polymerized on both paper and wood substrates, and by contact angle measurements it was found that the highest hydrophobicity was achieved for the coatings that contain HDTMS (108° in average). The layer thickness on wood substrates was in between 9 and 20 µm, and on paper substrates between 8 and 24 µm. Only about a 5° difference in contact angle was observed between the coatings with respect to change in diluents and different UV light intensity. All cured samples showed a good chemical resistance to acetic acid, citric acid and ethyl alcohol after 1 hour exposure; to acetone and ethylbutyl acetate after 10 s, and to benzine after 2 minutes. Outstanding hydrophobic behavior was observed for the HDTMS coatings, however, better physical properties were determined for the coatings containing v-PDMS and TEOS, on which the scratching was observed after the applied force of 1.5 and 0.6 N in comparison to HDTMS coatings (0.4 N). The resulting properties achieved for the AELO coatings indicated that it has a potential to be used for wood coating and packaging application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of epoxy can be adapted depending on the selection of bio-based diluents and crosslinkers to balance the appropriate viscosity for processing and the resulting mechanical properties for coating applications. This work presents a comprehensive study on the structure–property relationships for epoxy coatings with various diluents of mono-, di-, and bio-based trifunctional glycidyl ethers or bio-based epoxidized soybean oil added in appropriate concentration ranges, in combination with a traditional fossil-based amine or bio-based phenalkamine crosslinker. The viscosity of epoxy resins was already reduced for diluents with simple linear molecular configurations at low concentrations, while higher concentrations of more complex multifunctional diluents were needed for a similar viscosity reduction. The curing kinetics were evaluated through the fitting of data from differential scanning calorimetry to an Arrhenius equation, yielding the lowest activation energies for difunctional diluents in parallel with a balance between viscosity and reactivity. While the variations in curing kinetics with a change in diluent were minor, the phenalkamine crosslinkers resulted in a stronger decrease in activation energy. For cured epoxy resins, the glass transition temperature was determined as an intrinsic parameter that was further related to the mechanical coating performance. Considerable effects of the diluents on coating properties were investigated, mostly showing a reduction in abrasive wear for trifunctional diluents in parallel with the variations in hardness and ductility. The high hydrophobicity for coatings with diluents remained after wear and provided good protection. In conclusion, the coating performance could be related to the intrinsic mechanical properties independently of the fossil- or bio-based origin of diluents and crosslinkers, while additional lubricating properties are presented for vegetable oil diluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Diluent plays an important role in sperm storage. The various components of the diluent provide nutrition for sperm survival, maintain the stability of the preserved environment, and prolong the survival time of sperm. However, for the preservation of semen at 4 °C, diluent formulations are currently lacking or existing diluent formulations are not sufficient. Therefore, the effect of four diluents on semen preservation was studied through an assessment of sperm motility and functional integrity. Diluent D (Tris–Fructose–Citric acid–Egg yolk) was found to greatly improve semen quality during storage at 4 °C. This study aimed to investigate the effects of various diluents on the quality of Hu ram sperm stored at 4 °C. Semen samples were collected from three Hu rams and diluted with diluents A (Sodium citrate–Glucose–Egg yolk), B (Sodium citrate–Glucose), C (Fructose–Skimmed milk powder–Soy lecithin), and D (Tris–Fructose–Citric acid–Egg yolk). Total motility (TM), straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL), average motion degree (MAD), acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated. The results showed that diluent D had better preservation in terms of the sperm TM, VSL, VCL, VAP, MAD, and membrane and acrosome integrity. On the third day of the storage, the sperm PM of diluent D was higher than that of other diluents (p < 0.05). The ROS level of diluent D was lower than that of other diluents on the fifth day (p < 0.05). On the seventh day of the storage, the sperm TM in diluent D reached 50%, which was the highest in all diluent groups. On the seventh day of the storage, the integrity of the sperm membrane and the integrity of the acrosome of the sperm in diluent D were the highest in all diluent groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results indicated that diluent D improved the semen quality during storage at 4 °C. In this study, diluent D was the best diluent formula for Hu ram semen stored at 4 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Froth treatment tailings are one type of waste stream generated during the extraction of surface‐mined oil sands bitumen. To remove water and solids from bitumen froth recovered during the water‐based extraction process, hydrocarbon diluent is added, and settling and/or centrifugation are applied to the diluted bitumen froth, producing diluted bitumen and froth treatment tailings. While recovery processes are in place to remove and recycle the diluent from froth treatment tailings, some residual diluent can remain. Since tailings are stored in outdoor ponds, the residual diluent can have implications for methanogenic microbial processes and resulting greenhouse gas emissions. This work presents a methodology to accurately extract and quantify diluent hydrocarbons from froth treatment tailings using gas chromatography. A cold‐start temperature program is used to separate diluent hydrocarbons from any residual bitumen in the sample, and diluent is quantified using commercial standards as well as unprocessed diluent. A series of extraction parameters were tested and results from multiple conditions are shown with a rationale for the selected optimized parameters. Quantification of diluent in tailings samples is demonstrated from 60 to 5329 μg/g, and results from quality control standards show an average diluent recovery of 100 ± 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Indonesian Journal of Veterinary Sciences / Jurnal Kedokteran Hewan is the property of Universitas Syiah Kuala, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine 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.)

Copyright of Polymer Materials Science & Engineering is the property of Sichuan University, Polymer Research Institute 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.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of semen frozen with BoviFree diluent compared to manual and Steridyl in dual-purpose Simmental bulls. Semen samples were collected from 12 bulls (three replicates for each bull and a total of 36 ejaculations) using an artificial vagina and each ejaculation was divided into three equal parts. Freezing was done by two-step dilution method and sperm quality parameters such as viability, motility, morphology and plasma membrane integrity were investigated in fresh and frozen thawed semen. The results showed that all sperm characteristics of semen diluted with manual extender in fresh semen were lower than in other diluents, and this difference was significant in the case of the plasma membrane integrity. Regarding frozen thawed semen, progressive motility and other motility parameters in the group which was frozen with Steridyl diluent was significantly more than the other two groups. There was no significant difference between the group of manual and BoviFree extender. Considering the findings of our research Steridyl has a better performance in terms of sperm motility after freezing than BoviFree and manual, it can be concluded that the Steridyl diluent is more suitable for semen freezing of dual-purpose Simmental bulls than the Bovifree and manual diluent. In addition, the results of this research determined that the diluents based on egg yolk are more suitable for bull semen freezing than the diluents based on soy lecithin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are very few guidelines available that focus on recommended diluents for intravenous (IV) administration of the various antimicrobial used in pediatric practices. This article attempts to detail ideal diluents for commonly used antimicrobials; the amount of diluent to be added for IV administration; analyze various methods of IV administration; explains how diluents could be reduced while treating children in whom fluid restriction improves outcome; and suggests methods of reducing wastage of costly antimicrobials and thereby economizes therapy of sick children.

[Display omitted] • A UV-curable varnish with superior properties and matching with various substrates was prepared. • Five kinds of prepolymers were synthesized and their film-forming effects on 13 kinds of substrates was discussed. • The effects of the types of prepolymer, the types and contents of photoinitiator, the types of diluent, and the ratios of prepolymer to diluent on the photocuring rate of UV curing varnish were investigated. UV-curing varnish has gained widespread application in the field of surface treatment due to its advantages such as low-temperature curing, easy fading, and environmental friendliness. The aim of this study is to develop a high-performance UV-curing varnish compatible with various substrates. Five prepolymers, Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Poly (methyl methacrylate-random-acrylic acid) P(MMA- r -AA), Poly (methyl methacrylate-random-glycidyl methacrylate-random-styrene) (P(MMA- r -GMA- r -St)), Poly (methyl methacrylate-random-butyl acrylate-random-glycidyl methacrylate) (P(MMA- r -BA- r -GMA)) and Poly (butyl acrylate-random acrylic acid-random glycidyl methacrylate-random styrene)(P(BA- r -AA- r -GMA- r -St)), were synthesized by free radical polymerization. The film-forming effect of prepolymer on 13 substrates such as glass, coated paper, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol terephthalate and low density polyethylene was investigated. Based on the results, the two prepolymers with the best film-forming properties were selected and combined with five distinct diluents and two types of photoinitiators to produce multiple UV-curing varnish formulations. The effects of the types of prepolymer, the types and contents of photoinitiator, the types of diluent and the ratios of prepolymer to diluent on the photocuring rate of UV curing varnish were investigated. The structures of prepolymer were characterized by Fourier infrared spectrometer. The experimental results show that PMMA and P(MMA- r -GMA- r -St) have better film-forming effects on 13 substrates. When the prepolymer is P(MMA- r -GMA- r -St), the photoinitiator is ITX, the photoinitiator content is 75 mg/mL, diethylenetriamine:GMA = 1:3 (diluent), and the ratio of prepolymer to diluent is 1:4, the photocuring rate of UV curing varnish is the fastest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because the surface of MDF is not aesthetically pleasing, it usually needs to be veneered and then painted, but such a board releases harmful VOCs, among which Benzene Series is the most harmful. Benzene and its series are a group of carcinogenic compounds. With the diluents of nitrocellulose (NC)-lacquered MDF as the research objects, the release of the Benzene Series was studied to provide a scientific basis for pollution control and a reference for eco-friendly paint production. The attenuant of NC paint, anhydrous ethanol, ethyl acetate and solvents mixed with different alcohol ester ratios were used as diluents in NC lacquer. Two kinds of wood-veneered MDF with different thickness (18 mm and 8 mm) were coated with NC lacquer and analyzed in the experiment. The gas was collected using a small environmental chamber and the Benzene Series was analyzed using GC-MS. The concentration of Benzene Series released by MDF was 316.24 μg·m−3, and that of the NC-lacquered MDF with thicknesses of 18 mm and 8 mm were 284.44 μg·m−3 and 281.06 μg·m−3, respectively. The MDF released 14 kinds of Benzene Series, and the NC-lacquered MDF with two thicknesses released 18 kinds of it. The release concentration order of Benzene Series in NC-lacquered MDF with different diluents of the 18 mm thick panel was NC-M, NC-A, and NC-E from high to low. The lowest concentration of it occurred when the ratio of anhydrous ethanol to ethyl acetate was 1:3, and the lowest amount of components were at the ratio of 1:2. The concentration of Benzene Series released by MDF is higher than that released by the NC-lacquered MDF. Thickness has no effect on the type of release. The thicker MDF was, the higher the concentration was. The alcohol and ester thinner can control the release of Benzene Series from the source, and the optimal mixing ratio was 1:3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Coatings & Protection / Tuceng yu Fanghu is the property of Coating & Protection Editorial Office 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.)

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness and the best concentration of Moringa leaf extract (MLE) in the citrate-egg yolk (C-EY) to maintain the motility and viability of spermatozoa kacang goat. Semen was collected from 3 goats aged two years; by using the artificial vagina method. The semen was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. The semen that had >70% sperm motility and >250x106/ml sperm concentration was divided into 4 equal tubes, each diluted with100% C-EY (P1), 10% MLE+ 90%C-EY (P2), 20% MLE +80% C-EY (P3), and 30% MLE+70% C-EY (P4). The diluted samples were then stored in a refrigerator (3-5?C) and evaluated for motility and viability every 24 hours. The study was designed using a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of four treatments and five replications. The results showed that the addition of MLE in C-EY significantly affected goat spermatozoa's progressive motility and viability. The data showed that the spermatozoa kept during four days in a diluent of P2 had higher (P

Si3N4 powders were prepared by combustion synthesis with 1‐ and 3‐μm α‐Si3N4, β‐Si3N4 diluent and BN inert diluent. The maximum temperatures of samples with boron nitride (BN) as a diluent are about 1500–1600°C lower than that of samples with α‐Si3N4 and β‐Si3N4 as diluents are about 1600–1800°C. Moreover, the newly formed α‐Si3N4 contents in the synthesized products with BN as diluent over 90 wt% are much higher than those with α‐Si3N4 and β‐Si3N4 as diluent about 20–40 wt%. The strip‐like α‐Si3N4, rod‐like β‐Si3N4 grains, and radiative shaped grains can be observed in the synthesized products. Finally, the effect of the diluent on the α‐phase content of combustion synthesized Si3N4 is discussed, which provides key guidance for preparing Si3N4 powders with high α‐phase content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural Science & Technology (1008-0864) is the property of Journal of Agricultural Science & Technology 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.)

Abstract In this research, series of PVDF microporous films with various polymer concentrations and thickness were prepared through thermally‐induced phase separation in air condition with diphenyl carbonate as the diluent. Effects of polymer concentration and film thickness on the formation kinetics of microporous structure of PVDF thin films were in situ investigated via TII technique. The instantaneous heat conduction inside the films during film formation was also evaluated. Two types of parameter models were adopted in order to disclose the time and location dependence of TIPS film solidification kinetics, respectively. Hierarchical microstructures, crystallization behavior and thermal properties of the TIPS films were also characterized by SEM, DSC, and TGA, respectively. The current study could supply an insight into the fabrication of PVDF microporous films with target microstructure and desirable performance.

Studies were carried out to extract nickel by liquid extraction from sulfate–chloride solutions of the Kola MMC with neodecanoic acid (Versatic10) in sodium form. The influence of the concentration and degree of conversion of acid to salt form on the viscosity of organic mixtures and their extraction capacity has been established. The results of enlarged laboratory tests of conversion of sulphate-chloride solution into pure nickel sulphate solution are presented, from which a reactive salt NiSO4⋅7H2O containing 21.8% Ni and less than 0.01% impurities was isolated during crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lightweight and miniaturized design of power equipment, as well as their extreme operating environments, are placing higher demands on the insulation properties of epoxy polymers (EPs), which are closely related to the space charge distribution. To further homogenize the electric field distribution and improve the insulating properties of EPs, this article improved the space charge migration rate of EPs by providing sp3 molecular hybridization orbitals with fluorine-modified butyl glycidyl ether (BGE) diluent. Three EPs, BGE/EP, 3F-BGE/EP, and 7F-BGE/EP, were prepared, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that fluorinated 3F-BGE and 7F-BGE provided sp3 hybridized orbitals for the EP system in the trap energy range, which reduced the trap energy levels from 2.76 to 2.42 and 1.65 eV, respectively, and improved the space charge migration rate. The surface potential decay test of the EPs revealed that when the applied voltage was stopped for 3000 s, the surface potentials of 3F-BGE/EP and 7F-BGE/EP decreased by 11.33% and 16.67%, respectively, and the flashover voltages along the surface increased by 7.06% and 17.98%, respectively, with no decrease in resistivity compared to BGE/EP. This method increased the space charge migration rate and insulation properties of the EP without decreasing its resistivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in many physiological and pathophysiological processes and hold great potential for therapeutic and diagnostic use. Despite significant advances within the last decade, the key issue of EV storage stability remains unresolved and under investigated. Here, we aimed to identify storage conditions stabilizing EVs and comprehensively compared the impact of various storage buffer formulations at different temperatures on EVs derived from different cellular sources for up to 2 years. EV features including concentration, diameter, surface protein profile and nucleic acid contents were assessed by complementary methods, and engineered EVs containing fluorophores or functionalized surface proteins were utilized to compare cellular uptake and ligand binding. We show that storing EVs in PBS over time leads to drastically reduced recovery particularly for pure EV samples at all temperatures tested, starting already within days. We further report that using PBS as diluent was found to result in severely reduced EV recovery rates already within minutes. Several of the tested new buffer conditions largely prevented the observed effects, the lead candidate being PBS supplemented with human albumin and trehalose (PBS‐HAT). We report that PBS‐HAT buffer facilitates clearly improved short‐term and long‐term EV preservation for samples stored at ‐80°C, stability throughout several freeze‐thaw cycles, and drastically improved EV recovery when using a diluent for EV samples for downstream applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to assess the influence of different commercial diluents on some mechanical properties of two bisphenolic epoxy compounds, cold-cured by a polyamide curing agent, to be employed as epoxy structural adhesives for building and industrial applications. The diluents under analysis were epoxy, bituminous, nitro, acrylic and extraction. The choice of these products was made on the basis of their wide commercial availability as diluents for epoxies used as adhesives and in different industrial and construction applications. The diluents were all added in small proportions, i.e., from 1 to 10 g per 100 g of epoxy resin. The cold-cured epoxy compounds were subjected to compressive (according to ISO 604) and static tensile (according to ISO 527-1) tests. The same mechanical tests were performed on both unmodified epoxy resins, for comparison purposes. On the basis of the obtained results, it was concluded that the influence of the presence of a diluent, and of its amount, on the mechanical properties of epoxy compounds depends on the type of resin and of diluent, as well as on the mechanical characteristics analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calixarene derivatives are excellent host compounds for ionic species in liquid–liquid extraction. However, many studies using calixarene derivatives have been conducted using highly toxic chloroform as a solvent because of their poor solubility in typical hydrocarbons. In the present study, aromatic ethers were developed as solvents for calixarene derivatives to enhance their industrial applicability. The solubility of the calix[6]arene carboxylic acid derivative tOct[6]CH2COOH in 1-octoxybenzene (OB) and 1-butoxybenzene (BB) was 11.3 mM and 24.9 mM, respectively. The cationic guest molecule tryptophan methyl ester was extracted using the tOct[6]CH2COOH host in OB and BB. The cationic lysine-rich protein cytochrome c was also extracted using tOct[6]CH2COOH in BB as shown for tOct[6]CH2COOH in chloroform in previous studies. However, cytochrome c was not extracted using tOct[6]CH2COOH in OB and instead, precipitated. As tOct[6]CH2COOH stabilizes the ammonium group of biomolecules because of its suitable cavity size, the extraction of the tryptophan ester and cytochrome c using tOct[6]CH2COOH was much higher than those using the corresponding calix[4]arene and calix[8]arene derivatives. These results confirm that aromatic ethers are potential solvents for calixarene derivatives for the extraction of biomolecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The present study evaluated the preservation of ram semen at 0°C using soybean lecithin with a Tris-fructose extender. Methods Semen was collected by artificial vagina ejaculation from six rams with proven fertility. High quality ejaculates were diluted by soybean lecithin (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.25%) using Tris-fructose extender and control (Tris-fructose egg yolk extender), respectively. The ejaculates were diluted to a concentration of 5×108 sperm/mL, followed by cooling to 0°C in 90 min and maintaining the temperature for 12 days. The diluted semen samples were examined and recorded for sperm progressive motility, acrosome integrity at 0, 24, 72, 144, 216, 288 h, respectively. Two hundred and twenty-three ewes were inseminated for 216 h with optimal soybean lecithin concentrated semen or control via trans-cervical insemination. Results The results showed that there were no differences in sperm progressive motility at 0, 24, 72, and 144 h (p>0.05). After 216 h, the sperm progressive motility in the control group and 0.5% concentration groups was significantly higher when compared to 0.25% concentration (p0.05). At 216 h, the sperm progressive motility of all groups was still above 50%. The acrosome integrity of all groups was decreased with prolongation of storage time, but there was no difference at each time point (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in the lambing rate and pregnancy rate between the 0.5% concentration group and the control group (p>0.05). Conclusion These results suggest that ram sperm is capable of fertilization after preservation at 0°C with 0.5% of soybean lecithin in Tris-based extender substituted for egg yolk and produce normal offspring after insemination.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the bulk lactose flow behavior with a defined fraction with smaller particles obtained by sieving from the bulk lactose and to evaluate the effect of a glidant addition on both samples. These powders showed, in a previous work, similar flow indexes (ffc) that motivated the addition of colloidal silicon dioxide in order to observe if there were any changes in their flow behaviors. Methods: To evaluate this effect on the diluent flow behavior, the methods described in the European Pharmacopeia were used. Results: The results obtained from conventional methods and shear cell methods (using the Powder Flow Tester) were compared, and they showed evident differences in the bulk and tapped densities values and flow classifications. The lactose monohydrate (FTotal) and lactose with particles smaller than 63 μm (F < 63) analyzed in a previous study presented similar ffc. To these pure powders a glidant was added, in increasing proportion (0.25—1.00%). The results obtained for all powders with colloidal silicon dioxide showed an improvement in its flow behaviors in comparison with pure powders. Conclusion: All the parameters studied showed an evident effect of the glidant used. For the same amount of glidant, the F < 63 presented worse flow profiles than FTotal because its particles have a larger surface area. The FTotal + 0.25 flow profile was more similar to the F < 63 + 0.50 flow profile than F < 63 + 0.25 flow profile. For both powders, the maximum amount of glidant that produces effect was 1.00% for F < 63 and 0.75% for FTotal, respectively. In all powders, the occurrence of caking was not observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Tropical Animal & Veterinary Sciences / Jurnal Ilmu Peternakan dan Veteriner Tropis is the property of Fakultas Peternakan Universitas Papua 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.)