The Effect of Different Foam Concentrations on Sperm Motility in Japanese Quail

A study was conducted to determine the effect of foam extract on sperm motility in the male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Adult male quails (<12 weeks) of heavy body weight strain were housed in individual cages and divided into 5 groups according to the size of their cloacal glands. The data indicated that the size of the cloacal gland was positively correlated with the frequency of foam secretion and total foam production. One gram of freshly collected clean foam was mixed with 1.0 mL of normal saline and homogenized for 10 minutes. After centrifugation at 35 000 rpm, the supernatant was used as 100% foam extract. The extract was diluted to 1:40, 1:20, 1:10, and 1:4 with normal saline to produce 2.5, 5.0, 10, and 25% foam extracts, respectively. 5% foam extract enhanced sperm survival at room temperature (30°–35°C) for 2 to 3 hrs, whereas higher concentrations (10% and above) suppressed sperm motility. From this study, it may be concluded that foam secretion and quantity of foam are directly proportional to the size of the cloacal gland and that the foam enhances and prolongs sperm motility, in vitro at an optimum concentration of 5%

Multifaceted incorporation of Zn-Al2O3/Cr2O3/SiO2 nanocomposite coatings: anti-corrosion, tribological, and thermal stability

Nano-sized particle incorporation into metal matrix has gained worldwide acceptance. Al2O3, Cr2O3, and SiO2 nanoparticles have been co-deposited with Zn using electrodeposition process to produce advanced alloy. The coatings were characterized using SEM/EDX and XRD. The mechanical properties of the coatings were studied using microhardness indenter and dry abrasive wear tester. Zn-10 g/L Cr2O3 nanocomposite exhibited the highest microhardness of 228 HVN; Zn-5 g/L Al2O3 nanocomposite possessed the highest corrosion resistance and lowest wear loss. Zn-5 g/L SiO2 nanocomposite showed good stability against other composite coatings. The incorporation of the Al2O3, Cr2O3, and SiO2 shows grain refinement and modify orientation on Zn matrix

Quantifying the Link between Anatomical Connectivity, Gray Matter Volume and Regional Cerebral Blood Flow: An Integrative MRI Study

Background In the graph theoretical analysis of anatomical brain connectivity, the white matter connections between regions of the brain are identified and serve as basis for the assessment of regional connectivity profiles, for example, to locate the hubs of the brain. But regions of the brain can be characterised further with respect to their gray matter volume or resting state perfusion. Local anatomical connectivity, gray matter volume and perfusion are traits of each brain region that are likely to be interdependent, however, particular patterns of systematic covariation have not yet been identified. Methodology/Principal Findings We quantified the covariation of these traits by conducting an integrative MRI study on 23 subjects, utilising a combination of Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Arterial Spin Labeling and anatomical imaging. Based on our hypothesis that local connectivity, gray matter volume and perfusion are linked, we correlated these measures and particularly isolated the covariation of connectivity and perfusion by statistically controlling for gray matter volume. We found significant levels of covariation on the group- and regionwise level, particularly in regions of the Default Brain Mode Network. Conclusions/Significance Connectivity and perfusion are systematically linked throughout a number of brain regions, thus we discuss these results as a starting point for further research on the role of homology in the formation of functional connectivity networks and on how structure/function relationships can manifest in the form of such trait interdependency