Abstract: A method for quickly acquiring soil hydraulic properties in situ based on a ponded infiltration experiment is provided. The method adopts a novel derivation method, and is based on a Richards' equation and a Brooks-Corey model to derive an analytical solution that accurately describes one-dimensional infiltration into homogeneous soil under ponded conditions. The method, for the first time, provides a detailed description of a developing saturated zone in the soil water profile, which is the most vital infiltration characteristic during ponded infiltration. The method proposes an optimized estimation method for parameters based on an inverse process of the analytical solution. The method can quickly acquire soil hydraulic properties in situ field by measuring a cumulative infiltration amount and a length of a wetting front over time during one-dimensional ponded infiltration experiment through a time-domain reflectometer (TDR).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substance of formula (I), whereby R1 is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms; R2 is H or missing, whereby O is bound via a double bond, R3 is H or an acyl group -C(O)R5, whereby R5 is an alkyl or alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and R4 is H or a phosphate group for use as a medicament and for use in a method of preventing or treating a subject suffering from an autoimmune disease. The present invention further relates to a method for generating regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in vitro comprising the steps of providing precursor CD4+T cells, cultivating the precursor CD4+T cells provided in step 1) in the presence of the substance as defined herein, and, optionally, isolating the generated regulatory T cells (Treg cells).