bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application and optimisation of air–steam cooking on selected vegetables: impact on physical and antioxidant properties
Authors: Paciulli Maria , Dall'Asta Chiara , Rinaldi Massimiliano , Pellegrini Nicoletta , Pugliese Alessandro , Chiavaro Emma
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Several studies investigated the impact of different cooking techniques on the quality of vegetables. However, the use of the combined air–steam cooking is still scarcely debated, despite the advantages informally referred by professional catering workers. In this study, its optimisation was studied on Brussels sprouts and pumpkin cubes to obtain the best physical (texture, colour) and antioxidant (FRAP, total phenols) response, in comparison to a conventional steaming treatment.

RESULTS

Increasing the strength of the air–steam treatment, Brussels sprouts resulted to be softer, less green (higher a* value), richer in phenols and exhibited lower FRAP values than the steamed ones. The air–steamed pumpkin cubes exhibited an equivalent softening degree to that of steamed ones and, under the strongest cooking conditions, a higher antioxidant quality and a yellow darkening (lower b* value). Varying the cooking time and/or temperature, a linear change of force/compression hardness and a* (negative a*: greenness) for Brussels sprouts, b* (yellowness) and total phenol content for pumpkin cubes was observed. A predictive model for these variables was obtained by response surface methodology. The best process conditions to achieve the optimal desirability were also identified.

CONCLUSION

The application of air–steam cooking under suitable time/temperature conditions could be proposed as an alternative method to a traditional steam cooking on Brussels sprouts and pumpkin cubes, being able to preserve or improve their quality. The best air–steam cooking conditions were 25 min at 90 °C for Brussels sprouts and 10 min at 110 °C for pumpkin. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Variability of pesticide residues in eggplant units collected from a field trial and marketplaces in Greece
Authors: Prodhan Mohammad Dalower Hossain , Papadakis Emmanouil‐Nikolaos , Papadopoulou‐Mourkidou Euphemia
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Variability of pesticide residues among food items is very important when assessing the risks and food safety for the consumers. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to estimate the unit‐to‐unit residue variability factors for eggplant.

RESULTS

In total, 120 samples from a trial field and 142 samples from different marketplaces in Thessaloniki, Greece, were collected to estimate the variability of pesticide residues in eggplant units. They were extracted by the QuEChERS method and the residues were determined by LC–MS/MS. For the field samples, the unit‐to‐unit variability factors (VFs) obtained for cypermethrin and deltamethrin residues were 2.54 and 2.51, respectively. The mean residue levels of both pesticides were higher in the composite samples than in the individual samples. The average VFs for the marketplace samples was 3.89. The eggplant units exposed to pesticides were higher in residues than the non‐exposed units.

CONCLUSION

The variability factors obtained in the marketplace samples were higher than those in the samples collected from the field trial. A default VF value of 3 for field trials is appropriate for use when assessing the acute dietary intake but a VF for the marketplace samples should be reconsidered with a larger data. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of trace polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in water samples through large‐volume stir bar sorptive extraction method with thermal desorption gas chromatography
Authors: Feng Li , Zhang Shengjun , Zhu Guohua , Li Mufei , Liu Jinsong
Published: October 2017

A fast and sensitive analytical method based on stir bar sorptive extraction technology with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry was developed to simultaneously analyze 18 kinds of polychlorinated biphenyls and 20 kinds of organochlorine pesticides in aqueous samples. A long adsorption time and small sample volume, which are problems encountered in conventional methods of stir bar sorptive extraction, were effectively solved by simultaneously using multiple stir bars for enrichment with sequential cryofocusing and merged injection. Optimized results showed good linear coefficients in the range of 10–500 ng/L and the method detection limits of 0.12–2.07 ng/L for polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides. The recovery ratios of the spiked samples at different concentrations were between 64.7 and 111.0%, and their relative standard deviations ranged from 0.9 to 17.6%. Four types of the studied compounds were determined in Qiantang River water samples, and their contents were between 0.82 and 5.00 ng/L.
Preparation of a long‐alkyl‐chain‐based hybrid monolithic column with mixed‐mode interactions using a “one‐pot” process for pressurized capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Lyu Haixia , Zhao Heqing , Qin Wenfei , Xie Zenghong
Published: October 2017

A simple “one‐pot” approach for the preparation of a new vinyl‐functionalized organic–inorganic hybrid monolithic column is described. In this improved method, the hydrolyzed alkoxysilanes of tetramethoxysilane and triethoxyvinylsilane were used as precursors for the synthesis of a silica‐based monolith, while 1‐hexadecene and sodium ethylenesulfonate were used as vinyl functional monomers along with azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator. The effects of reaction temperature, urea content, and composition of organic monomers on the column properties (e.g. morphology, mechanical stability, and chromatographic performance) were investigated. The monolithic column was used for the separation of neutral solutes by reversed‐phase pressurized capillary. Furthermore, the monolith can separate various aromatic amines, which indicated its excellent cation‐exchange capability and hydrophobic interactions. The baseline separation of the aromatic amines was obtained with a column efficiency of up to 78 000 plates/m.
Photoirradiation surface molecularly imprinted polymers for the separation of 6‐O‐α‐d‐maltosyl‐β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Fan Haoran , Wang Jinpeng , Meng Qingran , Tian Yaoqi , Xu Xueming , Jin Zhengyu
Published: October 2017

Photoirradiation surface molecularly imprinted polymers for the separation of 6‐O‐α‐d‐maltosyl‐β‐cyclodextrin were synthesized using functionalized silica as a matrix, 4‐(phenyldiazenyl)phenol as a light‐sensitive monomer, and 6‐O‐α‐d‐maltosyl‐β‐cyclodextrin as a template. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results indicated that 4‐(phenyldiazenyl)phenol was grafted onto the surface of functionalized silica. The obtained imprinted polymers exhibited specific recognition toward 6‐O‐α‐d‐maltosyl‐β‐cyclodextrin. Equilibrium binding experiments showed that the photoirradiation surface molecularly imprinted polymers obtained the maximum adsorption amount of 6‐O‐α‐d‐maltosyl‐β‐cyclodextrin at 20.5 mg/g. In binding kinetic experiments, the adsorption reached saturation within 2 h with binding capacity of 72.8%. The experimental results showed that the adsorption capacity and selectivity of imprinted polymers were effective for the separation of 6‐O‐α‐d‐maltosyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, indicating that imprinted polymers could be used to isolate 6‐O‐α‐d‐maltosyl‐β‐cyclodextrin from a conversion mixture containing β‐cyclodextrin and maltose. The results showed that the imprinted polymers prepared by this method were very promising for the selective separation of 6‐O‐α‐d‐maltosyl‐β‐cyclodextrin.
Major fertilization sources and mechanisms for Mediterranean Sea coastal ecosystems
Authors: Macias D. , Garcia‐Gorriz E. , Stips A.
Published: October 2017

The Mediterranean Sea is considered an oligotrophic basin with a few biological production hotspots. Some of these productive regions are under the influence of large rivers’ discharges and have been described to suffer from eutrophication indications. In order to quantify the impact of the river‐borne inorganic nutrients on the pelagic production levels and bottom oxygen conditions in the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, two hindcast simulations using a coupled hydrodynamic‐biogeochemical model are compared. Both simulations cover a 60 yr period and are identical except for the rivers’ conditions, one is performed considering realistic inorganic nutrient levels in the rivers’ waters while the second has no inorganic nutrients coming from the freshwater discharges. Comparing these two simulations we found that inorganic nutrients in the rivers are responsible for a large fraction of the pelagic primary production and for the totality of bottom hypoxic zones in both the Adriatic and Aegean basin. On the contrary, river fertilization is of marginal importance for the coastal ecosystem of the NW Mediterranean Sea, where mesoscale processes and associated vertical transport of nutrients are the main processes responsible for the majority of the production. We, finally, discuss the consequences of these fundamental differences in fertilization for freshwater management and ecosystems status evaluation in the light of different policy options and within the context of future climate change.
Poly(N‐phenylenebenzimidazoles), a New Approach for Monomer Synthesis
Authors: Razorenov Dmitry Y. , Skupov Kirill M. , Volkova Yulia A. , Ponomarev Ivan I. , Chaika Elena M. , Buzin Mikhail I. , Blagodatskikh Inesa V. , Ponomarev Igor I.
Published: October 2017

A new clean method – reductive heterocyclization of bis(o‐nitoanilines) in formic acid/water media with hydrogen on Pd/C catalyst – was used to obtain new bis(benzimidazole) monomers. The monomers were involved in nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction with 4,4′‐diflourodiphenylsulphone for the synthesis of poly(N‐phenylenebenzimidazoles) – a novel type of high performance polymers from the polybenzimidazole family. The obtained polymers were characterized by NMR, FTIR, GPC, TGA and TMA data.
Carbon Nanofiber Paper Electrodes Based on Heterocyclic Polymers for High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Skupov Kirill M. , Ponomarev Igor I. , Razorenov Dmitry Y. , Zhigalina Viktoria G. , Zhigalina Olga M. , Ponomarev Ivan I. , Volkova Yulia A. , Volfkovich Yury M. , Sosenkin Valentin E.
Published: October 2017

Different polyheteroarylenes, such as m‐polybenzimidazole, polyphenylene oxide, polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM‐1) and poly(N‐phenylene‐benzimidazole) were electrospun to obtain self‐supporting polymer nanofiber mats. The mats after heat treatment, which contains stabilization in air at 250–350 °C and pyrolysis at 900–1000 °C under vacuum, convert into carbon nanofiber paper, a material which is suitable for Pt nanoparticle deposition. The possibility of usage of the obtained carbonized nanocomposites as entire gas diffusion electrodes for high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is shown.
Effect of Poly(ethylene glycol) on the Ultrastructure and Physicochemical Properties of the Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)
Authors: Zhuikov Vsevolod A. , Bonartsev A. P. , Zharkova I. I. , Bykova G. S. , Taraskin N. Y. , Kireynov A. V. , Kopitsyna M. N. , Bonartseva G. A. , Shaitan K. V.
Published: October 2017

Chemical conjugation or blending with poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs) are established procedures to facilitate solubilisation of hydrophobic compounds. The techniques of bioPEGylation and blending with PEG were applied to poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate). In this paper we have examined the properties of copolymer of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐poly(ethylene glycol)) (PHB‐PEG) and composite material polyhydroxybutyrate with poly(ethylene glycol) (PHB + PEG) compared to homopolymer of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). It was found that copolymer has significally different mechanical and thermophysical properties with respect to pure PHB: an increased crystallinity but a decreased Young's modulus and elongation at break. Moreover, the creation of the composite, and a copolymer of PHB with PEG results in a change in surface morphology of ultrathin films.
Organoelement Coatings on Glass as Precursors for Biochip Technologies
Authors: Naumkin Alexandr V. , Rodlovskaya Elena N. , Vasnev Valerii А. , Izmaylov B. А. , Markova G. D. , Dvoryak S. V. , Ivanov А. S.
Published: October 2017

The method for obtaining phosphorus‐nitrogen containing coatings on a glass surface was developed. It was shown that such coatings exhibit hydrophilic properties compared to the original surface. The structure of the obtained coatings was studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and IR‐spectroscopy.
Polycaproamide Modified by Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Protective Coating for Optical Fiber
Authors: Zabegaeva Olesya N. , Sapozhnikov Dmitry A. , Baiminov Bato A. , Krestinin Anatoly V. , Semjonov Sergey L. , Kosolapov Alexey F. , Plastinin Evgeniy A. , Vygodskii Yakov S.
Published: October 2017

New optical fiber coatings based on polycaproamide modified by carbon nanotubes have been tested. Nanocomposites were fabricated by in situ anionic polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactam in the presence of 0.005–0.01 wt.% single‐walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with polyimide. It was found that obtained nanocomposites are able to form high‐grade, heat and water resistant optical fiber coatings with improved mechanical strength. These as prepared fiber coatings are differed in high bending strength (∼6 GPa). Annealing for 3 and 72 h at temperatures high as 250 and 200°C respectively reduces the bending strength of such coated optical fiber by no more than 5%.
Formation of Honeycomb Films Based on Cardo Polyimide Modified with Fluorocontaining Organosilicon Copolymers by Breath Figures Method
Authors: Parshina Maria S. , Soldatov Mikhail A. , Sapozhnikov Dmitriy A. , Serenko Olga A. , Muzafarov Aziz M.
Published: October 2017

Porous films were prepared on the base of the cardo polyimide soluble in organic solvents and modified with fluorocontaining organosilicon copolymers. The fluorinated organosilicon copolymers with various molecular weights were used as hydrophobic modifiers. It was shown that addition of modifiers leads to formation of porous structure with monomodal size distribution. Modification of the polyimide with copolymers in combination with the surface structuring resulted in formation of the highly hydrophobic porous films with contact angle 137°.
Branched Oligophenylenes with Phenylene‐Ethynylene Fragments for Optoelectronics
Authors: Kovalev Alexey I. , Kushakova Natalia S. , Stakhanov Andrey I. , Abramov Ivan A. , Destri Silvia , Khotina Irina A.
Published: October 2017

By Sonogashira reaction the branched oligophenylenethynylenes with phenyl, acenaphthenyl or hexynyl groups as the end groups were synthesized. The comparison of model compound and branched polyphenyleneethynylenes clearly shows that their optical properties depend on the presence of phenylacetylene moieties.
Potentiality of artificially aged aluminium 6061 hybrid composites reinforced with granite and graphite micro–fillers for structural applications
Authors: Sharma S. S. , Pai A. , Gowrishankar M. C.
Published: October 2017

The current study explores the feasibility of artificial aging treatment to aluminium alloy 6061 hybrid composites reinforced with graphite and fine granite particulates to suit structural applications. Aging at 100 °C retrieved a better response of the hybrid composites as compared to that at 150 °C in terms of peak hardness and strength. Among the five different stir‐cast compositions, the composition of aluminium 6061 with 2 wt. % graphite and 4 wt. % granite showed enhanced mechanical properties than that of the base alloy as well as mono reinforcement type composites which was attribued to the formation of rod‐shaped β‐Mg2Si precipitates.
Antibiotic pretreatment minimizes dietary effects on reconstructure of rumen fluid and mucosal microbiota in goats
Authors: Shen Hong , Lu Zhongyan , Xu Zhihui , Shen Zanming
Published: October 2017

We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to examine the posteffects of antibiotic treatment on the structure and metabolism of rumen microbiota. Twelve goats were randomly assigned into two groups, with one group receiving intramuscular streptomycin injection at 40 mg/kg bodyweight daily for 10 days. At 4 weeks after treatment with antibiotic, three goats were randomly selected from each group and switched to a 35% concentrate diet. The remaining six goats continued with the 10% concentrate diet. At 4 weeks after dietary shift, ruminal fluid and epithelium were collected to analyze the microbiota composition and short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations of the rumen. We found that antibiotic administration led to increases in the diversity and richness of recovered mucosal microbiota and to decreases in those of recovered fluid microbiota. When dietary modulation was performed after antibiotic intake, both communities showed little difference in structure from premodulated states. Additionally, antibiotic pretreatment reduced the basal lines of individual SCFAs but did not affect the increased percentages of SCFAs. Overall, our results indicate that antibiotic administration affects the structure of both rumen fluid and mucosal microbiota and reduces the functional redundancy of rumen microbiota.
The role of the long non‐coding RNA TDRG1 in epithelial ovarian carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression through miR‐93/RhoC pathway
Authors: Chen Shuo , Wang Li‐li , Sun Kai‐Xuan , Xiu Yin‐ling , Zong Zhi‐Hong , Chen Xi , Zhao Yang
Published: October 2017

As one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women, the development and progression of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) remains an open area of research. The role of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in EOC is an emerging field of study. We found that LncRNA TDRG1 (human testis development‐related gene 1) was highly expressed in EOC tissues than in normal ovarian tissues, and expression differed significantly with differentiation. LncRNA TDRG1 downregulation suppressed EOC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while its overexpression had the opposite effect. Bioinformatic predictions and dual‐luciferase reporter assays showed that LncRNA TDRG1 has possible miRNA‐93 (miR‐93) binding sites. LncRNA TDRG1 downregulation upregulated miR‐93 expression, while its overexpression reduced miR‐93 expression. In addition, TDRG1 downregulation reduced the expression of Ras homolog gene family member C (RhoC), P70 ribosomal S6 kinase (P70S6 K), Bcl‐xL, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) protein, which are regulated by miR‐93, while its upregulation induced RhoC, P70S6 K, Bcl‐xL, and MMP2 protein expression. In vivo, LncRNA TDRG1 overexpression induced tumor development and RhoC expression. Taken together, our results demonstrated for the first time that LncRNA TDRG1 may be a new and important diagnostic and therapeutic target in EOC.
Thermal limits on MV x‐ray production by bremsstrahlung targets in the context of novel linear accelerators
Authors: Wang Jinghui , Trovati Stefania , Borchard Philipp M. , Loo Billy W. , Maxim Peter G. , Fahrig Rebecca
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To study the impact of target geometrical and linac operational parameters, such as target material and thickness, electron beam size, repetition rate, and mean current on the ability of the radiotherapy treatment head to deliver high‐dose‐rate x‐ray irradiation in the context of novel linear accelerators capable of higher repetition rates/duty cycle than conventional clinical linacs.

Methods

The depth dose in a water phantom without a flattening filter and heat deposition in an x‐ray target by 10 MeV pulsed electron beams were calculated using the Monte‐Carlo code MCNPX, and the transient temperature behavior of the target was simulated by ANSYS. Several parameters that affect both the dose distribution and temperature behavior were investigated. The target was tungsten with a thickness ranging from 0 to 3 mm and a copper heat remover layer. An electron beam with full width at half maximum (FWHM) between 0 and3 mm and mean current of 0.05–2 mA was used as the primary beam at repetition rates of 100, 200, 400, and 800 Hz.

Results

For a 10 MeV electron beam with FWHM of 1 mm, pulse length of 5 μs, by using a thin tungsten target with thickness of 0.2 mm instead of 1 mm, and by employing a high repetition rate of 800 Hz instead of 100 Hz, the maximum dose rate delivered can increase two times from 0.57 to 1.16 Gy/s. In this simple model, the limiting factor on dose rate is the copper heat remover's softening temperature, which was considered to be 500°C in our study.

Conclusions

A high dose rate can be obtained by employing thin targets together with high repetition rate electron beams enabled by novel linac designs, whereas the benefit of thin targets is marginal at conventional repetition rates. Next generation linacs used to increase dose rate need different target designs compared to conventional linacs.
Joint water–fat separation and deblurring for spiral imaging
Authors: Wang Dinghui , Zwart Nicholas R. , Pipe James G.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Most previous approaches to spiral Dixon water–fat imaging perform the water–fat separation and deblurring sequentially based on the assumption that the phase accumulation and blurring as a result of off‐resonance are separable. This condition can easily be violated in regions where the B0 inhomogeneity varies rapidly. The goal of this work is to present a novel joint water–fat separation and deblurring method for spiral imaging.

Methods

The proposed approach is based on a more accurate signal model that takes into account the phase accumulation and blurring simultaneously. A conjugate gradient method is used in the image domain to reconstruct the deblurred water and fat iteratively. Spatially varying convolutions with a local convergence criterion are used to reduce the computational demand.

Results

Both simulation and high‐resolution brain imaging have demonstrated that the proposed joint method consistently improves the quality of reconstructed water and fat images compared with the sequential approach, especially in regions where the field inhomogeneity changes rapidly in space. The loss of signal‐to‐noise‐ratio as a result of deblurring is minor at optimal echo times.

Conclusions

High‐quality water–fat spiral imaging can be achieved with the proposed joint approach, provided that an accurate field map of B0 inhomogeneity is available. Magn Reson Med 79:3218–3228, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Prospective motion correction in 2D multishot MRI using EPI navigators and multislice‐to‐volume image registration
Authors: Hoinkiss Daniel Christopher , Porter David Andrew
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Prospective motion correction reduces artifacts in MRI by correcting for subject motion in real time, but techniques are limited for multishot 2‐dimensional (2D) sequences. This study addresses this limitation by using 2D echo‐planar imaging (EPI) slice navigator acquisitions together with a multislice‐to‐volume image registration.

Methods

The 2D‐EPI navigators were integrated into 2D imaging sequences to allow a rapid, real‐time motion correction based on the registration of three navigator slices to a reference volume. A dedicated slice‐iteration scheme was used to limit mutual spin‐saturation effects between navigator and image data. The method was evaluated using T2‐weighted spin echo and multishot rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) sequences, and its motion‐correction capabilities were compared with those of periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER). Validation was performed in vivo using a well‐defined motion protocol.

Results

Data acquired during subject motion showed residual motion parameters within ±0.5 mm and ±0.5°, and demonstrated a substantial improvement in image quality compared with uncorrected scans. In a comparison to PROPELLER, the proposed technique preserved a higher level of anatomical detail in the presence of subject motion.

Conclusions

EPI‐navigator‐based prospective motion correction using multislice‐to‐volume image registration can substantially reduce image artifacts, while minimizing spin‐saturation effects. The method can be adapted for use in other 2D MRI sequences and promises to improve image quality in routine clinical examinations. Magn Reson Med 78:2127–2135, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
A high‐performance gradient insert for rapid and short‐T2 imaging at full duty cycle
Authors: Weiger Markus , Overweg Johan , Rösler Manuela Barbara , Froidevaux Romain , Hennel Franciszek , Wilm Bertram Jakob , Penn Alexander , Sturzenegger Urs , Schuth Wout , Mathlener Menno , Borgo Martino , Börnert Peter , Leussler Christoph , Luechinger Roger , Dietrich Benjamin Emanuel , Reber Jonas , Brunner David Otto , Schmid Thomas , Vionnet Laetitia , Pruessmann Klaas P.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The goal of this study was to devise a gradient system for MRI in humans that reconciles cutting‐edge gradient strength with rapid switching and brings up the duty cycle to 100% at full continuous amplitude. Aiming to advance neuroimaging and short‐T2 techniques, the hardware design focused on the head and the extremities as target anatomies.

Methods

A boundary element method with minimization of power dissipation and stored magnetic energy was used to design anatomy‐targeted gradient coils with maximally relaxed geometry constraints. The design relies on hollow conductors for high‐performance cooling and split coils to enable dual‐mode gradient amplifier operation. With this approach, strength and slew rate specifications of either 100 mT/m with 1200 mT/m/ms or 200 mT/m with 600 mT/m/ms were reached at 100% duty cycle, assuming a standard gradient amplifier and cooling unit.

Results

After manufacturing, the specified values for maximum gradient strength, maximum switching rate, and field geometry were verified experimentally. In temperature measurements, maximum local values of 63°C were observed, confirming that the device can be operated continuously at full amplitude. Testing for peripheral nerve stimulation showed nearly unrestricted applicability in humans at full gradient performance. In measurements of acoustic noise, a maximum average sound pressure level of 132 dB(A) was determined. In vivo capability was demonstrated by head and knee imaging. Full gradient performance was employed with echo planar and zero echo time readouts.

Conclusion

Combining extreme gradient strength and switching speed without duty cycle limitations, the described system offers unprecedented options for rapid and short‐T2 imaging. Magn Reson Med 79:3256–3266, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
NLRP3/IL‐1β mediates denervation during bladder outlet obstruction in rats
Authors: Lütolf Robin , Hughes Francis M. , Inouye Brian M. , Jin Huixia , McMains Jennifer C. , Pak Elena S. , Hannan Johanna L. , Purves J. Todd
Published: October 2017

Aims

Denervation of the bladder is a detrimental consequence of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). We have previously shown that, during BOO, inflammation triggered by the NLRP3 inflammasome in the urothelia mediates physiological bladder dysfunction and downstream fibrosis in rats. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of NLRP3‐mediated inflammation on bladder denervation during BOO.

Methods

There were five groups of rats: (i) Control (no surgery); (ii) Sham‐operated; (iii) BOO rats given vehicle; (iv) BOO rats given the NLRP3 inhibitor glyburide; and (v) BOO rats given the IL‐1 receptor antagonist anakinra. BOO was constructed by ligating the urethra over a 1 mm catheter and removing the catheter. Medications were given prior to surgery and once daily for 12 days. Bladder sections were stained for PGP9.5, a pan‐neuronal marker. Whole transverse sections were used to identify and count nerves while assessing cross‐sectional area. For in vitro studies, pelvic ganglion neurons were isolated and treated with IL‐1β. After a 48 h incubation apoptosis, neurite length and branching were assessed.

Results

In obstructed bladders, the number of nerves decreased while total area increased, indicating a loss of cell number and/or branching. The decrease in nerve density was blocked by glyburide or anakinra, clearly implicating the NLRP3 pathway in denervation. In vitro analysis demonstrated that IL‐1β, a product of the inflammasome, induced apoptosis in pelvic ganglion neurons, suggesting one mechanism of BOO‐induced denervation is NLRP3/IL‐1β triggered apoptosis.

Conclusions

The NLRP3/IL‐1β‐mediated inflammation pathway plays a significant role in denervation during BOO.
A coupled interpolating meshfree method for computing sound radiation in infinite domain
Authors: Wu Shaowei , Xiang Yang
Published: October 2017

In this paper, the coupling of the improved interpolating element‐free Galerkin (IIEFG) method and the variable‐order infinite acoustic wave envelope element (WEE) method is studied. A coupled IIEFG‐WEE method for computing sound radiation is proposed to make use of their advantages while evading their disadvantages. The coupling is achieved by constructing the hybrid shape function of continuity and compatibility on the interface between the IIEFG and WEE domains. In the IIEFG domain, the improved interpolating moving least‐squares (IIMLS) method is used to form the shape functions satisfying the Kronecker delta condition while nonsingular weight functions can be used. The impacts of the size of the influence domain and the shape parameter on the performance of this coupled method are investigated. The numerical results show that the coupled IIEFG‐WEE method can take full advantage of both the IIEFG and WEE methods and that it not only can achieve higher accuracy but also has a faster convergence speed than the conventional method of the finite element coupled with the WEE. The experimental results show that the method is very flexible for acoustic radiation prediction in the infinite domain.
Insertion of triangulated surfaces into a meccano tetrahedral discretization by means of mesh refinement and optimization procedures
Authors: Ruiz‐Gironés Eloi , Oliver Albert , Socorro‐Marrero Guillermo Valentín , Cascón José Manuel , Escobar José María , Montenegro Rafael , Sarrate Josep
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we present a new method for inserting several triangulated surfaces into an existing tetrahedral mesh generated by the meccano method. The result is a conformal mesh where each inserted surface is approximated by a set of faces of the final tetrahedral mesh. First, the tetrahedral mesh is refined around the inserted surfaces to capture their geometric features. Second, each immersed surface is approximated by a set of faces from the tetrahedral mesh. Third, following a novel approach, the nodes of the approximated surfaces are mapped to the corresponding immersed surface. Fourth, we untangle and smooth the mesh by optimizing a regularized shape distortion measure for tetrahedral elements in which we move all the nodes of the mesh, restricting the movement of the edge and surface nodes along the corresponding entity they belong to. The refining process allows approximating the immersed surface for any initial meccano tetrahedral mesh. Moreover, the proposed projection method avoids computational expensive geometric projections. Finally, the applied simultaneous untangling and smoothing process delivers a high‐quality mesh and ensures that the immersed surfaces are interpolated. Several examples are presented to assess the properties of the proposed method.
Pretreatment Fasting Plasma Glucose Modifies Dietary Weight Loss Maintenance Success: Results from a Stratified RCT
Authors: Hjorth Mads F. , Due Anette , Larsen Thomas M. , Astrup Arne
Published: October 2017

Objective

Levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting insulin (FI) were studied as diet‐specific prognostic markers for successful weight loss maintenance in participants with overweight.

Methods

After losing ≥ 8% of body weight, participants received one of three ad libitum diets for 6 months: (1) a moderate‐fat diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA); a low‐fat, high‐fiber diet (Nordic Nutrition Recommendations [NNR]); and the Average Danish Diet (ADD). Participants were categorized as having low (< 90 mg/dL) or high (90‐105 mg/dL) FPG based on preintervention values. Median FI among those having high FPG was used as a cutoff for FI (FI ≤ 50 pmol/L; FI > 50 pmol/L).

Results

Participants with low FPG and randomized to MUFA, NNR, and ADD regained similarly 2.1 to 2.5 kg after 6 months. By contrast, participants with high FPG and randomized to MUFA, NNR, and ADD regained 2.73 kg (95% CI 1.33 to 4.13; P < 0.001), −0.05 kg (95% CI −1.95 to 1.86; P = 0.96), and 4.16 kg (95% CI 2.27 to 6.06; P < 0.001) after 6 months, respectively, resulting in lower weight regain on NNR compared to ADD (−4.21 kg [95% CI −6.83 to −1.59]; P = 0.002) and MUFA (95% CI −2.77 kg [−5.12 to −0.43]; P = 0.020). The addition of FI strengthened these associations.

Conclusions

Slightly elevated pretreatment FPG determined success in dietary weight loss maintenance among overweight patients on ad libitum diets differing in macronutrient and fiber content.
Influence of graphene nanosheets on stereocomplex crystallization behaviors of star‐shaped poly (D(L)‐lactide) stereoblock copolymer
Authors: Wu Xiaomeng , Chen Xiaoyu , Fan Zhongyong
Published: October 2017

The nanocompsites of star‐shaped poly(D‐lactide)‐co‐poly(L‐lactide) stereoblock copolymers (s‐PDLA‐PLLA) with two‐dimensional graphene nanosheets (GNSs) were prepared by solution mixing method. Crystallization behaviors were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, and wide angle X‐ray diffraction. The results of isothermal crystallization behaviors of the nanocompsites clearly indicated that the GNS could remarkably accelerate the overall crystallization rate of s‐PDLA‐PLLA copolymer. Unique stereocomplex crystallites with melting temperature about 207.0°C formed in isothermal crystallization for all samples. The crystallization temperatures of s‐PDLA‐PLLAs shifted to higher temperatures, and the crystallization peak shapes became sharper with increasing GNS contents. The maximum crystallization temperature of the sample with 3 wt% GNS was about 128.2°C, ie, 15°C higher than pure s‐PDLA‐PLLA. At isothermal crystallization processes, the halftime of crystallization (t0.5) of the sample with 3 wt% GNS decreased to 6.4 minutes from 12.9 minutes of pure s‐PDLA‐PLLA at 160°C.The Avrami exponentnvalues for the nanocomposites samples were 2.6 to 3.0 indicating the crystallization mechanism with three‐dimensional heterogeneous nucleation and spherulites growth. The morphology and average diameter of spherulites of s‐PDLA‐PLLA with various GNS contents were observed in isothermal crystallization processes by polarized optical microscopy. Spherulite growth rates of samples were evaluated by using combined isothermal and nonisothermal procedures and analyzed by the secondary nucleation theory. The results evidenced that the GNS has acceleration effects on the crystallization of s‐PDLA‐PLLA with good nucleation ability in the s‐PDLA‐PLLA material.
Dichlorocarbene modified butadiene rubber (DCBR): Preparation, kinetic study, and its properties in natural rubber/DCBR blend vulcanizates
Authors: Witinuntakit Tapanee , Kiatkamjornwong Suda , Poompradub Sirilux
Published: October 2017

Dichlorocarbene modified butadiene rubber (DCBR) was prepared via the addition of the dichlorocarbene group in the presence of 2 phase transfer agents (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and tetraethylammonium chloride). The effects of the reaction temperature and time, amount of dichlorocarbene precursor, and the type and amount of phase transfer agent on the chlorine content were investigated. The highest chlorine content (30%) in DCBR was obtained using 0.062 mol chloroform and 0.003 mol cetyltrimethylammonium bromide at room temperature for 19 hours although 27.9% was obtained after 12 hours. The kinetics of this dichlorocarbene modification was best described by the pseudo–first order rate law with 2 rate constants. For practical applications, the DCBR with chlorine contents of 10%, 20%, or 30% were blended with natural rubber (NR) and then vulcanized using the sulfur‐curing system. Although the polarity of DCBR was increased, a good compatibility between NR and DCBR still existed, resulting in improved mechanical properties. The oil resistance, flame retardant, and ozone resistance properties of the NR/DCBR blend vulcanizates were enhanced compared to those of a NR/butadiene rubber blend vulcanizate, which was related to the amount of chlorine incorporated into the DCBR.
Hierarchical fractal‐structured allophanate‐derived network formation in bulk polyurethane synthesis
Authors: Stern Theodor
Published: October 2017

Polyurethanes are among the most applied and researched polymers worldwide. Nevertheless, polyurethane synthesis is accompanied by a side‐reaction occurring between isocyanate groups and the secondary nitrogen of already formed urethane groups, leading to the formation of crosslinking allophanates. This inevitably requires the development of highly diagnostic direct analytical methods that can be performed in the solid state of the polymer. The present research focused on the direct investigation and diagnostic determination of the chemical structure formation in bulk polyurethane synthesis, using a combination of Fourier transform infrared and solid‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Polyurethane syntheses were performed in bulk and designed as to obtain significantly strong diagnostic analytical measurements signals for the accurate identification of each of the investigated chemical structures. The present research results led to the conclusive analytical identification of allophanate formation during polyurethane synthesis. In addition, the occurrence of a new reaction mechanism was discovered in the present research. It was demonstrated in the present research that this newly described reaction occurs via the further reaction of the allophanate secondary nitrogen with an isocyanate group, the reaction creating a tertiary nitrogen and an additional reactive secondary nitrogen, and so on, in a consecutive step progression, leading to the formation of a 3‐dimensional hierarchical fractal‐like crosslinked polymeric structure. Solid‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance analysis results were highly consistent with the Fourier transform infrared results. The discovery of this newly described reaction can facilitate the optimization of industrial processes and potentially opens a new door to the development of a vast variety of biomedical and nanotechnology applications.
Polymers for catalysis in water purification
Authors: Julkapli Nurhidayatullaili Muhd , Bagheri Samira
Published: October 2017

This review highlights the application of polymeric material in catalyst system for water purification technologies. Insufficient access to safe and clean drinking water is one of the most demanding needs of the people throughout the world. The consequences are death casualty of millions of people annually, mostly under the age of 5, by the diseases transmitted through contaminated water or human. Recent, flare‐up growth of polymeric technologies offers to handle such water purification as an adsorbent, catalyst, and sensors. This is due to its high reactivity, selectivity, and specific surface area. The nanocatalyst loaded polymeric system has been applied for the selective and efficient removal of pollutants from aqueous sources and demonstrated a highly resistant against mechanical stress, high temperature, pressure, and solvents. Different techniques including membrane technology, photocatalyst, and adsorbent have provided a medium for the polymeric catalyst. These series of metal oxide photocatalyst have been applied for several types of polymers including polysulfonate, poly(ether) sulfone, polyvinyl acetate, stract, polyurethane, and polyamide. It recorded that, the polymeric catalyst system is frequently utilized without loss of their specific adsorption and catalytic properties. The combined effects of water chemistry, nature of catalyst particles, loading capacity, and catalyst incorporation conditions for each system have been discussed in details.
Effect of fibre surface treatment on interfacial and mechanical properties of non‐woven kenaf fibre reinforced acrylic based polyester composites
Authors: Salim M.S. , Ariawan Dody , Ahmad Rasyid M.F. , Ahmad Thirmizir M.Z. , Mat Taib R. , Mohd. Ishak Z.A.
Published: October 2017

The interfacial and mechanical properties of nonwoven kenaf fibre (KF) reinforced acrylic based polyester composites fabricated by resin impregnation process were studied. Different types of treatments were applied to KF, i.e. alkali treatment with NaOH at concentration of 6% (at room and elevated temperature of 60°C) and heat treatment at 140°C for 10h. FT‐IR spectral data showed the chemical changes in KF that induced the modification of physical and interfacial characteristics of KF. Alkali treated KF was found to have smaller diameter but higher density. Significant increase in the crystallinity index of treated KF contributed to the improved fibre strength. AFM analysis revealed the exposure of cellulose micro‐fibril network and the increase in the area peak density value of treated KF. Surface energy of KF and surface tension of acrylic resin were obtained through Owens–Wendt–Rabel–Kaelble (OWRK) equation and Du Noüy ring approach, respectively, for the interfacial properties determination. The improved wettability of alkali treated KF was confirmed as higher surface energy of the fibre was recorded exceeding the surface tension of acrylic resin, thereby imparting better flexural properties and dynamic mechanical behavior, but conversely deteriorating the fracture toughness of the reinforced composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E214–E226, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
“Green” composites using bioresins from agro‐wastes and modified sisal fibers
Authors: Patil Namrata V. , Rahman Muhammad M. , Netravali Anil N.
Published: October 2017

“Green” composites were fabricated using modified sisal fibers and agro‐waste derived resins from nonedible protein and starch in a simple and cost‐effective manner. Sisal fibers were modified using a novel combination of mercerization followed by heat treatment under a pre‐determined tension which improved their Young's modulus by over 200% (from 5.5 to 16.7 GPa) and tensile strength by about 50% (from 300 to 450 MPa). The non‐edible protein and starch were extracted from defatted karanja (Pongamia pinnata) and mango (Mangifera indica) seed cake wastes, respectively, to prepare the green resins. Composite specimens were fabricated using as‐received and modified fibers and agro‐waste derived resins using a hand lay‐up process followed by hot‐pressing. The tensile properties of the composites made with modified fibers showed significant improvement as compared to the composites made with as‐received fibers as well as other edible starch or protein‐based sisal composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:99–108, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comparison of the ability of double‐robust estimators to correct bias in propensity score matching analysis. A Monte Carlo simulation study
Authors: Nguyen Tri‐Long , Collins Gary S. , Spence Jessica , Devereaux Philip J. , Daurès Jean‐Pierre , Landais Paul , Le Manach Yannick
Published: October 2017

Objective

As covariates are not always adequately balanced after propensity score matching and double‐ adjustment can be used to remove residual confounding, we compared the performance of several double‐robust estimators in different scenarios.

Methods

We conducted a series of Monte Carlo simulations on virtual observational studies. After estimating the propensity scores by logistic regression, we performed 1:1 optimal, nearest‐neighbor, and caliper matching. We used 4 estimators on each matched sample: (1) a crude estimator without double‐adjustment, (2) double‐adjustment for the propensity scores, (3) double‐adjustment for the unweighted unbalanced covariates, and (4) double‐adjustment for the unbalanced covariates, weighted by their strength of association with the outcome.

Results

The crude estimator led to highest bias in all tested scenarios. Double‐adjustment for the propensity scores effectively removed confounding only when the propensity score models were correctly specified. Double‐adjustment for the unbalanced covariates was more robust to misspecification. Double‐adjustment for the weighted unbalanced covariates outperformed the other approaches in every scenario and using any matching algorithm, as measured by the mean squared error.

Conclusion

Double‐adjustment can be used to remove residual confounding after propensity score matching. The unbalanced covariates with the strongest confounding effects should be adjusted.
Patterns of long‐term use of non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants for non‐valvular atrial fibrillation: Quebec observational study
Authors: Douros Antonios , Renoux Christel , Coulombe Janie , Suissa Samy
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Studies on long‐term utilization of non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) are scarce. We evaluated predictors of use and long‐term persistence of NOACs in a real‐world setting.

Methods

This population‐based cohort study used the computerized databases of the Canadian Province of Quebec's health insurance. Patients with a first NVAF diagnosis from 2011 until 2014 were included. A logistic regression model yielded adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for predictors of treatment initiation with NOACs versus VKAs. Cox proportional hazards models yielded adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for predictors of switching from VKAs to NOACs versus remaining on VKAs, and for predictors of discontinuation of anticoagulation treatment.

Results

Of the 62 867 newly diagnosed NVAF patients, 14 646 initiated NOACs and 17 685 VKAs. Initiation with NOACs was less likely for patients ≥ 80 years old (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41–0.73) or with CHA2DS2‐VASc ≥ 2 (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.42–0.57). Switching from VKAs to NOACs was less likely for patients with chronic kidney disease (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.48–0.59). After 3 years, persistence was 54% with NOACs and 25% with VKAs. Discontinuation of anticoagulation treatment was less likely for patients ≥ 80 years old (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.40–0.55) or with CHA2DS2‐VASc ≥ 2 (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.57–0.70).

Conclusions

Older, high‐risk patients are less likely to initiate NOACs than VKAs. NOAC users show a higher long‐term persistence than VKA users, and older, high‐risk patients are less likely to discontinue anticoagulation treatment.