bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split 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

AbstractBACKGROUNDSeveral 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.RESULTSIncreasing 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.CONCLUSIONThe 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

AbstractBACKGROUNDVariability 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.RESULTSIn 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.CONCLUSIONThe 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

AbstractA 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

AbstractA 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

AbstractPhotoirradiation 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

AbstractThe 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.
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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractWe 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.
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

PurposeTo 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.MethodsThe 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.ResultsFor 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.ConclusionsA 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

PurposeMost 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.MethodsThe 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.ResultsBoth 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.ConclusionsHigh‐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

PurposeProspective 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.MethodsThe 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.ResultsData 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.ConclusionsEPI‐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

PurposeThe 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsAfter 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.ConclusionCombining 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

AimsDenervation 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.MethodsThere 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.ResultsIn 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.ConclusionsThe 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

SummaryIn 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.