Humidity,density, and inlet aspiration efficiency correction improve accuracy of a low-cost sensor during field calibration at a suburban site in the North-Western Indo-Gangetic plain (NW-IGP)

Abstract

Low-cost particulate matter (PM) sensors are now widely used by concerned citizens to monitor PM exposure despite poor validation under field conditions. Here, we report the field calibration of a modified version of the Laser Egg (LE), against Class III US EPA Federal Equivalent Method PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 β-attenuation analyzers. The calibration was performed at a site in the north-western Indo-Gangetic Plain from 27 April 2016 to 25 July 2016. At ambient PM mass loadings ranging from <1–838?µg m^?3 and <1–228?µg m^?3 for PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, respectively, measurements of PM₁₀, PM_2.5 from the LE were precise, with a Pearson correlation coefficient (r) >0.9 and a percentage coefficient of variance (CV) <12%. The original Mean Bias Error (MBE) of ～?90?µg m^?3 decreased to ?30.9?µg m^?3 (Sensor 1) and ?23.2?µg m^?3 (Sensor 2) during the summer period (27 April–15 June 2016) after correcting for particle density and aspiration losses. During the monsoon period (16 June–25 July 2016) the MBE of the PM_2.5 measurements decreased from 19.1?µg m^?3 to 8.7?µg m^?3 and from 28.3?µg m^?3 to 16.5?µg m^?3 for Sensor 1 and Sensor 2, respectively, after correcting for particle density and hygroscopic growth. The corrections reduced the overall MBE to <20?µg m^?3 for PM₁₀ and <3?µg m^?3 for PM_2.5, indicating that modified version of the LE could be used for ambient PM monitoring with appropriate correction and meteorological observations. However, users of the original product may underestimate their PM₁₀ exposure.

Copyright © 2020 American Association for Aerosol Research     

Effect of Different Solvents on the Synthesis of Resorcinol–Formaldehyde and g-C3N4 Composite as Photocatalyst for Degradation of Methylene Blue

Carbon nitride, a hot spot in metal-free material, has been widely studied for various fields of application. Various efforts have been made to improve the photocatalytic activity of carbon nitride, including cross-linking with other kinds of polymers. In this study, Resorcinol – Formaldehyde (RF) resins were chosen to modify carbon nitride because they can act as a sacrificial agent to create the Z-scheme catalytic system with carbon nitride. The novelty of this study is using polyol solvents to synthesize nano-fragments Resorcinol–Formaldehyde. The goal of this work was to study the influence of polyol solvents on the formation of RF polymer and the photocatalytic performance of RF-modified carbon nitride. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images suggested that nano-fragments RF resins that were synthesized in ethylene glycol and glycerol were able to deposit densely on the surface and in pores of carbon nitride as nano-fragments, while RF obtained from hydrothermal had the morphology of microspheres and only anchored on the surface of carbon nitride. In terms of BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) surface area, E-RFCN had the largest value in four samples (72.3 m² g^?1) and was the only sample that had the BET value higher than that of pristine carbon nitride (26.9 m² g^?1). Regarding the photocatalytic activity, E-RFCN was the optimal sample that could completely remove MB in the solution within 40 min in H₂O₂/visible light conditions. Furthermore, the catalyst could work effectively in a wide pH range from 5 to 9, and could be reused for 4 cycles. By conducting radical scavenging experiments, it was founded that ?OH, photoinduced holes (h?+) and ?O₂^? contributed to MB decomposition by the order: h?+??>??OH?>??O₂^?. Finally, the hypothesis for the effect of polyol solvents on the polymerization of RF and the RF-carbon nitride cross-linking had been proposed.

     

Adsorption and selective recognition of 17?-estradiol by molecularly imprinted polymers

The 17?-estradiol-imprinted polymers using non-covalent approach with methacrylic acid as the functional monomer was prepared and characterized. The effect of porogenic solvents on the adsorption capacity and thermal stability of the molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were examined. Scanning electron microscopic images showed that the synthesized MIPs were bulk porous materials. The surface areas of MIPs increased from 151?C188 to 239?C292?m²?g^-1 when templates were removed by methanol using Soxhlet extraction. In addition, the MIPs prepared in chloroform had a higher adsorption capacity towards 17?-estradiol (1,212???g?g^-1) than that in acetonitrile (769???g?g^-1), indicating that less polar porogenic solvent is suitable for synthesis of non-covalent MIPs. FTIR showed that the carbonyl group is the major functional group in MIPs to form monomer-template complex via H-bond. In addition, only a slight decrease (< 5?%) in adsorption capacity of the MIPs was observed when incubated at 80?°C for 5?h. Analysis of the capacity factor values (??_imp??) for MIPs indicated that the rebinding ability from selective recognition sites of MIPs decreased in the order 17?-estradiol?>?testosterone?>?benzo[a]pyrene?>?progesterone?>?phenol, and the ??_imp?? values decreased from 2.68 to 0.63, indicating the excellent selectivity of MIPs among closely related compounds. Results obtained in this study clearly indicate that the imprinted polymer is specific for recognizing 17?-estradiol. The excellent selectivity and high adsorption capacity of 17?-estradiol-imprinted polymers open the door to develop MIPs for effective separation and adsorption of estrogenic compounds.     

Heating and cooling of flocculated and non-flocculated slurries in tubular heat exchangers

The distinctly different turbulent heat transfer characteristics of flocculated kaolin slurries are compared with nonflocculated coal slurries via modified J-factor correlation forms for tubular exchangers. Both slurry types were statistically best-fitted with the approximate solution Bingham plastic flow model in preference to the local shear power law. In addition, the first known turbulent slurry heat transfer cooling results are presented along with the heating results. No distinction was made between heating and cooling correlation forms because of a random scatter of experimental points. Experimental results were interpreted as follows A. Flocculated kaolin slurries J_H = (h/C_pG) (C/K₁)^2;3= 0.027(DVρ/μLe^B?)^0.2 11%ω < %ω Solids < 24%ω Maximum Deviations: + 19.3%, ? 17.8% B. Non-flocculated coal slurries J_w = (h/C_pG)(C_pμLe^B?/k_w)^2/3e^?B?/4) =0.0285 (DVρ/ μLe^B?)^?0.2 13%_w > %w Solids < 33.5%. Maximum Deviations: + 17.8%, - 11.1%     

Tape casting of polysiloxane-derived ceramic with controlled porosity and surface properties

Tape casting has been applied to produce porous hybrid and SiOC ceramic tapes using ceramic precursors and commercially available polysiloxanes as polymeric binders. SiC particles of two different mean sizes (4.5 or 6.5?μm) were used as inert fillers to prevent shrinkage and increase mechanical stability. Macroporosity was adjusted by varying the azodicarbonamide (ADA) content from 0 to 30?wt.%. Decomposition of the polysiloxanes at 600?°C resulted in the generation of micropores with high specific surface area (187–267 m²?g^?1) and a predominant hydrophobic behavior. At 1000?°C mainly meso/macroporosity were observed (SSA: 32–162 m²?g^?1) accompanied by increased hydrophilicity. The influence of ADA content, SiC size, and pyrolysis temperature on open porosity (2.5–37%), average pore size (<0.01–1.76?μm), surface characteristics, and flexural strength (10.5–121?MPa) were investigated. The porous tapes with different surface characteristics and controlled structure are highly promising for applications involving membrane processes, particularly microfiltration systems (0.1–10?μm).     

Is Differential Use of Juniperus monosperma by Small Ruminants Driven by Terpenoid Concentration?

Differential plant use by herbivores has been observed for several woody plant species and has frequently been attributed to plant secondary metabolites. We examined the relationship between terpenoid concentration and Juniperus monosperma herbivory by small ruminants. Two groups of animals (10 goats or 5 goats plus 4 sheep) browsed 16 paddocks (20?×?30 m) containing one-seed juniper for six days during two seasons. Juniper leaves were sampled from 311 saplings immediately after browsing. Saplings were categorized by size (short [<0.5 m], medium [0.5–1.0 m], or tall [>1.0 m]), and by browsing intensity (light [<33 %], moderate [33–66 %], or heavy [>66 %]). Juniper bark was collected from 12 saplings during spring. Total estimated terpenoid concentrations in leaves and bark were 18.3?±?0.3 and 8.9?±?0.8 mg/g, respectively, and the dominant terpene in both tissues was α-pinene (11.1?±?0.2 and 7.6?±?0.7 mg/g, respectively). Total terpenoid concentration of juniper leaves was greater in spring than summer (20.6?±?0.5 vs. 16.7?±?0.3 mg/g, respectively) and was lower in short saplings than medium or tall saplings (16.5?±?0.6 vs. 19.8?±?0.4 and 19.5?±?0.4 mg/g, respectively). Total terpenoid concentration of leaves also differed among the three defoliation categories (21.2?±?0.6, 18.7?±?0.5, and 16.1?±?0.4 mg/g for light, moderate, and heavy, respectively). The smallest subset of terpenoids able to discriminate between light and heavy browsing intensity categories included eight compounds ([E]-β-farnesene, bornyl acetate, γ-eudesmol, endo-fenchyl acetate, γ-cadinene, α-pinene, cis-piperitol, and cis-p-menth-2-en-1-ol). Our results suggest terpenoid concentrations in one-seed juniper are related to season, sapling size, and browsing by small ruminants.     

The effect of two β-alanine dosing strategies on 30-minute rowing performance: a randomized,controlled trial

Background

β-alanine (βA) supplementation has been shown to increase intramuscular carnosine content and subsequent high-intensity performance in events lasting <?4?minutes (min), which may be dependent on total, as opposed to daily, dose. The ergogenic effect of βA has also been demonstrated for 2000-m rowing performance prompting interest in whether βA may be beneficial for sustained aerobic exercise. This study therefore investigated the effect of two βA dosing strategies on 30-min rowing and subsequent sprint performance.

Methods

Following University Ethics approval, twenty-seven healthy, male rowers (age: 24?±?2?years; body-height: 1.81?±?0.02?m; body-mass: 82.3?±?2.5?kg; body-fat: 14.2?±?1.0%) were randomised in a double-blind manner to 4?weeks of: i) βA (2.4?g·d^??1, βA1); ii) matched total βA (4.8?g on alternate days, βA2); or iii) cornflour placebo (2.4?g·d^??1, PL). Participants completed a laboratory 30-min rowing time-trial, followed by 3x30-seconds (s) maximal sprint efforts at days 0, 14 and 28 (T1-T3). Total distance (m), average power (W), relative average power (W·kg^??1), cardio-respiratory measures and perceived exertion were assessed for each 10-min split. Blood lactate ([La-]_b mmol·L^??1) was monitored pre-post time-trial and following maximal sprint efforts. A 3-way repeated measures ANOVA was employed for main analyses, with Bonferonni post-hoc assessment (P?≤?0.05).

Results

Total 30-min time-trial distance significantly increased from T1-T3 within βA1 only (7397?±?195?m to 7580?±?171?m, P?=?0.002, ?p²?=?0.196), including absolute average power (194.8?±?18.3?W to 204.2?±?15.5?W, P?=?0.04, ?p²?=?0.115) and relative average power output (2.28?±?0.15?W·kg^??1 to 2.41?±?0.12?W·kg^??1, P?=?0.031, ?p²?=?0.122). These findings were potentially explained by within-group significance for the same variables for the first 10?min split (P?≤?0.01), and for distance covered (P?=?0.01) in the second 10-min split. However, no condition x time interactions were observed. No significant effects were found for sprint variables (P?>?0.05) with comparable values at T3 for mean distance (βA1: 163.9?±?3.8?m; βA2: 161.2?±?3.5?m; PL: 162.7?±?3.6?m), average power (βA1: 352.7?±?14.5?W; βA2: 342.2?±?13.5?W; PL: 348.2?±?13.9?W) and lactate (βA1: 10.0?±?0.9?mmol·L^??1; βA2: 9.2?±?1.1?mmol·L^??1; PL: 8.7?±?0.9?mmol·L^??1).

Conclusions

Whilst daily βA may confer individual benefits, these results demonstrate limited impact of βA (irrespective of dosing strategy) on 30-min rowing or subsequent sprint performance. Further investigation of βA dosage >?2.4?g·d^??1 and/or chronic intervention periods (>?4–8?weeks) may be warranted based on within-group observations.

     

Emissions and radiative impacts of sub-10 nm particles from biofuel and fossil fuel cookstoves

Abstract

Combustion sources have been shown to directly emit particles smaller than 10?nm. The emission of 1-3?nm particles from biofuel or fossil fuel cookstoves has not been studied previously, nor have the radiative impacts of these emissions been investigated. In this work, emissions (number of particles) were measured during a water boiling test performed on five different cookstoves (three-stone fire, rocket elbow, gasifier, charcoal, and liquified petroleum gas [LPG]) for particle diameters between ～1 and ～1000?nm. We found significant emissions of particles smaller than 10?nm for all cookstoves (>5?×?10¹⁵ # kg-fuel^?1). Furthermore, cleaner (e.g., LPG) cookstoves emitted a larger fraction of sub-10?nm particles (relative to the total particle counts) than traditional cookstoves (e.g., three-stone fire). Simulations performed with the global chemical transport model GEOS-Chem-TOMAS that were informed by emissions data from this work suggested that sub-10?nm particles were unlikely to significantly influence number concentrations of particles with diameters larger than 80?nm that can serve as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) (<0.3%, globally averaged) or alter the cloud-albedo indirect effect (absolute value <0.005?W m^?2, globally averaged). The largest, but still relatively minor, localized changes in CCN-relevant concentrations (<10%) and the cloud-albedo indirect effect (absolute value <0.5?W m^?2) were found in large biofuel combustion source regions (e.g., Brazil, Tanzania, Southeast Asia) and in the Southern Ocean. Enhanced coagulation-related losses of these sub-10?nm particles at sub-grid scales will tend to further reduce their impact on particle number concentrations and the aerosol indirect effect, although they might still be of relevance for human health.

Copyright © 2020 American Association for Aerosol Research     

Optimal cut-off for obesity and markers of metabolic syndrome for Ethiopian adults

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as the presence of central obesity plus any two of the following markers: high triglycerides (>?150 mg/dl), low high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol <?40 mg/dl in men and?<?50 mg/dl in women, hypertension (blood pressure?>?130/85 mmHg or use of antihypertensive medication), high fasting blood glucose (>?100 mg/dl or use of treatment for diabetes mellitus). Since recently, metabolic syndrome and obesity have become emerging problems of both low and middle income countries, although they have been the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in high income countries for the past decades. It has been indicated that the international anthropometric cut-off for detecting obesity is not appropriate for Ethiopians. This study developed optimal cut off values for anthropometric indicators of obesity and markers of metabolic syndrome for Ethiopian adults to enhance preventive interventions.

Methods

A total of 704 employees of Jimma University were randomly selected using their payroll as a sampling frame. Data on socio-demographic, anthropometry, clinical and blood samples were collected from February to April 2015. Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve analyses were used to determine optimal anthropometric cut-off values for obesity and markers of the metabolic syndrome. WHO indicators of obesity based on body fat percent (>?25% for males and?>?35% for females) were used as binary classifiers for developing anthropometric cut-offs. Optimal cut-off values were presented using sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve.

Results

The optimal cut-off for obesity using body mass index was 22.2 k/m² for males and 24.5 kg/m² for females. Similarly, the optimal waist circumference cut-off for obesity was 83.7 cm for males and 78.0 cm for females. The cut-off values for detecting obesity using waist to hip ratio and waist to height ratio were: WHR (0.88) and WHtR (0.49) for males, while they were 0.82 and 0.50 for females, respectively. Anthropometric cut-off values for markers of metabolic syndrome were lower compared to the international values. For females, the optimal BMI cut-offs for metabolic syndrome markers ranged from 24.8 kg/m² (triglycerides) to 26.8 kg/m² (fasting blood sugar). For WC the optimal cut-off ranged from of 82.1 cm (triglyceride) to 96.0 cm(HDL); while for WHtR the optimal values varied from 0.47(HDL) to 0.56(fasting blood sugar). Likewise, the optimal cut-offs of WHR for markers of metabolic syndrome ranged from 0.78(fasting blood sugar) to 0.89(HDL and blood pressure). For males, the optimal BMI cut-offs for metabolic syndrome markers ranged from 21.0 kg/m² (HDL) to 23.5 kg/m² (blood pressure). For WC, the optimal cut-off ranged from 85.3 cm (triglyceride) to 96.0 cm(fasting blood sugar); while for WHtR the optimal values varied from 0.47(BP, FBS and HDL) to 0.53(Triglyceride). Similarly, the optimal cut-offs of WHR form markers of metabolic syndrome ranged from 0.86(blood pressure) to 0.95(fasting blood sugar).

Conclusion

The optimal anthropometric cut-offs for obesity and markers of metabolic syndrome in Ethiopian adults are lower than the international values. The findings imply that the international cut-off for WC, WHtR, WHR and BMI underestimate obesity and metabolic syndrome markers among Ethiopian adults, which should be considered in developing intervention strategies. It is recommended to use the new cut-offs for public health interventions to curb the increasing magnitude of obesity and associated metabolic syndrome and diet related non-communicable diseases in Ethiopia.

     

Incorporation of EGCG into an etch-and-rinse adhesive system: mechanical properties and bond strength to caries affected dentin

This study evaluated how a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor (EGCG) incorporated into an etch-and-rinse adhesive system (AS) affects the long-term microtensile bond strength (MTBS) to caries affected dentin (CAD) and flexural strength (FS) of AS. Forty CAD surfaces received acid conditioning and were randomly divided into four groups (n?=?10): EGCG-PRE – dentin treatment with 200?μg/mL EGCG solution; EGCG-INC – 200?μg/mL EGCG solution incorporated into SA; CHX-PRE – dentin treatment with 2% digluconate solution; NT – no treatment. The AS (Adper Single Bond 2, 3M ESPE) was applied and resin composite blocks were built on the dentin. Beam-shaped specimens (0.8?mm²) were obtained submitted to MTBS testing following 24?h, 6 months or 1 year of water storage (WS). Adhesive interface was analyzed by SEM. FS testing was performed by preparing specimens with the adhesive system, with or without the EGCG solution (200?μg/mL) (n?=?10). Tests were carried out in a universal machine (0.5?mm/min). MTBS data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test, whereas FS data, to the Student’s t-test (α?=?0.05). MTBS values were not affected by EGCG application, either incorporated or used as a dentin treatment agent, regardless of the WS period; however, CHX negatively affected MTBS to CAD (p?<?0.001). WS significantly reduced MTBS values (p?<?0.001) from the 6-months time point. FS was not affected by EGCG incorporation into the SA (p?=?0.2527). EGCG incorporation into AS was unable to maintain bond stability to CAD over time, whereas it did not compromise adhesive’s property.     

Fine grained Al2O3/SiC composite ceramic tool material prepared by two-step microwave sintering

Fine-grained Al₂O₃/SiC composite ceramic tool materials were synthesized by two-step microwave sintering. The effects of first-step sintering temperature (T1), content and particle size of SiC on the microstructure and mechanical properties were studied. It was found that the sample with higher content of SiC was achieved with finer grains, and the incorporation of SiC particles could bridge, branch and deflect the cracks, thus improving the fracture toughness. Higher T1 was required for the densification of the samples with higher content of SiC (>5?wt%). The sample containing 3?wt% SiC particles with the mean particle size of 100?nm, which was sintered at 1600?°C (T1) and 1100?°C (T2) for 5?min had the fine microstructure and optimal properties. Its relative density, grain size, Vickers hardness and fracture toughness obtained were 98.37%, 0.78?±?0.31?μm, 18.40?±?0.24?GPa and 4.97?±?0.30?MPa?m^1/2, respectively. Compared to the sample prepared by single-step microwave sintering, although near full densification can be achieved in both two methods, the grain size was reduced by 36% and the fracture toughness was improved by 28% in two-step microwave sintering.     

Processing of porous glass ceramics from highly crystallisable industrial wastes

This study was carried out to gain understanding about the sintering behaviour of highly crystallisable industrial waste derived silicate mixtures under direct heating and rapid cooling conditions. The materials used in this study were plasma vitrified air pollution control waste and rejected pharmaceutical borosilicate glass. Powder compacts sintered under direct heating conditions were highly porous; compacts with particle size <?38?μm reached a maximum density of 2.74 g?cm^??3 at 850°C, whereas compacts with particles of size <?100?and <?250?μm reached maximum densities of 2.69 and 2.72 g?cm^??3 at 875 and 900°C respectively. Further increase in sintering temperature resulted in a rapid decrease in density of the glass ceramics. Image analysis results were used to link the sudden drop in density to the increase in volume of microsized pores formed in the samples during sintering. In particular, compacts made from <?38 μm particles sintered at 950°C resulted in 65 vol.-% porosity with a pore size of ～20?μm. Such materials can be used for sound and thermal insulation purposes.     

The Conversion of Butadiene on Thiophene Hydrodesulfurization Catalysts

The production of thiophene via heterocyclization of butadiene with sulfur (hcycl.) has been studied in the interaction of butadiene with sulfided, alumina supported nickel (Ni6), molybdena?Calumina (Mo6) and nickel promoted molybdena?Calumina of a 0.35 atomic ratio of Ni:Mo (NiMo0.35). The sequence of the rates of thiophene production on these catalysts in a circulation system was the same (^hcyclm_NiMo0.35?>?^hcyclm_Mo6?>?^hcyclm_Ni6) than that for thiophene hydrodesulfurization observed before. The virtual activation energy values of the butadiene heterocyclization have been determined and compared with those of thiophene hydrodesulfurization determined before and with the strengths of bonds between reacting atoms and the different catalysts indicate calculated before. This comparison indicates that desorption of the product is the rate determining step in the butadiene heterocyclization.     

Fenton oxidation and adsorption pretreatment for superior biogas recovery from biomethanated spent wash

Abstract

A key task in alcohol distilleries is the effective treatment of biomethanated spent wash after biogas recovery. This colored washwater exhibits low biodegradability index (BI?<?0.2), high chemical oxygen demand (30,000?<?COD?<?40,000?mg/L), and recalcitrance to aerobic treatment. In this work, pretreatment of biomethanated distillery wastewater by Fenton oxidation was proposed for improved biogas recovery. The effects of temperature, solution pH, and H₂O₂ dosage on the efficacy of the oxidation process were studied. Using ferrous sulfate catalyst (36?mg/L) for diluted wastewater (BOD₅?=?81; COD?=?400?mg/L), 54% reduction in COD was achieved within 1?h in acidic medium (pH?=?3) at ambient temperature (T?=?30?°C). Post-oxidation, the BI value improved (0.33). After subsequent adsorption over activated carbon (loading 5%) for 1?h, COD reduction (70%), and BI value (0.43) improved further. Upon anaerobic treatment with 1% acclimatized biomass, 1?Nm³ of biogas (47% CH₄) was additionally formed per m³ of treated wastewater; without pretreatment, this value was 0.9?Nm³ (just 11% CH₄). Lastly, aerobic treatment was performed and the results were encouraging: BI?=?0.51 and COD reduction?=?94%. Many oxidation products were identified and first-order kinetic plots were made to describe COD conversion kinetics. In this way, useful insight on a plausible technique for valorization of biomethanated washwater was provided.     

The adsorption of strychnine at a mercury—solution interface

The adsorption of strychnine in an aqueous acetate buffer has been studied in order to explain the optimum conditions of an electrochemical asymmetric synthesis in which it is used as inductor. In dilute solutions (m < 10^?4) the adsorption is a slow kinetic process while at more concentrated values (m > 10^?4) it is affected by an association in solution. This explains the fact that the optimum conditions for the synthesis are known to correspond to a concentration 10^?4 M in strychnine.Further more while it is not adsorbed at very positive charges, this molecule saturates the surface of the electrode for negative charges between ?2 and ?7 μCcm^?2ie between ?500 and ?900 mV (Calomel electrode KCl 0.1 M). At still more negative charges (?1300 mV) hydrogen is catalytically discharged.     

Laser light-scattering studies of soluble high performance fluorine-containing polyimides

Two sets of soluble high performance polyimides synthesized from 2,2′-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane dianhydride (6FDA) and 2,2′-(trifluoromethyl)-4,4′-diaminobiphenyl diamine (PFMB), and from 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4′,5,5′-biphenyl-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (HFBPDA) and 2,2′-(trifluoromethyl)-4,4′-diaminobiphenyl diamine (PFMB) have been investigated by static and dynamic laser light scattering (LLS) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at 30°C. The calibrations, for 6FDA-PFMB: <R_g> (nm) = 3.87 × 10^?2 <M_w> ^0.568, <R_h> (nm) = 2.38 × 10^?2 <M_w>^0.560 and <D> (cm²/s) = 2.13 × 10^?4 <M_w>^?0.560; for HFBPDA-PFMB: <R_g> (nm) = 2.24 × 10^?2 <M_w>^0.626, <R_h> (nm) = 1.27 × 10^?2 <M_w>^0.621 and <D> (cm²/s) = 3.99 × 10^?4 <M_w>^?0.621, have been established, where <M₂>, <R_g>, <R_h> and <D> are the weight-average molar mass, the root mean square z-average radius of gyration, the z-average hydrodynamic radius and the z-average translational diffusion coefficient, respectively. A combination of <M_w> and the translational diffusion coefficient distribution G(D) leads to the calibrations of D (cm²/s) = 2.41 × 10^?4M^?0.564 and D (cm²/s) = 6.16 × 10^?4M^?0.656 for 6FDA-PFMB and HFBPDA-PFMB, respectively, where D and M correspond to monodisperse species. With these calibrations, we can convert a translational diffusion coefficient distribution G(D) into a corresponding molar mass distribution f_w(M). On the basis of the Kratky-Porod wormlike chain model, the persistence lengths (q) were found to be ? 3.3 nm and ? 4.5 nm, respectively, for 6FDA-PFMB and HFBPDA-PFMB, which indicates that both polyimide chains have an extended conformation. In addition, <R_g> / <R_h> ? (1.7-1.9) shows that they are in coil conformation. Therefore, we conclude that both polyimides have an extended coil conformation.     

Diet quality and therapeutic targets in patients with type 2 diabetes: evaluation of concordance between dietary indexes

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the concordance between two dietary indexes, the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and the Diabetes Healthy Eating Index (DHEI), in evaluating diet quality and its possible association with therapeutic targets in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated at a university hospital. Dietary information was obtained from a quantitative food frequency questionnaire (previously validated for use in patients with type 2 diabetes) and converted into daily intakes. Diet quality was assessed using two dietary indexes: HEI (12 components, nine food groups and three moderation components) and DHEI (10 components, six food groups, three nutrient groups, and one for variety of diet). In both indexes, the sum of the scores for each component yields an overall score converted on a scale from 0 to 100%; diet quality is subsequently ranked as low (<51%), needing improvement (51–80%), or high (>80%). Patients underwent clinical and laboratory assessment. Those with fasting blood glucose values 70–130 mg/dL, A1c?<?7%, total cholesterol <200 mg/dL, LDL-cholesterol <100 mg/dL, and triglycerides <150 mg/dL were considered to meet therapeutic targets. All analyses were conducted in PASW Statistics 18.0, and p?<?0.05 deemed significant.

Results

We analyzed 148 patients with type 2 diabetes (73% white, mean age 63.2?±?9.4 years, median diabetes duration 10 [IQR 5–19] years, mean A1c% 8.4?±?2.0%, and mean BMI 30.5?±?4.2 kg/m²). Mean energy intake was 2114?±?649 kcal/day. DHEI scores were 17.0 (95%CI -6.8 to 41.0) points lower than HEI scores (55.9?±?14.2% vs. 72.9?±?10.7%, respectively; P?<?0.001), suggesting there is no agreement (Bland-Altman method), and the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.55 (P?<?0.001). More patients were classified as having a low-quality diet by the DHEI than by the HEI (38.5% vs. 1.4%; P?<?0.001). A higher proportion of patients (35.7%) with out-of-target total cholesterol levels had a low-quality diet evaluated by the DHEI (P?=?0.03). We did not find associations between overall score of HEI and therapeutic targets.

Conclusions

In its intended population of patients with type 2 diabetes, the DHEI seems to be a more rigorous tool to evaluate association between diet quality and changes in metabolic parameters.

     

Bacillus cereus adhesion: an investigation of the physicochemical characteristics of surface and effect of bio adhesion on the properties of silicone

The initial microorganism adhesion on substrate is an important step for biofilm formation. The surface properties of the silicone and Bacillus cereus were characterized by the sessile drop technique. Moreover, the physicochemical properties (hydrophobicity; electron donor/electron acceptor) of surface adhesion and the impact of bio adhesion on the silicone were determined at different time of contact (3, 7, and 24?h). The results showed that the strain was hydrophilic (Giwi?=?3.37?mJ/m²), whereas the silicone has hydrophobic character (Giwi?=??68.28?mJ/m²). Silicone surface presents a weak electron-donor character (γ ^??=?2.2?mJ/m²) conversely to B. cereus that presents an important electron donor-parameter (γ ^??=?31.6?mJ/m²). The adhesion of B. cereus to silicone was investigated using environmental scanning electron microscope and image analysis was assessed with the Matlab^® program. After 3?h of contact, the data analysis, confirmed the bio adhesion with an amount of 9.610⁵?cfu/cm² adhered cells. After 24?h, the percentage of silicone covered reached 93%. Furthermore, despite the difference in hydrophohbicity, the interaction between B. cereus and substrata was favoured by the thermodynamic model of adhesion (ΔG _adhesion ?<?0). The real time investigation of the effect of B. cereus adhesion on the physicochemical properties of silicone has revealed that the substrata becomes hydrophilic (θ°?=?47.3, ΔGiwi?=?23.7?mJ/m²), after 7?h of contact. This bio adhesion had also favoured the increase of electron donor/acceptor character of silicone (γ ^??=?53.1?mJ/m² and γ ⁺?=?5.3?mJ/m²).     

A study of compressive strength between zirconia framework and veneering ceramic as a function of thermal expansion coefficient using Shell–Nielsen test method

This study investigated the adhesion between zirconia framework and four veneering ceramic (VC) materials with varying coefficients of thermal expansions (CTE). Zirconia rods (N?=?40) (ICE Zirkon) (diameter: 4 mm, height: 20 mm) were milled and sintered. After firing, the zirconia rods were air-abraded and cleaned. They were randomly assigned to receive four VCs (n?=?10/group), namely (a) Vita VM9 (VZ; 9–9.2?×?10^?6? K^?1), (b) Cerabien ZR (CZ; 9.1?×?10^?6 K^?1), (c) Matchmaker ZR (MM; 9.4?×?10^?6?K^?1), and (d) Ice Zirconia Ceramic (IZ; 9.6?×?10^?6?K^?1). The VCs were then fired onto zirconia rods (height: 2 mm, thickness: 2 mm) circumferentially and were thermocycled for 6000 times (5/55 °C, dwell time: 30?s). Specimens were loaded from the top of the zirconia rods (0.5 mm/min) in a universal testing machine until debonding. Shell–Nielsen bond strength values were calculated (MPa). Failure types were evaluated under SEM. The data were statistically analyzed (one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s; α?=?0.05). Weibull distribution values including the Weibull modulus (m) (0.05) was calculated. The highest mean bond strength (MPa) was obtained for CZ (42.08?±?4.08), followed by VZ (41.77?±?4.92), MM (40.7?±?3.64), and IZ (40.05?±?5.78). While mean bond strength for VZ, MM, and IZ were not significantly different (p?>?0.05), CZ was significantly higher than that of IZ (p?<?0.05). The lowest shape value was for VZ (m?=?16.94) and the highest for MM (m?=?20.16). Mainly, adhesive failures followed by mixed failures were observed. VCs with a greater mismatch of CTE with the zirconia framework exhibited similar Shell–Nielsen bond strength to those with fewer mismatches. CTE mismatch did not affect the results of CZ (9.1?×?10^?6 K^?1) and IZ (9.6?×?10^?6 K^?1).     

Effects of chemical and physico-chemical surface conditioning methods on the adhesion of resin composite to different mineral trioxide aggregate based cements

This study investigated the adhesion of resin composite to mineral trioxide aggregate based cements after different chemical and physico-chemical surface conditioning methods. Mineral trioxide aggregate based cements (Biodentine, ProRoot MTA, Imicryl MTA) were embedded in Teflon disks (N?=?180). After storing at 37?°C at 100% humidity for 72?h, substrate surfaces were polished using silicon carbide papers. Specimens were allocated to 3 groups to be conditioned with one of the following (n?=?15 per group): a) Adhesive resin (Clearfil SE Bond, CSE), b) Adhesive resin (Adper Single Bond 2, SB2), c) air-abrasion with 30?μm alumina coated with silica?+?silane?+?adhesive resin (ALB), d) no surface conditioning, control group (CON). Microhybrid resin composite (Filtek Z250) was applied on the conditioned substrate surfaces and photo-polymerized. After storage at 37?°C at 100% humidity for 24?h, adhesive interfaces were loaded under shear (1?mm/min) in a universal testing machine. After debonding failure types were analyzed. Data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (alpha = 0.05). SBS results were significantly affected by surface conditioning (p?<?0.05) and materials (p?<?0.05). Interaction terms were significant (p?<?0.05). Biodentine-ALB resulted in significantly higher SBS values (3.96?±?1.24) compared to those of other combinations, while ALB and SB2 resulted in no significant difference for ProRoot MTA and Imicryl MTA (p?>?.05). CSE (1.36?±?0.5- 1.98?±?0.76) did not significantly increase SBS for all MTA materials compared to the control group (0.8?±?0.52 – 2?±?0.91) (p?>?9.05). While CON groups resulted in exclusively adhesive failures, ALB presented the highest incidence of mixed failures for all materials tested (60–100%).