Differential scanning calorimetry thermal properties and oxidative stability indices of microwave heated extra virgin olive oils

BACKGROUND: The use of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for assessing the deterioration effect of microwave heating on vegetable oils, and on olive oils in particular, has been partially explored in literature. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of DSC to discriminate among microwaved extra virgin olive oils (EvOo from different olive cultivar and origin), according to changes on thermal properties (upon cooling and heating) and traditional oxidative stability indices (peroxide, p‐anisidine and TOTOX values). RESULTS: An elevated value of lipid oxidation was reached by the most unsaturated EvOo sample (9.5% of linoleic acid) at 6 min of microwave treatment. Free acidity significantly increased (0.42%) only for the oil sample with the highest water content (874 mg kg^?1 oil) at the longest time of treatment. Crystallisation enthalpies significantly decreased and the major exothermic peak shifted towards lower temperature, leading to enlargement of the transition range in all samples due to the formation of weak and mixed crystals among triacylglycerols and lipid degradation products. On the contrary, thermal properties upon heating appeared to similarly vary among samples. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of DSC thermal properties upon cooling seemed to clearly discriminate among different EvOo samples after microwaving. The relation between changes of thermal properties and oxidation parameters should be further studied using additional oxidative stability indices on a larger set of oil samples, due to the complexity of EvOo composition. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Parallelization of the Scale‐Changing Technique in Grid Computing environment for the electronmagnetic simulation of multi‐scale structures

A parallel computing approach to run fast and full‐wave electromagnetic simulation of complex structures in Grid Computing environment is presented. In this study, we show how Grid Computing improves speed and/or reliability over that provided by a single computer, while typically being much more cost‐effective than single computers of comparable speed or reliability. An efficient monolithic (unique) formulation for the electromagnetic modelling of complex (multi‐scale) structures, i.e. structures that exhibit multiple metallic patterns whose sizes cover a large range of scales, is used here. This approach, named the Scale‐Changing Technique, is based on the cascade of multi‐modal Scale‐Changing Networks, each network modelling the electromagnetic coupling between two successive scale levels. These networks can be first computed separately, in an adaptive use of Grid Computing architecture nature, and then cascaded for the global electromagnetic simulation. Based on this technique, a fast computer algorithm was developed and tested in the Grid‐Computing environment. For illustration purposes, the electromagnetic analysis of multi‐scale structures, applied to phase‐shifter elements and an example of infinite passive reflectarray, was carried out. The obtained results have confirmed the effectiveness of such an approach compared with sequential computing. This approach shows very good computation performance while keeping the same accuracy. Besides, this method is very promising for optimizing circuit with multiple design parameters to handle and for the global electromagnetic simulation of multi‐scale and/or oer‐sized structures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cross-sector collaboration within Dutch flood risk governance: historical analysis of external triggers

ABSTRACT

This article synthesizes the literature on Dutch flood risk governance to analyze how external conditions shaped past and present dynamics of cross-sector collaboration for integrated flood risk management in the Netherlands. It traces the extent to which policy and legal frameworks, socio-economic circumstances, political realities, power relations and conflict situations have influenced attempts at collaboration between flood safety, spatial planning, environmental protection and other sectors. Despite the growing interdependences, existing power relations between the sectors are characterized by the dominance of the water sector. Hence, cross-sector collaboration can develop as long as it does not compromise flood safety.     

Incorporation of calcium salts into xanthan gum matrices: hydration,erosion and drug release characteristics

Xanthan gum (XG), a hydrophilic biopolymer with modified release properties, was used to produce directly compressed matrix tablets containing a model drug, sodium p-aminosalicylate. Three formulations were prepared, each containing a different calcium dihydrate salt: calcium chloride, calcium sulfate or dibasic calcium phosphate. The aim of the investigation was to relate the calcium ion content and solubility of the calcium salt to the in vitro drug release profile of the xanthan matrices. Tablet hydration, erosion and drug release were determined in distilled water using the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) paddle method. The data showed that the overall drug release was the greatest with addition of calcium sulfate, followed by calcium chloride and dibasic calcium phosphate. The chloride salt formulation displayed the greatest percentage erosion due to rapid mass loss during the initial phase, followed by those with sulfate or phosphate salts. As xanthan gel viscosity increased and drug release was also found to be lower, it can be concluded that drug release is influenced by the solubility of the salt present in the formulation, since these parameters determine the viscosity and structure of the gel layer.     

Pertussis Toxin Inhibits Encephalitogenic T-Cell Infiltration and Promotes a B-Cell-Driven Disease during Th17-EAE

Pertussis toxin (PTX) is a required co-adjuvant for experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by immunization with myelin antigen. However, PTX’s effects on EAE induced by the transfer of myelin-specific T helper cells is not known. Therefore, we investigated how PTX affects the Th17 transfer EAE model (Th17-EAE). We found that PTX significantly reduced Th17-EAE by inhibiting chemokine-receptor-dependent trafficking of Th17 cells. Strikingly, PTX also promoted the accumulation of B cells in the CNS, suggesting that PTX alters the disease toward a B-cell-dependent pathology. To determine the role of B cells, we compared the effects of PTX on Th17-EAE in wild-type (WT) and B-cell-deficient (µMT) mice. Without PTX treatment, disease severity was equivalent between WT and µMT mice. In contrast, with PTX treatment, the µMT mice had significantly less disease and a reduction in pathogenic Th17 cells in the CNS compared to the WT mice. In conclusion, this study shows that PTX inhibits the migration of pathogenic Th17 cells, while promoting the accumulation of pathogenic B cells in the CNS during Th17-EAE. These data provide useful methodological information for adoptive-transfer Th17-EAE and, furthermore, describe another important experimental system to study the pathogenic mechanisms of B cells in multiple sclerosis.     

Self‐Assembly of Mechanoplasmonic Bacterial Cellulose–Metal Nanoparticle Composites

Nanocomposites of metal nanoparticles (NPs) and bacterial nanocellulose (BC) enable fabrication of soft and biocompatible materials for optical, catalytic, electronic, and biomedical applications. Current BC–NP nanocomposites are typically prepared by in situ synthesis of the NPs or electrostatic adsorption of surface functionalized NPs, which limits possibilities to control and tune NP size, shape, concentration, and surface chemistry and influences the properties and performance of the materials. Here a self‐assembly strategy is described for fabrication of complex and well‐defined BC–NP composites using colloidal gold and silver NPs of different sizes, shapes, and concentrations. The self‐assembly process results in nanocomposites with distinct biophysical and optical properties. In addition to antibacterial materials and materials with excellent senor performance, materials with unique mechanoplasmonic properties are developed. The homogenous incorporation of plasmonic gold NPs in the BC enables extensive modulation of the optical properties by mechanical stimuli. Compression gives rise to near‐field coupling between adsorbed NPs, resulting in tunable spectral variations and enhanced broadband absorption that amplify both nonlinear optical and thermoplasmonic effects and enables novel biosensing strategies.     

Lake Turkana,major Omo River developments,associated hydrological cycle change and consequent lake physical and ecological change

This study aimed to explore Lake Turkana's ecological reliance on hydrology and to determine the hydrological changes and consequences arising from the major hydropower and irrigation developments in the lake's basin. The major developments on Ethiopia's Omo River are especially significant as this river provides over 80% of the lake's annual freshwater influx and associated nutrients. The cascade of hydropower dams permanently dampens the natural hydrological cycles and lake level variability. The driving force of the flood influx to the lake is curtailed and the pattern of lake currents will adjust. Ultimately 80% of the river inflow to the lake will be regulated. Large volumes of water are required to initially fill the hydropower dam reservoirs. During 2015–16 when the huge Gibe III reservoir was filled, Lake Turkana's water level declined 2?m.The study has shown that large-scale irrigation schemes in the Lower Omo can potentially abstract 50% of the Omo River water, and that this would cause the lake level to shrink permanently to the detriment of the lake ecology. Possible lake level drops of over 15?m are demonstrated. The basin's natural capital is being replaced by large-scale plantation developments. The hydrological changes are drastic and the ecological consequences on Lake Turkana have not been fully understood. Without serious mitigation measures, Lake Turkana is a potential African Aral Sea disaster in the making, emulating what has happened to other great lakes such as Lake Chad.