Characterization of sustainable polyhydroxyls, produced from bio-based feedstock, and polyurethane and copolymer urethane-amide foams

This manuscript presents data related to the research article entitled "Synthesis and characterization of sustainable polyurethane foams based on polyhydroxyls with different terminal groups" (DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2018.06.077) [1]. We provide Supplementary data on the chemical properties, in terms of FTIR characterization, of polyhydroxyls produced starting from bio-based feedstock (biosuccinic acid and 1,4 butandiol) and thermal properties (glass transition temperature-Tg and thermal degradation behavior) of polyurethane and copolymer urethane-amide foams manufactured from the aforementioned polyhydroxyls. The FTIR characterization elucidates the chemical structure of polyhydroxyls and allows to make some hypothesis on their reaction routes with the isocyanate molecules. The thermal characterization revealed that the addition of bio-based polyhydroxyls to the sample formulations improves both the glass transition and degradation temperature of the foams. These foamed products exhibit potential performances to be applied as a substitute for conventional polyurethane foams.

Computerized measurement of anticipated anxiety from eating increasing portions of food in adolescents with and without anorexia nervosa: Pilot studies

Dieting and excessive fear of eating coexist in vulnerable individuals, which may progress to anorexia nervosa [AN], but there is no objective measure of this fear. Therefore, we adapted a computer program that was previously developed to measure the satiating effects of foods in order to explore the potential of food to induce anxiety and fear of eating in adolescent girls. Twenty four adolescents (AN) and ten healthy controls without eating disorders rated pictures of different types of foods in varying sized portions as too large or too small and rated the expected anxiety of five different portions (20-320 kcal). Two low energy dense (potatoes and rice) and two high energy dense (pizza and M&Ms) foods were used. The regression coefficient of line lengths (0-100 mm) marked from "No anxiety" to "this would give me a panic attack", regressed from portions shown, was the measure of "expected anxiety" for a given food. The maximum tolerated portion size [kcal] (MTPS), computed by method of constant stimulus from portions shown, was significantly smaller for high energy dense foods, whereas the expected anxiety response was greater, for all foods, for patients compared to controls. For both groups, expected anxiety responses were steeper, and maximum tolerated portion sizes were larger, for low, than high, energy dense foods. Both maximum tolerated portion size and expected anxiety response were significantly predicted by severity of illness for the patients. Those who had larger maximum tolerated portion sizes had smaller anticipated anxiety to increasing portion sizes. Visual size had a greater influence than energy content for these responses. This method could be used to quantify the anxiety inducing potential of foods and for studies with neuro-imaging and phenotypic clarifications.

Niobia supported on silica as a catalyst for Biodiesel production from waste oil

The activity and stability of niobia supported on silica catalyst have been tested in continuous micro-pilot reactors, for biodiesel production starting from acid vegetable oils. A catalyst was prepared by the impregnation of silica pellets with a loading of 12% of Nb and was extensively characterized. The activity of this catalyst in both esterification and transesterification was tested in a continuous micro-pilot laboratory plant in which acid oil was fed (FFA 10% w/w) at a temperature of 220°C and at a pressure of 60 bar. The niobia based catalyst resulted in a very active catalyst in both esterification (FFA conversion = 95-90%) and transesterification reactions (FAME yield = 80-90%), and the activity remained quite constant for more than 100 h on stream. Notwithstanding this stability, a non-negligible leaching phenomena has been detected, in the case of long-time continuous runs, as the Nb concentration on the spent catalyst resulted lower than that on the fresh one. The obtained result confirms that the leaching of the active specie is one of the most strong problem in heterogeneous catalysis for biodiesel production.

Optimal coverage of peritoneal surface in whole abdominal radiation for ovarian neoplasms

Patterns of failure in ovarian carcinoma include early seeding of the entire peritoneal cavity. Inability to encompass the anatomic extent of the peritoneal cavity is a possible factor leading to relapse. However, little has been published regarding technical advances in optimal coverage of the peritoneal surface in whole abdominal radiation. In the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Michigan, 21 consecutive patients were analyzed prospectively in regard to adequate coverage of peritoneum in the treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma. Simulation and focused blocks were designed to treat the whole abdomen. CT treatment planning studies were obtained with the entire peritoneum identified as the target volume. Simulator designed blocks were projected over the CT scans throughout the treatment volume. Dose volume histograms were used to calculate the amount of target volume missed for each treatment plan. All treatment plans demonstrated different degrees of volume miss, ranging from 1 cm3 to 837.3 cm3 with a median of 137.9 cm3 overall. Volume missed directly correlated with increasing patient weight and flatter pelvic shape, but poorly with AP separation. This was especially evident for patients requiring treatment at extended distances in both the supine and prone positions. We conclude that bony landmarks are poor guidelines in designing pelvic blocks, especially in heavy patients and patients requiring treatment in both prone and supine positions. CT treatment planning is helpful to ensure optimal peritoneal coverage.