Cumulative Weight Loss Research Articles

Breastfeeding and maternal weight changes during 24 months post-partum: a cohort study.

The relationship between breastfeeding and the loss of weight gained during pregnancy remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between breastfeeding and maternal weight changes during 24 months post-partum. We studied a dynamic cohort comprising 315 women living in two cities in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The outcome variable was change in the post-partum weight; the exposure variable was the duration and intensity of breastfeeding. Demographic, socio-economic, environmental, reproductive and lifestyle factors were integrated in the analysis as covariates. The data were analysed using multiple linear regression and linear mixed-effects models. The average cumulative weight loss at 6 months post-partum was 2.561 kg (SD 4.585), increasing at 12 months (3.066 kg; SD 5.098) and decreasing at 18 months (1.993 kg; SD 5.340), being 1.353 kg (SD, 5.574) at 24 months post-partum. After adjustment, the data indicated that for every 1-point increase in breastfeeding score, the estimated average post-partum weight loss observed was 0.191 kg at 6 months (P = 0.03), 0.090 kg at 12 months (P = 0.043), 0.123 kg at 18 months (P < 0.001) and 0.077 kg at 24 months (P = 0.001). Based on these results, we concluded that despite the low expressiveness, the intensity and duration of breastfeeding was associated with post-partum weight loss at all stages of the study during the 24-month follow-up.

Production and wear properties of metal matrix composites reinforced with boride particles

Production and properties of metal matrix composites reinforced with in situ cuboidal boride particles have been investigated. Boron 3weight (wt.)% was dissolved in an aluminium copper alloy at 1400°C through direct addition of boron oxide (B2O3) which resulted in 6.14 volume (vol.)% reinforcing phase of cuboidal boride particles in the alloy. Higher reinforcement volume per cent of in situ boride particles in the Al–Cu matrix has been produced by using a filtration device. Metallographic examinations, optical microscopy, and a wet chemistry analysis technique for determination of boron content have been used to reveal the structure and the volume fraction of the reinforcement phase. The wear behaviour of the composite and matrix were investigated using a pin-on-disk tester under different conditions. Results showed that average cumulative weight loss of the new composite can be decreased by 68% with addition of 33vol.% of cuboidal boride particles into the Al–Cu matrix.

English

&nbsp; An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers on bulb quality and storability of onion (Allium cepa&nbsp;L.) grown on vertisol of Shewa Robit, North-East Ethiopia. Five rates of N (0, 69, 92, 115, 138 kg ha-1) and five rates of P (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 kg ha-1) were arranged in a randomized complete block design, replicated three times. Regardless of the rate, N fertilization decreased bulb dry matter content by about 4% over the control. Pungency measured as pyruvate concentration improved with increase in the rate of N application and reached the highest value of 2.72 &micro;mol ml-1&nbsp;at a rate of 138 kg N ha-1. Bulb storability study for eight weeks at ambient condition indicated that the highest level of N or P fertilizer caused the highest cumulative weight loss. It was also observed that bulb sprouting percentage of 63 and 53% were recorded from treatments that received 69&nbsp;and&nbsp;40 kg P ha-1,respectively. Nitrogen at the rate of 115 or 138 kg ha-1&nbsp;resulted in about 2.9% rotting of the bulbs. N fertilization improved pungency, reduced bulb dry matter content and storability by enhancing sprouting and rotting percentage. Bulb dry matter content, pungency and rotting percentage were not significantly affected by P fertilization and the lack of response may be due to the availability of adequate amount of P (16.02 ppm) in the soil. &nbsp; Key words: Bulb rotting, dry matter, pungency, sprouting, weight loss.

Weight loss in overwintering below‐ground parts of Sonchus arvensis under current and temperature‐elevated climate scenarios in Sweden

SummaryWeight loss in overwintering below‐ground parts of perennial weeds has been attributed to respiration, but neither its temperature dependence nor its relevance for biomass dynamics under changing climate conditions have been investigated. In two experiments, we quantified weight loss of the perennial weed Sonchus arvensis, by measuring weight changes over time of sprouting roots in dark rooms at temperatures of 4, 8 and 18°C. Dry weight loss rates were 0.47, 0.64 and 1.47% day−1 at 4, 8 and 18°C, respectively, giving a half‐life time of 149, 110 and 47 days, respectively. A factor by which weight loss rates increase for every 10° rise in temperature (Q10) was equal to about 2.3. Cumulative weight loss may comprise &gt;40% of the below‐ground biomass during overwintering periods. Applying weight loss rates and Q10 to elevated soil temperature projections showed that losses during winter seasons in central Sweden will remain basically constant, the effect of increased weight loss at higher temperatures being balanced by shorter winters. This implies that need for control of S. arvensis in a changing climate will persist, but that shorter winter seasons will provide a longer time window for control of S. arvensis prior to sowing crops.

Influence of dietary supplementation with l-carnitine on metabolic rate, fatty acid oxidation, body condition, and weight loss in overweight cats

To investigate the influence of dietary supplementation with l-carnitine on metabolic rate, fatty acid oxidation, weight loss, and lean body mass (LBM) in overweight cats undergoing rapid weight reduction. 32 healthy adult neutered colony-housed cats. Cats fattened through unrestricted ingestion of an energy-dense diet for 6 months were randomly assigned to 4 groups and fed a weight reduction diet supplemented with 0 (control), 50, 100, or 150 μg of carnitine/g of diet (unrestricted for 1 month, then restricted). Measurements included resting energy expenditure, respiratory quotient, daily energy expenditure, LBM, and fatty acid oxidation. Following weight loss, cats were allowed unrestricted feeding of the energy-dense diet to investigate weight gain after test diet cessation. Median weekly weight loss in all groups was ≥ 1.3%, with no difference among groups in overall or cumulative percentage weight loss. During restricted feeding, the resting energy expenditure-to-LBM ratio was significantly higher in cats that received l-carnitine than in those that received the control diet. Respiratory quotient was significantly lower in each cat that received l-carnitine on day 42, compared with the value before the diet began, and in all cats that received l-carnitine, compared with the control group throughout restricted feeding. A significant increase in palmitate flux rate in cats fed the diet with 150 μg of carnitine/g relative to the flux rate in the control group on day 42 corresponded to significantly increased stoichiometric fat oxidation in the l-carnitine diet group (> 62% vs 14% for the control group). Weight gain (as high as 28%) was evident within 35 days after unrestricted feeding was reintroduced. Dietary l-carnitine supplementation appeared to have a metabolic effect in overweight cats undergoing rapid weight loss that facilitated fatty acid oxidation.

Borate Volatility from SOFC Sealing Glasses

The volatility of borate species from glasses developed for solid oxide fuel cell seals was studied using thermodynamic calculations and compared with experimental results. Vapor pressure diagrams were used to identify the most volatile compounds under a range of expected operational conditions, e.g. oxidizing and reducing atmospheres with water vapor, at temperatures in the range of 700°–1000°C. The species with the highest vapor pressures were BO2(g) under dry conditions and B3H3O6(g) under wet, reducing conditions. The depletion of boron from glass surfaces to depths beyond 100 nm was characterized using Auger electron spectroscopy depth profile analysis. Weight loss experiments were conducted on several different glass compositions. The cumulative weight loss from a glass with 20 mol% B2O3 (“glass #59”) was about 10 times greater than from a glass with 2 mol% B2O3 (“glass #27”), under the same conditions. The activation energy for volatilization from glass #59 was 371±86 kJ/mol and was 272±65 kJ/mol for “glass #27.” The cumulative weight loss of each composition in forming gas with 30% water vapor was greater than in dry air at 800°C. Volatile species were collected in a water trap, and these results confirmed predictions about the effect of atmosphere and B2O3 content on volatilization behavior.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome: Open celiac artery reconstruction and ligament division after endovascular failure

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare disorder resulting from extrinsic compression and narrowing of the celiac artery, and--less often--the superior mesenteric artery, by the relatively low insertion of the ligament and/or prominent fibrous bands or ganglionic periaortic tissue of the celiac nervous plexus. We report on a young woman who after three consecutive attempts of endovascular therapy with balloon angioplasty and stenting for MALS, each followed by gross symptom recurrence and a cumulative weight loss of 10 kg, underwent open surgical division of the ligament and reconstruction of the celiac artery. Despite the initial response of MALS to endovascular therapy, the extrinsic pressure exerted on the celiac artery by the surrounding dense fibrous/ganglionic tissue resulted in slippage of the stents and/or failure of their material. These findings militate against the use of balloon angioplasty and stenting primarily in patients with MALS without prior release of the extrinsic compression on the celiac (and/or superior mesenteric) artery by dividing the surrounding median arcuate ligament and/or ganglionic tissue with open or laparoscopic surgery.

Responses of Oriental Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Third Instars to Desiccation and Immersion

Responses of the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), third instar larvae to desiccation and immersion were examined at 25°C in the laboratory condition. Third instar larvae desiccated in dry soils (0% field capacity) did not survive beyond 12 h, nor submerged under water beyond 3.5 d. The time to 50%, 90%, and 99% mortality (LT50, LT90, and LT99) were 5.67, 8.60, and 10.99 h respectively in desiccation condition, and 1.81, 2.49, and 3.06 d in immersion test. The average eclosion time of survived flies was not significantly affected by the desiccation time, while that increased linearly with increasing immersion time. Cumulative weight loss of larvae increased curvilinearly with desiccation time, and the rate of weight loss was greatest during the first 2 h. The relationship between the mortality and the percentage of cumulative weight loss was described by Probit model in desiccation. It was estimated that when the percentage of cumulative weight loss was 29.1%, 36.7%, and 43.0% respectively, the mortality rates was 50%, 90%, and 99% correspondingly.

Weight Loss with Long-term Intermittent Treatment with Oral Oleoyl-estrone in Lean Zucker Male Rats

To determine whether or not the long-term intermittent treatment with oleoyl-estrone (OE) in rats induces a cumulative weight loss, adult male rats were treated with OE over three alternating 10-day periods, with a 30-day "recovery" period occurring between each period. At the end of the third treatment period, the rats were allowed to recover and were then mated with females. Each treatment period produced a decrease of ca. 7% in body weight with no rebound during the recovery periods, whereas weight changed at the same pace in controls. The greatest difference in body weight was observed during the last days of treatment. OE-treated rats retained their initial protein pools throughout the treatment. Furthermore, treated and control males remained fertile and were able to procreate. Thus, we can conclude that intermittent OE treatment induces a cumulative weight loss in adult male rats.

Dehydration and hypernatremia in breast-fed term healthy neonates

The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of significant weight loss, dehydration, hypernatremia and hyperbilirubinemia in exclusively breast-fed term healthy neonates and compare the incidence of these problems in the warm and cool months. During the study period 496 neonates were recruited. 157 neonates (31.6%) had significant weight loss (> 10 % cumulative weight loss or per day weight loss > 5%). Clinical dehydration was present in 2.2% of neonates. Of these 157 neonates, 31.8% had hypernatremia and 28 % had hyperbilirubinemia. The incidence of the above mentioned problems were higher in the warm months but the difference was not statistically significant.

Cling wrap, an innovative intervention for temperature maintenance and reduction of insensible water loss in very low-birthweight babies nursed under radiant warmers: a randomized, controlled trial

The value of polythene film ('cling wrap') to improve thermal control and reduce postnatal weight loss in preterm, very low-birthweight babies was investigated. Consecutively born babies with birthweights between 750 and 1500 g were stratified by birthweight (<1250 g, 1251-1500 g) and randomised either to the cling wrap (CW) or no cling wrap (NCW) group. The baby bassinette of the RW was covered with cling wrap up to the level of the neck in the CW group for the 1st 7 days. The primary outcome variables were the incidence of hypothermia (axillary temperature < or = 36 degrees C) after initial stabilisation during the first 7 days and cumulative weight loss (percentage of birthweight) at 48 hours of age. Of 51 babies, 26 were randomised to the CW and 25 to the NCW group. None of the babies in the CW group developed hypothermia in the 1st 7 days but 36% in the NCW group (p = 0.001) did. Babies who were hypothermic on admission took less time to reach normal temperature in the CW group. Cumulative weight loss in the 1st 48 hours was 5.0 + 5.6% in the CW group and 8.6 + 7.0% in the NCW group (p = 0.06). Use of CW might be a simple method of maintaining temperature in very low-birthweight babies in developing countries.

Weight cycling in treatment-seeking obese persons: data from the QUOVADIS study.

To determine parameters of weight history useful for the assessment of weight cycling and their association with psychological distress and binge eating. Cross-sectional. A total of 1889 treatment-seeking obese subjects, enrolled by 25 Italian centers (78% female subject), aged 20-65 y (median 45); 1691 reported previous efforts to lose weight (median age of first dieting, 30 y). The number of yearly attempts to lose weight, weight gain since age 20 y, cumulative weight loss and gain were checked by a predefined structured interview. Psychological distress was tested by means of Symptom Check-List 90 (SCL-90), Binge Eating Scale (BES) and Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ). Differences in anthropometric, clinical and psychological parameters were observed in relation to previous attempts to lose weight. Patients in the upper quartile of parameters of weight history were considered weight cyclers. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, after correction for age, sex and BMI, a high BES score was the only factor systematically associated with a high frequency of dieting (OR, 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-2.36; P=0.022), with higher cumulative weight loss (1.42; 1.12-1.80; P=0.003) and cumulative weight gain (1.38; 1.06-1.79; P=0.017). However, the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of a high BES score were very low to detect cyclers. Weight cycling did not carry a higher risk of complicating diseases. Weight cycling is associated with psychological distress, and binge eating independently increases the risk, but cannot be used to predict cycling. Also, obese patients who do not experience overeating as a loss of control discontinue treatment or regain weight following therapy.

Pilot plant for processing flax fiber

A flax fiber pilot plant is needed to process small samples of flax straw into fibers to facilitate research on retting and fiber properties. Our objective was to develop and test a modular design for a flax processing pilot plant based on a commercial line that was capable of cleaning fiber and seed flax straw from unretted, dew-retted, and enzyme-retted samples. The USDA Flax Fiber Pilot Plant (Flax-PP), which is the only research facility of this type in the United States, was designed according to the commercial ‘Unified Line’ (Czech Flax Machinery), but smaller and constructed in four individual modules. The modules and their order for processing were as follows: 9-roller calender, top shaker, scutching wheel, top shaker, 5-roller calender, and top shaker. Illustrations and diagrams of the operating modules are presented. Unretted ‘Neche’ linseed flax, dew-retted ‘Natasja’, and enzyme-retted ‘Jordan’ fiber flax were processed, and the cumulative weight loss of material at successive processing steps was determined to assess the effectiveness of cleaning. Fiber strength, fineness, and elongation were determined for the retted samples after cleaning through all the steps in the Flax-PP. A yield of fine fiber from the retted stems processed through the Flax-PP was acquired from further cleaning and refining by passage through a Shirley Analyzer. The various samples behaved differently at different stages of processing and the resulting fibers had different properties. The dew-retted Natasja fibers were stronger and finer than the enzyme-retted Jordan flax after pilot plant processing, but the Jordan fibers appeared cleaner and better retted. The Flax-PP effectively processed samples of diverse characteristics and will facilitate integrated research on retting methods for fibers with tailored properties.

CALIDAD EN FRUTOS DE CARAMBOLA (Averrhoa carambola L.) COSECHADA EN CUATRO ESTADOS DE MADUREZ

The quality of carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) fruits harvested at four stages of maturity was evaluated under simulated marketing conditions at 20 °C for 10 days. Stages of maturity were separated as a function of external skin color: Maturity I (green), Maturity II (green-yellow), Maturity III (yellow), and Maturity IV (orange, ripe). Fruit weight, height, and length were determined initially. Post-harvest changes in weight loss, skin color, CO2 production, and ethylene were monitored daily. Every two days we analyzed titratable acidity, soluble solids content, and firmness. Fruit size and weight were higher for fruits harvested at maturity stage IV. At harvest, and during storage, Hue values clearly helped to differentiate color among the four maturity stages. Skin color luminosity and chromaticity values were higher on ripe fruits. Cumulative weight loss during storage varied among ripening stages from 5.1 % on fruits harvested at Maturity III, up to 6.7 % on fruits harvested at Maturity I. Fruit flesh firmness decreased during storage. Green harvested fruits were firmer (1.5 kg force) than orange harvested fruits (0.4 kg force) after 10 days of storage. At harvest time, total soluble solids and titratable acidity of green fruits were 4.89 °Brix and 0.808 %, respectively, while orange fruits presented values of 6.7 °Brix and 0.412 %. No significant changes were observed on acidity and soluble solids content during storage time among different maturity stages. CO2 and ethylene production increased significantly at Maturities III and IV, reducing fruit shelf life. No ethylene was detected on fruits harvested at maturity stages I and II.

Study on the cavitation erosion behavior of hardfacing alloys for nuclear power industry

The cavitation erosion behavior of wear resistant hardfacing alloys for nuclear power industry Co-base Stellite 6 and new Fe-base alloy was investigated using 20 kHz vibratory cavitation erosion test equipment. Although the crack was initiated at the carbide-matrix interfaces, the matrix hardened by strain-induced phase transformation from austenite to martensite effectively repressed the crack propagation. The cumulative weight loss of new Fe-base alloy was about 2.40 mg/cm 2 after exposing to cavitation for 150 h and the cavitation erosion characteristic was similar to that of Stellite 6 on the whole range. The improved cavitation erosion resistance of new Fe-base alloy was due to the matrix hardening by the strain-induced phase transformation and to the small volume fraction of the carbide-matrix interface acting as crack initiation sites.

Effect of gastric banding on aminoterminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in the morbidly obese.

Aminoterminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), like brain natriuretic peptide, might have diagnostic utility in detecting left ventricular hypertrophy and/or left ventricular dysfunction. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between morbid obesity and NT-proBNP and the effect of weight reduction on this parameter. A total of 34 morbidly obese patients underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). NT-proBNP levels were measured before and 12 months after the surgery. Metabolic features and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly decreased (p < 0.00001 for both) after a cumulative weight loss of 19.55 kg 1 year after LAGB. NT-proBNP concentration was significantly higher in morbidly obese patients before LAGB than in normal-weight control subjects (341.15 +/- 127.78 fmol/mL vs. 161.68 +/- 75.78 fmol/mL; p < 0.00001). After bariatric surgery, NT-proBNP concentration decreased significantly from 341.15 +/- 127.78 fmol/mL to 204.87 +/- 59.84 fmol/mL (p < 0.00001) and remained statistically significantly elevated (204.88 +/- 59.84 fmol/mL vs. 161.68 +/- 75.78 fmol/mL; p = 0.04) compared with normal-weight subjects. This investigation demonstrates higher levels of NT-proBNP in morbidly obese subjects and a significant decrease during weight loss after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. In obesity, NT-proBNP might be useful as a routine screening method for identifying left ventricular hypertrophy and/or left ventricular dysfunction.

Recent developments in the molecular characterization and treatment of oligodendroglial tumors

Although many patients with oligodendrogliomas (ODs) and oligoastrocytomas (OAs) benefit from a combination of surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy, most patients eventually experience recurrence of their disease. Recent evidence has shown that ODs are more chemosensitive than other gliomas, including astrocytomas or glioblastoma multiforme. These initial findings have prompted further study of chemotherapy in treating ODs and mixed OAs. Advances in molecular genetic analysis have led to improvements in predicting response to chemotherapy and prognosis for ODs, OAs, and astrocytomas. Pure ODs are more chemosensitive than mixed ODs. This difference is related to different proportions of 1p/19q loss of heterozygosity in these neoplasms. Therefore, genetic analysis is likely to be key in determining appropriate treatment. The most common first-line chemotherapy for patients with OD is a procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (PCV) combination regimen. However, this regimen is associated with cumulative myelosuppression, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Therefore, other chemotherapy agents and regimens have been investigated. Perhaps the most promising is temozolomide, a novel alkylating agent that freely crosses the blood-brain barrier. Temozolomide is approved in the United States for the treatment of recurrent anaplastic astrocytomas and in Europe for any recurrent high-grade gliomas. Initial reports suggest that temozolomide is effective in treating ODs as first- and second-line chemotherapy. Unlike the PCV regimen, temozolomide is not associated with cumulative myelosuppression and is usually well tolerated. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety profile of temozolomide and to determine the optimal dose and schedule for treating ODs.

Seeding effect on cocomposting wastewater biosolids with coal fly ash.

The seeding effect on fly ash-amended biosolids composting was evaluated by inoculating a mixture of ash and biosolids with seeding materials before composting. These inocula included thermophilic bacteria (Bacillus. brevis, B. coagulans, and B. licheniformis) isolated from the ash-biosolids compost, a commercial decomposter, and recycled biosolids compost. Although the addition of these microbial additives to the ash-biosolids compost improved the population of thermophilic bacteria at the early stage of composting, the improvement was negligible after 4 days of composting. Inoculation with isolated bacterial culture, milk powder, or the decomposter, only, did not effectively improve the decomposition of organic matter compared with those receiving inoculation of both microbial additives and milk powder together. The isolated Bacillus species was as efficient as the commercial decomposter in accelerating the decomposition rate during ash-amended biosolids composting as indicated by the high amounts of carbon dioxide evolved and cumulative weight loss. Ash-biosolids compost inoculated with 15% (dry weight basis) of recycled compost showed a comparable decomposition activity to those inoculated with bacterial culture and the commercial decomposter with milk powder. Taking into consideration the lower operating cost and acceptable decomposition efficiency, recycled biosolids compost seemed to be a promising additive to ash-amended biosolids compost to improve composting efficiency.

Contribution of weight cycling to serum leptin in human obesity.

To investigate to what extent serum leptin concentrations in obese humans are influenced by a history of weight cycling. Cross-sectional study on serum leptin concentrations and body composition in a cohort of obese subjects in whom a retrospective recall of weight and diet history was made. One hundred and twenty-eight obese patients (89 females and 39 males), aged 18-61 y, body mass index (BMI) 31.2-63.4 kg/m(2). Serum leptin; various fatness and fat distribution parameters (by anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis); history of overweight at puberty; number, magnitude and timing of previous diet episodes and of consequent weight regain by interview. By univariate analysis, serum leptin concentrations were significantly correlated with weight, waist-hip ratio, percentage body fat, maximal percentage weight loss in a single diet episode, cumulative percentage weight loss in all diet episodes, cumulative weight regained in all diet episodes, but not with the number of diet episodes. All correlations related to anthropometric and body composition parameters were stronger for men, compared to women, although the male subgroup was smaller. On the contrary, there was a strong positive correlation between weight cycling parameters and serum leptin in women but not in men. Leptin concentrations were significantly higher in patients who were overweight at puberty than in those who were not overweight at puberty. After correction for percentage body fat, presence of overweight at puberty did not correlate any longer with leptin concentrations in either gender. In women, cumulative percentage weight loss in all diet episodes contributed an additional 5% to the variance of serum leptin in the overall model. The positive correlation between weight cycling and leptin concentration in obesity is mainly accounted for the higher percentage body fat in obese weight cyclers, although in women weight cycling per se independently contributes to the variance of serum leptin.

A comparison of the cavitation erosion resistance of TiNi alloys, SUS304 stainless steel and Ni-based self-fluxing alloy

Cavitation erosion of TiNi shape memory alloys, SUS304 stainless steel (SS) and Ni-based self-fluxing alloys has been investigated in freshwater and 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution according to the ASTM G32-85 standard method. After 300 min of cavitation erosion, the cumulative weight loss of SUS304 SS is 45 times, whereas that of Ni-based self-fluxing alloy is 15 times the value of TiNi alloys. TiNi alloys and SUS304 SS exhibit a working-hardening behavior in the early cavitation stage, and thereafter maintain constant hardness during further cavitation. However, the Ni-based self-fluxing alloy exhibits no hardening phenomenon during cavitation test. The thermoelastic martensitic transformations of TiNi alloys have important effects on their erosion characteristics. The variants accommodation, pseudoelasticity of SIM and high work-hardening rate can improve the erosion resistance of TiNi alloys. Cavitation erosion of all these alloys in freshwater is similar to that in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution under the same testing conditions.