Satisfying constraint sets through convex envelopes

In this article, we present a general representation for constraint satisfaction problems with disjunctive relations called cluster constraint systems (CCS). For this representation, we develop a novel and simple approach for solving CCSs using convex envelopes. These envelopes can be used to decompose the feasible space of the CCS through convex approximations. We explore interval reasoning as a case study of CCS. Our experimental results demonstrate that such CCS can be effectively and efficiently solved through convex enveloping with very modest branching requirements in comparison to other generic as well as specialized algorithms for interval reasoning. In fact, convex enveloping solves significantly more cases and more efficiently than other methods used in our test bed.     

Ecological Method for the Synthesis,Characterization and Antimicrobial Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Produced and Stabilized with a Mixture of Mucilage/Proteins Extracted from Flaxseed

Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials - A simple and ecologically friendly method was used for the synthesis of mucilage/proteins (M/P) stabilized silver nanoparticles...     

Secreted Extracellular Vesicle Molecular Cargo as a Novel Liquid Biopsy Diagnostics of Central Nervous System Diseases

Secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous cell-derived membranous granules which carry a large diversity of molecules and participate in intercellular communication by transferring these molecules to target cells by endocytosis. In the last decade, EVs’ role in several pathological conditions, from etiology to disease progression or therapy evasion, has been consolidated, including in central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders. For this review, we performed a systematic search of original works published, reporting the presence of molecular components expressed in the CNS via EVs, which have been purified from plasma, serum or cerebrospinal fluid. Our aim is to provide a list of molecular EV components that have been identified from both nonpathological conditions and the most common CNS-related disorders. We discuss the methods used to isolate and enrich EVs from specific CNS-cells and the relevance of its components in each disease context.     

Assessment of Carotenoids Recovery through Cell Rupture of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sporidiobolus salmonicolor</Emphasis> CBS 2636 Using Compressed Fluids

The increasing demand for carotenoids by industries has drawn attention to their bio-production. Since pigments are intracellular, extraction steps are then needed after cell cultivation. In this work, different strategies for extraction of carotenoid pigments from Sporidiobolus salmonicolor (CBS 2636) were investigated. The cell rupture was carried out using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), two pure compressed fluids, supercritical carbon dioxide and propane, and also a combination of pressurized fluid treatment followed by liquid DMSO. Dichloromethane, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and acetone were tested for the carotenoids extraction. Results obtained show that when multiple solvents were used a synergetic effect on the extent of carotenoids recovery was verified. Maximum concentration of total carotenoids (2,875 μg/L) was obtained in the treatment using supercritical CO₂ (300 bar/120 min) followed by dimethyl sulfoxide to disrupt the cell, and then the extraction with a solution of acetone/methanol (7:3, v/v).