Study on the protective role of selenium against cadmium toxicity in lactic acid bacteria: an advanced application of ICP-MS

In this work, Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus were obtained from the commercial product of fermented milk and possible antagonistic effect of selenium (as sodium selenite) against cadmium toxicity was studied. The bacteria capability to incorporate Se was demonstrated: after 1 week exposure to Se(IV), its total concentration in the freeze-dried biomass was 405+/-28 microg/g (7.4+/-0.8 microg/g in control). In the presence of Se(IV) and Cd(II), the bacterial growth and cell viability were improved and lipid peroxidation less marked with respect to bacteria exposed to Cd(II) alone. The distribution of Se and Cd in molecular mass fractions of bacteria extracts was investigated by size exclusion chromatography with diode array and ICP-MS detection. The results obtained suggest that the antagonistic effect of Se is due to lower incorporation of cadmium at a high molecular mass (MM<600 kDa). Slightly different distribution of elements in the fractions of MM<40 kDa suggests the formation of new chemical species involving Cd and Se in bacteria exposed to Cd(II)+Se(IV) as compared to those exposed to Cd(II) alone. The study illustrates the high utility of atomic spectrometry to critically inform molecular questions that could be important in the industrial processes based on bacterial activity.     

Powder solders for hard soldering of aluminium and its alloys

In this paper, the possibilities for forming non-circular pulleys using laser cutting techniques and cutting techniques using water jets with abrasive materials are described. Research on laser cutting with use of gases for formation of carbon steel and acid-resistant steel pulleys is also discussed. The advantages of water jet cutting of non-circular pulleys are shown, and the methodology for measuring machined pulleys with a coordinate measuring technique is also presented. Use of computer-aided design systems with a range of software enabling automation of CNC contour saw control and optimization processes for formed elements spacing are all also discussed.     

Condensing Heat Exchanger

The paper shows a method of designing a heat exchanger recovering heat from the condensation of water vapour contained in flue gases. A heat exchanger condenses water vapour and SO2 （sulphur dioxide） in the presence of inert gases （CO2, CO, N2, O2） contained in flue gases. A mathematical model and a sample design of a heat exchanger were presented. The heat exchange is capable of recovering from a dozen or so to several dozen percent of heat from flue gases escaping into the atmosphere. A second advantage of the heat exchanger is the possibility to reduce the emissions of SO2 considerably. Depending on the parameters, it can be even a sevenfold reduction in the emissions. The main mathematical tool used for designing the condensing heat exchanger is the Colburn-Hougen method. The authors omitted that part of the method which requires iterative calculations. The Mollier diagram was used instead.     

The technique and analysis of the process of separation and cleaning grain materials

In the process of pneumatic separation, the aerodynamic properties of particles such as their critical velocity, are used.A pneumatic separator was designed that allowed a wide range of control parameters to be used.The essential factors affecting the course of the separation process were identified and a theoretical correlation between these factors and the separation efficiency were determined.The main aim of the study was to analyse the separation process in an air stream of broken lupine seeds, chiefly involving theoretical considerations of movement and behaviour of mixture particles in a pneumatic canal. Investigations and observations gave ground for an attempt at deriving a movement equation of particles in an unrestrained, uniform air stream.The equations obtained can be used for calculating the parameters of particle movement in pneumatic canals. The velocities of air stream, then, can be a few times higher than the critical velocity/convection/of individual particles. While working out the above problems the following points were considered: on the one hand, possibilities of obtaining the greatest outcome from the separation process and on the other, reducing the losses of valuable material in the discarded lot to a maximum.     

Non-contact methods of measuring moisture concentration in external layers of building partitions. I—The influence of geometrical microstructure on the kinetics of moisture condensation on glass surfaces

This paper presents the results of the larger study on the potential application of laser radiation for the detection of phase transition processes. The proposed experimental method allows a dynamic study of the phenomena without mechanical intervention. This seems to be the best practical solution particularly when the access for the other methods is very restricted. The investigations give an evidence of the strong relationships between the rapid growth of water vapour condensate and the roughness of the surface. Condensation process therefore can be modified by a careful design of the geometrical structure of surface.     

Isomerization of hop extract α‐acids

An isomerization process of the α‐acids contained in hop extract (with magnesium oxide, potassium hydroxide and magnesium peroxide as catalysts at ambient temperature) was carried out. The influence of two factors (the amount of applied catalyst and the isomerization time) was studied. Ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography was used for the evaluation of the isomerization process. The best results were obtained with magnesium oxide. In this case, the influence of the operating variables on the isomerization process and optimal process parameters were determined using statistical methods. The isomerization method described above could be carried out with high efficiency without heating and could be easily adopted and applied on an industrial scale. Copyright © 2016 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Oviductal Oxygen Homeostasis in Patients with Uterine Myoma: Correlation between Hypoxia and Telocytes

Oxygen balance is crucial for angiogenesis, immunity, and tissue repair. The human oviduct is essential for reproductive function, and any imbalance in homeostasis leads to fertility disturbances and might be a reason for ectopic pregnancy development. Uterine myoma is a widespread benign tumour, which is often accompanied by infertility. Telocytes have been discussed in the contexts of motility, fibrosis development, and angiogenesis. We observed the oviducts from patients with and without uterine myoma, comparing the expression of HIF-1, HO, VEGF and its receptor, NOS, oestrogen, and progesterone receptors by immunolabeling. The myometrial and oviductal telocytes were also compared in both groups. Biochemical analyses were conducted for FSH, LH, AMH, sFlt, oestrogen, and progesterone in blood samples. Patients with uterine myoma have different expressions of sex steroid receptors and an increased number of telocytes. The decreasing VEFG expression was compensated by the rise in the HIF-1 and NOS expression. Blood biochemical analyses revealed a higher progesterone level and lower AMH in patients with uterine myoma. No differences in sFlt, FSH, and LF were observed. Uterine myoma impacts oviduct oxygen homeostasis and might cause fertility disturbances (uterine and oviductal infertility factors).     

Corrosion‐erosion damage of heat exchanger tubes by desalted crude oil flowing at shell side

Heat exchanger tubes were locally heavily damaged by desalted crude forming a shell side stream under the pressure of 2.6 MPa and at the temperature of 385–395 K. Boiler steel tube temperature was 97 K higher compared to that of the crude oil at its inlet to the exchanger. Two types of segmental baffles effected cross vortex type flow that was lowered nearly to a standstill at locations where the highest damage occurred. Close to the baffles where the damage was the highest the flow was completely different from that of the window flow. These were found from analyses of the flow and of locations of perforations. Most of the tube surface was with no damage and was covered with protective organic‐inorganic deposit. Electrochemical investigation proved a cathodic character of the deposited film against bare steel. Metallography examination of the steel showed typical structures that could not affect much the damage. The crude with low water content was not found aggressive when a corrosion test was performed at elevated temperature. The tests excluded the possibility for high rate of electrochemical corrosion at the surfaces with removed protective layers. The only reason of the damage may be cavitation corrosion at the ways of crude slow vortex flow at which temperature was high enough to allow explosions of low volatile components [1].