Evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of synthesized coumarins

Coumarins are secondary metabolites that are widely distributed within the plant kingdom, some of which have been extensively studied for their antioxidant properties. The antioxidant activity of coumarins assayed in the present study was measured by different methods, namely the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH^•) method, cyclic voltammetry and the antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP) method. The 7,8-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin (LaSOM 78), 5-carboxy-7,8-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin (LaSOM 79), and 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin (Esculetin) compounds proved to be the most active, showing the highest capacity to deplete the DPPH radicals, the highest antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals, and the lowest values of potential oxidation.     

Pre‐filtering and post‐filtering in gain‐scheduled output‐feedback control

Linear matrix inequality (LMI) design conditions for gain‐scheduled output‐feedback control rely on assumptions constraining either system or controller matrices. Throughout the literature, it is common practice to avoid imposing restrictive assumptions on the controller, which may appear undesirable, in favor of state augmentations via pre‐filtering and post‐filtering to construct auxiliary augmented systems that comply with the alternative assumptions on the system matrices. This technique brings in the additional cost of increased state dimensions of the resulting gain‐scheduled output‐feedback controllers. In this paper, we explore the interplay and inherent trade‐offs between state augmentation, controller structure, and performance. We revisit LMI design conditions for quadratic output‐feedback control and demonstrate that state augmentation via pre‐filtering and post‐filtering in order to avoid constraints on the controller matrices is never advantageous even without taking into account the added complexity and propensity for numerical issues associated with state augmentation. As an additional contribution, we extend this observation to recently introduced modified LMI conditions allowing combined – however less restrictive – assumptions on system and controller matrices. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A novel β-glucosidase from Sporidiobolus pararoseus: characterization and application in winemaking

For the first time, the production of an extracellular β-glucosidase (Sp-β-gl) by a Sporidiobolus pararoseus yeast strain is reported. The Sp-β-gl activity was quantified, characterized, and assessed for its efficiency in releasing aroma-enhancing compounds in wines. The maximum enzymatic synthesis was after 72 h of growth in a complex media with 20 g/L of cellobiose. The optimal pH and temperature were 5.5 and at 50 °C, respectively. It showed a wide range of pH stability and exhibited quite high thermostability at low temperatures. In addition, this β-glucosidase revealed tolerance to wine-associated inhibitory compounds (sugars and ethanol), showing suitable characteristics for all the stages of alcoholic fermentation. The hydrolysis of the glycosidic terpenes by Sp-β-gl was studied by gas chromatography, and its ability to efficiently release free terpenols has been demonstrated. The concentrations of geraniol, linalool, α-terpineol, and nerol were significantly increased in treated wines. These results suggest the potential application of this new yeast β-glucosidase as an aroma-enhancing enzyme in winemaking. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The search for new β-glucosidase from yeast sources is important to improve the quality of wines. In this work, an S. pararoseus yeast strain has shown to be capable to produce a β-glucosidase with suitable combination of properties for functionality in wines and with potential to increase the concentration of free aroma compounds, showing good prospects for an industrial application.     

A Thermodynamic Model Toward the Comprehension of Ferrous Burden Softening and Melting Using FactSage Macro-Processing

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B - The softening and melting properties of iron-bearing materials play a decisive role in the formation of the cohesive zone, which greatly affects blast...     

Reuse of Sucrose Syrup in the Osmotic Dehydration of Peaches

The objective of this work was to determine the technical feasibility of reusing sucrose syrup during the osmotic dehydration of peaches combined with hot air drying (OD/HD). Two trials using different reconditioning methods were carried out over 15 OD/HD cycles, using new syrup in the first cycle and reconditioned syrup in the following ones. The first method consisted of sieving, vacuum concentration, and syrup replacement. The second included filtration through diatomaceous earth. After OD (65°Brix/50°C/4 h), the fruits were dried using a forced air dryer (65°C). The OD parameters of water loss and solids incorporation were evaluated, and physical, chemical, and microbiological analyzes were carried-out on the raw material, syrup, and products. Sensory tests were carried-out using the difference from control method. For both methods, the syrup showed increases in titratable acidity, electrical conductivity, and reducing sugar content over the cycles, but the pH decreased. The syrup turbidity increased without filtration, but for both methods the reconditioning process had no effect on the OD parameters or microbiological load. Both reuse methods favored maintenance of the yellow color of the dried peach and did not influence the flavor and sensory texture.     

Microstructure development in Nd:YAG laser welding of AISI 304 and Inconel 600

In this work, the morphology of solidification of the weld zone (WZ) was studied in a joint formed from dissimilar materials, composed of austenitic AISI 304 stainless steel and Inconel 600 nickel alloy, welded with an Nd:YAG-pulsed laser. The laser beam and optical system parameters were selected with a view to obtain a weld with total penetration and good surface finish. The microstructural characterization was carried out using an optical microscope, in which a WZ was seen with total penetration, keyhole-type, presence of small pores and absence of cracks. The welded joints were also characterized by means of an electron scan microscope. Measurements taken by X-ray spectrometry for dispersion of the energy in the WZ indicated a slightly heterogeneous distribution of nickel and iron. It was seen that the start of solidification in the WZ occurred by means of epitaxial growth. The morphology of WZ solidification was basically denditric and cellular, being influenced by the temperature gradient, solidification speed and chemical composition. The variations in chemical composition and solidification morphology do not significantly alter the Vickers microhardness values in the WZ. Results obtained in the tensile tests indicate suitably effective welding values.     

Coupling atomistic and continuous media models for electronic device simulation

In this article we highlight the necessity of atomistic based, fully quantum mechanical simulation approaches for modern electronic devices and their coupling with classical models. We review different ways of such couplings and provide application examples.     

A Novel Trisubstituted Tetrahydropyran as a Possible Pheromone Component for the South American Cerambycid Beetle Macropophora accentifer

A novel trisubstituted tetrahydropyran was isolated and identified from the sex-specific volatiles produced by males of the cerambycid beetle Macropophora accentifer (Olivier), a serious pest of citrus and other fruit crops in South America. The compound was the major component in the headspace volatiles, and it was synthesized in racemic form. However, in field trials, the racemate was only weakly attractive to beetles of both sexes, suggesting that attraction might be inhibited by the presence of the “unnatural” enantiomer in the racemate. Alternatively, the male-produced volatiles contained a number of minor and trace components, including a compound tentatively identified as a homolog of the major component, as well as a number of unsaturated 8-carbon alcohols and aldehydes. Further work is required to conclusively identify and synthesize these minor components, to determine whether one or more of them are crucial components of the active pheromone blend for this species.