Unraveling the role of shell thickness and pore size on the mechanical properties of ceramic-based macroporous structures

Macroporous structures are of interest for several technological applications such as catalysis, sensors, filters, membranes, batteries, energy conversion devices, structural colors, and reflective thermal barrier coatings. Ceramic-based inverse opal macroporous structures are especially interesting for high-temperature applications. However, the interrelation between the structural parameters, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of such structures is not yet clarified. In this work, we analyzed the mechanical properties as well as the thermal stability of aluminum oxide inverse opal three-dimensional macroporous structures with different macropore sizes and shell thicknesses produced by atomic layer deposition. Our results show that the structures’ thermal stability increased with increasing shell thickness and macropore size, however, their higher stability was not linked to their mechanical properties. To be able to explain this unexpected behavior, finite element modeling simulations were performed, showing that bending stresses became more pronounced with increasing shell thickness, potentially creating additional critical sites for crack initiation and consequent structural failure.     

Effect of high-pressure homogenisation on metabolic potential of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 90: in vitro and in situ studies in fermented milk and semihard cheese

The influence of high-pressure homogenisation (HPH) at 100 MPa on Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 90 (L90) was studied in vitro and in situ (fermented milk and cheese). Lysis and injury signs were observed in cells treated with HPH, which were linked to the release of intracellular enzymes and changes in the metabolic activity of L90. HPH treatment led to a higher lactic acid content and lower pH and pyruvic acid levels in fermented milk. The microbiological and peptide profiles of cheeses were modified by using cells or cell-free extracts of L90. Finally, this study suggests that L90 could release bioactive peptides.     

Multiple Chemical Features Impact Biological Performance Diversity of a Highly Active Natural Product-Inspired Library

A systematic, diversity-oriented synthesis approach was employed to access a natural product-inspired flavonoid library with diverse chemical features, including chemical properties, scaffold, stereochemistry, and appendages. Using Cell Painting, the effects of these diversity elements were evaluated, and multiple chemical features that predict biological performance diversity were identified. Scaffold identity appears to be the dominant predictor of performance diversity, but stereochemistry and appendages also contribute to a lesser degree. In addition, the diversity of chemical properties contributed to performance diversity, and the driving chemical property was dependent on the scaffold. These results highlight the importance of key chemical features that may inform the creation of small-molecule, performance-diverse libraries to improve the efficiency and success of high-throughput screening campaigns.     

Effect of rheology and humic acids on the transport of environmental fluids: Potential implications for soil remediation revealed through microfluidics

This study investigated the potential effect of shear rheology and humic acids (HA) on the subsurface transport of polymeric fluids used for the remediation of contaminants. Polymeric fluids were prepared with guar, scleroglucan, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Guar fluids can be used to suspend reactive particles for contaminant degradation. Fluids prepared with 2.5 g/L of guar in water were viscous, and the crosslinker borax (1 g/L) made them viscoelastic. Microfluidics experiments showed that the increase in elasticity blocked the flow of guar in 350 μm channels. Guar, CMC, or scleroglucan fluids containing sodium thiosulfate can be used to trap toxic Cr(VI) in the subsurface and reduce it to harmless Cr(III). Trapping of Cr(VI) is achieved by the gelation of the fluids upon contact with chromium. Before mixing with chromium, HA did not affect the flow of CMC, guar, and scleroglucan in microfluidic channels. Quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring experiments indicates that HA reduced sorption of guar onto silica, potentially promoting the transport of guar fluids in sandy aquifers. While HA slightly decreased the rate of gelation of CMC and scleroglucan upon contact with chromium, it did not affect the fast gelation rate of guar. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48465.     

The effects of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and solubilization heat treatment on the density,mechanical properties,and microstructure of austenitic stainless steel parts produced by selective laser melting (SLM)

Despite ongoing optimization, selective laser melting (SLM) technology still cannot guarantee the production of completely defect-free components. This wor     

Cachexia,a Systemic Disease beyond Muscle Atrophy

Cachexia is a complication of dismal prognosis, which often represents the last step of several chronic diseases. For this reason, the comprehension of the molecular drivers of such a condition is crucial for the development of management approaches. Importantly, cachexia is a syndrome affecting various organs, which often results in systemic complications. To date, the majority of the research on cachexia has been focused on skeletal muscle, muscle atrophy being a pivotal cause of weight loss and the major feature associated with the steep reduction in quality of life. Nevertheless, defining the impact of cachexia on other organs is essential to properly comprehend the complexity of such a condition and potentially develop novel therapeutic approaches.     

Characterization of Acetylxylan Esterase from White-Rot Fungus Irpex lacteus

The carbohydrate esterase family 1 (CE1) in CAZy contains acetylxylan esterases (AXEs) and feruloyl esterases (FAEs). Here we cloned a gene coding for an AXE belonging to CE1 from Irpex lacteus (IlAXE1). IlAXE1 was heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris, and the recombinant enzyme was purified and characterized. IlAXE1 hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl acetate, α-naphthyl acetate and 4-methylumbelliferyl acetate, however, it did not show any activity on ethyl ferulate and methyl p-coumarate. We also examined the activity on partially acetylated and feruloylated xylan extracted from corncob by hydrothermal reaction. Similarly, ferulic and p-coumaric acids were not liberated, and acetic acid was only detected in the reaction mixture. The results indicated that IlAXE1 is an acetylxylan esterase actually reacted to acetyl xylan. However, since IlAXE1 was unable to completely release acetic acid esterifying xylopyranosyl residues, it is assumed that acetyl groups exhibiting resistance to deacetylation by IlAXE1 are present in corn cob xylan.     

Strategies to Modulate Specialized Metabolism in Mediterranean Crops: From Molecular Aspects to Field

Plant specialized metabolites (SMs) play an important role in the interaction with the environment and are part of the plant defense response. These natural products are volatile, semi-volatile and non-volatile compounds produced from common building blocks deriving from primary metabolic pathways and rapidly evolved to allow a better adaptation of plants to environmental cues. Specialized metabolites include terpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, glucosinolates, tannins, resins, etc. that can be used as phytochemicals, food additives, flavoring agents and pharmaceutical compounds. This review will be focused on Mediterranean crop plants as a source of SMs, with a special attention on the strategies that can be used to modulate their production, including abiotic stresses, interaction with beneficial soil microorganisms and novel genetic approaches.