Lipid Transfer to HDL is Higher in Marathon Runners than in Sedentary Subjects,but is Acutely Inhibited During the Run

Although exercise increases HDL-cholesterol, exercise-induced changes in HDL metabolism have been little explored. Lipid transfer to HDL is essential for HDL’s role in reverse cholesterol transport. We investigated the effects of acute exhaustive exercise on lipid transfer to HDL. We compared plasma lipid, apolipoprotein and cytokine levels and in vitro transfer of four lipids from a radioactively labeled lipid donor nanoemulsion to HDL in sedentary individuals (n = 28) and in marathon runners (n = 14) at baseline, immediately after and 72 h after a marathon. While HDL-cholesterol concentrations and apo A1 levels were higher in marathon runners, LDL-cholesterol, apo B and triacylglycerol levels were similar in both groups. Transfers of non-esterified cholesterol [6.8 (5.7–7.2) vs. 5.2 (4.5–6), p = 0.001], phospholipids [21.7 (20.4–22.2) vs. 8.2 (7.7–8.9), p = 0.0001] and triacylglycerol [3.7 (3.1–4) vs. 1.3 (0.8–1.7), p = 0.0001] were higher in marathon runners, but esterified-cholesterol transfer was similar. Immediately after the marathon, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol concentrations and apo A1 levels were unchanged, but apo B and triacylglycerol levels increased. Lipid transfer of non-esterified cholesterol [6.8 (5.7–7.2) vs. 5.8 (4.9–6.6), p = 0.0001], phospholipids [21.7 (20.4–22.2) vs. 19.1 (18.6–19.3), p = 0.0001], esterified-cholesterol [3.2 (2.2–3.8) vs. 2.3 (2–2.9), p = 0.02] and triacylglycerol [3.7 (3.1–4) vs. 2.6 (2.1–2.8), p = 0.0001] to HDL were all reduced immediately after the marathon but returned to baseline 72 h later. Running a marathon increased IL-6 and TNF-α levels, but after 72 h these values returned to baseline. Lipid transfer, except esterified-cholesterol transfer, was higher in marathon runners than in sedentary individuals, but the marathon itself acutely inhibited lipid transfer. In light of these novel observations, further study is required to clarify how these metabolic changes can influence HDL composition and anti-atherogenic function.     

Quantifying dissipative contributions in nanoscale interactions

Imaging with nanoscale resolution has become routine practice with the use of scanning probe techniques. Nevertheless, quantification of material properties and processes has been hampered by the complexity of the tip-surface interaction and the dependency of the dynamics on operational parameters. Here, we propose a framework for the quantification of the coefficients of viscoelasticity, surface energy, surface energy hysteresis and elastic modulus. Quantification of these parameters at the nanoscale will provide a firm ground to the understanding and modelling of tribology and nanoscale sciences with true nanoscale resolution.     

Eumelanin for nature‐inspired UV‐absorption enhancement of plastics

In the human body, the black‐brown biopigment eumelanin blocks harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In the plastics industry, additives are often added to polymers to increase their UV‐absorption properties. We herein report an assessment of the biopigment eumelanin as a nature‐inspired additive for plastics to enhance their UV absorption. Since eumelanin is produced by natural sources and is nontoxic, it is an interesting candidate in the field of sustainable plastic additives. In this work, the eumelanin‐containing films of commercial ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer, a plastic used for packaging applications, were obtained by melt compounding and compression molding. The biopigment dispersion in the films was improved by means of the melanin free acid treatment. It was observed that eumelanin amounts as low as 0.8 wt% caused an increase of the UV absorption, up to one order of magnitude in the UVA range. We also evaluated the effect of eumelanin on the thermal stability and photostability of the films: the biopigment proved to be double‐edged, working both as UV‐absorption enhancer and photo‐prooxidant, as thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectroscopy revealed. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry     

Pd/Ce0.6Zr0.4O2/Al2O3 as advanced materials for three-way catalysts: Part 1. Catalyst characterisation, thermal stability and catalytic activity in the reduction of NO by CO

Pd-loaded Ce_0.6Zr_0.4O₂ solid solutions supported on Al₂O₃ are investigated as catalysts for the reduction of NO by CO. The attention is focused on the role of the Ce_0.6Zr_0.4O₂ and of the Pd dispersion on the catalytic activity. The system shows a very high activity below 500 K, which is almost independent on the Pd dispersion. The high activity is attributed to a promoting effect of the Ce_0.6Zr_0.4O₂ on the NO conversion. Investigation of the influence of high temperature treatments disclosed a thermal stabilisation of both Ce_0.6Zr_0.4O₂ and Al₂O₃ in the Ce_0.6Zr_0.4O₂/Al₂O₃ system.     

Intensification of biopolymeric microparticles production by ultrasonic assisted atomization

In this work ultrasonic atomization process is applied to produce biopolymer microparticles with potential applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields. Natural polymer (alginate)/water solution is atomized by ultrasonic assisted process and the droplets spray is reticulated using a solution of copper sulfate, where the Cu²⁺ ions cause the formation of a network structure (hard porous gel). Several operating parameters (solution concentration, flow rate, atomization power) are changed to study their effects on the produced microparticles. Literature correlations able to predict the features of the droplets as functions of process parameters are optimized using a statistical approach. Furthermore, the energy requirement for the drops production is compared with the energy required by traditional techniques to evaluate the intensification effect of the ultrasonic on the atomization process.     

Methane steam reforming at microscales: Operation strategies for variable power output at millisecond contact times

The potential of methane steam reforming at microscale is theoretically explored. To this end, a multifunctional catalytic plate microreactor, comprising of a propane combustion channel and a methane steam reforming channel, separated by a solid wall, is simulated with a pseudo 2‐D (two‐dimensional) reactor model. Newly developed lumped kinetic rate expressions for both processes, obtained from a posteriori reduction of detailed microkinetic models, are used. It is shown that the steam reforming at millisecond contact times is feasible at microscale, and in agreement with a recent experimental report. Furthermore, the attainable operating regions delimited from the materials stability limit, the breakthrough limit, and the maximum power output limit are mapped out. A simple operation strategy is presented for obtaining variable power output along the breakthrough line (a nearly iso‐flow rate ratio line), while ensuring good overlap of reaction zones, and provide guidelines for reactor sizing. Finally, it is shown that the choice of the wall material depends on the targeted operating regime. Low‐conductivity materials increase the methane conversion and power output at the expense of higher wall temperatures and steeper temperature gradients along the wall. For operation close to the breakthrough limit, intermediate conductivity materials, such as stainless steel, offer a good compromise between methane conversion and wall temperature. Even without recuperative heat exchange, the thermal efficiency of the multifunctional device and the reformer approaches ～65% and ～85%, respectively. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009     

Exfoliated/Intercalated Rubber/Organo‐Montmorillonite Nanocomposites: Preparation and Characterization

The preparation of new rubber based nanocomposites by using properly modified organophilic clays is described. A commercial organophilic montmorillonite containing a hydroxylated ammonium ion is reacted with LPBs. The reaction causes a decrease of the polarity of the clay and a great increase of the interlayer distance. The modified organoclays are successfully dispersed into rubber matrices (SBR or BR) by melt blending in an internal batch mixer. SAXS analyses and TEM micrographs revealed the formation of highly exfoliated nanocomposites containing intercalated stacks made of few lamellae.

     

Prevention of steel corrosion in concrete exposed to seawater with submerged sacrificial anodes

This paper presents the results of a study of the effectiveness of submerged sacrificial anodes in preventing the onset of pitting corrosion in the emerged part of marine piles. Experimental tests were carried out on reinforced concrete columns with steel embedded both in chloride free concrete and chloride contaminated concrete in order to compare the effects of sacrificial anodes on passive steel and on corroding steel. Results have shown, at least under the present testing conditions, that sacrificial anodes may be more effective in preventing corrosion initiation (i.e. in providing cathodic prevention) than in controlling ongoing pitting corrosion (i.e. in guaranteeing cathodic protection). Monitoring criteria for this type of prevention are also discussed.