Combinations of Piperine with Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin as a Multifunctional System

Piperine is an alkaloid that has extensive pharmacological activity and impacts other active substances bioavailability due to inhibition of CYP450 enzymes, stimulation of amino acid transporters and P-glycoprotein inhibition. Low solubility and the associated low bioavailability of piperine limit its potential. The combination of piperine with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) causes a significant increase in its solubility and, consequently, an increase in permeability through gastrointestinal tract membranes and the blood–brain barrier. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to characterize interactions between piperine and HP-β-CD. The observed physicochemical changes should be combined with the process of piperine and CD system formation. Importantly, with an increase in solubility and permeability of piperine as a result of interaction with CD, it was proven to maintain its biological activity concerning the antioxidant potential (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate assay), inhibition of enzymes essential for the inflammatory process and for neurodegenerative changes (hyaluronidase, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase).     

Comparison of the cracking resistance characteristics of the base metal and the welded joints of reactor vessels

Skoda Industrial Combine, Czechoslovak Federal Republic. Central Scientific-Research Instituteof KM Prometei. Gidropress Experimental Design Office. NIKIÉT. Translated from Atomnaya Énergiya, Vol. 72, No. 3, pp. 246–251, March, 1992.     

Prediction of indications for valve replacement among asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients with chronic aortic regurgitation and normal left ventricular performance

BACKGROUND: Optimal criteria for valve replacement are unclear in asymptomatic/minimally symptomatic patients with aortic regurgitation (AR) and normal left ventricular (LV) performance at rest. Moreover, previous studies have not assessed the prognostic capacity of load-adjusted LV performance ("contractility") variables, which may be fundamentally related to clinical state. Therefore, 18 years ago, we set out to test prospectively the hypothesis that objective noninvasive measures of LV size and performance and, specifically, of load-adjusted variables, assessed at rest and during exercise (ex), could predict the development of currently accepted indications for operation for AR. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical variables and measures of LV size, performance, and end-systolic wall stress (ESS) were assessed annually in 104 patients by radionuclide cineangiography at rest and maximal ex and by echocardiography at rest; ESS was derived during ex. During an average 7.3-year follow-up among patients who had not been operated on, 39 of 104 patients either died suddenly (n = 4) or developed operable symptoms only (n = 22) or subnormal LV performance with or without symptoms (n = 13) (progression rate=6.2%/y). By multivariate Cox model analysis, change (delta) in LV ejection fraction (EF) from rest to ex, normalized for deltaESS from rest to ex (deltaLVEF-deltaESS index), was the strongest predictor of progression to any end point or to sudden cardiac death alone. Unadjusted deltaLVEF was almost as efficient. Symptom status modified prediction on the basis of the deltaLVEF-deltaESS index. The population tercile at highest risk by deltaLVEF-deltaESS progressed to end points at a rate of 13.3%/y, and the lowest-risk tercile progressed at 1.8%/y. CONCLUSIONS: Currently accepted symptom and LV performance indications for valve replacement, as well as sudden cardiac death, can be predicted in asymptomatic/minimally symptomatic patients with AR by load-adjusted deltaLVEF-deltaESS index, which includes data obtained during exercise.     

Optimization of reinforcement layout of scissor‐type bridge using differential evolution algorithm

Scissors mechanisms are commonly used in safety engineering during the construction of temporary structures, owing to their inherent advantages of foldability, transformability, and reusability. We effectively utilized these scissors mechanism features to develop a lightweight, deployable emergency Mobile Bridge (MB) based on optimization, and control of the folding structure. Here, we discuss the problems of optimal reinforcement layout for the MB by formulating and solving three optimization problems, namely: (a) the load capacity maximization problem, (b) the weight minimization problem, and (c) coupling the load capacity maximization problem and the weight minimization problem. The potential benefits resulting from the application of reinforcement were evaluated using a combination of finite element analysis and an optimization algorithm based on the differential evolution method. The results demonstrate the significant positive influence of the additional reinforcing members. In particular, the limit load was increased by over 10 times, while the weight was decreased to approximately half. The proposed methodology enabled the development of a substantially improved version of the MB characterized by a higher load capacity and lower weight in comparison to the initial bridge design.     

Synthesis of Azafluorenones

Syntheses of azafluorenones from monoazaphenanthrenes and phenanthrolines has ben investigated. 1- and 4-monoazaphenanthrenes have been oxidized by J₂O₅ in acetic acid to give quinones which were converted to 4- and 1-azafluoren-9-ones in alkaline media. Phenanthrolines can be oxidized directly by means of permanganate in alkaline medium to 1,5-, 1,6-, 1,8-, 2,5- and 3,5-diazafluoren-9-ones. From 1-, 4-azaphenanthrene- and 1,8-phenanthrolinequinones new benzopyrido- and dipyridophenazines have been synthesized.     

Damping of Vibration by Actively Controlled Initial Distortions

A concept for the artificial damping of free vibration by means of actively controlled initial distortions imposed on the structure is presented. Two formulations for active control are presented: The first simulates the natural damping properties of structures, while the second uses a more sophisticated modal strategy of control (but with a faster damping process). The general idea of damping by actively forced distortions is explained and followed by a simple example for a one‐degree‐of‐freedom system. Then, the simulation of natural damping (which is a particular case of active control) and the possibility of accelerating the damping process by the modal optimal strategy are discussed and demonstrated with some examples for a two‐degree‐of‐freedom system. Finally, the vibration control of a four‐degree‐of‐freedom system is presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method. The method of active damping is described for truss structures, but it can be easily generalized to include frame structures as well.     

Changes in the location and function of small water bodies in the upper Sanna River catchment—case study (SE Poland)

The article summarises the results of analyses of temporal and spatial changes in the location of small water bodies in the upper Sanna River catchment between the fifteenth and twenty-first centuries. The investigations were conducted on historical sources and cartographic data using GIS tools and inventory files. Natural (location of springs, groundwater depth, geomorphology of valleys), anthropogenic factors (quarries, excavations) and historical determinants of construction of the water reservoirs are presented. Additionally, changes in the economic (fish farming, mills), defence and industrial (paper and steel mills, bloomeries, fulleries) functions of the water bodies have been analysed. The changes in the functions of the water bodies were often influenced by the changing ownership. The results have application significance on a local and regional scale.