09/14/2024


A shifted laser surface texturing method (sLST) was developed for the improvement of the production speed of functional surface textures to enable their industrial applicability. This paper compares the shifted method to classic methods using a practical texturing example, with a focus on delivering the highest processing speed. The accuracy of the texture is assessed by size and circularity measurements with the use of LabIR paint and by a depth profile measurement using a contact surface profiler. The heat accumulation temperature increase and laser usage efficiency were also calculated. The classic methods (path filling and hatch) performed well (deviation ≤ 5%) up to a certain scanning speed (0.15 and 0.7 m/s). For the shifted method, no scanning speed limit was identified within the maximum of the system (8 m/s). The depth profile shapes showed similar deviations (6% to 10%) for all methods. The shifted method in its burst variant achieved the highest processing speed (11 times faster, 146 mm2/min). The shifted method in its path filling variant achieved the highest processing efficiency per needed laser power (64 mm2/(min·W)), lowest heat accumulation temperature increase (3 K) and highest laser usage efficiency (99%). The advantages of the combination of the shifted method with GHz burst machining and the multispot approach were described.Brucellosis is a global zoonosis caused by Gram-negative, facultative intracellular bacteria of the genus Brucella (B.). Proteomics has been used to investigate a few B. melitensis and B. abortus strains, but data for other species and biovars are limited. Hence, a comprehensive analysis of proteomes will significantly contribute to understanding the enigmatic biology of brucellae. For direct identification and typing of Brucella, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization - time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI - TOF MS) has become a reliable tool for routine diagnosis due to its ease of handling, price and sensitivity highlighting the potential of proteome-based techniques. Proteome analysis will also help to overcome the historic but still notorious Brucella obstacles of infection medicine, the lack of safe and protective vaccines and sensitive serologic diagnostic tools by identifying the most efficient protein antigens. This perspective summarizes past and recent developments in Brucella proteomics with a focus on species identification and serodiagnosis. Future applications of proteomics in these fields are discussed.Rho guanosine triphospatases (GTPases) resemble a conserved family of GTP-binding proteins regulating actin cytoskeleton dynamics and several signaling pathways central for the cell. Rho GTPases create a so-called Ras-superfamily of GTPases subdivided into subgroups comprising at least 20 members. Rho GTPases play a key regulatory role in gene expression, cell cycle control and proliferation, epithelial cell polarity, cell migration, survival, and apoptosis, among others. They also have tissue-related functions including angiogenesis being involved in inflammatory and wound healing processes. Contextually, any abnormality in the Rho GTPase function may result in severe consequences at molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Rho GTPases also play a key role in tumorigenesis and metastatic disease. Corresponding mechanisms include a number of targets such as kinases and scaffold/adaptor-like proteins initiating GTPases-related signaling cascades. The accumulated evidence demonstrates the oncogenic relevance of Rho GTPases for several solid malignancies including breast, liver, bladder, melanoma, testicular, lung, central nervous system (CNS), head and neck, cervical, and ovarian cancers. Furthermore, Rho GTPases play a crucial role in the development of radio- and chemoresistance e.g. under cisplatin-based cancer treatment. This article provides an in-depth overview on the role of Rho GTPases in gynecological cancers, highlights relevant signaling pathways and pathomechanisms, and sheds light on their involvement in tumor progression, metastatic spread, and radio/chemo resistance. In addition, insights into a spectrum of novel biomarkers and innovative approaches based on the paradigm shift from reactive to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine are provided.Our earlier article showed that increased employability of segregated Roma may improve their well-being and health. To achieve that, appropriate employment based on a public-private partnership could be the key. For optimal design of such a partnership, we need insight into its potential mechanisms. Evidence on this is lacking, however. This paper builds on the previously published article by focusing on mechanisms for achieving better health. Therefore, our aim was to identify the potential mechanisms by which a public-private Roma employment project could increase employability. We investigated a Roma employment project called Equality of Opportunity established by a private company, U.S. Steel Kosice in eastern Slovakia. We conducted a multi-perspective qualitative study to obtain key stakeholders' perspectives on the potential mechanisms of a public-private Roma employment project in terms of increased employability. We found three types of mechanisms. The first type regarded formal job mechanisms, such as an appropriate employment and salary offer and a bottom-up approach in capacity building. The second type involved sustainability mechanisms, such as the personal profile of project and work-shift coordinators, the continuous offer of training and cooperation with relevant stakeholders (municipalities, community centers, etc.). The third type was cultural mechanisms, such as personal contact with project participants, attention to less-voiced groups like children, the motivation of project participants, a counter-value reciprocity approach and respect for the specifics of Roma history. Our findings imply that policymakers could consider public-private partnerships for increasing the employability of segregated Roma, as they have the potential to address a wider range of social needs simultaneously.An alternative methodology is proposed for low temperature winemaking using freeze-dried raw materials. Pine sawdust was delignified and the received porous cellulosic material was applied as immobilization carrier of the psychrotolerant yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae AXAZ-1. The immobilization of yeast cells was examined and verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The immobilized biocatalyst and high-gravity grape must were separately freeze-dried without cryoprotectants and stored at room temperature (20-22 °C) for 3 months. The effect of storage on the fermentation efficiency of the immobilized biocatalyst at low temperatures (1-10 °C), as well as on the aromatic characteristics of the produced wines was evaluated. Storage time had no significant effect on the fermentation efficiency of the biocatalyst resulting in most cases in high ethanol production 13.8-14.8% v/v. The volatile fraction of the produced wines was examined using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). GC-MS/SPME analysis along with the organoleptic evaluation revealed in all produced wines a plethora of fresh and fruit aromatic notes. To conclude, fermentation kinetics and aromatic profile evaluation encourages the production of high-quality sweet wines at low temperatures using pine sawdust (Pinus halepensis) entrapped yeast cells as a promoter.Motivations for food choices may determine consumption, and understanding that relationship may help direct strategies for formulating diets. This study aimed to identify associations between motivations for food choices and consumption of food groups. An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted in 921 manufacturing workers from 33 companies in Brazil, based on a stratified two-stage probability sample. Motivations for food choices were assessed with the Food Choice Questionnaire, and intake of food groups was measured using 24-h dietary recall. Consumption was classified into 31 food groups defined according to their nutritional value and the NOVA classification. Data were analyzed with multilevel mixed-effects regression. The results showed that sensory appeal and price were the most important motivations for food choices, while ethical concern was less important. Sensory appeal was positively associated with consumption of industrialized condiments (p = 0.022), price showed a negative correlation with consumption of plant oils (p = 0.022), ethical concern showed positive correlation within consumption white meat (p = 0.065) and negative correlation within pasta dishes (p less then 0.001). Regarding the NOVA classification, health correlated with an increase in consumption of unprocessed foods (p = 0.017) and weight control with a decrease in consumption of processed culinary ingredients (p = 0.057).The joint use of baculoviruses and synthetic insecticides for integrated pest management requires the study of the additive, synergistic or antagonistic effects among them on pest mortality. Droplet bioassays were conducted with Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliNPV) and seven insecticides (azadirachtin, Bacillus thuringiensis, cyantraniliprole, emamectin, metaflumizone, methoxyfenozide and spinetoram) on Spodoptera exigua and Spodoptera littoralis. The lethal concentrations LC50 and LC95 were calculated through probit regressions. Then, the sequential feeding of insecticides and nucleopolyhedroviruses was studied. Larvae were provided with the LC50 of one insecticide, followed by the LC50 of one nucleopolyhedrovirus 24 h later. https://www.selleckchem.com/products/wh-4-023.html The inverse order was also conducted. The insecticide LC50 and LC95 were higher for S. littoralis than for S. exigua. AcMNPV showed greater toxicity on S. exigua than SpliNPV on S. littoralis. Emamectin showed synergy with AcMNPV when the chemical was applied first, and metaflumizone and AcMNPV were synergistic regardless of the order of application, both from the first day of evaluation. SpliNPV was synergistic with azadirachtin and emamectin when it was applied first, but synergy was reached after 12-13 days. Excellent control is possible with the LC50 of azadirachtin, emamectin and metaflumizone in combination with nucleopolyhedroviruses, and merits further study as a means of controlling lepidopteran pests.A series of benzotriazole, cyclic amides and pyrimidine derivatives, containing 2,6-di-tert-butyl-phenol fragments, were synthesized. The redox properties of obtained compounds were studied using the cyclic voltammetry on a platinum electrode in acetonitrile. The oxidation potentials of all substances were comparable to those of BHT. The obtained compounds were tested for their antibacterial activity, and N-(2-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-oxoethyl)isatin (32 μg/mL) exerted good activity against Staphylococcus aureus.People's health assets (HA) mapping process and design dynamization strategies for it are paramount issues for health promotion. These strategies improve the health heritage of individuals and communities as both the salutogenic model of health (SMH) and health assets model (HAM) defend. Connecting and mobilizing HA and strengthens the 'sense of coherence' (SOC) are both related to enhancing stress active and effective coping strategies. This study aims to describe the HA present in a population of certified nursing assistant students (n = 921) in Spain and then to explore their relationships with the SOC, the motivation to choose healthcare studies and their academic performance. A great variety of HA were identified and mapped. Findings showed that individuals with greater motivation towards self-care and 'caring for others' as internal HA, possessed higher SOC levels and a strong vocation for healthcare work. Differences in HA were identified according to gender, age and employment situation. Consistent connections between the care-relation factor and vocational factor with interpersonal and extrapersonal HA were reported.