To date, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been recognized as promising solid phases in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This research aimed to elucidate the role of the physico-chemical characteristics of the microporous HKUST-1 metal-organic framework in its operation as a selective adsorbent in HPLC. For this, the HKUST-1 samples were prepared by microwave-assisted synthesis and a solvothermal procedure. According to the chromatographic examinations, the HKUST-1 material synthesized in the microwave fields shows an efficient performance in the selective adsorption of aromatic compounds with different functionalities. This study revealed a significant impact of the preparation procedure on the mechanism of the liquid-phase adsorption on the HKUST adsorbents under conditions of the HPLC. An effect of the elution solvent with the different coordination ability to the Cu²⁺ sites in the HKUST-1 structure on the adsorption selectivity was observed. Full article

Control of energy systems in buildings is an area of expanding interest as the importance of energy efficiency, occupant health, and comfort increases. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a novel predictive steady-state optimal control method in minimizing the economic costs associated with operating a building. Specifically, the cost of utility consumption and the cost of loss productivity due to occupant discomfort were minimized. This optimization was achieved through the use of steady-state predictions and component level economic objective functions. Specific objective functions were developed and linear models were identified from data collected from a building on Texas A&M University’s campus. The building consists of multiple zones and is serviced by a variable air volume, chilled water air handling unit. The proposed control method was then co-simulated with MATLAB and EnergyPlus to capture effects across multiple time-scales. Simulation results show improved comfort performance and decreased economic cost over the currently implemented building control, minimizing productivity loss and utility consumption. The potential for more serious consideration of the economic cost of occupant discomfort in building control design is also discussed. Full article

Background: There is no standard chemotherapy for refractory or relapsing malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Our previous reports nevertheless indicated that a combination of an anthracycline (doxorubicin) and a lysine deacetylase inhibitor (valproic acid, VPA) synergize to induce the apoptosis of MPM cells and reduce tumor growth in mouse models. A Phase I/II clinical trial indicated that this regimen is a promising therapeutic option for a proportion of MPM patients. Methods: The transcriptomes of mesothelioma cells were compared after Illumina HiSeq 4000 sequencing. The expression of differentially expressed genes was inhibited by RNA interference. Apoptosis was determined by cell cycle analysis and Annexin V/7-AAD labeling. Protein expression was assessed by immunoblotting. Preclinical efficacy was evaluated in BALB/c and NOD-SCID mice. Results: To understand the mechanisms involved in chemoresistance, the transcriptomes of two MPM cell lines displaying different responses to VPA-doxorubicin were compared. Among the differentially expressed genes, transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα) was associated with resistance to this regimen. The silencing of TGFα by RNA interference correlated with a significant increase in apoptosis, whereas the overexpression of TGFα desensitized MPM cells to the apoptosis induced by VPA and doxorubicin. The multi-targeted inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC), HER2 and TGFα receptor (epidermal growth factor receptor/EGFR) improved treatment efficacy in vitro and reduced tumor growth in two MPM mouse models. Finally, TGFα expression but not EGFR correlated with patient survival. Conclusions: Our data show that TGFα but not its receptor EGFR is a key factor in resistance to MPM chemotherapy. This observation may contribute to casting light on the promising but still controversial role of EGFR signaling in MPM therapy. Full article

Historically, eating during the hemodialysis treatment has been associated with increased risk for adverse intradialytic symptoms and events, risks that have resulted in the implementation of restrictive in-center nutrition policies. Recent studies, however, have recorded a shift in clinical practice with a higher proportion of physicians following the view that administration of intradialytic meals and supplements represents a simple and effective approach to enhance caloric intake and improve nutritional status among patients on hemodialysis. This shift towards less restrictive in-center nutrition practices is mainly supported by evidence from observational studies associating intradialytic nutritional supplementation with improvements in protein-energy wasting, inflammatory state, and health-related quality of life. In sharp contrast, earlier and recent interventional studies have documented that feeding during the hemodialysis treatment provokes a rapid postprandial decline in blood pressure and raises the incidence of symptomatic intradialytic hypotension. Furthermore, other studies have shown that postprandial redistribution in intravascular volume and enhanced blood supply to the gastrointestinal circulation may interfere with the adequacy of the delivered hemodialysis. Those who defend the position that intradialytic nutritional support is beneficial do not dispute the physiology of postprandial hemodynamic response, but they argue against its clinical significance. In this article, we provide an overview of studies that explored the effect of eating during the hemodialysis treatment on intradialytic hemodynamic stability and adequacy of the delivered hemodialysis. We reason that these risks have important clinical implications that are not counteracted by anticipated benefits of this strategy on caloric intake and nutritional status. Full article

Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) are exposed to many parasites, but little is known about interactions with abiotic stressors on their health, particularly when affected as larvae. Larvae were exposed singly and in combination to the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and three sublethal doses of the neonicotinoid insecticide clothianidin to evaluate their effects on survivorship, weight, haemocyte counts, deformed wing virus (DWV) levels and gene expression of the adult bees that subsequently developed. Clothianidin significantly reduced bee weight at the highest dose and was associated with an increase in haemocyte counts at the lowest dose, whereas V. destructor parasitism increased DWV levels, reduced bee emergence, lowered weight and reduced haemocyte counts. An interaction between the two stressors was observed for weight at emergence. Among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), V. destructor infestation resulted in broader down-regulatory effects related to immunity that was often shared with the combined stressors, while clothianidin resulted in a broader up-regulatory effect more related to central metabolic pathways that was often shared with the combined stressors. Parasites and abiotic stressors can have complex interactions, including additive effects on reduced weight, number of up-regulated DEGs and biological pathways associated with metabolism. Full article

Boron-containing π-conjugated materials are archetypical candidates for a variety of molecular scale applications. The incorporation of boron into the π-conjugated frameworks significantly modifies the nature of the parent π-conjugated systems. Several novel boron-bridged π-conjugated materials with intriguing structural, photo-physical and electrochemical properties have been reported over the last few years. In this paper, we review the properties and multi-dimensional applications of the boron-bridged fused-ring π-conjugated systems. We critically highlight the properties of π-conjugated N^C-chelate organoboron materials. This is followed by a discussion on the potential applications of the new materials in opto-electronics (O-E) and other areas. Finally, attempts will be made to predict the future direction/outlook for this class of materials. Full article

In Colombia, one-third of the land is devoted to cattle farming, which is one of the main drivers of deforestation, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and emissions of greenhouses gases. To mitigate the environmental impacts of cattle farming, agroforestry practices have been extensively promoted with mixed results. Despite research and extension efforts over the last 20-year period, agroforestry systems still involve a complex knowledge process among stakeholders that needs to be addressed. To understand the drivers of cattle farmers’ behavior with regard to adopting agroforestry practices, we apply a double hurdle regression for different social, economic and productive information to capture the decision to adopt and the intensity of the adoption as a joint decision of such practices. For this purpose, we use data from a survey (implemented as part of an international project) administered to 1605 cattle farmers located in five agro-ecological regions in Colombia. Our dependent variables are defined by the adoption of four agroforestry practices: scattered trees, trees and shrubs for forage production, forestry plantations, and management of native forest. The adoption decision of agroforestry practices was influenced by the access and use of credit, location, and the implemented livestock system. Herd size and participation in development projects that involved tree planting had a positive influence on the adoption and intensity of agroforestry practices, while the variable associated with presence of water springs tended to boost the intensity of adoption. The diffusion of these technologies might be increased among farmers who have adopted and who are potential adopters, and social capital and networking can play a crucial role in spreading agroforestry as sustainable practice. Full article

The chronic character of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, results in various complications. One of them is osteoporosis, manifested by low bone mineral density, which leads to an increased risk of fractures. The aetiology of low bone mineral density is multifactorial and includes both diet and nutritional status. Calcium and vitamin D are the most often discussed nutrients with regard to bone mineral density. Moreover, vitamins A, K, C, B12; folic acid; calcium; phosphorus; magnesium; sodium; zinc; copper; and selenium are also involved in the formation of bone mass. Patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases frequently consume inadequate amounts of the aforementioned minerals and vitamins or their absorption is disturbed, resulting innutritional deficiency and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Thus, nutritional guidelines for inflammatory bowel disease patients should comprise information concerning the prevention of osteoporosis. Full article

Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is the most common occupational dermatological disease. Dendritic cells (DCs) mediate the sensitization stage of CHS, while T-cells facilitate the effector mechanisms that drive CHS. Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis, BRB) and BRB phytochemicals possess immunomodulatory properties, but their dietary effects on CHS are unknown. We examined the effects of diets containing BRB and protocatechuic acid (PCA, a constituent of BRB and an anthocyanin metabolite produced largely by gut microbes), on CHS, using a model induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenze (DNFB). Mice were fed control diet or diets supplemented with BRB or PCA. In vitro bone-marrow derived DCs and RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with BRB extract and PCA. Mice fed BRB or PCA supplemented diets displayed decreased DNFB-induced ear swelling, marked by decreased splenic DC accumulation. BRB extract diminished DC maturation associated with reduced Cd80 expression and Interleukin (IL)-12 secretion, and PCA reduced IL-12. Dietary supplementation with BRB and PCA induced differential decreases in IL-12-driven CHS mediators, including Interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-17 production by T-cells. BRB extracts and PCA directly attenuated CHS-promoting macrophage activity mediated by nitric oxide and IL-12. Our results demonstrate that BRB and PCA mitigate CHS pathology, providing a rationale for CHS alleviation via dietary supplementation with BRB or BRB derived anthocyanins. Full article

Rare-earth aluminum borates, RAl₃(BO₃)₄ (where R = Y, Pr–Lu), are of great interest because of their attractive multifunctional properties, depending on their structure and composition. The combination of desirable physical and chemical characteristics makes them promising materials for lasers and nonlinear optics. Research focusing on RAl₃(BO₃)₄ (RAB) compounds and their solids solutions has continued for more than five decades and has been reflected in numerous articles and several reviews. The last decade’s enhanced interest is being conducted towards epitaxial layers because of the availability of other possible applications, for instance, as scintillators, visible emitting phosphors or optical waveguides and waveguide lasers. On the other hand, the tendency of borate melts to form glasses makes them attractive for research of micro-crystallization processes in these systems and can be effortless towards finding relatively inexpensive optical glass–ceramic materials with similar composition as alternative components to laser systems. This article reviews the recent progress carried out hitherto on epitaxial layers and glass–ceramic composites of huntite-type rare-earth aluminum borates. Full article

Diabetic subjects are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis, the common soil of most of the cardiovascular complications, is more prevalent and extensive in this population due not only to hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, but also to inflammation and oxidative stress. Lycopenes are bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities mostly supplied by tomato and tomato byproducts. We investigated the association between circulating lycopenes and carotid plaque burden in diabetic patients, in a cross-sectional study in 105 newly diagnosed diabetic subjects. Atheroma plaque (wall thickness ≥ 1.5 mm), number of plaques, and plaque burden (sum of maximum heights of all plaques) were assessed by sonographic evaluation of carotid arteries. Plasma lycopenes (5-cis-, 9-cis-, 13-cis-, and trans-lycopene) were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry HPLC-MS. Atheroma plaque was observed in 75 participants, from which 38 presented one plaque and 37 two or more carotid plaques. No differences were observed in the plasmatic concentrations of lycopenes between subjects with and without atherosclerotic plaque presence. However, plaque burden was inversely associated with 5-cis-lycopene, all cis-lycopene isomers, trans-lycopene, and total lycopene isomers (all, p < 0.05). High plasma levels of lycopenes inversely relate to atherosclerotic burden. We provide novel evidence that suggests that the consumption of compounds found in tomato and tomato byproducts might be beneficial for the prevention of atherosclerosis. Full article

The recent rise of renewable energy sources connected to the distribution networks and the high peak consumptions requested by electric vehicle-charging bring new challenges for network operators. To operate smart electricity grids, cooperation between grid-owned and third-party assets becomes crucial. In this paper, we propose a methodology that combines machine learning with multi-objective optimization to accurately plan the exploitation of the energy district’s flexibility with the objective of reducing peak consumption and avoiding reverse power flow. Using historical data, acquired by the smart meters deployed on the pilot district, the district’s power profile can be predicted daily and analyzed to identify potentially critical issues on the network. District’s resources, such as electric vehicles, charging stations, photovoltaic panels, buildings energy management systems, and energy storage systems, have been modeled by taking into account their operational constraints and the multi-objective optimization has been adopted to identify the usage pattern that better suits the distribution operator’s (DSO) needs. The district is subject to incentives and penalties based on its ability to respond to the DSO request. Analysis of the results shows that this methodology can lead to a substantial reduction of both the reverse power flow and peak consumption. Full article

This review is focused on palladium-catalyzed reactions as efficient strategies aimed at the synthesis of different classes of benzodiazepines. Several reaction typologies are reported including hydroamination, amination, C–H arylation, N-arylation, and the Buchwald–Hartwig reaction, depending on the different substrates identified as halogenated starting materials (activated substrates) or unactivated unsaturated systems, which then exploit Pd(0)- or Pd(II)-catalytic species. In particular, the use of the domino reactions, as intra- or intermolecular processes, are reported as an efficient and eco-compatible tool to obtain differently functionalized benzodiazepines. Different domino reaction typologies are the carboamination, aminoarylation, aminoacethoxylation, aminohalogenation, and aminoazidation. Full article

Using electron microprobe analysis, 17 kidney stones containing apatite were studied. According to the results of the research, it was found that the apatite of all the oxalate kidney stones contained fluorine, while in the apatite of the phosphate kidney stones, fluorine was present in trace amounts or absent. Direct correlation between the amount of oxalate mineral phases and the fluorine content was observed. Ionic substitutions in the apatite of kidney stones have a multidirectional effect on the unit cell parameters. The fluorine content increases with the increase of a unit cell parameter, which is probably associated with a simultaneous increase in the amount of H₂O in the structure of apatite. The results of thermodynamic modeling show that fluorapatite is stable at lower pH values than hydroxylapatite, and therefore can be a precursor of calcium oxalates crystallization. Full article

Entry temperature estimation is a major concern for finishing mill set-up in hot strip mills. Variations in the incoming bar conditions, frequent product changes and measurement uncertainties may cause erroneous estimation, and hence, an incorrect mill set-up causing a faulty bar head-end. In earlier works, several varieties of neuro-fuzzy systems have been tested due to their adaptation capabilities. In order to test the combination of the simplicity offered by Takagi–Sugeno–Kang systems (also known as Sugeno systems) and the modeling power of type-2 fuzzy, in this work, hybrid-learning type-2 Sugeno fuzzy systems are evaluated and compared with the results presented earlier. Systems with both empirically and fuzzy c-means-generated rules as well as purely fuzzy systems and grey-box models are tested. Experimental data were collected from a real-life mill; datasets for rule-generation, training, and validation were randomly drawn. Two of the grey-box models presented here reach 100% of bars with 20 °C or less prediction error, while two of the purely fuzzy systems improved performance with respect to purely fuzzy systems presented elsewhere, however it was only a slight improvement. Full article

Electrospinning (ES) is a convenient and versatile method for the fabrication of nanofibers and has been utilized in many fields including pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Conventional ES uses a needle spinneret for the generation of nanofibers and is associated with many limitations and drawbacks (i.e., needle clogging, limited production capacity, and low yield). Needleless electrospinning (NLES) has been proposed to overcome these problems. Within the last two decades (2004–2020), many research articles have been published reporting the use of NLES for the fabrication of polymeric nanofibers intended for drug delivery and biomedical tissue engineering applications. The objective of the present mini-review article is to elucidate the potential of NLES for designing such novel nanofibrous drug delivery systems and tissue engineering constructs. This paper also gives an overview of the key NLES approaches, including the most recently introduced NLES method: ultrasound-enhanced electrospinning (USES). The technologies underlying NLES systems and an evaluation of electrospun nanofibers are presented. Even though NLES is a promising approach for the industrial production of nanofibers, it is a multivariate process, and more research work is needed to elucidate its full potential and limitations. Full article