Water sorption-induced crystallization, structural relaxations and strength analysis of relaxation times in amorphous lactose/whey protein systems

Water sorption-induced crystallization, α-relaxations and relaxation times of freeze-dried lactose/whey protein isolate (WPI) systems were studied using dynamic dewpoint isotherms (DDI) method and dielectric analysis (DEA), respectively. The fractional water sorption behavior of lactose/WPI mixtures shown at aw ≤ 0.44 and the critical aw for water sorption-related crystallization (aw(cr)) of lactose were strongly affected by protein content based on DDI data. DEA results showed that the α-relaxation temperatures of amorphous lactose at various relaxation times were affected by the presence of water and WPI. The α-relaxation-derived strength parameter (S) of amorphous lactose decreased with aw up to 0.44 aw but the presence of WPI increased S. The linear relationship for aw(cr) and S for lactose/WPI mixtures was also established with R2 > 0.98. Therefore, DDI offers another structural investigation of water sorption-related crystallization as governed by aw(cr), and S may be used to describe real time effects of structural relaxations in noncrystalline multicomponent solids.

Efeitos do Dynamic Tape na prevenção da sensação retardada de desconforto muscular no quadricípite

Projeto de Graduação apresentado à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de Licenciado em Fisioterapia

Follicular dendritic cell disruption as a novel mechanism of virus-induced immunosuppression

Arboviruses (Arthropod-borne viruses) cause acute diseases that are increasingly affecting both human and animal health. Currently, there is a critical lack of understanding about the nature of arbovirus-host interactions in the lymph nodes (LNs), the place where the adaptive immune response is initiated and shaped. In this study, we used bluetongue virus (BTV) and its natural sheep host, to characterise the early events of an arbovirus infection with particular focus on the LNs. Our findings reveal a previously uncharacterized mechanism used by an arbovirus to manipulate host immunity. This study shows that BTV, similarly to other antigens delivered through the skin, is transported rapidly via the lymph to the peripheral lymph nodes. Here, BTV infects and disrupts the stromal network of marginal reticular cells and follicular dendritic cells composing the scaffolding of the follicular area. These cells contribute to antigen presentation and affinity maturation of B-cells for the production of antibodies. Consequently, we observed a loss of germinal centre structure, which hinders B-cell proliferation. This process results in a delayed production of high affinity and virus neutralizing antibodies that is directly related to the virulence of the BTV strain used and the severity of disease. Moreover the humoral immune response to a different antigen is also hampered in BTV-infected animals. Our data show that an arbovirus can evade the host antiviral responses by inducing an acute immunosuppression. Although transient, this immunosuppression occurs at the critical early stages of infection when a delayed host humoral immune response likely affects virus systemic dissemination and the clinical outcome of disease.

The mechanical strength of phosphates under friction-induced cross-linking

Purpose: In the present study, we consider mechanical properties of phosphate glasses under high temperatureinduced and under friction-induced cross-linking, which enhance the modulus of elasticity. Design/methodology/approach: Two nanomechanical properties are evaluated, the first parameter is the modulus of elasticity (E) (or Young's modulus) and the second parameter is the hardness (H). Zinc meta-, pyro - and orthophosphates were recognized as amorphous-colloidal nanoparticles were synthesized under laboratory conditions and showed antiwear properties in engine oil. Findings: Young's modulus of the phosphate glasses formed under high temperature was in the 60-89 GPa range. For phosphate tribofilm formed under friction hardness and the Young's modulus were in the range of 2-10 GPa and 40-215 GPa, respectively. The degree of cross-linking during friction is provided by internal pressure of about 600 MPa and temperature close to 1000°C enhancing mechanical properties by factor of 3 (see Fig 1). Research limitations/implications: The addition of iron or aluminum ions to phosphate glasses under high temperature - and friction-induced amorphization of zinc metaphosphate and pyrophosphate tends to provide more cross-linking and mechanically stronger structures. Iron and aluminum (FeO4 or AlO4 units), incorporated into phosphate structure as network formers, contribute to the anion network bonding by converting the P=O bonds into bridging oxygen. Future work should consider on development of new of materials prepared by solgel processes, eg., zinc (II)-silicic acid. Originality/value: This paper analyses the friction pressure-induced and temperature–induced the two factors lead phosphate tribofilm glasses to chemically advanced glass structures, which may enhance the wear inhibition. Adding the coordinating ions alters the pressure at which cross-linking occurs and increases the antiwear properties of the surface material significantly.

Some surface profiles of a strip after plane-strain indentation by rigid bodies with serrated surfaces

This paper is concerned with the surface profiles of a strip after rigid bodies with serrated (saw-teeth) surfaces indent the strip and are subsequently removed. Plane-strain conditions are assumed. This has application in roughness transfer of final metal forming process. The effects of the semi-angle of the teeth, the depth of indentation and the friction on the contact surface on the profile are considered.