Gut microbiota functions: metabolism of nutrients and other food components

The diverse microbial community that inhabits the human gut has an extensive metabolic repertoire that is distinct from, but complements the activity of mammalian enzymes in the liver and gut mucosa and includes functions essential for host digestion. As such, the gut microbiota is a key factor in shaping the biochemical profile of the diet and, therefore, its impact on host health and disease. The important role that the gut microbiota appears to play in human metabolism and health has stimulated research into the identification of specific microorganisms involved in different processes, and the elucidation of metabolic pathways, particularly those associated with metabolism of dietary components and some host-generated substances. In the first part of the review, we discuss the main gut microorganisms, particularly bacteria, and microbial pathways associated with the metabolism of dietary carbohydrates (to short chain fatty acids and gases), proteins, plant polyphenols, bile acids, and vitamins. The second part of the review focuses on the methodologies, existing and novel, that can be employed to explore gut microbial pathways of metabolism. These include mathematical models, omics techniques, isolated microbes, and enzyme assays

Prediction and inline compensation of springback in roll forming of high and ultra-high strength steels

With the rising interest in lightweight construction, the usage of high and ultra-high strength steels has increased remarkably during the last years. Unfortunately, these steel grades show more springback than mild steels do, which leads in consequence to lower dimensional accuracy. To improve the bended part’s geometry considerable trial-and-error work is necessary since the influence of different bending-parameters (e.g. the bending radius, sheet thickness, yield strength, Young’s modulus, the material’s strain hardening coefficient, …) on the amount of springback is still unknown. The aim of the paper at hand is therefore the investigation of springback for different parameter combinations. Furthermore, an online calibration system for occurring springback during roll forming is presented to compensate springback independent of material or process parameters