The scenario of two-dimensional instabilities of the cylinder wake under EHD forcing: A linear stability analysis

We propose to study the stability properties of an air flow wake forced by a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) actuator, which is a type of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) actuator. These actuators add momentum to the flow around a cylinder in regions close to the wall and, in our case, are symmetrically disposed near the boundary layer separation point. Since the forcing frequencies, typical of DBD, are much higher than the natural shedding frequency of the flow, we will be considering the forcing actuation as stationary. In the first part, the flow around a circular cylinder modified by EHD actuators will be experimentally studied by means of particle image velocimetry (PIV). In the second part, the EHD actuators have been numerically implemented as a boundary condition on the cylinder surface. Using this boundary condition, the computationally obtained base flow is then compared with the experimental one in order to relate the control parameters from both methodologies. After validating the obtained agreement, we study the Hopf bifurcation that appears once the flow starts the vortex shedding through experimental and computational approaches. For the base flow derived from experimentally obtained snapshots, we monitor the evolution of the velocity amplitude oscillations. As to the computationally obtained base flow, its stability is analyzed by solving a global eigenvalue problem obtained from the linearized Navier–Stokes equations. Finally, the critical parameters obtained from both approaches are compared

MTHFR C677T polymorphism, homocysteine and B vitamins status in a sample of Chinese and Malay subjects in Universiti Putra Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T is involved in folate and homocysteine metabolism. Disruption in the activity of this enzyme will alter their levels in the body. METHODOLOGY: This study assessed MTHFR C677T polymorphism and its relationship with serum homocysteine and B-vitamins levels in a sample of Chinese and Malays subjects in UPM, Serdang. One hundred subjects were randomly selected from among the university population. Folate, vitamin B12, B6, and homocysteine levels were determined using MBA, ECLIA, and HPLC, respectively. PCR coupled with HinfI digestion was used for detection of MTHFR C677T polymorphism. RESULTS: The frequency of T allele was higher in the Chinese subjects (0.40) compared to the Malay (0.14). Folate, vitamin B12 and B6 levels were highest in the wild genotype in both ethnic groups. Subjects with heterozygous and homozygous genotype showed the highest homocysteine levels. The serum folate and homocysteine were mainly affected by homozygous genotype. CONCLUSION: MTHFR C677T polymorphism plays an important role in influencing the folate and homocysteine metabolism

Revealing the potential of squid chitosan-based structures for biomedical applications

In recent years, much attention has been given to different marine organisms, namely as potential sources of valuable materials with a vast range of properties and characteristics. In this work, β-chitin was isolated from the endoskeleton of the giant squid Dosidicus gigas and further deacetylated to produce chitosan. Then, the squid chitosan was processed into membranes and scaffolds using solvent casting and freeze-drying, respectively, to assess their potential biomedical application. The developed membranes have shown to be stiffer and less hydrophobic than those obtained with commercial chitosan. On the other hand, the morphological characterization of the developed scaffolds, by SEM and micro-computed tomography, revealed that the matrices were formed with a lamellar structure. The findings also indicated that the treatment with ethanol prior to neutralization with sodium hydroxide caused the formation of larger pores and loss of some lamellar features. The in vitro cell culture study has shown that all chitosan scaffolds exhibited a non-cytotoxic effect over the mouse fibroblast-like cell line, L929 cells. Thus, chitosan produced from the endoskeletons of the giant squid Dosidicus gigas has proven to be a valuable alternative to existing commercial materials when considering its use as biomaterial.This work was partially funded by FEDER through INTERREG III A Project Proteus and POCTEP Project IBEROMARE. The Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology is gratefully acknowledged for post-doctoral grants of THS, JMO and SSS. The authors would also like to acknowledge to Dr Julio Maroto from the Fundacion CETMAR and Roi Vilela from PESCANOVA S.A, Spain, for the kind offer of squid pens and to Dr Ramon Novoa, Professor Ricardo Riguera and Professor Mariana Landin from the University of Santiago of Compostela for the SEC-MALLS measurements

Morphology, carbohydrate distribution, gene expression, and enzymatic activities related to cell wall hydrolysis in four barley varieties during simulated malting

Many biological processes, such as cell wall hydrolysis and the mobilisation of nutrient reserves from the starchy endosperm, require stringent regulation to successfully malt barley (Hordeum vulgare) grain in an industrial context. Much of the accumulated knowledge defining these events has been collected from individual, unrelated experiments, and data have often been extrapolated from Petri dish germination, rather than malting, experiments. Here, we present comprehensive morphological, biochemical, and transcript data from a simulated malt batch of the three elite malting cultivars Admiral, Navigator, and Flagship, and the feed cultivar Keel. Activities of lytic enzymes implicated in cell wall and starch depolymerisation in germinated grain have been measured, and transcript data for published cell wall hydrolytic genes have been provided. It was notable that Flagship and Keel exhibited generally similar patterns of enzyme and transcript expression, but exhibited a few key differences that may partially explain Flagship's superior malting qualities. Admiral and Navigator also showed matching expression patterns for these genes and enzymes, but the patterns differed from those of Flagship and Keel, despite Admiral and Navigator having Keel as a common ancestor. Overall (1,3;1,4)-β-glucanase activity differed between cultivars, with lower enzyme levels and concomitantly higher amounts of (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan in the feed variety, Keel, at the end of malting. Transcript levels of the gene encoding (1,3;1,4)-β-glucanase isoenzyme EI were almost three times higher than those encoding isoenzyme EII, suggesting a previously unrecognised importance for isoenzyme EI during malting. Careful morphological examination showed that scutellum epithelial cells in mature dry grain are elongated but expand no further as malting progresses, in contrast to equivalent cells in other cereals, perhaps demonstrating a morphological change in this critical organ over generations of breeding selection. Fluorescent immuno-histochemical labelling revealed the presence of pectin in the nucellus and, for the first time, significant amounts of callose throughout the starchy endosperm of mature grain.Natalie S. Betts, Laura G. Wilkinson, Shi F. Khor, Neil J. Shirley, Finn Lok, Birgitte Skadhauge, Rachel A. Burton, Geoffrey B. Fincher and Helen M. Collin

Review of mathematical models for production planning under uncertainty due to lack of homogeneity: proposal of a conceptual model

[EN] Lack of homogeneity in the product (LHP) appears in some production processes that confer heterogeneity in the characteristics of the products obtained. Supply chains with this issue have to classify the product in different homogeneous subsets, whose quantity is uncertain during the production planning process. This paper proposes a generic framework for reviewing in a unified way the literature about production planning models dealing with LHP uncertainty. This analysis allows the identification of similarities among sectors to transfer solutions between them and gaps existing in the literature for further research. The results of the review show: (1) sectors affected by LHP inherent uncertainty, (2) the inherent LHP uncertainty types modelled, and (3) the approaches for modelling LHP uncertainty most widely employed. Finally, we suggest a conceptual model reflecting the aspects to be considered when modelling the production planning in sectors with LHP in an uncertain environment.This research was initiated within the framework of the project funded by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad [Ref. DPI2011-23597] entitled ‘Methods and models for operations planning and order management in supply chains characterised by uncertainty in production due to the lack of product uniformity’ (PLANGES-FHP) already finished. After, the project leading to this application has received funding from the European Union’s research and innovation programme under the H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions with the grant agreement No 691249, Project entitled ’Enhancing and implementing Knowledge based ICT solutions within high Riskand Uncertain Conditions for Agriculture Production Systems’ (RUC-APS).Mundi, I.; Alemany Díaz, MDM.; Poler, R.; Fuertes-Miquel, VS. (2019). 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González-Araya, M. C. Gripe, and S. V. Rodrıguez. 2014. “A Mixed Integer Linear Program for Operational Planning in a Meat Packing Plant.” Accessed January 15, 2015. http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Victor_Albornoz/publication/268687089_A_Mixed_Integer_Linear_Program_for_Operational_Planning_in_a_Meat_Packing_Plant/links/547382bf0cf29afed60f55c7.pdf.José Alem, D., & Morabito, R. (2012). Production planning in furniture settings via robust optimization. Computers & Operations Research, 39(2), 139-150. doi:10.1016/j.cor.2011.02.022Alemany, M. M. E., Lario, F.-C., Ortiz, A., & Gómez, F. (2013). Available-To-Promise modeling for multi-plant manufacturing characterized by lack of homogeneity in the product: An illustration of a ceramic case. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 37(5), 3380-3398. doi:10.1016/j.apm.2012.07.022Alemany, M., Ortiz, A., & Fuertes-Miquel, V. S. (2018). 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Risk Management in the Oil Supply Chain: A CVaR Approach. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 49(7), 3286-3294. doi:10.1021/ie901265nChakraborty, M., & Chandra, M. K. (2005). Multicriteria decision making for optimal blending for beneficiation of coal: a fuzzy programming approach. Omega, 33(5), 413-418. doi:10.1016/j.omega.2004.07.005LUO, C., & RONG, G. (2009). A Strategy for the Integration of Production Planning and Scheduling in Refineries under Uncertainty. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, 17(1), 113-127. doi:10.1016/s1004-9541(09)60042-2Davoli, G., Gallo, S., Collins, M., & Melloni, R. (2011). A stochastic simulation approach for production scheduling and investment planning in the tile industry. International Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology, 2(9). doi:10.4314/ijest.v2i9.64006Denizel, M., Ferguson, M., & Souza, G. (2010). Multiperiod Remanufacturing Planning With Uncertain Quality of Inputs. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 57(3), 394-404. doi:10.1109/tem.2009.2024506Dong, M., Lu, S., & Han, S. (2011). Production Planning for Hybrid Remanufacturing and Manufacturing System with Component Recovery. Advances in Electrical Engineering and Electrical Machines, 511-518. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-25905-0_66Dubois, D., Fargier, H., & Fortemps, P. (2003). Fuzzy scheduling: Modelling flexible constraints vs. coping with incomplete knowledge. European Journal of Operational Research, 147(2), 231-252. doi:10.1016/s0377-2217(02)00558-1DUENYAS, I., & TSAI, C.-Y. (2000). Control of a manufacturing system with random product yield and downward substitutability. IIE Transactions, 32(9), 785-795. doi:10.1080/07408170008967438Esteso, A., Alemany, M. M. E., & Ortiz, A. (2018). Conceptual framework for designing agri-food supply chains under uncertainty by mathematical programming models. International Journal of Production Research, 56(13), 4418-4446. doi:10.1080/00207543.2018.1447706French, M. L., & LaForge, R. L. (2005). Closed-loop supply chains in process industries: An empirical study of producer re-use issues. Journal of Operations Management, 24(3), 271-286. doi:10.1016/j.jom.2004.07.012Gallo, M., R. Grisi, G. Guizzi, and E. Romano. 2009. “A Comparison of Production Policies in Remanufacturing Systems,” Proceedings of the 8th WSEAS International Conference on System Science and Simulation in Engineering, ICOSSSE ‘09, pp. 334.Goodfellow, R., & Dimitrakopoulos, R. (2017). Simultaneous Stochastic Optimization of Mining Complexes and Mineral Value Chains. Mathematical Geosciences, 49(3), 341-360. doi:10.1007/s11004-017-9680-3Graves, S. C. (2010). Uncertainty and Production Planning. Planning Production and Inventories in the Extended Enterprise, 83-101. doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-6485-4_5Grillo, H., Alemany, M. M. E., Ortiz, A., & Fuertes-Miquel, V. S. (2017). Mathematical modelling of the order-promising process for fruit supply chains considering the perishability and subtypes of products. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 49, 255-278. doi:10.1016/j.apm.2017.04.037Guan, Z., & Philpott, A. B. (2011). A multistage stochastic programming model for the New Zealand dairy industry. International Journal of Production Economics, 134(2), 289-299. doi:10.1016/j.ijpe.2009.11.003Guide, V. D. R. (2000). Production planning and control for remanufacturing: industry practice and research needs. Journal of Operations Management, 18(4), 467-483. doi:10.1016/s0272-6963(00)00034-6Gupta, V., & Grossmann, I. E. (2011). Solution strategies for multistage stochastic programming with endogenous uncertainties. Computers & Chemical Engineering, 35(11), 2235-2247. doi:10.1016/j.compchemeng.2010.11.013Gupta, S., and Z. Nan. 2006. “‘Multiperiod Planning of Refinery Operations Under Market Uncertainty,’ AIChE Annual Meeting.” Conference Proceedings.Heckmann, I., Comes, T., & Nickel, S. (2015). A critical review on supply chain risk – Definition, measure and modeling. Omega, 52, 119-132. doi:10.1016/j.omega.2014.10.004Heydari, J., & Ghasemi, M. (2018). A revenue sharing contract for reverse supply chain coordination under stochastic quality of returned products and uncertain remanufacturing capacity. Journal of Cleaner Production, 197, 607-615. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.06.206Hovelaque, V., Duvaleix-Tréguer, S., & Cordier, J. (2009). Effects of constrained supply and price contracts on agricultural cooperatives. European Journal of Operational Research, 199(3), 769-780. doi:10.1016/j.ejor.2008.08.005Hsieh, S., & Chiang, C.-C. (2001). Manufacturing-to-Sale Planning Model for Fuel Oil Production. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 18(4), 303-311. doi:10.1007/s001700170070Igarashi, M., de Boer, L., & Fet, A. M. (2013). What is required for greener supplier selection? A literature review and conceptual model development. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 19(4), 247-263. doi:10.1016/j.pursup.2013.06.001Jamshidi, M., & Osanloo, M. (2019). Reliability analysis of production schedule in multi-element deposits under grade-tonnage uncertainty with multi-destinations for the run of mine material. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, 29(3), 483-489. doi:10.1016/j.ijmst.2018.04.016Jin, X., Hu, S. J., Ni, J., & Xiao, G. (2013). Assembly Strategies for Remanufacturing Systems With Variable Quality Returns. IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering, 10(1), 76-85. doi:10.1109/tase.2012.2217741Jindal, A., & Sangwan, K. S. (2016). Multi-objective fuzzy mathematical modelling of closed-loop supply chain considering economical and environmental factors. Annals of Operations Research, 257(1-2), 95-120. doi:10.1007/s10479-016-2219-zJohnson, P., G. Evatt, P. Duck, and S. Howell. 2010. “The Derivation and Impact of an Optimal Cut-off Grade Regime Upon Mine Valuations,” Proceedings of the World Congress on Engineering 2010 Vol I.Junior, M. L., & Filho, M. G. (2011). Production planning and control for remanufacturing: literature review and analysis. Production Planning & Control, 23(6), 419-435. doi:10.1080/09537287.2011.561815Kamrad, B., & Ernst, R. (2001). An Economic Model for Evaluating Mining and Manufacturing Ventures with Output Yield Uncertainty. Operations Research, 49(5), 690-699. doi:10.1287/opre.49.5.690.10610Kannegiesser, M., Günther, H.-O., van Beek, P., Grunow, M., & Habla, C. (2008). Value chain management for commodities: a case study from the chemical industry. OR Spectrum, 31(1), 63-93. doi:10.1007/s00291-008-0124-9Karabuk, S. (2008). Production planning under uncertainty in textile manufacturing. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 59(4), 510-520. doi:10.1057/palgrave.jors.2602370Khor, C. S., Elkamel, A., & Douglas, P. L. (2008). Stochastic Refinery Planning with Risk Management. Petroleum Science and Technology, 26(14), 1726-1740. doi:10.1080/10916460701287813Kumral, M. (2004). Genetic algorithms for optimization of a mine system under uncertainty. Production Planning & Control, 15(1), 34-41. doi:10.1080/09537280310001654844Lalmazloumian, M., and K. Y. Wong. 2012. “A Review of Modelling Approaches for Supply Chain Planning Under Uncertainty,” Service Systems and Service Management (ICSSSM), 2012 9th International Conference on, pp. 197.Leiras, A., Ribas, G., Hamacher, S., & Elkamel, A. (2013). Tactical and Operational Planning of Multirefinery Networks under Uncertainty: An Iterative Integration Approach. 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A Model-Driven Decision Support System for the Master Planning of Ceramic Supply Chains with Non-uniformity of Finished Goods. Studies in Informatics and Control, 22(2). doi:10.24846/v22i2y201305Mundi, M. I., Alemany, M. M. E., Poler, R., & Fuertes-Miquel, V. S. (2016). Fuzzy sets to model master production effectively in Make to Stock companies with Lack of Homogeneity in the Product. Fuzzy Sets and Systems, 293, 95-112. doi:10.1016/j.fss.2015.06.009Munhoz, J. R., & Morabito, R. (2014). Optimization approaches to support decision making in the production planning of a citrus company: A Brazilian case study. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 107, 45-57. doi:10.1016/j.compag.2014.05.016Olivetti, E. A., Gaustad, G. G., Field, F. R., & Kirchain, R. E. (2011). Increasing Secondary and Renewable Material Use: A Chance Constrained Modeling Approach To Manage Feedstock Quality Variation. 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Radulescu. 2008. “Crop Planning in the Presence of Production Quotas (Invited Paper),” Computer Modeling and Simulation, 2008.UKSIM 2008. Tenth International Conference on, pp. 549.Rajaram, K., & Karmarkar, U. S. (2002). Product Cycling With Uncertain Yields: Analysis and Application to the Process Industry. Operations Research, 50(4), 680-691. doi:10.1287/opre.50.4.680.2867Ramasesh, R. V., &

Pancreatic Polypeptide Controls Energy Homeostasis via Npy6r Signaling in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus in Mice

SummaryY-receptors control energy homeostasis, but the role of Npy6 receptors (Npy6r) is largely unknown. Young Npy6r-deficient (Npy6r−/−) mice have reduced body weight, lean mass, and adiposity, while older and high-fat-fed Npy6r−/− mice have low lean mass with increased adiposity. Npy6r−/− mice showed reduced hypothalamic growth hormone releasing hormone (Ghrh) expression and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels relative to WT. This is likely due to impaired vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) signaling in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), where we found Npy6r coexpressed in VIP neurons. Peripheral administration of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) increased Fos expression in the SCN, increased energy expenditure, and reduced food intake in WT, but not Npy6r−/−, mice. Moreover, intraperitoneal (i.p.) PP injection increased hypothalamic Ghrh mRNA expression and serum IGF-1 levels in WT, but not Npy6r−/−, mice, an effect blocked by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VPAC) receptors antagonism. Thus, PP-initiated signaling through Npy6r in VIP neurons regulates the growth hormone axis and body composition

Doing Biopolitics Differently? Radical Potential in the Post-2015 MDG and SDG Debates

Post print On institutional repository or subject-based repository after a 18 months embargo, withdraw

A comprehensive evaluation of colonic mucosal isolates of Sutterella wadsworthensis from inflammatory bowel disease

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

MicroRNA-124 Regulates STAT3 Expression and Is Down-regulated in Colon Tissues of Pediatric Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

Background & Aims - Altered levels and functions of microRNAs (miRs) have been associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), although little is known about their roles in pediatric IBD. We investigated whether colonic mucosal miRs are altered in children with ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods - We used a library of 316 miRs to identify those that regulate phosphorylation of STAT3 in NCM460 human colonocytes incubated with interleukin-6. Levels of miR-124 were measured by real-time PCR analysis of colon biopsies from pediatric and adult patients with UC and patients without IBD (controls), and of HCT-116 colonocytes incubated with 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine. Methylation of the MIR124 promoter was measured by quantitative methylation-specific PCR. Results - Levels of phosphorylated STAT3 and the genes it regulates (encoding VEGF, BCL2, BCLXL, and MMP9) were increased in pediatric patients with UC, compared to control tissues. Overexpression of miR-124, let-7, miR-125, miR-26, or miR-101 reduced STAT3 phosphorylation by ≥75% in NCM460 cells; miR-124 had the greatest effect. miR-124 was downregulated specifically in colon tissues from pediatric patients with UC and directly targeted STAT3 mRNA. Levels of miR-124 were decreased whereas levels of STAT3 phosphorylation increased in colon tissues from pediatric patients with active UC, compared to those with inactive disease. Furthermore, levels of miR-124 and STAT3 were inversely correlated in mice with experimental colitis. Downregulation of miR-124 in tissues from children with UC was attributed to hypermethylation of its promoter region. Incubation of HCT-116 colonocytes with 5-aza-2’ deoxycytidine upregulated miR-124 and reduced levels of STAT3 mRNA. Conclusions - MiR-124 appears to regulate the expression of STAT3. Reduced levels of miR-124 in colon tissues of children with active UC appear to increase expression and activity of STAT3, which could promote inflammation and pathogenesis of UC in children