Surrogate modeling of RF circuit blocks

Surrogate models are a cost-effective replacement for expensive computer simulations in design space exploration. Literature has already demonstrated the feasibility of accurate surrogate models for single radio frequency (RF) and microwave devices. Within the European Marie Curie project O-MOORE-NICE! (Operational Model Order Reduction for Nanoscale IC Electronics) we aim to investigate the feasibility of the surrogate modeling approach for entire RF circuit blocks. This paper presents an overview about the surrogate model type selection problem for low noise amplifier modeling

Shedding Light on Diatom Photonics by means of Digital Holography

Diatoms are among the dominant phytoplankters in the worl's ocean, and their external silica investments, resembling artificial photonics crystal, are expected to play an active role in light manipulation. Digital holography allowed studying the interaction with light of Coscinodiscus wailesii cell wall reconstructing the light confinement inside the cell cytoplasm, condition that is hardly accessible via standard microscopy. The full characterization of the propagated beam, in terms of quantitative phase and intensity, removed a long-standing ambiguity about the origin of the light. The data were discussed in the light of living cell behavior in response to their environment

Chemical and biological study of Premna resinosa (hochst) Schauer surface extract

In this investigation we report the isolation and characterization of labdane diterpenes of the surface extract of P. resinosa. and the evaluation of their antiproliferative effects

PROTEOMICS AS USEFUL TOOL FOR STUDING BIOMARKERS OF EARLY EXPOSURE TO POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENILS

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic persistent organic pollutants present in the hydrosphere. Mussels are used as sentinel organisms for the monitoring of marine pollution for their ability to bioaccumulate contaminants, their sessile nature, filter-feeding habits and widespread distribution. Alteration in protein expression is often indicative of toxic exposure or effect and changes in protein expression profiles derived from environmental stress may be used for the identification of novel biomarkers. In this study, proteomics has been used in mussels as a preliminary screening of quantitative changes in protein expression caused by a mixture of PCBs, potentially useful as new biomarkers, following the identification of the proteins more drastically altered. Our data demonstrated that proteomic approach represents a valuable tool for identifying biomarkers of exposure to environmental contaminants

Proteomic approach for the detection of biomarkers ofexposure in mussels exposed to PCB

In the current study, a preliminary proteomic approach has been used in Mytilus galloprovincialis as a screening of changes in protein expression caused by a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in order to characterize the effects of PCBs on the protein profile and to develop new molecular biomarkers, after identifying the proteins more drastically altered. Methods:Mussels were exposed for three weeks to three polychlorinated biphenyls under controlled conditions. The edible parts were homogenized and lyophilized. Extracted proteins were quantified and separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) in IPG strips (pH 3–10). The protein spots in gels were visualized by Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining. Gel images were obtained using a Image Scanner. Image analysis included spot detection, quantification and matching. The volume of each spot from each gel was normalized to the total gel spot volume in order to correct it for differences in gel staining. More than 500 spots were resolved and altered expression was qualitatively detected. Results and conclusions of the study: Our results showed a well conserved protein pattern regardless of the treatments, demonstrating that the exposition to the PCB mixture did not impair the normal physiological function of the mussels. However, the levels of a restricted number of proteins were clearly and reproducibly affected by the treatment; therefore, these polypeptides were considered promising biomarker candidates. In conclusion, even if further studies are needed to validate these findings, our data demonstrated that proteomic approach represents a valuable tool for identifying biomarkers of exposure to environmental contaminants

OptEEmAL: Decision-Support Tool for the Design of Energy Retrofitting Projects at District Level

Designing energy retrofitting actions poses an elevated number of problems, as the definition of the baseline, selection of indicators to measure performance, modelling, setting objectives, etc. This is time-consuming and it can result in a number of inaccuracies, leading to inadequate decisions. While these problems are present at building level, they are multiplied at district level, where there are complex interactions to analyse, simulate and improve. OptEEmAL proposes a solution as a decision-support tool for the design of energy retrofitting projects at district level. Based on specific input data (IFC(s), CityGML, etc.), the platform will automatically simulate the baseline scenario and launch an optimisation process where a series of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) will be applied to this scenario. Its performance will be evaluated through a holistic set of indicators to obtain the best combination of ECMs that complies with user's objectives. A great reduction in time and higher accuracy in the models are experienced, since they are automatically created and checked. A subjective problem is transformed into a mathematical problem; it simplifies it and ensures a more robust decision-making. This paper will present a case where the platform has been tested.This research work has been partially funded by the European Commission though the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement No 680676. All related information to the project is available at https://www.opteemal-project.eu

Fertilizer type influences tomato yield and soil N2O emissions

Improvements in crop management for a more sustainable agriculture are fundamental to reduce environmental impacts of cropland and to mitigate effects on global climate change. In this study three fertilization types – ammonium nitrate (control); mineral fertilizer added with a nitrification inhibitor (3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP)), and an organo-mineral fertilizer (OM) – were tested on a tomato crop in order to evaluate effects both on crop production and soil N2O emissions. Plants grown under OM fertilization had a greater relative growth rate compared to mineral fertilization, due to a higher net assimilation rate, which was related to a greater light interception rather than to a higher photosynthetic efficiency. OM fertilization determined the highest fruit production and lower soil N2O fluxes compared to NH4NO3, although the lowest soil N2O fluxes were found in response to mineral fertilizer added with a nitrification inhibitor. It can be concluded that organo-mineral fertilizer is a better nutrient source compared to mineral fertilizers able to improve crop yield and to mitigate soil N2O emission

Antiangiogenic activity of iridoids from Lamiaceae and Plantaginaceae species

Iridoids are a group of natural compounds, occurring in a great number of plant families, usually as glycosides. The considerable interest in iridoids is due to their ecological role as plant protectant and to their wide spectrum of biological activities, including cardioprotection, neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities [1]. Interestingly, some iridoid glycosides were found to have a potent antiangiogenic activity [2-3]. Angiogenesis process may be involved in tumour development, thus its inhibition appears to be a promising approach in anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapies [4]. Within this context, the aim of the present study was the isolation and characterization of iridoid derivatives from two Lamiaceae species, Stachys ocymastrum (L.) Briq and Premna resinosa (Hochst.) Schauer leaves, and from Anarrhinum pedatum Desf. aerial parts, belonging to Plantaginaceae family, together with the evaluation of their antiangiogenic potential. The chemical study of investigated plants afforded to the isolation of one new and four known iridoid glycosides from S. ocymastrum, nine known iridoid diglycosides from P. resinosa, and ten new and five known iridoid glycosides from A. pedatum, identified by NMR and MS analyses. The antiangiogenic effects of the isolates were reported on new blood vessels formation using two in vivo models: zebrafish embryos and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane [5]. Among the tested iridoids, -hydroxyipolamiide, ipolamiide, buddlejoside A5, and 6′-O-menthiafoloylmussaenosidic acid-11-(5-O-β-D-fructopyranosyl) ester showed a significant antiangiogenic activity in both assays, reducing the growth of blood vessels. Weaker antiangiogenic effects were also observed for some other iridoids, thus suggesting this class of compounds as promising antiangiogenic agents

Data collection and advanced statistical analysis in phytotoxic activity of aerial parts exudates of Salvia spp

In order to define the phytotoxic potential of Salvia species a database was developed for fast and efficient data collection in screening studies of the inhibitory activity of Salvia exudates on the germination of Papaver rhoeas L. and Avena sativa L.. The structure of the database is associated with the use of algorithms for calculating the usual germination indices reported in the literature, plus the newly defined indices (Weighted Average Damage, Differential Weighted Average Damage, Germination Weighted Average Velocity) and other variables usually recorded in experiments of phytotoxicity (LC50, LC90). Furthermore, other algorithms were designed to calculate the one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's multiple range test to highlight automatically significant differences between the species. The database model was designed in order to be suitable also for the development of further analysis based on the artificial neural network approach, using Self-Organising Maps (SOM)

Bioactive Limonoids from the Leaves of Azaridachta indica (Neem)

Eight new limonoids (1−8) and one new phenol glycoside (9), along with six known compounds, were isolated from the leaves of Azaridachta indica. The structures of 1−9 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis. Compounds isolated were assayed for their cytotoxicity against different cancer cell lines. Moreover, their ability to interact with the molecular chaperone Hsp90, affecting its biological activity, was tested