Identification and quantification of carbamate pesticides in dried lime tree flowers by means of excitation-emission molecular fluorescence and parallel factor analysis when quenching effect exists

A non-separative, fast and inexpensive spectrofluorimetric method based on the second order calibration of excitation-emission fluorescence matrices (EEMs) was proposed for the determination of carbaryl, carbendazim and 1-naphthol in dried lime tree flowers. The trilinearity property of three-way data was used to handle the intrinsic fluorescence of lime flowers and the difference in the fluorescence intensity of each analyte. It also made possible to identify unequivocally each analyte. Trilinearity of the data tensor guarantees the uniqueness of the solution obtained through parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), so the factors of the decomposition match up with the analytes. In addition, an experimental procedure was proposed to identify, with three-way data, the quenching effect produced by the fluorophores of the lime flowers. This procedure also enabled the selection of the adequate dilution of the lime flowers extract to minimize the quenching effect so the three analytes can be quantified. Finally, the analytes were determined using the standard addition method for a calibration whose standards were chosen with a D-optimal design. The three analytes were unequivocally identified by the correlation between the pure spectra and the PARAFAC excitation and emission spectral loadings. The trueness was established by the accuracy line “calculated concentration versus added concentration” in all cases. Better decision limit values (CCα), in x0 = 0 with the probability of false positive fixed at 0.05, were obtained for the calibration performed in pure solvent: 2.97 μg L−1 for 1-naphthol, 3.74 μg L−1 for carbaryl and 23.25 μg L−1 for carbendazim. The CCα values for the second calibration carried out in matrix were 1.61, 4.34 and 51.75 μg L−1 respectively; while the values obtained considering only the pure samples as calibration set were: 2.65, 8.61 and 28.7 μg L−1, respectively.theMinisteriodeEconomíayCompetitividad(CTQ2011-26022) and JuntadeCastillayLeón(BU108A11-2

Detection of cold chain breaks using partial least squares-class modelling based on biogenic amine profiles in tuna

The maintenance of the cold chain is essential to ensure foodstuff conformity and safety. However, gaps in the cold chain may be expected so designing analytical methods capable to detect cold chain breaks is a worthwhile issue. In this paper, the possibility of using the amount of nine biogenic amines (BAs) determined in Thunnus albacares by HPLC-FLD for detecting cold chain breaks is approached. Tuna is stored at 3 different temperature conditions for 8 storage periods. The evolution of the content of BAs is analyzed through parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), in such a way that storage temperature, BAs and storage time profiles are estimated. PARAFAC has made it possible to observe two spoilage routes with different relative evolution of BAs. In addition, it has enabled to estimate the storage time, by considering the three storage temperatures, with errors of 0.5 and 1.0 days in fitting and in prediction, respectively. Furthermore, a class-modelling technique based on partial least squares is sequentially applied to decide, from the amount of BAs, if there has been a cold chain break. Firstly, samples stored at 25 °C are statistically discriminated from those kept at 4 °C and −18 °C; next, frozen samples are distinguished from those refrigerated. In the first case, the probabilities of false non-compliance and false compliance are almost zero, whereas in the second one, both probabilities are 10%. Globally, the results of this work have pointed out the feasibility of using the amount of BAs together with PLS-CM to decide if the cold chain has been maintained or not.Agencia Estatal de Investigación of Spanish Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de España [project CTQ2017-88894-R] and Consejería de Educación de la Junta de Castilla y León [project BU012P17] both co-financed with European Regional Development Fun

Deep multiblock predictive modelling using parallel input convolutional neural networks

In the domain of chemometrics, multiblock data analysis is widely performed for exploring or fusing data from multiple sources. Commonly used methods for multiblock predictive analysis are the extensions of latent space modelling approaches. However, recently, deep learning (DL) approaches such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have outperformed the single block traditional latent space modelling chemometric approaches such as partial least-square (PLS) regression. The CNNs based DL modelling can also be performed to simultaneously deal with the multiblock data but was never explored until this study. Hence, this study for the first time presents the concept of parallel input CNNs based DL modelling for multiblock predictive chemometric analysis. The parallel input CNNs based DL modelling utilizes individual convolutional layers for each data block to extract key features that are later combined and passed to a regression module composed of fully connected layers. The method was tested on a real visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) large data set related to dry matter prediction in mango fruit. To have the multiblock data, the visible (Vis) and near-infrared (NIR) parts were treated as two separate blocks. The performance of the parallel input CNN was compared with the traditional single block CNNs based DL modelling, as well as with a commonly used multiblock chemometric approach called sequentially orthogonalized partial least-square (SO-PLS) regression. The results showed that the proposed parallel input CNNs based deep multiblock analysis outperformed the single block CNNs based DL modelling and the SO-PLS regression analysis. The root means squared errors of prediction obtained with deep multiblock analysis was 0.818%, relatively lower by 4 and 20% than single block CNNs and SO-PLS regression, respectively. Furthermore, the deep multiblock approach attained ~3% lower RMSE compared to the best known on the mango data set used for this study. The deep multiblock analysis approach based on parallel input CNNs could be considered as a useful tool for fusing data from multiple sources.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Comparison of spectroscopy technologies for improved monitoring of cell culture processes in miniature bioreactors

Cell culture process development requires the screening of large numbers of cell lines and process conditions. The development of miniature bioreactor systems has increased the throughput of such studies; however, there are limitations with their use. One important constraint is the limited number of offline samples that can be taken compared to those taken for monitoring cultures in large-scale bioreactors. The small volume of miniature bioreactor cultures (15 mL) is incompatible with the large sample volume (600 µL) required for bioanalysers routinely used. Spectroscopy technologies may be used to resolve this limitation. The purpose of this study was to compare the use of NIR, Raman, and 2D-fluorescence to measure multiple analytes simultaneously in volumes suitable for daily monitoring of a miniature bioreactor system. A novel design-of-experiment approach is described that utilizes previously analyzed cell culture supernatant to assess metabolite concentrations under various conditions while providing optimal coverage of the desired design space. Multivariate data analysis techniques were used to develop predictive models. Model performance was compared to determine which technology is more suitable for this application. 2D-fluorescence could more accurately measure ammonium concentration (RMSECV 0.031 g L−1) than Raman and NIR. Raman spectroscopy, however, was more robust at measuring lactate and glucose concentrations (RMSECV 1.11 and 0.92 g L−1, respectively) than the other two techniques. The findings suggest that Raman spectroscopy is more suited for this application than NIR and 2D-fluorescence. The implementation of Raman spectroscopy increases at-line measuring capabilities, enabling daily monitoring of key cell culture components within miniature bioreactor cultures

Secondary insults following traumatic brain injury enhance complement activation in the human brain and release of the tissue damage marker S100B

To access publisher full text version of this article. Please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links field.OBJECT: Complement activation has been suggested to play a role in the development of secondary injuries following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The present study was initiated in order to analyze complement activation in relation to the primary brain injury and to secondary insults, frequently occurring following TBI. METHODS: Twenty patients suffering from severe TBI (Glasgow coma score ≤ 8) were included in the study. The "membrane attack complex," C5b9, which is the cytolytic end product of the complement system was analyzed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The degree of brain tissue damage was assessed using the release of S100B and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) to the CSF and blood. The blood-brain barrier was assessed using the CSF/serum quotient of albumin (Q (A)). RESULTS: Following impact, initial peaks (0-48 h) of C5b9, S100B, and NSE with a concomitant loss of integrity of the blood-brain barrier were observed. Secondary insults at the intensive care unit were monitored. Severe secondary insults were paralleled by a more pronounced complement activation (C5b9 in CSF) as well as increased levels of S100B (measured in CSF), but not with NSE. CONCLUSION: This human study indicates that complement activation in the brain is triggered not only by the impact of trauma per se but also by the amount of secondary insults that frequently occur at the scene of accident as well as during treatment in the neurointensive care unit. Complement activation and in particular the end product C5b9 may in turn contribute to additional secondary brain injuries by its membrane destructive properties

Synthetic Metabolism: Engineering Biology at the Protein and Pathway Scales

Biocatalysis has become a powerful tool for the synthesis of high-value compounds, particularly so in the case of highly functionalized and/or stereoactive products. Nature has supplied thousands of enzymes and assembled them into numerous metabolic pathways. Although these native pathways can be use to produce natural bioproducts, there are many valuable and useful compounds that have no known natural biochemical route. Consequently, there is a need for both unnatural metabolic pathways and novel enzymatic activities upon which these pathways can be built. Here, we review the theoretical and experimental strategies for engineering synthetic metabolic pathways at the protein and pathway scales, and highlight the challenges that this subfield of synthetic biology currently faces.Synthetic Biology Engineering Research CenterNational Science Foundation (Grant no. 0540879

Jewish Immigrants in Israel: Disintegration Within Integration?

In her chapter, ‘Disintegration within integration’, Amandine Desille examines more recent transformations of Israel’s Law of Return – the Israeli immigration policy which provides the (imagined) repatriation of Diaspora Jews to Israel – in a context of liberalisation of the Israeli economy and the devolution of power to local authorities. Today, new immigrants follow two paths of ‘integration’: ‘direct absorp-tion’, where immigrants are granted benefits while being free to settle wherever they find fit; and ‘community absorption’, where immigrants are placed in ‘absorption centres’ and see their entitlements conditioned by residence, religious observance and more. Those two paths are ‘ethnicised’ in the sense that they depend on country of origin – Western immigrants, considered as economically useful, benefit from direct absorption and a more pluralist attitude of local governments, while immi-grants from Africa and Asia are the objects of an assimilationist policy. This situa-tion of ‘(dis)integration’ within what is supposed to be an inclusive immigrant policy for all Jews, shows the extent to which new criteria of perceived economic performance limit the integration of specific segments of newcomers. The rescaling of immigration and immigrant policies to subnational governments, although it has introduced a more multicultural approach, antagonist to the assimilationist ideology at work in Israel, has not enabled an alternative policy framework which is more accommodating to all.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

EFSA NDA Panel (EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies), 2013 . Scientific O pinion on Dietary Reference Values for molybdenum

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) derived Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) for molybdenum. Molybdenum is efficiently and rapidly absorbed at a wide range of intakes, and the body is able to maintain homeostasis through the regulation of excretion via the urine. Molybdenum deficiency in otherwise healthy humans has not been observed and there are no biomarkers of molybdenum status. Various metabolic balance studies have been performed to establish molybdenum requirements. However, only one balance study, which was performed with a constant diet and under controlled conditions in adult men, was considered to be of sufficient duration. In this small study, balance was reported to be near zero when molybdenum intakes were 22 µg/day. Biochemical changes or symptoms suggestive of molybdenum deficiency were not observed, and it is possible that humans may be able to achieve molybdenum balance at even lower intakes. Data on molybdenum intakes and health outcomes were unavailable for the setting of DRVs for molybdenum. As the evidence required to derive an Average Requirement and a Population Reference Intake was considered insufficient, an Adequate Intake (AI) is proposed. Observed molybdenum intakes from mixed diets in Europe were taken into consideration in setting this value. An AI of 65 µg/day is proposed for adults; a figure that is based on molybdenum intakes at the lower end of the wide range of observed intakes. It is suggested that the adult AI also applies to pregnant and lactating women. An AI is also proposed for infants from seven months and for children based on extrapolation from the adult AI using isometric scaling and the reference body weights of the respective age groups

England’s proxy warriors? Women, war and sport

It has been claimed that the one place Englishness exists is on the sports field, and usually it is men’s sport that appears central to creating a sense of English national identity. However, in light of England’s sporting success across multiple women’s sports (namely cricket, netball, association football and rugby union), there warrants a need to begin to question the place of these female athletes in discussions of the nation. Drawing on extensive interview data with women who have represented England at sport, this paper seeks to ‘give a voice’ to these women whose experiences have often been ignored by both the popular press and academics alike. This research discusses the way in which English women represent their nation, both on the field of play and more broadly, and sheds light on the complexity of the intersections of gender and national identity. Attention is also paid to the role of women as warriors in the conventional sense. It is argued that, through playing international, representative sport, the women actively embody the nation, with national identity often overriding gendered identity in these instances. In this sense, they become proxy warriors for the nation