Kolmogorov's law for two-dimensional electron-magnetohydrodynamic turbulence

The analogue of the Kolmogorov's four-fifths law is derived for two-dimensional, homogeneous, isotropic EMHD turbulence in the energy cascade inertial range. Direct numerical simulations for the freely decaying case show that this relation holds true for different values of the adimensional electron inertial length scale, $d_e$. The energy spectrum is found to be close to the expected Kolmogorov spectrum.Comment: 9 pages RevTeX, 3 PostScript figure

Cortical-Inspired Wilson–Cowan-Type Equations for Orientation-Dependent Contrast Perception Modelling

We consider the evolution model proposed in Bertalmío (Front Comput Neurosci 8:71, 2014), Bertalmío et al. (IEEE Trans Image Process 16(4):1058–1072, 2007) to describe illusory contrast perception phenomena induced by surrounding orientations. Firstly, we highlight its analogies and differences with the widely used Wilson–Cowan equations (Wilson and Cowan in BioPhys J 12(1):1–24, 1972), mainly in terms of efficient representation properties. Then, in order to explicitly encode local directional information, we exploit the model of the primary visual cortex (V1) proposed in Citti and Sarti (J Math Imaging Vis 24(3):307–326, 2006) and largely used over the last years for several image processing problems (Duits and Franken in Q Appl Math 68(2):255–292, 2010; Prandi and Gauthier in A semidiscrete version of the Petitot model as a plausible model for anthropomorphic image reconstruction and pattern recognition. SpringerBriefs in Mathematics, Springer, Cham, 2017; Franceschiello et al. in J Math Imaging Vis 60(1):94–108, 2018). The resulting model is thus defined in the space of positions and orientation, and it is capable of describing assimilation and contrast visual bias at the same time. We report several numerical tests showing the ability of the model to reproduce, in particular, orientation-dependent phenomena such as grating induction and a modified version of the Poggendorff illusion. For this latter example, we empirically show the existence of a set of threshold parameters differentiating from inpainting to perception-type reconstructions and describing long-range connectivity between different hypercolumns in V1

Structure of the stress-related LHCSR1 complex determined by an integrated computational strategy

Light-harvesting complexes (LHCs) are pigment-protein complexes whose main function is to capture sunlight and transfer the energy to reaction centers of photosystems. In response to varying light conditions, LH complexes also play photoregulation and photoprotection roles. In algae and mosses, a sub-family of LHCs, light-harvesting complex stress-related (LHCSR), is responsible for photoprotective quenching. Despite their functional and evolutionary importance, no direct structural information on LHCSRs is available that can explain their unique properties. In this work, we propose a structural model of LHCSR1 from the moss P. patens, obtained through an integrated computational strategy that combines homology modeling, molecular dynamics, and multiscale quantum chemical calculations. The model is validated by reproducing the spectral properties of LHCSR1. Our model reveals the structural specificity of LHCSR1, as compared with the CP29 LH complex, and poses the basis for understanding photoprotective quenching in mosses

Ultrasound and Microwave-assisted Extraction of Proteins from Coffee Green Beans: Effects of Process Variables on the Protein Integrity

The demand for proteins is constantly increasing and green extraction methodologies are needed to achieve environmental sustainability goals. The recovery of the by-products of the agri-food chain has also become a priority from a circular economy perspective. Some by-products are still little exploited for the extraction of proteins, such as coffee by-products. In this work, various innovative extraction technologies were applied to recover the protein fraction from the non-compliant coffee green beans (CGB), using a methodological approach that allowed to correlate the process parameters with the final quality of the extracted proteins. The ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique has been shown to have a minor impact on the quality of the proteins, thanks to the possibility of refrigerating the system, while the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) shows a certain degree of degradation due to the high temperatures reached. The results indicate that strict temperature control is required during alkaline extraction to preserve the quality of the protein fraction

MapRecorder : analysing real-world usage of mobile map applications

This work was supported by Volkswagen Foundation [Lichtenbergprofessorship].Millions of people use mobile map applications like Google Maps on a regular basis. However, despite these applications' ubiquity, the literature contains very little information about how these applications are used in the real world. As such, many researchers and practitioners seeking to improve mobile map applications may not be able to identify important challenges and may miss major opportunities for innovation. To address this paucity of usage information, we collected and analysed data during unsupervised usage of Google Maps by replacing the standard application with a wrapped version called MapRecorder. In two studies we recorded data from locals and tourists using our application and collected over 580 minutes of actual application usage from 34 users, spanning 555 unique sessions. We identify typical usage scenarios, observe a large amount of map exploration and elucidate generalisable interaction patterns.Peer reviewe

Corpus luteum color doppler ultrasound and pregnancy outcome in buffalo during the transitional period

This study evaluated corpus luteum (CL) development in buffaloes out of breeding season and assessed an early pregnancy diagnosis. Mediterranean buffaloes (n = 29) were synchronized and artificially inseminated. CL B-mode/color Doppler ultrasonography examinations were performed daily from Days 5 to 10 post-synchronization, recording CL dimensions and blood flow parameters. Blood samples were collected on the same days for the progesterone (P4 ) assay. Data were grouped into pregnant or nonpregnant and retrospectively analyzed. The total pregnancy rate was 50.0% (13/26) on Day 45. A significant difference between CL average area in pregnant and nonpregnant buffaloes was recorded only on Day 10. Pregnant buffaloes showed a significantly higher mean P4 concentration and higher mean time average medium velocity (TAMV) values from Day 5 to Day 10 compared to nonpregnant buffaloes. Linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between P4 levels and TAMV. Multiple logistic regression highlighted a significant influence of TAMV on pregnancy outcome, particularly on Day 8. This is probably due to the strong relationship between TAMV and P4 production. Both TAMV and P4 could be used to predict pregnancy starting on Day 6, although a more reliable result was obtained at Day 10. Thus, the period between Days 5 and 10 is critical for CL development during the transitional period in buffalo

Extraction and chemical characterization of functional phenols and proteins from coffee (Coffea arabica) by-products

open12siNot all the coffee produced goes to the roasting stage, because non-compliant green coffee beans are usually discarded by roasters and the silverskin of the coffee is usually removed and discarded. In the present work, non-compliant green coffee beans and coffee silverskins were fully characterized from a chemical point of view. In addition, enzyme-assisted extraction was applied to recover a fraction rich in proteins and polyphenols, tested for antimicrobial, antityrosinase, and antioxidant activities. Non-compliant green coffee beans showed higher amounts of polyphenols, flavanols, flavonoids, and caffeine than coffee silverskins (which were richer in tannins). The enzy-matic extraction of non-compliant coffee green beans produced extracts with a good protein content and with a consistent quantity of polyphenols. The extract showed antioxidant, antityrosinase, and antimicrobial activity, thus representing a promising strategy to recover defective green coffee beans. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of coffee silver skins is lower than that of non-compliant coffee green beans extracts, while the antityrosinase activity is comparable.openPrandi B.; Ferri M.; Monari S.; Zurlini C.; Cigognini I.; Verstringe S.; Schaller D.; Walter M.; Navarini L.; Tassoni A.; Sforza S.; Tedeschi T.Prandi B.; Ferri M.; Monari S.; Zurlini C.; Cigognini I.; Verstringe S.; Schaller D.; Walter M.; Navarini L.; Tassoni A.; Sforza S.; Tedeschi T

Looking for peptides from rice starch processing by-product: Bioreactor production, anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory activity, and in silico putative taste assessment

One of the major challenges for the modern society, is the development of a sustainable economy also aiming at the valorization of agro-industrial by-products in conjunction with at a significant reduction of generated residues from farm to retail. In this context, the present study demonstrates a biotechnological approach to yield bioactive peptides from a protein fraction obtained as a by-product of the rice starch production. Enzymatic hydrolysis, with the commercial proteases Alcalase and Protamex, were optimized in bioreactor up to 2 L of volume. The two best digestates, selected with respect to peptide release and extract antioxidant capacity, were further fractionated (cut-offs of 10, 5, and 1 kDa) via cross-flow filtration. Amino acid composition indicated that most of the fractions showed positive nutritional characteristics, but a putative bitter taste. A fraction obtained with Alcalase enzyme (retentate 8 kDa) exerted anti-inflammatory potential, while the smaller molecular weight fractions (retentate 1-5 kDa and permeate < 1 kDa) were more active in tyrosinase inhibition. The latter were further sub-fractionated by size-exclusion chromatography. From the 15 most anti-tyrosinase sub-fractions, 365 peptide sequences were identified via liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry. The present data support the possible exploitation of bioactive peptide from rice starch by-product as ingredients into food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic formulations