Optimization conditions of UV-C radiation combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction of cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) lycopene extract

The aim of this work was to study the effect of UV-C radiation on ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) of cherry tomato bioactive compounds. Cherry tomatoes were exposed to two UV-C radiation doses (0.5 and 1.0 J cm−2 ) and stored at 20 ± 0.5 oC for 7 days. Next, they were lyophilized, and the bioactive compounds were extracted by UAE at 20 KHz. To evaluate the effectiveness of the extraction process of the bioactive compounds, a CCRD (central composite rotational design) was used together with RSM (response surface methodology), for extraction times from 4 to 12 minutes and concentrations (g of lyophilized product / L of ethanol) of 1:10, 1:20 and 1:30. The extracts obtained from the irradiated tomatoes presented 5.8 times more lycopene content than the controls and higher antioxidant activity was obtained for 4 and 8 min, in the concentrations 1:10 and 1:20 (m v−1). Through numerical model optimization, optimal extraction conditions were obtained. The results demonstrated that by previously irradiating tomatoes with UV-C light, the UAE yielded considerably higher amounts of lycopene and other bioactives.CNPq (National Council of Technological and Scientific Development, Brazil), Erasmus Mundus action 2; Fellow Mundus Project; Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering (UFSC - Brazil) and the Department of Food Engineering (UAlg - Portugal) .info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Costruire la memoria: uso e abuso della storia fra tarda repubblica e primo principato.

Il volume, che raccoglie gli atti del Convegno Interazionale "Costruire la memoria: uso e abuso della storia fra tarda repubblica e primo principato" svoltosi a Venezia il 14 e il 15 gennaio 2016, indaga, attraverso casi individuati dai contributori, come la ricostruzione della storia tardo repubblicana e della prima età imperiale nelle fonti sia oggetto di manipolazioni diverse per tipologia, finalità, esiti; origini tradizioni contrastanti su molti momenti del passato e si traduca in un importante strumento della politica. Il Convegno, di cui il volume pubblica i contributi, ha rappresentato il terzo appuntamento congressuale (dopo le esperienze del 2010 e del 2013) organizzato dal gruppo di ricerca "Fra repubblica e principato", diretto da R. Cristofoli, A. Galimberti e F. Rohr Vio, che si propone di indagare l storia del I secolo a.C.-I secolo d.C. mediante il coinvolgimento di specialisti che consentano l'impostazione di studi interdisciplinari di respiro internazionale

The uncertainty principle and classical amplitudes

We study the variance in the measurement of observables during scattering events, as computed using amplitudes. The classical regime, characterised by negligible uncertainty, emerges as a consequence of an infinite set of relationships among multileg, multiloop amplitudes in a momentum-transfer expansion. We discuss two non-trivial examples in detail: the six-point tree and the five-point one-loop amplitudes in scalar QED. We interpret these relationships in terms of a coherent exponentiation of radiative effects in the classical limit which generalises the eikonal formula, and show how to recover the impulse, including radiation reaction, from this generalised eikonal. Finally, we incorporate the physics of spin into our framework

Microalgal systems for wastewater treatment: technological trends and challenges towards waste recovery

Wastewater (WW) treatment using microalgae has become a growing trend due the economic and environmental benefits of the process. As microalgae need CO2, nitrogen, and phosphorus to grow, they remove these potential pollutants from wastewaters, making them able to replace energetically expensive treatment steps in conventional WW treatment. Unlike traditional sludge, biomass can be used to produce biofuels, biofertilizers, high value chemicals, and even next-generation growth media for “organically” grown microalgal biomass targeting zero-waste policies and contributing to a more sustainable circular bioeconomy. The main challenge in this technology is the techno-economic feasibility of the system. Alternatives such as the isolation of novel strains, the use of native consortia, and the design of new bioreactors have been studied to overcome this and aid the scale-up of microalgal systems. This review focuses on the treatment of urban, industrial, and agricultural wastewaters by microalgae and their ability to not only remove, but also promote the reuse, of those pollutants. Opportunities and future prospects are discussed, including the upgrading of the produced biomass into valuable compounds, mainly biofuels.This research was funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through UIDB/04326/2020 and the GreenTreat (PTDC/BTA-BTA/31567/2017) and Red CYTED P319RT0025— RENUWAL—Red Iberoamericana para el Tratamiento de Efluentes con Microalgas projects and CRESC-Algarve and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programs via the ALGAVALOR (ALG-01-0247-FEDER-035234) project.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Emergence d’une spécialité scientifique dans l’espace - La réparation de l’ADN

International audienceIn the study of science, the specialty is seen as the ideal level of analysis to understand the genesis and development of scientific communities. This article uses bibliometric data to analyze the emergence of DNA repair by testing a hybrid method to identify the specialty’s appearance in geographical space by focusing on the geographical trajectories of the pioneers in this field. We try to identify the professional mobility of researchers using these bibliometric data, and if possible to highlight the structural networks of places during the emergence stage of the specialty. These networks determine places as much as they are built by individual trajectories. In this way, we try to make a place for the geography of science in the field of social studies of science.Dans l’étude des sciences, la spécialité est perçue comme le niveau d’analyse idéal pour comprendre la genèse et le développement des collectifs scientifiques. Cet article utilise des données bibliométriques pour analyser l’émergence de la Réparation de l’ADN en expérimentant une méthode mixte pour repérer son apparition dans l’espace géographique. En nous concentrant sur les trajectoires géographiques de pionniers dans cedomaine, nous tâchons de repérer leur mobilité professionnelle à l’aide de données bibliométriques dans la perspective de mettre en évidence les réseaux de lieux structurants dans la phase d’émergence de la spécialité. Ces réseaux de lieux déterminent autant qu’ils sont construits par les trajectoires individuelles. Nous essayons ainsi de faire une place à la géographie des sciences dans le domaine des études sociales des sciences

3D-printed Franz cells - update on optimization of manufacture and evaluation

OBJECTIVES: Laboratory in vitro permeation processes require the use of modified Franz type diffusion cells which are conventionally fabricated from glass. Fragility and high cost are frequently associated with this type of laboratory apparatus. The purpose of our present research was to develop a simple, economical and versatile approach to manufacture Franz type cells using additive manufacturing (AM). METHODS: Graphical Franz diffusion cell designs were reproduced with a stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer and assessed over a minimum period of 24 h. The surface morphology of AM printouts was analysed before and after compatibility studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Comparative permeation studies in both glass and AM Franz type diffusion cells were conducted using a caffeine solution (1.5 mg mL‑1), applied to a model silicone membrane. RESULTS: Testing of the 3D printed scaffolds confirmed similar recovery of the permeant when compared to glass cells: 1.49 ± 0.01 and 1.50 ± 0.01 mg mL‑1, respectively, after 72 h. No significant differences were visible from the SEM micrographs demonstrating consistent, smooth and non-porous surfaces of the AM Franz cells’ core structure. Permeation studies using transparent 3D printed constructs resulted in 12.85 ± 0.53 μg cm ‑2 caffeine recovery in the receptor solution after 180 min with comparable permeant recovery, 11.49 ± 1.04 μg cm ‑2, for the glass homologues. CONCLUSION: AM constructs can be considered as viable alternatives to the use of conventional glass apparatus offering a simple, reproducible and cost-effective method of replicating specialised laboratory glassware. A wider range of permeants will be investigated in future studies with these novel 3D printed Franz diffusion cells

CREBBP mutations in individuals without Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome phenotype

Item does not contain fulltextMutations in CREBBP cause Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome. By using exome sequencing, and by using Sanger in one patient, CREBBP mutations were detected in 11 patients who did not, or only in a very limited manner, resemble Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome. The combined facial signs typical for Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome were absent, none had broad thumbs, and three had only somewhat broad halluces. All had apparent developmental delay (being the reason for molecular analysis); five had short stature and seven had microcephaly. The facial characteristics were variable; main characteristics were short palpebral fissures, telecanthi, depressed nasal ridge, short nose, anteverted nares, short columella, and long philtrum. Six patients had autistic behavior, and two had self-injurious behavior. Other symptoms were recurrent upper airway infections (n = 5), feeding problems (n = 7) and impaired hearing (n = 7). Major malformations occurred infrequently. All patients had a de novo missense mutation in the last part of exon 30 or beginning of exon 31 of CREBBP, between base pairs 5,128 and 5,614 (codons 1,710 and 1,872). No missense or truncating mutations in this region have been described to be associated with the classical Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome phenotype. No functional studies have (yet) been performed, but we hypothesize that the mutations disturb protein-protein interactions by altering zinc finger function. We conclude that patients with missense mutations in this specific CREBBP region show a phenotype that differs substantially from that in patients with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, and may prove to constitute one (or more) separate entities. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Local-scale attributes determine the suitability of woodland creation sites for Diptera

New native woodlands are typically created in a small and isolated configuration, potentially reducing their value as a resource for biodiversity. The use of ecological networks for habitat restoration and creation could be beneficial for woodland biodiversity. This approach is conceptualised as local and landscape-scale conservation actions to increase the area, quality, amount and connectivity of habitat types. However, there is limited evidence about the value of secondary woodlands and the relative or combined effects of network variables for woodland insects.  Seventy-eight woodland sites created in the last 160 years across England and Scotland were sampled for hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) and craneflies (Diptera: Tipuloidea), using two Malaise net traps placed in the centre of each woodland. The diversity of insects supported by created woodland patches was analysed using measures of dissimilarity, and the relative direct and indirect effects of ecological network variables on their abundance and species richness were assessed using structural equation models.  We found 27% of British woodland hoverfly species and 43% of British woodland cranefly species in the study sites, indicating that woodland insects are colonising created native woodlands, despite their fragmented nature. However, these species communities were highly variable across woodland patches.  Landscape-scale variables had no effect on woodland-associated hoverflies or craneflies relative to local-scale variables. Local-scale variables relating to habitat 34 quality (i.e. structural heterogeneity of trees and understory cover) had the strongest influence on abundance and species richness.  Synthesis and applications – To benefit woodland-associated Diptera, woodland creation and restoration should maintain a focus on habitat quality. This should include active management to facilitate a diverse tree and understorey vegetation structure. Many woodlands in the UK are privately owned and landowners should be encouraged to plant and actively manage their woodlands to increase structural heterogeneity and resources for woodland insects

The Weyl double copy from twistor space

The Weyl double copy is a procedure for relating exact solutions in biadjoint scalar, gauge and gravity theories, and relates fields in spacetime directly. Where this procedure comes from, and how general it is, have until recently remained mysterious. In this paper, we show how the current form and scope of the Weyl double copy can be derived from a certain procedure in twistor space. The new formalism shows that the Weyl double copy is more general than previously thought, applying in particular to gravity solutions with arbitrary Petrov types. We comment on how to obtain anti-self-dual as well as self-dual fields, and clarify some conceptual issues in the twistor approach