Simultaneous evaluation of multiple microarray surface chemistries through real-time interferometric imaging.

Surface chemistry is a crucial aspect for microarray modality biosensor development. The immobilization capability of the functionalized surface is indeed a limiting factor for the final yield of the binding reaction. In this work, we were able to simultaneously compare the functionality of protein ligands that were locally immobilized on different polymers, while on the same solid support, therefore demonstrating a new way of multiplexing. Our goal was to investigate, in a single experiment, both the immobilization efficiency of a group of reactive polymers and the resulting affinity of the tethered molecules. This idea was demonstrated by spotting many reactive polymers on a Si/SiO2 chip and depositing the molecular probes on the spots immediately after. As a proof of concept, we focused on which polymers would better immobilize a model protein (α-Lactalbumin) and a peptide (LAC-1). We successfully showed that this protocol is applicable to proteins and peptides with a good efficiency. By means of real-time binding measurements performed with the interferometric reflectance imaging sensor (IRIS), local functionalization proved to be comparable to the classical flat coating solution. The final outcome highlights the multiplexing power of this method: first, it allows to characterize dozens of polymers at once. Secondly, it removes the limitation, related to coated surfaces, that only molecules with the same functional groups can be tethered to the same solid support. By applying this protocol, many types of molecules can be studied simultaneously and immobilization for each probe can be individually optimized.766466 (INDEX) - Horizon 2020 Framework Programmehttps://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/itempdf74155353254prod/8976347/Simultaneous_Evaluation_of_Multiple_Microarray_Surface_Chemistries_Through_Real-Time_Interferometric_Imaging_v1.pdfFirst author draf

A Constraint Programming Approach to Automatic Layout Definition for Search Results

In this paper we describe a general framework based on constraint programming techniques to address the automatic layout definition problem for Web search result pages, considering heterogeneous result items types (e.g., web links, images, videos, maps, etc.). Starting from the entity type(s) specified in the search query and the result types deemed more relevant for the given entity type, we define an optimization problem and a set of constraints that grant the optimal positioning of results in the page, modeled as a grid with assigned weights depending on the visibility

The risk of collapse in abandoned mine sites: the issue of data uncertainty

Ground collapses over abandoned underground mines constitute a new environmental risk in the world. The high risk associated with subsurface voids, together with lack of knowledge of the geometric and geomechanical features of mining areas, makes abandoned underground mines one of the current challenges for countries with a long mining history. In this study, a stability analysis of Montevecchia marl mine is performed in order to validate a general approach that takes into account the poor local information and the variability of the input data. The collapse risk was evaluated through a numerical approach that, starting with some simplifying assumptions, is able to provide an overview of the collapse probability. The nal results is an easy-accessible-transparent summary graph that shows the collapse probability. This approach may be useful for public administrators called upon to manage this environmental risk. The approach tries to simplify this complex problem in order to achieve a roughly risk assessment, but, since it relies on just a small amount of information, any nal user should be aware that a comprehensive and detailed risk scenario can be generated only through more exhaustive investigations

The risk of collapse in abandoned mine sites: the issue of data uncertainty

Ground collapses over abandoned underground mines constitute a new environmental risk in the world. The high risk associated with subsurface voids, together with lack of knowledge of the geometric and geomechanical features of mining areas, makes abandoned underground mines one of the current challenges for countries with a long mining history. In this study, a stability analysis of Montevecchia marl mine is performed in order to validate a general approach that takes into account the poor local information and the variability of the input data. The collapse risk was evaluated through a numerical approach that, starting with some simplifying assumptions, is able to provide an overview of the collapse probability. The nal results is an easy-accessible-transparent summary graph that shows the collapse probability. This approach may be useful for public administrators called upon to manage this environmental risk. The approach tries to simplify this complex problem in order to achieve a roughly risk assessment, but, since it relies on just a small amount of information, any nal user should be aware that a comprehensive and detailed risk scenario can be generated only through more exhaustive investigations

Generation of a Design Flood-Event Scenario for a Mountain River with Intense Sediment Transport

International directives encourage the incorporation of sediment transport analyses into flood risk assessment, in recognition of the significant role played by sediment in flood hazard. However, examples of risk analysis frameworks incorporating the effect of sediment transport are still not widespread in the literature, resulting in a lack of clear guidelines. This manuscript considers a study site in the Italian Alps and presents a hydro-morphologic model for generation of flood scenarios towards hazard assessment. The analysis is concentrated on a design flood event with 100-year return period, for which an outflowing discharge is computed as a result of the river modeling. However, it is also argued how suitable model input parameter values can be obtained from analyses of river flows in a yearly duration curve. Modeling tools are discussed with respect to their capabilities and limitations. The results of the analysis are site-specific, but the proposed methodology can be exported to other hydro-graphic basins

Transparent varnishes on copper alloys dating from the 19th century: characterization and identification strategies

International audienceMany varnished copper-based artefacts dating from the 19th century can be found in museum collections. Although conservators deal on a daily basis with these surface finishes, few studies on this topic have been conducted during the last few decades on European objects. A more thorough understanding of these historical coatings would be helpful to establish accurate diagnoses and to contextualise the results with respect to the historical written sources. This paper presents the first results of the LacCa (Lacquered Copper Alloys) project currently being undertaken by an international multidisciplinary team. LacCa aims to develop a methodology that conservators can apply to identify and preserve these coatings. To this end, both historical objects and ancient varnish recipes have been studied. In a first step, the identification and characterisation protocol was validated using mock-ups, the results of which are presented in this paper

Genome editing of soybean inoculant using CRISPR/Cas9 system: enhancing agricultural sustainability

In modern agriculture, inoculants, consisting of various bacteria and fungi, are essential for promoting crop growth and sustainability while reducing reliance on agrochemicals. Despite their benefts, there have been no recent signifcant advances in enhancing their efcacy. Notably, Bradyrhizobium japonicum E109 and Bradyrhizobium japonicum SEMIA 5079, the most globally utilized, were isolated decades ago, underscoring the need for genetic enhancement. Recently, eforts have focused on selecting spontaneous mutations in genes associated with denitrifcation and oxidative stress. While this technology has shown promise in reducing nitrous oxide emissions and enhancing root colonization, selecting mutants remains costly and challenging without clear phenotypic markers. The CRISPR/Cas9 system ofers a potential solution, although validation is limited to model strains such as Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and three sgRNAs, we have edited the genes 16S, napA and glxA from strains E109 and SEMIA5079, generating mutants with streptomycin tolerance, reduced nitrate reductase activity, and increased catalase activity, respectively. Finally, we discuss how the CRISPR/Cas9 system can contribute to bridging the gap between crop and inoculant improvement, and its possible role in producing a new generation of climate-smart inoculants.Fil: Serantes, Laura. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigacion En Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas. Instituto de Agrobiotecnologia y Biologia Molecular. Grupo Vinculado Instituto de Genetica "ewald A. Favret" Al Iabimo | Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Pque. Centenario. Instituto de Agrobiotecnologia y Biologia Molecular. Grupo Vinculado Instituto de Genetica "ewald A. Favret" Al Iabimo.; ArgentinaFil: Stritzler, Margarita. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigacion En Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas. Instituto de Agrobiotecnologia y Biologia Molecular. Grupo Vinculado Instituto de Genetica "ewald A. Favret" Al Iabimo | Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Pque. Centenario. Instituto de Agrobiotecnologia y Biologia Molecular. Grupo Vinculado Instituto de Genetica "ewald A. Favret" Al Iabimo.; ArgentinaFil: Brambilla, Silvina Maricel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigacion En Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas. Instituto de Agrobiotecnologia y Biologia Molecular. Grupo Vinculado Instituto de Genetica "ewald A. Favret" Al Iabimo | Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Pque. Centenario. Instituto de Agrobiotecnologia y Biologia Molecular. Grupo Vinculado Instituto de Genetica "ewald A. Favret" Al Iabimo.; ArgentinaFil: Soto, Gabriela Cynthia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigacion En Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas. Instituto de Agrobiotecnologia y Biologia Molecular. Grupo Vinculado Instituto de Genetica "ewald A. Favret" Al Iabimo | Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Pque. Centenario. Instituto de Agrobiotecnologia y Biologia Molecular. Grupo Vinculado Instituto de Genetica "ewald A. Favret" Al Iabimo.; ArgentinaFil: Ayub, Nicolás Daniel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigacion En Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas. Instituto de Agrobiotecnologia y Biologia Molecular. Grupo Vinculado Instituto de Genetica "ewald A. Favret" Al Iabimo | Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Pque. Centenario. Instituto de Agrobiotecnologia y Biologia Molecular. Grupo Vinculado Instituto de Genetica "ewald A. Favret" Al Iabimo.; Argentin