Proteomic and peptidomic characterisation of beer: Immunological and technological implications

In this study, the protein and peptide fractions of two commercial Italian barley malt beers, made with different processes by the same producer, have been analysed with a combined immunochemical and mass spectrometry approach. The “gluten” content of beer samples, measured with the R5 monoclonal antibody, was below the caution limit proposed by the Codex Alimentarius for gluten-free foods. The proteomic approach allowed to identify a 17 kDa avenin-like protein partially homologous to hordeins, that was particularly abundant in foam, in addition to the already reported barley albumins (Z₄-barley and ns-LTPs) and to minor amounts of yeast glycolytic enzymes. No intact hordeins were detected, although fragments derived from γ₃- and B-hordein were present. In consideration of the many implications of the protein/peptide pattern, these data provide useful information to improve quality and safety of beer.     

Monitoring dry-curing of S. Daniele ham by magnetic resonance imaging

S. Daniele hams were collected at different stages during dry-curing and submitted to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to the acquisition Spin-Echo sequences T1 and T2. The intensity of the MR signals in the images of the Semimembranosus, Semitendinosus, Rectus femoris and Biceps femoris muscles of the hams was computed and expressed in grey levels. Muscles were also submitted to traditional analyses, including a_w, soluble solids, sodium chloride, total and water soluble nitrogen. T1 and T2 MR signals well described the evolution of the phenomena occurring in the different muscles during dry-curing. MR signal acquired in T2 mode well correlated with traditional indicators in Semitendinosus, Rectus femoris and Biceps femoris muscles. Predictive models estimating the value of a_w, moisture, salt content and proteolysis extent on the basis of the MR signal intensity were proposed.     

The role of temperature in quantum-cascade laser waveguides

The role of temperature on the properties of quantum-cascade laser (QCL) waveguides is investigated. One-dimensional waveguide parameters are obtained using a transfer-matrix technique and the complex dielectric constants of the waveguide layers are calculated using a semi-classical Drude–Lorentz model. To model the effect of temperature on the waveguide parameters, a temperature dependent electron mobility is incorporated within the Drude–Lorentz framework. It is shown that by including the effect of temperature, a significant improvement in the agreement with experiment of the waveguide loss and hence the laser threshold current density can be achieved.     

Integration of a Model for Hydraulic Analysis of Water Distribution Networks with an Evolution Program for Pressure Regulation

Abstract: This paper describes a computational model for hydraulic analysis of water distribution networks specifically developed to be used with an evolution program (EP) for optimal pressure regulation. The hydraulic solver uses a method based on loop equations, namely, the linear theory method (LTM). Network topology analysis is performed using depth-first-search and breadth-first-search algorithms that are devised to ensure the connectedness of a network and to enable easy identification of loops. The model developed enables rapid evaluation of a network for different topologic conditions (i.e., the connectivity of the nodes caused by different valve settings) as required by the EP. A variable number of LTM iterations throughout the evolution process is used to speed up the search. A sample network problem is used to illustrate the efficiency of both the model for hydraulic analysis and the EP.     

Nonylphenol polyethoxylate degradation in aqueous waste by the use of batch and continuous biofilm bioreactors

An aerobic bacterial consortium (Consortium A) was recently obtained from textile wastewater and was capable of degrading 4-nonylphenol and nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NPnEOs). In the perspective of developing a biotechnological process for the treatment of effluents from activated sludge plants fed with NPnEO contaminated wastewater, the capability of Consortium A of biodegrading an industrial mixture of NPnEOs in the physiological condition of immobilized cells was investigated. Two identically configured packed bed reactors were developed by immobilizing the consortium on silica beads or granular activated carbon. Both reactors were tested in batch and continuous mode by feeding them with water supplemented with NPnEOs. The two reactors were monitored through chemical, microbiological and molecular integrated methodology. Active biofilms were generated on both immobilization supports. Both reactors displayed comparable NPnEO mineralization under batch and continuous conditions. FISH analyses evidenced that the biofilms evolved with time by changing the reactor operation mode and the organic load. Taken together, the data collected in this study provide a preliminary strong indication on the feasibility of Consortium A-based biofilm technology for the decontamination of NPnEO containing effluents.