Transition from core-shell to Janus chemical configuration for bimetallic nanoparticles

In order to determine the possibilities to control the chemical configuration of bimetallic nanoparticles, we have considered CuAg nanoparticles synthesized by a physical route as a model in this study. The synthesis was made by pulsed laser deposition under ultra-high vacuum conditions, via a sequential deposition procedure. We show that the temperature of the substrate and the absolute quantity of Ag in a particle are the main parameters that drive the chemical configuration. To explain the transition from a core-shell configuration to a Janus configuration as a function of Ag quantity, we have conducted density-functional theory calculations and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the stability of this system. The results are presented together with the experimental observations.     

Single electron tunneling in large scale nanojunction arrays with bisferrocene-nanoparticle hybrids

We report on the fabrication and single electron tunneling behaviour of large scale arrays of nanogap electrodes bridged by bisferrocene-gold nanoparticle hybrids (BFc-AuNP). Coulomb staircase was observed in the low temperature current-voltage curves measured on the junctions with asymmetric tunnel barriers. On the other hand, junctions with symmetric tunneling barrier exhibited mere nonlinear current voltage characteristics without discrete staircase. The experimental results agreed well with simulations based on the orthodox theory. The junction resistance showed thermally activated conduction behaviour at higher temperature. The overall voltage and temperature dependent results show that the transport behaviour of the large arrays of single particle devices obtained by a facile optical lithography and chemical etching process corresponds with the behaviour of single particle devices fabricated by other techniques like e-beam lithography and mechanical breaking methods.     

Summing Pauli asymptotic series to solve the wedge problem

The use of the asymptotic treatment for the wedge diffraction problem established long ago by Pauli [Phys. Rev.54, 924 (1938)] is here revisited and proposed in the character of a powerful computational tool for accurately retrieving the total electromagnetic field even in the near zone. After proving its factorial divergent character, the Pauli series is summed through the Weniger transformation, a nonlinear resummation scheme particularly efficient in the case of factorial divergence. Numerical results are carried out to show the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed approach.     

Analysis and quantitation of fructooligosaccharides using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Inulin is a class of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) derived from plants, which is often used as a natural food ingredient. Inulin is currently used as an additive in baked goods, dairy products, infant formula, and dietary supplements as a result of its purported health-promoting properties. The growth of health-promoting lactobacilli and bifidobacteria is supported by FOS, giving it the classification of a prebiotic; however, its ability to selectivity stimulate only beneficial bacteria has not been demonstrated. In order to better understand the role of inulin and FOS as prebiotics, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry has been used for qualitative and quantitative analysis on bacterial growth. A method using an internal standard has been developed to quantify the consumption of FOS by Bifidobacterium longum bv. infantis using a calibration curve. Due to the differential consumption of FOS, the calibration curve was modified to include intensity components for each polymer unit in order to achieve more accurate quantitation. The method described was designed to be more rapid, precise, and robust for quantitative analysis when compared to existing methods.     

An integrated approach to the design and management of a supply chain system

In the modern competitive business environment, the design and management of supply chains is one of the most important and critical problems facing managers of multinational companies operating worldwide. There are three levels of decisions in a supply chain: strategic, tactical, and operational levels. The literature generally treats these decisions separately. This study defines a conceptual framework for the development of new modeling approaches for the Production Distribution Logistic System Design (PDSD) problem. In particular, the authors introduce the initial basis for the development of an innovative decision support systems platform capable of integrating the design, management, control, and optimization activities for a supply chain system.     

Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes using Water Bath Heat Treatment in Vacuum Packed Ricotta Salata Cheese Wedges

Ricotta salata cheese is frequently contaminated on the surface with Listeria monocytogenes. Water bath heat treatment in vacuum packed whole ricotta salata cheese wheels demonstrated to be effective in inactivating L. monocytogenes. However, the risk of cross‐contamination in ricotta salata wedges is increased during cheese cutting. Therefore, the effectiveness of heat treatment in ricotta salata wedges has to be demonstrated conducting a new validation study. In this study, 9 different time temperature combinations, 75, 85, and 90 °C applied for 10, 20, and 30 min each, were tested on artificially contaminated ricotta salata cheese wedges. The extent of the lethal effect on L. monocytogenes was assessed 1 and 30 d after the application of the hot water bath treatment. Five of 9 combinations, 75 °C for 30 min, 85 °C for 20, and 30 min, and 90°C for 20 and 30 min, demonstrated to meet the process criteria of at least 5 log reduction. Sensory analyses were also conducted in order to account for the potential impact on sensory features of ricotta salata wedges, which showed no significant differences between treatments.     

A common matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 polymorphism affects plasma MMP-2 levels in subjects environmentally exposed to mercury

Mercury (Hg) exposure is associated with disease conditions, including cardiovascular problems. Although the mechanisms implicated in these complications have not been precisely defined yet, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may be involved. The gene encoding MMP-2 presents genetic polymorphisms which affect the expression and activity level of this enzyme. A common polymorphism of MMP-2 gene is the C⁻¹³⁰⁶T (rs 243865), which is known to disrupt a Sp1-type promoter site (CCACC box), thus leading to lower promoter activity associated with the T allele. This study aimed at examining how this polymorphism affects the circulating MMP-2 levels and its endogenous inhibitor, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in 210 subjects environmentally exposed to Hg. Total blood and plasma Hg concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). MMP-2 and TIMP-2 concentrations were measured in plasma samples by gelatin zymography and ELISA, respectively. Genotypes for the C⁻¹³⁰⁶T polymorphism were determined by Taqman® Allele Discrimination assay. We found a positive association (p = 0.0057) between plasma Hg concentrations and MMP-2/TIMP-2 (an index of net MMP-2 activity). The C⁻¹³⁰⁶T polymorphism modified MMP-2 concentrations (p = 0.0465) and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio (p = 0.0060) in subjects exposed to Hg, with higher MMP-2 levels been found in subjects carrying the C allele. These findings suggest a significant interaction between the C⁻¹³⁰⁶T polymorphism and Hg exposure, possibly increasing the risk of developing diseases in subjects with the C allele.     

Numerical simulation of atmospheric pollutant dispersion in an urban street canyon: Comparison between RANS and LES

Prediction accuracy of pollutant dispersion within an urban street canyon of width to height ratio W/H=1 is examined using two steady-state Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) turbulence closure models, the standard k–ε and Reynolds Stress Model (RSM), and Large Eddy Simulation (LES) coupled with the advection–diffusion method for species transport. The numerical results, which include the statistical properties of pollutant dispersion, e.g. mean concentration distributions, time-evolution and three-dimensional spreads of the pollutant, are then compared to wind-tunnel (WT) measurements. The accuracy and computational cost of both numerical approaches are evaluated. The time-evolution of the pollutant concentration (for LES only) and the mean (time-averaged) values are presented. It is observed that amongst the two RANS models, RSM performed better than standard k–ε except at the centerline of the canyon walls. However, LES, although computationally more expensive, did better than RANS in predicting the concentration distribution because it was able to capture the unsteady and intermittent fluctuations of the flow field, and hence resolve the transient mixing process within the street canyon.     

Targeted Therapies in Rare Brain Tumours

Rare central nervous system (CNS) tumours represent a unique challenge. Given the difficulty of conducting dedicated clinical trials, there is a lack of therapies for these tumours supported by high quality evidence, and knowledge regarding the impact of standard treatments (i.e., surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy) is commonly based on retrospective studies. Recently, new molecular techniques have led to the discovery of actionable molecular alterations. The aim of this article is to review recent progress in the molecular understanding of and therapeutic options for rare brain tumours, both in children and adults. We will discuss options such as targeting the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in subependymal giant cells astrocytomas (SEGAs) of tuberous sclerosis and BRAF V600E mutation in rare glial (pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas) or glioneuronal (gangliogliomas) tumours, which are a model of how specific molecular treatments can also favourably impact neurological symptoms (such as seizures) and quality of life. Moreover, we will discuss initial experiences in targeting new molecular alterations in gliomas, such as isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations and neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) fusions, and in medulloblastomas such as the sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway.