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In this work, we explored the “deep” seed peanut proteome by using both two dimensional electrophoresis (2- DE)-based analysis run under reducing and non-reducing condition (protein-centric) and LC-MS/MS gel-free proteomic (peptide-centric). The former approach allowed to identify high molecular weight disulfide-linked Ara h 1 and Ara h 3 heteroligomers and Ara h 1 homoligomers linked through covalent bonds other than disulfides. The occurrence of these protein complexes revealed natural interactions between Ara(s) subunits with a possible involvement in the allergenic potential of peanut. The second approach, also referred to as shot-gun proteomics, allowed the identification of 149 gene products, including low-abundance proteins escaped the 2-DE detection. Interestingly, we identified 60 proteins never catalogued previously. The complementary exploitation of two proteomic approaches enabled the access to new relevant information about the complexity of the peanut proteome, with special emphasis to the complement of allergens (allergome).

Pistachio nut (Pistacia vera) is an important tree nut cultivated widely worldwide and is commonly appreciated based on its organoleptic characteristics and nutritional healthfulness. Similar to other tree nuts, the consumption of pistachio nuts is associated with moderate or severe allergic reactions in sensitized/allergic individuals. In the present study, we investigated the proteome composition of pistachio seeds using gel-based (mono- and two-dimensional electrophoresis) and gel-free (shotgun and label free quantitative) proteomics analyses. The gel-based approach allowed the identification of proteins belonging to the cupin protein family (11S and 7S globulins) and suggested the occurrence of multiple isoforms. The shotgun proteomic analysis extended the identification to allergens 2S albumin and heat shock protein, whereas label free quantitative was employed to investigate the proteomes of four different pistachio varieties. Protein pattern characterization through sophisticated techniques, such as those developed by proteomics science, allowed the identification of distinct protein markers on different pistachio cultivars.

Magnetic skyrmions are emerging as key elements of unconventional operations having unique properties such as small size and low current manipulation. In particular, it is possible to design skyrmion based neurons and synapses for neuromorphic computing in devices where skyrmions move along the current direction (zero skyrmion Hall angle). Here, we show that, for a given graph, skyrmions can be used in optimization problems facing the calculation of the shortest path. Our tests show a solution with the same path length as computed with the Dijkstra’s Algorithm. In addition, we also discuss how skyrmions act as positive feedback on this type of problems giving rise to a self-reinforcement of the path which is a possible solution.

We have established primary cell culture of the marine demosponge Dysidea avara and Suberites domuncula . Microbial contamination was controlled by the use of a pool of antibiotics confirming the goodness of this procedure. Effect of pH, temperature and light was studied to establish the better growth conditions. The comparison of lipid composition of sponge and cells suggested a series of experiments to optimise the medium. A glucose dose-dependent experiment showed that the ideal glucose concentration is 1 g l −1 . Supplementing the medium with unsaturated fatty acid and retinol, no promotion of growth was observed, but the compounds were totally metabolised by cells. Increments from 70 to 160% in the number of cells were observed, supplementing the medium with different concentration of cholesterol. These results suggest that the analysis of the chemical composition of sponge and cells give indication on the composition of the nutrient media.

Alkylphenols 1 – 5 , potential alarm pheromones of the marine mollusc Haminoea callidegenita , have been synthesized using a convergent approach centred on a Stille coupling reaction.