A simple stochastic model for the evolution of protein lengths

We analyse a simple discrete-time stochastic process for the theoretical modeling of the evolution of protein lengths. At every step of the process a new protein is produced as a modification of one of the proteins already existing and its length is assumed to be random variable which depends only on the length of the originating protein. Thus a Random Recursive Trees (RRT) is produced over the natural integers. If (quasi) scale invariance is assumed, the length distribution in a single history tends to a lognormal form with a specific signature of the deviations from exact gaussianity. Comparison with the very large SIMAP protein database shows good agreement.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figure

Two and three loops computations of renormalization constants for lattice QCD

Renormalization constants can be computed by means of Numerical Stochastic Perturbation Theory to two/three loops in lattice perturbation theory, both in the quenched approximation and in the full (unquenched) theory. As a case of study we report on the computation of renormalization constants of the propagator for Wilson fermions. We present our unquenched (N_f=2) computations and compare the results with non perturbative determinations.Comment: Lattice2004(improv), 3 pages, 4 figure

3-d lattice SU(3) free energy to four loops

We report on the perturbative computation of the 3d lattice Yang-Mills free energy to four loops by means of Numerical Stochastic Perturbation Theory. The known first and second orders have been correctly reproduced; the third and fourth order coefficients are new results and the known logarithmic IR divergence in the fourth order has been correctly identified. Progress is being made in switching to the gluon mass IR regularization and the related inclusion of the Faddeev-Popov determinant.Comment: Lattice2004(non-zero), 3 pages, 2 figure

New Perspectives on Catalytic Hydrogen Production by the Reforming, Partial Oxidation and Decomposition of Methane and Biogas

The article provides a short review on catalyst-based processes for the production of hydrogen starting from methane, both of fossil origin and from sustainable processes. The three main paths of steam- and dry-reforming, partial oxidation and thermo-catalytic decomposition are briefly introduced and compared, above all with reference to the latest publications available and to new catalysts which obey the criteria of lower environmental impact and minimize the content of critical raw materials. The novel strategies based on chemical looping with CO2 utilization, membrane separation, electrical-assisted (plasma and microwave) processes, multistage reactors and catalyst patterning are also illustrated as the most promising perspective for CH4 reforming, especially on small and medium scale. Although these strategies should only be considered at a limited level of technological readiness, research on these topics, including catalyst development and process optimization, represents the crucial challenge for the scientific community

Red blood cell as an adaptive optofluidic microlens

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3-d Lattice QCD Free Energy to Four Loops

We compute the expansion of the 3-d Lattice QCD free energy to four loop order by means of Numerical Stochastic Perturbation Theory. The first and second order are already known and are correctly reproduced. The third and fourth order coefficients are new results. The known logarithmic divergence in the fourth order is correctly identified. We comment on the relevance of our computation in the context of dimensionally reduced finite temperature QCD.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, latex typeset with JHEP3.cl

Four loop stochastic perturbation theory in 3d SU(3)

Dimensional reduction is a key issue in finite temperature field theory. For example, when following the QCD Free Energy from low to high scales across the critical temperature, ultrasoft degrees of freedom can be captured by a 3d SU(3) pure gauge theory. For such a theory a complete perturbative matching requires four loop computations, which we undertook by means of Numerical Stochastic Perturbation Theory. We report on the computation of the pure gauge plaquette in 3d, and in particular on the extraction of the logarithmic divergence at order g^8, which had already been computed in the continuum.Comment: 3 pages, 2 figure, Lattice2003(nonzero

Determining concentration depth profiles in fluorinated networks by means of electric force microscopy

5 páginas, 6 figuras.-- et al.By means of electric force microscopy, composition depth profiles were measured with nanometric resolution for a series of fluorinated networks. By mapping the dielectric permittivity along a line going from the surface to the bulk, we were able to experimentally access to the fluorine concentration profile. Obtained data show composition gradient lengths ranging from 30 nm to 80 nm in the near surface area for samples containing from 0.5 to 5 wt. % F, respectively. In contrast, no gradients of concentration were detected in bulk. This method has several advantages over other techniques because it allows profiling directly on a sectional cut of the sample. By combining the obtained results with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, we were also able to quantify F/C ratio as a function of depth with nanoscale resolution.L.A.M., M.M.K., G.A.S., A.A., and J.C. acknowledge the financial support provided by the Basque Country Government (Grant No. IT-436-07), the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Grant Nos. MAT 2007-63681 and CSD 2006- 00053). The Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) financial support is also acknowledged.Peer reviewe