Article
Physiology
Jessica Rodgers, Phillip Wright, Edward R. Ballister, Rebecca B. Hughes, Riccardo Storchi, Jonathan Wynne, Franck P. Martial, Robert J. Lucas
Summary: This study explores methods to improve the temporal resolution of animal opsins in non-native cellular environment. It finds that the classic signal termination mechanism is complicated, but using phosphorylation-independent mutants of arrestin or point mutations stabilizing the Schiff base of the opsin can overcome this limitation.
PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chirag Mevawala, Xinwei Bai, Goutham Kotamreddy, Debangsu Bhattacharyya, Jianli Hu
Summary: This paper investigates the critical issue of catalyst deactivation in the direct nonoxidative methane dehydroaromatization (DHA) process, and develops models for catalyst deactivation and other DHA reactions. By reconciling experimental data and developing models, the impacts of various factors on conversion and yield variability over time are studied.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gustavo Cardenas, Vincent Ledentu, Miquel Huix-Rotllant, Massimo Olivucci, Nicolas Ferre
Summary: The ARM+MEM protocol incorporates all relevant protonation microstates to provide a more accurate modeling of rhodopsins' absorption spectrum. By simulation on a toy model and Anabaenasensory rhodopsin, it is confirmed that considering multiple microstates improves the description of the absorption spectrum.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
M. Hadian, K. A. Buist, A. N. R. Bos, J. A. M. Kuipers
Summary: ThermoCatalytic Decomposition of methane (TCD) is studied for converting natural gas into hydrogen and functional carbon. A particle growth model is developed to understand the limitations and optimal parameters of this process. Temperature plays a significant role in regulating kinetic rate, growth rate, and catalyst deactivation, crucial for the production of nano-carbon.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
David Trueba, Roberto Palos, Javier Bilbao, Jose M. Arandes, Alazne Gutierrez
Summary: This study conducted kinetic modeling of the hydrocracking of a mixture of polystyrene (PS) and vacuum gasoil (VGO). Different reaction networks and kinetic models were studied, and the optimal conditions for maximizing the yield of naphtha and complete conversion of PS were determined. The findings of this study can serve as a basis for scaling-up studies on the large-scale valorization of waste plastics.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fatima Jalid, M. Ali Haider, Md Imteyaz Alam, Tuhin S. Khan
Summary: An ab initio microkinetic model was developed to understand the reactivity trends of terrace and step sites of transition metal catalysts for biogas reforming, revealing that Ru exhibits reduced coke formation rates on both surfaces.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Konstantin E. Komolov, Sarah M. Sulon, Anshul Bhardwaj, Sin C. van Keulen, Nguyen Minh Duc, Daniela K. Laurinavichyute, Hua Jane Lou, Benjamin E. Turk, Ka Young Chung, Ron O. Dror, Jeffrey L. Benovic
Summary: In this study, the complex of CaM with GRK5 was analyzed structurally, computationally, and biochemically to reveal how CaM modulates GRK5 response to calcium, leading to activation and localization effects for selective substrate targeting by GRK5.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Roberto Palos, Elena Rodriguez, Alazne Gutierrez, Javier Bilbao, Jose M. Arandes
Summary: The study has calculated the parameters of a 6-lump kinetic model for catalytic cracking of tire pyrolysis oil in industrial fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) conditions. The results show that heavy cycle oil (HCO) plays a significant role in conversion levels below 80%, while light cycle oil (LCO) and naphtha over-crack at higher conversion levels, leading to increased yields of LPG, dry gas, and coke.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julien Bous, Aurelien Fouillen, Helene Orcel, Stefano Trapani, Xiaojing Cong, Simon Fontanel, Julie Saint-Paul, Josephine Lai-Kee-Him, Serge Urbach, Nathalie Sibille, Remy Sounier, Sebastien Granier, Bernard Mouillac, Patrick Bron
Summary: Recent structural studies have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of GPCR-arrestin coupling, but it is unclear whether this process is conserved among different GPCRs. In this study, the cryo-electron microscopy active structure of the wild-type arginine-vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R) in complex with beta-arrestin1 was determined, revealing a unique arrangement of beta-arrestin1 and an interface involving all receptor intracellular loops. These findings suggest a significant structural variability among GPCR-arrestin signaling complexes.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Emilia Ivanchina, Ekaterina Chernyakova, Inna Pchelintseva, Dmitry Poluboyartsev
Summary: This paper investigates the semi-regenerative catalytic reforming of naphtha, taking into account catalyst deactivation and the complex multicomponent composition of the hydrocarbon mixture. It optimizes operating parameters such as pressure, temperature, and feedstock space velocity to increase yield and meet catalyst stability requirements.
OIL & GAS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-REVUE D IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuya Ohki, Tsukasa Shinone, Sayo Inoko, Miu Sudo, Makoto Demura, Takashi Kikukawa, Takashi Tsukamoto
Summary: Previous research on anion channelrhodopsins (ACRs) overlooked the native functions of full-length ACRs and the potential role of the cytoplasmic domain (CPD). In this study, we expressed the full-length Guillardia theta ACR1 (GtACR1_full) and found that the CPD enhanced NO3- transport, suggesting its natural function in algal cells.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
A. Ateka, P. Rodriguez-Vega, J. Erena, A. T. Aguayo, J. Bilbao
Summary: This review discusses the synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) from CO2 and syngas, highlighting the thermodynamics, catalyst preparation, kinetic modeling, reactor design, and reaction strategies. It provides detailed information on the kinetic models proposed in the literature and their corresponding catalyst and reaction conditions. The article also addresses the issue of catalyst deactivation, quantifies coke deposition using various kinetic models, and explores the limitations imposed by the presence of water in the reaction medium. The advantages and limitations of different reactors and the challenges in implementing the direct CO2 to DME synthesis process are also discussed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gianni M. Castiglione, Yan L. I. Chiu, Eduardo de A. Gutierrez, Alexander Van Nynatten, Frances E. Hauser, Matthew Preston, Nihar Bhattacharyya, Ryan K. Schott, Belinda S. W. Chang
Summary: Animals with enhanced dim-light sensitivity are more susceptible to light-induced retinal degeneration under bright light conditions. The convergence of Arr-1 and RHO in owls and deep-diving whales suggests a potential role in eye photoprotection.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Roberto Palos, Elena Rodriguez, Alazne Gutierrez, Javier Bilbao, Jose M. Arandes
Summary: The kinetics of catalytic cracking of plastic pyrolysis oil over three FCC equilibrium commercial catalysts was modeled, with the simplest reaction scheme found to be the most appropriate. The properties of the catalysts, particularly total acidity and mesoporous structure, play a key role in determining the kinetic parameters. Among the catalysts, ECAT-3 stood out for maximizing the yields of naphtha and LPG, while ECAT-1 and ECAT-2 were better suited for producing light cycle oil.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shoko Hososhima, Hideki Kandori, Satoshi P. Tsunoda
Summary: KR2 from marine bacteria Krokinobacter eikastus is a light-driven Na+ pumping rhodopsin family member that actively transports Na+ and/or H+ depending on the ionic state. Electrophysiological studies revealed that KR2 exhibits distinct ion transport kinetics for H+ and Na+, with transportation speed dependent on Na+ concentration. Additionally, the M intermediate of KR2's photocycle can be transferred into a dark state without net ion transport.
Article
Engineering, Civil
N. A. Nodargi, P. Bisegna
Summary: An original computational framework is presented for the minimum thrust analysis of axisymmetric masonry domes with arbitrary meridian curve, incorporating the ability to handle arbitrary meridional stereotomy and efficiently solve a Linear Programming problem for various dome shapes. The formulation provides a unified framework for deriving competing formulations available in literature, leading to a robust computational approach for parametric analyses and real case applications.
ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
N. A. Nodargi, P. Bisegna
Summary: A semi-analytical approach is proposed for the minimum thrust and minimum thickness analysis of spherical masonry domes. The method involves determining a statically admissible stress state and a kinematically admissible settlement mechanism. Numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed procedure in deriving a refined estimate of the dome thickness.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MECHANICS A-SOLIDS
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Nicola A. Nodargi, Paolo Bisegna
Summary: This paper discusses the static limit analysis of axially symmetric masonry domes under pseudo-static seismic forces, presenting a finite difference method for numerical discretization and solving the resulting second-order cone programming problem. Numerical simulations demonstrate the computational merit of the proposed method and quantitatively evaluate the seismic resistance of masonry domes.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Michele DaOrazio, Riccardo Reale, Adele De Ninno, Maria A. Brighetti, Arianna Mencattini, Luca Businaro, Eugenio Martinelli, Paolo Bisegna, Alessandro Travaglini, Federica Caselli
Summary: The study proposes a multimodal approach combining electrical sensing and optical imaging for automated pollen grain classification analysis, which achieves better results than using electrical or optical features alone, providing a new avenue for multimodal palynology.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Nicola A. Nodargi, Paolo Bisegna
Summary: A static limit analysis approach is proposed for assessing the collapse capacity of axisymmetric masonry domes subject to horizontal forces. The approach is based on the classical statics of shells and involves a unique computational strategy to determine collapse multiplier, incipient collapse mechanism, and expected crack pattern. The method is validated through convergence analysis, experimental results, and parametric analyses, showing reliability for estimating the pseudo-static seismic resistance of masonry domes, with an application to the central dome of the Taj-Mahal.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Claudio Intrigila, Nicola A. Nodargi, Paolo Bisegna
Summary: The mechanical response of additively-manufactured hollow truss lattices is investigated under quasi-static compression testing. Results show that the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of hollow truss lattices depend significantly on the ratio of inner-to-outer radius of their hollow struts. Octet-truss lattice exhibits a shift from quasi-brittle to ductile mechanical response, leading to a stable collapse mechanism and increased energy absorption capacity at larger ratios. On the other hand, the diamond lattice demonstrates a more compliant behavior with improving mechanical properties as the ratio increases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Nicola A. Nodargi, Paolo Bisegna
Summary: A generalized thrust network analysis method is proposed for the safety assessment of vaulted masonry structures. The method overcomes computational issues and provides settlement mechanism associated with the minimum thrust state.
ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Claudio Intrigila, Andrea Micheletti, Nicola A. Nodargi, Edoardo Artioli, Paolo Bisegna
Summary: This paper presents a novel design and fabrication procedure for bistable tensegrity-like units using stereolithography technology. The designed unit has successfully achieved bistability and demonstrated a reliable activation of the twisting mechanism in large displacements. Numerical simulations have shown close agreement with experimental results, validating the proposed stick-and-spring model to predict the nonlinear mechanical behavior of the unit. The low relative density and bistable characteristics of this type of tensegrity-like unit make it suitable for manufacturing highly-customizable multistable metamaterials.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Riccardo Reale, Adele De Ninno, Tiziana Nepi, Paolo Bisegna, Federica Caselli
Summary: In this study, a novel approach based on a microfluidic system was proposed to induce erythrocyte deformation using a hyperbolic microchannel and evaluate the deformed cell shape using coplanar electrodes. The method achieved RBC deformation and quantification of cell shape using an electrical anisotropy index, with a throughput of 300 cell/s. This contactless and optics-free approach holds promises for fast and low-cost erythrocyte deformability assays, particularly in point-of-care and resource-limited settings.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Giovanni Caruso, Colin Klaus, Heidi E. Hamm, Vsevolod V. Gurevich, Paolo Bisegna, Daniele Andreucci, Emmanuele DiBenedetto, Clint L. Makino
Summary: Retinal rods have evolved to detect single photons and function over a wide range of light intensities. Various processes within these cells enable them to adapt to different levels of illumination. By adding certain mechanisms to an existing biophysical model, the authors were able to explain the response of rod cells under high light levels. The model accurately described the behavior of both wild-type and mutant rods and provided insights into the saturation dynamics.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Giuseppe Prestopino, Pier Gianni Medaglia, David Scarpellini, Sergio Bietti, Pietro Oliva, Salvatore Monteleone, Andrea Orsini, Daniele Barettin, Federica Caselli, Paolo Bisegna
Summary: Nanomechanics is a highly developed area of research that requires new theories to explain significant changes in material properties at the nanometer scale. This article presents a unique method to control electro-mechanical forces on quasi-1D nanostructures through static electric fields, enabling direct control of strain on GaAs nanowires grown on a substrate.
ENGINEERING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL-JESTECH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cassandra Troiano, Adele De Ninno, Bruno Casciaro, Francesco Riccitelli, Yoonkyung Park, Luca Businaro, Renato Massoud, Maria Luisa Mangoni, Paolo Bisegna, Lorenzo Stella, Federica Caselli
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising compounds to combat antibiotic-resistant infections, as they kill bacteria by permeabilizing their membrane and exhibit low propensity for inducing bacterial resistance. However, limited understanding of AMPs' interactions with bacteria and human cells hinders their clinical applications. This study proposes the use of microfluidic impedance cytometry to rapidly explore the action of AMPs on bacteria and host cells, providing single-cell resolution.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Federica Caselli, Riccardo Reale, Adele De Ninno, Daniel Spencer, Hywel Morgan, Paolo Bisegna
Summary: Microfluidic impedance cytometry is a label-free technique for high-throughput single-cell analysis. Artificial intelligence approaches, particularly neural networks, show promise in efficiently decoding impedance cytometry signals and analyzing them with high accuracy and processing speed.
Proceedings Paper
Architecture
Nicola A. Nodargi, Paolo Bisegna
Summary: A computational method is proposed for the lower-bound limit analysis of masonry arches with multiple failure sections, formulated as a linear programming problem. Numerical simulations demonstrate the predictive capabilities of the approach, enabling accurate and safe prediction of the loading capacity of masonry arches.
12TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF HISTORICAL CONSTRUCTIONS (SAHC 2021)
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Carlos Honrado, Paolo Bisegna, Nathan S. Swami, Federica Caselli
Summary: Microfluidic impedance cytometry is a label-free and high-throughput method for stratifying cellular systems based on electrophysiology, with applications ranging from life science research to precision medicine. Novel chip designs and data analytic strategies are laying the foundation for multiparametric cell characterization and subpopulation distinction, essential for understanding biological function and disease progression. Emerging developments in the technique, such as device design, data analytics, and phenotyping applications, offer exciting prospects for future challenges and directions in label-free quantification and isolation of subpopulations in heterogeneous biosystems.