Harmonic and intermodulation distortion modeling in IM-DD multi-band radio over fiber links exploiting injection locked lasers

A comprehensive numerical tool has been developed for the evaluation of the performances of Radio over Fiber (RoF) links intended for wireless signal distribution.At the transmitter end an appropriate set of rate equations allows to model the optical source as a solitary laser or as an appropriately injection locked laser. The optical channel is modeled putting into account the combined effect of fiber dispersion, laser source non ideal performances (e.g. non-linear effects, frequency chirp), and quadratic detection of the receiving photodiode. The simulation model developed can be a useful tool at the design stage allowing a preliminary evaluation of the characteristics of real RoF links.     

Solvent-dependent host–guest complexation of two homologous merocyanines by a water-soluble calix[8]arene: Spectroscopic analysis and structural calculations

The sulfonated calixarene I₈C₁₂ acts as a host for homologous merocyanines Mc1 and Mc2 in organic solvents, exhibiting neither selectivity towards the guest dyes nor solvent dependence of the complexation equilibria. In water, on the contrary, only the lower homologue, Mc1, is solubilized in the presence of the calixarene. A combination of UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopic and photophysical analysis and MD structural simulation of the calixarene-dye complexes was employed to account for the observations, and suggests that a radical change in the complexation mode occurs upon moving from an organic to an aqueous environment.     

Cobalt blood levels after total hip replacement (THR): a new follow-up study in Trieste (Italy)

Cobalt and chromium release in patients undergone a metal-on-metal total hip replacement (THR) is a matter recently discussed and whose we do not have enough information about it yet. In literature there is little data and not completely indicative, in the biological fluids and organs the amounts of released metals are different. This is also due to the fact that cobalt and chromium blood levels can change depending on physical and working activity, individual feeding and metabolism. The results obtained confirm the presence of an increase of cobalt inthe blood of patients after total hip replacement, while the chromium levels are almost alike: average values in patients operated are 4.1 +/- 1.5 microg/L for cobalt (0.3 +/- 0.1 microg/L in the control group) and 4.5 +/- 2.9 microg/L for chromium (4.7 +/- 2.4 microg/L in the control group). In spite of the cobalt values stand below the concentration generally considered dangerous, the difference between the two examined groups points out that a risk exists for the health of these patients. These results must be confirmed by further studies, providing better information and more reliable and biocompatible materials.     

On the cycle index of point groups

In this brief work we express the cycle index of the molecular point groups as a function of a limited number of initial geometrical parameters. Such parameters are the number of elements composing the domain D of sites of substitutions in the molecule belonging to the point group G, and the numbers of sites of D lying on the symmetry elements for G.     

An artificial ionophore based on a polyhydroxylated steroid dimer

The Na+ transporting properties of the first member of a new class of artificial ionophores, based on a C2-symmetric polyhydroxylated steroid dimer, are described.     

Computational spectroscopy of helium-solvated molecules: effective inertia, from small He clusters toward the nanodroplet regime

Accurate computer simulations of the rotational dynamics of linear molecules solvated in He clusters indicate that the large-size (nanodroplet) regime is attained quickly for light rotors (HCN) and slowly for heavy ones (OCS, N2O, and CO2), thus challenging previously reported results. Those results spurred the view that the different behavior of light rotors with respect to heavy ones-including a smaller reduction of inertia upon solvation of the former-would result from the lack of adiabatic following of the He density upon molecular rotation. We have performed computer experiments in which the rotational dynamics of OCS and HCN molecules was simulated using a fictitious inertia appropriate to the other molecule. These experiments indicate that the approach to the nanodroplet regime, as well as the reduction of the molecular inertia upon solvation, is determined by the anistropy of the potential, more than by the molecular weight. Our findings are in agreement with recent infrared and/or microwave experimental data which, however, are not yet totally conclusive by themselves.     

Rotational dynamics of CO solvated in small He clusters: a quantum Monte Carlo study

The rotational dynamics of CO single molecules solvated in small He clusters (CO @ HeN) has been studied using reptation quantum Monte Carlo simulations for cluster sizes up to N = 30. Our results are in good agreement with the rotovibrational features of the infrared spectrum recently determined for this system and provide a deep insight into the relation between the structure of the cluster and its dynamics. Simulations for large N also provide a prediction of the effective moment of inertia of CO in the He nanodroplet regime, which has not been measured so far.     

Wavy graphene sheets from electrochemical sewing of corannulene

The presence of non-hexagonal rings in the honeycomb carbon arrangement of graphene produces rippled graphene layers with valuable chemical and physical properties. In principle, a bottom-up approach to introducing distortion from planarity of a graphene sheet can be achieved by careful insertion of curved polyaromatic hydrocarbons during the growth of the lattice. Corannulene, the archetype of such non-planar polyaromatic hydrocarbons, can act as an ideal wrinkling motif in 2D carbon nanostructures. Herein we report an electrochemical bottom-up method to obtain egg-box shaped nanographene structures through a polycondensation of corannulene that produces a new conducting layered material. Characterization of this new polymeric material by electrochemistry, spectroscopy, electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), scanning probe microscopy, and laser desorption-ionization time of flight mass spectrometry provides strong evidence that the anodic polymerization of corannulene, combined with electrochemically induced oxidative cyclodehydrogenations (Scholl reactions), leads to polycorannulene with a wavy graphene-like structure.

A bottom-up synthesis of wavy graphene structures obtained through an anodic polymerization process, combined with an electrochemically triggered oxidative cyclodehydrogenation, of the bowl-shaped polyaromatic hydrocarbon corannulene.     

Fairness in ambulance routing for post disaster management

Central European Journal of Operations Research - Disaster management generally includes the post-disaster stage, which consists of the actions taken in response to the disaster damages. These...