First- and second-order statistics of optical near fields

The statistical properties of the intensity in close proximity to highly scattering, randomly inhomogeneous media are investigated. Whereas the intensity probability density function obeys the same law irrespective of the distance z from the interface, the second-order intensity correlation length changes for distances smaller than the wavelength. Contrary to predictions of the conventional coherence theory, the corresponding field correlation length can be smaller than the wavelength of light.     

Directionality of Gaussian Schell-model beams propagating in atmospheric turbulence

It is known that some partially coherent Gaussian Shell-model beams may generate, in free space, the same angular distribution of radiant intensity as a fully coherent laser beam. We show that this result also holds even if the beams propagate in atmospheric turbulence, irrespective of the particular model of turbulence used. The result is illustrated by an example.     

The Two-Dimensional Finite Bin Packing Problem. Part II: New lower and upper bounds

This paper is the second of a two part series and describes new lower and upper bounds for a more general version of the Two-Dimensional Finite Bin Packing Problem (2BP) than the one considered in Part I (see Boschetti and Mingozzi 2002). With each item is associated an input parameter specifying if it has a fixed orientation or it can be rotated by . This problem contains as special cases the oriented and non-oriented 2BP. The new lower bound is based on the one described in Part I for the oriented 2BP. The computational results on the test problems derived from the literature show the effectiveness of the new proposed lower and upper bounds.     

Parametric generation of twin photons in vertical triple microcavities

We report the realization of a monolithic vertical-cavity, surface emitting micro-optical parametric conversion nanostructure, triply resonant with the parametric frequencies, allowing parametric oscillation with ultra-low pump power threshold. The photonic phase-space naturally provides triple resonance for the parametric frequencies, together with built-in cavity phase-matching for the pump wave at normal incidence. Parametric oscillation is observed in both the strong and weak exciton–photon coupling regime, allowing a high operating temperature. Signal and idler beams can be collected at 0° or at finite angles. The OPO threshold is low enough to envisage the realization of an all-semiconductor electrically-pumped micro-parametric oscillator. To cite this article: C. Diederichs et al., C. R. Physique 8 (2007).     

A new ent-clerodane diterpenoid from Crassocephalum bauchiense Huch. (Asteraceae)

A phytochemical investigation of the whole plant of Crassocephalum bauchiense Huch. resulted in the isolation of a new clerodane diterpenoid, ent-2β,18,19-trihydroxycleroda-3,13-dien-16,15-olide (1), together with two known flavonoids 3′,5-dihydroxy-4′,5′,6,7,8-pentamethoxyflavone (2) and 4′,5-dihydroxy-3′,5′,6,7,8-pentamethoxyflavone (3). The compounds were tested against the chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Compound 2 showed weak activity (IC₅₀ = 10.1 g/mL) whilst compounds 1 and 3 were inactive. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by using detailed spectral analyses, especially ¹H and ¹³C NMR, ¹H–¹H COSY, NOESY, HMBC and HR-ESI-MS.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of a Dual-Action Ligand Targeting αvβ3 Integrin and VEGF Receptors

A dual-action ligand targeting both integrin α_Vβ₃ and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs), was synthesized via conjugation of a cyclic peptidomimetic α_Vβ₃ Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) ligand with a decapentapeptide. The latter was obtained from a known VEGFR antagonist by acetylation at the Lys13 side chain. Functionalization of the precursor ligands was carried out in solution and in the solid phase, affording two fragments: an alkyne VEGFR ligand and the azide integrin α_Vβ₃ ligand, which were conjugated by click chemistry. Circular dichroism studies confirmed that both the RGD and VEGFR ligand portions of the dual-action compound substantially adopt the biologically active conformation. In vitro binding assays on isolated integrin α_Vβ₃ and VEGFR-1 showed that the dual-action conjugate retains a good level of affinity for both its target receptors, although with one order of magnitude (10/20 times) decrease in potency. The dual-action ligand strongly inhibited the VEGF-induced morphogenesis in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). Remarkably, its efficiency in preventing the formation of new blood vessels was similar to that of the original individual ligands, despite the worse affinity towards integrin α_Vβ₃ and VEGFR-1.     

Surface plasmon polariton assisted optical pulling force

We demonstrate both analytically and numerically the existence of optical pulling forces acting on particles located near plasmonic interfaces. Two main factors contribute to the appearance of this negative recoil force. The interference between the incident and reflected waves induces a rotating dipole with an asymmetric scattering pattern, while the directional excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) enhances the linear momentum of scattered light. The strongly asymmetric SPP excitation is determined by spin–orbit coupling of the rotating dipole and surface plasmon polariton. As a result of the total momentum conservation, the force acting on the particle points in a direction opposite to the incident wave propagation. We derive analytical expressions for the force acting on dipolar particles placed in the proximity of plasmonic surfaces. Analytical expressions for this pulling force are derived within the dipole approximation and are in excellent agreement with results of electromagnetic numerical calculations. The forces acting on larger particles are analyzed numerically, beyond the dipole approximation.

     

A Bionomic Approach to the Capacitated p-Median Problem

This paper advocates the use of the bionomic algorithm, a recently proposed metaheuristic technique, as an effective method to solve capacitated p-median problems (CPMP). Bionomic algorithms already proved to be an effective framework for finding good solutions to combinatorial optimization problems, when good local optimization algorithms are available. The paper also presents an effective local search technique for the CPMP. Computational results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach, when compared to the best performing heuristics so far presented in the literature.