CO2 dial for monitoring atmospheric pollutants at the University of Calabria

Summary In this report we introduce the infrared lidar-dial apparatus developed at the University of Calabria. It has been carried out as a tool in the investigation of both the atmospheric pollution of trace gases and other atmospheric parameters as water vapour. The general scheme of the station is described, as well as the performances of the home-made CO₂ laser sources. Finally preliminary measurements of average concentration of ozone and water vapour over a range of about 3 km are presented and discussed in the report.     

Acoustic attenuation probe for Fermion superfluidity in ultracold-atom gases

Dilute gas Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC's), currently used to cool fermionic atoms in atom traps, can also probe the superfluidity of these fermions. The damping rate of BEC-acoustic excitations (phonon modes), measured in the middle of the trap as a function of the phonon momentum, yields an unambiguous signature of BCS-like superfluidity, provides a measurement of the superfluid gap parameter, and gives an estimate of the size of the Cooper pairs in the BEC-BCS crossover regime. We also predict kinks in the momentum dependence of the damping rate which can reveal detailed information about the fermion quasiparticle dispersion relation.     

Structural Studies of Some Compounds Containing C2 Fragments Attached to Various Metal‐Ligand End‐Groups

The preparation, characterisation and single‐crystal XRD molecular structure determinations of four complexes containing –CC–ML_n end‐groups, namely Ru{C≡CFc′(I)}(dppe)Cp ( 1 ), the vinylidene [Os(=C=CH₂)(PPh₃)₂Cp]PF₆ ( 2 ), trans‐Pt(C≡CC₆H₄‐4‐C≡CPh){C≡CC₆H₄‐4‐C₂Ph[Co₂(μ‐dppm)(CO)₄]}(PPh₃)₂ ( 3 ), and C₆H₄{μ₃‐C₂[AuRu₃(CO)₉(PPh₃)]}₂‐1,4 ( 4 ) are reported. In these compounds a range of –CC– environments is found, extending from the σ‐bonded alkynyl group in 1 to examples where the C₂ unit interacts with either a proton (in vinylidene 2 ), by bridging a dicobalt carbonyl moiety (in 3 ) or the AuRu₃ cluster in 4 . Changes in geometry are rationalised by considering the various bonding modes.     

The use of plane-polarized beams in controlled surface temperature laser heat treating

Plane-polarized CO₂ laser beams can be successfully employed in controlled surface temperature laser heat treating in order to improve the coupling between radiation and steel. The coupling efficiency has been quantitatively determined by means of a simple energy balance model, by using a medium-power CO₂ laser. In this way, the angle at which the best coupling can be obtained has also been singled out. Moreover, some heat treatments performed with a high power laser beam obliquely impinging on medium carbon steel samples have confirmed that controlled surface temperature laser heat treating can be completely free of the problems concerning the use of coatings generally employed.     

A novel methodology for the synthesis of complexes containing long carbon chains linking metal centres: molecular structures of [Ru(dppe)Cp*]2(mu-C14) and [Co3(mu-dppm)(CO)7]2(mu3:mu3-C16)

Elimination of AuX(PR3)(X = halogen, R = Ph, tol) occurs readily in reactions between compounds containing C(sp)- or C(sp2)-X bonds and alkynyl or polyynyl gold(I) complexes; this reaction has been applied to the syntheses of complexes containing a variety of metal centres linked by C(n) chains (n up to 16).     

A preamplification approach to GMO detection in processed foods

DNA is widely used as a target for GMO analysis because of its stability and high detectability. Real-time PCR is the method routinely used in most analytical laboratories due to its quantitative performance and great sensitivity. Accurate DNA detection and quantification is dependent on the specificity and sensitivity of the amplification protocol as well as on the quality and quantity of the DNA used in the PCR reaction. In order to enhance the sensitivity of real-time PCR and consequently expand the number of analyzable target genes, we applied a preamplification technique to processed foods where DNA can be present in low amounts and/or in degraded forms thereby affecting the reliability of qualitative and quantitative results. The preamplification procedure utilizes a pool of primers targeting genes of interest and is followed by real-time PCR reactions specific for each gene. An improvement of Ct values was found comparing preamplified vs. non-preamplified DNA. The strategy reported in the present study will be also applicable to other fields requiring quantitative DNA testing by real-time PCR.     

Bioaerogels: Promising Nanostructured Materials in Fluid Management,Healing and Regeneration of Wounds

Wounds affect one’s quality of life and should be managed on a patient-specific approach, based on the particular healing phase and wound condition. During wound healing, exudate is produced as a natural response towards healing. However, excessive production can be detrimental, representing a challenge for wound management. The design and development of new healing devices and therapeutics with improved performance is a constant demand from the healthcare services. Aerogels can combine high porosity and low density with the adequate fluid interaction and drug loading capacity, to establish hemostasis and promote the healing and regeneration of exudative and chronic wounds. Bio-based aerogels, i.e., those produced from natural polymers, are particularly attractive since they encompass their intrinsic chemical properties and the physical features of their nanostructure. In this work, the emerging research on aerogels for wound treatment is reviewed for the first time. The current scenario and the opportunities provided by aerogels in the form of films, membranes and particles are identified to face current unmet demands in fluid managing and wound healing and regeneration.