Self-homodyne detection of the light orbital angular momentum

A simple optical system for the self-homodyne detection of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) carried by optical beams is introduced. We propose two different schemes based on the use of optical hybrids, which could detect the OAM mode number, even when the input beam might be slightly distorted. A balanced receiver is used to perform a self-homodyne measure of the optical signal from two different locations at the beam wavefront.     

Necessary and sufficient conditions for local Pareto optimality on time scales

We study a multiobjective variational problem on time scales. For this problem, necessary and sufficient conditions for weak local Pareto optimality are given. We also prove a necessary optimality condition for the isoperimetric problem with multiple constraints on time scales.     

On the motion of an oscillator with a periodically time-varying mass

The stability of the motion of an oscillator with a periodically time-varying mass is under consideration. The key idea is that an adequate change of variables leads to a newtonian equation, where classical stability techniques can be applied: Floquet theory for the linear oscillator, KAM method in the nonlinear case. To illustrate this general idea, first we have generalized the results of [W.T. van Horssen, A.K. Abramian, Hartono, On the free vibrations of an oscillator with a periodically time-varying mass, J. Sound Vibration 298 (2006) 1166–1172] to the forced case; second, for a weakly forced Duffing’s oscillator with variable mass, the stability in the nonlinear sense is proved by showing that the first twist coefficient is not zero.     

Neutralizing effects of Nectandra angustifolia extracts against Bothrops neuwiedi snake venom

Leaves extracts and essential oil of Nectandra angustifolia were explored for the first time for neutralization of Bothrops neuwiedi diporus snake venom. The ethanol extract was the most active and inhibited both venom activities (hemolytic and coagulant), while the oil was only active on the coagulant activity. These observations confirmed that certain medicinal plants from Corrientes and Chaco Provinces possess significant snake venom neutralizing capacity and need further examination for their active constituents. Analysis by GC and GC-MS of the essential oil and the enantiomeric excess found for alpha-pinene, beta-pinene and limonene allowed a better characterization of this species.     

Broadening the absorption of conjugated polymers by "click" functionalization with phthalocyanines

Conjugated copolymer derivatives of poly[2-methoxy-5-(3',7'-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MDMO-PPV) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) containing 10% of alkyne functionalities in the side chains have been prepared using the sulfinyl precursor route and the Rieke method, respectively. With the aim of expanding the absorption range of these conjugated polymers for their use in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer:fullerene solar cells, appropriate phthalocyanine (Pc) molecules have been covalently bound through a post-polymerization "click chemistry" reaction between the alkyne functionalities in the side chains of the copolymers and a Pc functionalized with an azide moiety. The resulting poly(p-phenylenevinylene)-Pc (PPV-Pc) material holds a 9 mol% content of Pcs, while the polythiophene-Pc material (PT-Pc) contains a 8 mol% of Pc-functionalization in the side chains. As expected, the presence of the Pc contributes to the extension of the absorption up to 700 nm. BHJ solar cells have been prepared using PPV-Pc and PT-Pc materials in combination with PCBM. Although the Pc absorption contributes to the generation of photocurrent, the overall power conversion efficiencies (PCE) obtained from these cells are lower than those obtained with BHJ P3HT:PCBM (1:1) and MDMO-PPV:PCBM (1:4) solar cells. A plausible explanation could be the moderate solubility of the PPV-Pc and PT-Pc materials that limits the processing into thin films.     

Trapping intermediates in an [8 + 2] cycloaddition reaction with the help of DFT calculations

DFT calculations predict that the [8 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between ketenes and 8-azaheptafulvenes occurs stepwise through antiaromatic zwitterionic intermediates. With adequate modifications of both the electronic properties of the ketene and the reaction conditions, these elusive intermediates have been successfully trapped and fully characterized (X-ray), thus confirming the predicted stepwise nature of the transformation.     

Terpenoids from Croton regelianus

Two new terpenoids, the bisnorditerpene rel‐(5β,8α,10α)‐8‐hydroxy‐13‐methylpodocarpa‐9(11),13‐diene‐3,12‐dione ( 1 ) and the guaiane sesquiterpene rel‐(1R,4S,6R,7S,8aR)‐decahydro‐1‐(hydroxymethyl)‐4,9,9‐trimethyl‐4,7‐(epoxymethano)azulen‐6‐ol ( 2 ), together with seven known compounds, were isolated from Croton regelianus var. matosii. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by HR‐ESI‐TOF and a combination of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments.     

Flow‐Injection Amperometric Method for Indirect Determination of Dopamine in the Presence of a Large Excess of Ascorbic Acid

A simple flow injection amperometric system for fast and indirect quantification of dopamine (DA) in the presence of a large excess of ascorbic acid (AA) is reported. The method consists of the application of three sequential potential pulses to an unmodified glassy carbon‐working electrode positioned in a wall‐jet cell. DA is indirectly detected at +0.35 V through the reduction of the oxidation product (o‐dopaminoquinone) electrochemically generated at +0.80 V. The third potential pulse (0.00 V) is applied for the regeneration (cleaning) of the unmodified working electrode. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were calculated as 50 and 170 nmol L^?1, respectively. Considering the LOQ value, the present methodology allows DA quantification in the presence up to 5000‐fold more of AA (1.0 mmol L^?1).