Three-dimensional in vivo scanning microscopy with inertia-free focus control

The acquisition of high-resolution images in three dimensions is of utmost importance for the morphological and functional investigation of biological tissues. Here, we present a laser scanning two-photon microscope with remote and motionless control of the focus position. The movement of the excitation spot along the propagation direction is achieved by shaping the laser wavefront with a spatial light modulator. Depending on the optical properties of the objective in use, this approach allows z movements in a range of tens to hundreds of micrometers with small changes of the point spread function. We applied this technique for the three-dimensional (3D) imaging of fluorescent cells in the mouse neocortex in vivo. The presented system bypasses the limitations of microscopes based on moving objectives, enabling high-resolution inertia-free 3D imaging.     

The linear noise approximation for reaction-diffusion systems on networks

Stochastic reaction-diffusion models can be analytically studied on complex networks using the linear noise approximation. This is illustrated through the use of a specific stochastic model, which displays travelling waves in its deterministic limit. The role of stochastic fluctuations is investigated and shown to drive the emergence of stochastic waves beyond the region of the instability predicted from the deterministic theory. Simulations are performed to test the theoretical results and are analyzed via a generalized Fourier transform algorithm. This transform is defined using the eigenvectors of the discrete Laplacian defined on the network. A peak in the numerical power spectrum of the fluctuations is observed in quantitative agreement with the theoretical predictions.     

Entanglement and factorized ground states in two-dimensional quantum antiferromagnets

Making use of exact results and quantum Monte Carlo data for the entanglement of formation, we show that the ground state of anisotropic two-dimensional S=1/2 antiferromagnets in a uniform field takes the classical-like form of a product state for a particular value and orientation of the field, at which the purely quantum correlations due to entanglement disappear. Analytical expressions for the energy and the form of such states are given, and a novel type of exactly solvable two-dimensional quantum models is therefore singled out. Moreover, we show that the field-induced quantum phase transition present in the models is unambiguously characterized by a cusp minimum in the pairwise-to-global entanglement ratio R, marking the quantum-critical enhancement of multipartite entanglement.     

Ising transition in the two-dimensional quantum J1-J2 Heisenberg model

We study the thermodynamics of the spin-S two-dimensional quantum Heisenberg antiferromagnet on the square lattice with nearest (J1) and next-nearest (J2) neighbor couplings in its collinear phase (J(2)/J(1)>0.5), using the pure-quantum self-consistent harmonic approximation. Our results show the persistence of a finite-temperature Ising phase transition for every value of the spin, provided that the ratio J(2)/J(1) is greater than a critical value corresponding to the onset of collinear long-range order at zero temperature. We also calculate the spin and temperature dependence of the collinear susceptibility and correlation length, and we discuss our results in light of the experiments on Li2VOSiO4 and related compounds.     

Reactions of massive nuclei for the synthesis of heavy and superheavy nuclei

We study the effect of the entrance channel and the shell structure of reacting massive nuclei on the fusion mechanism and the formation of evaporation residues of heavy and superheavy nuclei. In the framework of the combined dinuclear system concept and advanced statistical model, we analyze the reactions ³²S+¹⁸²W, ⁴⁸Ti+¹⁶⁶Er and ⁶⁰Ni+¹⁵⁴Sm leading to ²¹⁴Th^*, and the reactions ⁴⁸Ca+²⁴⁸Cm and the ⁴⁸Ca+²⁴⁹Cf leading to the ²⁹⁶116 and ²⁹⁷118 compound nuclei, respectively.     

Detection of XY behavior in weakly anisotropic quantum antiferromagnets on the square lattice

We consider the Heisenberg antiferromagnet on the square lattice with S=1/2 and very weak easy-plane exchange anisotropy; by means of the quantum Monte Carlo method, based on the continuous-time loop algorithm, we find that the thermodynamics of the model is highly sensitive to the presence of tiny anisotropies and is characterized by a crossover between isotropic and planar behavior. We discuss the mechanism underlying the crossover phenomenon and show that it occurs at a temperature which is characteristic of the model. The expected Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition is observed below the crossover: a finite range of temperatures consequently opens for experimental detection of noncritical 2D XY behavior. Direct comparison is made with uniform susceptibility data relative to the S=1/2 layered antiferromagnet Sr2CuO2Cl2.     

The Nambu mechanics as a class of singular generalized dynamical formalisms

In a recent work Nambu has proposed ac-number dynamical formalism which can allow an odd numbern of canonical variables. Naturally associated to this new mechanics there exists ann-linear bracket whose study opens interesting possibilities. The purpose of this work is to show that besides this bracket another one which is bilinear and in fact a Lie bracket can also be associated with the Nambu mechanics. For anyn, however, this bracket is singular. In a sense previously used by the present author, this result exhibits the Nambu mechanics as an interesting class of singular generalized dynamical formalisms irrespective of the number of phase space variables. Reasons are given suggesting that such singular formalisms would be, within our context, the only ones capable of describing classical analogues of generalized quantum systems.     

Effects of heat deproteinate bone and polynucleotides on bone regeneration: an experimental study on rat

This experimental study evaluated the effects of polynucleotides on bone regeneration on rats. Defects with a diameter of 2mm were prepared in the thickness of cortical bone of 32 rat tibiae and filled with different compounds: polynucleotide gel (PDRN), deproteinated porcine cortical bone (HDB) obtained by high temperature heating in the form of granules and a paste made of HDB granules and PDRN gel. Bone regeneration of the gaps was histologically analysed after a treatment time ranging from 1 to 12 weeks. Both PDRN and HDB stimulated bone growth and repair, but the paste prepared combining HDB granules and PDRN showed the best performance with faster filling, better osteconductive and biocompatible properties and easier handling. This study suggests that the paste prepared combining HDB and PDRN gel induces rapid bone regeneration in different clinical situations.