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.     

Importance of nuclear effects in the measurement of neutrino oscillation parameters

We investigate how models for neutrino–nucleus cross sections based on different assumptions for the nuclear dynamics affect the forecasted sensitivities to neutrino oscillation parameters at future neutrino facilities. We limit ourselves to the quasi-elastic regime, where the neutrino cross sections can be evaluated with less uncertainties, and discuss the sensitivity reach to θ₁₃${\theta }_{13}$ and δ at a prototype low-γ β-beam, mostly sensitive to the quasi-elastic regime.     

Optical studies of two dimensional gratings in fused silica, GE 124, and Foturan glasses fabricated using femtosecond laser pulses

Herein we present results on the femtosecond laser direct writing and optical characterization studies of two dimensional gratings in fused silica, GE 124, and Foturan^™ glasses. Varieties of structures were achieved with varying input energy and spatial orientation of the samples. Various characterization techniques including fluorescence spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and laser confocal microscopy were employed to analyze the structural and physical modifications at the focal volume resulting in change of refractive index. Diffraction efficiencies of 9–12% were observed from the grating structures. A broad-band emission was observed in the laser-modified region of the Foturan glass. The obtained results are analyzed in the light of recent work in similar glasses and exploring the applications of such structures in the fields of photonics.     

Sustained turbulence in the three-dimensional Gross-Pitaevskii model

We study the three-dimensional forced-dissipated Gross-Pitaevskii equation. We force at relatively low wave numbers, expecting to observe a direct energy cascade and a consequent power-law spectrum of the form k^−α. Our numerical results show that the exponent α strongly depends on how the inverse particle cascade is attenuated at ks lower than the forcing wave-number. If the inverse cascade is arrested by a friction at low ks, we observe an exponent which is in good agreement with the weak wave turbulence prediction k⁻¹. For a hypo-viscosity, a k⁻² spectrum is observed which we explain using a critical balance argument. In simulations without any low k dissipation, a condensate at k=0 is growing and the system goes through a strongly turbulent transition from a 4-wave to a 3-wave weak turbulence acoustic regime with evidence of k^−3/2 Zakharov-Sagdeev spectrum. In this regime, we also observe a spectrum for the incompressible kinetic energy which formally resembles the Kolmogorov k^−5/3, but whose correct explanation should be in terms of the Kelvin wave turbulence. The probability density functions for the velocities and the densities are also discussed.     

Total synthesis of lansiumamides A and B and alatamide

The total syntheses of lansiumamide A, lansiumamide B and alatamide have been completed taking advantage of the dihalo-olefination of N-formylimides. The syntheses are convergent, flexible and allow for the generation of analogues not accessible through other routes.     

Selective and Wash-Resistant Fluorescent Dihydrocodeinone Derivatives Allow Single-Molecule Imaging of μ-Opioid Receptor Dimerization

μ-Opioid receptors (μ-ORs) play a critical role in the modulation of pain and mediate the effects of the most powerful analgesic drugs. Despite extensive efforts, it remains insufficiently understood how μ-ORs produce specific effects in living cells. We developed new fluorescent ligands based on the μ-OR antagonist E-p-nitrocinnamoylamino-dihydrocodeinone (CACO), that display high affinity, long residence time and pronounced selectivity. Using these ligands, we achieved single-molecule imaging of μ-ORs on the surface of living cells at physiological expression levels. Our results reveal a high heterogeneity in the diffusion of μ-ORs, with a relevant immobile fraction. Using a pair of fluorescent ligands of different color, we provide evidence that μ-ORs interact with each other to form short-lived homodimers on the plasma membrane. This approach provides a new strategy to investigate μ-OR pharmacology at single-molecule level.     

Characterization and Valorization of the Agricultural Waste Obtained from Lavandula Steam Distillation for Its Reuse in the Food and Pharmaceutical Fields

The main focus of the current research was the characterization of the by-products from the steam distillation of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (LA) and Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel (LI) aerial parts, as they are important sources of bioactive compounds suitable for several applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The oil-exhausted biomasses were extracted and the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were, respectively, 19.22 ± 4.16 and 1.56 ± 0.21 mg/g for LA extract and 17.06 ± 3.31 and 1.41 ± 0.10 mg/g for LI extract. The qualitative analysis by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) revealed that both the extracts were rich in phenolic acids and glycosylated flavonoids. The extracts exhibited radical scavenging, chelating, reducing activities, and inhibitory capacities on acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase. The IC50 values against acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase were, respectively, 5.35 ± 0.47 and 5.26 ± 0.02 mg/mL for LA, and 6.67 ± 0.12 and 6.56 ± 0.16 mg/mL for LI extracts. In conclusion, the oil-exhausted biomasses demonstrated to represent important sources of bioactive compounds, suitable for several applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.     

Quasicrystalline electronic states of a one-dimensionally modulated Ag film

Ag films on GaAs(110) exhibit a one-dimensional quasiperiodic modulation, resulting in a Fibonacci sequence of parallel stripes with two different widths. Valence level photoemission shows that the Ag electronic states acquire a unique character along the quasiperiodic direction, distinctively manifested by a hierarchy of energy level replicas and avoided crossings at characteristic intervals in reciprocal space. These observations demonstrate the strong influence of the one-dimensional quasiperiodic potential on the Ag film states.