Secure key distribution over a 500 km long link using a Raman ultra‐long fiber laser

In traditional communication systems the transmission medium is considered as a given characteristic of the channel, which does not depend on the properties of the transmitter and the receiver. Recent experimental demonstrations of the feasibility of extending the laser cavity over the whole communication link connecting the two parties, forming an ultra‐long fiber laser (UFL), have raised groundbreaking possibilities in communication and particularly in secure communications. Here, a 500 km long secure key distribution link based on Raman gain UFL is demonstrated. An error‐free distribution of a random key with an average rate of 100 bps between the users is demonstrated and the key is shown to be unrecoverable to an eavesdropper employing either time or frequency domain passive attacks.     

Chemoselective Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of methyl 4-bromo-3-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)-2-naphthoate

Arylated naphthalenes were prepared by Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of methyl 4-bromo-3-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)-2-naphthoate. The reactions proceeded with very good chemoselectivity in favor of the triflate group, due to additive electronic ortho electronic effects.     

Emission control in broad periodic waveguides and critical coupling

Broad periodic channel waveguides, with a corrugation on their edge, exhibit a remarkable structure in their dispersion diagram, in the form of stripes of minigaps, whose hyperbolic shape is demonstrated. Around the Brillouin zone edge, the contra-directional feedback borrows the geometry of Littrow diffraction. Spontaneous emission from a large subset of modes then acquires a strong modulation. Lasing on these modes, the so-called “Littrow lasing”, offers also the lowest lasing threshold of the open resonator system. Reviewing our recent studies of this system, we discuss slow light and critical coupling phenomena: for a properly adjusted contra-directional coupling, the bands become substantially flat in a sizable area of the dispersion diagram, opening various perspectives. The band engineering tools to master these phenomena and the physical implications in other domains are briefly reviewed.     

Fringing field optimization of hemispherical deflector analyzers using BEM and FDM

In this paper we present numerical modeling results for fringing field optimization of hemispherical deflector analyzers (HDAs), simulated using boundary-element and finite-difference numerical methods. Optimization of the fringing field aberrations of HDAs is performed by using a biased optical axis and an optimized entry position offset (paracentric) from the center position used in conventional HDAs. The described optimization achieves first-order focusing thus also further improving the energy resolution of HDAs.     

A theoretical investigation of structural,mechanical, electronic and thermoelectric properties of orthorhombic CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>PbI<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The structural, mechanical, electronic and thermoelectric properties of the low temperature orthorhombic perovskite phase of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ have been investigated using density functional theory (DFT). Elastic parameters bulk modulus B, Young’s modulus E, shear modulus G, Poisson’s ratio ν and anisotropy value A have been calculated by the Voigt–Reuss–Hill averaging scheme. Phonon dispersions of the structure were investigated using a finite displacement method. The relaxed system is dynamically stable, and the equilibrium elastic constants satisfy all the mechanical stability criteria for orthorhombic crystals, showing stability against the influence of external forces. The lattice thermal conductivity was calculated within the single-mode relaxation-time approximation of the Boltzmann equation from first-principles anharmonic lattice dynamics calculations. Our results show that lattice thermal conductivity is anisotropic, and the corresponding lattice thermal conductivity at 150 K was found to be 0.189, 0.138, and 0.530 Wm^?1K^?1 in the a, b, and c directions. Electronic structure calculations demonstrate that this compound has a DFT direct band gap at the gamma point of about 1.57 eV. The electronic transport properties have been calculated by solving the semiclassical Boltzmann transport equation on top of DFT calculations, within the constant relaxation time approximation. The Seebeck coefficient S is almost constant from 50 to 150 K. At temperatures 100 and 150 K, the maximal figure of merit is found to be 0.06 and 0.122 in the direction of the c-axis, respectively.     

Posttranslational Chemical Mutagenesis Methods to Insert Posttranslational Modifications into Recombinant Proteins

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) dramatically expand the functional diversity of the proteome. The precise addition and removal of PTMs appears to modulate protein structure and function and control key regulatory processes in living systems. Deciphering how particular PTMs affect protein activity is a current frontier in biology and medicine. The large number of PTMs which can appear in several distinct positions, states, and combinations makes preparing such complex analogs using conventional biological and chemical tools challenging. Strategies to access homogeneous and precisely modified proteins with desired PTMs at selected sites and in feasible quantities are critical to interpreting their molecular code. Here, we summarize recent advances in posttranslational chemical mutagenesis and late-stage functionalization chemistry to transfer novel PTM mimicry into recombinant proteins with emphasis on novel transformations.     

Isolation,Structural Characterization,and Biological Activity of the Two Acidic Polysaccharides from the Fruits of the Elaeagnus angustifolia Linnaeus

Elaeagnus angustifolia Linnaeus is a medicinal plant and its fruit has pharmacological activity such as antiinflammatory, antiedema, antinociceptive, and muscle relaxant functions, etc. Two acidic homogeneous polysaccharides (EAP-H-a1 and EAP-H-a2) were isolated from the fruits of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. through DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-75 column chromatography, and the physicochemical, structural properties, and biological activities of the polysaccharides were investigated. Both EAP-H-a1 and EAP-H-a2 were composed of Rha, Ara, Xyl, Glc, and Gal with the molar ratios of 13.7:20.5:23.3:8.8:33.4 and 24.8:19.7:8.2:8.4:38.6, respectively, and with the molecular weights of 705.796 kDa and 439.852 kDa, respectively. The results obtained from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the polysaccharide nature of the isolated substances. Congo red assay confirmed the existence of a triple-helix structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that EAP-H-a1 and EAP-H-a2 had irregular fibrous, filament-like surfaces; and both had crystalline and amorphous structures. Bioactivity analysis showed that the crude polysaccharide, EAP-H-a1, and EAP-H-a2 had clear DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity, and could promote the secretion of NO and the phagocytic activities of RAW 264.7 and THP cells, which showed clear antioxidant and immuno-regulatory activity. These results indicated that Elaeagnus angustifolia L fruit acidic polysaccharides may have potential value in the pharmaceutical and functional food industries.     

Kohlehydrate

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Interaction of CO2 with MnOx/Pd(111) Reverse Model Catalytic Interfaces

Understanding the activation of CO₂ on the surface of the heterogeneous catalysts comprised of metal/metal oxide interfaces is of critical importance since it is not only a prerequisite for converting CO₂ to value-added chemicals but also often, a rate-limiting step. In this context, our current work focuses on the interaction of CO₂ with heterogeneous bi-component model catalysts consisting of small MnO_x clusters supported on the Pd(111) single crystal surface. These metal oxide-on-metal ‘reverse’ model catalyst architectures were investigated via temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions. Enhancement of CO₂ activation was observed upon decreasing the size of MnO_x nanoclusters by lowering the preparation temperature of the catalyst down to 85 K. Neither pristine Pd(111) single crystal surface nor thick (multilayer) MnO_x overlayers on Pd(111) were not capable of activating CO₂, while CO₂ activation was detected at sub-monolayer (∼0.7 ML) MnO_x coverages on Pd(111), in correlation with the interfacial character of the active sites, involving both MnO_x and adjacent Pd atoms.     

Computer simulation of the formation of polymer networks

Complex crosslinked polymer structures can be quite easily modeled with the aid of computers. BTOSYM's implementation of an algorithm that has been developed by Eichinger and his co-workers over the last few years is described. This algorithm allows us to model both random (as in sulfur-cured rubber) and site-specific (as in end-linked silicones) crosslinking reactions. The simulation method provides detailed information on gel points, cycle rank, modulus of elasticity and other characteristics of the networks as they are formed. Illustrative results obtained with the program are presented.