Synchronization in complex networks with distinct chaotic nodes

We present an approach to the chaos synchronization of complex networks with distinct nodes. The chaotic synchronization is achieved by adding a derivative coupling term in the network equation. We assume that node in networks are different and are given by the Lorenz, Rössler, Chen and Sprott chaotic systems. The derivative term is capable to induce the synchronous behavior in the network. Moreover such a coupling leads the global behavior to a chaotic attractor. We found that without derivative coupling the network is leaded only to an equilibrium point or a limit cycle. Numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the result. Complementary the network synchrony can be chaotic in presence of the derivative coupling.     

Quantitative X-ray fluorescence analysis of an Egyptian faience pendant and comparison with PIXE

The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique is a common choice in the archaeometric field for in situ investigations with portable instruments. This work shows that XRF portable systems can be used for quantitative analyses using appropriate software, obtaining a similar accuracy to that provided with other techniques such as particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), as shown for an Egyptian faience pendant and for two glass standards.     

Solution of large-scale plasmonic problems with the multilevel fast multipole algorithm

A surface integral equation together with the multilevel fast multipole algorithm is successfully applied to fast and accurate resolution of plasmonic problems involving a large number of unknowns. The absorption, scattering, and extinction efficiencies of several plasmonic gold spheres of increasing size are efficiently obtained solving the electric and magnetic current combined-field integral equation. The numerical predictions are compared with reference analytic results to demonstrate the accuracy, suitability, and capabilities of this approach when dealing with large-scale plasmonic problems.     

Synthesis of 7-ethyl-4,7-dihydro-4-oxo-2-(4-pyridinyl)thieno[2,3-b]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid

7-Ethyl-4,7-dihydro-4-oxo-2-(4-pyridinyl)thieno[2,3-b]pyridine-5-carboxylic acid ( 4 ), an analog of nalidixic acid, was synthesized in seven steps starting from commercially available 4-methylpyridine. Bacterial susceptibility to compound 4 was tested and the title compound was found to exhibit only weak antibacterial activity against a variety of pathogens including S. Aureus, E. Coli and P. Aeruginosa.     

Cage-size effects on the encapsulation of P2 by fullerenes

The classic pnictogen dichotomy stands for the great contrast between triply bonding very stable N₂ molecules and its heavier congeners, which appear as dimers or oligomers. A banner example involves phosphorus as it occurs in nature as P₄ instead of P₂, given its weak π-bonds or strong σ-bonds. The P₂ synthetic value has brought Lewis bases and metal coordination stabilization strategies. Herein, we discuss the unrealized encapsulation alternative using the well-known fullerenes' capability to form endohedral and stabilize otherwise unstable molecules. We chose the most stable fullerene structures from C_n (n = 50, 60, 70, 80) and experimentally relevant from C_n (n = 90 and 100) to computationally study the thermodynamics and the geometrical consequences of encapsulating P₂ inside the fullerene cages. Given the size differences between P₂ and P₄, we show that the fullerenes C₇₀–C₁₀₀ are suitable cages to side exclude P₄ and host only one molecule of P₂ with an intact triple bond. The thermodynamic analysis indicates that the process is favorable, overcoming the dimerization energy. Additionally, we have evaluated the host-guest interaction to explain the origins of their stability using energy decomposition analysis.