Microstructured air-silica fibres: Recent developments in modelling, manufacturing and experiment

The main modelling methods devoted to microstructured air-silica optical fibres (MOFS) are presented and discussed. Then, the specific propagation properties ofMOFS are studied in detail. Characteristics measured on fibres manufactured in our laboratory or reported in the literature are analysed. A large number of potential and demonstrated applications are presented and the obtained performances are discussed. A particular attention is given to hollow-core photonic bandgap fibres and their applications.     

Passive alignment optical subassemblies for military/aerospacefiber-optic transmitter/receiver modules

Under the DARPA sponsored Avionics Optoelectronic Module Technology program, new passive alignment carrier (PAC) optical subassemblies (LED-PAC and PIN-PAC) ruggedized for military/aerospace avionics fiber-optic transmitter and receiver applications have been developed, LED-PAC and PIN-PAC silicon micro-optical bench substrates were fabricated together on a 5 in diameter silicon wafer via multistage photolithography, thin-film, and substrate processing. Alignment v-grooves designed for passive optical alignment of 100/140 μm multimode optical fiber to the optoelectronic devices were terminated by solder locking the fiber to the silicon PAC substrates. The LED-PAC comprising a surface emitting LED die-bonded onto a novel precision molded AM submount passively mounted onto the silicon microbench achieves the required high coupling efficiency to 100/140 μm multimode optical fiber to meet stringent avionics transmitter output power requirements. The 100/130 μm multimode optical fiber-pigtailed PIN-PAC with a refractive lens etched into the p-i-n photodiode backside surface exhibited responsivities greater than 0.8 A/W at 1.3 μm wavelength. The LED-PAC and PIN-PAC optical subassemblies integrated with Boeing ARINC 636 (FDDI) transmitter and receiver thick film multichip (MCM-C) circuitry are capable of meeting both ARINC 636 and FDDI physical layer requirements     

Hypergeometric Functions and Parabolic Partial Differential Equations

We investigate the summability of formal power series solutions of parabolic linear partial differential equations with exponential coefficients.2000 Mathematics Subject Classification. 35C10, 35C20.This research was supported by a Marie Curie Fellowship of the European Community program Improving Human Research Potential under contract number HPMF-CT-2002-01818.     

New types of synthetic infusion solutions. III. Elimination and retention of poly-[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] in a test organism

The elimination and retention of a new, fully synthetic plasma prosthesis of Czechoslovak origin under the working name of Duxon (poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]) was investigated in experiments on rabbits by using a 14C-labeled polymer. Results published earlier on elimination have been confirmed and extended. Retention was examined after repeated application. The effect of molecular weight prevailed both in elimination and in retention. Polymers of lower molecular weights, which possess a good therapeutical effect, are not permanently deposited in the organism.     

Combination of freeze drying and molecular inclusion techniques improves the bioaccessibility of microencapsulated anthocyanins from black rice (Oryza sativa L.) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.) essential oils in a model food system

Black rice and lavender are promising sources of bioactives, in terms of anthocyanins and essential oils. Their bioaccessibility were improved by microencapsulation, followed by mixing in order to benefit both from colour and flavour, along with radical scavenging and biological properties. The mixed powder showed a satisfactory anthocyanins of 2.55 mg g⁻¹ DW, leading to a radical scavenging activity of 65.14 mmol g⁻¹ DW. The powder displayed an inhibitory effect against α-glucosidase (~49%) and α-amylase (39%), respectively, with a controlled release in intestinal environment. To further examine the functional properties, the powder was added to a food model system. During storage, a release in anthocyanins and flavonoids were found, leading to an increase in radical scavenging activity. The sensorial analysis showed that supplemented biscuits were appreciated for colour and lavender aroma. The obtained results were promising in tailoring the health benefits of secondary metabolites, underutilised in human’s nutrition due to their low stability and bioavailability.     

Influence of pressurised cryogenic nitrogen technology on Arthrospira platensis (spirulina) preservation during storage

In this study, preservation of spirulina using the new pressurised cryogenic nitrogen technology (PCN) was compared to classical methods used in laboratories and industry. Spirulina morphology was better preserved by PCN compared to unpressurised cryogeny and classical freezing at −20 °C that led to cells fragmentation. A 25% loss of Phycocyanin-C content against 60% were measured after 98 days storage for 6-Bar PCN process and frozen samples, respectively. The Total AntiOxidant Power (PAOT Liquid Technology^®) was used for determination of total antioxidant and oxidant power of spirulina extracts. PAOT value of PCN samples was 50% higher than the frozen sample. From ABTS measurements on PCN spirulina fractions sonicated or not, it was suggested that pressurisation at 6 bars allowed a better preservation of free antioxidants (outside the cells) due to replacement of oxygen by nitrogen in the frozen beads. After dehydration, phycocyanin-C content variation during storage at 20 °C and 33% RH showed higher loss for freeze-dried spirulina treated at 0 compared to 6 Bars.