Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs from an Actively Mode-locked Intra-cavity Generation Scheme

We introduce an intra-cavity actively mode-locked excitation scheme for nonlinear microring resonators that removes the need for external laser excitation in the generation of pulsed two-photon frequency combs. We found a heralded anti-bunching dip of 0.245 and maximum coincidence-to-accidental ratio of 110 for the generated photon pairs

Single label fluorescent derivatization of peptides

A one step method for the attachment of a single fluorescent label to peptides through their N-terminus is described. The method employs fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate as the label of choice and a lower than normal derivatization buffer pH that discriminates against $\varepsilon$-amino derivatization in favor of $\alpha$-amino derivatization provided that this group may act as an efficient nucleophile. A kinetic study was performed in order to identify the optimal derivatization buffer pH for $\alpha$-amino group selectivity, using $\rm N\alpha$-t-BOC-L-lysine and $\rm N\varepsilon$-t-BOC-L-lysine as model compounds for derivatization through $\varepsilon$-amino and $\alpha$-amino groups, respectively. The optimal pH was found to be 8.5. Six small peptides, Arg-Lys, Lys-Trp-Lys, Lys-Lys, Lys-Lys-Lys, Lys-Lys-Lys-Lys and Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro, were derivatized at pH 8.5 in an effort to corroborate the results of the kinetic study. It was found that this method of single label derivatization via buffer pH control was successful for peptides with fewer than four lysines residues

E-readers, computer screens, or paper: Does reading comprehension change across media platforms?

The present research examined the impact of technology on reading comprehension. While previous research has examined memory for text, and yielded mixed results of the impact technology has on one’s ability to remember what they have read, the reading literature has not yet examined comprehension. In comparing paper, computers, and e-readers, results from this study indicated that these three different presentation modes do not differentially affect comprehension of narrative or expository text. Additionally, readers were not consistently compensating for difficulties with comprehension by engaging in different reading behaviors when presented with text in different formats. These results suggest that reading can happen effectively in a variety of presentation formats

A Passively Mode-locked Nanosecond Laser with an Ultra-narrow Spectral Width

Many different mode-locking techniques have been realized in the past [1, 2], but mainly focused on increasing the spectral bandwidth to achieve ultra-short coherent light pulses with well below picosecond duration. In contrast, no mode-locked laser scheme has managed to generate Fourier-limited nanosecond long pulses, which feature narrow spectral bandwidths (~MHz regime) instrumental to applications in spectroscopy, efficient excitation of molecules, sensing, and quantum optics. The related limitations are mainly caused by the adverse operation timescales of saturable absorbers, as well as by the low strength of the nonlinear effects typically reachable through nanosecond pulses with manageable energies

Selection of landcover types by translocated female eastern wild turkeys in east Texas

Restoration of eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) is among the greatest conservation achievements in North America. However, restoration efforts in east Texas have had limited success, resulting in a fragmented distribution of turkeys across the landscape. Restoration success is largely dependent on the ability of translocated individuals to quickly select habitat patches on the landscape. Information on habitat selection of translocated wild turkeys is important to identify high quality release locations that should reduce the probability of translocation failure. Our objective was to describe selection of landcover types by translocated female wild turkeys in east Texas. During 2016–2017, we translocated 78 GPS‐tagged wild turkeys to Angelina National Forest in east Texas. We quantified third order selection for females during 3 temporal periods—the exploratory phase (days 1–20), the exploitation phase (days 21–80), and within the annual range. During the exploratory phase, females selected shrub‐scrub and open landcover types, as well as linear paths (roads, rights-of‐way). During the exploitation phase, females selected shrub-scrub, mixed, and open landcover types, but not linear paths. Overall, wild turkeys translocated into forested landscapes of east Texas selected for early successional and other open landcover types. Prior to translocation attempts in forest-dominated landscapes, managers should consider ways to increase availability of open landcover types with herbaceous cover for nesting and brood rearing

Overview of the MEDLI Project

The Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation (MEDLI) Project's objectives are to measure aerothermal environments, sub-surface heatshield material response, vehicle orientation, and atmospheric density for the atmospheric entry and descent phases of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) entry vehicle. The flight science objectives of MEDLI directly address the largest uncertainties in the ability to design and validate a robust Mars entry system, including aerothermal, aerodynamic and atmosphere models, and thermal protection system (TPS) design. The instrumentation suite will be installed in the heatshield of the MSL entry vehicle. The acquired data will support future Mars entry and aerocapture missions by providing measured atmospheric data to validate Mars atmosphere models and clarify the design margins for future Mars missions. MEDLI thermocouple and recession sensor data will significantly improve the understanding of aeroheating and TPS performance uncertainties for future missions. MEDLI pressure data will permit more accurate trajectory reconstruction, as well as separation of aerodynamic and atmospheric uncertainties in the hypersonic and supersonic regimes. This paper provides an overview of the project including the instrumentation design, system architecture, and expected measurement response

Survey of Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) Utilization of Temperate Forests

Both native and invasive subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), including the Formosan subterranean termite, are well known pests of urban areas, but little is known about their distribution or impact in forest ecosystems of the southeastern United States. Recently harvested timber stumps were mechanically inspected for the presence of subterranean termites in multiple locations across southern Mississippi and eastern Louisiana. A systematic line plot cruise with 100 x 200m spacing and1/20thha plots was implemented, and all stumps with a diameter greater than 7.6cm were inspected. In total, 7,413 stumps were inspected for the presence of subterranean termites, and 406 of those contained native subterranean termite (Reticulitermes spp) infestations. Light traps were also placed at 8 sites to detect the presence of subterranean termite alates. While no invasive Formosan subterranean termites were found during mechanical inspection of tree stumps, alates were captured in light traps at three sites. The proportion of stumps infested with subterranean termites was negatively correlated with the number of stumps in each plot. Although 6.27% of pine stumps and 1.86% of hardwood stumps were infested, no correlation was found between subterranean termite presence and type of stump (pine or hardwood). Infestations of stumps by subterranean termites ranged from 0.94% to 14.97% depending on site

On-chip Quantum State Generation by Means of Integrated Frequency Combs

Summary form only given. This paper investigates different approaches to generate optical quantum states by means of integrated optical frequency combs. These include the generation of multiplexed heralded single-photons, the first realization of cross-polarized photon-pairs on a photonic chip, the first generation of multiple two-photon entangled states, and the first realizations of multi-photon entangled quantum states on a photonic chip