Shape of the spatial mode function of photons generated in noncollinear spontaneous parametric downconversion

We show experimentally how noncollinear geometries in spontaneous parametric downconversion induce ellipticity of the shape of the spatial mode function. The degree of ellipticity depends on the pump beam width, especially for highly focused beams. We also discuss the ellipticity induced by the spectrum of the pump beam

Nonlinear phase shift resulting from a two-color multistep cascading

We propose a novel type of cascading parametric interaction for generating a nonlinear phase shift in dielectric media with a quadratic nonlinear response based on two-frequency wave mixing of the fundamental and second-harmonic waves. Self-phase modulation of the fundamental wave results from a cascading process consisting of four second-order subprocesses, the direct and reverse subprocesses of Type I second-harmonic generation (SHG) and the direct and reverse subprocesses of Type II SHG. It is found analytically and numerically that the fundamental wave passing through a quadratic medium, tuned for simultaneous near phase matching for these two processes, collects 60% more nonlinear phase shift than does the corresponding two-step cascading. We also obtain the conditions for stationary waves (nonlinear modes) supported by such multistep cascading processes

The spatial shape of photons in spontaneous parametric downconversion

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Noonan syndrome patients with short stature at a single paediatric endocrinology centre

Introduction: Noonan syndrome (NS) is caused by mutations in RAS/MAPK signalling pathway genes. Growth hormone (GH) treatment is an established yet not fully standardized treatment. Aim: The aim of this article is to assess the first 2 years of GH treatment in NS patients at a single centre.Patients and Methods: A total of 20 (16 males) NS clinically diagnosed regularly followed patients participated (2011–2020). Of these, 9 (45%) had cardiac defects, and 8 (40%) had short stature. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was confirmed in 5 patients who started GH treatment, and 2 were treated as short, small for gestational age children. Patients underwent anthropometry, clinical, laboratory and imaging investigations.Results: The mean age at NS diagnosis was 7.8 ± 3.4 years (1.3 ÷ 10.5), and at GH start 9.1 ± 1.5 years. At GH start, SDSheight was -3.42±0.58 (-4.1 ÷ -2.6), SDSweight -3.07 ± 0.58 (-3.73 ÷ -2.27), and SDSIGF1 -1.12 ± 0.98 (-2.44 ÷ 0.25). The mean BA at diagnosis was delayed by 2.6 ± 0.9 years. The GH starting dose was 0.035 ± 0.005 mg/kg/d, and changed little thereafter.The growth velocity for the 1st year of treatment was 8.9 ± 1.4 cm, and for the 2nd year 6.9±1.1 cm. The first year ΔSDSheight was 0.72 (p = 0.002), ΔSDSweight was 0.83 (p = 0.025), the 2nd year increments being insignificant. The 1st and 2nd year ΔSDSIGF1 were 1.70 (p = 0.007) and 0.25 (n.s.), resp. Bone age remained significantly delayed. No treatment side effects were observed.Conclusion: Our study showed that GH-treated NS patients follow the general growth patterns. In order to improve outcomes, the treatment should be further standardized

CoCoNet: Towards coast to coast networks of marine protected areas (From the shore to the high and deep sea), coupled with sea-based wind energy potential

This volume contains the main results of the EC FP7 "The Ocean of Tomorrow" Project CoCoNet, divided in two sections: 1) a set of guidelines to design networks of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas; 2) a smart wind chart that will allow evaluating the possibility of installing Offshore Wind Farms in both seas. The concept of Cells of Ecosystem Functioning, based on connectivity, is introduced to define natural units of management and conservation. The definition of Good Environmental Status, as defined in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, is fully embraced to set the objectives of the project, by adopting a holistic approach that integrates a full set of disciplines, ranging from physics to bio-ecology, economics, engineering and many sub-disciplines. The CoCoNet Consortium involved scientist sfrom 22 states, based in Africa, Asia, and Europe, contributing to build a coherent scientific community

Editorial. A supplement of Scires-it on the COCONET european project

The Supplement to vol. 6, 2016 of SCIRES-IT contains the result of CoCoNet (Towards COast to COast NETworks of marine protected areas, coupled with sea-based wind energy potential), a project of the EU Oceans of Tomorrow programme (http://www.coconet-fp7.eu). The European Union requires Open Access to the results of the projects resulting from its support to scientific advancement. This is in full accordance with the policy of SCIRES-IT, an eco-sustainable open–access journal, which joins the main principles of the Berlin Declaration on Open Access with the aims of the International Convention on Biological Diversity. CoCoNet tackled two problems that are closely linked with each other: the protection of the marine environment and clean energy production. Hence, the Supplement is divided into two parts that, together, form a unicum

CoCoNet: Towards coast to coast networks of marine protected areas (From the shore to the high and deep sea), coupled with sea-based wind energy potential

This volume contains the main results of the EC FP7 "The Ocean of Tomorrow" Project CoCoNet, divided in two sections: 1) a set of guidelines to design networks of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas; 2) a smart wind chart that will allow evaluating the possibility of installing Offshore Wind Farms in both seas. The concept of Cells of Ecosystem Functioning, based on connectivity, is introduced to define natural units of management and conservation. The definition of Good Environmental Status, as defined in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, is fully embraced to set the objectives of the project, by adopting a holistic approach that integrates a full set of disciplines, ranging from physics to bio-ecology, economics, engineering and many sub-disciplines. The CoCoNet Consortium involved scientist sfrom 22 states, based in Africa, Asia, and Europe, contributing to build a coherent scientific community