Transversal superresolution with noncontact axial movement of periodic structures

We present an innovative approach that allows superresolved images to be obtained by axial moving of two gratings and time integrating in the detector plane. The two gratings do not have to be in contact with either the object or the detector, and both are positioned between the object and the image planes. One of the main applications for the proposed approach in contrast to previously discussed time multiplexing superresolving methods is that it may fit well to superresolved imaging of remote objects, since both gratings are not in contact with either the object or the detector planes.     

Dynamic in situ observation of rapid size and shape change of supported Pd nanoparticles during CO/NO cycling

Understanding and improving the behaviour of supported precious-metal catalysts for a vast array of environmentally and economically important processes is a central area of research in catalysis. The removal of toxic gases such as CO and NO, without forming others (such as N(2)O), is particularly important. By combining energy-dispersive extended X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy with a vibrational spectroscopy (infrared) and mass spectrometry, at high time resolution, in a single in situ experiment, we dynamically observe and quantify CO-, and subsequent NO-, induced size and shape changes of Pd nanoparticles during CO/NO cycling. In doing so we demonstrate a novel, non-oxidative redispersion (for example, an increase in metal surface area) mechanism, and suggest a model to bridge the structural and reactive functions of supported Pd catalysts.     

Mimicking cellular environments by nanostructured soft interfaces

We present herein an innovative technique for decorating soft polymer surfaces with metallic nanostructures fabricated by diblock copolymer micelle nanolithography. Thus far, such nanolithography has been limited to plasma-resistant inorganic substrates such as glass. Our new development is based on the transfer of nanopatterns from glass to soft substrates. Special emphasis is given to hydrogel surfaces with respect to their properties for tailoring cell adhesion. Besides planar surfaces, periodic gold nanopatterns on curved surfaces have been fabricated, as demonstrated on the interior surface of a tubelike hydrogel, which potentially mimic situations of vessels in vivo.     

Formation and rupture of Schottky nanocontacts on ZnO nanocolumns

In this paper, the electrical transport and mechanical properties of Pt/ZnO Schottky nanocontacts have been studied simultaneously during the formation and rupture of the nanocontacts. By combining multidimensional conducting scanning force spectroscopy with appropriated data processing, the physical relevant parameters (the ideality factor, the Schottky barrier height, and the rupture voltage) are obtained. It has been found that the transport curves strongly depend on the loading force. For loading forces higher than a threshold value, the transport characteristics are similar to those of large-area Schottky contact, while below this threshold deviations from strictly thermionic emission are detected. Above the threshold, stable and reproducible Pt/ZnO nanocontacts with ideality factors of about 2 and Schottky barrier heights of around 0.45 eV have been obtained.     

Nanoparticles as nonviral gene delivery vectors

Gene therapy, as therapeutic treatment to genetic or acquired diseases, is attracting much interest in the research community, leading to noteworthy developments over the past two decades. Although this field is still dominated by viral vectors, nonviral vectors have recently received an ever increasing attention in order to overcome the safety problems of their viral counterpart. This review presents the biological aspects involved in the gene delivery process and explores the recent developments and achievements of nonviral gene carriers.     

Le Corbusier's urbanism: An urban characterisation of his proposals for inner cities

Le Corbusier's urbanism is routinely met with a backlash of criticism, which often overlooks the complexity of his work. There is a tendency to focus on the characteristics of his proposal for Paris in 1925 or on the ideas of CIAM's Athens Charter. However, such affirmations ignore the conceptual and qualitative evolution of his urban proposals. In this sense, the research hypothesis is that Corbusian urban models go beyond the Plan Voisin, diffused by urban planning theories as the unique paradigm of his urban ideas.Through analysis and characterisation of the inner-city urban plans of Le Corbusier, this report seeks to demonstrate the existence of other models and compares them to those often showcased in the partial examination of Le Corbusier's urbanism. The following parameters will be analysed: (1) population densities and areas for (2) buildings, (3) vehicles, and (4) pedestrians.The results of this research indicate the need to parameterise and analyse Le Corbusier's cities beyond a single case to demonstrate the diversity and evolution of his urbanistic work. This process seeks to dissipate the common view that falsely extrapolates ideas of his urban planning, largely that of his first proposal, for Paris.     

Rapid and cost-effective multiparameter toxicity tests for soil microorganisms

Three biochemical parameters, DNA quantification in soil samples and two enzymatic activities, beta-galactosidase and dehydrogenase have been assessed as potential end-points for the use in cost-effective toxicity tests on soil microorganisms. The assessment included the development of a classical dose-response 24-h assay and the incorporation of measurements of the effects on microbial activities in soil column leaching studies and multispecies miniaturised terrestrial systems (MTS). Four different chemicals, copper, a new herbicide, thiabendazole and fenthion were studied. A rapid fluorescence DNA quantification technique did not produce adequate responses. The efforts to quantify DNA after extraction and clean-up procedures failed due to the presence of humic acids. From the protocol of the technique one could see that the technical procedure is time-consuming and expensive and, for this reason, not suitable for use as a parameter in rapid and cost-effective tests. However, the enzymatic activities showed their potential as toxicity end-points. Copper produced a concentration/response inhibition of beta-galactosidase and dehydrogenase with EC50 values of 78.39 and 24.77 mg Cu/kg soil, respectively. In the soil column study, these endpoints allowed the measurement of the microbial activities through the column. The effects of the new herbicide on beta-galactosidase and dehydrogenase activities were statistically significant for the highest application dose (40 g/ha). Thiabendazole affected the microbial activity when mixed within the soil, but no effects were observed when this fungicide was applied on the soil surface. Fenthion produced effects when applied either in the soil or on the soil surface. These results can be explained by the low mobility of thiabendazole. The results show the capabilities of these biochemical parameters to be included as endpoints in cost-effective bioassays.     

Pollution of soils by the toxic spill of a pyrite mine (Aznalcollar, Spain)

On 25 April 1998 the retention walls broke open in a pond containing the residues from a pyrite mine of Aznalcollar (southern Spain), spilling some 45 x 10(5) m3 of polluted water and toxic tailings into the Agrio and Guadiamar River basin, affecting some 55 km2. On 5 May, seven sectors in the affected area were studied, analysing tailings, polluted water, and contaminated as well as uncontaminated soils. The principal pollutants were: Zn, Pb, Cu, As, Sb, Bi, Cd and Tl. The range of total contamination of each element was extremely broad, as penetration of the tailings depended on the soil characteristics. Most of the Cu, Zn and Cd penetrated the soil in the solution phase of the spill, while the other elements penetrated mostly as part of the solid phase. Zn exceeded the maximum concentrations permitted by the international community in four of the seven sectors studied, As in three, and the other elements only in one sector. Drying and consequent aeration of the tailings rapidly oxidized sulphides to sulphates, lowered the pH and solubilized the pollutants. Therefore, future rains could aggravate the pollution problem, if the tailings are not quickly removed.     

壁式基础（wall foundation）

壁式基础为以连续壁单元或其组合作为结构体支承之基础构造，其功能与大口径钻掘基桩相当，但在造形上则有别于传统钻掘式基桩之圆柱形，一般使用于高楼之壁式基础形式多为一字形、十字形、T形或H形之柱状结构（如图1（a）），应用于桥梁工程之壁式基础，则多为单室、双室或多室型之矩形箱状结构（如图1（b）），基本上均系配合上部结构物形态、载重特征以及连续壁施工机械之特性而设计。由于壁式基础断面较传统基桩更具弹性，配合上部载重特性，基础断面可做最有效之配置，因此可提供更经济之设计，有效节省工程经费。