High-density optical data storage with one-photon and two-photon near-field fluorescence microscopy

A spatially localized photochemical reaction induced by near-field femtosecond laser pulses is demonstrated on a nanometer scale and used for high-density optical data storage. Recorded domains down to 120 and 70 nm are obtained with one-photon and two-photon excitation, respectively. It is shown that the local-field confinement that is due to the quadratic dependence of two-photon excitation on light intensity has the potential to increase the near-field optical storage density.     

Reforming the health care system: the universal dilemma

This Article surveys alternative approaches by which the advanced industrialized nations seek to cope with the twin problems that health care poses everywhere: the provision of universal access to health care and the control of national spending on health care. Although approaches to these twin problems vary considerably among nations at this time, there may well be a convergence toward a common approach in the next century. Under that approach, all health care systems will be subject to top-down global budgets and will put their health care providers into "statistical fishbowls" that reveal just how effectively these providers allocate the global budgets at their disposal.     

Assessment of Denim and Photo Paper Substrate-Based Microstrip Antennas for Wearable Biomedical Sensing

Wireless Personal Communications - The medical field has witnessed an exponential growth of wearable devices mainly due to the advancement in wireless communication and antenna technology. There is...     

Bioactive Polylactide Fibrous Materials Prepared by Crazing Mechanism

Bioactive suture materials made of biodegradable polymers containing biologically active substances are increasingly demanded in contemporary surgical practice. Herein, the functional fibrous materials are produced by structural modification of polylactide (PLA) fibers according to the crazing mechanism in water–ethanol solutions. The threshold of ethanol concentration, at which the breaking elongation of the polymer substantially increases (up to 600–700%), is found to be 30 wt%. The crazing mechanism is employed to fill the porous structure of PLA fibers by different antiseptic substances (brilliant green, iodine, and fuchsin). PLA loaded by 0.8 wt% of brilliant green exhibits antimicrobial activity on Escherichia coli and Candida guilliermondii. The additive is released stepwise for a prolongated time period (2.5 months). The addition of 1–6 wt% iodine dramatically accelerates the polymer degradation in sodium‐phosphate buffer solution at 37 °C. The obtained filled fibers may possess great interest for producing suture materials with prolonged action of functional components and variable degradation times.     

Tuning of optical,thermal and antimicrobial capabilities of CdS nanoparticles with incorporated Mn prepared by chemical method

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles with different amounts of incorporated Manganese (Mn: 10, 15 and 20 mol%) has been prepared by chemical method. In optical properties the UV–Vis–NIR absorption spectra of all samples showed blue shift compared with the bulk CdS and decrease in band gap with Mn concentration. The presence of functional groups was identified by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It confirmed presence of metal sulfur bonding and weak interaction between anions (S^2?) and cations (Mn²⁺). The Photoluminescence spectra showed two emission peaks at 397 and 541 nm corresponding to the electron-hole recombination of CdS and surface trap induced emission respectively. In thermal properties thermogravimetric curve indicated increase in weight loss with Mn incorporation suggesting that pure CdS nanoparticles are thermally more stable than Mn incorporated CdS nanoparticles. The antimicrobial activities of Mn incorporated CdS were studied against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as test microorganisms using agar plating-spot inoculation method.     

Special titanium dioxide layers and their electrochemical behaviour

This text describes the production of polycrystalline titanium dioxide layers by anodic spark deposition (ASD). These deposits show an interesting electrochemical and electrocatalytic behaviour. A reversible electrochemical transformation of the crystalline phases could be proved. Furthermore, the TiO₂-layers were used as electrode material for the cathodic reduction of molecular oxygen. In this process, cyclic voltammetry was employed, and the reduction of oxygen was successfully examined in dependence on surface-determining parameters such as layer thickness and pH value.     

A novel process for the chlorination of polymers in solution

A new uniform process for the solution chlorination of PVC, PE, and natural rubber has been developed with initiation by γ-irradiation or radical initiators (azocompounds). The solvent used is dichloromethane instead of the industrially used tetrachloroethane or tetrachloromethane. The reaction is carried out in an autoclave with stirrer at temperatures between 70 and 100°C and pressures from 4 to 7 bar. As a result of the simultaneous chlorination of the solvent, trichloromethane is formed and only less than 1 wt.-% tetrachloromethane. Characterization of the chlorinated polymers by DSC and NMR measurements showed no differences to conventionally chlorinated products.     

Characterization of a Novel Amphiphilic Cationic Chlorin Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Applications

A novel amphiphilic cationic chlorin e₆ derivative was investigated as a promising photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy. Two cationic –N(CH₃)₃⁺ groups on the periphery of the macrocycle provide additional hydrophilization of the molecule and ensure its electrostatic binding to the mitochondrial membranes and bacterial cell walls. The presence of a hydrophobic phytol residue in the same molecule results in its increased affinity towards the phospholipid membranes while decreasing its stability towards aggregation in aqueous media. In organic media, this chlorin e₆ derivative is characterized by a singlet oxygen quantum yield of 55%. Solubilization studies in different polymer- and surfactant-based supramolecular systems revealed the effective stabilization of this compound in a photoactive monomolecular form in micellar nonionic surfactant solutions, including Tween-80 and Cremophor EL. A novel cationic chlorin e₆ derivative also demonstrates effective binding towards serum albumin, which enhances its bioavailability and promotes effective accumulation within the target tissues. Laser confocal scanning microscopy demonstrates the rapid intracellular accumulation and distribution of this compound throughout the cells. Together with low dark toxicity and a rather good photostability, this compound demonstrates significant phototoxicity against HeLa cells causing cellular damage most likely through reactive oxygen species generation. These results demonstrate a high potential of this derivative for application in photodynamic therapy.     

On the need of projections in input‐error model reference adaptive control

The main objective of this note is to contribute, if modestly, toward the understanding of the input‐error model reference adaptive control scheme revealing an instability mechanism that arises if the projection of the plant high‐frequency gain coefficient estimate is omitted. In addition, a self‐contained proof of global convergence of the scheme with the projections for a simple first‐order plant is given.     

Effects of Tyrosine and Tryptophan in Rats with Diet-Induced Obesity

Amino acids tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp) play a significant role in the regulation of energy metabolism, locomotor activity, and eating behavior. We studied the possibility of modulating these processes in obesity by increasing the pool of Tyr and Trp in the experimental diet. As a model of obesity, we used Wistar rats fed a diet with an excess specific energy value (HFCD) for 64 days. Trp led to a normalization of the rats’ body weight almost to the control level, but increased anxiety-like behavior and decreased long-term memory. The consumption of amino acids resulted in increased grip strength and impairment of short-term memory. The locomotor activity of animals decreased with age as a result of Tyr consumption, while Trp, on the contrary, prevented this. The Tyr supplementation led to the normalization of triglycerides and LDL. In the spleen cell lysates, amino acids suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines. The liver tissue morphology showed that the consumption of Tyr noticeably weakened the signs of fatty degeneration. The addition of Trp, on the contrary, led to an unfavorable effect, consisting of the appearance of a high number of large rounded fatty vacuoles. The data obtained indicate a more pronounced anti-inflammatory effect of Tyr as compared to Trp.