Light‐Controlled Reversible Manipulation of Microgel Particle Size Using Azobenzene‐Containing Surfactant

The light‐induced reversible switching of the swelling of microgel particles triggered by photo‐isomerization and binding/unbinding of a photosensitive azobenzene‐containing surfactant is reported. The interactions between the microgel (N‐isopropylacrylamide, co‐monomer: allyl acetic acid, crosslinker: N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide) and the surfactant are studied by UV‐Vis spectroscopy, dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering measurements. Addition of the surfactant above a critical concentration leads to contraction/collapse of the microgel. UV light irradiation results in trans‐cis isomerization of the azobenzene unit incorporated into the surfactant tail and causes an unbinding of the more hydrophilic cis isomer from the microgel and its reversible swelling. The reversible contraction can be realized by blue light irradiation that transfers the surfactant back to the more hydrophobic trans conformation, in which it binds to the microgel. The phase diagram of the surfactant‐microgel interaction and transitions (aggregation, contraction, and precipitation) is constructed and allows prediction of changes in the system when the concentration of one or both components is varied. Remote and reversible switching between different states can be realized by either UV or visible light irradiation.     

An alternative method for fabricating microcontact printing stamps

In this paper, we describe the development of microcontact printing stamps from photopatternable silicone. The photopatternability of this material enables convenient and fast stamp fabrication, and allows rapid patterning of substrates for culturing biological cells. Microcontact printing stamps made of the photopatternable silicone with linewidths as small as 2 μm were fabricated and reliable cell patterning results were obtained by optimizing the stamping process. An optimal stamp surface was obtained by optimizing the photolithographic process. Our successful demonstration of patterning cells using the photopatternable silicone stamps establishes this alternative approach for fabricating microcontact printing stamps.     

Axisymmetric spherical traveling electromagnetic waves in an isotropic medium

The problem of propagation of spherical electromagnetic waves traveling in an isotropic space in the absence of sources is solved in the axisymmetric case for the first two modes varying along the latitude. The solution is obtained from the homogeneous Maxwell equations represented in spherical coordinates in a real form. Analytic expressions for the components of the fields of these E and H waves are used to derive the equations of the corresponding field lines. Field-line patterns are displayed that illustrate the dynamics of propagation of converging and diverging spherical electromagnetic waves in the case when the former are transformed into the latter.     

Distribution of vanadium and vanadyl porphyrins during fractionation of resins of heavy sulfurous oils

Features of the content and distribution of vanadium and vanadyl porphyrins in the fractions of resins, which were obtained by separation using column chromatography on silica, have been studied on heavy sulfurous oils of various deposits of the Volga–Ural basin (Russia). The difference of the vanadium and vanadyl porphyrin contents in the fractions of oils of various production complexes has been shown. Features of structural–group composition and predominant types of vanadyl porphyrins in the fractions of resins have been determined.     

Study of heterostructures with a combined In(Ga)As/GaAs quantum dot/quantum well layer and a Mn δ layer

Using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and photoelectric spectroscopy methods, the effect of Mn δ layer embedding and GaAs coating layer growth techniques in structures with In(Ga)As/GaAs quantum dots and wells on their structural and optoelectronic characteristics is studied. It is shown that the low-temperature GaAs coating layer in a structure with a Mn δ layer is structurally inhomogeneous and can cause a decrease in the quantum-dot photosensitivity.     

油气藏铼-锇同位素定年的进展与挑战

铼(Re)、锇(Os)元素具有对氧化还原的敏感性和亲有机质特性,富集于烃源岩、油砂、原油、沥青等油气藏相关地质样品中,并被用于油气藏同位素定年。该方法既可通过Re-Os等时线直接获取油气成藏过程的绝对地质年龄,又可利用Os同位素初始值开展油源对比。分析近十余年来油气藏Re-Os同位素年代学研究的进展与不足,指出为推动该定年技术的发展及其在油气勘探实践中的应用,学术界和工业界应密切合作共同探索Re-Os同位素在油气系统中的分馏机理,全面评价硫酸盐热化学还原反应(TSR)、热解事件等后期地质过程对Re-Os同位素体系的潜在影响;综合运用无机和有机地球化学方法,建立判别油气来源的有效工具,以帮助合理选择满足同源特征的Re-Os同位素定年对象。这些问题的解决将有助于尽快建立油气藏Re-Os同位素定年的实用技术方案,并为业内的终端用户提供完整的使用指南。     

Primary electron donors for Azotobacter chroococcum nitrogenase

Augmentation mammaplasty by the transaxillary approach seems to be a safe and anatomically sound procedure which produces consistent results with a low complication rate. Our experiences with this procedure and our modifications in the technique are described. Two instruments which were designed to facilitate the procedure are reported. An anatomical justification for the transaxillary method is made.