Analyzing UV/Vis/NIR spectra with the single-layer model—Sputtered SnS thin films I: Space-time dependencies

Exact, contact-free and non-destructive, optical analysis of semiconducting layers, are advantageous for thin film solar cell applications. A non-numerical theoretical model has been developed to extract approximation-free optical and electrical data from UV/Vis/NIR spectra. Special focus has been set on single layers; an adequate single-layer model is provided. Complex parameter evaluation is possible.This exact data acquisition model provides deeper insights in the process-parameter dependencies of pulsed direct current and radio frequency sputtered, opaque tin-sulphide thin films upon glass substrates. They have been analysed with respect to space-time dependencies of the sputter process. Therefore, sputter-depositions have been examined, referring to positions upon the substrate, r, target-substrate distances, d_TarSub, and sputter durations, t_Sp. Theoretical sputter-concepts were proved and enhanced. Results were compared with those of the well-known Keradec/Swanepoel model. The necessity of taking both spectra—transmission and reflection spectra—into account has been shown.A non-contact, optical conductivity measurement possibility by use of UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy has been provided. Optically evaluated conductivities, σ_L, were compared with electrically taken values, by use of a four-tip measurement system.     

Identification of novel exons 3'' to the human SNRPN gene

This paper examines the relationship between self-efficacy and social power (expert and referent) and how the application of this relationship, leads to client adherence and compliance. Referent power is defined, including methods that health care professionals may use to develop and apply referent power. Expert power is defined and addressed in the context of referent power, self-esteem and self-efficacy as a means of promoting adherence. Self-efficacy as a concept is defined and explored in the context of social power. The relationships between self-efficacy and social power (expert and referent) are shown as important determinants of adherence and compliance. The theory of the application of referent and expert power in relationship with self-efficacy has been compared with an effective programme, yielding high compliance, at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, showing the theory's relevance and applicability in determining compliance. Explored are the reasons for non-compliance in the elderly population and how the theory model can remedy these detriments for compliance. The empowerment of elderly patients through the application of this theory to medication compliance is examined. The determination of adherence and compliance is shown by the application of the relationship between self-efficacy and both expert and referent power.     

Phytotherapeutic aspects of diseases of the circulatory system. 6. Leuzea carthamoides (WILLD.) DC: the status of research and possible use of the taxon

Leuzea carthamoides (WILLD.) DC., Asteraceae, has become an important taxon usable in human practice and animal production in recent years. Originally an endemic plant of southern Siberia, now it is widely grown not only in the Union of Independent States, once the original region of introduction, but also in central and eastern Europe. The principal constituents of the whole plant are ecdysteroids (5 beta-cholest-6-on-7-ene derivatives) and flavonoids. In addition, the aerial part contains sesquiterpenic lactones of the guajanolide type, and the roots contain polyines (on the thiophene base). The present paper comprehensively discusses the occurrence, content and biological activity of these substances, the preparations manufactured from the plant, their use in therapeutic practice, food manufacture and animal production in the world and the Czech Republic. The plant has certainly become a taxon with prospects in the Czech Republic, particularly as the source of 20-hydroxyecdysone, which is getting into the limelight in the world.     

Turbulent flow in an intake-manifold

Three-dimensional, turbulent fluid flow analysis with computational methods has emerged as a viable tool in the design process of engine components for passenger cars. If applied in the early stages of the component development such analysis can help reduce the product development time drastically, and may support the design engineer to evaluate several competing design aspects before product completion. However the grid generation for complex geometries still poses a difficult and time consuming taks which strongly influences the accuracy of the numerical solution. The present paper studies the numerical solution of the flow in an inlet-manifold of a five-cylinder engine with two intake-ports for each cylinder. A fast and reliable grid generation technique is discussed in detail. The finite volume based Navier-Stokes solver with schemes of first and second order accuracy for the convective terms is used. Numerical results at several mass flow rates and different boundary conditions at the intake ports are compared with measurements. Finally, the computational results are discussed with respect to their applicability to support the design process of an inlet-manifold.     

An integrated microfluidic system for reaction, high-sensitivity detection, and sorting of fluorescent cells and particles

Presented is a novel approach for an integrated micro total analysis system (microTAS) based on a microfluidic on-chip device that supports ultrasensitive confocal detection of fluorescent cells and particles and subsequently allows for their precise sorting in the fluid phase with respect to spectroscopic properties, such as brightness and color. The hybrid silicone elastomer/glass chip first comprises a branched channel system to initiate fluid mixing and to hydrodynamically focus the sample solution down to a thin flow layer, matching the size of the confocal detection volume placed at that position and, thus, providing a high detection efficiency. In the subsequent on-chip module, the dispersed cells or particles can be sorted into two different output channels. The sorting process is realized by a perpendicular deflection stream that can be switched electrokinetically. The performance of the automated sorting routine is demonstrated by precise partition of a mixture of differently colored fluorescent beads. Moreover, the specifically branched channel geometry allows for direct implementation of reaction steps prior to detection and sorting, which is demonstrated by inducing a selective recognition reaction between the fluorescent protein R-phycoerythrin and a mixture of live bacterial cells exhibiting or lacking the respective surface antigens.     

Analysing UV/Vis/NIR spectra with the double-layer model — Sputtered SnS thin-films II: Gas law and plasma parameter dependencies

Exact, contact-free and non-destructive optical analysis methods are advantageous for controlled thin-film deposition processes, especially for optical detector and solar cell applications.Within this second part, of a bipartite publication, a non-numerical theoretical model - the double-layer model - has been presented to extract approximation-free optical and electrical data from ultra-violet/visible/near infra-red spectra. So, analysis of double-layer systems, as thin-films upon substrates, was possible. Complex parameter evaluation is possible.This exact data acquisition model provides insights in the process-parameter dependencies of radio frequency sputtered, opaque tin-sulphide thin-films upon glass substrates. They have been analysed on the one hand with respect to the equation of state for real gases (gas law). Therefore, the argon pressure within the process-chamber and the substrate-temperature were varied. On the other hand, tin-sulphide layers have been properly analysed and discussed with respect to plasma-parameter dependencies. Therefore, the frequency, the break time and the power of the plasma-building electromagnetic fields were varied. The systematic influence of these process parameters on a variety of opto-electric physical values of the tin-sulphide thin-films was worked out, carefully.Results were compared with those of the well-known Keradec/Swanepoel model. The necessity of taking both spectra - transmission and reflection spectra - into account has been shown.A non-contact, optical conductivity measurement possibility by use of ultra-violet/visible/near infra-red spectroscopy has been provided. Contact-free, optically measured conductivities were compared with those, measured electrically with a conventional four-tip measurement system.     

Hexadecylphosphocholine and 2-modified 1,3-diacylglycerols as effectors of phospholipase D

The effects of mesulergine (100 and 200 microg/kg s.c.), SB 206553 (1 and 2.5 mg/kg i.p.), RP 62203 (2.5 and 4 mg/kg i.p.) and ritanserin (630 microg/kg i.p.) were studied on the extracellular concentration of dopamine (DA) and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the nucleus accumbens of chloral hydrate-anesthetized rats, using intracerebral microdialysis. Mesulergine, a non selective serotonin2C/2B/2A (5-HT2C/2B/2A) receptor antagonist, significantly increased DA release, which reached a peak level (+ 20%) 60 min after drug injection and slowly returned back to baseline values. Mesulergine also caused a dose-dependent increase in DOPAC outflow. Pretreatment with mesulergine (200 microg/kg) did not change the inhibition of DA release induced by apomorphine (100 microg/kg), whereas it prevented the reduction of DOPAC outflow induced by apomorphine (100 microg/kg). Administration of SB 206553, a selective blocker of 5-HT2C/2B receptors, dose-dependently increased DA outflow. The dose of 2.5 mg/kg SB 206553 caused a linear increase of DA output which reached a peak (+75%) 40 min after injection, while 1 mg/kg induced a more gradual increase of DA release which peaked (+54%) 60 min after administration of the drug. Treatment with RP 62203, a selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, did not produce any significant effect on DA outflow. Administration of ritanserin, a mixed 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist, did not cause any significant change of DA and DOPAC outflow. Taken together, these data indicate that selective blockade of 5-HT2/2B receptor subtypes increases DA release in the rat nucleus accumbens.     

Influence of total surface area of core material on yield of deposited coacervate

The neuronal cytoskeleton is one of the most profoundly altered organelles in late life neuro-degenerative disorders that are characterized by progressive impairments in cognitive abilities. The elucidation of the protein building blocks of these organelles as well as advances in understanding how these proteins become altered in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other less common dementing illnesses, i.e., diffuse Lewy body disease (DLBD) or the Lewy body variant of AD (LBVAD), will provide insights into the molecular basis of these disorders. Within, we review evidence that normal adult human tau is abnormally phosphorylated and converted into the subunits of AD paired helical filaments (PHFs), and that Lewy bodies (LBs) represent accumulation of altered neurofilament (NF) triplet subunits. Although the precise biological consequences of PHF and LB formation in neurons is unknown, growing evidence suggests that the formation of PHFs and LBs from normal neuronal cytoskeletal proteins could have deleterious effects on neuronal function and survival. Finally, insights into the composition of PHFs and LBs could lead to the development of novel strategies for the timely and accurate diagnosis of AD, DLBD and the LBVAD.