Temporal compression of nanosecond laser pulses using coherent control

We present a study of the temporal compression of nanosecond laser pulses resulting from the coherent control peculiarities of the propagation dynamics in a regime of electromagnetically induced transparency. We describe the general theoretical framework and discuss the crucial conditions required in order to experimentally realize such a temporal compression scheme. A proof-of-concept experimental realization of a scheme of this type in a sample of hot sodium vapors is currently being implemented: we describe in detail the experimental setup designed for this purpose.     

Development of a heterogeneous chemiluminescent flow immunoassay for DDT and related compounds

A heterogeneous chemiluminescent (CL) flow immunoassay for DDT was optimized comparing different types of immunoaffinity supports: beads, nylon coils and membranes (membranes HyBondN+). In order to characterize solid immunoaffinity supports two basic immunoassay formats were performed, using (1) enzyme-labeled secondary and (2) enzyme-labeled specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). In both formats, hapten DDT5 conjugated to ovalbumin immobilized on solid supports according to the appropriate immobilization procedure, enzyme label (horseradish peroxidase, HRP) and luminescent detection (luminol/H₂O₂/p-iodophenol) were used. The lowest limit of detection (LOD), 1 nM p,p-DDT, was obtained with a membrane-based flow immunoassay with HRP-labeled specific antibody. Beads and packed tubing were discarded as appropriate supports because of the difficulties encountered for reproducible packing and the occurrence of light scatterring (beads), which seriously compromised the performance and reproducibility of the flow immunoassay.     

Spectroscopic investigation of Rose Bengal/cyclodextrin interactions in aqueous solution: the case of the hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrins

The interaction of Rose Bengal (RB) with hydroxypropyl-α-cyclodextrin (HP-α-CD), hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin (HP-γ-CD) has been studied in water and in acetate buffer at pH 4.5 by UV–Vis absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy and Induced Circular Dichroism at 298 K. Evidence of the complex formation between the RB and all HP-CDs have been obtained both in water and in buffer. Binding constants and stoichiometry of RB/HP-CD complexes in water have been determined by applying the modified Benesi-Hildebrand equation to the fluorescence measurements.     

A thermochemical study of aqueous solutions of sodium diclophenac at 293.15–318.15 K

The enthalpies of solution and dilution of aqueous solutions of sodium diclophenac were measured at 293.15–318.15 K on an isoperibolic calorimeter. The content of the electrolyte determined by its solubility did not exceed 0.035–0.057 mol/kg solvent depending on temperature. The Pitzer model was used to obtain virial coefficients that allowed us to calculate a wide range of excess thermodynamic properties of both solution and its components.     

Verminderung der Einwaage bei der Schwefelmikrobestimmung nach Schöniger

Zusammenfassung Es wurde die Möglichkeit untersucht, die Probemenge bei der Schwefelmikrobestimmung nachSchöniger, ohne das gewöhnliche Verfahren wesentlich zu modifizieren, durch Anwendung eines geänderten Kolbens zu vermindern.Innerhalb der üblichen Toleranzgrenzen liegende Ergebnisse (Standardabweichung ± 0,13%) wurden mit Einwaagen von 1,5 bis 2 mg erhalten.

---

Summary The possibility was investigated of reducing the weight of sample in the micro determination of sulfur by theSchöniger procedure, but without essentially modifying the usual method, namely by using a modified flask. Samples weighing 1.5 to 2 mg gave results within the usual tolerance limits (standard deviation ± 0.13%).

---

Résumé On a étudié la possibilité de diminuer la prise d'essai dans le mierodosage du soufre suivantSchöniger, sans altérer d'une manière importante le procédé habituel, en utilisant un ballon modifié. Les résultats qui se situent dans les limites de tolérance habituelles (écart-type=± 0,13%) correspondent à des prises, d'essai de 1,5 à 2 mg.

     

Radio TLC in quality control and development of radiopharmaceuticals

Radio TLC has been used for determining the radiochemical purity and composition of two^99mTc-radiopharmaceuticals, available as kits and commonly used for diagnostic imaging. Moreover, the same technique has been applied to detect impurities which decrease the specific activity of¹³¹I-derivatized dermatan sulfate, a new potential radiopharmaceutical, and for establishing the best labeling conditions.     

The effects of increasing NaCl concentration on the stability of inclusion complexes in aqueous solution

Equilibrium constants and standard molar enthalpies of reaction were determined by titration calorimetry for the reaction of 1-butanol with 2-hydroxypropyl-b-cyclodextrin (HP-b-CD) in aqueous solution at different concentrations of NaCl (0-1.9 M). The standard molar free energy and entropy changes associated to the complexation were calculated from the corresponding equilibrium constants, K, and standard enthalpies determined experimentally. In NaCl solutions the inclusion complexes ButOH/HP-b-CD are more stable than in water and their stability increases at increasing NaCl concentration; otherwise, the standard molar enthalpy associated to the formation of the complexes does not change with the increasing of salt concentration. The dependence of K on NaCl concentration were used to evaluate the number of water molecules displaced from the hydration shells of HP-b-CD and ButOH in forming complexes. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Controlling the propagation of broadband light pulses by Electromagnetically Induced Transparency

We present an experimental and theoretical investigation, performed on hot sodium atoms in a ladder scheme, showing the control of the absorption and of the propagation velocity of a probe light pulse with a spectral bandwidth as large as 1.8 GHz. The predictions of the theoretical model compare favorably with the experimental results.     

Identification of Ros Produced by Photodynamic Activity of Chlorophyll/Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a way of treating malignant tumors and hyperproliferative diseases. It is based on the use of photosensitizer, herein the chlorophyll a (chl a), and a light of an appropriate wavelength. The interaction of the photosensitizer (PS) with the light produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), powerful oxidizing agents, which cause critical damage to the tissue. To solubilize chl a in aqueous solution and to obtain it as monomer, we have used cyclodextrins, carriers which are able to interact with the pigment and form the inclusion complex. The aim of this study is to examine which types of ROS are formed by Chl a/cyclodextrin complexes in phosphate buffered solution and cell culture medium, using specific molecules, called primary acceptors, which react selectively with the reactive species. In fact the changes of the absorption and the emission spectra of these molecules after the illumination of the PS provide information on the specific ROS formation. The ¹O₂ formation has been tested using chemical methods based on the use of Uric Acid (UA), 9,10‐diphenilanthracene (DPA) and Singlet oxygen sensor green (SOSG) and by direct detection of Singlet Oxygen (¹O₂) luminescence decay at 1270 nm. Moreover, 2,7‐dichlorofluorescin and ferricytochrome c (Cyt Fe³⁺) have been used to detect the formation of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radical anion, which reduces Fe³⁺ of the ferricytochrome to Fe²⁺, respectively.