Rapid DNA hybridization analysis using a PDMS microfluidic sensor and a molecular beacon.

A rapid DNA analysis has been developed based on a fluorescence intensity change of a molecular beacon in a PDMS microfluidic channel. Recently, we reported a new analytical method of DNA hybridization involving a PDMS microfluidic sensor using fluorescence energy transfer (FRET). However, there are some limitations in its application to real DNA samples because the target DNA must be labelled with a suitable fluorescent dye. To resolve this problem, we have developed a new DNA microfluidic sensor using a molecular beacon. By monitoring the change in the restored fluorescence intensity along the channel length, it is possible to rapidly detect any hybridization of the molecular beacon to the target DNA. In this case, the target DNA does not need to be labelled. Our experimental results demonstrate that this microfluidic sensor using a molecular beacon is a promising diagnostic tool for rapid DNA hybridization analysis.     

Fourier-Feynman transform, convolution and first variation

We examine several interesting relationships and expressions involving Fourier-Feynman transform, convolution product and first variation for functionals in the Fresnel class F(B) of an abstract Wiener space B. We also prove a translation theorem and Parseval's identity for the analytic Feynman integral. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A parallel cell‐based DSMC method on unstructured adaptive meshes

A parallel DSMC method based on a cell‐based data structure is developed for the efficient simulation of rarefied gas flows on PC‐clusters. Parallel computation is made by decomposing the computational domain into several subdomains. Dynamic load balancing between processors is achieved based on the number of simulation particles and the number of cells allocated in each subdomain. Adjustment of cell size is also made through mesh adaptation for the improvement of solution accuracy and the efficient usage of meshes. Applications were made for a two‐dimensional supersonic leading‐edge flow, the axi‐symmetric Rothe's nozzle, and the open hollow cylinder flare flow for validation. It was found that the present method is an efficient tool for the simulation of rarefied gas flows on PC‐based parallel machines. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The glow curve structure for the LiF:Mg,Cu,Na,Si TL detector with dopants concentrations and sintering temperatures

The glow curve structures for LiF:Mg,Cu,Na,Si TL detectors with various dopant concentrations and sintering temperatures were investigated for the improvement of the glow curve structure and sensitivity of the TL detector. The dopant concentrations were varied over the following ranges: Mg (0–0.25 mol%), Cu (0–0.07 mol%), Na and Si (0–1.5 mol%). With increasing Cu concentration, the intensity of the main peak was intensified and reached a maximum at a concentration of 0.05 mol%. The high-temperature peak was reduced. The dependency of the main peak intensity on the Mg concentration exhibits a sharp maximum at 0.2 mol%. The intensity of the high-temperature peak tends to rise slightly with increasing Mg concentration. It was found that the optimum concentrations of the dopants in the LiF:Mg,Cu,Na,Si TL material are Mg: 0.2 mol%, Cu: 0.05 mol%, Na and Si: 0.9 mol%. The dependency of the main peak intensity on sintering temperature exhibits a very sharp maximum at 830°C. The high-temperature peak was rapidly reduced after 825°C.     

Intramolecular energy transferable (2,2‐diphenylvinyl)phenyl substituted poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) derivative with efficient photoluminescence and electroluminescence

A poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) (PPV) derivative containing a bulky (2,2‐diphenylvinyl)phenyl group in the side chain, EHDVP‐PPV, was synthesized by Gilch route. The reduced tolane‐bisbenzyl (TBB) defects, as well as the structure of the polymer, was confirmed by various spectroscopic methods. The intramolecular energy transfer from the (2,2‐diphenylvinyl)phenyl side group to the PPV backbone was studied by UV‐vis and photoluminescence (PL) of the obtained polymer and model compound. The polymer film showed maximum absorption and emission peaks at 454 and 546 nm, respectively, and high PL efficiency of 57%. A yellow electroluminescence (λ_max = 548 nm) was obtained with intensities of 6479 cd/m² when the light‐emitting diodes of ITO/PEDOT/EHDVP‐PPV/LiF/Al were fabricated. The maximum power efficiency of the devices was 0.729 lm/W with a turn‐on voltage of 3.6 V. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 5636–5646, 2004     

Reversible nonlinear conduction in high‐density polyethylene/acetylene carbon black composites at various ambient temperatures

The reversible nonlinear conduction (RNC) in of high‐density polyethylene/acetylene carbon black composites with different degrees of crosslinking was studied above room temperature and below the melting point of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). The experimental current density‐electric field strength curves can be overlapped onto a master curve, suggesting that the microscopic mechanisms for the appearance of RNC exist regardless of the ambient temperature and the crosslinking degree of the HDPE matrix. The relationship between the crossover current density and the linear conductivity can be explained in the framework of the dynamic random‐resistor‐network model. According to these results, two electron‐tunneling models are suggested to interpret the microscopic conduction behavior. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 1212–1217, 2004     

Effect of photoinitiator on photopolymerization of inorganic–organic hybrid polymers (ORMOCER®)

Inorganic–organic hybrid polymers have been developed and tested for evaluation in optical and electrical applications. Although hybrid inorganic–organic polymers can be synthesized by sol–gel chemistry at first, the physical properties of hybrid inorganic–organic polymers are changed during thin film-making processes, that is, photocuring and thermal curing. To investigate the effect of photoinitiator on the material properties during processing, a model system containing methacrylic groups as organically polymerizable units was selected. The conversion of CC double bond of methacrylic groups depending on some kinds of photoinitiator quantities was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was confirmed to correlate the degree of CC double bond conversion with the refractive indices. Thermodynamically, the enthalpy of the photopolymerization of hybrid polymer was investigated by UV–DSC. UV–DSC spectra showed the exothermic nature of photopolymerization of ORMOCER® to be in dependence of photoinitiator quantities. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 1979–1986, 2004     

Synthesis and characterization of soluble polyimides containing trifluoromethyl groups in their backbone

A series of polyimides were synthesized from 2,2‐Bis(3,4‐dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, 2,2‐bis(3‐amino‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐hexafluoropropane, and 4,4′‐oxydianiline by chemical imidization. The effects of the diamine ratios on the properties of the films were evaluated through the study of their thermal, electrical, and morphological properties. All the polymers exhibited better solubility in most of the organic solvents and hence were easily processable. Polyimides with more 2,2‐bis(3‐amino‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐hexafluoropropane exhibited better solubility and a low refractive index, which is highly desired for microelectronic applications. The dielectric constant and birefringence were strongly dependent on the fluorine content. With an increase in the fluorine substitution, both the dielectric constant and birefringence decreased. All the polymers exhibited high thermal stability (>400 °C). The absence of crystalline melting in differential scanning calorimetry and broad wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed the amorphous nature of the polymers, which was due to the presence of bulky CF₃ groups and hinged ether linkages of the diamine component. The residual stress values decreased with an increase in the 4,4′‐oxydianiline content, and the results were in agreement with the dielectric constant. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4303–4312, 2004     

Diffraction grating in noncrosslinked polymers

The diffraction efficiency and morphology of the transmission modes of holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystals were studied with respect to the molecular structure of poly(urethane acrylate) (PUA), the film (polymer/liquid crystal) and resin (oligomer/monomer) compositions, and the cell thickness. PUA, based on N‐vinylpyrrolidone and ethyl hexyl acrylate, with low‐molecular‐weight poly(propylene glycol) at a low oligomer content, showed high diffraction efficiency. The results were interpreted in terms of the monomer reactivity and polymer elasticity. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 613–620, 2004