Characterization of spherical particles using high-order neural networks and scanning flow cytometry

We retrieve the radius R, real n and imaginary k parts of the refractive index of homogeneous spherical particles using angular distribution of the light-scattering intensity. To solve the inverse light-scattering problem we use a high-order neural-network technique. The effect of network parameters on optimization is examined. The technique is evaluated for noise-corrupted input data at 0.6 μm<R<10.6 μm, 1.02<n<1.38, and 0<k<0.03. The errors of retrieval for nonabsorbing particles do not exceed 0.05 μm for radius and 0.015 for refractive index. The experimental verification is fulfilled by experimental data retrieved by means of a scanning flow cytometer. The light-scattering profiles of polystyrene beads and spherized red blood cells are processed with the high-order neural networks and a non-linear regression at Mie theory. The parameters retrieved by the high-order neural networks correlate well with the parameters retrieved by the least-square method.     

A two-fraction model for the calculation of the resonance spectra of the complex permittivity of ice in the far infrared

A two-fraction model that makes it possible to calculate analytically the complex dielectric permittivity of ice in the far infrared and submillimeter wavelength ranges is proposed. The librational and vibrational fractions are considered. The first fraction, consisting of rigid dipoles executing anharmonic reorientations in defects of the structure, gives rise to the librational band of ice at 800 cm^?1. The second fraction consists of elastically vibrating oppositely charged H-bonded molecules. This fraction describes two bands of ice in the range 100–300 cm^?1, and the nonresonant background of dielectric losses in the submillimeter wavelength range. The dielectric permittivity spectra of ice calculated for the temperature of ?7°C are consistent with the experimental spectra. The spectra of ice at the temperature ?30°C are predicted.     

Circular dichroism spectra of langasite family crystals in the range of electronic transitions of structure defects

The absorption and circular dichroism spectra of langasite family crystals are studied. Wide bands in the range of 285–500 nm that are related to the structure lattice defects are found. For all the crystals, these bands are in approximately the same spectral region, have identical structures, and can be attributed to one type of defects formed by cation vacancies and excess oxygen atoms in the optically active positions.     

Complexity of self-similar hierarchically constrained ensembles

The complexity measure of the infinite set of self-similar hierarchically constrained ensembles is determined in the framework of the generalized combinatory approach. It is shown that, as the hierarchical coupling increases, the complexity increases to a value that decreases with increasing the dispersion of this coupling and with decreasing the branching degree of the hierarchical tree.     

Investigation into the dielectric relaxation of vinylidene fluoride copolymers with hexafluoropropylene

Four relaxation processes and one ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition are revealed in vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymers with different ratios of the components in the temperature range from ?100 to 150°C. The relaxation process occurring at the lowest temperature is associated with the local mobility of the chains, whereas the relaxation process at a higher temperature is due to micro-Brownian motion of segments in the amorphous phase in the glass transition range. A smeared relaxor phase transition from the polar modification of the α phase of vinylidene fluoride units to the paraelectric phase is observed in the temperature range 50–70°C. At higher temperatures, there occurs an intensive relaxation process that can be attributed to space-charge relaxation or manifestation of the normal relaxation mode.     

Paramagnetic Properties and Moderately RapidConformational Dynamics in the Cobalt(II) Calix[4]arene Complex by NMR

¹H NMR measurements are reported for the CD₂Cl₂/CDCl₃ solutions of the Co(II) calix[4]arenetetraphosphineoxide complex (I). Temperature dependences of the ¹H NMR spectra of I have been analyzed using the line shape analysis, taking into account the temperature variation of paramagnetic chemical shifts, within the frame of the dynamic NMR method. Conformational dynamics of the 2:1 Co(II) calix[4]arene complexes was conditioned by the pinched cone ↔pinched cone interconversion of I (with activation Gibbs energy ΔG^≠(298K) = 40 ± 3 kJ/mol. Due to substantial temperature dependence of paramagnetic shifts, complex I can be used as model compound for designing an NMR thermosensor reagent for local temperature monitoring.     

Efficacy of Biologically Active Food Supplements for People with Atherosclerotic Vascular Changes

The current paper deals with the development of a new biologically active food supplement (BAFS) aimed at treating atherosclerosis. Since atherosclerosis is considered to be a disease of aging, the composition of the supplement includes such essential minerals as magnesium and potassium, which are commonly used to prevent atherosclerosis, as well as vitamins C, E and the B-group vitamins in order to address the needs of the elderly. The authors outline the supplement-manufacturing technology and discuss the clinical trial undertaken by patients, aged about 60 years, with peripheral atherosclerosis. The research methodology focuses on studying the effectiveness of the developed supplement by assessing the influence of the active ingredients on treating metabolic disorders. To establish the efficacy of the supplement, blood tests, ultrasound and physical examinations were applied. The combination therapy resulted in improved metabolism and an overall better performance of the cardiovascular system; therefore, the BASF can be recommended as part of combination therapy to prevent and treat atherosclerotic and age-related changes in blood vessels.