Laser diagnostics of nanoscale dielectric films on absorbing substrate by differential reflectivity and ellipsometry

The differential reflection characteristics for ultrathin inhomogeneous dielectric film on absorbing substrate are investigated in the long-wavelength approximation. The obtained first-order expressions for differential reflectivity and changes in the ellipsometric angles caused by ultrathin layer are of immediate interest to the solution of the inverse problem. The method to determine the averaged values (not the realistic profile) of refractive index for inhomogeneous nanometric films are shown. The novel possibilities for determining the dielectric constant and thickness of nanoscale homogeneous films by the differential ellipsometric and reflectivity measurements are developed, and a simple method to estimate whether the nanometric film is homogeneous or not is also discussed.     

Liminf results on the increments of an (N,d)-Gaussian process

We establish some liminf theorems on the increments of a (N,d)-Gaussian process with the usual Euclidean norm, via estimating upper bounds of large deviation probabilities on the suprema of the (N,d)-Gaussian process. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Influence of velocity and surface temperature of alumina particles on the properties of plasma sprayed coatings

In this paper are described the main characteristics of the plasma spraying process of alumina deposits, i.e., the temperature and flow field of the plasma jets obtained with the classical spraying torches, the injection of the particles into the plasma jet, the particle surface temperature and velocities in the plasma (measured for calibrated alumina particles), and the coating generation. The measurements on the alumina particles are compared with the predictions of a mathematical model. The experimental and computed particle velocities are in rather good agreement. However, this is not the case for the particle surface temperature. Possible reasons for the discrepancy are proposed (influence of the carrier gas, thermophoretic forces, and poor penetration of the particles into the plasma core even for an injection velocity twice that of the optimal calculated one, as shown by recent measurements). Finally the correlations between the particle velocities and surface temperature, and the properties of the alumina coating (porosity, crystal structure, mechanical properties) are studied.     

磁性纳米标记检测技术在生物医学即时检测领域的研究进展

基于磁性纳米材料的磁标记检测技术具有灵敏度高、线性范围广、信号检测便捷等优点。由于生物样品自身磁背景信号极低,相比于光学标记检测技术,磁标记检测技术在蛋白质、核酸、细胞、病原体及生物组织检测中均表现出更高的灵敏度,在生物医学即时检测领域展现了良好的应用前景。该文围绕磁性纳米粒在即时检测领域的最新研究进展,重点介绍了其在蛋白质、核酸以及几类病原体检测方面的应用,并对基于磁性纳米粒的即时检测技术发展方向及应用前景进行了展望。     

Particle velocity measurements in induction plasma spraying

Laser Dopple anemometry (LDA) measurements of the particle velocity are carried out during an induction plasma spraying operation. The velocity of nickel alloy particles, or molten droplets, at the exit of an induction plasma torch prior to impact on the substrate is shown to vary with the plasma and powder injection conditions. Plasma spraying under soft vacuum (150–450 Torr) gives rise to substantially higher particle velocities (40–60 m/sec) compared to those attained at atmospheric pressure (10–20 m/sec).     

Mass spectrometric diagnosis of the surface nitriding mechanism in a d.c. glow discharge

Reactive constituents have been investigated in a molecular beam generated in the cathode surface glow area and surface boundary layer. Mixtures of nitrogen and hydrogen form NH_x(x=0–4) compounds, which are of relevance in heterogeneous, plasma vs. metal nitriding reactions. Ammonia decomposition leads to NH_x(x=2–4). Strong cataphoretic enrichment of hydrogen has been observed in the cathode glow area. Heterogeneous reactions of NH_x with iron lead to the formation of iron nitrides via intermediates such as FeNH_2–3. In a pulsed d.c. glow discharge, increased sputtering and decreased hydrogen enrichment have been observed.     

Derivatives of the closo-dodecaborate anion and their application in medicine

The paper presents a comparative analysis of the possibilities and characteristic features of the application of various polyhedral boron compounds, viz., the closo-decaborate anion [B₁₀H₁₀]^2–, the closo-dodecaborate anion [B₁₂H₁₂]^2–, the carba-closo-dodecaborate anion [CB₁₁H₁₂]^–, carboranes C₂B₁₀H₁₂, and the bis(dicarbollide) complexes [M(C₂B₉H₁₁)₂]^– (M = Fe, Co, or Ni), in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) for cancer. The requirements on compounds used in BNCT are formulated and the advantages of the application of the closo-dodecaborate anion are considered. The data on the synthesis of various derivatives of the closo-dodecaborate anion, which either already found use in BNCT or are most promising in this field, are summarized. The possibilities of the application of agents derived from the closo-dodecaborate anion in medical diagnostics are discussed.     

A twin optically-pumped far-infrared CH3OH laser for plasma diagnostics

A twin optically-pumped far-infrared CH₃OH laser has been constructed for use in plasma diagnostics. The antisymmetric doublet due to the Raman-type resonant two-photon transition is reproducibly observed at 118.8 m. With the 118.8-m line, it is obtained from the frequency separation of the anti-symmetric doublet that CH₃OH absorption line center is 16±1 MHz higher than the pump 9.7-m P(36) CO₂ laser line center. It is shown that the Raman-type resonant two-photon transition is useful in order to get several-MHz phase modulation for the far-infrared laser interferometer. Some preliminary performances of this twin laser for the modulated interferometer are described.This work was carried out under the collaborating research program at the Institute of Plasma Physics, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464, Japan.     

Theragnostic Applications of Mammal and Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Latest Findings,Current Technologies,and Prospects

The way cells communicate is not fully understood. However, it is well-known that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved. Researchers initially thought that EVs were used by cells to remove cellular waste. It is now clear that EVs function as signaling molecules released by cells to communicate with one another, carrying a cargo representing the mother cell. Furthermore, these EVs can be found in all biological fluids, making them the perfect non-invasive diagnostic tool, as their cargo causes functional changes in the cells upon receiving, unlike synthetic drug carriers. EVs last longer in circulation and instigate minor immune responses, making them the perfect drug carrier. This review sheds light on the latest development in EVs isolation, characterization and, application as therapeutic cargo, novel drug loading techniques, and diagnostic tools. We also address the advancement in plant-derived EVs, their characteristics, and applications; since plant-derived EVs only recently gained focus, we listed the latest findings. Although there is much more to learn about, EV is a wide field of research; what scientists have discovered so far is fascinating. This paper is suitable for those new to the field seeking to understand EVs and those already familiar with it but wanting to review the latest findings.     

Raman Method in Identification of Species and Varieties,Assessment of Plant Maturity and Crop Quality—A Review

The present review covers reports discussing potential applications of the specificity of Raman techniques in the advancement of digital farming, in line with an assumption of yield maximisation with minimum environmental impact of agriculture. Raman is an optical spectroscopy method which can be used to perform immediate, label-free detection and quantification of key compounds without destroying the sample. The authors particularly focused on the reports discussing the use of Raman spectroscopy in monitoring the physiological status of plants, assessing crop maturity and quality, plant pathology and ripening, and identifying plant species and their varieties. In recent years, research reports have presented evidence confirming the effectiveness of Raman spectroscopy in identifying biotic and abiotic stresses in plants as well as in phenotyping and digital selection of plants in farming. Raman techniques used in precision agriculture can significantly improve capacities for farming management, crop quality assessment, as well as biological and chemical contaminant detection, thereby contributing to food safety as well as the productivity and profitability of agriculture. This review aims to increase the awareness of the growing potential of Raman spectroscopy in agriculture among plant breeders, geneticists, farmers and engineers.