Over the last decade, nano-sized particles of noble metals with surface plasmonresonance properties have found numerous applications in nanotechnology and scientific research, including diverse biological and biomedical fields (for recent reviews see, e.g. [1–9]. This also refers to (bio) functionalised metal nanoparticles, where the term ‘‘functionalisation’’ (or ‘‘biofunctionalisation’’) mean...

The absolute configuration of the title compound, C10H16O4, determined as 3aS,4S,5R,7aR on the basis of the synthetic pathway, was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The mol-ecule contains a five- and a six-membered ring that adopt twisted and envelope conformations, respectively. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the rings is 76.80 (11)° as a result of their cis-fusion. In the crystal...

We report a replica molding process for simultaneously forming a three dimensional metal pattern on the surface of molded polymer microstructures. This technique uses noncovalent surface forces to guide the transfer of thin metal films from the three dimensional features of high aspect ratio poly dimethylsiloxane micromolds to polymeric replicates. The utility of this technique has been demonst...

The nuclear envelope segregates the nucleoplasm from the cytoplasm and is a key feature of eukaryotic cells. Nuclear envelope architecture is comprised of two concentric membrane shells which fuse at multiple sites and yet maintain a uniform separation of 30-50 nm over the rest of the membrane. Studies have revealed the roles for numerous nuclear proteins in forming and maintaining the architec...

We study strategic transmission of rival information among individuals who share altruistic relations. Information sharing naturally takes the form of word-of-mouth communication. Yet, the social forces that promote communication can also undermine it. Indeed, larger social networks may share less information, and better-connected individuals may get less information. Therefore, when forming ne...

Abstract. This paper discusses the technological assumptions for production of helical metal expansion joint as a new type joints used to eliminate torsional deformations industrial pipelines. The method mechanically assisted laser forming, which was manufacturing technology, presented well. Furthermore, parameters and experimental results obtained during fabrication were presented. Mainly disc...

In PNAS, Sikka et al. (1) suggest that melanopsin, a non–image-forming opsin (opsin4, Opn4), may play a physiological role in the regulation of vascular tone by mediating photorelaxation. The authors conclude that the response to light is due to hyperpolarization of the vascular smooth muscle cells resulting from the activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), but does not involve protein kin...

A single multiblock copolymer chain in poor solvent undergoes microphase separation within its own globule, driven by the same kind of forces operating in the bulk system. However, the necessity of packing a large AB interface into a small volume leads to novel convoluted geometries. Long block lengths form a double droplet. Very short block lengths exhibit bulk behavior, forming a lamellar glo...

This thesis proposes a way to simulate the interaction of fluids and solids based on the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics method. The interaction is facilitated by not only representing fluids with particles, but solid objects as well. Linear elastic forces are computed between neighbouring particles to create deformable objects. The animation of fully rigid objects is made possible by introduci...

A combination of experiment and theory shows that dielectric elastomers exhibit complex interplay of nonlinear processes. Membranes of a dielectric elastomer are prepared in various states of prestretches by using rigid clamps and mechanical forces. Upon actuation by voltage, some membranes form wrinkles followed by snap-through instability, others form wrinkles without the snap-through instabi...