No description available.

The thermally responsive hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) hydrogel nanoparticles have been synthesized and characterized. The HPC particles were obtained by chemically crosslinking collapsed HPC polymer chains in water-surfactant (dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide) dispersion above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the HPC. The size distributions of microgel particles, measured by dynamic light scattering, have been correlated with synthesis conditions including surfactant concentration, polymer concentration, and reaction temperature. The swelling and phase transition properties of resultant HPC microgels have been analyzed using both static and dynamic light scattering techniques. By first making gel nanoparticles and then covalently bonding them together, we have engineered a new class of gels with two levels of structural hierarchy: the primary network is crosslinked polymer chains in each individual particle, while the secondary network is a system of crosslinked nanoparticles. The covalent bonding contributes to the structural stability of the nanostructured gels, while self-assembly provides them with crystal structures that diffract light, resulting in colors. By using N-isopropylacrylamide copolymer hydrogel nanoparticles, we have synthesized nanoparticle networks that display a striking iridescence like precious opal but are soft and flexible like gelatin. This is in contrast to previous colored hydrogels, which were created either by adding dyes or fluorescent, or by organic solvent or by embedding a colloidal crystal array of polymer solid spheres . Creating such periodic 3D structures in materials allows us to obtain useful functionality not only from the constituent building blocks but also from the long-range ordering that characterizes these structures. Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and poly (acrylic acid ) (PAA) complexes were studied using turbidity measurement and laser light scattering. The phase transition temperature of the complexes is found to depend on pH and molecular weights of PAA and HPC. The driving force for this phenomenon is due to the hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction of the macromolecules. Based on the principle of the PAA/HPC complexes, the PAA nanoparticles were synthesized in 0.1wt % HPC aqueous solution at room temperature.

Di-block copolymer of poly[methacrylic acid-block-2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] [P(MAA-b-DEA)] with narrow molecular weight distribution was synthesized using the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique. The micellization behavior of the P(MAA-b-DEA) copolymer in aqueous solution at room temperature and different pH values were examined by potentiometric and conductivity titration, UV-Visible spectrophotometry, ¹H-NMR, static and dynamic laser light scattering. At low pH (< 4.2), core-shell micelles were formed with MAA core and protonated DEA shell. At moderate pH values, the polymer precipitated from water and formed a cloudy solution, where the polymer chains aggregated into larger particles resembling that of a hard sphere induced by electrostatic interactions. At high pH (> 9.5), core-shell like micelles consisting of hydrophobic DEA core and ionized MAA shell were re-established. / Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA)

ABA type tri-block amphiphilic polyelectrolyte consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate-block-methacrylic acid-block-methyl methacrylate) (P(MMA-b-MAA-b-MMA)) was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization technique (ATRP) and the self-assembly behavior of the polymers in aqueous solution was studied over the course of neutralization. Combination of potentiometric and conductometric titrations along with dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques were used to investigate the size and shape of aggregates at various degrees of neutralization. The effect of hydrophobic-hydrophilic (MMA-MAA) ratio and polymer chain length on the aggregation behavior during neutralization was studied. P(MMA-b-MAA-b-MMA) with longer MMA segment self-assembles via the close association mechanism through stronger self-entanglement of MMA chains, whereas P(MMA-b-MAA-b-MMA) with shorter MMA chain self-assembles via the open association mechanism, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Conductometric titration was used to determine the counterion condensation during the course of neutralization. When the charge density of micelle approaches a critical value as neutralization progresses, counterion condensation of Na+ ions on the polymer chains occurs. The effect of counterion condensation on the aggregation behavior during neutralization was elucidated. / Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA)

Predominance of small dense Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is associated with a two to threefold increase in risk for Coronary Heart Disease (CVD). Small, dense HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) particles protect small dense LDL from oxidative stress. Technological advancements have introduced an array of techniques for measuring diameters of LDL and HDL as well as estimating overall particle heterogeneity. However, there is lack of comparative studies between these techniques, and, hence, no conclusive evidence to establish the merits of one method relative to others. The primary purpose of this study was to compare Nondenaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (NDGGE) and Dynamic Laser Light Scattering (DLLS) methods in determining LDL and HDL particle diameter. Our comparison entailed: 1) Evaluating the two methods in terms of their reproducibility 2) Correlating the two methods(in future studies method selection would be driven by time and cost considerations if the two methods correlate), and 3) Evaluating the two methods in terms of their ability to identify bi-modal samples. A secondary purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of refrigerated plasma storage on particle diameter. Reproducibility was measured as Coefficient of Variance (CV). Within and between runs, CV for LDL and HDL for NDGGE were <6% and <15%, respectively and for DLLS, CV within runs were <3% and <5.5%, respectively. No correlation was observed between LDL diameter from the two methods. NDGGE showed two bands for 157 HDL samples of which only 24 samples showed bimodal peaks in DLLS. In order to study the effect of storage, three sample sets of LDL and two sample sets of HDL were used. NDGGE showed a significant difference between mean diameter of fresh and stored LDL and HDL sample for all sets, whereas DLLS showed a significant difference in only one LDL sample set and none for HDL sample sets. We conclude that DLLS may be a better method for measuring LDL diameter because NDGGE overestimated LDL diameter. However, NDGGE was able to resolve subpopulation better in an HDL sample than DLLS. Thus, NDGGE may be a better choice for measuring HDL diameter than DLLS.

Η παρουσία σκόνης στο πλάσμα απασχόλησε ιδιαίτερα τους μελετητές στην εκτέλεση εφαρμογών υψηλής τεχνολογίας και κατασκευής. Η εμφάνιση των σωματιδίων μέσα σε αντιδραστήρες πλάσματος, μόλυνε τα υποστρώματα, μείωνοντας κατά αυτό το τρόπο την παραγωγική διαδικασία και διαταράσοντας με απρόβλεπτους τρόπους το πλάσμα. Ο σχηματισμός και η πυρήνωση των σωματιδίων μέσα στο πλάσμα είχε τεράστιες επιπτώσεις στις βιομηχανίες (οικονομικές κτλ.). Βέβαια με την πάροδο των χρόνων και τις αλλεπάληλες μελέτες που έγιναν οι επιστήμονες κατάφεραν να ελέγξουν αυτό το συνεχή σχηματισμό σωματιδίων. Με τον καιρό, κάποιοι μελετητές εκμεταλεύτηκαν την παρουσία σκόνης και οδηγήθηκαν στην ανάπτηξη νέων προϊόντων. Αυτή είναι η περίπτωση των πολυμορφικών ηλιακών κυττάρων (δηλ. αμορφα υδρογονωμενα ηλιακά κύτταρα με ενσωματωμένους νανοκρυσταλλίτες). Η κατασκευή αυτή έγινε απο την ομάδα του Roca i Cabarrocas του Πολυτεχνείου Ecole στην Γαλλία. Στην παρούσα εργασία θα γίνει η μελέτη σχηματισμού και ανάπτυξης των σωματιδίων στα διάφορα στάδιά τους και θα παρουσιαστούν διάφοροι τρόποι ανίχνευσης αυτών. Σκοπός μας είναι να βρούμε την ακριβή χρονική στιγμή σχηματισμού της σκόνης και να επεμβαίνουμε ώστε να σταματάμε την περαιτέρω ανάπτυξή της. / -

No description available.

This master’s thesis deals with parameters and properties of electromagnetic wave, its spread in environment and then in optical fiber, as well with optical fibers. Principle of laser sources and a issues of coupling a optical performance into optical fiber are described here. Next a function of laser diodes, power and cooling requirements are described. A block diagram of fiber optic source of laser radiation is designed as well as a circuit solution of every single block with respecting of parameters and sensitivity of used laser diode. The protection of laser diode and high-frequency modulation of optical power are solved. Subsequently the construction of every single block was done and the right function of constructional solution was tested.

Der Verzehr von Pflaumen ist derzeit sehr gering. Häufig wird unbefriedigende Fruchtqualität aufgrund unreif geernteter Früchte als Ursache genannt. Um eine hohe Fruchtqualität zu erzeugen ist es nötig, Vorerntebedingungen wie Fruchtbehang und Bodeneigenschaften optimal zu gestalten und die Früchte im richtigen Reifestadium zu ernten. Die Ziele dieses Projektes waren daher 1. die Untersuchung des Einflusses und interaktiver Effekte von Bodeneigenschaften, Fruchtbehang und Baumwasserzustand auf die Qualität von ''Jojo'' und ''Tophit plus'' Pflaumen. 2. den Effekt unterschiedlicher Pflücktermine auf die innere und äußere Fruchtqualität zu bewerten. 3. das Potenzial der Laserlichtrückstreubildanalyse als neues zerstörungsfreies Verfahren zur Bewertung der Fruchtqualität abzuschätzen. Die Untersuchungen wurden 2011 bis 2013 durchgeführt. Zur Bewertung der Vorernteeinflüsse wurden Früchte dreimal vor sowie am kommerziellen Erntetermin geerntet und im Labor untersucht. Dann wurden sie für 28 Tage bei 2°C und zusätzlich 2 Tage bei 20°C bei 90% rF gelagert. Während dieser Zeit wurden Früchte jeder Behandlungsgruppe nach 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 und 30 Tagen analysiert. Früchte von Bäumen mit geringerem Fruchtbehang von Böden mit geringen ECa Werten wiesen die höchsten SSC und Trockenmassegehalte, solche von Bäumen mit geringem Fruchtbehang und von Böden mit hohem ECa die höchste Frischmasse auf. Gut wasserversorgte Bäume hatten niedrigere Fruchterträge, ihre Früchte transpirierten verstärkt und hatten geringere Zucker- und Trockenmassegehalte als Pflaumen von Bäumen mit schlechter Wasserversorgung. Die späten Ernte von ''Jojo'' Pflaumen, vorzugsweise ca. 137 Tage nach der Vollblüte, ergab die beste Fruchtqualität. Diese Früchte besaßen die höchste Frischmasse und die geringste Transpiration. Laserlichtrückstreumessungen bei 532 und 785 nm zeigten, dass diese zerstörungsfreie Methode für die Analyse von Qualitätsparametern wie Anthocyangehalt und Fruchtfleischfestigkeit gut geeignet ist. / Plum consumption does not meet its potential, most probably because of a non-uniform fruit quality and lack of fully-mature fruit. It is necessary to manage preharvest conditions such as crop load and soil properties optimally in order to obtain high quality plums and to harvest the fruit in ripe stage. In this study, (1) the effects of soil ECa, crop load and maximum daily trunk shrinkage (MDS) on various fruit quality parameters of two European plum cultivars ''Jojo'' und ''Tophit plus'') (2) the internal and external fruit quality as it relates to harvest time were investigated. The investigation of plums was carried out in an experimental orchard in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Fruit of selected trees were sampled and subjected to laboratory measurements three times before and at the commercial harvest. At the commercial harvest, plums were stored at 2 °C and 90% RH for up to 28 days plus 2 days at 20 °C. During storage, fruit of each treatment were sampled after 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 30 days in order to analyse the physicochemical quality. In addition, the optical properties of samples were non-destructively evaluated through laser light backscattering imaging (LLBI). Fruit from low crop load trees grown under low ECa had the highest SSC and dry matter content, while those from low crop load trees under high ECa showed the highest fresh mass in 2013. Moreover, low MDS trees had lower total fruit yield, and fruit had higher transpiration, lower SSC, and dry matter content than those grown on trees with high MDS. Fruit quality was best when plums had been harvested late, preferably at the 3rd harvest date (137 DAFB) in this study. These fruit had the highest fresh mass and lowest transpiration. Furthermore, the results of LLBI measured at 532 nm and 785 nm showed an encouraging potential to predict quality parameters of plums such as anthocyanin content and fruit firmness.

Parmi les techniques d'imagerie optiques utilisées en milieu clinique, la principale limitation est la faible résolution lorsque la profondeur d'examen dépasse quelques mm. Cette limite de résolution ne permet pas à l'heure actuelle de concurrencer les techniques d'imagerie médicales permettant de réaliser un examen du corps dans son intégralité (Rayons X, IRM, Scanner). Dans ce cadre, l'imagerie acousto-optique présente plusieurs avantages: elle permet de mesurer des propriétés optiques utiles pour la détection de tumeur, à la résolution spatiale des ultrasons. Cependant, les dispositifs de détection utilisés présentent un manque de sensibilité et de rapidité qui freinent le transfert de cette technique en milieu clinique.Ce constat nous a conduit à étudier les caractéristiques intrinsèques du signal acousto-optique afin de proposer deux architectures de pixels basées sur des technologies CMOS. La première architecture, totalement analogique, présente des caractéristiques de vitesse d'acquisition compatibles avec le temps de corrélation des milieux biologiques (<1 ms)et un pré-traitement du signal utile. La seconde architecture intègre une fonction de conversion analogique-numérique de manière à simplifier le montage optique, et traiter le signal plus efficacement.Par ailleurs, le contrôle de la phase en plusieurs points du front est essentiel pour refocaliser les signaux lumineux. Pour contourner les limitations de vitesse des dispositifs de contrôle adaptatif de phase de l'état de l'art, nous avons développé un dispositif monolithique constitué de l'empilement physique d'un modulateur de lumière en phase, à cristaux liquides, sur un circuit CMOS constitué d'une matrice de photo-détecteurs et de circuits de traitement afin de permettre le contrôle de front d'onde dès son acquisition. Le dispositif opto-électronique a été proposé et couplé à la première architecture électronique. Il permet de réaliser une opération sur la phase de l'onde lumineuse en chaque pixel (conjugaison de phase par ex.) en parallèle sur les pixels d'une matrice, dans un intervalle de temps inférieur au temps de corrélation des milieux biologiques. / Among the optical medical imaging techniques used in medicine, the main limitation is the low resolution at a penetration depth greater than a few mm. This limitation does not allows competing with the standard imaging techniques such as X rays or RMI based imaging. In that scope, the acousto-optical imaging features several advantages: it allows measuring an optical contrast useful to detect tumors, in conjunction with the spatial resolution of ultrasound. However, the state of the art detecting devices feature a lack of sensitivity, which prevent its transfer to medical practitioners.This leads us to study the intrinsic features of the acousto-optical signal in order to propose two CMOS pixel architectures. The first one, fully analog, is compliant with the correlation time of biological tissue (1 ms typ.) and features an analog processing of the relevant signal. The second one is based on a digital pixel which contains an analog to digital converter, allowing simplifying the optical setup and increasing the robustness of the processing.In addition, related to the recent progress in wavefront control, an opto-electronic device, coupled with the first pixel architecture, has been proposed. It allows performing an optical phase operation (e.g. phase conjugation) in parallel on a pixels array, within the correlation time of biological media. Thus, this monolithic device circumvents the speed limitations of state of the art setup by a physical stacking of a liquid crystals spatial light modulator over a CMOS image sensor.