Super-resolution imaging for the detection of low-energy ion tracks in fine-grained nuclear emulsions.

We propose a new wide-field imaging method that exploits the Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance phenomenon to produce super-resolution images with an optical microscope equipped with a custom design polarization analyzer module. In this paper we describe the method and apply it to the analysis of low-energy carbon ion tracks implanted in a nuclear emulsion film. The result is then compared with the measurements of the same tracks carried out at an electronic microscope.

Hidden chamber discovery in the underground Hellenistic necropolis of Neapolis by muography.

We report in this paper the muography of an archaeological site located in the highly populated "Sanità" district in the center of Naples, ten meters below the current street level. Several detectors capable of detecting muons - high energy charged particles produced by cosmic rays in the upper layers of atmosphere - were installed underground at the depth of 18 m, to measure the muon flux over several weeks. By measuring the differential flux with our detectors in a wide angular range, we have produced a radiographic image of the upper layers.

Super-resolution high-speed optical microscopy for fully automated readout of metallic nanoparticles and nanostructures.

We have designed a fully automated optical microscope running at high-speed and achieving a very high spatial resolution. In order to overcome the resolution limit of optical microscopes, it exploits the localized surface plasmon resonance phenomenon. The customized setup using a polarization analyzer, based on liquid crystals, produces no vibrations and it is capable of probing isolated nanoparticles.

A Novel Optical Scanning Technique with an Inclined Focusing Plane.

We propose a novel technique for fully automated optical scanning of thin samples. We analyze its performance and estimate the achievable scanning speed to compare it with conventional techniques. It paves the way to the next generation of highspeed scalable scanning systems, at least one order of magnitude faster than existing ones.

The Continuous Motion Technique for a New Generation of Scanning Systems.

In the present paper we report the development of the Continuous Motion scanning technique and its implementation for a new generation of scanning systems. The same hardware setup has demonstrated a significant boost in the scanning speed, reaching 190 cm/h. The implementation of the Continuous Motion technique in the LASSO framework, as well as a number of new corrections introduced are described in details.

High-yield expression and purification of p18 form of Bax as an MBP-fusion protein.

Bax is a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, which is present in the cytosol of various types of cells in full-length form (p21 Bax). During apoptosis, the N-terminal truncated version of Bax (p18 Bax) is often formed via cleavage of the p21 Bax by the calcium-dependent enzyme, calpain. p18 Bax is a membrane protein found primarily in the mitochondrial fraction of apoptotic cells.