Design of a simple cryogenic system for ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy with a back-reflectance fiber optic probe.

We report a convenient and inexpensive technique for the rapid acquisition of absorption spectra from small samples at cryogenic temperatures using a home built cryostat with novel collection optics. A cylindrical copper block was constructed with a coaxial bore to hold a 4.00 mm diameter electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) tube and mounted on a copper feed in thermal contact with liquid nitrogen.

Towards advanced chemical and biological nanosensors-An overview.

This paper reviews recent developments in the design and application of two types of optical nanosensor, those based on: (1) localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectroscopy and (2) surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The performance of these sensors is discussed in the context of biological and chemical sensing. The first section addresses the LSPR sensors.

In vivo glucose measurement by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

This paper presents the first in vivo application of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). SERS was used to obtain quantitative in vivo glucose measurements from an animal model. Silver film over nanosphere surfaces were functionalized with a two-component self-assembled monolayer, and subcutaneously implanted in a Sprague-Dawley rat such that the glucose concentration of the interstitial fluid could be measured by spectroscopically addressing the sensor through an optical window.

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy: new materials, concepts, characterization tools, and applications.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is currently experiencing a renaissance in its development driven by the remarkable discovery of single molecule SERS (SMSERS) and the explosion of interest in nanophotonics and plasmonics. Because excitation of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of a nanostructured surface or nanoparticle lies at the heart of SERS, it is important to control all of the factors influencing the LSPR in order to maximize signal strength and ensure reproducibility. These factors include material, size, shape, interparticle spacing, and dielectric environment.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of half-mustard agent.

The detection and identification of chemical warfare agents is an important analytical goal. Herein, it is demonstrated that 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (half-mustard, CEES) can be successfully analysed using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). A critical component in this detection system is the fabrication of a robust, yet highly enhancing, sensor surface.

Glucose sensing using near-infrared surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy: gold surfaces, 10-day stability, and improved accuracy.

This research presents the achievement of significant milestones toward the development of a minimally invasive, continuously monitoring, glucose-sensing platform based on the optical quantitation of glucose in interstitial fluid. We expand our initial successes in the measurement of glucose by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), demonstrating substantial improvements not only in the quality and optical properties of the substrate system itself but also in the robustness of the measurement methodology and the amenability of the technique to compact, diode laser-based instrumentation. Herein, we compare the long-term stability of gold to silver film over nanosphere (AuFON, AgFON) substrates functionalized with a partitioning self-assembled monolayer (SAM) using both electrochemical and SERS measurements.

Using solution-phase nanoparticles, surface-confined nanoparticle arrays and single nanoparticles as biological sensing platforms.

The intense colors of noble metal nanoparticles have inspired artists and fascinated scientists for hundreds of years. In this review, we describe three sensing platforms based on the tunability of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of gold and silver nanoparticles. Specifically, the color associated with solution-phase nanoparticles, surface-confined nanoparticle arrays, and single nanoparticles will be shown to be tunable and useful as platforms for biological sensing.

Seasonal variation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

During the 18-year period 1980-1997, 1103 patients were treated as in-patients for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in Scottish hospitals. This paper reports a significant seasonal variation, especially in male patients, with an excess admitted in the autumn. Examining the physiological seasonality of the monthly increment of growth in height and weight in childhood, we hypothesised that these physiological rhythms, while not pathogenetic, may be responsible for the timing of the seasonal features of SCFE.