Temperature Sensing Properties of Biocompatible Yb/Er-Doped GdF and YF Mesocrystals.

YGdF:Yb/Er mesocrystals with a biocompatible surface and diverse morphological characteristics were successfully synthesized using chitosan-assisted solvothermal processing. Their structural properties, studied using X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis, were further correlated with the up-conversion emission (λ = 976 nm) recorded in function of temperature. Based on the change in the visible green emissions originating from the thermally coupled H and S levels of Er, the corresponding LIR was acquired in the physiologically relevant range of temperatures (25-50 °C).

Tetracycline Removal through the Synergy of Catalysis and Photocatalysis by Novel NaYF:Yb,Tm@TiO-Acetylacetone Hybrid Core-Shell Structures.

Novel hybrid core-shell structures, in which up-converting (UC) NaYF:Yb,Tm core converts near-infrared (NIR) to visible (Vis) light via multiphoton up-conversion processes, while anatase TiO-acetylacetonate (TiO-Acac) shell ensures absorption of the Vis light through direct injection of excited electrons from the highest-occupied-molecular-orbital (HOMO) of Acac into the TiO conduction band (CB), were successfully synthesized by a two-step wet chemical route. Synthesized NaYF:Yb,Tm@TiO-Acac powders were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and photoluminescence emission measurement. Tetracycline, as a model drug, was used to investigate the photocatalytic efficiencies of the core-shell structures under irradiation of reduced power Vis and NIR spectra.

Experimental study of an implantable fiber-optic microphone on human cadavers.

In this paper, we present the results of an experimental study about a novel fiber optical vibrometer, aimed to be used as a totally implantable fiber-optic microphone for hearing aids. The sensor head, implanted inside the human cadaver middle ear, detects the amplitude of the incus vibrations, which are produced by an external acoustical source. The probe beam of coherent vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) radiation is directed to the incus and the phase-modulated reflected beam is captured and demodulated.

Validation and quality assessment of macromolecular structures using complex network analysis.

Validation of three-dimensional structures is at the core of structural determination methods. The local validation criteria, such as deviations from ideal bond length and bonding angles, Ramachandran plot outliers and clashing contacts, are a standard part of structure analysis before structure deposition, whereas the global and regional packing may not yet have been addressed. In the last two decades, three-dimensional models of macromolecules such as proteins have been successfully described by a network of nodes and edges.

Response surface methodology for optimisation of edible coatings based on dextran from Leuconostoc mesenteroides T3.

The aim of this study was to develop dextran-based edible films plasticized by sorbitol. In order to optimise the film-forming formulation, response surface methodology was used. The influence of dextran and sorbitol concentration on the mechanical and water vapour barrier properties of obtained films was investigated.

In-vitro and in-vivo measurement of the animal's middle ear acoustical response by partially implantable fiber-optic sensing system.

The main obstacle in realization of a totally implantable hearing aid is a lack of reliable implantable microphone. In this paper we have described a potentially miniature fiber-optic vibrometer based on a modified Michelson interferometer, designed to serve as a middle-ear microphone for totally implantable cochlear- or middle-ear hearing aids. A model of the sensing system was used for in-vitro and in-vivo investigation of acoustical response of sheep's middle-ear ossicles.

Demodulation of quasi-quadrature interferometric signals for use in the totally implantable hearing aids.

We propose and experimentally prove an algorithm for demodulation of interferometric signals, modified for use in a totally implantable hearing aid device. A fiber optic configuration, which generates two quasi-quadrature signals by a passive 3x3 coupler, for a non-contact detection of the middle ear ossicle vibration is employed. We simulated the ossicle vibration and large movements and demonstrated the effectiveness of the algorithm to compensate changes of the signal DC values and the phase shift introduced by the coupler.

Synergistic anti-biofouling effect of Ag-exchanged zeolite and D-Tyrosine on PVC composite against the clinical isolate of Acinetobacter baumannii.

Due to their susceptibility to bacterial biofilm formation, commercial tubes for medical use are one of the main sources of hospital infections with Acinetobacter baumannii. The anti-biofouling activity of novel composites against the clinical isolate of the multi-drug resistant A. baumannii is reported here.

Effect of thermal misfit between different veneering ceramics and zirconia frameworks on in vitro fracture load of single crowns.

Thermal misfit is deemed as one reason for the chipping of veneered zirconia restorations. Aim of the present study was to assess the effect of thermal misfit on the fracture load of veneered zirconia frameworks and to evaluate the applicability of a universal veneering ceramic for both zirconia and titanium frameworks. Fracture loads of zirconia and titanium frameworks veneered with different ceramics were measured.

A single-retainer zirconium dioxide ceramic resin-bonded fixed partial denture for single tooth replacement: a clinical report.

This clinical report describes a treatment for the replacement of a missing mandibular anterior tooth using a cantilever single-retainer resin-bonded fixed partial denture (RBFPD), fabricated from zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) ceramic. No clinical complications were observed at the 2-year 6-month follow-up examination after placement of the ZrO2 ceramic RBFPD, and satisfactory functional and esthetic results were achieved. A treatment modality using a cantilever ZrO2 ceramic RBFPD is an alternative for single anterior tooth replacement.

Influence of different adhesive resin cements on the fracture strength of aluminum oxide ceramic posterior crowns.

Statement Of Problem: The influence of different types of adhesive resin cements on the long-term prognosis of aluminum oxide ceramic posterior crowns is unclear.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of aluminum oxide ceramic on maxillary posterior crowns cemented with different resin luting agents before and after cyclic thermomechanical loading. Material and methods Forty-eight maxillary first molars were prepared and restored with standardized aluminum oxide ceramic (In-Ceram Alumina) crowns.