Relating the probability distribution of a de Broglie wave to its phase velocity

We show that the phase velocity in a stationary state of a de Broglie wave can be directly obtained from the probability distribution, i.e. the quantum trajectories, without detailed knowledge of the phase term itself. In other words, the amplitude of a de Broglie wave function describes not only the probability distribution but also the phase velocity distribution. Using this relationship, we comment on two calculations of the Goos-H nchen shift in de Broglie waves.     

Muscular and nervous systems of the cubopolyp (Cnidaria)

Summary New observations on the morphology, anatomy, asexual reproduction and metamorphosis of the formerly unknown polyp of the tropical Cubomedusae resulted in the conclusion that a new class Cubozoa must be established and positioned between the Scyphozoa and Hydrozoa. This conclusion could be confirmed by the histological investigation of the cubopolyp's muscular and nervous systems by light and transmission electron microscopy.     

T-cell recognition of chemicals, protein allergens and drugs: towards the development of in vitro assays

Chemicals can elicit T-cell-mediated diseases such as allergic contact dermatitis and adverse drug reactions. Therefore, testing of chemicals, drugs and protein allergens for hazard identification and risk assessment is essential in regulatory toxicology. The seventh amendment of the EU Cosmetics Directive now prohibits the testing of cosmetic ingredients in mice, guinea pigs and other animal species to assess their sensitizing potential. In addition, the EU Chemicals Directive REACh requires the retesting of more than 30,000 chemicals for different toxicological endpoints, including sensitization, requiring vast numbers of animals. Therefore, alternative methods are urgently needed to eventually replace animal testing. Here, we summarize the outcome of an expert meeting in Rome on 7 November 2009 on the development of T-cell-based in vitro assays as tools in immunotoxicology to identify hazardous chemicals and drugs. In addition, we provide an overview of the development of the field over the last two decades.     

L'action antibiotique de la streptomycine étudiée au microscope électronique

Summary The authors have tried to observe, with the aid of the electron microscope, the effect of streptomycin on the morphology ofB. subtilis. This action is very swift and manifests itself by the appearance of cells with high turgescence (sporical forms, but not resistant), by extreme shrinkage of cytoplasm inside the cell-wall and by the extrusion of this cytoplasm from the cellular envelope.     

Investigation of gas concentration cell based on LiSiPO electrolyte and Li2CO3, Au electrode

Solid lithium ion conducting electrochemical cells using LiSiPO as solid electrolyte and Li₂CO₃ mixed with Au as electrodes were prepared and employed as chemical sensors for the detection of CO₂ gas. The EMF of the cell depends on the concentration of CO₂ in air according to the partial pressure dependence of Nernst’s law in the investigated range from 100 to 2000 ppm over the temperature range from 473 K to 673 K.     

Field regulation of single-molecule conductivity by a charged surface atom

Electrical transport through molecules has been much studied since it was proposed that individual molecules might behave like basic electronic devices, and intriguing single-molecule electronic effects have been demonstrated. But because transport properties are sensitive to structural variations on the atomic scale, further progress calls for detailed knowledge of how the functional properties of molecules depend on structural features. The characterization of two-terminal structures has become increasingly robust and reproducible, and for some systems detailed structural characterization of molecules on electrodes or insulators is available. Here we present scanning tunnelling microscopy observations and classical electrostatic and quantum mechanical modelling results that show that the electrostatic field emanating from a fixed point charge regulates the conductivity of nearby substrate-bound molecules. We find that the onset of molecular conduction is shifted by changing the charge state of a silicon surface atom, or by varying the spatial relationship between the molecule and that charged centre. Because the shifting results in conductivity changes of substantial magnitude, these effects are easily observed at room temperature.