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We present infrared (IR) nanospectroscopy results obtained on single hundred-nanometer-sized lipid microvesicles. The use of an IR nanospectroscopy platform allowed us to identify heterogeneities of the molecular cargo of the microvesicles that would not be possible by conventional IR spectroscopy.

Current submillisecond time resolved broad band infrared spectrosco py, one of the most frequently used techniques for studying structure amp; 8722;functionrelationships in life sciences, is typically limited to fast cycling reactions that can berepeated thousands of times with high frequency. Notably, a majority of chemical andbiological processes do not comply with this requirement. For example, the activationof vertebrate rhodopsin, a prototype of many protein receptors in biological organismsthat mediate basic functions of life, including vision, smell, and taste, is irreversible.Here we present a dispersive single shot Fe amp; 769;ry spectrometer setup that extends suchspectroscopy to irreversible and slow cycling systems by exploiting the uniqueproperties of brilliant synchrotron infrared light combined with an advanced focalplane detector array embedded in a dispersive optical concept. We demonstrate oursingle shot method on microbial actinorhodopsin with a slow photocycle and onvertebrate rhodopsin with irreversible activation

Etalon effects in THz transmittance spectra, either taken in time- domain or frequency-domain, often hamper or even hinder the interpretation of film properties. In this paper we discuss the transferability and applicability of spectroscopic methods typically employed in the near and mid infrared spectral range to eliminate the fringes in the transmittance spectra in the THz spectral range.

Etalon features in infrared spectra of stratified samples, their influence on the interpretation, and methods to circumvent their presence in infrared spectra have been in discussion for decades. This paper focuses on the application of a method originally developed to remove interference fringes in the mid-infrared spectra for far-infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy on thin polymer films. We show that the total transmittance reflectance technique, commonly used for mid-infrared, also works successfully in the far-infrared spectral range where other approaches fail. Experimental spectra obtained by such technique are supported by model calculations and reveal the possibility and limits to obtain almost undisturbed far-infrared spectra which are suitable to determine low-energy vibrations of ionomer salts under certain sample conditions.

We discuss the concept of an IR spectrograph suitable for linear array detection. The dispersive element of the spectrograph is based on an arrangement of commercially available low-cost prisms. The dispersion is such that the whole spectral bandwidth of interest is distributed along the linear array of detector pixels in such a way to achieve an optimum for the spectral resolution. The concept is exemplarily shown for the design of a spectrograph working in the range between 5000 and 2500 wavenumbers spread onto a linear 128-pixel array detector.

The far-infrared (IR) optical constants of a set of hazardous and flammable liquids have been obtained by means of spectroscopic ellipsometry in attenuated total reflection configuration over a broad spectral range. Such liquids recently became of considerable concern for transportation security measures worldwide. Their optical identification at check-in gates can only become possible if the characteristic spectra are already known. The refractive indices and the extinction coefficients reported here contribute to a spectroscopic data base in the far-IR and terahertz (THz) spectral regions and may support modeling the performance of THz screening systems on liquids for airports and other security sensitive areas. Examples of several container material/liquid systems are discussed. From the measured optical constants typical THz waveforms are calculated and discussed.

We report on a polarizing interferometer-ellipsometer arrangement that overcomes the need for additional measurements with a retarder for the unambiguous determination of the ellipsometric parameters in the far infrared spectral range. It consists of a Martin–Puplett interferometer and a wire-grid polarizer as an analyzer. The application of such interferometer-ellipsometer is experimentally demonstrated on a polyethylene sample deriving the refractive index and the thickness in the spectral range between 15 and 35 c m − 1 . Based on these results, a similar solution without a retarder for the mid-infrared spectral region is additionally proposed.

We have conducted a comprehensive investigation of the optical and vibrational properties of the binary semiconductor SnSe as a function of temperature and pressure by means of experimental and ab initio probes. Our high-temperature investigations at ambient pressure have successfully reproduced the progressive enhancement of the free carrier concentration upon approaching the Pnma → Bbmm transition, whereas the pressure-induced Pnma → Bbmm transformation at ambient temperature, accompanied by an electronic semiconductor → semi-metal transition, has been identified for bulk SnSe close to 10 GPa. Modeling of the Raman-active vibrations revealed that three-phonon anharmonic processes dominate the temperature-induced mode frequency evolution. In addition, SnSe was found to exhibit a pressure-induced enhancement of the Born effective charge. Such behavior is quite unique and cannot be rationalized within the proposed effective charge trends of binary materials under pressure.

Coherent synchrotron radiation from an electron storage ring is observed in the THz spectral range when the bunch length is shortened down to the sub-mm-range. With increasing stored current, the bunch becomes longitudinally unstable and modulates the THz emission in the time domain. These micro-instabilities are investigated at the electron storage ring BESSY II by means of cross-correlation of the THz fields from successive bunches. The investigations allow deriving the longitudinal length scale of the micro bunch fluctuations and show that it grows faster than the current-dependent bunch length. Our findings will help to set the limits for the possible time resolution for pump-probe experiments achieved with coherent THz synchrotron radiation from a storage ring.

Semantic applications today provide benefits to numerous organisations in business sectors such as health care, finance, industry, and the public sector. These applications use the semantics of a domain in order to improve usability, correctness, and completeness. Developing semantic applications requires methodological skills, e.g., ontology engineering, quality assurance for ontologies, and licence management. Various technologies are available for implementing semantic applications, e.g., data integration, semantic search, machine learning, and complex event processing. This chapter gives an overview of methodologies, technologies, and corporate use of semantic applications.

A Mid-Infrared spectrometer specifically suitable for non-cyclic or slow cycling processes was developed for microsecond time-resolved measurements. The spectrometer overcomes the limit of conventional time-resolved Fourier-transform techniques such as step-scan FTIR which require cyclic systems where the reaction cascade is to be triggered thousands of times and in quick succession. In our approach, a combination of a fast linear detector array with highly brilliant synchrotron radiation source and a dispersive spectrometer core allows investigations of irreversible reaction cascades with high signal-to-noise ratio. We discuss first measurements to estimate the performance achieved so far.

The far infrared refractive indices and the extinction coefficients of liquids can be obtained by means of spectroscopic ellipsometry in attenuated total reflection configuration. Such optical constants will contribute to a spectroscopic data base in the far infrared and terahertz spectral regions. The experimental implementation and the calibration procedure of the method are described in detail. The temperature dependency of the optical constants for water over a broad spectral range is exemplarily presented.

Two-dimensional (2D) graphene emerged as an outstanding material for plasmonic and photonic applications due to its charge-density tunability, high electron mobility, optical transparency and mechanical flexibility. Recently, novel fabrication processes have realised a three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous configuration of high-quality monolayer graphene which provides a third dimension to this material. In this work, we investigate the optical behaviour of nanoporous graphene by means of terahertz and infrared spectroscopy. We reveal the presence of intrinsic 2D Dirac plasmons in 3D nanoporous graphene disclosing strong plasmonic absorptions tunable from terahertz to mid-infrared via controllable doping level and porosity. In the far-field the spectral width of these absorptions is large enough to cover most of the mid-Infrared fingerprint region with a single plasmon excitation. The enhanced surface area of nanoporous structures combined with their broad band plasmon absorption could pave the way for novel and competitive nanoporous-graphene based plasmonic-sensors., Recently, fabrication processes have realised three-dimensional nanoporous graphene. Here, the authors reveal two-dimensional Dirac plasmons in three-dimensional nanoporous graphene disclosing strong plasmonic absorptions tunable from terahertz to mid-infrared via controllable doping level and porosity.

One of the most effective uses of social media in crisis situation is for the distribution by emergency services, government agencies, and others of reliable information about the nature of the crisis. The panic and confusion that often occurs in the early stages of a crisis can be minimized through such messaging. The value of this role of social media in such cases cannot be underestimated.

At BESSY II a large acceptance angle, multipurpose infrared beamline is available, comprising several end stations suitable for material and life science investigations. The beamline provides highly brilliant infrared radiation over the energy range from about 20,000 down to 30 cm-1 and even lower when BESSY II is run in the so-called low-a mode.

By use of resonantly-enhanced mechanical photoexpansion technique we have performed mid-infrared vibrational spectroscopy and imaging on the nanoscale of individual purple membranes deposited on ultraflat gold substrate. The observed Amide I and Amide II bands of proteins are in good agreement with the far-field infrared transmission spectra previously collected on large numbers of membranes. A comparison between the near-field signal of single purple membranes and that of two overlapping membranes is presented. The results are discussed by adopting simple thermal and electromagnetic considerations.

Third-generation storage rings are modern facilities working with high currents and designed to host powerful radiation sources, like undulators and wigglers, and to deliver high-brilliance beams to users. Many experiments at high spatial resolution, such as spectromicroscopy at the nanometre scale and with high temporal resolution to investigate kinetics down to the picosecond regime, are now possible. The next frontier is certainly the combination of different methods in a unique set-up with the ultimate available spatial and temporal resolutions. In the last decade much synchrotron-based research has exploited the advantage of complementary information provided by time-resolved X-ray techniques and optical methods in the UV/Vis and IR domains. New time-resolved and concurrent approaches are necessary to characterize complex systems where physical-chemical phenomena occur under the same experimental conditions, for example to detect kinetic intermediates via complementary but independent observations. In this contribution we present scientific cases from original works and literature reviews to support the proposed IR/X-ray simultaneous approach, with both probes exploiting synchrotron radiation sources. In addition, simple experimental layouts that may take advantage of the high brilliance and the wide spectral distribution of the synchrotron radiation emission will be given for specific researches or applications to investigate dynamic processes and non-equilibrium phenomena occurring in many condensed matter and biological systems, of great interest for both fundamental research and technological applications.

Hazardous liquids, liquid explosives and flammable liquids are characterized by means of terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) in analogy to existing non-destructive testing (NDT) strategies. Various polar liquids (alcohols, acetone, hydrogen peroxide, nitro methane) and non-polar aircraft and automobile fuels as well as organic solvents are characterized in the practically relevant, non-contact and non-destructive reflection geometry in the time domain. Absorption coefficients and indices of refraction of a representative set of these liquids are investigated in the spectral range between 0.1 THz and 1.1 THz in transmission configuration by two different set-ups either suitable for strongly or weakly absorbing liquids.

Phase angle and temperature are two important parameters that affect the photometric and spectral behavior of planetary surfaces in telescopic and spacecraft data. We have derived photometric and spectral phase functions for the Asteroid 4 Vesta, the first target of the Dawn mission, using ground-based telescopes operating at visible and near-infrared wavelengths (0.4–2.5 μm). Photometric lightcurve observations of Vesta were conducted on 15 nights at a phase angle range of 3.8–25.7° using duplicates of the seven narrowband Dawn Framing Camera filters (0.4–1.0 μm). Rotationally resolved visible (0.4–0.7 μm) and near-IR spectral observations (0.7–2.5 μm) were obtained on four nights over a similar phase angle range. Our Vesta photometric observations suggest the phase slope is between 0.019 and 0.029 mag/deg. The G parameter ranges from 0.22 to 0.37 consistent with previous results (e.g., Lagerkvist, C.-I., Magnusson, P., Williams, I.P., Buontempo, M.E., Argyle, R.W., Morrison, L.V. [1992]. Astron. Astrophys. Suppl. Ser. 94, 43–71; Piironen, J., Magnusson, P., Lagerkvist, C.-I., Williams, I.P., Buontempo, M.E., Morrison, L.V. [1997]. Astron. Astrophys. Suppl. Ser. 121, 489–497; Hasegawa, S. et al. [2009]. Lunar Planet. Sci. 40. ID 1503) within the uncertainty. We found that in the phase angle range of 0° α ⩽ 25° for every 10° increase in phase angle Vesta’s visible slope (0.5–0.7 μm) increases 20%, Band I and Band II depths increase 2.35% and 1.5% respectively, and the BAR value increase 0.30. Phase angle spectral measurements of the eucrite Moama in the lab show a decrease in Band I and Band II depths and BAR from the lowest phase angle 13° to 30°, followed by possible small increases up to 90°, and then a dramatic drop between 90° and 120° phase angle. Temperature-induced spectral effects shift the Band I and II centers of the pyroxene bands to longer wavelengths with increasing temperature. We have derived new correction equations using a temperature series (80–400 K) of HED meteorite spectra that will enable interpretation of telescopic and spacecraft spectral data using laboratory calibrations at room temperature (300 K).

Local connectionist models are built up from networks of connected nodes. In these models, each node represents exactly one item to be represented. In language production models, these items are words, morphemes, phonemes, and so on. Connectionist models incorporate parallel processing. Thus, they are ideal models for both the production of slips of the tongue and aphasic speech. With respect to aphasia, the model incorporates specific impairments. However, connectionist models are not ideal for the production of sequences of linguistic units. In this article we first explain why sequentialisation is that problematic at all. Then, we present a solution for our model, which is based on control chains on the one hand and lateral inhibition on the other hand.

Many physical/chemical processes such as metal-insulator transitions or self-assembly phenomena involve correlated changes of electronic and atomic structure in a wide time range from microseconds to minutes. To investigate these dynamic processes we not only need a highly brilliant photon source in order to achieve high spatial and time resolution but new experimental methods have to be implemented. Here we present a new optical layout for performing simultaneous or concurrent infrared and X-ray measurements. This approach may indeed return unique information for example the interplay between structural changes and chemical processes occurring in the investigated sample. A beamline combining two X-ray and IR beams may really take advantage of the unique synchrotron radiation properties: the high brilliance and the broad spectrum. In this contribution we will describe the conceptual layout and the expected performance of a complex system designed to collect IR and X-ray radiation from the same bending magnet on a third-generation synchrotron radiation ring. If realized, this beamline will enable time-resolved spectroscopy experiments offering new scientific opportunities at the frontiers of science.

Polarization-modulated infrared reflection difference microspectroscopy is a sensitive tool to spatially and spectrally resolve optical anisotropy of micrometric crystalline domains. However, intrinsic artifacts are associated with polarization modulation experiments, in particular due to the wavenumber-dependent efficiency of the photoelastic modulator. Here an account addressing this problem in our experimental approach is given. Comparing data from measurements on Ca 1.4 Sr 0.6 RuO 4 and Bi 0.3 Ca 0.7 MnO 3+ δ with model calculations, it is shown that a simple model, which is based on reports in the literature, can be used to describe the experimental results.

In this work, we investigated polarization characteristics of the ELBE infrared free electron laser at the experimental position by adapting imaging ellipsometry technique. We found that the laser beam has a Gaussian-like power distribution with a diameter of 3–4 mm and exhibits a linearly polarized character throughout the whole area investigated. We also evaluated the degree of polarization amounting to 98% which demonstrates a tiny depolarization effect during the beam transfer via several optical elements from the source to the experimental position.

The development of immunosuppression during polymicrobial sepsis is associated with the failure of dendritic cells (DC) to promote the polarization of T helper (Th) cells toward a protective Th1 type. The aim of the study was to test potential immunomodulatory approaches to restore the capacity of splenic DC to secrete interleukin (IL) 12 that represents the key cytokine in Th1 cell polarization. Murine polymicrobial sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Splenic DC were isolated at different time points after CLP or sham operation, and stimulated with bacterial components in the presence or absence of neutralizing anti-IL-10 antibodies, murine interferon (IFN) gamma, and/or granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). DC from septic mice showed an impaired capacity to release the pro-inflammatory and Th1-promoting cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-12 in response to bacterial stimuli, but secreted IL-10. Endogenous IL-10 was not responsible for the impaired IL-12 secretion. Up to 6 h after CLP, the combined treatment of DC from septic mice with IFN-gamma and GM-CSF increased the secretion of IL-12. Later, DC from septic mice responded to IFN-gamma and GM-CSF with increased expression of the co-stimulatory molecule CD86, while IL-12 secretion was no more enhanced. In contrast, splenic macrophages from septic mice during late sepsis responded to GM-CSF with increased cytokine release. Thus, therapy of sepsis with IFN-gamma/GM-CSF might be sufficient to restore the activity of macrophages, but fails to restore DC function adequate for the development of a protective Th1-like immune response.

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin operates the infrared beamline IRIS (acronym for Infrarotinitiative Synchrotronstrahlung) at the electron storage ring BESSY II. The beamline is dedicated to both, the in-house energy materials research and the external users with the access via a peer-review process of their scientific proposals. This paper reports on the current status and performance of the beamline with the experimental stations attached. Latest applications of FTS in particular in the field on energy materials will be presented.

The terahertz (THz) and sub-THz region of the electromagnetic spectrum bridges the infrared and the microwave. This boundary region is beyond the normal reach of optical and electronic measurement techniques normally associated with these better-known neighbors. It is only within a decade that the THz region has become scientifically accessible with broadband sources of moderate intensity, produced by ultra-fast laser pulses incident on biased semiconductors or non-linear crystals [1, 2]. Recently, a much higher power source of THz radiation was demonstrated: coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) from short, relativistic electron bunches [3–6].

We report on a polarization modulation apparatus on the infrared microscope of the IRIS beamline at BESSY II for dichroitic measurements with high spatial and temporal resolution. It is comprised of a beam compressor in the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and a linear polarizer and a photoelastic modulator between the spectrometer and the microscope. We show that the spatial resolution of the instrument on thin films of polypropylene is diffraction-limited (10 × 10 μm 2 ) in the mid infrared wavelength range. This new instrumentation makes possible polarization-dependent microspectroscopic studies of the vibrational linear dichroism and hence the preferred molecular orientation in a variety of samples, ranging from synthetic polymers, wood fibres to living cells. The high spatial resolution permits mapping of small and heterogeneous sample areas while the time resolution can be exploited to probe dynamic processes such as the response of a sample to mechanical stress.

Near-field optical elements for free space focussing of terahertz (THz) radiation were studied using analytical and numerical approaches for conical waveguides. One of the most promising candidates, a self-similar logarithmic periodical coupling structure (LPCS) embedded into a conical parabolic waveguide, was further experimentally studied with respect to spectral transmission losses using a scaled model at GHz frequencies. Since both studies confirmed the expected broadband high transmission properties of LPCS structures compared to conventional conical waveguides, a prototype structure for THz frequencies as realized by a X-ray lithography technique is presented. Published by Elsevier B.V.

We present first concepts for obtaining infrared synchrotron radiation at the Metrology Light Source (MLS), the new low-energy electron storage ring of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), the German national metrology institute. The MLS is designed in close cooperation with BESSY and will be located adjacent to the BESSY II facility in Berlin. PTB will use the MLS as a dedicated facility for radiometry and photon metrology in the UV and VUV range and as a primary source standard in the VIS/UV and VUV. Furthermore, synchrotron radiation in the IR range will be used. In order to produce coherent synchrotron radiation in the FIR/THz region provision is taken to operate the MLS in a low-alpha machine optics mode. The present design of the three planned infrared beamlines described here will take advantage of the high brightness, the high flux, and the broadband behavior of the synchrotron radiation source.

A purpose-build infrared spectroscopic ellipsometer is presented that enables to investigate sample areas of less than 1 mm2 with monolayer sensitivity. This sensitivity is achieved for films on metallic as well as on semiconducting substrates. Measurement principle and performance of the instrument are discussed on selected examples and an outline of the currently performed upgrading of the set-up is given.

Infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry performed at the synchrotron infrared beamline at BESSY II facility was compared with measurements carried out using a conventional globar source. Lateral inhomogeneities of a thick free-standing low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film, and their influences on the ellipsometric parameters tan ψ , Δ and the degree of phase polarization were studied. Simulations based on coherent, partially incoherent and incoherent radiation propagation in a thick film are presented along with the measured data.

An experimental setup for polarization-dependent and spectroscopic ellipsometric measurements was developed that utilizes the brilliance of synchrotron infrared radiation at the electron storage ring at BESSY II for investigations of small samples and sample areas. During commissioning of the beamline and the experimental setup, a 1 mm2 piece of a well-characterized polyimide film was studied to show the benefits of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) synchrotron ellipsometry. The band shapes are interpreted with respect to the anisotropic distribution of transition dipole moments within the film. In comparison to a globar source, the signal intensity has been improved by more than one order of magnitude for this example.

The new multipurpose infrared (IR) beamlineat the electron storage ring BESSY IIprovides highly brilliant infrared radiation forstructural and time resolved studies in thebiological and material science. With this facility newresearch possibilities at BESSY are madeavailable to the scientific community.

In shock models, induction of endotoxin tolerance (ET) is known to have a protective effect. The present study was designed to explore if ET is effective in protecting lungs from reperfusion injury. Twelve foxhounds were used as experimental animals. After a left thoracotomy, the left hilum was clamped for 3 h, followed by 8 h of reperfusion. In the treatment group (ET, n = 6), dogs were pretreated with incremental daily endotoxin doses of up to 60 μg/kg on day 6. The ischemia and reperfusion experiment was carried out on day 9. Control group animals ( n = 6) were not subjected to endotoxin. After 8 h of observation, functional parameters of the reperfused lung of the ET and the control group were statistically different ( P < 0.05) with respect to Po2[ET vs. control: 172.7 ± 12.9 vs. 66.1 ± 7.2 (SE) mmHg], compliance (16.0 ± 1.2 vs. 8.3 ± 1.0 ml/0.1 kPa), and the wet-to-dry ratio (9.4 ± 0.8 vs. 16.7 ± 1.2). After 3 h of warm ischemia and 8 h of reperfusion, pulmonary function and lung water content improved in the endotoxin-tolerant group.

Interference fringes in the far infrared spectra of thin films are the result of the coherent adding up of waves and can influence the spectral interpretation by concealing smaller features. A number of methods have been developed in order to eliminate such oscillating features from the transmittance spectrum. The paper critically evaluates the total transmissionreflection technique and applies the method to quantify the spectra of different polymer films

A new set-up for improved monitoring of atmospheric corrosion processes in situ and in real-time is presented. To characterize chemical structures of thin films on metal surfaces surface sensitive analytical techniques are required. One possible technique is Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy (IRRAS) which has become an established method to investigate surface corrosion films of thicknesses less than 200 nm. However, there are limitations related to the sensitivity of these measurements, in case of investigating ultrathin films or absorption bands of interest, surface species are superimposed by atmospheric background absorption, which changes during in situ measurements in ambient atmospheres. These difficulties of in situ surface reflection measurements can be eliminated by availing the polarization selectivity of adsorbed surface species. At grazing angles of incidence the absorption of p-polarized infrared radiation by thin surface films on metals is enhanced, while the absorption of s-polarized light by this film is nearly zero. This different behavior of the polarization properties leads to strong selection rules at the surface and can therefore be used to identify molecules adsorbed on metal surfaces. Polarization Modulation (PM) of the infrared (IR) light takes advantage of this disparity of polarization on sample surfaces and in combination with IRRAS yielding a very sensitive and surface-selective method for obtaining IR spectra of ultra-thin films on metal surfaces. An already existing in situ IRRAS/Quartz Crystal Microbalance weathering cell was combined with PM and evaluated according to its applicability to study in situ atmospheric corrosion processes. First real-time measurements on silver samples exposed to different atmospheres were performed showing the advantage of PM-IRRAS compared to conventional IRRAS for such investigations.

Background: Protection from reperfusion injury by ischemic pre-conditioning (IPC) before prolonged ischemia has been proven for the heart and the liver. We now assess the efficacy of IPC to protect lungs from reperfusion injury. Methods: Eighteen foxhounds (25 to 30 kg) were anesthetized, intubated, and ventilated with a fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.3 at a volume-controlled mode to maintain arterial pCO 2 of 30 to 40 mm Hg. After left thoracotomy, we peformed warm ischemia for 3 hours by clamping the left hilus, and followed with 8 hours of reperfusion (control, n = 6). In the treated groups, IPC was performed either for 5 minutes followed by 15-minute reperfusion ( n = 6, IPC-5), or by 2 successive cycles of 10-minute ischemia, followed by 10-minute reperfusion ( n = 6, IPC-10) before prior to the 3-hours warm-ischemia period. Pulmonary compliance and gas exchange were determined separately for each lung, and we recorded pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics. We performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) at the end of the experiment and determined total protein concentration as well as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) mRNA expression in cell-free supernatant and in BAL cells, respectively. We also assessed the wet/dry ratio of the lung. Results: In the controls, on reperfusion, we encountered a progressive deterioration of gas exchange, especially of the reperfused left lung, which we could largely avoid using the IPC-5 protocol. Similarly, pulmonary compliance steadily declined but was much better in the ICP-5 group. Parallel to the improvement of gas exchange and lung mechanics, we found less total alveolar protein content and TNF-α mRNA expression in BAL cells in the IPC-5 than in the controls. However, we did not find IPC-10 to be paralleled by a significant improvement of lung function. Neither IPC-5 nor IPC-10 influenced the pulmonary vascular resistance index or the fluid accumulation in the lung. Conclusion: The major finding of the present study was that 5 minutes of IPC improved lung function after 3 hours of warm ischemia of the lung.

The absolute intensity distribution of the infrared synchrotron radiation from dipole magnets on the BESSY II storage ring has been measured and the Stokes parameters obtained. Good agreement is found between the measurements and the calculated characteristics using the BESSY WAVE code and the ESRF SRW code. The results are useful for future IR beamline developments.

We investigated the effect of an electric-pulse on the insulator–metal phase transition of VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 films using synchrotron-based infrared microspectroscopy. By monitoring the time-resolved optical response, we could demonstrate that local conducting areas are formed under the influence of the electric-pulse, and the Joule heat generated from the local current flow drives a consecutive thermal phase transition in the adjacent sample area.

The present study was designed to investigate the consequences of isolated unilateral lung contusion on local alveolar and systemic inflammatory responses in an animal model in the pig. Isolated unilateral lung contusion was induced by bolt shot in eight mechanically ventilated animals under general anesthesia (sham: n = 4). Plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were collected during a period of 8 h following lung contusion. Leukocytes, leukocyte neutral protease inhibitor (LNPI), terminal complement complex (TCC), thrombin-antithrombin-complex (TAT) as well as pulmonary microvascular permeability and surfactant function were determined. Within 30 min, lung contusion was found to cause a significant local and systemic increase in TCC and TAT concentrations and a systemic increase in LNPI concentrations. The latter was accompanied by a sequestration of leukocytes in the contused lung. Complement activation and leukocyte sequestration in the contused lung progressively increased during the investigation period. Although surfactant function decreased in the entire lung 30 min after contusion, TCC, TAT, and leukocyte sequestration was unchanged in the contralateral lung. The first indication of an involvement of the contralateral lung was obtained by an increase in leukocyte sequestration 8 h after lung contusion. Unilateral lung contusion initiates an early systemic activation of humoral and cellular defense systems. Involvement of the contralateral lung appears to be a secondary event caused by a systemic inflammatory reaction.

Several attempts have been made to extend time-resolved mid infrared spectroscopy to higher time resolution. Such methods are either limited to specific samples that are cyclic and therefore allow the reaction under investigation to be repeated multiple times in the same manner, or they lack spectral resolution or sufficient signal-to noise ratio. Here, we report on a single-shot spectrometer concept which overcomes the aforementioned limitations utilizing fast linear detector arrays and highly brilliant infrared synchrotron radiation. The spectrometer may find applications, beside others, for the investigation of irreversible cascades of structural alterations in proteins.

We show the concept of a dispersive mid-IR spectrometer to record single-shot spectra in the μs-time range with a high SNR. A linear FPA-detector is combined with a dispersive Fery-prism arrangement. In addition, diffraction limited infrared synchrotron radiation is used to optimally illuminate the entrance aperture of the spectrometer.

In isologous islet transplantation in spontaneously diabetic nonobese (NOD) mice, destruction of the islet graft is caused by recurrence of T helper (Th)1-driven insulitis[fnc,1. We established a model of transplantation in which female NOD recipients were rendered diabetic by a single injection of cyclophosphamide (250 mg/kg). Under these conditions, 500 freshly isolated islets from young NOD mice transplanted under the kidney capsule did not lead to normoglycemia within 3 day after transplantation, but underwent immediate impairment of function. This primary nonfunction was seen in > 80% of the recipients. Treatment of the recipients with the Th2-associated cytokine interleukin (IL)-4 alone did not prevent primary nonfunction, whereas treatment of the recipients with a combination of IL-4 and IL-10 restored immediate function of the grafts. Cytokine treatment did not prevent later rejection of grafts. Histological analysis of the grafts revealed less severely infiltrated islets, with well preserved islet architecture, in only normoglycemic animals treated with IL-4 or with IL-4 and IL-10. Staining for lymphocytes, macrophages, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha did not show differences between the groups, but IFN-gamma was markedly less expressed in IL-4- and IL-10-treated grafts. Concomitantly, analysis of animals treated for 8 days after injection of cyclophosphamide, with IL-4 and IL-10, revealed a reduction of IL-12 mRNA in the pancreas. We conclude from these data that primary nonfunction of islet grafts is prevented by treatment of the recipients with a combination of IL-4 and IL-10, via downregulation of Th1 cytokines.

Natural language is a very intuitive and efficient way to interact with robotic systems and to control mobile multi-robot systems (MRS). Because of this we designed a graphical user interface (GUI) which allows the creation of orders as sentences. The interface allows only sentences in a quasi-natural language that follow production rules and keeps them unambiguous. Because of these properties those sentences can be easily processed by a computer. This concept allows an intuitive input of high level tasks while we avoid natural language processing problems like complex, ambiguous sentences. In this paper we show how those high level tasks can be mapped into basic robot commands. This mapping can require complex conditions, e.g., spatial or temporal constrains, and depends on the capabilities of the MRS. In this paper we focus on how the result of this mapping can be scheduled. We used genetic algorithms to determine which task should be executed by which robot and in what order. A planning algorithm calculates the expected start and end times of every task and tries to satisfy the given constrains.

The optical conductivity $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ of Sr${}_{4}$Ru${}_{3}$O${}_{10}$ has been studied by means of reflectivity measurements between 12 and 300 K both in the $ab$ planes (from 40 to 28 000 cm${}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$) and along the $c$ axis (from 40 to 19 000 cm${}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$). In the far and mid infrared, ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{ab}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ results from a superposition of a Drude term, with a plasma frequency which increases below the ferromagnetic transition at ${T}_{c}=105$ K, and of two bands in the infrared. One is peaked at about 400 cm${}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for $Tl$ 300 K, but softens to 300 cm${}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at room temperature. The other one is peaked at 1300 cm${}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and, below ${T}_{c}$, provides spectral weight to the Drude term, suggesting that it has a magnetic origin. Along the $c$ axis, ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{c}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ is instead that of a good insulator, with phonon peaks whose frequencies ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{ph}}$ regularly increase as $T$ decreases. For the mode at the highest frequency, however, which can be assigned to the apical oxygens of the RuO${}_{6}$ octahedra, both ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{ph}}$ and the intensity ${I}_{\mathrm{ph}}$ have an anomalous behavior below ${T}_{c}$.

Information for situation awareness and management comes from a variety of sources, both device-generated (e.g., sensors) and human-generated. The latter includes databases, ontologies, intelligence reports, open source such as newspaper or television, and, increasingly informal communications such as Twitter or Facebook. Problematic is the fact that all of this information is created or stored in different formats, requiring processing and synthesis by humans. Furthermore, in international settings such as coalition operations, information may be in more than one natural language. Each of these factors makes automatic processing of information difficult, adding complexity and reducing timeliness. Battle Management Language offers a vehicle for automatic processing of information from diverse sources through a standardized representation, which preserves semantic information, while supporting information fusion and situation management.

Two beamlines for the use of InfraRed Synchrotron Radiation (IRSR) are presently working in Italy, at the ELETTRA storage ring in Trieste, and at the collider DAFNE in Frascati. A third facility, SPARC in Frascati, has been equipped for the extraction of Terahertz radiation with the aim to perform pump-probe time-domain experiments. Here we describe those apparata and we review the main results that the Italian groups have obtained therein, in recent years, in solid-state physics. We also describe the experiments performed in collaboration with the storage ring BESSY in Berlin, for the exploitation of Coherent Synchrotron Radiation, and the terahertz beam line recently implemented at SPARC, the Free Electron Laser of Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati

At BESSY a multipurpose infrared (IR) beamline is being built for biological and materials science investigations. It will provide useful IR intensities over the energy range from about 10 000 down to 50 cm−1 and lower. After commissioning the first beamline section in the spring of this year first quantitative measurements on the performance have been made in the near and mid-infrared wavelength region.

Multiferroic LuFe${}_{2}$O${}_{4}$ (LFO) exhibits three-dimensional (3D) charge order below ${T}_{\text{CO}}\ensuremath{\sim}$ 350 K and strong electroresistance (ER) above a static threshold field ${E}_{\mathrm{th}}$. By measuring simultaneously, in LFO single crystals, the dc current and the far-infrared reflectivity along different axes, we do not detect any insulator-to-metal transition above ${E}_{\mathrm{th}}$. Combined current-temperature measurements confirm that the ER is due to self-heating of LFO, as recently reported. The data can be fit by the standard activation law for an intrinsic semiconductor, with a gap value $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ = 0.57 eV. This value is consistent with that of the optical gap reported for LFO in the literature.