Microfabricated rubber microscope using soft solid immersion lenses

We show here a technique of soft lithography to microfabricate efficient solid immersion lenses (SIL) out of rubber elastomers. The light collection efficiency of a lens system is described by its numerical aperture (NA), and is critical for applications as epifluorescence microscopy [B. Herman, Fluorescence Microscopy (BIOS Scientific, Oxford/Springer, United Kingdom, 1998). While most simple lens systems have numerical apertures less than 1, the lenses described here have NA=1.25. Better performance can be engineered though the use of compound designs; we used this principle to make compound solid immersion lenses (NA=1.32). An important application of these lenses will be as integrated optics for microfluidic devices. We incorporated them into a handheld rubber microscope for microfluidic flow cytometry and imaged single E. Coli cells by fluorescence

The model of proteolysis

This document presents the original approach for estimating parameters of proteolysis process. Data used to fit the model are taken from mass
spectrometric experiments. For parameters estimation the Levenberg-Marquadt algorithm is used. The motivation for model is a hypothesis
that discrimination between cancer patients and healthy donors can be based on activity of peptide cleaving enzymes (i.e. peptidases)

Tientos para un análisis del concepto de virtud en Gracián

[Resumen] El artículo ofrece un estudio del concepto de “virtud” en el pensamiento graciano. Se analizan “primores” y “realces” para seguir las huellas del concepto. Después se destacan las diferencias entre los consejos virtuosos de sus primeros tratados y la apuesta de El Criticón, que pone en juego la necesidad y posibilidad de cimentar una ética de la persona.[Abstract] The article presents a study of the concept of “virtue” in Gracián’s Thought. First, “primores” and “realces” are analysed to follow the fingerprints of the concept. Later, we emphasize on the differences between the virtuous advice of his first treaties and the commitment shown in El Criticón, where the necessity and possibility of establishing a person ethics are at stake

Archaeological discoveries at Marsa over the centuries

Marsa lies at the head of the Grand Harbour of Malta nestled between the sea and the town of Hamrun. The vast floodplain lying behind the inner reaches of the harbour is referred to by locals as il-Marsa tal-Ingliżi and covers the area which is currently occupied by the Marsa Sports Club.1 This same floodplain is the largest catchment area of freshwater in the Maltese islands. Large valley systems drain into the floodplain and subsequently into the sea at Marsa. Tonnes of sediment are transported across the plain annually making it the fertile area it is.peer-reviewe

Rabtiet marittimi ta kappelli dedikati lil San Pawl fil-gzejjer Maltin

This chapter has been uploaded both in the English version and the Maltese version.Over the millennia, the three-way relationship between humans, deities and the sea has manifested itself in a variety of ways. Not only does the sea play a pivotal role in ancient mythologies, it has also been looked upon with a sense of awe, fear and wonder. This is true for those travelling on a boat or ship as well as for those standing on the shore looking out to sea. Sudden changes in weather can turn the sea from a smooth, almost soothing scene to one characterized by a fierce and aggressive nature, both powerful and unforgiving. It is therefore unsurprising that powerful and vengeful Gods were often assigned to rule over this unpredictable domain. When undertaking a journey at sea the ancient Greeks would pray to a variety of deities for protection from the wrath of Poseidon who, if offended, could heave misery on seafarers and make their journey fraught with danger and difficulties.peer-reviewe