Low-level Absorption Research Articles

Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Provincial Industrial Convergence Networks in China

Abstract The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China proposed accelerating the promotion of Chinese-style modernization, placing higher requirements on regional economic development. In this context, interregional industrial convergence has become a new driving force for achieving high-quality economic development and regional industrial transformation and upgrading. Using the 2017 interregional input-output table provided by Carbon Emission Accounts and Datasets (CEADs), this study constructs a directed weighted network from both the supply side and the demand side, with “province-industry” as the node and the real flow between industries as the edge weight. Network analysis is used to investigate the overall status of industrial convergence in China, as well as differences according to industry and region. Finally, an exponential random graph model (ERGM) is used to examine the influencing factors and effects of network formation. The results show the following: (1) the industrial convergence relationship between regions in China is transitive and reciprocal, and the overall tendency of the network is one in which output capacity is greater than absorption capacity. (2) The marginal flow of manufacturing and services occupies an absolute advantage in China’s industrial convergence network, in which mid-end manufacturing and producer services are the most prominent. (3) Industrial convergence between provinces has formed a hierarchical spatial layout of “output-conduction-absorption”. In the absorption layer, the breadth and depth of Beijing’s industrial integration are characterized by absorption-dominant development. In the output layer, Shanghai’s capital-intensive industries have a strong external radiation capacity and generally show open-led development. (4) Interregional industrial convergence tends to occur in areas with similar economic levels and output value levels, showing a coordinated development trend of high-level output and low-level absorption, which is also affected by location proximity relationships, regional technology gaps, and employment population gaps. This research shows that China’s inter-provincial industrial convergence network generally shows the characteristics of spatial hierarchy, significant industry differences and multi-factor drivers.

Laser beam welding of brass with combined core and ring beam

Brass represents a large part in the production of components within the copper alloy group. Laser beam welding of this alloy offers great potential for many applications in terms of achievable seam quality and productivity. However, there is a very high tendency of the process for irregular seam surfaces and formation of pores as well as spatters. These are due, among other things, to instabilities of the keyhole, which is favored by the evaporation of the alloy component zinc. Furthermore, near-infrared laser beam wavelength can couple poorly into the material due to the low absorption level of brass, whereas absorption jumps during the melt transition. In recent years, high-brilliance near-infrared laser beam sources with adjustable beam profiles have been developed, to contribute to the stabilization of the keyhole. The presented experimental process investigations are on deep penetration welding of different brass alloys (CuZn37 and CuZn39Pb3). A laser beam source with a power of 6000 W and a combined core and ring beam was used for this purpose. It was found that the process parameters, such as energy per unit length, spot size, and process gas supply, have a significant impact on the resulting weld seam. These parameters were systematically varied. The produced seams were analyzed and evaluated using various methods, including micrograph analysis, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, 3D-computed tomography, and 3D-topography imaging. The results were then correlated with the process parameters. Process parameters that produce high-quality bead-on-plate and butt welds for a sheet thicknesses of 2 mm were determined.

A ‘Turn-On’ Carbamazepine Sensing Using a Luminescent SiO2/-(CH2)3NH2/-C6H5 + Rh6G System

Carbamazepine is a crucial medication used to treat nervous system disorders, and its low level of absorption in the human body suggests that a significant amount of it may be present in sewage water. Consequently, this pioneering research deals with the synthesis and application of a luminescent sensor based on rhodamine 6 G-modified bifunctional silica particles for the determination of carbamazepine. The sensing material was fabricated in one step by the sol–gel technique and the dye was adsorbed onto the surface from an alcohol solution. The composition, morphology and size of functionalized silica particles were determined by physico-chemical methods. The material’s features provide the possibility of its application as a sensing material for carbamazepine determination at a variety of concentrations. The sensor possesses a linear response towards carbamazepine in the concentration range of 0.8–200.0 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 17.9 μM and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 59.7 μM and has demonstrated reliable quantification over a wide range of concentrations, from therapeutic to high fatal concentrations. Additionally, the sensing mechanism has been proposed, which involves the formation of hydrogen bonding between carbamazepine and Rhodamine 6G immobilized bifunctional silica particles.

Laser surface polishing of 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) with different levels of absorption

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) based 3D printed polymer parts have received extensive attention in the industries. However, their high surface roughness due to the intrinsic layer deposition method limits the applicability, necessitating the printed parts' post-processing. Herein, we used colored (white, blue, and gray) 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) parts and investigated the color influence on the laser polishing process in detail. Interestingly, the level of laser absorption at an irradiated wavelength of 1060 nm differed in the order of PLA-gray > PLA-blue > PLA-white. Laser-polished PLA-white samples showed a negligible difference in the arithmetic average surface roughness (Ra) compared to the printed sample, corresponding to the low absorption level and melting behavior. On the other hand, the laser-polished PLA-blue sample exhibited a 96.4 % reduction in Ra value at a laser power of 15 W. The PLA-gray sample showed a 98.6 % reduction at 3 W. The Ra variation of the laser-polished samples confirmed a dramatic surface roughness improvement that could be made by controlling laser processing parameters and varying light absorption levels of the colored PLA substrates. Besides, PLA-blue and PLA-gray samples had different polishing conditions; Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, thermal studies, and finite element model simulation results confirmed the polishing and melting behavior of the PLA samples. The comparative experimental results followed by statistical analysis also showed the significant effect of PLA color and laser parameters such as the power and scan speed. Through the advantages of the highly improved laser finishing results with optimal process parameters considering the different light absorption, this approach will broaden the application of efficient laser polishing of 3D printed materials.

Enabling rotary atomic layer deposition for optical applications.

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been proven as an excellent method for depositing high-quality optical coatings due to its outstanding film quality and precise process control. Unfortunately, batch ALD requires time-consuming purge steps, which leads to low deposition rates and highly time-intensive processes for complex multilayer coatings. Recently, rotary ALD has been proposed for optical applications. In this, to the best of our knowledge, novel concept, each process step takes place in a separate part of the reactor divided by pressure and nitrogen curtains. To be coated, substrates are rotated through these zones. During each rotation, an ALD cycle is completed, and the deposition rate depends primarily on the rotation speed. In this work, the performance of a novel rotary ALD coating tool for optical applications is investigated and characterized with S i O 2 and T a 2 O 5 layers. Low absorption levels of <3.1p p m and <6.0p p m are demonstrated at 1064nm for around 186.2nm thick single layers of T a 2 O 5 and 1032nm S i O 2, respectively. Growth rates up to 0.18nm/s on fused silica substrates were achieved. Furthermore, excellent non-uniformity is also demonstrated, with values reaching as low as ±0.53% and ±1.07% over an area of 135×60m m for T a 2 O 5 and S i O 2, respectively.

Low frequency photoacoustic optical absorption measurement of aerosols

Atmospheric optical absorption, including the contribution from aerosols, is important in modeling optical propagation and for climate research. An open-celled photoacoustic aerosol sensing system was developed to operate at 150 Hz for measurement of absorption aerosols up to 3 microns in diameter with the design goal to achieve a sensitivity adequate to measure an absorption corresponding to a 1/e optical absorption length of 1 Mm. The advantage of a photoacoustic system is that it measures optical absorption only and is not sensitive to optical extinction due to scattering at low absorption levels. The system was calibrated against an existing black carbon absorption measurement unit made by Droplet Measurement Technologies, which operates at a shorter optical wavelength and higher acoustic frequency. With previous work focusing on measuring optical absorption by black carbon aerosols [J.A. Case and R.W. Smith,182nd meeting of the Acoustical Society of America in Denver, CO (5aPA)], this work covers measuring absorption by wet salt solutions of similar salt concentration to that oceanic aerosols. Experiments with the current system showed an anomalous photoacoustic signal appearing in the absence of any aerosols. Several solutions to eliminating the unwanted signal from the desired measurement are proposed and tested.

Synthesis of selenium nanoparticles with the use of "green" technologies

Traditional selenium supplements are usually highly toxic and have low levels of absorption, so developing systems that are using selenium compounds as a carrier to increase the bioavailability of the element and control its release in the body is extremely important. Nano-sized selenium is of great interest as a dietary supplement, especially in selenium-deficient states, as well as as a therapeutic agent without significant adverse effects. Emphasis is placed on the incorporation of nanotechnologi cal applications, the study of an effective route of administration, and generalized knowledge about selenium nanoparticles, their biological effects and advantages, and mechanisms of absorption. Nanotechnical modifications of nanoparticles, the use of SeNPs as a nutritional supplement, and the effects they exert on the body are considered. Various methods for the synthesis of SeNPs are considered. The study focuses on the problems of traditional forms of dietary selenium and the benefits of SeNPs. The mechanisms of nanoparticles passage through the intestinal mucosa and the features of their oral administration are elucidated. The presented materials prove that the importance of Selenium lays on regulation in the composition of selenoproteins of many physiological processes, influence on the productive and reproductive properties. Correction of selenium content in the diet prevents a number of selenium deficiency diseases, and selenium in nano form is most appropriate for use because of its high bioavailability and low toxicity, which is especially relevant for ruminants. Further preclinical and clinical studies in vitro and in vivo will enable the development of novel nanopreparative systems for transport in selenium, alter the physicochemical properties of SeNPs, increase their stability in the gastrointestinal tract for controlled release of the element to provide dietary and therapeutic benefits. Key words: nanoparticles, selenium, biomedicine, oxidative stress, biomedical application of nanoparticles.

Pengelolaan Asset Daerah Dengan Minimalisasi “Expected Opportunity Loss”

Good asset management will contribute greatly to local governments in improving public services. On the other hand, if the management is bad, it will also have a bad impact on the local government. The purpose of this study is to determine the amount of potential lost from assets, constraints in asset management and how to minimize expected opportunity loss in regional asset management. This type of research is a qualitative research with an exploratory level. This means that this study aims to explore broadly about the causes or things that cause something to happen and we don't know yet. The object of this research is the expected opportunity loss in the management of regional assets of the Regional Secretary of Central Java Province. The results showed that EOL in the management of regional assets by the Regional Secretary of Central Java Province through BPKAD fluctuated. EOL in asset management is as follows: 4% in 2019, 30% in 2020 and 17% in 2021 of all potential asset revenues of the Central Java Provincial Government. The EOL level is quite high compared to the target number and total assets owned by the Central Java Provincial Government, resulting in the emergence of expected opportunity loss in terms of regional asset management. The expected opportunity loss condition is due to the low level of absorption of realization of regional asset management income, resulting in arrears from the tenants and due to the impact of covid, some tenants can only pay in 2022.

Bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of β-carotene loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) from binary mixtures of palm stearin and palm olein

β-carotene (βC) is an essential nutrient for health. It is a potent antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory substance. However, βC has high hydrophobicity property, indicating a low absorption level in the digestive tract. The bioavailability of βC is reasonably low. Lipid-based delivery systems such as nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) potentially can help to overcome this problem. This research evaluated the bioaccessibility of the nanostructured mixture of palm stearin (PS) and palm olein (PO) and the antioxidant activity of βC in the structure. β-carotene bioaccessibility was studied by measuring the micellization during in vitro digestion. Antioxidants activity was measured by 2.2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 2, 2 – diphenyl -1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reduction methods. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion model indicated that nanostructured lipid carrier enhanced bioaccessibility and antioxidants activity of βC. This suggests that the formulated NLC system can be used effectively to deliver lipophilic bioactive such as βC in beverage products.

Mass spectrometric study of the leak tightness of products made of technical sintered beryllium

Beryllium products exhibiting a low level of absorption of the radiation energy are widely used in scientific instrumentation design (x-ray technology, radiation detectors, etc.). We present the results of studying the leak tightness of products (disks, plates) made of technical sintered beryllium of standard purity and foil obtained by «warm» rolling from high-purity beryllium. The relevant standards and requirements for testing are given. The leak tightness control was performed using mass spectrometric helium leak detectors with forevacuum backing pumps (oil and dry diaphragm pumps) and specialized vacuum equipment. The parameters of tightness of samples made of technical sintered beryllium were determined. The level of the helium signal during blowing was (0.6 – 7.4) × 10–11 Pa · m3/sec, which corresponds to the tightness standard of foreign analogues and matches the requirements of domestic manufacturers of x-ray equipment. The data spread tended to increase due to the growth of the background value. The obtained results can be used to improve high-tech equipment intended for flaw detection, medical devices, rapid analysis of ore raw materials, radiation safety equipment, etc.

���������� ������� ������������� ��������� � ������ ���������� ����� �� ������������ �� ���������������� ��������� ���� ��������� �����������

Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu. is a perennial herbaceous introduced energy hybrid plant whose biomass is used after processing to a solid or liquid biofuel. The plant is characterized by a relatively low level of absorption of pollutants from the soil by vegetative organs, as its well-developed root system acts as a buffer, helps to stabilize pollutants in the soil and prevents their further spread. Sustainable Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu.(M. × giganteus) growth on contaminated with heavy metals and other хenobiotiсs soil depends on its adaptive performance, including establishment rate, resistance to stressors. The one way to address this issue is the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs), namely Stimpo and Regoplant with micromycete Cylindrocarpon obtusiusculum (Sacc.) U. Braun, whose metabolites are the active substance. The objective of this laboratory study was to evaluate possibility to cultivate Cylindrocarpon obtusiusculum on Chapek’s medium with replacing of hydrocarbon component glucose to chipper one – lactose or starch for further production of Stimpo and Regoplant and testing its growth stimulating activity on M. giganteus. The results showed that the most suitable for the growth and accumulation of biomass of C. obtusiusculum was the Chapek media, which includes starch. The mean growth rate of C. obtusiusculum was in 2.3-fold higher on 8th day of cultivation compared to growth on glucose medium and in 3.3-fold higher than growth on lactose medium. It was found that on the 6th day of growth the concentration of biomass accumulaed by the strain was higher on the medium with a single carbon source – starch with value of2.47 g/l, respectively. On the Chapek medium with glucose and lactose, the biomass concentration was twice as low. Obtained results indicated the possibility of replacing glucose – a valuable carbon sources of Chapek’s medium with starch as a cheaper ingredient for PGRs production. Cultivation of C. obtusiusculum with a change in carbohydrate source did not affect the morphological characteristics and development of spore-bearing cultures. On the medium with starch the growth acceleration and formation of mycelial fungal metabolites was observed, which were used further to obtain of the culture fluid and PGRs Stimpo and Regoplant. Their growth – sti- mulating activity against giant miscanthus was revealed, namely the positive influence on the indicators of Miscanthus establishment and growth rate. The statistical analysis conformed that source of сarbon and type of PGRs effect the length of roots and aerial part of Miscanthus sprouts(Radj2 = 0.91 and Radj2 = 0.87 respectively).

Élelmiszerek ásványi anyag tartalma : Alumínium az élelmiszerekben

The paper deals with questions of aluminium, which concentration can be significant in plants, although it is not an essential element. The concentration of aluminium of tea leaves is extremely high. The concentration of aluminium of plants strongly depends on the pH-value of the soil, if the level of acidity in the soil is high, the Al-content of the soil-solution is also high, causing P-deficiency for plants. The intake of aluminium of the humans is a function of the ratio of consumption of plant and animal origin foodstuffs. The aluminium content of animal origin foodstuffs – because of low level absorption rate of aluminium is rather low – so the concentration range of milk of aluminium is low. After the macroelements the aluminium is the metallic micro element which it’s daily intake generally the highest in the human diet, approximately between 30 and 50 mg. The too high aluminium uptake in the diet can produce various healthy disorders in the human body, and probably there is a connection between Al-intake and Alzheimer-disease and the old age dementia, as well (The association between aluminium uptake and Alzheimer’s disease is disputed by several sources in the literature; the Editor).

Enhanced visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation supported by Au-TiO2 coral-needle nanoparticles

The unique of coral-needle nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared via a liquid chemical reaction and mediation technique to develop the eco-synthesis of Au-TiO2. Based on this study, Au-TiO2 has a high-performance compared with TiO2 for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) organic compound under visible light irradiation which evidenced by the optical properties of each product. Au-TiO2 CNPs has high-response of absorption activity in the visible light area in a range of 555–600 nm, whereas the activity of TiO2 remains a low-level absorption. Also, the successful decoration of Au exhibits that the Au-TiO2 CNPs has gives the sparkling morphologically effect and dramatically for plasmonic photocatalytic with the CNPs structure. We also testing photocatalytic activity that the increase of repetition the Au coated onto TiO2 is rationalized for high-sensitivity degradation of MO organic compound under visible light irradiation with % degradation of ∼36 % for 120 min. This study can provide useful new information about the design for the Au-TiO2 plasmonic photocatalysts for solar-to-chemical transformations.

Durability and Performance of Ferrocement Infill Wall Panel

Ferrocement is composed of cement mortar reinforced with small diameter closely spaced steel wire mesh to form a thin section conforming high performance of serviceability. The present study investigates the performance of ferrocement panels focused on the mechanical properties, water absorption and durability. A series of specimens were cast with single and double mesh layers. Flexural performance was carried out following sixty days in temperature cycle and in corrosion cell. These results was compared with the controlled sample. The test results shows that the flexural strength performance was reduced by 52% and 35% for single and double layer wire mesh samples respectively followed by corrosion environment. First crack load also changed after completion of sixty temperature cycles. This load is 27.3%, 42.3% and 31.8% of failure load for controlled sample, sample in room air after every temperature cycle and samples in room air following quenching after every temperature cycle respectively for single mesh layer sample, and for double mesh layer sample these values are 38.9%, 30.1% and 17.7%. Early first crack is found for the samples following quenching and cooled in room air; however, both types of samples are in low absorption level. This data represents that double layer mesh specimen exhibits better when compared to single layer mesh specimen in strength and corrosion parameters.

Metabolic profile of the masked mycotoxin T-2 toxin-3-glucoside in rats (in vitro andin vivo) and humans (in vitro)

The metabolic profile of T-2 toxin-3-glucoside (T2-Glc) in humans and rats was investigated using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF). When rat and human liver microsomes were incubated with T2-Glc, a total of five metabolites were detected. T2-Glc exposed a higher metabolic stability in rats and human than T-2 toxin (T-2). The metabolism of T2-Glc by the intestinal microbiota of human and rats was also investigated, and three metabolites were observed. T2-Glc was reconverted to T-2 during incubation with fresh faeces. Furthermore,in vivo metabolism of T2-Glc in rats after oral administration was carried out, and three metabolites were detected in rat urine and faeces (T-2, HT-2 toxin and 3'-OH-T2-Glc).In vivo metabolism results indicated that T2-Glc was mainly metabolised in the gastro-intestinal tract with a low absorption level in rats. The results demonstrated that hydroxylation (C-3' and C-4'), hydrolysis (C-4 and C-8) and deconjugation are the main metabolic pathways of T2-Glc in mammals.

Low FODMAP diet: a potential treatment of functional abdominal pain in children.

A child's diet has an important impact on their quality of life, and with functional gastrointestinal disorders becoming an increasing issue, a child's diet has become recognised as an area to be investigated in how to treat such disorders. Katarzyna Miroslawa Boradyn and Katarzyna Eufemia Przybylowicz from the University of Warmia and Mazury explore the potential of a low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) diet as an effective treatment for these disorders.Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are one of the most prevalent disorders diagnosed by paediatricians.[1] Within this wide range, functional abdominal pain (FAP) is a disorder particularly common among school-age children and it can substantially affect their quality of life.[2] A child's diet has a significant influence on the occurrence of symptoms.[1] So far, previously tested therapies have not provided an effective treatment that would alleviate the symptoms and improve the microbiota.[2] Researchers from Monash University in Australia developed a diet based on the elimination, or at least a reduction, of foods high in FODMAP. These compounds are characterised by high resistance to digestion, low level of absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and long fermentation in the gut.[1],[3] Depending on the type of sugar, FODMAPs are found in various foods. Fructo-oligosaccharides are contained among others in wheat, rye, onions, garlic and artichokes and galacto-oligosaccharides are a component of legumes. Lactose is mainly found in milk and other dairy products. The richest food sources of fructose are honey, apples, pears, watermelon and mango; and of sorbitol are: stone fruits, apples, pears and sugar-free mints/gum. Mannitol is found in sugar-free mints/gum and is also one of the components in mushrooms and cauliflower.[4]Existing evidence suggests that the use of a low FODMAP diet is associated with the reduction of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease and coexisting functional symptoms.[3],[4] Moreover, an experimental study in children confirmed that a low FODMAP diet reduced abdominal pain in children with IBS by 50%.[1] Interestingly, to our knowledge, no previous studies have investigated the impact of low FODMAP diet in children with FAP.Currently, two approaches have been suggested in planning a low FODMAP diet: bottom-up and top-down. The bottom-up method allows you to specify the patient's limit of FODMAP and is a gradual elimination of single products (or groups of products) from the diet until the symptoms have been alleviated. This progressive method can be applied in (1) patients who have not been diagnosed with IBS, but experience symptoms affecting their life quality; (2) patients who have already started elimination of other components from their diet; or (3) patients who struggle to follow a diet low in FODMAP. …

Performance of discrete wavelet technique in the de-noising of noisy spectrum in the mid-infrared region near 4.5 µm

We applied discrete wavelet transform (DWT) technique for de-noising of carbon monoxide (CO) spectrum which is experimentally obtained in the mid-infrared region using a difference-frequency-based spectrometer. The performance of DWT is firstly examined by de-noising of a simulated P(16) CO absorption line based on the real data associated with the experimental setup we arranged in laboratory. It is found that when the db20 function from Daubechie wavelet family is used at level 7 of composition, highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ~23 can be achieved. Similar results are obtained in the experiment in which a noisy CO trace is de-noised using the same procedure as described in the simulation. Subsequently, highest SNR of ~9.2 and lowest residuals is experimentally obtained using the db20 function which confirms the merit of DWT technique in detection of low-level absorption signals.

Retracted: Synthesis, Characterization, and In vitro Studies of PLGA–PEG Nanoparticles for Oral Insulin Delivery

Therapeutic proteins and peptides are corresponding to a major area of research in biotechnology companies and current pharmaceutical. Because of their natural instability, the enormous majority of these drugs require parentéral administration. Oral insulin delivery would be a highly attractive alternative process of administration, though it continues to be a mysterious target due to the enzymatic digestion of insulin and low levels of absorption from the gastrointestinal region. Hydrogel polymers can be considered as potential carriers for oral insulin delivery. In particular, a pH responsive hydrogel composed of PLGA-PEG has shown the ability to protect insulin from enzymes in the gastric environment and release in small intestines. However, this material has not shown similar potential for oral protein delivery of further model drugs. To date, the unique interaction between PLGA-PEG and insulin, as a potential drug for oral delivery, is not completely understood. The focus of this research is synthetization and characterization of hydrogels PLGA-PEG insulin nanoparticles and also pH sensitivity of insulin nanoparticles was investigated.

Music-induced analgesia in chronic pain: Efficacy and assessment through a primary-task paradigm

Research into music-induced analgesia, the ability of music to affect the perception of pain, has under-represented the non-acute, chronic pain population. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the impact of music listening on chronic pain. In order to extend questionnaire-based approaches of pain assessment, a computerized visual search task was used before and after music listening as an objective measure of pain-related cognitive processing difficulties. Twenty-three participants (chronic pain sufferers or age/gender matched controls) listened to music for 28 days. Questionnaire-based results indicated that music listening consistently reduced pain intensity, unpleasantness and anxiety levels in the short term. However, there were no long-term or cumulative changes in pain relief or anxiety, with participant ratings at baseline comparable to those at 28 days. Visual search task performance demonstrated that chronic pain sufferers showed pain-related cognitive processing inhibitions on the target deviations demanding the greatest processing capacity. This suggests that, though music-induced analgesia was demonstrated through reduced pain ratings, chronic pain continued to interfere with cognitive processing. Durability of music-induced analgesia is therefore likely to be time-limited and hindered by pain-related attentional disruption, reduced engagement and low absorption levels. Explanations of results and suggestions for alternative objective measures of music listening interventions are offered.

Excimer laser ablation of thick SiOx-films: Etch rate measurements and simulation of the ablation threshold

Excimer laser ablation of 4.5 μm thick SiOx-films with x ≈ 1 is investigated at 193 nm, 248 nm, and 308 nm. Strong absorption enables precisely tunable removal depths. The ablation rates correlate with laser penetration depths calculated from low level absorption coefficients. The experimental ablation thresholds are in agreement with numerical simulations on the basis of linear absorption and one-dimensional heat flow. This behaviour is similar to that of strongly UV-absorbing polymers, leading to well controllable micro machining prospects. After laser processing, SiOx can be converted to SiO2, opening a route to laser based fabrication of micro optical components.