Microscopic World Research Articles

On the Explanation of Born-Rule Statistics in the de Broglie-Bohm Pilot-Wave Theory

The de Broglie-Bohm pilot-wave theory promises not only a realistic description of the microscopic world (in particular, a description in which observers and observation play no fundamental role) but also the ability to derive and explain aspects of the quantum formalism that are, instead, (awkwardly and problematically) postulated in orthodox versions of quantum theory. Chief among these are the various “measurement axioms” and in particular the Born rule expressing the probability distribution of measurement outcomes. Compared to other candidate non-orthodox quantum theories, the pilot-wave theory suffers from something of an embarrassment of riches in regard to explaining the Born rule statistics, in the sense that there exist, in the literature, not just one but two rather compelling proposed explanations. This paper is an attempt to critically review and clarify these two competing arguments. We summarize both arguments and also survey some objections that have been given against them. In the end, we suggest that there is somewhat less conflict between the two approaches than existing polemics might suggest, and that indeed elements from both arguments may be combined to provide a unified and fully-compelling explanation, from the postulated dynamical first principles, of the Born rule.

Breaking the Axial Diffraction Limit: A Guide to Axial Super‐Resolution Fluorescence Microscopy

AbstractOptical microscopy is a powerful tool for understanding the fundamentals of the microscopic world. However, for centuries its resolving ability remained limited by the optical diffraction limit. Super‐resolution fluorescence microscopy (SRFM) has been introduced to break the diffraction limit and significantly expand the fields in which optical microscopy can be applied. Unfortunately, SRFM contributes little towards axial resolution enhancement, rendering observation of the axial and three‐dimensional structures of biological tissues difficult; this may yield a misunderstanding of intracellular interactions. Based on the existing literature, the development of axial SRFM is still behind that of lateral SRFM. In light of this, this Review presents a comprehensive summary of the principles, development, characteristics, and applications of existing techniques for improving the axial resolution. This Review will provide a guide to researchers and promote further development of related technology.

Prospects for Fluorescence Nanoscopy.

Overcoming Abbe's diffraction limit has been a challenging task and one of great interest for biological investigations. The emergence of fluorescence nanoscopy circumvents the diffraction barrier with nearly limitless power for optical microscopy, which enables investigations of the microscopic world in the 1-100 nm range. Proposed variants, such as expansion microscopy (ExM), stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED), and Airyscan, are innovative in three aspects: sampling, illumination, and detection. These techniques show increasing strength in bioimaging subcellular structures. In this Perspective, we highlight advances in and prospects of fluorescence nanoscopy.

The Ultimate Rationality of Taekwondo Practice Within the Flow of Qi (氣) of Hyegang’s Theory of Qi (氣學) and the Complementarity Theory of the Microscopic World

The Ultimate Rationality of Taekwondo Practice Within the Flow of Qi (氣) of Hyegang’s Theory of Qi (氣學) and the Complementarity Theory of the Microscopic World

Interactive 3D Graphs Alongside Atomic Resolution Macromolecular Structures in the VR Space

Virtual reality (VR) viewing of experimentally determined macromolecular 3D structures, at the atomic level resolution, represents closest to reality and most accurate visualization of microscopic molecular world to date. We used NanoPro Life Science (Nanome Inc.) VR software as a currently developing platform to create graphical visualization for results of pairwise analyses of liganded and apo 3D X-ray structures of alpha/beta hydrolase fold and related proteins. Interactive, movable 3D graphs were created to identify interaction matrices between amino acid residues revealed only upon ligand binding. Analyses of both covalent and reversible, small ligand molecule binding relationships were facilitated when displayed alongside corresponding 3D X-ray structures of studied macromolecules at the atomic resolution. Owing to facile manipulation in the VR space and facilitated perception of complex graphical intermolecular relationships, revelation and understanding of intramolecular residue networks controlling macromolecular function was rapid. This was in spite of thousands of interacting points given in the each 3D graph. Application of this valuable tool to VR visualization of pairwise analysis of structurally diverse macromolecules will be discussed. 3D graphs were developed in the .pdb file format allowing for their display and investigation in practically any molecular visualization environment, as well as in the cutting edge, VR visualization of the macromolecular world. Support or Funding Information This work was supported by the CounterACT Program, National Institutes of Health Office of the Director, Grant R21 NS098998 from NINDS. This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Shamanic Microscopy: Cellular Souls, Microbial Spirits

AbstractIn Amerindian ontologies, hallucinations or visions, rather than being dismissed as delusions or symbolic constructs, are recognized as means of perceptual access to physical reality. Lowland South American shamans claim to be able to diagnose and treat infectious diseases, and to assess the status of wildlife resources through interactions with pathogenic agents perceived in visions. This essay examines some perceptual capabilities that shamans might be employing to explore their physical reality. The structure of the eye affords a form of microscopy of retinal structures and of objects flowing within them, including cells and microbial agents during systemic infection. Lowland South American shamanic practices involve optical and physiological conditions that optimize entoptic microscopy. Images of those visions display the characteristic features of shadow formation, confirming their microscopic origin. This phenomenological access to the microscopic world and similarities with the panorama depicted by current microbiology indicate the commensurability of these forms of knowledge.

An alternative expression to the Sackur-Tetrode entropy formula for an ideal gas

An expression for the entropy of a monoatomic classical ideal gas is known as the Sackur-Tetrode equation. This pioneering investigation about 100 years ago incorporates quantum considerations. The purpose of this paper is to provide an alternative expression for the entropy in terms of the Heisenberg uncertainty relation. The analysis is made on the basis of fluctuation theory, for a canonical system in thermal equilibrium at temperature T. This new formula indicates manifestly that the entropy of macroscopic world is recognized as a measure of uncertainty in microscopic quantum world. The entropy in the Sackur-Tetrode equation can be re-interpreted from a different perspective viewpoint. The emphasis is on the connection between the entropy and the uncertainty relation in quantum consideration.

Micro/Nanomachines and Living Biosystems: From Simple Interactions to Microcyborgs

AbstractMiniaturization of machines into the micro/nanoscale is an essential ingredient toward better understanding and control of the microscopic world. As an emerging research area, micro/nanomachines have attracted substantial efforts of researchers from multiple disciplines. Mimicking the biological machines in nature, artificial micro/nanomachines are becoming increasingly sophisticated so that they can serve as useful tools to address problems encountered in the intricate biosystems. This review highlights the recent efforts for and toward application of micro/nanomachines in living biosystems, including microorganisms, biological cells, and human body. With progressive steps toward translating micro/nanomachines research into practice, using these tiny machines to tackle thorny problems in biosystems may not only exist in the Hollywood science fiction film.

Stories with microorganisms…

Abstract Microorganisms, usually invisible for us, accompany us always and everywhere. Often we do not realize how decisive its impact on our lives is, how much we use their presence, which of our troubles are the result of their actions, and also how surprising effects result from their activity. Microorganisms also very often play a decisive role in the development of societies, politics and history. One of the most spectacular interventions of micro-organisms in human history include the example of a false “oil fever” that exploded in Australia in the second half of the nineteenth century. It was even more significant to redirect Europe's history in the new direction as a result of the “black death” epidemic in the fourteenth century. Microorganisms have created social conditions for the transition to the next epoch - renaissance, which forms the basis of today's shape. Because of the microorganisms J.F. Kennedy could have been in the 1960 President of the United States of America and to direct her development in the new direction and to stop Khrushchev's expansion into the second hemisphere. Microorganisms, not leaders and generals, won battles and wars. It was Rikketsia prowazeki, not the genius of the opponents, that broke Napoleon's power in Europe. Microorganisms fight disease, improving quality of life and prolonging its period. They allowed to control rabies and numerous infectious diseases. In the economy for the cause of microorganisms, powerful monopolies fell. Bacteria were also used to protect civilians in Poland during World War II. There are many similar stories to tell, stories in which microorganisms play an essential role. But would these stories be about microorganisms only? Or perhaps about people who were fascinated by the microscopic world of microbes discovered his secrets, meaning and ... beauty.

Direct Exfoliation of High‐Quality, Atomically Thin MoSe2 Layers in Water

AbstractThe discovery of 2D materials has brought us to a conceptually new, wonderful microscopic world. Large surface areas combined with extraordinary electronic, electrochemical, and thermal properties make these atomically thin, layered materials fascinating candidates for diverse applications, ranging from sensing to energy storage and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. However, it is essential to solve the problem of scalable and green production of 2D materials before being able to bring them from laboratory to industry. In this sense, the exfoliation of 2D materials in water, free from any stabilizer, is very important since it is a gateway technology toward their production as well as future applications. This Communication reports the direct exfoliation of atomically thin MoSe2 layers in water, which bypasses the Hansen solubility parameters theory and suggests potential for liquid‐phase exfoliation of 2D materials. A combination of long‐time sonication and high‐speed centrifugation results in a substantial fraction of monolayers. When applied in the field of electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution, these atomically thin MoSe2 layers can significantly outperform bulk MoSe2. The finding may point towards industrial scale production of 2D materials by simultaneously ensuring high product quality, laudable monolayer yield, and good environmental compatibility.

Dependence of the sliding distance of a one-dimensional atom chain on initial velocity

In our daily lives, a body with a high initial velocity sliding freely on a rough surface moves a longer distance than that with a low initial velocity. However, such a phenomenon may not occur in the microscopic world. The dynamical behavior of a one-dimensional atom chain (1DAC) sliding on a substrate is investigated in this study by using a modified Frenkel–Kontorova model, in which the vibration of atoms on the substrate is considered. The dependence of sliding distance on initial velocity is examined. Result shows that although sliding distance is proportional to the initial value for most velocities, such a linear relation does not exist in some special velocities. This phenomenon is explained by a theoretical analysis of phonon excitation. The physical process is divided into three stages. The first stage is a superlubric sliding process with small amplitude of the vibrication of the atoms. The single-mode phonon is excited in the second stage. In the third stage, the system exhibits instability because of multiple-mode phonon excitations. In addition, the dependence of the coupling strength between 1DAC and the substrate is investigated. The findings are helpful in understanding the energy dissipation mechanism of friction.

Coloring Books

Book Review| November 01 2017 Coloring Books Life Under the Lens: A Scientific Colouring Book. By Jennifer Delaney. 2017. Jennifer Delaney. (ISBN 9781999742201). 102 pp. Paperback. $10.00. Kania Greer Kania Greer 1kagreer@georgiasouthern.edu Institute for Interdisciplinary STEM Education 1332 Southern Drive Statesboro, GA 30458 Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar The American Biology Teacher (2017) 79 (9): 781. https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2017.79.9.781b Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Kania Greer; Coloring Books. The American Biology Teacher 1 November 2017; 79 (9): 781. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2017.79.9.781b Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentThe American Biology Teacher Search Life Under the Lens is a beautifully hand-drawn book of coloring and information pages that highlight the simple beauties of microscopic views of the world. Jennifer Delaney opens the book by sharing her own perspective on the binding ties between science and art. Intended as both a “field guide to the microscopic world and a therapeutic colouring book,” Life Under the Lens captures the structure and form of some of the smallest things on Earth in a way that captivates and entertains. The pictures are beautifully rendered and stylized, but also supported with short vignettes that introduce and highlight understandings of the organisms in each image. Covering everything from bacteria to pond-dwellers, plants to microscopic animals, it is a visual delight for anyone who loves science and loves to color. If you are looking for an adult coloring book for yourself, or one that would even be appropriate for young... You do not currently have access to this content.

Schrödinger's Cat: Where Does The Entanglement Come From?

Schrödinger's cat is one of the most striking paradoxes of quantum mechanics that reveals the counterintuitive aspects of the microscopic world. Here, I discuss the paradox in the framework of quantum information. Using a quantum networks formalism, I analyse the information flow between the atom and the cat. This reveals that the atom and the cat are connected only through a classical information channel: the detector clicks → the poison is released → the cat is killed. No amount of local operations and classical communication can entangle the atom and the cat, which are initially in a separable state. This casts a new light on the paradox.Quanta 2017; 6: 57–60.

Avogadro Program for Chemistry Education: To What Extent can Molecular Visualization and Three-dimensional Simulations Enhance Meaningful Chemistry Learning?

In developing this study, we hypothesized that the integration of computerized techniques and modeling tools into traditional face-to-face instruction can produce a better hybrid model of teaching, capable of motivating students and improving their attitude toward science in general, and toward chemistry in particular. We tested how molecular visualizations and three-dimensional simulations affect students’ conceptual understanding of chemistry and their attitudes toward learning chemistry. During the academic year 2016-2017, we incorporated Avogadro software into teaching and tested how it affected students’ performance on chemistry exams in their courses. The difference in average scores between the two groups (8.2 points for the experimental group and 6.4 points for the control group) was significant. Student feedback following the initiative was positive and encouraging. Most students indicated that learning chemistry with Avogadro was extremely helpful, bringing the microscopic world of molecules closer to them, and they felt that they would like to see such software integrated into their chemistry studies from day one. Other parameters will be tested in continuation of this study, such as students' attitudes toward learning chemistry and their inquiry skills.

Visualizing the Microscopic World.

Visualization can be a motivating way of teaching students about the microscopic world. This can become even more exciting if the information is based on accurate computational results rather than on crude approximations that eventually might create unreal alternative perceptions. Here, we report on a VMD plug-in, named vmdMagazine, which can turn computational simulations into stunning high-impact video presentations, suitable for classes/lectures and even conferences. The software will help students/audience to understand atoms and molecules better and learn to like them. The present paper is meant to give a general idea of the software's potential, showing how it works and how it can be used for educational purposes. The software is freely available at: http://www.fc.up.pt/PortoBioComp/database/doku.php?id=vmdmagazine .

Particle-based modeling of heterogeneous chemical kinetics including mass transfer.

Connecting the macroscopic world of continuous fields to the microscopic world of discrete molecular events is important for understanding several phenomena occurring at physical boundaries of systems. An important example is heterogeneous catalysis, where reactions take place at active surfaces, but the effective reaction rates are determined by transport limitations in the bulk fluid and reaction limitations on the catalyst surface. In this work we study the macro-micro connection in a model heterogeneous catalytic reactor by means of stochastic rotation dynamics. The model is able to resolve the convective and diffusive interplay between participating species, while including adsorption, desorption, and reaction processes on the catalytic surface. Here we apply the simulation methodology to a simple straight microchannel with a catalytic strip. Dimensionless Damkohler numbers are used to comment on the spatial concentration profiles of reactants and products near the catalyst strip and in the bulk. We end the discussion with an outlook on more complicated geometries and increasingly complex reactions.

Is there a connection between “dark” and “light” physics?

In the early-mid 20th century Dirac and Zel’dovich were among the first scientists to suggest an intimate connection between cosmology and atomic physics. Though a revolutionary proposal for its time, Dirac’s Large Number Hypothesis (1937) adopted a standard assumption of the day, namely, the non-existence of the cosmological constant term (Λ = 0). As a result, its implementation necessitated extreme violence to the theory of general relativity – something few physicists were prepared to sacrifice in favour of ‘numerology’ – requiring a time-dependent gravitational coupling of the form G(t) ∼ 1/t. Zel’dovich’s insight (1968) was to realise that a small but nonzero cosmological term (Λ > 0) allowed the present day radius of the Universe to be identified with the de Sitter radius, , which removed the need for time-dependence in the fundamental couplings. Thus, he obtained the formula Λ ≃ m6G2/ℏ4, where m is a mass scale characterising the relative strengths of the gravitational and electromagnetic interactions, which he identified with the proton mass mp. In this paper, we review a number of recent arguments which, instead, suggest the identification m = me/αe, where me is the electron mass and αe = e2/ℏc ≃ 1/137 is the usual fine structure constant. We note that these are of a physical nature and, therefore, represent an attempt to lift previous arguments à la Dirac from the realm of numerology into the realm of empirical science. If valid, such arguments suggest an intimate connection, not only between the macroscopic and microscopic worlds, but, perhaps even more surprisingly, between the very essence of “dark” and “light” physics.

Objectivity in the non-Markovian spin-boson model

Objectivity constitutes one of the main features of the macroscopic classical world. An important aspect of the quantum-to-classical transition issue is to explain how such a property arises from the microscopic quantum world. Recently, within the framework of open quantum systems, there has been proposed such a mechanism in terms of the, so-called, Spectrum Broadcast Structures. These are multipartite quantum states of the system of interest and a part of its environment, assumed to be under an observation. This approach requires a departure from the standard open quantum systems methods, as the environment cannot be completely neglected. In the present work we study the emergence of such a state-structures in one of the canonical models of the condensed matter theory: Spin-boson model, describing the dynamics of a two-level system coupled to an environment made up by a large number of harmonic oscillators. We pay much attention to the behavior of the model in the non-Markovian regime, in order to provide a testbed to analyze how the non-Markovian nature of the evolution affects the surfacing of a spectrum broadcast structure.

Abiotic and Biotic Factors Regulating Inter-Kingdom Engagement between Insects and Microbe Activity on Vertebrate Remains.

A number of abiotic and biotic factors are known to regulate arthropod attraction, colonization, and utilization of decomposing vertebrate remains. Such information is critical when assessing arthropod evidence associated with said remains in terms of forensic relevance. Interactions are not limited to just between the resource and arthropods. There is another biotic factor that has been historically overlooked; however, with the advent of high-throughput sequencing, and other molecular techniques, the curtain has been pulled back to reveal a microscopic world that is playing a major role with regards to carrion decomposition patterns in association with arthropods. The objective of this publication is to review many of these factors and draw attention to their impact on microbial, specifically bacteria, activity associated with these remains as it is our contention that microbes serve as a primary mechanism regulating associated arthropod behavior.

Matching the Unmatchable. Complexity Theory and Quantum Theory

This is a philosophical paper. It claims that there is a gap to be filled in the relationship between complexity theory (CT) and quantum theory (QT). This gap concerns two very distinct understandings of time. The paper provides the ground for filling up such gap. Indeed, most works on complexity at large focus on the macroscopic world, leaving behind the importance of the microscopic world. This paper specifies what both worlds consist of, and argues that a solid account of the world, i.e. complexity, must necessarily take into account both dimensions of reality.