Mesoscopic hierarchic polarization structure in relaxor ferroelectrics Pb[(Mg1/3Nb2/3)1-xTix]O3

Mesoscopic polarization structures such as polar nanoregions and polarization domain walls are the key factors that connecting microscopic fundamental polarization structures with macroscopic practical dielectric properties. Snapshot observation of domain in the relaxor-ferroelectrics PMN-x%PT just vicinity of morphotropic phase boundary region was performed by use of 7 ps single shot soft X-ray laser pulse. A self-assembled evolution of oblique polarization domain was observed in PMN-27.8%PT under the sample temperature decreased with thermal equilibrium condition. Based on energetic discussion, anti-phase shift of domain wall pairs keeping with flat boundaries was proposed for the dielectric response. A sharp enhancement in dielectric response at the vicinity of morphotropic phase boundary region reported previously was recognized as an evidence for hierarchic nature of the present oblique polarization domain wall

Quantitative Detection of Plasmodium falciparum Using, LUNA-FL, A Fluorescent Cell Counter

The microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained thin and/or thick blood films (Giemsa microscopy) is the standard method of malaria diagnosis. However, the results of the diagnosis significantly depend on the skills of clinical technicians. Furthermore, sample preparation and analysis are laborious and time-consuming. Therefore, in this study, we investigated if a commercially available fluorescent cell counter, LUNA-FL, was useful for the detection of Plasmodium parasite and the estimation of parasitemia. Whole blood samples from uninfected persons, spiked with P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes, were analysed. Most of the leucocytes and platelets were removed from whole blood samples with SiO2-nanofiber filters set on spin columns. The filtered samples were stained with acridine orange, and automatic detection, as well as counting of erythrocytes and parasites, were performed using LUNA-FL. Whole blood, with various levels of parasites, was analysed by Giemsa microscopy or with LUNA-FL to estimate parasitemia, and a comparative analysis was performed. The coefficient determination value of the regression line was high (R2 = 0.98), indicating that accurate quantitative parasite detection could be performed using LUNA-FL. LUNA-FL has a low running cost; it is compact, fast, and easy to operate, and may therefore be useful for point-of-care testing in the endemic areas