Optical properties of self-assembled TiO2-SiO2 double-layered photonic crystals.

The optical properties of self-assembled TiO2/SiO2 double-layered photonic crystals were examined using SiO2 and TiO2 nanopowders. The SiO2 and TiO2 nanopowders were fabricated using the well-known Stöber process, and the double-layered structure was self-assembled by an evaporation method. Self-assembled TiO2 thin film was coated at a 1.2 mm thickness by the evaporation process, and 3 atomic layers of the SiO2 layer was coated onto the TiO2 thin film. The relative reflectance peak intensity of the photonic bandgap in the specimen was 13% before thermal treatment. The peak value was increased by sequential heat-treatments and reached the highest value of 21% at 400 degrees C.

Surveillance and vector control of lymphatic filariasis in the republic of Korea.

OBJECTIVES: Until the early 2000s, lymphatic filariasis would commonly break out in the coastal areas in Korea. Through steady efforts combining investigation and treatment, filariasis was officially declared eradicated in 2008. This study surveyed the density of vector species of filariasis in past endemic areas, and inspected filariasis DNA from collected mosquitoes for protection against the reemergence of filariasis. METHODS: Between May and October 2009, mosquitoes were caught using the black night trap in past endemic coastal areas: Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollanamdo, and Jeju-do. The collected mosquitoes were identified, and the extracted DNA from the collected vector mosquitoes was tested by polymerase chain reaction for Brugia malayi filariasis. RESULTS: Ochletotatus togoi, Anophel es (Hyrcanus) group and Culex pipiens were most frequently caught in Jeollanam-do (Geomun Island, Bogil Island, Heuksan Island), Jeju-do (Namone-ri, Wimi-ri). and Gyeongsangnam-do (Maemul Island). DNA of B malayi was not found in Och Togoi and An (Hyrcanus) group as main vectors of filariasis. CONCLUSION: Lymphatic filariasis was not found in the vector mosquitoes collected in past endemic areas. However, considering that the proportion of vector species is quite high, there is a potential risk that filariasis could be reemerging through overseas travel or trade. Thus, there is a need to continuously monitor vector mosquitoes of lymphatic filariasis.