Fractal primeval mollusc (placophora lucica)

Staff

Scientific Staff: Ao. Univ. Prof. Dr. Karl W. Kratky

Guest scientist: Univ. Doz. Dr. Karl E. Kürten

Lecturers: Mag. Werner Gruber, Michael Steurer

PhD students: Mag. Werner Gruber, Mag. Peter F. Hüttner, Mag. Hans Günter Löw, Mag. Ivan Lucic, Dipl. Phys. Axel Schäfer

Diploma students: Naciye Elagöz, Michael Steurer

Technical Staff: Andreas Schamanek (external)

Research

K. W. Kratky

Chaos and Systems Research

The area 'Chaos and Systems Research' deals with complex dynamical systems and considers the following topics: nonlinearity and feedback, self-organization, chaos and noise, fractals and multifractals, iterated function systems, neural nets and cellular automata. These topics are treated in various ways: from a fundamental point of view, studying computer experimental results and interpreting experimental data.

To understand the phenomenon of self-organization, nonlinearity and feedback are studied in detail. The relation between chaos and self-organization as well as between chaos and randomness is also a field of intensive research. Additionally, the usual computer is compared with neural nets and cellular automata. Studying the geometry of chaos in the form of fractals is helpful in many cases. The control of chaotic processes, which is a rather new topic, is treated, too.

Furthermore, the interdisciplinary aspects of complex dynamical systems are considered, connecting physics especially with biology, psychiatry/medicine and ecology. In addition to the research, several lectures are offered, e.g., 'Complex Dynamical Systems - from Physics to Medicine' and 'Brain Modelling - Physical Models of Memory'.

Complex Dynamical Systems: inter- and transdisciplinary aspects

With the help of chaos and systems research, bridges to other sciences can be built, in research as well as in teaching. Attention is focused on biology and medicine. Among other things, it is investigated how chaos control is used by organisms to regulate their body functions efficiently. Furthermore, several therapies in complementary medicine are interpreted from the view-point of chaos and system research.

K. E. Kürten

Space-time chaos in Hamiltonian Lattice Models

Numerous condensed-matter systems are effectively discrete by nature because the relevant length scales are of the order of the interparticle distance. Such systems are described by a Hamiltonian that is discrete in space, while their time evolution is considered as continuous. Their remarkable behavior, exemplified in charge-density waves, magnetic spirals, disordered crystals, adsorbed monolayers, and magnetic multilayers, stems from a competition between two or more forces that leads to locally stable spatially modulated structures. The particles are non-trivially displaced from a reference lattice and spatial disorder is created due to a highly complex energy landscape in configuration space. The number of locally stable configurations typically increases exponentially with the size of the system. A model system can be envisioned as a chain of N particles connected by harmonic springs, each particle also being subject to an external multi-well potential field. A widely used standard model is the so-called linear chain, consisting of a one-dimensional lattice of N oscillators interacting with nearest neighbors via a harmonic intersite potential. The energy of the system is given by an N-particle Hamiltonian comprised of the vibrational kinetic energy, the intersite energy specified by the coupling strength, and the on-site energy specified by an external on-site potential.

Complex structures in Magnetic Multilayers

New techniques involving the use of ultra-high-vacuum systems open the way to the synthesis of novel materials having properties of great technological interest. Artificial thin-film constructs based on ferro- or antiferromagnetic layers separated by non-magnetic spacers have been shown to exhibit quite unusual locally stable structures. Such structures have been experimentally detected, for instance, in Fe/Cr sandwiches and in giant magnetoresistant (GMR) elements consisting of several antiferro-magnetically coupled magnetic layers separated from one other by nonmagnetic spacers (e.g., Co/Cu).

We have shown that the shape of the magnetoresistance curves and the hysteresis loops characterized by Barkhausen jumps can be tailored by fine-tuning the strength of the interlayer couplings and the strength of the anisotropy constant. The results compare well with experimental GMR and hysteresis shapes. Another novel finding is that the spatial distribution of the magnetic moments shows fractal patterns which might be accessible to experimental studies.

Dynamical phase transitions in scale-free interconnected systems

Scale-free network topologies have become quite fashionable during the last few years. Many networks expand through the addition of nodes to an already existing network, and those nodes attach preferentially to nodes that are already well connected. When this is the case, a scale-free network naturally arises. In fact, a scale-free network is a very specific kind of network in which the distribution of connectivity is extremely uneven: some nodes act as "very connected" hubs using a power-law distribution, whereas most of the nodes are rather sparsely connected. Examples are computer networks and the word wide web, which react significantly different from randomly connected networks in the presence of perturbations. If nodes fail randomly, scale-free networks behave even better than random connectivity networks, because random failures are unlikely to harm an important hub. However, if the failure of nodes is not random, scale-free networks can fail catastrophically.

We study phase transitions from ordered to chaotic behavior for the famous Kauffmann model for cell differentiation as well as for a special class of artificial neural network models, namely linear threshold networks with asymmetric couplings. One focus of this study is the determining critical parameters, where the network is placed "at the edge of chaos", i.e. at the subtle compromise between stability and flexibility.

Refereed Projects

H. G. Löw

• Continuous fluorescence-optical detection of energetic metabolic parameters of cardiomyocytes during stress induction by electrostimulation (granted by University Vienna and Facultas at December 17, 2002, extended to November 30, 2003 – in collaboration with D. Schmid and p. G. Spieckermann, University of Vienna):

An inverted fluorescence microscope is equipped with a programmable shutter and a high sensitive CCD-camera. Monocytes as well as isolated cardiomyocytes, stabilized in petri dishes ,are incubated with membrane potential sensitive fluorophores, like BCECF , Calcium sensitive dyes, like Fluo-4 to allow monitoring of energy parameters at individual cellular level. Short shutter times restrict light excitation and triggered CCD camera exposure to a minimum level to prevent photobleaching phenomena over time periods of hours! Experimental application of electrical pulses or chemical stimulations induce changes of fluorescence intensity inside the observed cell populations. Time stamped sequences of 12 bit –images are analyzed and documented. As a first result sets of new membrane specific ionic channel activities are described. Beside microelectrode techniques optical monitoring of energy parameters at cellular level is an important complement to experimental approaches at organ based levels , like papillary muscles or tumor-tissue cultures. Furthermore within this project a newly developed non invasive “fluorescence optically organ bath” is used to monitor ex-vivo Calzium dynamics in excised hearth papillary muscles. A biophysical phase-map tracking method is developed as part of existing LABVIEW programs, which allows to classify specific relationships between calcium-fluorescence bursts and measured isometric force transients under presence and absence of pharmacological substances. The resulting “phase map charts” reveal as biophysical characteristics for substance specific dynamic physiological influences and promote new insights into mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases.

• Novel Supramolecular complex-formation of high purified hypericin in water soluble Poly-N-vinylamides. Characterization using time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy in context to tumor targetting diagnostic methods (project grant No. 9675, Austrian National Bank, extended to 2004):

The specific aim of this biophysical project is based on the international Austrian patent No. 408.835 and PCT-Application, invented by H. G. Loew and A. Kubin. The purified plant extract and photosensitizer Hypericin, which is practical unsoluble in water, is enabled to dissolve by complex-formation under presence of a special biocompatible Poly–N-vinyl amide, presently used as blood substitute. This highly fluorescent polymer complex shows high affinity to proliferating tissue cells, which was demonstrated by confocal microscopy (Fig.2). To investigate the backgrounds for this specific molecular behaviour time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic fluorescence anisotropy measurement techniques are applied under various conditions, like PH, temperature, etc. Molecular dynamic simulations under periodic boundary conditions are applied to predict electron density distributions and phase transitions during complex formation using the well established quantum chemical GAUSSIAN-software. The work on this project opens up new perspectives to early cancer detection in hollow organs, like bladder or esophagus by use of biophysical methods.

I. Lucic

• Biological impacts of electromagnetic fields: An effect of different frequencies on biological systems (project No. 1.57.00128 of the Austrian Research Center at Seibersdorf, scheduled for 2003-2005):

Purpose of this project is a development of an biological test-system for indication of high frequency electromagnetic fields. Gravity of the year 2003 research are experiments with seedlings, young plants and mushroom mycels, improvement of the monitoring systems for non-linear mycel analysis and extent usage of evolved technical test block for field strength and variable frequencies. Used evaluation parameter are: chlorophyll fluorescence of overground sprout, dry material weight of shoot separated for root, stem and leaf, fractal dimension and growth of mushroom mycel and biophoton emission.

A. Schäfer

• Light Therapy under variation of physical parameters (supported by the Austrian Research Center at Seibersdorf):

The thesis is about the effect of light of different spectral composition and of different and varying intensity on humans. Central method is the data acquisition of biophysical parameters (e.g. ecg, emg, breath) and their numerical analysis by nonlinear time series and other methods. This may give new insights in relation to traditional medical research on light therapy, which is based on psychiatrical and/or hormonal investigations.

Cooperations

International Cooperations

K. W. Kratky

• International Institute for Advanced Studies in Systems Research and Cybernetics, Windsor, Ontario, Canada (G. E. Lasker)

K. E. Kürten

• Department of Physics; Washington University, St. Louis, USA (J. W. Clark)
• Institut Girard Desargues, Uiniversité Claude Bernard Lyon-I, France (C. Krattenthaler)
• School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, England (F. V. Kusmartsev)
• Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Köln, Germany (L. Ristig)

H. G. Löw

• LMU-Klinikum München, Laserforschungslaboratorium Großhadern, Germany (C. Betz, R. Baumgartner et.al.)

I. Lucic

• Bar Ilan university; department of physics; Ramat-Gan, Israel (E. Liberman, M. Sklarz, T. Weiss)
• Siegen university; department of art and music pedagogicm Siegen, Germany (H. Kapteina, Chang-Lin Zhang)

National Cooperations

K. W. Kratky

• Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie der Universität Wien (S. Kasper)
• Atominstitut der Österreichischen Universitäten, Wien (H. Klima)
• Forschungsstelle für niederenergetische Bio-Information in Graz (p. C. Endler)
• Universitätsklinik für Neuropsychiatrie des Kindes- und Jugendalters der Universität Wien (K. Toifl).

W. Gruber

• Wiener Volkshochschulen, program 'University meets public'

H. G. Löw

• Institut für Theoretische Chemie und Molekulare Strukturbiologie, Universität Wien (G. Grabner, G. Köhler)
• Institut für Physiologie der Universität Wien (D. Schmid, p. G. Spieckermann)
• Institut für Medizinische Chemie der Universität Wien (p. Chiba, H. Goldenberg)

I. Lucic

• ARC Seibersdorf Research (G. Soja)

A. Schäfer

• Fa. ProQuant Systeme, Graz (F. Senekowitsch and F. Tschinder)
• ARC Seibersdorf Research (K. Schulmeister)

Publications

Already Published

1. F. Wierrani, A. Kubin, H. G. Löw, M. Henry, B. Spängler, K. Bodner, W. Grünberger, R. Ebermann, G. Alth: Photodynamic action of some sensitizer by photooxidation of luminol. Naturwissenschaften 89 (2002) 466-9.

   We report the development of a novel simple experimental method which allows the comparison of new photosensitizers based on their production of reactive oxygen species. A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay permits the monitoring of several substances (sensitizer, reactant and oxidized end product) simultaneously on a single chromatogram. Photoreactions were monitored throughout their course by the HPLC assay surveying the sensitizers efficiency of singlet oxygen production by the oxidative decomposition of luminol. Several photosensitizers were tested. Rose Bengal, Methylene Blue, Protoporphyrin IX, PhotosanIII, Photofrin, Hypericin and Pseudohypericin. Additionally, photoreactions were monitored by a standard p=2 detection system. The measurements of the two detection methods were strongly correlated. Rose Bengal proved to be the most efficient photosensitizer, clearly decreasing the luminol concentration and causing a corresponding increase in aminophtalic acid. Our experiments show that when factors necessary for photochemical reactions are absent or are blocked (antioxidants), no reaction can be detected.

2. K. W. Kratky: Die drei Prinzipien in östlichen und westlichen Medizinsystemen. In: A. Stacher, W. Marktl (Hrsg.), Ganzheitsmedizin in der Zukunft. Facultas, Wien 2002 (S. 22-44).

   Die Gemeinsamkeiten verschiedener östlicher und westlicher Medizinsysteme werden näher beleuch-tet. Dabei stehen die Typen, Prinzipien bzw. Elemente im Mittelpunkt, die eine Unterscheidung von Menschen ermöglichen. Von der griechischen Antike sind vier Elemente bekannt. Später ist dann noch der Äther als fünftes Element dazugekommen. Er spielte insofern eine ambivalente Rolle, als er einerseits unsichtbar und ungreifbar ist, andererseits gerade als entscheidend angesehen wurde ('quin-ta essentia'). Dieses Vierer- bzw. Fünfer-Schema hielt sich über viele Jahrhunderte. Paracelsus kehrte wieder zu einer Dreier-Typologie zurück und betrachtete daneben fünf Seinsbereiche. Die oben erwähnten fünf Elemente sind übrigens dem Namen nach, wenn auch nicht in genau der gleichen Bedeutung, auch im Ayurveda, der indischen Medizin, zu finden. Parallel dazu gibt es dort aber auch drei Regulationsprinzipien (Doshas), auf die sich die Elemente verteilen. Wie bei Paracelsus gibt es im Ayurveda also ein kombiniertes 3/5- Schema.

   In der Tibetischen Medizin gibt es ebenfalls drei Prinzipien, die den indischen entsprechen und in der Übersetzung Wind, Galle und Schleim heißen. Man erkennt die Konsistenz mit dem griechischen Dreier- Schema, wobei die tibetischen Bezeichnungen einmal dem Element, zweimal den Körpersäf-ten entnommen sind. Die wechselhaften, vibrierenden Typen sind dem Wind zugeordnet, die lauten, unruhigen, extravertierten Typen der Galle und schließlich die leisen, ruhigen, introvertierten Typen dem Schleim. In der TCM sind übrigens Yin und Yang sowie Leere und Fülle zentrale Begriffe. Wegen des seltenen Vorkommens der Yin-Fülle lassen sie sich ebenfalls zu drei Typen kombinieren.

3. I. Lucic: Experiment research on mushrooms and their sensitiveness to the tones and harmonics. Teonanacatl – The International Journal Of Psychoactive Mushrooms 2 (2002) 9-11.

   Agreeable accordance of all parts of the whole is called harmony. Harmonic proportions step forward in macro-, meso- and microcosmos. To test the harmonic frequency-dependent information transfer, cloned in-vitro mycel cultures will be exposed to the pulsed electro-magnetic and mechanical waves of the same frequency. The used frequencies correspond harmonically to the natural environmental pulses and cycles. The effects of the wave influence will be tested at systemic macro level. Using the frequency as the only parameter, at the macro level one obtains an accomplished view of an alternation in an entirety of feedback loops and systemic interactions.

4. K. E. Kürten: Multistability, Phase Transitions and Fractal Structures in Magnetic Multilayers with Antiferromagnetic Couplings. In: da Providencia, J. (Ed.), Condensed Matter Theories, Vol. 18. Nova Science Publishers, New York 2003.

   Due to the discovery of the giant magnetoresistance effect in 1992 the study of magnetic multilayers is one of the major topics in magnetism today. Artificial thin-film structures based on ferro- or antiferro-magnetic layers, for instance Fe/Cr, separated by non-magnetic spacers (e.g., Co/Cu) have been shown to exhibit quite unusual locally-stable structures. Depending on the arrangement of the magnetic moments of the individual magnetic layers, the resistance of metallic multilayered structures can have large variations with slowly varying magnetic fields giving rise to an enormous scope of sensor appli-cations. We show that the spatial distribution of the magnetic moments as well as the energy spectrum show fractal patterns which might be accessible to experimental studies. Moreover, the energy land-scape consists of exponentially many locally stable minima separated by large barriers and the energy spectrum grows in a self-similar manner with increasing number of layers. The situation is reminiscent of that encountered in a magnetic glass, involving weak interactions of domains and 'magnetic solitons'.

5. K. E. Kürten, J.W. Clark: Higher-Order Neural Networks, Polyà Polynomials, and Fermi Cluster Diagrams. Phys.Rev. E. 68 (2003) 37701–1-4.

   The problem of controlling higher-order interactions in neural networks is addressed with techniques commonly applied in the cluster analysis of quantum many-particle systems. For multi-neuron synaptic weights chosen according to a straightforward extension of the standard Hebbian learning rule, we show that higher-order contributions to the stimulus felt by a given neuron can be readily evaluated via Polyà's combinatoric group-theoretical approach or equivalently by exploiting a precise formal analogy with fermion diagrammatics.

6. K. W. Kratky: Comparative and integrative medicine. I. From different views to a common es-sence. In: G. E. Lasker, A. Aydin (Eds.), Health, Healing and Medicine, Vol. IX. The International Institute for Advanced Studies in Systems Research and Cybernetics, Windsor, Canada 2003 (pp. 27-32).

   In different cultures and ages, a large variety of healing systems can be found, a quite recent example being the scientific Western medicine. If several of them are compared with, it turns out that there are similarities as well as discrepancies. These have to do with basic views of health and disease, of man-kind and nature. It turns out that there are 4 basic views: the systematic (V1), systemic (V2), sym-bolic (V3), and symbiotic one (V4). In the last millennia, there was a shift from V4 to V1, accompanied by changing healing systems. Scientific medicine is based on V1, complementary medicine on V2 & V3, ethnomedicine includes V4, too. Now the question is whether the various healing systems can be com-bined or even integrated for the benefit of public health. In effect, it turns out that there is a common feature: the consideration of a small number of principles, elements and types. Their char-acteristics can be compared in different healing systems so that a (partial) translation and even a common essence can be obtained. This is done using a graphical representation.

7. K. W. Kratky: Comparative and integrative medicine. II. Health geometry and life spiral In: G. E. Lasker, A. Aydin (Eds.), Health, Healing and Medicine, Vol. IX. The International Institute for Advanced Studies in Systems Research and Cybernetics, Windsor, Canada 2003 (pp. 33-38).

   To compare different healing systems, a diagram is developed that combines essential features of Traditional Chinese Medicine (12 meridians, 5 or 6 elements), Ayurveda (3 doshas as basic principles) and homeopathy (3 miasms). In a first step, the meridians, elements and principles are arranged on a circle. In a more detailed version, not only the circle, but also the whole disc is considered ('health disc') Findings of different healing systems are used to draw the boundary between (good) health and disease on the disc, which results in a spiral, called the life-spiral. A point on the disc corresponds to a given state of health. The course of life is reflected in a twisting movement on the disc – depending on daytime, season and age. Furthermore, specific movements on the disc represent typical processes of falling ill and convalescence. Using the health disc, the statements of various healing systems can be compared and integrated.

8. M. R. Hamblin, J. L. Miller, I. Rizvi, H. G. Löw, T. Hasan: Pegylation of charged polymer-photo-sensitizer conjugates: effects on photodynamic efficacy. British Journal of Cancer 89 (2003) 937-943.

   Conjugates between photosensitisers (PS) and charged polymeric carriers are under investigation for photodynamic therapy of cancer and may allow targeting to certain cell types or compartments in tumours. Covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol to macromolecules (pegylation) may alter their pharmacokinetics, cell type targeting, and photophysical properties. Macrophages may take up large amounts of aggregated PS, thus lessening the selectivity for cancer cells in tumours. We investigated the effect of pegylation on the uptake and phototoxicity of poly-L-lysine chlorine6 conjugates with either cationic or anionic charges in two cell lines, human ovarian cancer cells and mouse macrophages. The cationic conjugate after pegylation became less aggregated, consumed less oxygen and had reduced cellular uptake. However, the phototoxicity corrected for cellular uptake increased three- to five-fold. In contrast, the anionic succinylated conjugate on pegylation became more aggregated, consumed similar amounts of oxygen, and had higher cellular uptake. The anionic conjugate showed the highest relative phototoxicity towards both the cell lines (compared to the other three conjugates) and it decreased most towards the macrophages after pegylation. Pegylation reduced the amount of oxygen consumed per chlorine6 molecule when photosensitised cells were illuminated. These in vitro studies suggest that pegylation alters the phototoxicity of PS conjugates depending on the effect produced on the aggregation state.

Accepted

1. K. W. Kratky: Homöopathie und Wasserstruktur: ein physikalisches Modell (Homeopathy and Structure of Water: A Physical Model). To appear in: Forschende Komplementärmedizin und Klassische Naturheilkunde (Research in Complementary and Classical Natural Medicine).

   Background: Formerly, the author has suggested a relatively simple water model. There, the dynamical structure of a typical water cluster was investigated, being represented by the movement of a ball in an abstract energy landscape. Objective: Now the above-mentioned model is investigated in more detail to answer the following question: Are essential claims of homeopathy concerning potentiation (diluting and shaking) in agreement with science? Methods: Equations of motion are employed that represent vibrations of clusters. For the computer experiments, the formalism of Nosé-Hoover is used, the surrounding water being interpreted as a heat bath. Diluting corresponds to a shift of the energy landscape towards the pure solvent (water), shaking is accompanied by an increase of the contact to the heat bath. Results: There is a tendency of the ball to be caught in local valleys of the energy landscape (metastable states) if the temperature is not too high and if the liquid is not shaken. Thus, even for a given landscape there are a variety of structures being durable for some time. Conclusions: The computer experiments suggest that the repeated process of potentiation eventually results in a specific metastable state of the pure solvent. The initial substance helps to obtain this goal, but is no longer necessary at last.

2. K. E. Kürten, C. Krattenthaler: Multistability and Fractal Properties of Hamiltonian Lattice Mod-els. In: E. Suraud (Ed.), Condensed Matter Theories, Vol. 19. Nova Science Publishers, New York.

   Assuming that within each layer all magnetic moments are ferromagnetically aligned but with an orientation differing from layer to layer, our model system can be modelled as a collection of N elementary magnetic moments described by a classical Hamiltonian that is discrete in space. The variety of possible spatial magnetic structures stems from a competition between three forces: First, the interlayer exchange energy, favoring uniform magnetization configurations. Second, the Zeeman energy defined by the strength of an external magnetic field H, favoring the alignment of the moments along the field direction. Third, the anisotropy energy defined by a suitable multi-well potential favoring collinear structures along preferred directions. We give an exact enumeration of all possible nonequivalent magnetic structures of the system that can be thought of as collection of interacting magnetic particles residing on a ring. The resulting magnetic structures are specified by periodic orbits a two-dimensional map. They fall into equivalence classes, where the internal symmetries are given by the action of the dihedral group DN. consisting of N rotations and N mirror reflections with respect to all possible N symmetry axes. We show that the number of nonequivalent magnetic structures increases exponential with N. Accordingly, the energy surface consists of exponentially many locally stable minima separated by large barriers. We show further that with increasing number of layers the spectrum of the spatial distribution of the magnetic moments grows in a quasi self-similar manner and give an exact enumeration of all possible magnetization directions. In the large N-limit the magnetic patterns turn out to have a multi-fractal structure intimately connected to the experimentally observed Barkhausen jumps.

3. D. Schmid, D. L. Staudacher, H. G. Löw, p. G. Spieckermann, G. F. Ecker, S. Kopp, p. Chiba: A Subset of Highly Effective Propafenone-Type Multidrug Resistance Modulators Lacks Effects on Cardiac Action Potential and Mechanical Twitch Parameters of Rat Papillary Muscles. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 307 (2003) 589-96.

   In this study, we tested a series of 12 previously identified,highly effective propafenone-type multidrug resistance (MDR)modulators for their possible undesirable effects on cardiac tissue. We used rat papillary muscle preparations and quantitatively determined the potency of these substances to block action potential (AP) upstroke velocity (Vmax) and to prolong APD50. Simultaneously, the effects on isometric twitch parameters were evaluated. Concentration-response curves were obtained for all parameters. Within a subset of the compounds, we found a significant rank correlation (r = 0.87; p < 0.05) between potencies to block Vmax (kiVmax) and to inhibit daunomycin efflux in MDR cells (IC50). Surprisingly, the most lipophilic compounds with additional aromatic side chains completely lacked effects on AP and mechanical twitch parameters, although they are the most effective MDR modulators. Additional structural modifications such as fluoride substitution of the aromatic ring, introduction of arylpiperazine or piperidine side chains, as well as modifying the hydrogen bond acceptor strength of the carbonyl group did not reestablish cardiac side effects. In contrast, when these substances were truncated at the phenylpropiophenone moiety of the propafenone core structure, cardiac effects reoccurred. We conclude that aromatic substituents in the vicinity of the nitrogen atom prevent interaction with ion channels, likely due to steric hindrance, and are thus a prerequisite for eliminating unwanted cardiac effects.

4. A. B. Uzdensky, D. E. Bragin, M. S. Kolosov, J. Moan, H. G. Löw: Photodynamic effect of hypericin and water-soluble derivative on isolated crayfish neuron and surrounding glial cells. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology.

   Hypericin (Hyp) is a promising photosensitizer for fluorescence diagnostics and photodynamic therapy of cancer. However, its medical applications are restricted by insolubility in water. A novel water-soluble hypericin derivative (Hyp-S) was constructed using poly-vinylpyrrolidone as a carrier. We used crayfish stretch receptor consisting of receptor neuron and numerous surrounding glial cells for comparisons of the Hyp and Hyp-S photodynamic effects. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that both sensitizers were predominately localized in glial layers around the neuron. A minor fraction of hypericin was found in the neuron perinuclear area rich in cytoplasm organelles. Hyp-S was more toxic in the dark than Hyp and inactivated the neurons at the concentrations exceeding 4 _M whereas Hyp was toxic to these neurons at the concentrations larger than 20 _M. Electrophysiological study revealed polyphasic neuron responses to photosensitization with either Hyp or Hyp-S (1 _M concentration, 30 min incubation; irradiation with a filtered lamp light with emission maximum near 600 nm and an intensity of 0,2 W/cm2). In the concentration range 1-4 _M Hyp-S was more phototoxic than Hyp probably due to better hypericin delivery. Predominant hypericin localization in glial cells as compare to neurons suggests its application for visualization and selective photodynamic treatment of malignant gliomas in which glial cells may be damaged much stronger than neurons.

Submitted

Conference Proceedings

1. H. G. Löw, H. Löw-Weiser, H. Kolbabe, R. Werni, T. Knocke-Abulesz: Clinical application of 5-ALA-photodynamic therapy monitored by non invasive fluorescence optical spectroscopy and transdermal microscopy. 10th International Congress of the European Society for Photobiology (ESP2003, Vienna), Abstract textbook 2003 (p. 90).
2. A. Kubin, H. G. Löw, U. Burner, F. Wierrani, H. Kolbabe, G. Alth: Water soluble hypericin complex bound to polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). 10th International Congress of the European Society for Photobiology (ESP2003, Vienna), Abstract textbook 2003 (p. 91).
3. F. Wierrani, A. Kubin, H. G. Löw, B. Spängler, W. Grünberger, G. Alth: Photodynamic action of some sensitizers by photooxidation of luminol. 10th International Congress of the European Society for Photobiology (ESP2003, Vienna), Abstract textbook 2003 (p. 100).
4. H. G. Löw, G. Köhler, N. Schmeller, A. Kubin, E. Urban, H. Horvath, F. Wierrani, R. Poetter: Molecular biological investigations of Hypericin polyvinyl-pyrrolidon complexes as proliferation selective marker in bladder cancer cells using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and NMR-spectroscopy methods. 10th International Congress of the European Society for Photobiology (ESP2003, Vienna), Abstract textbook 2003 (p. 103).
5. N. Elagöz, K. W. Kratky: Einfluss von unterschiedlichem Licht auf die Heart-Rate-Variability. In: Österreichische Physikalische Gesellschaft (Hrsg.), 53. Jahrestagung der ÖPG, Salzburg 2003 (S. 68f).
6. H. G. Löw, D. Schmid, H. Horvath, K. W. Kratky, p. G. Spiekermann: Detektion Calziuminduzierter Fluoreszenzwellen an elektrostimulierten Papillarmuskeln. In: Österreichische Physikalische Gesellschaft (Hrsg.), 53. Jahrestagung der ÖPG, Salzburg (S. 69).
7. H. G. Löw, G. Köhler, H. Horvath, K. W. Kratky, E. Hörth: Konfokale Fluoreszenzkorrelationsspektroskopie an supramolekularen Chromophorkomplexen. In: Österreichische Physikalische Ge-sellschaft (Hrsg.), 53. Jahrestagung der ÖPG, Salzburg (S. 145).
8. I. Lucic, K. W. Kratky: Gibt es Frequenzen, die das Wachstum fördern? In: Österreichische Physikalische Gesellschaft (Hrsg.), 53. Jahrestagung der ÖPG, Salzburg (S. 76).
9. A. Schäfer, K. W. Kratky: Lineare und nichtlineare Kenngrößen der Heart-Rate-Variability: Wirkung der Bestrahlung mit Licht verschiedener spektraler Zusammensetzung. In: Österreichische Physikalische Gesellschaft (Hrsg.), 53. Jahrestagung der ÖPG, Salzburg 2003 (S. 68f).

Reports

Books

1. K. W. Kratky: Komplementäre Medizinsysteme. Vergleich und Integration. Ibera / European Uni-versity Press, Vienna (2003).

Patents

1. A. Kubin, H. G. Löw: Preparation hypericin bonded with poly-N-vinylamides, WO 01/99576 A3, International PCT publication number effects protection at international level documented by the international bureau WIPO (world organization of intellectual property).

   The invention relates to an active agent combination for diagnosing and treating tumors, comprising a water-soluble complex or a water-soluble compound of pure hypericin and a poly-N-vinylamide, especially PVp.

2. A. Kubin, H. G. Löw: Preparation hypericin bonded with poly-N-vinylamides, 01933457.2-2404 PCT/AT0100159 (January 27, 2003), European patent office.

Lectures – Posters

Lectures

K. W. Kratky

1. Weltbilder komplementärmedizinischer Richtungen (Vorlesung "Grundlagen und Praxis komplementärmedizinischer Methoden", Universität Wien), 6.11.2002.
2. Vorlesung "Gemeinsamkeiten komplementärmedizinischer Richtungen I" (Interfakultäres Pilot-projekt für den Studiengang "Altorientalische Musiktherapie", Wien), 8./9. 3.2003
3. Komplementäre Medizinsysteme. Vergleich und Integration (Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft: Dynamik – Komplexität – menschliche Systeme, AKH Wien, Vortrag und Buchpräsen-tation), 19.3.2003.
4. Unterschiedliche Bewußtseinszustände und Trance (Brain Awareness Week, Österreichische Gesellschaft für Neurowissenschaften, BG 22, Wien), 20.3.2003.
5. Vorlesung "Gemeinsamkeiten komplementärmedizinischer Richtungen II" (Interfakultäres Pilotprojekt für den Studiengang "Altorientalische Musiktherapie", Wien), 5./6. 4.2003.
6. Die Miasmen aus interkultureller Sicht (Grundlagenseminar Themengruppe B der StudentInnen Initiative Homöopathie, Wien), 12.4.03.
7. Die Traditionelle Chinesische Medizin aus interkultureller Sicht (Vorlesung "Wissenschafts-theoretischer Vergleich zwischen westlicher Medizin und traditioneller chinesischer Medizin", Universität Wien), 8.5.2003.
8. Komplementärmedizin und Weltbilder: systemische und andere Zugänge (jour fixe der ÖAS, der Österreichischen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für systemische Therapie und systemische Studien, Wien), 22.5.2003.
9. Von der Komplementärmedizin zum Integralen Ansatz (Fachgruppe Integrale Medizin, Wien), 20.9.2003.

W. Gruber

1. Die Physik der Zeitreisen (Podiumsdiskussion "Science Fiction – beeinflusst der Physiker den Autor oder umgekehrt?", Landesmuseum für Technik und Arbeit, Mannheim), 20.10.2002.
2. Warum fliegt der Papierflieger? (Kinderuniversität Wien), 14. und 17.7.2003.

H. G. Löw

1. Molekulare Modelle calcium- und sauerstoffmodulierten Energiestoffwechsels aus biophysikali-scher Sicht am Beispiel kardioprotektiver Mechanismen und photophysikalischem Tumor-targettings – Teil 1 (Seminar 'Komplexe dynamische Systeme', Universität Wien), 14.3.2003.
2. Molekulare Modelle calcium- und sauerstoffmodulierten Energiestoffwechsels aus biophysikali-scher Sicht am Beispiel kardio-protektiver Mechanismen und photophysikalischem Tumor-targettings – Teil 2 (Seminar 'Komplexe dynamische Systeme', Universität Wien), 6.6.2003.
3. Fotomedizinische Diagnostik und Therapie: Entwicklung verbesserter fluoreszenzoptischer Metho-den in der Fotomedizin, Grundlagen und klinische Anwendungen (Seminar-Symposium "Freie Radikale in der Onkologie", Univ.-Klinik für Strahlentherapie und Strahlenbiologie, AKH Wien), 18.6.2003.

I. Lucic

1. Biological impacts of high frequency electromagnetic fields (Austrian Research Center at Seibersdorf), 14.7.2003.

Conference Contributions

1. W. Gruber: Kulinarische Physik – Braten nicht Raten (Explora 2002, Bozen), 5.10.2002.
2. W. Gruber: Kulinarische Physik – Das Gelbe vom Ei (Explora 2002, Bozen), 6.10.2002.
3. K. W. Kratky: Comparative and integrative medicine (International Nonlinear Sciences Conference INSC 2003, Vienna), February 8, 2003.
4. A. Schäfer: Human heartbeat and light: Influence of various light sources on the dynamics of heart rhythms (International Nonlinear Sciences Conference INSC 2003, Vienna), February 8, 2003.
5. W. Gruber: Das Phänomen Fliegen (DPG-Tagung "Highlights der Physik", Dresden), 24.6.2003.
6. W. Gruber: Der perfekte Papierflieger (DPG-Tagung "Highlights der Physik", Dresden), 27.6.2003.
7. K. Kürten: Hysteresis and Giant Magnetoresistance in Thin Magnetic Multilayers: Fractal Properties of the Barkhausen Effect (invited lecture, 27th International Workshop on Condensed Matter Theories, Toulouse, France), September 18, 2003.

Posters

1. W. Gruber: Das Phänomen Fliegen. DPG-Tagung "Highlights der Physik", Dresden, 24.-26. 6.2003
2. W. Gruber: Der perfekte Papierflieger. DPG-Tagung "Highlights der Physik", Dresden, 24.-26.6.2003
3. A. Kubin, U. Burner, H. G. Löw, F. Wierrani, H. Kolbabek, G. Alth: Hypericin complex bound to Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)- a novel therapeutic and diagnostic application. 31st Annual Meeting of the American Society for Photobiology, Baltimore, USA, July 5-9, 2003.
4. H. G. Löw, H. Löw-Weiser, H. Kolbabe, R. Werni, T. Knocke-Abulesz: Clinical application of 5-ALA-photodynamic therapy monitored by non invasive fluorescence optical spectroscopy and transdermal microscopy. 10th International Congress of the European Society for Photobiology (ESP2003), General Hospital Vienna, September 6-11, 2003.
5. A. Kubin, H. G. Löw, U. Burner, F. Wierrani, H. Kolbabe, G. Alth: Water soluble hypericin complex bound to polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). 10th International Congress of the European Society for Photobiology (ESP2003), General Hospital Vienna, September 6-11, 2003.
6. F. Wierrani, A. Kubin, H. G. Löw, B. Spängler, W. Grünberger, G. Alth: Photodynamic action of some sensitizers by photooxidation of luminol. 10th International Congress of the European Society for Photobiology (ESP2003), General Hospital Vienna, September 6-11, 2003.
7. H. G. Löw, G. Köhler, N. Schmeller, A. Kubin, E. Urban, H. Horvath, F. Wierrani, R. Poetter: Molecular biological investigations of Hypericin polyvinyl-pyrrolidon complexes as proliferation selective marker in bladder cancer cells using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and NMR-spectroscopy methods. 10th International Congress of the European Society for Photobiology (ESP2003), General Hospital Vienna, September 6-11, 2003.

Web-Based Didactics

K. W. Kratky

Komplementäre Medizinsysteme. Physikalische Soiree, ORF Radio 1476, 3.3.03 20.30-21.00 Uhr (http://1476.orf.at/radiomacher/soiree/archive/PhS_20030303.htm)

W. Gruber

Vorlesung "Brain Modelling I + II, Physikalische Modelle für das Gedächtnis", steht auch online zur Verfügung: http://brain.exp. univie.ac.at

Diploma Theses– PhD Theses

Current Diploma Theses

Supervisor: K. W. Kratky

N. Elagöz: Nichtlineare Analyse des Einflusses von Licht auf den Menschen

M.M. Steurer: Bestimmung der elektronischen Arbeitspunkte und der zugehörigen Impedanzen an neuralen Membranenb.

Completed Diploma Theses

Current PhD Theses

Supervisor: K. W. Kratky

W. Gruber: Physikalische Beschreibung des menschlichen Gehirns: Verbände von Neuronen

p. F. Hüttner: Zeitreihenentwicklung von metabolischen Systemen: Analyse, Vorhersage, Steuerung

H. G. Löw: Sauerstoff- und Energietransport in elektrisch geladenen Partikelsystemen turbider Medien. Anwendung in der Tumorbiophysik unter Verwendung photodynamischer und ultraschallinduzierter molekularer Interaktionen

I. Lucic: Der Einfluß unterschiedlicher Frequenzen auf biologische Systeme

A. Schäfer: Lichttherapie mit Variation physikalischer Parameterd.

Completed PhD Theses

Miscellaneous

K. W. Kratky

• Member of the Scientific Board of the Journals 'Systeme' and 'Research in Complementary and Classical Natural Medicine' and of the Viennese International Academy of Complementary Medicine as well as the Institute of Ethno-music Therapy, Schloß Rosenau, Austria.
• Fellow of the International Institute for Advanced Studies in Systems Research and Cybernetics, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
• Member of the Board of Governors of the Scientific Society 'Dynamics – Complexity – Human Systems'.
• Lecturer at the Inter-University Master Course for Complementary, Psycho-social and Integrative Health Care, Graz, Austria.
• Lecturer at the International Pilot Course for Oriental Music Therapy, Schloß Rosenau and Vienna.

K. E. Kürten

• Guest Scientist and Lecturer (cellular automata, neural networks).

A. Schamanek

• Looks after the computers of our group (volunteer).

PRIZES AND AWARDS

PRESENCE IN THE MEDIA

Radio

K. W. Kratky

3.3.03, ORF Radio 1476 – Physikalische Soiree, Komplementäre Medizinsysteme.

Television

W. Gruber

20.12.2002, ORF 2 – Modern Times, Der perfekte Papierflieger.

25.3.2003, Kabel 1 – Kabel 1 Journal, Die Physik des Papierfliegers.

11.4.2003, ORF 2 – Modern Times, Die Physik des Ostereis.

25.5.2003, Kabel 1 – Kabel 1 Journal, Die Physik des Pfeffersteaks.

24.6.2003, MDR – MDR aktuell, Physik und Fliegen.

26.6.2003, MDR – MDR aktuell, Der perfekte Papierflieger.

27.6.2003, Kabel 1 – Kabel 1 Journal, Der perfekte Schweinsbraten – physikalisch betrachtet.

Print Media

4.1.2003, Oberösterreichische Nachrichten, Er findet "Wunder" nur zum Wundern.

6.6.2003, Die Melange, Im Rausch der Gefühle.

25.6. 2003, Dresdner Morgenpost, Dresden lässt die Elemente tanzen.

30.6.2003, Dresdner Neueste Nachrichten, Physikfest endet mit Rekord.

Lectures 2002/03 (University of Vienna)

K. W. Kratky:

WS: Rechenübungen zur Einführung in die Physik I, Kurs 4 UE, 2std.

WS: Komplexe dynamische Systeme - von der Physik zur Medizin VO, 2std.

WS: Komplementärmedizin: naturwissenschaftliche, psychologische und ethnologische Zugänge SE, 2std.

WS: Grundlagen und Praxis komplementärmedizinischer Methoden (mit M. Frass u.a.) VO, 2std.

SS: Komplexe dynamische Systeme - von der Physik zur Medizin SE, 2std.

SS: Gemeinsamkeiten komplementärmedizinischer Methoden – aus naturwissenschaftlicher und erkenntnistheoretischer Sicht VO, 2std.

K. E. Kürten

WS: Einführung in die Theorie vernetzter Systeme I VO, 2std.

WS: Neuere Entwicklungen in der Theorie vernetzter Systeme SE+UE, 4std.

SS: Einführung in die Theorie vernetzter Systeme II VO, 2std.

SS: Aktuelle Kapitel in der Theorie vernetzter Systeme SE+UE, 4std.

W. Gruber

WS: Biophysikalisches Praktikum (mit H. Horvath u.a.) PR, 6st.

WS: Brain Modelling I - physikalische Modelle für das Gedächtnis VO+UE, 3std.

WS: Komplexe dynamische Systeme mit Computerübungen I VO+UE, 2std.

SS: Brain Modelling II - physikalische Modelle für das Gedächtnis VO, 3std.

SS: Komplexe dynamische Systeme – Computerübungen II UE, 2st.

M. Steurer

WS: Biophysikalisches Praktikum (mit H. Horvath u.a.) PR, 6st.

Last modification: Juni 8, 2005