SINGLE MOLECULE-FLUORESCENCE OF BIO-POLYMER COMPLEXES

Polymeric phase-transitions of PVP-Hypericin (Photovidon-H) at various temperatures monitored (a) by use of confocal single molecule fluorescence correlation spectroscopy ( FCS and a novel type heating-cooling-window glass chamber for aqueous environment. (b) Demonstration of tumor selective fluorescence targeting with Photovidon-H. (c) An iso-tactic PVP-polymer conformation is induced by high hypericin-content whereas syndiotactic PVP conformation is favoured by low concentrations of hypericin within the Photovidon-complex at low temperatures. For 30-40 Celsius a phase transition with 75 microseconds equilibrium diffusion time is shown. [ H. G. Loew loewh8@univie.ac.at ]

3D Frequency analyses of recordings used for exposure of mushroom mycelium to sound. [ I. Lucic and D. Diepold ]

Staff

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

Guest scientist: Univ. Doz. Dr. Karl E. Kürten (Loghborough University)

Project Coworkers: Andreas Schamanek, Dr. Axel Schäfer

PhD students: Mag. Werner Gruber, Mag. Peter F. Hüttner, Dr. Said Ibrahim, Mag. Hans Günter Löw, Mag. Ivan Lucic

Diploma students: David Diepold, Naciye Elagöz, Matthias Fukac

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.

Furthermore, the interdisciplinary aspects of complex dynamical systems are considered, connecting physics especially with biology, psychiatry/ medicine and ecology. In this context, biophysical theses have been studying the effect of light and sound on biological systems. For instance, the change of heart-rate variability of human beings was investigated, and the fractal dimension of mushroom mycelium was analyzed.

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.

Neurophysics

The mental processes of the brain are described by physical methods. At the moment the problem of cognitive learning and stammering is in the focus of investigation.

The effect of light and sound on heart-rate variability

a) Humans are being exposed to light of different spectral composition and of different and varying intensity. Data of biophysical parameters (e.g. ecg, emg, breath) are acquired and then analysed by nonlinear time series and other methods. The heart-rate variability is a major point.

b) In a further step, three kinds of sound are presented to humans: 'pink noise', 'water' (wellspring), and 'frogs' (croaking). Their influence on heart-rate variability is again investigated.

Refereed Projects

K. E. Kürten

• Phase transitions, multistability and fractal structures in arrays of small magnetic particles (supported by the European Science Foundation ESF in the framework of the network program "Arrays of Quantum Dots and Josephson Junctions" and by the Department of Physics, Loughborough University)

The study of nanometer-sized magnetic thin film structures separated by non-magnetic spacers, as well as the study of small magnetic particles is a rich and rapidly advancing area within condensed matter physics. Moreover, it is one of the hot topics in condensed matter physics. On the one hand, interest comes from the enormous application potential, such as data storage technology as well as numerous sensor applications associated with the giant magnetoresistance effect. On the other hand, nanomagnets provide an experimental system for studying fundamental phenomena in nanomagnetism and statistical physics. Because of the large number of degrees of freedom and due to competing interactions, these many particle systems display rather rich and interesting collective behaviour not found in bulk crystalline magnets. In particular, spatial disorder is associated with a highly complex energy landscape in configuration space, where the number of locally stable configurations typically increases exponentially with the size of the system.

Provided that the nano-layer thickness is of the order of nanometers and assuming that within each layer all magnetic moments are ferromagnetically aligned but with an orientation differing from layer to layer, each layer can be considered as an elementary magnetic particle. Networks of elementary interacting small magnetic particles, smaller than the bulk domain size, are potential candidates to store and to propagate information. The states are signalled by the magnetization direction of single-domain magnetic particles coupled to their nearest neighbours through magnetostatic interactions. Such a network could consist of a one-dimensional chain of circular magnetic dots each about 10 nm thick and of diameter about 100 nm. They are made from a commonly used magnetic supermalloy on a single-crystal silicon substrate. The uniaxial anisotropy field is of the order of a few Oersted. One focus of this study is to understand magnetism on a molecular scale both in the form of thin films and small magnetic particles.

H. G. Löw

• Biophysical investigation of energetic metabolic parameters of muscle tissue during electrostimulation: papillary- and skeletal muscles as examples (cooperation-project with the Institute for toxicology, University of Vienna)

Based on the physical developments during the refereed project “Continuous fluorescence-optical detection of energetic metabolic parameters of cardiomyocytes during stress induction by electrostimulation”, (University of Vienna and Facultas Verlag), further developments are performed. Primary specific aim of this project is to investigate biophysical parameters in vital muscular biomolecules under presence of short pulsed magnetic fields. Modulating the chemical and environmental conditions of the buffer solutions as well as coil-conformations and current pulse shapes studies are focussed on influences of dynamic contraction–force-development as well as on autofluorescence , oxygen demand , Calcium-fluorescence which represent ionic channel activities under pulsed magnetic stress induction. Force–frequency relations under presence of ionic channel blockers as well as under normoxic and hypoxic conditions are measured. Influences of spectral components of magnetic pulses on penetration depth and biomechanical transduction efficiency are studied using a novel type organ bath. This instrument allows combining fluorescence excitation, optical detection of muscle tissue as well as simultaneous measurement of muscle-tension. All data are recorded and timestamped within a datastream using LABVIEW- Software packages and a novel developed software protocol which allows minimizing stochastic signal deviations during acquisition.

This application oriented project allows specifying the electrodynamic field-parameters influencing muscle contraction and characterizes a novel kind of muscle-stimulation from biophysical and biomedical point of view.

• Fluorescence diagnosis, mini-FACS on chip research and development of miniaturized fluorescence diagnostic components using single cellular and single molecular spectroscopy methods (cooperation-project with the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for andrology and urology, KH Lainz, Vienna, and with the Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Campus Vienna Biocenter)

I. Lucic

• Biological impacts of electromagnetic fields (project No. 1.57.00150.0.0 of the ARC Seibersdorf Research GmbH).

Purpose of this project is a development of a biological test-system for indication of high frequency electromagnetic fields. Experiments are carrying out with seedlings and young radish (Raphanus sativus L.) plants. 34 chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of overground sprout and 13 growth parameters were used for the evaluation.

• Biotechnology: Microarrays data research project & National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) databank investigation (project No. 1.U9.00004.1.0of the ARC Seibersdorf Research GmbH).

Cooperations

International Cooperations

K. W. Kratky

CANADA

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

K. E. Kürten

FRANCE

• Institut Girard Desargues, Université Claude Bernard Lyon-I, France (C. Krattenthaler)

GERMANY

• Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Köln, Germany (L. Ristig)

UK

• School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, England (F.V. Kusmartsev)

USA

• Department of Physics; Washington University, St. Louis, USA (J.W. Clark)

H. G. Löw

GERMANY

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

RUSSIA

• Rostov state university, Biophysics department, Rostov-on-Don (A. Uzdensky)

NORWAY

• Institute for Cancer Research, Montebello, Oslo (J. Moan)

USA

• Wellman Laboratories for Photomedicine, Harvard medical school (M. Hamblin et. al.)

I. Lucic:

GERMANY

• Siegen University, department of art and music pedagogic, Siegen (H. Kapteina, Chang-Lin Zhang)

ISRAEL

• Bar Ilan University, department of physics, Ramat-Gan (A. Vishne, S. Havlin)

JAPAN

• Tokai University, school of high-technology for human welfare, Numazu, Shizuoka (S. Matsura).

National Cooperations

W. Gruber

• Wiener Volkshochschulen, program 'University meets public'

K. W. Kratky

• 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).

H. G. Löw

• Institut für Biomolekulare Strukturchemie der Universität Wien (G. Grabner, G. Köhler, M. Edetsberger)
• Institut für Theoretische Chemie der Universität Wien (E. Gaubitzer)
• Institut für Physiologie der Medizinischen Universität Wien (D. Schmid, Ch. Plass, p. G. Spieckermann)
• Institut für Medizinische Chemie der Medizinischen Universität Wien (p. Chiba, H. Goldenberg)
• Geriatriezentrum Am Wienerwald, Lainz (H. Löw-Weiser, R.Werni)
• Department für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie der Universität Wien (Ch. Studenik)
• Ludwig Boltzmann Institut für Andrologie and Urologie, KH Lainz (H.Pflüger)

I. Lucic

• ARC Seibersdorf Research GmbH: environmental department (G. Soja)
• Technische Universität Wien: Atominstitut der Österreichischen Universitäten (H. Klima)
• Universität Wien: Institut für allgemeine Psychologie, Sozialpsychologie und Methodenlehre (E. Vanecek)

A. Schäfer

• Fa. ProQuant Systeme, Graz (F. Senekowitsch, F. Tschinder)

Publications

Publications

1. K. W. Kratky: The Development of Chinese Medicine from a Cross-Cultural Point of View. In: G. E. Lasker and K. W. Kratky (Eds.): Health, Healing and Medicine, Vol. XI. Comparative and Integrative Medicine. The International Institute for Advanced Studies in Systems Research and Cybernetics, Windsor, Canada 2005 (pp. 49-60).

In this paper, the development of Chinese medicine is treated. Starting from its daoistic origin, Chinese medicine has evolved into the so-called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This transition was accompanied by political changes in China. Important terms are yin and yang, the elements (phases) and the meridians (channels). It turns out that some of the old Chinese concepts are fruitful for a cross-cultural discussion, e.g., yinyang or qi as third principle. The twelve meridians are grouped in pairs that are associated with the elements. Their commensurate number six, however, was virtually reduced to five during the development of Chinese medicine. This issue is considered in detail, and it is argued that the reintroduction of the sixth element (flora) makes sense, especially from a cross-cultural point of view. Then the location of the twelve meridians in the human body is treated. They form three energy circuits, each of them consisting of four meridians. A rough estimate of the basic cycle time is two hours. This is compatible with the basic rest-activity cycle (BRAC) found in Western chronobiology.

2. K. W. Kratky: Chronobiology and Cross-Cultural Medicine: Cyclic Processes during a Day, a Year, and a Lifetime. In: G. E. Lasker and K. W. Kratky (Eds.): Health, Healing and Medicine, Vol. XI. Comparative and Integrative Medicine. The International Institute for Advanced Studies in Systems Research and Cybernetics, Windsor, Canada 2005 (pp. 61-75).

At first, several results of Western chronobiology are dealt with, especially diurnal rhythms and the BRAC (basic rest-activity cycle). Then we turn to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the functional relations between the Chinese elements. It turns out that the nourishing cycle can also interpreted in a temporal way and is probably the Eastern counterpart of BRAC. Furthermore, it also appears in the annual cycle of the seasons. There are different versions (including Tibetan medicine) with 8, 6, 5 and 4 seasons. The advantage of including flora in the Chinese elements is discussed. Then diurnal rhythms are considered. In TCM, the large energy cycle (clock of the organs) is an example of such a rhythm. Its deviation from the nourishing cycle is described within a cross-cultural graphics, the annular arrangement of meridians. Using this graphics, possible cycles are considered that are compatible with qi flow in the human body. Referring to this, the different versions of seasonal models are treated again. At last, the slow changes during lifetime are considered, where results of ayurveda, the Indian medicine, are used. These changes are characterized by the life-spiral on a disc that is the generalization of the annular arrangement.

3. S. Ibrahim and K. W. Kratky: Human Types: Relationship between Yin / Yang and Vagotonia / Sympathicotonia. In: G. E. Lasker and K. W. Kratky (Eds.): Health, Healing and Medicine, Vol. XI. Comparative and Integrative Medicine. The International Institute for Advanced Studies in Systems Research and Cybernetics, Windsor, Canada 2005  (pp. 21-27).

Background: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), human beings are classified into yin and yang with relative excess of yin or yang respectively. This classification is used in the diagnosis and therapy of diseases. Western medicine does not use human types as an integrated part of its healing system. Yin and yang have many properties of the parasympathetic and sympathetic components of the autonomic nervous system, respectively. Objective: to determine whether yin and yang may be correlated with the dualistic components of the autonomic nervous system, and whether such a correlation could be used as a classification for human beings. Methods: A questionnaire in German was constructed to determine both yin and yang states as well as the associated parasympathetic and sympathetic activities. Results: There were a total of 217 respondents from the 250 questionnaires distributed. The majority of the participants were yin / vagotonia type, followed by yang / sympathicotonia, yang / vagotonia and yin / sympathicotonia. Chi-square test shows highly significant association between yin/ yang and parasympathetic/ sympathetic. Conclusion: parasympathetic / sympathetic nervous systems could be the scientific basis of yin and yang. In addition, four human types were identified in this study the yin / vagotonia, the yang / sympathicotonia, the yin / sympathicotonia and the yang / vagotonia.

4. S. Ibrahim, K. W. Kratky and C. Adensamer: The Practice of and Attitudes towards Complementary Medicine among Non-Hospital Physicians in Vienna. In: G. E. Lasker and K. W. Kratky (Eds.): Health, Healing and Medicine, Vol. XI. Comparative and Integrative Medicine. The International Institute for Advanced Studies in Systems Research and Cybernetics, Windsor, Canada 2005 (pp. 43-48).

Background: There is evidence that complementary medicine (CM) is becoming more popular among patients in Vienna. Evaluating the use of and attitudes towards CM by Viennese physicians could help to integrate it into primary health care. Objective: To determine the practice of, and attitudes towards, CM among non-hospital physicians in Vienna. Methods: A questionnaire was sent out to all non-hospital physicians in Vienna. Results: A total of 3222 questionnaires were sent and a response rate of 14% was obtained. 48% of respondents practiced CM themselves in addition to Western medicine. The most commonly practiced CM were acupuncture and homoeopathy, followed by neural therapy. The majority of the respondents believe that CM works, it is effective and safe, but should be subject to more scientific testing. Conclusion: 48% of the respondents have integrated CM into their practices. Their attitudes towards CM were positive, but they would like to know how CM works, the degree of its effectiveness, its side effects, its complications and its cost effectiveness.

5. K. E. Kürten: Fractal Properties of Small Magnetic Particles and Magnetic Multilayers: an Exactly Solvable Model. In: J.W. Clark and W. Pannof (Eds.), Condensed Matter Theories. Vol. 20. Nova Science Publishers, New York, USA 2005.

The focus of this report is an analytical study of the energy landscape of a Hamiltonian based on a piecewise quadratic potential. In contrast to widely used on-site potentials with a quadratic maximum [all physical quantities of interest can be studied analytically. We have shown that, depending on the strength of the on-site potential, the energy surface of our model can consist of exponentially many locally stable minima separated by large barriers specified by unstable saddle points. Also the degeneracy can be calculated analytically with the aid of Redfield-Pòlya theory. The most important finding is that the distribution of the magnetic moments is fractal provided that the strength of the on-site potential exceeds the critical value 4/3. With increasing strength of the on-site potential the fractal dimension of the distribution tends logarithmically to zero.

6. F.V. Kusmartsev and K. E. Kürten: Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata. In: J.W. Clark and W. Pannof (Eds.), Condensed Matter Theories. Vol. 20. Nova Science Publishers, New York, USA 2005.

Recently Cowburn and Welland have proposed to use a chain of magnetic nanoparticles deposited on a nonmagnetic substrate as a room temperature Magnetic Quantum Cellular Automata (MQCA). Such automata made of magnetic dots are capable of data handling. The silicon microchip, the single electron transistor (SET) seems set to generate the next revolution in data processing and storage. Arrangements of SETs have recently shown their ability to perform logic operations. They were called Quantum Cellular Automata (QCA) because they use quantum mechanical tunnelling of charge between quantum dots to change logic state. However, currently, unless the SET dots are less than 2 nm across, the electronic QCA will only work at millikelvin temperatures. Now the attention is focused on magnetic QCAs instead, which can operate at room temperatures. The MQCA networks are built up of magnetic dots, which are made from a common magnetic alloy on a silicon substrate.

We have investigated this model in detail considering arrays of a few and many nanoparticles, and shown that besides MQCA they also have potential for sensor applications and magnetic data storage. In particular we show that such systems have a very complex nontrivial magnetic behaviour. There different nontrivial structures displaying fractal features may be formed. That is with increasing particle number the system behaviour, i.e. the values of magnetic moments, the energy spectrum, coercive forces, hysteresis loops may display the fractal features.

7. K. W. Kratky: Die drei Prinzipien am Beispiel der Homöopathie (Diathesen, Miasmen) und der Traditionellen Chinesischen Medizin (Yin, Yang, Qi). Teil 1: Konstitutionstypen. Homöopathie in Österreich 163(2005) 29-33.

Weltweit sind in unterschiedlichen Medizinsystemen immer wieder drei Prinzipien anzutreffen, die grundsätzliche Verhaltensweisen von Menschen, deren Gesunderhaltung und Krankheitsanfälligkeit beschreiben. In Kratky (2002) wurden etliche solcher Dreiertypologien verglichen, wobei der Ayurveda (indische Medizin) eine wichtige Basis darstellte. In der vorliegenden Arbeit ist der Ausgangspunkt die Traditionelle Chinesische Medizin (TCM), wo die drei Prinzipien zunächst nicht so klar zutage treten. Es wird aber belegt, dass die Triade Yin, Yang und Qi (bzw. Yinyang) ein Äquivalent der drei Prinzipien darstellt. Danach wird schwerpunktmäßig auf die Diathesen bzw. Miasmen in der Homöopathie eingegangen.

8. K. W. Kratky: Die drei Prinzipien am Beispiel der Homöopathie (Diathesen, Miasmen) und der Traditionellen Chinesischen Medizin (Yin, Yang, Qi). Teil 2: Prozesse der Erkrankung und Gesundung. Homöopathie in Österreich 164(2005) 34-38.

Im ersten Teil wurde auf die interkulturellen Konstitutionstypen und die Diathesen bzw. Miasmen in der Homöopathie eingegangen. Im nun folgenden zweiten Teil werden Prozesse der Erkrankung und Gesundung sowie neuere Entwicklungen (Gienow) auf dem Gebiet der Miasmen besprochen. Um das gut darstellen zu können, wird die vom Autor entwickelte Gesundheitsscheibe verwendet.

9. K. E. Kürten and F.V. Kusmartsev: Fractal Structure in Systems Made of Small Magnetic Particles. Phys. Rev. B721 (2005) 014433. Also selected for the Virtual Journal of Nanoscale Science and Technology, July 25, 2005.

We have found that in a system consisting of small magnetic particles a new phenomenon related to the formation of fractal structures may arise. The fractal features may arise not only in the distribution of magnetic moments but also in their energy spectrum. The magnetization and the susceptibility of the system also display the fractal characteristics. The multiple structures are associated with exponentially many locally stable minima in a highly complex energy landscape. The signature of these fractal structures can be experimentally detected by various methods.

10. W. Gruber: Braten nicht Raten. Video, SmartSoft, 2005.

Accepted Publications

1. A. Schäfer and K. W. Kratky: The Effect of Colored Illumination on Heart-Rate Variability. Research in Complementary and Classical Natural Medicine (Forschende Komplementärmedizin und Klassische Naturheilkunde) 12 (2006).

In this work the effect of colored light on heart-rate variability (HRV) is investigated. Previous works have only focussed on full-spectrum fluorescent bright light as it is used for the therapy of seasonal affective disorder and disturbances of circadian rhythms. In three experiments, twelve persons have been exposed to red, green and blue fluorescent light of 700 lux for 10 min, followed and preceded by 15 min of darkness. HRV series have been recorded within the last minutes of the illumination and darkness periods, respectively. HRV analysis encompassed time-domain variables, frequency-domain variables and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). DFA yielded a highly significant increase of the self-similarity parameter Alpha (DFA) under red and green illumination, while blue light was accompanied by a decrease. A spectral analysis revealed a parallel behaviour of very low frequency (VLF) components in the range of 0.003-0.04Hz. Green light also seemed to induce a reduction of high frequency (HF) components. The results show that bright light can influence HRV within minutes and that the effects of colors can be distinguished by HRV analysis.

2. K. W. Kratky: Lebensweg: Rhythmen, Übergänge und Lebensspirale. In: Internationale Kinesiologie Akademie (Hrsg.), Leben im Wandel der Zeit, Ereignisse der Lebensreferenzlinie und ihr Einfluss auf die Biografie. Internationale Kinesiologie Akademie, Frankfurt am Main 2006.

Das Leben ist durch physiologische Rhythmen und durch mehr oder weniger markante Übergänge gekennzeichnet. Beide lassen sich auf der Gesundheitsscheibe, einer vom Vortragenden entwickelten graphischen Darstellung, gut darstellen. Der Lebensweg als ganzes wird auf dieser Scheibe durch die Lebensspirale dargestellt. Die Bedeutung dieser Spirale für Gesundheit und Krankheit wird erläutert und speziell auch auf Geburt und Tod eingegangen.

3. K. E. Kürten: Phase transitions and hysteresis in a system of two coupled magnetic nanoparticles. In: H. Akai (Ed.), Condensed Matter Theories. Vol. 21. Nova Science Publishers, New York, USA 2006.

We study dynamical and static properties of two interacting magnetic particles subjected to exchange interaction J, anisotropy parameter K and an external magnetic field H with an arbitrary angle beta with respect to the easy axis. The well-known Stoner Wohlfahrt model for a single magnetic particle was generalized to model the critical behavior of two anti-ferromagnetically coupled ferromagnets in order to have a description for an antiferromagnet. Moreover, our generalized Stoner "asteroid" is easily accessible for experimental studies. We further present a complete theoretical study of magnetic phase diagrams as a function of the field for arbitrary strength of the anisotropy. We classify all possible magnetic hysteresis loops and show the dependence of the corresponding magnetic moments on the external field. These studies can give answers to the problem of finding adequate materials for practical applications such as sensor, storing or recording devices. We remark that for larger number of particles the problem of multistability is highly complex and can lead to fractal properties seen in all physical variables.

Submitted

1. A. Kubin, H. G. Löw et.al.: Water-soluble hypericin. Int. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology

2. D. Schmid, D. Staudacher, C. Plass, H. G. Löw et.al: Mediated proportional limiting of mechanical power output in rat and guinea pig left ventricular papillary muscles prone to hypoxic core. Am. Journal of Physiology.

3. Ch. Plass, H. G. Löw, G.M. Wiesenthaler, et.al: Photorelaxation of human vascular smooth muscle: mechanisms and clinical implications. Int. Journal of Circulation Research.

Conference Proceedings

1. K. W. Kratky: Scientific and 'Non-Scientific' Ways of Thinking. In: Abstracts of the XVII International Botanical Congress, Vienna 2005 (p. 21)

2. I. Lucic, G. Soja, H. Haider, W. Giczi and K. W. Kratky: Dependency of biological impacts of fixed part (GSM) equivalence on frequency. In: Abstracts of the XVII International Botanical Congress, Vienna 2005 (p. 627).

3. I. Lucic, G. Soja and K. W. Kratky: Frequency effect on biological impacts of high frequency electromagnetic fields. In: Österreichische Physikalische Gesellschaft (Hrsg.), 55. Jahrestagung der ÖPG, Wien 2005 (S. 150).

4. H. G. Löw and K. W. Kratky: Novel overcharge binding paradox demonstrated on Thomson-cluster algorithms may alter stability criteria of multi-charged and packed particle systems at fundamental levels. In: Österreichische Physikalische Gesellschaft (Hrsg.), 55. Jahrestagung der ÖPG, Wien 2005 (S. 35).

5. H. G. Löw, G. Köhler, R. Pflüger, I. Lichtscheidl, A. Kubin and K. W. Kratky:Supramolecular hypericin-complexes as a novel tool in early cancer detection, biophysical studies of chemical structure-activity relationships.In: Österreichische Physikalische Gesellschaft (Hrsg.), 55. Jahrestagung der ÖPG, Wien 2005 (S. 156).

6. H. G. Löw, R.Javor, G.Steurer, PG Spieckermann, D.Schmid, H. Horvath and K. W. Kratky: Multicellular KATP ionic channel driven mechanisms of oxygen dependent muscular power regulation demonstrated on frequency dependent cardiac tissue FAD-autofluorescence. In: Österreichische Physikalische Gesellschaft (Hrsg.), 55. Jahrestagung der ÖPG, Wien 2005 (S. 156f).

7. H. G. Löw, M.Hamblin, H. Horvath and K. W. Kratky:Novel perfluorocarbon photodynamic microemulsion (PPM) highly enhances phototoxicity on cellular membranes in presence of water soluble photosensitizer Photovidon-H, investigating oxygen release during fractionated ultrasound+LASER applications. In: Österreichische Physikalische Gesellschaft (Hrsg.), 55. Jahrestagung der ÖPG, Wien 2005 (S. 157f).

8. H. G. Löw, M. Edetsberger, E. Gaubitzer and G.Köhler: In-vivo-uptake and -migration mechanisms of macromolecular complexes and ultrafine particles at cellular membranes. In: Österreichische Physikalische Gesellschaft (Hrsg.), 55. Jahrestagung der ÖPG, Wien 2005 (S. 70f).

9. H. G. Löw, H. Löw-Weiser, R. Werni, R. Kolbabek and H. Horvath: Technical realization of digital Blue Flash Camera and fibreoptic spectroscopy probe methods, applied to dermatological diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous diseases using 5-ALA induced protoporphyrin-IX. In: Österreichische Physikalische Gesellschaft (Hrsg.), 55. Jahrestagung der ÖPG, Wien 2005 (S. 158).

10. H. G. Löw, Ch. Plass and p. G. Spieckermann: Experimental physiology of photoinduced vasorelaxation using focussed high power LED-irradiation compared  to LASER light application.In: Österreichische Physikalische Gesellschaft (Hrsg.), 55. Jahrestagung der ÖPG, Wien 2005 (S. 159).

11. I. Lucic: Dependency of biological impacts of fixed part (GSM) equivalence on frequency. In: Report of the 2nd International graduate- and Ph.D Seminar 'Biogenetics – Natural Resources'. ARC Seibersdorf research GmbH 2005 (p. 24).

12. I. Lucic: Effects of high-frequency electromagnetic fields on living matter. In: Report of the 2nd International graduate- and Ph.D Seminar 'Biogenetics – Natural Resources'. ARC Seibersdorf research GmbH 2005 (p. 30f).

13. K. E. Kürten: Spin flop switching and hysteresis in antiferromagnetically coupled  magnetic multilayers. Proceedings of the International Workshop on Arrays of Quantum Dots and Josephson Junctions, Kiten, Bulgaria 2005.

Books

1. G. E. Lasker and K. W. Kratky (Eds.): Health, Healing and Medicine, Vol. XI. Comparative and Integrative Medicine. The International Institute for Advanced Studies in Systems Research and Cybernetics, Windsor, Canada 2005.

2. W. Gruber: Physik, Papier und Flieger. Jugend und Volk, Wien 2005.

3. W. Gruber und C. Rupp: Ganz klar: Physik 2. Jugend und Volk, Wien 2005.

4. W. Gruber und C. Rupp: Ganz klar: Physik 2 – Lehrerbegleitbuch“, Jugend und Volk, 2005

5. W. Gruber und C. Rupp: Ganz klar: Physik 2 – SBX“, Jugend und Volk, Wien 2005

6. W. Gruber und C. Rupp: Ganz klar: Physik 3, Jugend und Volk, Wien 2005

7. W. Gruber und C. Rupp: Ganz klar: Physik 3 – Lehrerbegleitbuch. Jugend und Volk, Wien 2005.

Lectures – Posters

Lectures

K. W. Kratky

• Krankheit und Heilung in Integraler Sicht (Fachgruppe Integrale Medizin, Wien), 22.1.2005.
• Schulmedizin versus Komplementärmedizin(Podiumsdiskussion, MedSuccess am AKH, Wien), 22.4.2005.
• Komplementärmedizin versus Schulmedizin(3.Weiterbildung "Energetische Modelle und Methoden – Therapeutische Berührung" der IGSL Hospizbewegung, Wien), 3.10.2005.
• Komplementäre Medizinsysteme – das sechste Element (Weiterbildung "Energetische Modelle und Methoden – Therapeutische Berührung", Zentrum – Lebensenergie , Wien), 28.10.2005.
• Weltbilder komplementärmedizinischer Richtungen(Vorlesung "Grundlagen und Praxis komplementärmedizinischer Methoden", Universität Wien), 28.11.2005.

K. E. Kürten

• Barkhausen effect in exchange-coupled magnetic multilayers (Loughborough University, Department of Physics, Loughborough, England), 11.1.05
• Fractal structures in linear chains of nanoparticles (Loughborough University, Department of Physics, Loughborough, England), 24.5.05
• Large systems of magnetic nanoparticles: an analytic study (Loughborough University, Department of Physics, Loughborough, England), 8.11.05

W. Gruber

• Die Physik stellt die Welt auf den Kopf (Festveranstaltung "Ein Fest für Albert Einstein" am Wiener Stephansdomplatz, organisiert von der ÖPG usw.) 19.4.2005
• Physik und Verkehrssicherheit (ÖAMTC und Renault, Teesdorf) 13.5.2005
• Films and education (1.-Cisci Meeting, TU-Wien), 4.2.2005
• Warum fliegen Flieger (KinderUniSteyr, Steyr), 29.8.2005
• Was hält die Welt zusammen? (KinderUniSteyr, Steyr), 29.8.2005
• Warum fliegen Flieger (KinderUniSteyr, Steyr), 30.8.2005
• Wie entsteht ein Gedanke (KinderUniSteyr, Steyr), 30.8.2005
• Von der Thermodynamik des Schweinsbratens (Landwirtschaftskammer Oberösterreich, Linz), 17.9.2005
• Das Gelbe vom Ei (Landwirtschaftskammer Oberösterreich, Linz), 18.9.2005
• Wie sehen Außerirdische Wesen aus? (Spiel.Raum.Physik, Wien), 1.10.2005
• Braten – NICHT Raten (Lange Nacht der Forschung, Wien), 1.10.2005
• Physik des Kochens (Gemeindezentrum Fischelham), 3.10.2005
• Physik im Alltag (BRG Horn), 4.11.2005
• Physik und Science Fiction (HTL Mödling), 5.11.2005

Conference Contributions

K. W. Kratky

• Die TCM im Rahmen einer interkulturellen Medizin (Johannes Bischko Symposium der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Akupunktur, Wien) 2.4.2005
• Das sechste Element – die verlorene Spiritualität in der Chinesischen Medizin (7.Pfingstklausur der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Zahnärztliche Hypnose, Steinschaler Dörfl), 13.5.2005.
• Gesundheitsscheibe und Lebensspirale (7.Pfingstklausur der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Zahnärztliche Hypnose, Steinschaler Dörfl), 15.5.2005.
• Scientific and 'Non-Scientific' Ways of Thinking (XVII International Botanical Congress IBC2005, Session 1.14, Vienna). 18.7.2005.
• Die Reaktion von Atem und Puls auf optische Reize (Festspielgespräche 2005 der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Ganzheitliche Zahlheilkunde, Lech/Arlberg), 6.8.2005.
• Interkulturelle Sicht der Medizinsysteme (Workshop, Festspielgespräche 2005 der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Ganzheitliche Zahlheilkunde, Lech/Arlberg), 6.8.2005.
• Die Wirkung von Licht auf Puls und Atem (Symposium Chronobiologie der Wiener Internationalen Akademie für Ganzheitsmedizin, Wien), 24.9.2005.

K. E. Kürten

• Spin flop switching and hysteresis in antiferromagnetically coupled  magnetic multilayers(invited lecture at the International Workshop on Arrays of Quantum Dots and Josephson Junctions, Kiten, Bulgaria) 24.6.2005.
• Phase transitions and hysteresis in a system of two coupled magnetic nanoparticles (invited lecture at the XXIX International Workshop on Condensed Matter Theories, IIAS, Kizu, Kyoto, Japan) 15.9.2005.

H. G. Löw

• Novel overcharge binding paradox demonstrated on Thomson-cluster algorithms may alter stability criteria of multi-charged and packed particle systems at fundamental levels (55.Jahrestagung der Österreichischen Physikalischen Gesellschaft ÖPG, Wien), 27.9.2005.
• In-vivo-uptake and -migration mechanisms of macromolecular complexes and ultrafine particles at cellular membranes (55.Jahrestagung der Österreichischen Physikalischen Gesellschaft ÖPG, Wien), 27.9.2005.

I. Lucic

• Effects of high-frequency electromagnetic fields on living matter (2nd International graduate- and Ph.D Seminar 'Biogenetics – Natural Resources'; University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences), 25.11.2005.

Posters

H. G. Löw, G.Köhler, R. Pflüger, I.Lichtscheidl, A. Kubin,  K. W. Kratky: Supramolecular hypericin-complexes as a novel tool in early cancer detection, biophysical studies of chemical structure-activity relationships demonstrated by fluorescence tissue-microscopy and spectral image analysis of bladder wall tumor tissue and FACS-cytometry, molecular concepts and patent-realization (55.Jahrestagung der Österreichischen Physikalischen Gesellschaft ÖPG, Wien), 27.-28.9.2005.

H. G. Löw,  R.Javor, G.Steurer, PG Spieckermann, D.Schmid, H. Horvath, K. W. Kratky: Multicellular KATP ionic channel driven mechanisms of oxygen dependent muscular power regulation demonstrated on frequency dependent cardiac tissue FAD-autofluorescence (55.Jahrestagung der Österreichischen Physikalischen Gesellschaft ÖPG, Wien), 27.-28.9.2005.

H. G. Löw, M.Hamblin, H. Horvath, K. W. Kratky: Novel perfluorocarbon photodynamic microemulsion (PPM) highly enhances phototoxicity on cellular membranes in presence of water soluble photosensitizer Photovidon-H, investigating oxygen release during fractionated ultrasound+LASER applications(55.JahrestagungderÖsterreichischenPhysikalischenGesellschaft ÖPG,Wien),27.-28.9.2005.

H. G. Löw, H.Löw-Weiser, R.Werni, R.Kolbabek, H. Horvath: Technical realization of digital Blue Flash Camera and fibreoptic spectroscopy probe methods, applied to dermatological diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous diseases using 5-ALA induced protoporphyrin-IX  (55.Jahrestagung der Österreichischen Physikalischen Gesellschaft ÖPG, Wien), 27.-28.9.2005.

H. G. Löw, Ch.Plass, p. G.Spieckermann: Experimental physiology of photoinduced vasorelaxation using focussed high power LED-irradiation compared  to LASER light application  (55.Jahrestagung der Österreichischen Physikalischen Gesellschaft ÖPG, Wien), 27.-28.9.2005.

I. Lucic, G. Soja, H. Haider, W. Giczi and K. W. Kratky: Dependency of biological impacts of fixed part (GSM) equivalence on frequency (Poster P2474 in Session II of the XVII International Botanical Congress IBC2005, Vienna), 22.7.2005.

I. Lucic, G. Soja, H. Haider, W. Giczi and K. W. Kratky: Dependency of biological impacts of fixed part (GSM) equivalence on frequency (European Forum Alpbach – "Technologiegespräche", Alpbach), 25.-27.8.2005.

I. Lucic, G. Soja and K. W. Kratky: Frequency effect on biological impacts of high frequency electromagnetic fields (55.Jahrestagung der Österreichischen Physikalischen Gesellschaft ÖPG, Wien), 27.-28.9.2005.

I. Lucic: Dependency of biological impacts of fixed part (GSM) equivalence on frequency. International graduate- and Ph.D Seminar (University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna), 25.11.2005.

Teaching and Web-Based Didactics

W. Gruber

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

Im Rahmen dieser Lehrveranstaltung werden aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse aus den Bereichen der Neuroscience vorgestellt und ihre Relevanz diskutiert. Der Streifzug durch die Neuroscience beginnt bei der Beschreibung von Neuronen, technischen neuronalen Netzen und dem Vergleich zu biologischen Netzwerken. Nach der Vorstellung von einigen konkreten Modellen aus der Biologie (Beispiele: Erkennen von Objekten durch das visuelle System, Synchronisation im Gehirn, Steuerungen und Regelungen im Nervensystem) endet der Streifzug bei philosophischen Fragestellungen. Da in diesem Forschungsgebiet noch viele Fragen offen sind beziehungsweise noch gar nicht gestellt wurden, wird auch auf die Grenzen des aktuellen Wissens hingewiesen.

Diploma Theses– PhD Theses

Current Diploma Theses

• Supervisor: K. W. Kratky

D. Diepold

Auswirkung von akustischen Reizen auf die Heart-Rate-Variability

• Supervisor: K. W. Kratky

M.Fukac

Simulation des menschlichen Sehsystems

Completed Diploma Theses

• Supervisor: K. W. Kratky

N. Elagöz

Wirkung von grünem Licht unterschiedlicher zeitlicher Variation auf die Heart-Rate-Variability.

Der Einfluss von Licht auf Stimmung und Gesundheit wurde schon vor vielen Jahren bemerkt. Seit einiger Zeit werden spezielle Spektralbereiche von künstlichem Licht zur Therapie verschiedener Erkrankungen eingesetzt. Zur Untersuchung des Zustands der Herz-Kreislauf-Regulation und des autonomen Nervensystems (ANS) bei psychischen oder körperlichen Krankheiten dienen unterschiedliche Analysemethoden wie z.B. die Bestimmung der Heart-Rate-Variability (HRV). Von Licht bisher wurden aber nur wenige Studien hinsichtlich der Auswirkung von Licht auf die HRV durchgeführt.

Das Ziel der Diplomarbeit war es, mittels der HRV-Analyse-Methode die Auswirkung von grünem Licht unterschiedlicher zeitlicher Variation auf den Menschen zu untersuchen. Dazu wurde ein mittels Laptop und Projektor erzeugtes Licht verwendet. Im Experiment wurden 12 Probanden mit konstantem grünem Licht, sowie zwischen grün und schwarz periodisch bzw. chaotisch variierendem Licht von maximal 420 Lux bestrahlt. Die drei Beleuchtungsphasen von je 10 min waren in Dunkelphasen von jeweils 15 min eingetestet. Die 300 Herzschläge dauernde HRV-Messung wurde 5 min vor dem Ende der jeweiligen Phase begonnen und die Reaktion der verschiedenen Variablen auf die drei Lichtbedingungen untersucht.

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

S. Ibrahim

Naturwissenschaftliche Grundlagen der medizinischen Systeme

I. Lucic

Der Einfluß unterschiedlicher Frequenzen auf biologische Systeme

Completed PhD Theses

• Supervisor: K. W. Kratky

H. G. Löw

Biophysik in Diagnostik und Therapie. Die Entwicklung und Charakterisierung neuer photoaktiver supramolekularer Chromophor-Komplexe.

Die Entwicklung neuer Substanzen zur Anwendung in der Humanmedizin erfordert wachsende Beiträge durch interdisziplinäre, physikalische Methoden. Zielgerichtete tumorselektive molekulare Carriersysteme mit lichtabhängigen Aktivierungsfunktionen müssen folgende Rahmenkriterien erfüllen um ein pharmazeutisches Zeugnis für diagnostisch-therapeutische Anwendung zu erlangen:  Gute Wasserlöslichkeit, Nicht-Toxizität gegen Normalgewebe, Spezifität gegen das Zielgewebe und schnelle Deaktivierung oder Entfernung aus dem lebenden Organismus nach durchgeführter Applikation. Diese Kriterien müssen auch für verschiedene andere Carriersysteme in der Medizin gelten, wie zum Beispiel auch für Blutersatzstoffe, die als Sauerstoff-Transporter und Serumersatzstoffe wirken. Die entwickelten Substanzen wurden für folgende Anwendungen benützt:

a) Diagnostik an Harnblasentumoren

b) Biophysikalische Charakterisierung der molekularen Strukturen von PVP-Hypericin

c) Fraktionierte Lichtbestrahlung verstärkt photooxidative Effizienz

d) "Micro-environmental effects" von perfluorierten photochemischen Mikroemulsionen.

Mit den demonstrierten biophysikalischen Targeting- und Verstärkungssystemen ist es möglich, neue Optimierungsmethoden für verschiedene Diagnose und Therapieformen in der Medizin abzuleiten.

Miscellaneous

W. Gruber

• General Editor bei CISCI (Cinema and Science), einem EU-Projekt.
• Organisation eines österreichweiten Papierfliegerwettbewerbs im Rahmen der Veranstaltung „Spiel.Raum.Physik“ organisiert von der ÖPG, 30. September 2005.
• Gutachter für das Technische Museum Wien für den Bereich „Technik im Alltag“.
• Lehrender und Vortragender im Rahmen des Projektes „University meets public“ an verschiedenen Wiener Volkshochschulen mit 7 verschiedenen Kursen, je 7-14 Abende, mit den Themen „Physik des Kochens“, „Physik des Papierfliegerbaus“, „Naturwissenschaft von Star Trek“, „Unser Gehirn“, „Einführung in die Physik“ usw.
• Kolumnist für die Zeitschriften „Gusto“ seit 2003, „Profil“ für das erste Halbjahr 2005, und „Ray“ seit 2001.
• In allen wesentlichen Medien Österreichs und des deutschsprachigen Auslands präsent.
• Rechnungsprüfer der Biophysikalischen Gesellschaft Österreichs.
• Delegiert zur Science on Stage 4, CERN, Genf, 20.-25.11.2005.

K. W. Kratky

• Member of the Scientific Board of the Journals 'Systeme' and 'Research in Complementary and Classical Natural Medicine'
• Member of the Scientific Board 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.
• Organizer and Chairman of the Session 'Inter- and transdisciplinary approaches: Self organization, complexity, ecology' (XVII International Botanical Congess IBC2005, Vienna), 18.7.2005.

K. E. Kürten

• Guest Scientist and Lecturer.

PRIZES AND AWARDS

I. Lucic

• First Prize of the Poster Contest 2005 'Students to Science (S2S)' of the Austrian Research Centers (ARC) in the category of Ph.D - works for: Dependency of biological impacts of fixed part (GSM) equivalence on frequency; December 2005.
• Third Prize of Austrian Physical Society (ÖPG) for the poster: Frequency effect on biological impacts of high frequency electromagnetic fields. (55. Jahrestagung der ÖPG, Vienna); September 2005.

PRESENCE IN THE MEDIA

K. W. Kratky

Print media and electronic journals

• Der Mensch als komplexes System (Wenzel Müller; ÄrzteWoche 20.1.05, S.18)
• alternativMED spezial (August 2005, Robert Harsieber): Grenzgänge Mensch – Medizin – Energie – Kosmos www.alternativmed.at/special/0103-01.html

W. Gruber

Print media and electronic journals

• Physik in der VHS (Wiener Zeitung – Journal, 12.3.05)
• Die Naturwissenschaft des Fliegers (Falter, 18.4.05)
• Grubers Welt (OÖN, 25.6.05)
• The science of paperplanes (Financial Times Europe, 9.7.05)
• Physik-Spektakel (Kurier, 28.9.05)

Radio and Television

• Bruchmechanik von Ostereiern (Radio Wien – Guten Morgen Wien, 24.3.05)
• Physikalisch richtig Eierkochen (Radio Wien – Guten Morgen Wien, 25.3.05)
• Die Chemie des Eierschälens (Radio Wien – Guten Morgen Wien, 26.3.05)
• Physikalische Spielereien (ORF1, "Elmars Beste Reste", 26.3.05)
• Physik im Alltag (ORF1, Kids4Kids, 27.3.05)
• Die Physik und Chemie der Verwesung (Ö1 – Kulinarium, 22.4.05)
• Die Opferwurst (ORF1 – Was gibt es Neues?, 29.4.05)
• War die Mondlandung ein Betrug (RADIÖ1476 – Die physikalische Soiree, 2.5.05)
• Die Physik des Würstelkochens (ORF2 – Willkommen Österreich, 19.5.05)
• Synchronisation – oder wie entsteht ein Gedanke? (Ö1 – Radiokolleg, 15.6.05)
• Physik und Nahrungsmittel (LT1, 14.9.2005)
• Laufen oder nicht laufen im Regen (ORF2 – Echt wahr, 20.9.05)
• Die Physik im Alltag (Serie im Radio Arabella, 26. - 30.9.05)
• Physik und Wasser (ORF1, Confetti-TV, 25.9.05)
• Die Physik des Duschens (ORF2 – Echt wahr, 27.9.05)
• Spiel.Raum.Physik (ORF2 – Willkommen Österreich, 30.9.05)
• Physik und Chemie der Mayonnaise (ORF2 – Willkommen Österreich, 29.12.05)

University Courses 2004/2005

K. W. Kratky

• WS: Rechenübungen zur Einführung in die Physik I (2. Kurs von 9) , UE, 2std.
• WS: Komplexe dynamische Systeme - von der Physik zur Medizin , VO, 2std.
• WS: Komplementärmedizin: naturwissenschaftliche, psychologische und ethnologische Zugänge, SE, 2std.
• SS: Komplexe dynamische Systeme – biophysikalische Aspekte, SE, 2std.
• SS: Gemeinsamkeiten komplementärmedizinischer Methoden  – aus naturwissenschaftlicher und interkultureller 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: Spezielle Anwendungen in der Theorie vernetzter Systeme II, SE, 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.
• WS: Wie erkläre ich es meinen SchülerInnen?, VO, 2std.
• SS: Brain Modelling II - physikalische Modelle für das Gedächtnis, VO, 3std.
• SS: Komplexe dynamische Systeme – Computerübungen II, UE, 2st.
• SS: Praktikum für Schulversuche II (mit H. Kabelka u.a.), PR, 8st.

H. G. Löw

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

Last modification: August 31, 2006