Abstract: A metallic glass-coated microwire has controllable surface porosity. The porosity is achieved by etching the metallic glass-coated microwire or other shapes of glass-coated bodies with acid after annealing to produce a multi-phase glass coating. Porous metallic glass-coated microwires are found to make superior PCR machines, which find use in a variety of in vivo, biochemical, and chemical sensors. Advantageously, the PCR apparatus is smaller, less expensive to construct than conventional units. It readily carries out in vivo passive or active operations.

Abstract: A security device having: a base having a pattern thereon; a mobile component disposed in contact with the base, the mobile component containing a plurality of reversibly adsorbable particles; and a cover attached to the base around the mobile component to maintain the mobile component in contact with the base; wherein the adsorbable particles are mobile and reversibly changeable between a first state where the adsorbable particles are adsorbed to at least a predetermined percentage of the pattern and a second state where the adsorbable particles are adsorbed to less than the predetermined percentage of the pattern.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed for providing phosphate fertilizer to the root zone of plants. The composition comprises a microorganism capable of producing and secreting a solubilization agent, a carbon source for providing raw material for the microorganism to convert into the solubilization agent, and rock phosphate ore for providing a source of insoluble phosphate that is solubilized by the solubilization agent and released as soluble phosphate. The composition is provided in a physical form, such as a granule, that retains the microorganism, carbon source, and rock phosphate ore, but permits water and soluble phosphate to diffuse into the soil. A method of using the composition for providing phosphate fertilizer to plants is also disclosed.