A novel PVDF-TiO2@g-C3N4 composite electrospun fiber for efficient photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline under visible light irradiation.

A novel composite electrospun fiber with high photocatalytic efficiency, good stability, strong hydrophobicity, good pollution resistance, and easy separation and recovery was synthesized. The TiO2@g-C3N4 (TCN) with special core-shell structure (5-10 nm shell) facilitated the separation of photogenerated electron-holes and had high photocatalytic performance. The poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) electrospun fiber immobilized with TCN was successfully fabricated (PVDF-TCN) with uniform distribution and size of nanofibers by using electrospinning, which was used for degrading tetracycline under visible-light irradiation (> 400 nm). A special rougher surface of electrospun fiber obtained by washing of sacrificial PVP increased the specific surface area, which became more conducive to the adhesion of the catalyst. The water contact angle and FTIR results demonstrated that the electrospun fiber became extremely hydrophilic after adding TCN catalyst, which could effectively mitigate the fiber pollution. The PVDF-TCN-0.2g electrospun fiber exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance and the degradation efficiency of tetracycline was up to 97% in 300 min under visible-light irradiation. The mechanism of PVDF-TCN electrospun fiber degradation of tetracycline in the photocatalytic process was also proposed. In addition, the PVDF-TCN-0.2g exhibited a stable activity after 4 cycles experiments since the degradation efficiency remained about 90%. Therefore, we believed this study provided a new strategy in catalyst immobilization and wastewater treatment.

Surface Modification of PLLA, PTFE and PVDF with Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) to Enhance Cell Adhesion.

Recently, extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation has been increasingly used to modify polymers. Properties such as the extremely short absorption lengths in polymers and the very strong interaction of EUV photons with materials may play a key role in achieving new biomaterials. The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of EUV radiation on cell adhesion to the surface of modified polymers that are widely used in medicine: poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and poly-L-(lactic acid) (PLLA). After EUV surface modification, which has been performed using a home-made laboratory system, changes in surface wettability, morphology, chemical composition and cell adhesion polymers were analyzed. For each of the three polymers, the EUV radiation differently effects the process of endothelial cell adhesion, dependent of the parameters applied in the modification process. In the case of PVDF and PTFE, higher cell number and cellular coverage were obtained after EUV radiation with oxygen. In the case of PLLA, better results were obtained for EUV modification with nitrogen. For all three polymers tested, significant improvements in endothelial cell adhesion after EUV modification have been demonstrated.

Reconciliation of pH, conductivity, total organic carbon with carboxylic acids detected by ion chromatography in solution after contact with multilayer films after γ-irradiation.

The impact of γ-irradiation on polymers in multilayer films was studied by means of the study of the diffusion and release (spontaneous migration of the molecules from the container into the product) of chemical species in aqueous solution. A series of different measurements have been performed: pH, conductivity, total organic carbon (TOC) and ion chromatography (IC). Their evolution according to γ-irradiation dose was studied. More several rinsings made over several months allowed to quantify well the impact of the irradiation on these polymers. The samples are irradiated at several γ-doses, up to 270 kGy, and compared with a non-irradiated sample used as reference. It shows that quantity of generated carboxylic acids depends on the film material (PE/EVOH/PE and EVA/EVOH/EVA) and increases with γ-dose.

A Broadband Polyvinylidene Difluoride-Based Hydrophone with Integrated Readout Circuit for Intravascular Photoacoustic Imaging.

Intravascular photoacoustic (IVPA) imaging can visualize the coronary atherosclerotic plaque composition on the basis of the optical absorption contrast. Most of the photoacoustic (PA) energy of human coronary plaque lipids was found to lie in the frequency band between 2 and 15 MHz requiring a very broadband transducer, especially if a combination with intravascular ultrasound is desired. We have developed a broadband polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) transducer (0.6 × 0.6 mm, 52 µm thick) with integrated electronics to match the low capacitance of such a small polyvinylidene difluoride element (<5 pF/mm(2)) with the high capacitive load of the long cable (∼100 pF/m). The new readout circuit provides an output voltage with a sensitivity of about 3.8 µV/Pa at 2.25 MHz. Its response is flat within 10 dB in the range 2 to 15 MHz. The root mean square (rms) output noise level is 259 µV over the entire bandwidth (1-20 MHz), resulting in a minimum detectable pressure of 30 Pa at 2.25 MHz.

Characterization of modified PVDF membrane by gamma irradiation for non-potable water reuse.

Poly(vinylidene fluorine) (PVDF) membranes were grafted by gamma-ray irradiation and were sulfonated by sodium sulfite to modify the surface of the membranes. The characteristics of the modified PVDF membranes were evaluated by the data of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), the contact angle of the membrane surface and the water permeability. From the results of FT-IR, XPS and FE-SEM, it was shown that the modified membranes were successfully grafted by gamma-ray irradiation and were sulfonated. The content of oxygen and sulfur increased with the monomer concentration, while the content of fluorine sharply decreased. The pore size of the modified membranes decreased after gamma-ray irradiation. The contact angle and the water permeability showed that the hydrophilicity of the modified membranes played a role in determining the membrane performance. The feasibility study of the modified PVDF membranes for using non-potable water reuse were carried out using a laboratory-scale microfiltration system. Grey wastewater was used as the influent in the filtration unit, and permeate quality satisfied non-potable water reuse guidelines in the Republic of Korea.

Photocatalytic applications of paper-like poly(vinylidene fluoride)-titanium dioxide hybrids fabricated using a combination of electrospinning and electrospraying.

A paper-like photocatalyst was fabricated by electrospraying an N,N'-dimethylformamide (DMF) dispersion of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) on a poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofiber (PVDF NF) mat prepared by electrospinning. Morphological studies revealed that the TiO2 NPs uniformly deposited as clusters on the surface of the PVDF NF mat. The immobilized amount of TiO2 was found to be 2.08, 2.44, 3.80, and 4.73 mg per 45 cm(2) of PVDF-TiO2 hybrids for the electrospraying of 10, 20, 40, and 60 ml of TiO2-DMF, respectively. The hybrid photocatalysts were effective in degrading bisphenol A (BPA), 4-chlorophenol (4-CP), and cimetidine (CMT), which dissolved in both deionized water and secondary wastewater effluents, with activity being proportional to the quantity of TiO2 NPs immobilized. For the highest loading amount of TiO2, BPA, 4-CP, and CMT degraded completely within 100, 100, and 40 min of UV irradiation, respectively. Stable photo-oxidation of CMT was maintained through 10 repeated cycles. During these cycles, it was confirmed that there was no loss of TiO2 NPs by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Our results suggest that effective and stable PVDF-TiO2 hybrid photocatalysts can be fabricated on a large scale by combining electrospinning and electrospraying techniques.

Embolization-induced angiogenesis in cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

Endovascular occlusion of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) is often utilized as adjunctive therapy in combination with radiosurgery or microsurgery. Evidence supports that partial occlusion of AVM via endovascular embolization leads to increased angiogenesis. This phenomenon may be a contributing factor to the decreased efficacy of AVM radiosurgery following embolization. We review the literature for potential mechanisms of embolization-induced angiogenesis. A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed to identify studies that sought to elucidate the pathophysiology behind embolization-induced angiogenesis. The terms "arteriovenous malformation", "embolization", and "angiogenesis" were used to search for relevant publications individually and together. Three distinct mechanisms for embolization-induced angiogenesis were described in the literature: (1) hypoxia-mediated angiogenesis, (2) inflammatory-mediated angiogenesis, and (3) hemodynamic-mediated angiogenesis. Embolization-induced angiogenesis of cerebral AVM likely results from a combination of the three aforementioned mechanisms. However, future research is necessary to determine the relative contribution of each individual mechanism to overall post-embolization AVM neovascularization.

The disinfection of impression materials by using microwave irradiation and hydrogen peroxide.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Microwave irradiation and immersion in solutions have been recommended for denture disinfection. However, the effect of dry conditions and impression materials has not been completely evaluated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave irradiation and hydrogen peroxide for the disinfection of dental impression materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens (diameter 10 mm, thickness 2 mm) were made with polyvinyl siloxane. Experimental groups were treated with hydrogen peroxide (group H), microwave irradiation (group M), and a combination of both hydrogen peroxide and microwave irradiation (group MH) for 1 minute, 2 minutes, and 3 minutes. The control group was untreated. The total sample size was 120. The specimens were divided into 2 groups, those exposed to Streptococcus mutans and those exposed to Escherichia coli. The disinfection effect and physical properties (contact angle, compatibility with gypsum, strain in compression, tear strength) were evaluated. RESULTS: All 3 groups (H, M, MH) were effective in reducing the number of colony forming units (CFU) per unit volume (mL) for both S mutans and E coli compared with the control. The most significant reduction in the CFU/mL of both bacteria was noted in the MH group and was used to compare either treatment alone (P<.05). No statistically significant difference was noted between the control and treatment groups in terms of all of the physical properties tested (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Microwave irradiation was identified as a useful disinfection method against S mutans and E coli, especially when combined with H2O2, without adversely affecting the physical properties of dental impression materials.

All-optically controllable and highly efficient scattering mode light modulator based on azobenzene liquid crystals and poly(N-vinylcarbazole) films.

The present study reports that isothermal phase transition induced by photoisomerization of azobenzene liquid crystals (azo-LCs) from trans- to cis-isomers results in the dissolution of poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) into azo-LCs. Transparent (scattering) states can be demonstrated using uniform (rough) morphologies of PVK generated by slow (rapid) phase separation of PVK and azo-LCs from cis- to trans-isomers. The PVK films were examined in detail using scanning electron microscopy. Scattering performance resulting from the rough PVK surface induced micron-sized LC domains, and transparent performance resulting from the reformed uniform PVK surface can be optically and reversibly switched. Finally, all-optically controllable and highly efficient (contrast ratio of 370:1) scattering mode light modulators based on azo-LCs and PVK films were demonstrated.

Ultrasound irradiation combined with hydraulic cleaning on fouled polyethersulfone and polyvinylidene fluoride membranes.

In this study, an ultrasonic irradiation technique was utilized to mitigate the fouling of polyethersulfone (PES) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes. The use of ultrasound at 20 kHz was applied to a dead-end microfiltration cell in order to mitigate fouling caused by the presence of colloidal bentonite particles. The effect of ultrasonic power and pulse duration on the permeate flux recovery was examined. Measurements indicate that an increase in ultrasonic power and longer pulse duration results to a higher permeate flux recovery. In order to reduce power consumption, a low to high power shift (LHPS) and pulsation method, were investigated. Methods of cleaning such as ultrasonic irradiation, ultrasonic cleaning with forward flushing and ultrasonic cleaning with backwashing were utilized and their cleaning efficiencies were examined. The cleaning performance was assessed using the clean water flux method and scanning electron microscope analysis of the cleaned membranes. Results showed that LHPS and pulsation method both improve the permeate flux recovery but were not able to attain the 93.97 and 74.88% flux recovery for PES and PVDF that was achieved by constant-15 W ultrasonic cleaning. In addition, forward flushing and backwashing may enhance the performance of ultrasonic cleaning at 9 W but could become disadvantageous at 15 W.

Dynamic swelling of tunable full-color block copolymer photonic gels via counterion exchange.

One-dimensionally periodic block copolymer photonic lamellar gels with full-color tunability as a result of a direct exchange of counteranions were fabricated via a two-step procedure comprising the self-assembly of a hydrophobic block-hydrophilic polyelectrolyte block copolymer, polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinyl pyridine) (PS-b-P2VP), followed by sequential quaternization of the P2VP layers in 1-bromoethane solution. Depending on the hydration characteristics of each counteranion, the selective swelling of the block copolymer lamellar structures leads to large tunability of the photonic stop band from blue to red wavelengths. More extensive quaternization of the P2VP block allows the photonic lamellar gels to swell more and red shift to longer wavelength. Here, we investigate the dynamic swelling behavior in the photonic gel films through time-resolved in situ measurement of UV-vis transmission. We model the swelling behavior using the transfer matrix method based on the experimentally observed reflectivity data with substitution of appropriate counterions. These tunable structural color materials may be attractive for numerous applications such as high-contrast displays without using a backlight, color filters, and optical mirrors for flexible lasing.

Effect of crystallinity and irradiation on thermal properties and specific heat capacity of LDPE & LDPE/EVA.

In this paper a series of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) blends with different percentages (10%, 20%, and 30%) of EVA and sets of low-density polyethylene sheets were prepared. This set consists of four subsets, which were made under different cooling methods: fast cooling in liquid nitrogen, cooling with cassette, exposing in open air, and cooling in oven, to investigate the crystallinity effects. All of the samples were irradiated with 10MeV electron-beam in the dose range of 0-250kGy using a Rhodotron accelerator system. The variation of thermal conductivity (k) and specific heat capacity (C(p)) of all of the samples were measured. We found that, for the absorption dose less than 150kGy, k of the LDPE samples at a prescribed temperature range decreased by increasing the amount of dose, but then the change is insignificant. With increasing the crystallinity, k of the LDPE samples increased, whereas C(p) of this material is decreased. In the case of LDPE/EVA blends, for the dose less than 150kGy, C(p) (at 40°C) and k (in average) decreased, but then the change is insignificant. With increasing the amount of additive (EVA), C(p) and k increased.

Non-suicidal self-injury by intravenous application of nicotine in a patient with borderline personality disorder resulting in substance dependence.

BACKGROUND: Non-suicidal self-injury in many different forms is a classic struggle for those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Some common ways of NSSI are cutting, scratching and head-banging. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 23-year old woman with BPD presented in our clinic with a 4-month history of intravenous application of a liquid dosage form of nicotine that is generally used for nasal application. Accordingly, the patient developed nicotine dependency (ICD-10 F17.25). Before her admission to our ward the daily intravenous nicotine application was around 33 mg. The in-patient detoxification proceeded without a remarkable withdrawal syndrome. CONCLUSION: A case of regular intravenous administration of nicotine has been observed, apparently resulting in nicotine dependence in a person with borderline personality disorder. The original intent appears to have been self-harm.

Effect of accelerated aging on permanent deformation and tensile bond strength of autopolymerizing soft denture liners.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different accelerated aging times on permanent deformation and tensile bond strength of two soft chairside liners, acrylic resin (T) and silicone (MS) based. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different specimens were made for each test of each reliner. The specimens (n = 10) were submitted to accelerated aging for 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 cycles. Tensile bond strength testing was performed at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min and permanent deformation with a compressive load of 750 gf. Data were submitted to Mann-Whitney test to compare the materials at different times, and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests were used for comparing aging intervals within a given reliner. RESULTS: MS presented a lower percentage of permanent deformation (p < 0.0001) and higher tensile bond strength (p < 0.0001) than T in all time intervals and was not affected by the accelerated aging process, which reduced the permanent deformation and increased tensile bond strength of T (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MS presented lower permanent deformation and higher tensile bond strength than T. Although T presented changes in those properties after accelerated aging, both materials might be suited for long-term use.

Dielectric properties of EVA rubber composites at microwave frequencies theory, instrumentation and measurements.

This work describes and evaluates a technique for determining the dielectric properties of carbon-black filled Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) rubber and presents results on the studies of the effect of frequency on the permittivity and microwave conductivity using resonant cavity perturbation method. The measurements are performed with the aid of a Network Analyzer in X-band. The simplicity of this method lies in the fact that the dielectric properties can be obtained directly from the analytical formula without taking recourse to calibration.

Dynamic mechanical properties of a maxillofacial silicone elastomer incorporating a ZnO additive: the effect of artificial aging.

The main objective of the current study was to investigate the dynamic mechanical properties of a room-temperature vulcanizing silicone incorporating different fractions of zinc oxide (ZnO) after indoor and outdoor photoaging. Forty-eight samples were produced by adding different amounts of ZnO into a commercial maxillofacial silicone (EPISIL-E). The samples were divided into 4 groups containing 0.0, 0.2, 0.5, and 1 wt% ZnO additive, respectively. Samples were exposed to sunlight (subgroup 2), ultraviolet (subgroup 3), and fluorescence (subgroup 4) aging, whereas nonaged samples comprised the control subgroup (subgroup 1). Dynamic mechanical analysis was used to determine the storage modulus (E'), loss modulus (E″), and damping capacity (tanδ). General linear statistic model was conducted to evaluate the effects of aging, testing frequency, and composition on the dynamic mechanical properties of the silicone with the ZnO additive. Post hoc analysis was performed using Tukey test. Statistical analysis revealed a significant impact of composition on tanδ (P < 0.05). Aging influenced E' and E″ (P < 0.01). The combination of aging and composition had a significant effect on all dynamic properties (P < 0.01).

Optimization of a quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell employing a nanocrystal-polymer composite electrolyte modified with water and ethanol.

A quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell employing a poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PEO-PVDF)/TiO2 gel electrolyte modified by various concentrations of water and ethanol is described. It is shown that the introduction of water and ethanol prevents the crystallization of the polymer matrix, and enhances the free I(-)/I(3)(-) concentration and the networks for ion transportation in the electrolyte, thus leading to an improvement in conductivity. A high energy conversion efficiency of about 5.8% is achieved by controlling the additive concentration in the electrolyte. Optimization of the additive-modified electrolyte performance has been obtained by studying the cross-linking behavior of water and ethanol with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and viscosity measurements, and the electrical conduction behavior of the electrolyte with impedance spectra measurements.

Excitation of acoustic waves from cylindrical polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film confined in a concentric wall.

This paper investigates acoustic wave radiation from cylindrical polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film mounted inside a concentric wall with a small air gap. In such a structure, propagation is allowed only in the gap between the film and the wall surface, and the wave propagates in the axial direction of the cylinder. The radiation impedance of the cylindrical transducer inside the concentric wall has been calculated using a one-dimensional propagation model. After calculating the mechanical impedance of the cylindrical PVDF film, the generated acoustic wave has been calculated as a function of frequency with various air gaps between the PVDF film and the wall. It has been found that the excited acoustic wave becomes stronger for a narrower air gap and shows a maximum at a specific air gap. This phenomenon has been explained as the match between the transducer impedance and the radiation impedance of the air gap. When the gap is too small, the radiation impedance exceeds the transducer's mechanical impedance, the acoustic wave radiation decreases with the decreasing gap, and the resonance frequency increases due to loading by the imaginary part of the excessive radiation impedance. All these theoretical results have been experimentally confirmed.

Organogels as scaffolds for excitation energy transfer and light harvesting.

The elegance and efficiency by which Nature harvests solar energy has been a source of inspiration for chemists to mimic such process with synthetic molecular and supramolecular systems. The insights gained over the years from these studies have contributed immensely to the development of advanced materials useful for organic based electronic and photonic devices. Energy transfer, being a key process in many of these devices, has been extensively studied in recent years. A major requirement for efficient energy transfer process is the proper arrangement of donors and acceptors in a few nanometers in length scale. A practical approach to this is the controlled self-assembly and gelation of chromophore based molecular systems. The present tutorial review describes the recent developments in the design of chromophore based organogels and their use as supramolecular scaffolds for excitation energy transfer studies.

Technical report: effects of PUVA treatment on the optical properties of blood/tissue storage bags during extracorporeal photochemotherapy.

Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (photopheresis, ECP) is a novel therapeutic method for patients who do not respond to immunosuppressive medications, and gaining interest in the treatment of Graft-vs-Host Disease. This paper is focused on the optical transmission properties of plastic bags which can be used in an independent (off-line) method of ECP, and reports the results of spectral measurements on various bags of different chemical compositions, with and without PUVA treatment. Regarding their higher and more uniform UVA transmission values, FEP based bags perform superior to the others. Considering its UVB absorption and UVA transmission properties, the EVA bag is a good choice, while Polyimide Kapton-FEP plastic film should not be considered for use in ECP. PUVA treatment of blood bags may affect their optical behaviour, and causes reduction of transmission of the material in UV range of the spectrum.