Vacuum Applications Research Articles

Wounding after cocultivation improves somatic embryogenesis response and agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of Coffea canephora L.

Traditional breeding can take a long time and effort to provide better-adapted crop varieties. Biotechnological breeding can be used to generate desired agronomic traits much faster, but improvements in transformation efficiency and in vitro regeneration are needed in non-models crops. Cocultivation of Coffea canephora embryogenic leaf explants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens led to 82 % transformation efficiency in the somatic embryos that developed on the wounded edges of the explants, but both the application of vacuum during agroinfiltration and the cocultivation process diminished the embryogenic response to 36 %, as compared with the non-transformed explants. Application of novel wounds to the already co-cultivated discs activated the embryogenic potential in the newly wounded edges of the former non-embryogenic areas, leading to 97 % of the former embryogenic response, with 98 % transformation efficiency, as evaluated by the GUS histochemical assay, PCR amplification of the uidA and nptII genes, and qPCR. Fully developed embryos at the cotyledonal stage were obtained 8 weeks after somatic embryogenesis was triggered by the addition of 5 µM benzyladenine. Rooting of the transformed cotyledonal embryos under Hygromycin selection, acclimatization of the rooted plantlets, and final greenhouse acclimatization to the soil conditions were accomplished within a 48-week period. The transformed plants were maintained in a biosafety greenhouse, and the wild plants were subsequently transplanted to soil. Application of new wounds to leaf explants of C. canephora after co-cultivation with A. tumefaciens recovers the original embryogenic capacity of the explants without affecting the extremely high transformation yields. The high efficiency and reproducibility, as well as the relative rapidity of this optimized protocol constitutes a valuable experimental model for analyzing gene function, studying cell differentiation, and improving the biotechnological breeding of coffee.

Influence of straw degradation on consolidation of dredged sludge under vacuum preloading

Vacuum preloading with straw drainage has been used as an eco-friendly soil-reinforcement method to promote the consolidation of dredged sludge. In previous studies, the degradation of straw, an essential factor influencing dredged-sludge consolidation, has often been disregarded. In this study, laboratory tests were conducted to investigate the effects of straw degradation on the consolidation efficiency of dredged sludge. The vacuum level within the straw drainage was found to decrease with increasing degradation time, causing a reduction in water discharge and settlement. Consequently, the moisture content increased and the shear strength of the soil decreased. After 60 days of degradation, the water discharge and settlement decreased by 46% and 25%, respectively. The impact of degradation time was most significant during the first 15 days, which was when most straw degradation occurred. The average moisture difference in the first 15 days was 5.0%, whereas it was negligible (0.8%) from 45 to 60 days. The increase in organic matter content enhanced the Atterberg limits and hydrophilic properties of the soil. The findings of this study promote the engineering application of vacuum preloading with straw drainage and confirm it to be an effective and eco-friendly method for consolidating dredged sludge.

Evaluation of 3D-printed plastics for Ultra-High Vacuum applications: Outgassing, and residual gas analysis

Evaluation of 3D-printed plastics for Ultra-High Vacuum applications: Outgassing, and residual gas analysis

Improving Recovery of Diatoms Bio-Silica Using Chemical Treatment with VAUSTM.

High-temperature baking is a typical method to remove organic matter from diatoms, but it is not suitable for bio-silica because of the high crystallinity. This study provides a method using the VAUSTM to remove organic matter from diatoms more quickly and biocompatibly. The optimal frequency for organic matter removal was investigated for domestically produced M. nummuloides. The removal efficiency of TOC/TN was calculated and analyzed. The C and Si elements were analyzed in EDS, and organic matter removal was analyzed by XRD. TOC RE% at a frequency of 35 kHz exhibited the highest value, indicating a statistically significant difference. XRD analysis demonstrated that the organic matter was nearly entirely removed using NaOCl compared to high-temperature-baked M. nummuloides. In the EDS analysis, there were significant differences in the C and Si elements with respect to frequency. This is very similar to the values from the positive control group, high-temperature-baked M. nummuloides. Ultrasonic treatment and frequency adjustments were found to significantly impact the chemical removal of organic matter from M. nummuloides. Although vacuum application was initially considered, it did not demonstrate a statistically significant effect according to TOC analysis.

Analysis of solar absorption, degradation mechanism and thermal stability in air environments for SS/TiB2/Al2O3 spectrally selective absorber coating

The quest for high solar-thermal conversion efficiency and thermal stability is a significant challenge in the development of high-efficiency spectrally selectivity absorber coatings. A key aspect of this challenge is the creation of air-stabilized coatings, particularly crucial for scenarios involving unexpected vacuum loss or applications of concentrating solar power systems in air environments. In our study, TiB2 films own excellent spectral selectivity and thermal stability at air environment. In pursuit of revealing the absorption mechanism of the coating, the optical constants, absoption and transmission of the single TiB2 layer were measured. The result of analysis display that the TiB2 layer contribute the bulk of the sunlight absorption. Reflectance spectra of the SS/TiB2/Al2O3 coating was succeeding simulated by CODE software with the optical constant to fit the experimental spectra, which confirms the results obtained by spectroscopic ellipsometry. The solar-thermal conversion efficiency of the as-deposited coating could reach 88.9 % of 100 suns at 500 °C. After annealing at 300–500 °C, the absorbance and emittance of the coating change slightly. But after annealing at 600 °C, the changing surface morphology, increasing surface roughness, and oxidation reaction of TiB2 resulted in a decrease in the optical performance of the coating.

Effects of flow-responsive vacuum and pulsation with early attachment of the milking unit on teat tissue condition and milking performance in Holstein dairy cows

The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of flow-responsive vacuum and pulsation, in conjunction with the early attachment of the milking unit (TRT), on teat tissue conditions and milking characteristics in dairy cows. In a switch-back trial, 5,235 Holstein cows milked 3 times daily in a rotary parlor were assigned to the TRT or control (CON) group. The trial lasted 84 d and was comprised of 4 alternating 3-week periods of TRT and CON. For both groups, premilking udder preparation consisted of teat brushing, forestripping and predipping, and wiping of teats, resulting in a stimulation time of 4 s. In the TRT group, the preparation lag time was 58 s, and in the CON group, it was 91 s for early- and mid-lactation cows and 105 s for late-lactation animals. Upon milking unit attachment, the TRT cows were milked at a lower vacuum (37.6 kPa) and pulsation (50 cycles/min, pulsation ratio of 30:70). The vacuum and pulsation settings were changed to milking mode when the milk flow reached 0.5 kg/min (pulsation switch-point) and 1.6 kg/min (vacuum switch-point). For milking mode, the vacuum setting was 47.7 kPa, and the pulsation rate was 60 cycles/min at a ratio of 65:35. The CON cows were milked with a flow-responsive vacuum, using the same vacuum settings as the TRT group. We assessed machine milking-induced short-term teat tissue changes and teat-end hyperkeratosis by palpation and visual inspection postmilking. Electronic on-farm milk meters were used to assess milking characteristics. Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the effect of treatment on the outcome variables. Compared with cows in group CON, the odds ratios (95% confidence interval; 95% CI) of short-term teat-tissue changes in early-, mid-, and late lactation cows in group TRT were 0.62 (0.52-0.76), 0.61 (0.48-0.77), and 0.93 (0.76-1.14), respectively. The least squares means [LSM, (95% CI)] for milking unit-on time in early-, mid-, and late lactation animals, respectively, were 251 (248-253), 236 (234-238), and 220 (218-222) s for group TRT and 247 (245-249), 232 (230-234), and 214 (213-216) s for the CON group. The LSM (95% CI) of peak milk flow rate in early-, mid-, and late lactation animals, respectively, were 5.75 (5.68-5.82), 5.77 (5.70-5.84), and 5.54 (5.48-5.59) kg/min for the TRT cows and 5.65 (5.58-5.72), 5.74 (5.68-5.81), and 5.45 (5.40-5.51) kg/min for the CON cows. The odds ratios (95% CI) of forced take-off in group TRT for early-, mid-, and late lactation cows, respectively, were 0.39 (0.37-0.41), 0.32 (0.30-0.34), and 0.47 (0.44-0.52) compared with their respective CON groups. In this study, cows that were milked using flow-responsive vacuum and pulsation with early attachment of the milking unit had lower odds of short-term teat tissue changes and forced take-off, as well as a higher peak milk flow rate. Our data suggest that the application of flow-responsive vacuum and pulsation facilitates early attachment of the milking unit, improves teat tissue condition, and has the potential to improve parlor efficiency.

Enhanced Electron Emission Performance and Air-Surface Stability in ScO-Terminated Diamond for Thermionic Energy Converters.

Diamond with negative electron affinity (NEA) and low work function surfaces are suggested as a suitable material for electron-generation applications in vacuum, in particular, as the emitter electrode in thermionic energy converters. Such NEA surfaces can be fabricated by evaporating and then annealing submonolayers of a suitable metal in vacuo onto bare or oxidized diamond. Among the metals studied, scandium termination of bare diamond (100) and (111) surfaces is recently reported to give the largest NEA values reported to date for a metal-diamond system, as well as being thermally stable to 900°C. It is now shown that preoxidized (100) diamond functionalized with 0.25monolayers of Sc also produces a large NEA value of -1.02eV with low work functions (<3.63eV). Moreover, this surface is thermally stable to 700°C and can withstand exposure to air for extended periods. Here, the structural and electronic properties of this Sc─O-functionalized diamond surface are characterized in detail using a variety of surface-science techniques. The results suggest that this material may be the ideal candidate for the fabrication of commercial thermionic energy conversion devices, e.g., for solar-power generation, as well as for various other electronic devices that rely upon electron emission.

Design and performance of indium seals for size-constrained tunable laser spectrometers.

Indium seals have been used extensively in ultra-high vacuum and cryogenic applications. Typically, these seals use indium alongside or in place of other metal gaskets in stainless-steel vacuum flanges, with some custom applications for flanges sealing directly with glass (optics or tubes). Here, we present the design and performance of three pressed indium seals (99.99% In) between aluminum and 0.5 in. diameter sapphire optics and aluminum and gold coated Kovar semiconductor packages (TO-66 and TO-39). Test fixtures were designed to mimic those of future tunable diode laser spectrometers for Earth, planetary, and manned spaceflight environmental monitoring applications. Successful high-hermeticity seals [<10-10 atm cc/s (He)] were achieved for all seals formed with sufficient pressure applied to allow indium to flow between mating surfaces. The hermeticity of the seals was maintained after temperature cycling (-10 to +80 °C, 20 cycles), with the optical seals surviving extended duration tests (-55 to +85 °C, per MIL-STD-883). Semiconductor packages (TO-39) subjected to these extended tests saw a moderate increase in leak rate [∼5 × 10-9 atm cc/s (He)]; however, further testing showed that either the glass-metal package seals or the indium were affected (the sample size was too small to draw firm conclusions for future applications). Overall, these results suggest long-term survivability of indium seals for Kovar-aluminum and sapphire-aluminum interfaces [>10 years at 10-10 atm cc/s (He)], where the coefficient of thermal expansion differs by approximately four times.

Vacuum-based and body-mounted robotic-patient interface with an integrated metasurface for MRI-guided interventions

Abstract The increased clinical relevance of image-guided procedures, particularly of interventional magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI), highlights the need for advanced devices and robotics to optimize those procedures. To enable a realistic integration of robotics into the clinical workflow, robotic-patient interfaces (RPI) are required to ensure both functionality and usability. However, current concepts have issues with patient accessibility and safety, user handling, or performing interventions on versatile body regions. This work presents a novel silicone-based RPI to flexibly mount the ’Micropositioning Robotics for Image-Guided Surgery’ (μRIGS) system on differently shaped body regions through vacuum, regulated with an electronic miniature pump. Maximum holding forces of 60N at −0.1 bar and 66N at −0.2 bar relative vacuum pressure were reached depending on the applied human body area and tensile force angles. MRI with the integrated metasurface indicated up to 200% signal enhancement, enabling improved tissue contrast within the first 20mm in depth. The multifunctional design supported the incorporation of the sterile iMRI workflow concept. This RPI enables a realistic integration of future technologies such as miniature robots, tracking markers, and instrument holders into complex interventional workflows. Further long-term studies are needed to evaluate the effects of vacuum application lasting for 1-2 hours on different skin types.

Development and Characterization of Polyethylenimine-Infiltrated Mesoporous Silica Foam Pellets for CO2 Capture.

Polyethylenimine (PEI) has been shown to be promising for direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide and has potential for commercial scale-up globally. Laboratory scale processes include multiple steps, such as mixing, solvent extraction, vacuum application, sonication, and various flushes and activation steps. It is critical to properly control these operating parameters to achieve higher capture capacity as a result of the optimized material configuration. This study adopts previously published pelletization processes for PEI-infiltrated mesoporous foam silica (mesoporous silica foam) to uncover the adsorption mechanisms and optimize the associated fabrication steps, such as sonication, to achieve higher sorbent productivity. A high capture capacity was achieved at 46 °C for 75 wt % PEI loading (2.27 mmol/g) followed by PEI_MSF 70 (1.81 mmol/g) and PEI_MSF 80 (1.44 mmol/g). As part of the optimization, sonication parameters of frequency, amplitude, and time were modified for PEI_MSF 75 sorbent, which resulted in the highest uptake capacity of 3.04 mmol/g (sonicated at 40 kHz and a wave amplitude of 50% for 30 s). These preliminary results would tend to prove that sonication energy affects carbon capture capacity, although there is still a lack of understanding regarding the exact underlying mechanism, suggesting the need for further investigation. It is important to note that the present work is focused on the adsorption mechanisms and not desorption or durability of the capture performance. Ongoing research addresses these factors. This paper is intended to establish baseline DAC behavior of a promising capture medium and begins probing the optimization spectrum by considering the effects of sonication energy on adsorption. Ongoing work intends to address potential abbreviations of the full range of process steps and furthers the understanding of kinetics by considering the desorption and resorption attributes.

Nova abordagem para as batatas fritas: Produtos alimenticios a partir da batata e o arroz extrudidos

This study aimed to craft an extruded product resembling conventional French fries, utilizing rice as the primary ingredient, and incorporating potato blends to enhance physicochemical and sensory attributes during frying. Mashed potatoes, rice flour, and additives were processed using a twin-screw extruder, followed by frying at 160°C for 2.15 minutes in three stages. In stage I, four formulations were assessed, with the formulation comprising 70% mashed potato, 30% rice flour, and 0.1% salt displaying superior acceptability and minimal oil absorption (8%). Stage II compared vacuum application to non-vacuum conditions, revealing enhanced sensory acceptability with vacuum due to improved texture and firmness. Combining optimal conditions, stage III yielded the best formulation of 70% mashed potatoes, 30% rice flour, 0.1% salt, and 48% moisture. Extrusion conditions result in heightened sensory evaluation across sensorial parameters. This study pioneers a novel avenue for producing healthier rice-based French fry alternatives via extrusion technology, ameliorating frying attributes.

Deciphering the auxin-ethylene crosstalk in petal abscission through auxin influx carrier IpAUX1 of Itoh peony ‘Bartzella’

Auxin gradient on either side of the abscission zone play a crucial role in regulating organ abscission during plant senescence. Yet, the impact of auxin on the opening and senescence of cut peony flowers, specifically Itoh peony ‘Bartzella’, remains elusive. We employed the frozen section method to investigate the cell morphology within the petal abscission zone. Additionally, we quantified auxin levels via enzyme immunoassay and assessed the expression of genes related to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels. Through our analyses, we pinpointed the critical gene, IpAUX1. Further investigation of IpAUX1 involved virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and transient overexpression techniques, allowing us to assess its role both in vitro flowers, through vacuum application, and in vivo flowers, via injection. Significant alterations were observed in the structure and cell morphology of the abscission zone correlating with the process of petal abscission, alongside noticeable auxin gradient. Silencing IpAUX1 led to a noticeable delay in petal abscission for both in vitro flowers and vivo flowers, while its transient overexpression hastened this process. This silencing effect was accompanied by a reduction in IAA levels around the abscission zone and a subsequent delay in the erasure of the auxin gradient. It also resulted in the downregulation of several genes: the auxin response factor IpARF1, ethylene synthesis-related genes IpACS1 and IpACO1, and cell wall hydrolysis-related genes IpPME1 and IpPG1. Conversely, the expression of genes involved in auxin synthesis gene IpYUCCA10, auxin efflux carrier IpPIN1, and the ethylene receptor IpETR1 saw significant upregulation. This study concludes that the auxin influx carrier IpAUX1 enhances the abscission zone cells' responsiveness to ethylene by modulating the auxin gradient. This action promotes cell hydrolysis within the abscission zone, thereby encouraging petal abscission. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of IpAUX1 as a positive regulator during the process of petal abscission.

In situ methane enrichment with vacuum application to produce biogas with higher methane content

In situ methane enrichment with vacuum application to produce biogas with higher methane content

Morphological and chemical changes in nuclear graphite target under vacuum and high-temperature conditions

Nuclear-grade graphite is a high-efficiency material, widely used for vacuum applications in nuclear reactors and accelerators as targets facing particle beams. In these contexts, graphite is often exposed to extreme thermal stresses altering its physical and chemical properties. The thermal-induced release of volatile contaminants from targets and the damage of structural components are critical issues that can affect the safety and operation efficiency of beamline facilities. Here, we provide for the first time a detailed picture of the chemical and morphological changes occurring in a nuclear-grade graphite target, obtained through Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), when exposed in vacuum to high temperatures. The radial temperature gradient induced by the impact of a pulsed energetic (MeV- GeV range) focused particle beams was reproduced by cyclically heating, in the 1300–1800 K temperature range, a disc-shaped graphite target in a vacuum setup. An accurate surface and in-depth chemical analysis of the graphite target was obtained thanks to the high sensitivity (ppm/ppb) of the Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) technique. The chemical maps clearly show the presence of several metal oxides and impurities in the surface and subsurface regions of the untreated sample. Such contaminants were removed because of the thermal treatment in vacuum more or less efficiently, as demonstrated by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and ToF-SIMS. However, Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDS revealed that the high-temperature treatment induces a decrease in the crystallite size of the graphite as well as changes in the target surface porosity with the appearance of microvoids, leading the graphite target to be more prone to the breakage.

Practical Evaluation of Ionic Liquids for Application as Lubricants in Cleanrooms and under Vacuum Conditions

As part of a publicly funded cooperation project, novel high-performance lubricants (oils, greases, assembly pastes) based on ionic liquids and with the addition of specific micro- or nanoparticles are to be developed, which are adapted in their formulation for use in applications where their negligible vapor pressure plays an important role. These lubricants are urgently needed for applications in cleanrooms and high vacuum (e.g., pharmaceuticals, aerospace, chip manufacturing), especially when the frequently used perfluoropolyethers (PFPE) are no longer available due to a potential restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to European chemical legislation. Until now, there has been a lack of suitable laboratory testing technology to develop such innovative lubricants for extreme niche applications economically. There is a large gap in the tribological test chain between model testing, for example in the so-called spiral orbit tribometer (SOT) or ball-on-disk test in a high-frequency, linear-oscillation test machine (SRV-Tribometer from German “Schwing-Reib-Verschleiß-Tribometer”), and overall component testing at major space agencies (ESA—European Space Agency, NASA—National Aeronautics and Space Administration) or their service providers like the European Space Tribology Laboratory (ESTL) in Manchester. A further aim of the project was therefore to develop an application-orientated and economical testing methodology and testing technology for the scientifically precise evaluation and verifiability of the effect of ionic liquids on tribological systems in cleanrooms and under high vacuum conditions. The newly developed test rig is the focus of this publication. It forms the basis for all further investigations.

Application of vacuum - assisted ureteral access sheath in retrograde intrarenal surgery: an initial experience of 48 cases

ABSTRACT Objectives: Reporting our initial experience of 48 cases in application of vacuum-assisted ureteral access sheath in the retrograde intrarenal surgery. Methods: Forty - eight patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery at Department of Urology, Hue Central Hospital between May 2023 and May 2024 were evaluated retrospectively. The vacuum - assisted ureteral access sheath was applied in the procedure. Demographics, laboratory tests, peri - and postoperative and one-month follow- up results were analysed. Results: The mean stones size was 14.3 ± 4.9 mm. 77.1% of cases had stones located in the lower calyx. The mean operative time was 42.9 ± 17.1 minutes. The 1 - month post - operative stone - free rate was 89.6%. Two patients experienced post - operative fever. The average length of hospital stay was 3.06 ± 1.04 days. There was no unplanned readmission. Conclusions: Retrograde intrarenal surgery with vacuum-assisted ureteral access sheath is a safe and effective procedure, which can achieve excellent stone clearance.

Molecular dynamics simulation to investigate titanium metallization on sapphire for fiber optic-based pressure sensing application

Brazing of sapphire or ceramic with metal is an essential manufacturing process for sensor and ultra-high vacuum applications. For an efficient brazing of such materials with metals, a prerequisite of metallization of sapphire with titanium (Ti) layers with good adhesion is required. In this direction, the present work is carried out to investigate the phenomena occurring at the interface of titanium–sapphire during metallization process and observe the strength of joint of sapphire with respect to Ti layer. To carry out such study, a model was constructed using molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) for both sapphire and Ti. The MDS model showed that the chemical reaction between Ti and sapphire takes place to form new chemical bonds of Ti–O, Ti–O–Al–O–Ti, and Al–O–Ti. These new bonds are much stronger than the chemical bonds of parent materials and they are the key factor for brazing of sapphire surface using Ti layer. This study shows that chemical reaction in the metallization is a spontaneous and exothermic process which increases the temperature of Ti layer by 450 K. Moreover, it is also observed that the metallization quality mainly depends on the extent of proximity between sapphire and Ti, and it is possible by surface heating up to 1,200 K. The present work is for the understanding and optimization of metallization process, which could be useful toward an efficient execution of brazing between sapphire and metal.

In situ effective pumping speed measurements as a tool for non-evaporable getter activation and saturation monitoring

We have developed method of in situ effective pumping speed measurements based on injecting finite gas pulse into a vacuum volume and subsequent recording of pressure response using a Residual Gas Analyzer (RGA). The pressure burst caused by injected gas pulse falls exponentially in time and the exponential coefficient of such pressure decay is proportional to total effective pumping speed of all vacuum pumps acting on vacuum chamber volume. The effective pumping speed can be extracted from the dependence of injected gas species pressure vs time recorded by an RGA. Non-Evaporable Getters (NEGs) are widely used in multiple ultra and extremely high vacuum devices and applications during the last several decades. Areas of NEG applications were recently expanded into vacuum devices with relatively high-pressure levels (up to 10−7 Torr) by the invention of high capacity ZAO NEG which can be operated at elevated temperatures. The intrinsic property of all NEG-based vacuum pumps is the reduction of their pumping speed, called “NEG saturation”, after an extended period of operation. Typical time interval for such process can span from about a month and up to a few years depending on NEG type, vacuum level of NEG pump operation, and residual gas content. After that, the NEG pump will require a re-activation cycle to restore its pumping speed close to the initial value. For many applications it is difficult to realize what is the current pumping speed of NEG pump is and when the pump should be re-activated. A method for in situ effective pumping speed measurements developed in this study can be used as a tool for NEG-based pump activation and saturation monitoring. Application of such an approach to monitor pumping status of NEG pumps was utilized and will be continually used at Extended EBIS which was recently developed and commissioned for Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and future Electron Ion Collider (EIC). The results obtained during commissioning are presented and discussed.

Vacuum laser therapy as part of combined treatment for plaque-induced gingivitis

Relevance. The increasing prevalence of plaque-induced gingivitis among the working-age population worldwide is leading to more cases of tooth loss and diminished quality of life, highlighting the need for early intervention in periodontal inflammation. Given the rising resistance of periodontal flora to pharmacological treatments and the potential for macroorganism sensitization, exploring the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions that stimulate adaptive mechanisms in periodontal tissues becomes crucial for managing plaque-induced gingivitis effectively.Materials and Methods. This investigation details the findings from young adults who consented to participate after being informed about the study's protocol. The focus was on evaluating the clinical and functional health of intact periodontal tissues showing early signs of inflammation at the beginning of the treatment, upon completion, and one month after treatment. In addition to standard periodontal treatment, subjects in the experimental cohort underwent daily vacuum laser therapy sessions using a 650 nm wavelength red laser at a pulse rate of up to 10 Hz. Functional monitoring was performed utilizing vital computer capillaroscopy and dynamic vacuum sampling to evaluate capillary resistance in the microcirculation of periodontal tissues.Results. Vacuum laser therapy demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits in treating plaque-induced gingivitis, notably reducing the diameter of capillaries by approximately 14.5%. This reduction was attributed to enhanced capillary resistance and normalized microvascular wall permeability. Notably, the time to petechial formation doubled following dosed vacuum application to periodontal tissues, indicating enhanced reticuloendothelial system activity and capillary network regeneration. Patient assessments using the oral health index showed notable improvements in oral hygiene and the absence of inflammation signs.Conclusion. The study's results affirm the effectiveness of combining vacuum laser therapy with conventional treatment modalities for plaque-induced gingivitis, highlighting its benefits in improving periodontal health without relying on pharmacological interventions.

Tailoring polycarbonate surfaces for improved Ge film adhesion: The role of plasma treatments in 50:50 O2/Ar atmospheres

Polycarbonate (PC) substrates were exposed to plasma environments consisting of a 50:50 mixture of oxygen and argon, and were subsequently coated with germanium (Ge) films grown via sputtering. The hydrophilicity of the PC surfaces was tailored by ion bombardment with energy levels ranging from 50 to 300 eV, which led to a reduction in water contact angles from a native 80° to a superhydrophilic state. Analyses of chemical composition and structure of the PC were performed using X-ray Spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflectance geometry (FTIR-ATR), and then correlated to the adhesion of the Ge thin films. Optimal adhesion of the Ge films was achieved by bombarding the PC with ions at energies between 100 and 200 eV, activating the polymer surface while avoiding photodegradation as confirmed by chemical analysis. We report an efficient method for achieving superhydrophilicity of PC within a short treatment time of 60 s that can be effectively integrated in diverse vacuum applications.