Instant Film Research Articles

Hollow-cathode plasma deposited vanadium oxide films: Metal precursor influence on growth and material properties

Due to its different polymorphs, including vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) and vanadium dioxide (VO2), the vanadium oxide (VOX) compound is an immensely interesting material with many important applications. While atomic layer deposition (ALD) is among the possible VOX film synthesis methods, literature reports have majorly utilized thermal-ALD, which reveals as-grown amorphous VOX films. Further post-deposition annealing process is needed to crystallize these films. High-temperature crystallization indeed limits the use of low-temperature compatible materials, processes, and substrates. In this work, we report on the low-temperature crystalline VOX film growth in a hollow-cathode plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition reactor using two different vanadium precursors, tetrakis(ethylmethylamino)vanadium and vanadium(V) oxytriisopropoxide. Oxygen plasmas were used as co-reactants at a substrate temperature of 150 °C. Along with the purpose of investing in the impact of metal precursors on VOX film growth, we also studied Ar-plasma in situ and thermal ex situ annealing to investigate possible structural enhancement and phase transformation. In situ Ar-plasma annealing was performed with 20 s, 20 SCCM Ar-plasma, while post-deposition ex situ annealing was carried out at 500 °C and 0.5 mTorr O2 pressure. In situ ellipsometry was performed to record instant film thickness variation and several ex situ characterizations were performed to extract the optical, structural, and electrical properties of the films. The outcomes of the study confirm that both metal precursors result in as-grown crystalline V2O5 films at 150 °C. On the other hand, post-deposition annealing converted the as-grown crystalline V2O5 film to VO2 film. Finally, we have also successfully confirmed the metal-to-insulator transition property of the annealed VO2 films via temperature-dependent structural and electrical measurements.

Formulation and Optimization of Instant Film Forming Thermoreversible Chitosan Hydrogel for Wound Healing

Formulation and Optimization of Instant Film Forming Thermoreversible Chitosan Hydrogel for Wound Healing

Preparation and Characteristics of Polyethylene Oxide/Curdlan Nanofiber Films by Electrospinning for Biomedical Applications.

In this study, polyethylene oxide (PEO) and curdlan solutions were used to prepare PEO/curdlan nanofiber films by electrospinning using deionized water as the solvent. In the electrospinning process, PEO was used as the base material, and its concentration was fixed at 6.0 wt.%. Moreover, the concentration of curdlan gum varied from 1.0 to 5.0 wt.%. For the electrospinning conditions, various operating voltages (12-24 kV), working distances (12-20 cm) and feeding rates of polymer solution (5-50 μL/min) were also modified. Based on the experimental results, the optimum concentration for the curdlan gum was 2.0 wt.%. Additionally, the most suitable operating voltage, working distance and feeding rate for the electrospinning process were 19 kV, 20 cm and 9 μL/min, respectively, which can help to prepare relatively thinner PEO/curdlan nanofibers with higher mesh porosity and without the formation of beaded nanofibers. Finally, the PEO/curdlan nanofiber instant films containing 5.0 wt.% quercetin inclusion complex were used to perform wetting and disintegration processes. It was found that the instant film can be dissolved significantly on the low-moisture wet wipe. On the other hand, when the instant film touched water, it can be disintegrated very quickly within 5 s, and the quercetin inclusion complex was dissolved in water efficiently. Furthermore, when the instant film encountered the water vapor at 50 °C, it almost completely disintegrated after immersion for 30 min. The results indicate that the electrospun PEO/curdlan nanofiber film is highly feasible for biomedical applications consisting of instant masks and quick-release wound dressings, even in the water vapor environment.

Experimental study of the effect of various surfactants on the wave characteristics of the film flow

In this paper we present the results of experimental investigation of the effect of ionic surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate and cetrimonium bromide) at various concentrations on the vertical film flow in the range of Reynolds numbers 10 < Re < 50. The laser-induced fluorescence technique was used for instant film thickness measurements. The results are compared with data obtained for non-ionic Triton X-100. For all surfactants the rivulets formation and the dumping of wave motion are observed. The difference in the action of ionic and non-ionic surfactants on wave motion is revealed. Such deviations indicate that for ionic surfactants the surface tension relaxation process (at least in the case of film flows) is not fully described by diffusion processes, but has a more complex nature.

The difference in radiopacity of microhybrid, nanofiller and nanohybrid composite resins with conventional periapical radiographic techniques

Objective: The radiopacity of dental composite restorative materials is important since it allows assessment of the integrity of composite restorations, accurate diagnosis of secondary caries development and evaluation of the interface between the com-posite restorative material and the tooth structure on the new materials introduced in the market nowadays. The purpose of this observation is to determine the differences of microhybrid, nanofiller and nanohybrid composite resins on their radiopacity using conventional periapical radiography techniques. Methods: Composite resins samples were divided into three groups; 30 samples each. Group I were microhybrid composite resin. Group II were nanofiller composite resin. Group III were nanohybrid composite resin. Each specimen was placed on a dental film and exposed using conventional radiographic techniques with the specification of 70 kVp, 8mA and 0.25s, then processed using instant film procedures. Observations were carried out using the densitometer. The results of calculations were analyzed by using the one way Anova test. Results: Significant radiopacity dif-ferences were occurred in those three groups (p&lt;0.05). Nanohybrid composite resin (2.32 mmAl) was significantly more ra-diopaque than microhybrid composite resin (2.20 mmAl) and nanofiller composite resin (2.10 mmAl). Conclusion: There are differences between microhybrid, nanofiller and nanohybrid composite resins. Resins that have the highest to the lowest ra-diopacity levels are nanohybrid, microhybrid, and nanofiller composite resin.

Perbedaan kualitas hasil radiograf periapikal antara film konvensional dan film instan di Instalasi Radiologi FKG Universitas Brawijaya Malang

Objectives: This study is aimed to look at the distribution of the quality of periapical radiographs produced by students using conventional films and instant films at the Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Brawijaya radiology installation. &#x0D; Material and Methods: The method used in this research is analytic descriptive with cross sectional sampling method. The research datas were primary data with a total of 20 periapical radiographs from each method. Data was analyzed by Spearman test in SPSS software. &#x0D; Results: Data were analysed using the Spearman rho correlation test which showed the results of ρ = 0,5. The results of periapical radiographs using conventional films as much as 65% were very good, 25% were good, and 10% were not acceptable. The results of periapical radiographs using instant film were 70% good, 15% very good, and 15% were not acceptable. &#x0D; Conclusion: There is no difference in the quality of the results of conventional periapical radiographs and instant films in the radiology installation of the Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Brawijaya Malang. &#x0D;

Economical Laue x-ray diffraction using photographic film and orientation of single crystals.

Many Laue x-ray diffraction systems using the Polaroid XR-7 Land Diffraction Cassette camera became inactive after production of the required high sensitivity Polaroid T-57 instant film ceased. This Tutorial reports on a low-cost solution using the readily available replacement film with push processing to increase the effective film speed. The use of this film in the polaroid camera is described along with film development and digitization. The orientation of single crystals with the obtained data and free software is explained. A simple method to prepare single crystals with surfaces perpendicular to a desired crystallographic orientation is described. The content of this Tutorial may prove beneficial for educational and research laboratories.

A STUDY ON A NOVEL FORMULATION APPROACH TO DELIVER DOXYCYCLINE THROUGH BUCCAL ROUTE

Recent developments in drug delivery technologies have a great impact on the limitations of traditional oral drug delivery for both the pediatric and geriatric patients. Administration of drug via buccal mucosa is a modern alternative for overcoming low bioavailability, enzymatic inactivation and/or drug degradation in gastrointestinal tract, hence showing rapid onset of action. The aim of the study was to develop doxycycline (antibiotic) loaded buccal films for the treatment of a wide range of systemic and non-systemic bacterial and protozoa infections. The bases of each film were prepared using mucoadhesive polymers, plasticizer, cellulose gums, and instant release film former and penetration enhancer. Optimized films were characterized for weight, width. Length, thickness, surface pH, percentage swelling index, percentage elongation, percentage moisture content, percentage moisture uptake, hydration and in vitro drug release studies. Concentration of different polymers tailored the increase in release rate of doxycycline from the mucoadhesive buccal films. In conclusions, mucoadhesive buccal films can be a substitute route for the delivery of doxycycline as antibacterial or antiprotozoal drug with a faster release rate to reach the site of action.

Photographic Film, Clinical Chemistry, and Art.

Photographic film and film technology have been put to many uses including an art medium as illustrated by the abstract landscape that I created in 1985. I simply took undeveloped Polaroid film and carefully squashed the developer pod to release developer and form the yellow-orange colored silhouette of a sulfurous cloud-shrouded landscape viewed through a window (Fig. 1). Others have also used Polaroid film for a similar purpose and created more spectacular and diverse abstract images either using a malfunctioning Polaroid SX-70 camera (1) or applying high voltage to instant film (2). Fig. 1. Polaroid art—a silhouette of a sulfurous cloud-shrouded landscape viewed through a window. This was created by squashing the developer pods of 4 undeveloped Polaroid instant film sheets and assembling them into a 2 × 2 grid (Larry J. Kricka, 1985) (photograph by Lorna Ebert, Lorna Ebert Photography, NC). Just as film technology has been unusually repurposed in …

Effect of temperature on the growth ofa-axis ZnO films: a reactive force field-based molecular dynamics study

Abstract

A Study of Instant Film Image Stabilities by Gloss Measurement

A Study of Instant Film Image Stabilities by Gloss Measurement

Growth of a-axis ZnO films on the defective substrate with different O/Zn ratios: A reactive force field based molecular dynamics study

The understanding of the growth process and formation mechanism of non-polar ZnO films in atomic-scale is crucial in adjusting and controlling the film deposition conditions. Using the advanced reactive force field based molecular dynamics method, we theoretically studied the effect of O/Zn ratios (8/10–10/8) on the quality of ZnO films. The comprehensive investigation of energy and temperature fluctuation profile, radial distribution function, the sputtering and injecting phenomenon, and layer coverage indicated that the film grown under stoichiometric conditions possesses the optimized quality. Furthermore, the auto-transformation ability of the substrate from defective to perfect stacking was presented and discussed by comparing to the perfect structure. The instant film growth configurations, atomic layer snapshots, and the interfacial morphology evolution were provided step-by-step to reveal the defect type and initial film nucleation and growth mechanism.

Using digital and instant film photography for research documentation: a research note

This research note investigates the potential of digital and instant film photography as distinct approaches to research documentation. It argues that the quality of visual evidence provided by photographs may depend in part on the researcher’s ability to reliably link images with other sources of data. The research note goes on to contextualize instant film photography as a tested documentation technique, though one not commonly used in qualitative research. Benefits and constraints associated with instant film technology are also discussed. It concludes that instant film photography could have advantages over digital photography when used for multimodal documentation of fast-paced research processes.

Comparison of the iScreen and the MTI photoscreeners for the detection of amblyopia risk factors in children

The iScreen and Medical Technology and Innovations, Inc, (MTI) photoscreeners objectively screen for amblyopia risk factors in children. The MTI photoscreener has been extensively validated as a device that objectively screens for amblyopia risk factors in children, but limited availability of the instant film it uses may soon render it obsolete. More recently the iScreen photoscreener has been introduced. This device captures images digitally and transmits them electronically to be interpreted. We compared the newer iScreen's ability to detect amblyopia risk factors in children with the established MTI photoscreener. The medical records of consecutive subjects screened by both the iScreen and MTI photoscreeners on the same day were retrospectively reviewed. The iScreen images were analyzed by the device's central interpretation center; MTI images were analyzed by an expert masked examiner using the delta crescent method. Referrals by both instruments were compared to the results of cycloplegic examination as per the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus 2003 referral criteria. A total of 169 children were included in the study. Of these, 107 (63%) were found to have amblyopia risk factors. The iScreen was found to have an accuracy rate of 81%, sensitivity of 87%, and specificity of 76%. The MTI was found to have an accuracy rate of 81%, sensitivity of 81%, and specificity of 81%. The iScreen and MTI performed similarly in detecting amblyopia risk factors when compared to a comprehensive pediatric ophthalmology examination.

Instant film

instant film

Isolation of microorganisms and substances inhibitory to aflatoxin production

Aflatoxins are toxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. The contamination of crops, feeds, and foods with aflatoxins can have serious effects on the health of humans and animals. Although many studies have been done to develop aflatoxin-control strategies, most are limited in their effectiveness. As part of an effort to develop control procedures, we have devised simple and safe methods that are useful for identifying microorganisms that effectively inhibit aflatoxin production by fungi. These include the microtitre agar plate assay using norsolorinic acid-accumulating mutant fungi, the ultraviolet light photography method using an instant film, the tip culture method, a convenient RNA extraction method for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, and other methods. Results of a recent trial have shown that Achromobacter xylosoxidans significantly inhibited aflatoxin production by A. parsiticus, and that the main inhibitory substance produced by the bacterium was cyclo(L-leucyl-L-prolyl). This result confirms that the methods described herein are useful for identifying microorganisms that inhibit aflatoxin production by fungi and could contribute to the development of methods to reduce aflatoxin contamination in commodities.

In memoriam: A true statesman of science, Elkan R. Blout

On December 20, 2006, Elkan R. Blout, Edward S. Harkness Professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Emeritus, at Harvard Medical School and a former dean for academic affairs at Harvard School of Public Health, a National Medal of Science winner, and a leading contributor to the development of instant film died at the age of 87 after a brief illness. Each of us who knew him sampled only one small component of a life that encompassed many careers. In those careers, Elkan's passion for science, his personal warmth, his creativity, his ability to work with people and to get them to work together, and his aptitude for finances and business all combined to leave a multifaceted and impressive legacy. In the field of peptide science, we have been touched by Elkan's second career: his work on poly-α-amino acids and their conformational propensities, which presaged the still ongoing goal of relating amino acid sequence to three-dimensional structures of proteins; his pioneering use of cyclic peptides to model structural features in proteins and natural products; and his fundamental contributions to spectroscopy, from electronic, to vibrational, to nuclear magnetic resonance. We also appreciate the extent to which Elkan built alliances across the globe, with strong ties to Russian (then Soviet Union) scientists, Israeli scientists, Italian scientists, and so on. Those of us who had the opportunity to work with him also know that he had superb ability as a mentor and advisor, encouraging and questioning without ever conveying anything but a positive attitude. But most of us did not realize how bold a move Elkan made from the practical chemistry of dye molecules in his first career at Polaroid, working with Edwin Land on instant color films. He seamlessly transitioned to conformational studies of protein models; he was a poster child for chemical biology before the term was “in vogue.” In his third, fourth, and fifth careers, Elkan went beyond the laboratory and made major contributions to society, using his unique combination of basic science knowledge, sound scientific judgment, and early industrial experience at Polaroid. He stewarded the finances of the National Academy of Sciences for 12 years in his role as Treasurer, single-handedly giving the Academy financial autonomy through good investments so that this important scientific body could freely pursue issues crucial to society. In his next career, Elkan served as Dean of Academic Affairs at the Harvard School of Public Health and led the school to a major renaissance in scientific research and education. And long after most of us would have slowed down, Elkan was chosen by David Kessler to serve as Senior Advisor to the Food and Drug Administration to bring more basic science grounding within the agency, and according to Kessler his impact was huge. This last career took place between 1991 and 1999, while Elkan was entering his eighties. In all of these positions, Elkan generated much affection and appreciation for his solid scientific judgment and his kindness in dealing with people. Elkan will be missed by more people and in more ways than any one of us can fathom. He was a true statesman of science, and our field was so much the better for his presence. Elkan Blout was a Founding Editor of Biopolymers. A special issue of Biopolymers dedicated to his memory is being prepared, with guest editors Barbara Brodsky, Charles Deber, and myself.

Evaluation of a new self-developing instant film for imaging and dosimetry

Radiation sensitive films are standard dosimetric tools in radiation therapy. Films are used for machine quality assurance (QA) and treatment planning software evaluation. With the advent of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), simple and fast imaging technology is needed for patient-specific verification of radiation fields. Conventional radiographic films are often used. Radiochromic films, e.g. Gafchromic films, were recently introduced to the market. But these films have some disadvantages. JP Laboratories have developed a prototype radiochromic film, called SIFID (self-developing, instant film for imaging and dosimetry) with superior performance such that SIFID is unaffected by ambient light for months, stable up to 90 degrees C and can be archived. SIFID is made of polymerisable diacetylene. The film develops blue colour instantly upon absorbing radiation. We evaluated the film for radiation therapy applications. Our preliminary data demonstrate its feasibility as a dosimetric tool for IMRT QA as well as for other applications.

Low-cost conversion of the Polaroid MD-4 land camera to a digital gel documentation system

A simple, inexpensive design is presented for the rapid conversion of the popular MD-4 Polaroid land camera to a high quality digital gel documentation system. Images of ethidium bromide stained DNA gels captured using the digital system were compared to images captured on Polaroid instant film. Resolution and sensitivity were enhanced using the digital system. In addition to the low cost and superior image quality of the digital system, there is also the added convenience of real-time image viewing through the swivel LCD of the digital camera, wide flexibility of gel sizes, accurate automatic focusing, variable image resolution, and consistent ease of use and quality. Images can be directly imported to a computer by using the USB port on the digital camera, further enhancing the potential of the digital system for documentation, analysis, and archiving. The system is appropriate for use as a start-up gel documentation system and for routine gel analysis.

Screening Methods for the Detection of Preclinical Vision Loss in Children in the Community: Technology at Work

IntroductionThere are four vision screening devices that are currently being used to screen children in the United States.ResultsThe MTI PS-100 Photoscreener™ (Medical Technology and Innovations Inc., Rivera Beach, Fla.) is an off-axis instant film photoscreener. It has been the instrument used by the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) to provide free vision screening to approximately 400,000 children in 16 states.The Visiscreen™ OSS-C (Vision Research Corp., Birmingham, Ala.) is an off-axis photorefractor, that uses 35 mm film. The Visiscreen™ OSS-C has been used extensively in mass screenings of over 2,000,000 children in eight states.The iScreen system (iScreen LLC, Memphis, Tenn.) is a digital off-axis photoscreener. Pediatricians and general practitioners are the primary users, screening approximately 130,000 children in twelve states.The Welsh Allyn® SureSight™ Vision Screener is a hand-held autorefractor that is used by pediatricians, general practitioners, and public health organizations.ConclusionAs states continue to mandate vision screening, the desire to find the most effective screening device will continue to fuel changes in vision screening technology.