Single Dipping Research Articles

The role of plant adaptogen in the correction of parameters of the hemostasis system during ­emotional-immobilization stress in the experiment

Background. Maladaptive changes on the part of various organs and systems, in particular on the part of the hemostasis system, are manifested in extreme forms of physical inactivity, one of which is immobilization stress. If the organism is also subjected to psycho-emotional effects at the same time, then the combined effect of stressors is accompanied by an increase in maladaptive disorders.
 Aim. To establish the influence of emotional-immobilization stress on the hemostasis system, as well as the possibility of correcting changes by taking a course of eleutherococcus.
 Material and methods. The experiment was conducted on male rats, which were divided into four groups: the first group (n=14) control, the second group (n=14) animals treated with eleutherococcus for 30 days, the third group (n=14) rats, subjected to a single 3-hour water-immersion dipping, the fourth group (n=14) animals that took eleutherococcus for 30 days before the water-immersion dipping. The state of the hemostasis system was assessed in all experimental groups. Statistical processing of the results was performed using the Statistica 10.0 package (Statsoft, USA). Significance of differences was assessed using the nonparametric MannWhitney test and Student's t-test.
 Results. A single immobilization effect was accompanied by hypercoagulable changes, which characterized by shortening of the silicone (p=0.001) and kaolin (p=0.002) time. Completion of the 30-day adaptogen intake followed by emotional immobilization stress was accompanied by an increase in silicone (p=0.001), kaolin (p=0.021), prothrombin (p=0.021) and thrombin (p=0.006) time, which indicated hypocoagulation changes.
 Conclusion. The immobilization effect is characterized by hypercoagulability against the background of a decrease in the anticoagulant and fibrinolytic activity of the blood plasma; the course intake of eleutherococcus prior to immobilization is accompanied by hypocoagulant changes and an increase in the anticoagulant activity of the blood plasma.

Facies Mapping of the Holocene Carbonate Complexes in Kepulauan Seribu Java Basin, Indonesia Using Satellite-Derived Data Set

The analog study is common in understanding buried reservoirs and the relationship between architectural complexity and heterogeneity of carbonate deposits. This study processed satellite and false-color images using single-band images and classified them using a supervised classification technique to generate an environmental facies map. Thus, the study’s objectives are to map facies distribution in selected carbonate depositional environment and investigate oceanographic parameters that influence the development and evolution of modern carbonates in Holocene Kepulauan Seribu patch reef complexes, Java Basin. The main sub-environments are reef sand apron, subtidal reefal margin, and shallower subtidal lagoon. Annual wind patterns in the Java Basin have influenced the development of carbonate sediment in the Kepulauan Seribu archipelago, resulting in the formation of an isolated carbonate platform pattern with a single crest and asymmetrical dipping flanks. Meanwhile, the salinity of seawater influences the production of modern carbonate deposits as the Java basin is situated at the equator line, where the salinity of the seawater is moderately salty (35‰) and contributes to the favorable conditions for carbonate growth. The analysis of oceanographic elements with the integration of quantified environmental facies distribution is conducted to monitor the deposition of carbonate sediments which gives insight into carbonate distribution on the studied platforms. Satellite-derived facies maps provide an accurate overview of depositional facies patterns at the field scale in the oil and gas industry, enabling geologists to assess the potential of an oil and gas reservoir.

Sol-Gel Synthesis and Characterization of Coatings of Mg-Al Layered Double Hydroxides.

In this study, new synthetic approaches for the preparation of thin films of Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been developed. The LDHs were fabricated by reconstruction of mixed-metal oxides (MMOs) in deionized water. The MMOs were obtained by calcination of the precursor gels. Thin films of sol–gel-derived Mg-Al LDHs were deposited on silicon and stainless-steel substrates using the dip-coating technique by a single dipping process, and the deposited film was dried before the new layer was added. Each layer in the preparation of the Mg-Al LDH multilayers was separately annealed at 70 °C or 300 °C in air. Fabricated Mg-Al LDH coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was discovered that the diffraction lines of Mg3Al LDH thin films are sharper and more intensive in the sample obtained on the silicon substrate, confirming a higher crystallinity of synthesized Mg3Al LDH. However, in both cases the single-phase crystalline Mg-Al LDHs have formed. To enhance the sol–gel processing, the viscosity of the precursor gel was increased by adding polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution. The LDH coatings could be used to protect different substrates from corrosion, as catalyst supports, and as drug-delivery systems in medicine.

Super-durable closed-surface antireflection thin film by silica nanocomposites

A closed-surface silica antireflection thin film was prepared in single dipping process by growing branched silica chain from modified acid catalyzed sol-gel in hollow silica sphere sol-gel. The refractive index and thickness of thin film could be fine-tuned via acid catalyzed sol-gel content and withdrawing speed. Transmittance of this closed-surface AR thin film was as high as 97.1% with refractive index around 1.25–1.27. 2.5% gain in short circuit current was measured from both external quantum efficiency and flashing test on mini photovoltaic modules. The closed-surface structure was with a 5H pencil hardness, and approximately 2.0GPa indent hardness in nanoindenter test. It was resistant to high moisture and high temperature, mainly due to absence of voids on surface. The closed-surface AR thin film had potential to be applied in photovoltaic module, architecture windows in severe climate conditions.

Manufacture of patient-specific vascular replicas for endovascular simulation using fast, low-cost method.

Patient-specific vascular replicas are essential to the simulation of endovascular treatment or for vascular research. The inside of silicone replica is required to be smooth for manipulating interventional devices without resistance. In this report, we demonstrate the fabrication of patient-specific silicone vessels with a low-cost desktop 3D printer. We show that the surface of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) model printed by the 3D printer can be smoothed by a single dipping in ABS solvent in a time-dependent manner, where a short dip has less effect on the shape of the model. The vascular mold is coated with transparent silicone and then the ABS mold is dissolved after the silicone is cured. Interventional devices can pass through the inside of the smoothed silicone vessel with lower pushing force compared to the vessel without smoothing. The material cost and time required to fabricate the silicone vessel is about USD $2 and 24 h, which is much lower than the current fabrication methods. This fast and low-cost method offers the possibility of testing strategies before attempting particularly difficult cases, while improving the training of endovascular therapy, enabling the trialing of new devices, and broadening the scope of vascular research.

Effect of Cu2O thin film on Cu–Sn alloy coated steel surface in promoting interfacial adhesion with rubber

In the present study, effect of Cu2O film deposited via successive ionic layer adsorption and corresponding chemical reaction (SILAR method) on Cu–Sn coated steel substrate was explored for the purpose of improving the adhesion of steel with rubber. The effect of the relative alkali concentration in the oxide film deposition bath and the number of immersion cycles on the interfacial adhesion affecting the nature of oxide film deposited, its thickness and surface coverage were investigated. In the current study, Cu–Sn coated steel bead wire with coated surface roughness (Ra) around 2 μm showed an improvement of 33% in adhesion (in terms of pull out force) with an optimum alkali/Cu ion concentration of 25:1 with single dipping cycle attributed to an optimum oxide coating thickness of ~70 nm. Surface morphology study exhibited formation of thicker coating with increase in number of dipping cycles. Satisfactory thermal stability of the Cu2O film was confirmed as no re-oxidation of the Cu2O film to CuO was observed in the 200 °C heat treated samples.

Sol–gel preparation of well-adhered films and long range ordered inverse opal films of BaTiO3 and Bi2Ti2O7

Barium and bismuth titanate thin films and well-ordered inverse opal films are produced by dip coating from sols containing titanium alkoxides with acetic acid, acetylacetone, methoxyethanol and water. The inverse opal preparations used crosslinked polystyrene opal templates. Heat treatment in air produced tetragonal BaTiO3 or mixtures of the hexagonal and tetragonal phases, or phase pure Bi2Ti2O7. Good quality films were obtained with a thickness of 5μm from a single dipping, and the thickness could be increased by dipping multiple times. Inverse opals were well ordered and exhibited opalescence and photonic stop band effects.

Sensitization of Xanthophylls-Chlorophyllin Mixtures on Titania Solar Cells

Co-sensitization of natural dyes on TiO 2 for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was proposed between chlorophyllin (C) and xanthophylls (X at various volume ratios of C/X. Chlorophyllin is chlorophyll derivative providing -COOH groups essential for binding to TiO 2 . The chlorophyll was extracted from dried spinach ( amaranthus viridis ) leaves in a mixture of methanol-acetone (70%:30%). Chlorophyll extract dye was obtained after partition of the crude extracts in diethyl ether solution. Then, it was hydrolyzed under alkaline condition to get chlorophyllin. Xanthophyll was extracted from fresh petal of chrysanthemum ( chrysanthemum indicum ) flowers. Blending of chlorophyllin and xanthophyll was carried out at various volume ratios of C to X (1:0, 5:1, 1:1, 1:5, 0:1). Titania solar cells were constructed in sandwich system of conducting glass-titania/dyes as the photoanode and conducting glass-platinum as the photocathode. Electrolyte solution containing I - /I 3 - was inserted between the electrodes by capillary action. All dye extracts and blending solutions were analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. It is shown that the absorption spectra of blending dyes are complimentary in the visible region resulted in a panchromatic response of the dyes. From the cyclic voltammogram of the dyes and blended-dyes, it is found that the energy level of xanthophyll is the lowest. The I-V test at 100 mw/cm 2 irradiation confirmed that the energy conversion efficiency ( h ) of the blended dyes of xanthophyll and chlorophyllin-sensitized solar cell resulted in significant improvement than those of the single dye. Beneficially, the mixed dyes can be adsorbed from solution blend using single dipping step.

Biodegradable Bi-layered coating on polymeric orthopaedic implants for controlled release of drugs

A novel bone substitute incorporating biodegradable coatings on poly(d,l-lactide-co-lactide) (PLDL) implant has been developed. The polymer coatings were investigated as carrier of eugenol (EG) and dexamethasone (DM) which are suitable drugs to give antibacterial and anti-inflammatory function to the implant. The dip coating method was employed to coat the PLDL implant with poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) polymer. It has been observed that the thickness of the coating increased with the polymer concentration and the repetition of the dipping process showed an additive coating thickness compared to the single dipping. Moreover, it has been proved that a sequential drug release of EG and DM has been reached by incorporating the drugs onto each layer coating.

Boehmite-phenolic resin carbon molecular sieve membranes—Permeation and adsorption studies

Composite carbon molecular sieve membranes (c-CMSM) were prepared in a single dipping–drying–carbonization step from phenolic resin solutions (12.5–15wt.%) loaded with boehmite nanoparticles (0.5–1.2wt.%). A carbon matrix with well-dispersed Al2O3 nanowires was formed from the decomposition of the resin and dehydroxylation of boehmite. The effect of the carbon/Al2O3 ratio on the porous structure of the c-CMSM was accessed based on the pore size distribution and gas permeation toward N2, O2, CO2, He, H2, C3H6 and C3H8. c-CMSM with higher carbon/Al2O3 ratios had a more open porous structure, exhibiting higher permeabilities and lower permselectivities. c-CMSM performance was above the upper bound curves for polymeric membranes for several gas pairs, particularly for C3H6/C3H8 (permeability toward C3H6 of 420 barrer and permselectivity of 18.1 for a c-CMSM with carbon/Al2O3 ratio of 4.4).Unsupported films were also prepared (carbon/Al2O3 ratio 7.3) and crushed into small flakes. Equilibrium isotherms of H2, N2, O2, CO2, C3H8 and C3H6 at 293K were determined on these flakes to obtain the kinetic and adsorption selectivities toward gas pairs of interest; obtained adsorption and diffusion coefficients accurately predicted the permeabilities of all studied gases except CO2 (experimental and predicted permeabilities of 1148 and 154 barrer, respectively).

Influence of sol–gel process parameters on the micro-structure and performance of hybrid silica membranes

A facile, versatile and reproducible sol–gel process to make microporous organosilica membranes by using 1,2-bis (triethoxysilyl) ethane (BTESE) as a precursor is reported. The influence of process parameters on sol particle size and rheology of BETSE-derived sols was investigated to produce defect-free composite membranes by a single dipping procedure and subsequent calcination. The microporous structure of a BTESE layer on mesoporous alumina supports enabled selective molecular sieving of gas molecules. Single gas permeation (SGP) experiments, performed at 200°C, showed that a H2/CH4 permselectivity of 24 was reproducibly achieved. No SF6 gas permeance through these membranes proof the presence of a defect-free microstructure. SEM cross-section analysis showed a hybrid selective layer with a thickness dependent on the sol precursor concentration.

ISR meets SAR outside: additive action of the endophyte Bacillus pumilus INR7 and the chemical inducer, benzothiadiazole, on induced resistance against bacterial spot in field-grown pepper.

Induced resistance has been recognized as an attractive tool for plant disease management in modern agriculture. During the last two decades, studies on chemically- and biologically elicited induced resistance have revealed previously unknown features of the plant defense response including defense priming. As a biological trigger for induced resistance, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a group of root-associated bacteria that can reduce plant disease severity and incidence, and augment plant growth and yield under greenhouse and field conditions. We evaluated the potential of an endophytic PGPR, Bacillus pumilus INR7, to induce systemic resistance against bacterial spot caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vesicatoria in pepper. Trials in the greenhouse showed significantly less symptom development in pepper plants inoculated with strain INR7 compared to a water treatment. Furthermore, a single dipping treatment with INR7 before transplantation of pepper plants into the field elicited an induced systemic resistance response against bacterial spot caused by artificially infiltration of X. axonopodis pv. vesicatoria and even against naturally occurring bacterial spot disease. We identified an additive effect on induced resistance after administration of a combination treatment composed of strain INR7 with a chemical inducer, benzothiadiazole (BTH) in the field. The combination treatment stimulated expression of pepper defense marker genes CaPR1, CaTin1, and CaPR4 to a greater extent than did treatment with either agent alone. Similar experiments conducted with tobacco revealed no additive effects under field conditions. Interestingly, co-application of plants with INR7 lifted the growth repressing effect of BTH. Application of BTH onto pepper and tobacco did not affect rhizosphere colonization but supported a higher population density inside plant roots when compared to water-treated control plants. Our results indicate that PGPR can be used in combination with BTH for increased induced resistance capacity under field conditions.

Puncture resistance of natural rubber latex unidirectional coated fabrics

A study was conducted on the puncture resistance of high-strength nonwoven natural rubber latex (NRL)-coated fabrics. High strength unidirectional (UD) polyethylene fabrics were coated using single dipping (SD), double dipping (DD), and triple dipping (TD) methods. The puncture resistance of the uncoated and coated fabrics was determined by measuring the force needed to penetrate the fabrics using a blunt probe. The mechanisms and modes of deformation involved during penetration were observed as well. In comparison with the uncoated fabrics, the SD, DD, and TD NRL coated fabrics gave higher puncture resistance of 39%, 47%, and 62%, respectively. The increments of the penetration force were proportional with the increase in the NRL-coated fabric thickness. For the uncoated fabric, the force given by the probe resulted in yarns stretching and yarn slippage upon penetration. However, the NRL-coated fabrics were not severely damaged but resulted in a curvature formed at the frontface of the fabric with minimal backface deformation. From the observations, the modes of failure were similar among the NRL-coated fabrics, that is, fiber stretching, delamination of NRL layer, and stretch marks on the fabric surface. The NRL layer acted as a protective sheath and increases the energy absorption and elasticity characteristics of the UD fabric.

Integrin ß-1 Regulates Eph-B4–Mediated Vein Graft Adaptation

increased when siRNA was complexed with PEI. The amount of siRNA adsorbed generally appeared greater in ePET than in PTFE fabrics. Repeated dipping of ePET in siGLO Red/PEI solution significantly increased siRNA adsorption vs single dipping. Conclusions: siRNA adsorption to ePET and PTFE surfaces is significantly increased if the siRNA is complexed with PEI. Preliminary data in this study suggest that siRNA adsorbs better to ePET than PTFE. Further, repeated dipping of ePET additionally increased adsorption of siRNA to fabric. Thus, coating of ePET with siRNA/PEI may be a method to improve graft patency.

Composite phenolic resin-based carbon molecular sieve membranes for gas separation

Composite carbon molecular sieve membranes (c-CMSM) were prepared from phenolic resin loaded with boehmite by a single dipping–drying–pyrolysis step. The composite membrane was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, mercury porosimetry, CO 2 adsorption and permeation experiments. It was produced a 2 μm thick composite uniform layer on top of a α-Al 2O 3 support. The composite top layer exhibited nanowires of Al 2O 3 1–2 nm thick and 10–30 nm long well dispersed in a microporous carbon matrix. The micropores network accounted for 63% of the total pore volume (DR isotherm). The c-CMSM exhibited ideal O 2/N 2 and C 3H 6/C 3H 8 permselectivities of 5 and 15, respectively. The performance of the c-CMSM for pair C 3H 6/C 3H 8 was above the upper bound curve for polymeric membranes, making it a promising vehicle for olefin purification.

Cu x Ni1−x alloy nanoparticles embedded SiO2 films: synthesis and structure

Cu–Ni fcc alloy nanoparticles (NPs) of tunable atomic ratios were generated in SiO2 films. The films were prepared using the Cu(NO3)2 and Ni(NO3)2 co-doped inorganic–organic hybrid silica sols by single dipping. Transparent, crack-free, glassy SiO2 films of 310 ± 10 nm in thickness embedded with high mol percent of Cu–Ni alloy NPs were yielded after annealing at 750 °C in 10% H2-90% Ar atmosphere. Nominal compositions of the films were 20 mol% (Cu–Ni)-80 mol% SiO2. Optical spectral study of the heat-treated films showed disappearance of Cu plasmon bands due to Cu–Ni alloy formation. Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) studies revealed the formation of Cu–Ni alloy (2:1, 1:1 and 1:2) NPs inside the SiO2 film. GIXRD showed a systematic shifting of the diffraction peaks with respect to the fcc Cu–Ni alloy composition, maintaining the nominal ratios. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of the representative Cu0.5Ni0.5-doped film showed existence of homogeneously dispersed Cu–Ni alloy NPs of average size 6.35 nm inside the SiO2 matrix. The energy dispersive X-ray scattering (EDX) analysis of the individual NPs using the nano-probe (scanning TEM mode) confirmed the presence of both the Cu and Ni with the desired atomic ratio.

Increasing the accuracy of surface area estimation using single wax dipping of coral fragments

The measurement of coral surface area is critical to normalising a suit of physiologically significant parameters to greater understand how corals interact with the surrounding environment. The surface area detection from skeletal fragments subsequently needs to be both as accurate as possible, yet practical and robust enough to be performed with minimal laboratory equipment. By using X-Ray CT technology, as a highly accurate surface area standard, 12 coral specimens from 4 different genera were studied using single wax versus double wax dipping methods. Our results reveal that the single wax dipping is far more accurate than the more commonly practised double wax dipping, thereby leading to more accurate estimation of the physiologically active surface.

Birth of a volcanic margin off Argentina, South Atlantic

Based on a dense grid of multichannel reflection seismic lines we study the evolution of a volcanic rifted margin segment off Argentina. The segment under study is located between 44°S and 41°S. We describe in detail the facies of the extrusive basaltic complexes across the margin. These include single and multiple Inner Seaward Dipping Reflectors (SDRs) with varying architecture along the margin, Outer Highs, and Outer SDR wedges. A detailed interpretation of a transitional zone between the Inner and Outer SDR wedges is presented. Multiple Inner SDRs are concentrated at the southern part of the margin segment, while in the north only one steeply dipping wedge is present. The dip of the Inner SDR wedges changes along the margin, and we propose subsidence by loading as main cause. The transitional zone between the Inner and Outer SDR wedges becomes narrower toward the north. By correlating with magnetic data we conclude that the emplacement of the 30–100 km wide multiple Inner SDRs occurred episodically. We propose an injection center which migrated in a seaward direction with proceeding extension as the origin for the multiple Inner SDRs. A scissor‐like opening of the margin segment resulted in different amounts of stretching along‐strike of the margin segment and is likely the cause for the varying distribution of the extrusive basaltic complexes. The varying extension rates within the margin segment contribute to decreasing volumes of melts generated in a northward direction within this rift segment.

Preparation and Characterisation of Nano-Structured WO3-TiO2 Layers for Photoelectrochromic Devices

Nano-structured WO3-TiO2 layers were prepared by the sol-gel route. To obtain transparent, porous and crack free layers up to 0.8 μ m with a single dipping cycle a templating strategy was used. As a template three-dimensionally network based on organically modified silane was introduced to the WO3 and TiO2 sols. The WO3 layers were dip-coated onto the conductive glass substrate (TCO) and the TiO2 layers on the top of the WO3 layer. The morphology and the structure of the layers were determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDXS), Auger and Infrared spectroscopy. SEM image of the WO3-TiO2 layer confirmed the nano-porosity of the layers and give the size of the particles of about 10 nm for TiO2 and 30 nm for WO3 layer. Further analysis indicated that the titanium sol penetrates the WO3 layer. Particles in the WO3 layer consist of a crystalline monoclinic WO3 core surrounded by a 5–10 nm amorphous phase consisting of WO3, TiO2 and SiO2. The WO3-TiO2 layers were used to assemble all solid state photoelectrochromic (PE) devices. Under 1 sun irradiation (1000 W/m2) the visible transmittance of the PE device changes from 62% to 1.6%. The colouring and bleaching processes last about 10 minutes.

Physical properties and photocatalytic efficiencies of TiO 2 films prepared by PECVD and sol–gel methods

TiO 2 thin-film photocatalysts coated onto glass were prepared either by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) deposition or by a dip-coating process using sol–gel solutions. The influence of the addition of a polymer and of a highly viscous solvent on physical properties (thickness, crystallite size and porosity) of TiO 2 thin films and on their photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated. The film thickness obtained after a single dipping was proportional to the viscosity of the dip-coating solution. The presence of highly viscous solvent such as α-terpineol did not modify the TiO 2 crystallite size, while smaller crystallites were formed in presence of a polymer. Both additives increased the porosity of the single dipping TiO 2 film. About twice higher TiO 2 crystallite sizes were formed by using PECVD method. All TiO 2 films prepared in this work by sol–gel methods were of the anatase phase and were orientated along the (1 0 1) plane. In contrast, anatase films prepared by PECVD and 520 nm thick were orientated along the (0 0 4) crystallographic plane was obtained in 520 nm film thickness. The photocatalytic activities of the TiO 2 thin films were evaluated by the photoxidation rate of 2-hydroxybutanedioı̈c acid (malic acid). They were strongly dependent on the film thickness, suggesting the participation of all the inner part of the film in the generation of e −/h + pair. No influence of the TiO 2 film porosity, in the range 10–70%, was observed because of a sufficient porosity to allow the total diffusion of organic compounds within the film. However, smaller TiO 2 particles seemed to slightly increase the photocatalytic activity, probably because of the increase in the surface area of the particulate film. PECVD TiO 2 films present smaller efficiencies than those prepared by the sol–gel method. No influence of textural properties on the photocatalytic mechanism was observed.