Teflon Discs Research Articles

Tribo-Catalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange Solutions Enhanced by Silicon Single Crystals

Coating materials on the bottoms of reactors/beakers has emerged as an effective method to regulate tribo-catalytic reactions. In this study, silicon single crystals were coated on the bottoms of glass beakers, in which 30 mg/L methyl orange (MO) solutions suspended with alumina nanoparticles were subjected to magnetic stirring using Teflon magnetic rotary disks. With a gentle rotating speed of 400 rpm for the Teflon disks, the MO solutions were changed from yellow to colorless and the characteristic absorption peak of MO at 450 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum disappeared entirely within 120 min. Mass spectrometry tests were further performed to gain insights into the degradation process, which suggested that the degradation was initiated with the cleavage of the nitrogen-nitrogen double bond in ionized MO molecules by the attack of •OH radicals. Through comparison experiments, we established that the observed degradation was related to the friction between alumina and silicon during magnetic stirring, and hydroxyl and superoxide radicals were formed from the friction, according to electron paramagnetic resonance analysis. It is proposed that electron-hole pairs are excited in silicon single crystals through friction with alumina, which diffuse to the surface of the single crystals and result in the degradation.

Surprising Tribo‐catalytic Conversion of H2O and CO2 into Flammable Gases utilizing Frictions of Copper in Water

AbstractCopper rotary disks were fabricated through mounting copper disks and magnets on opposite surfaces of Teflon disks separately, and quartz glass reactors (150 mL) were modified through covering their bottoms with Al2O3, copper, and titanium disks separately. For a glass‐bottomed reactor placed with a copper rotary disk and filled with 50 mL water and 1 atm CO2, flammable gases of 670.96 ppm H2, 22.21 ppm CO, 3.98 ppm CH4, 0.96 ppm C2H4, and 0.66 ppm C2H6 were surprisingly produced after the copper rotary disk was driven to rotate for 5 h; flammable gases were obtained in comparable amounts for reactors with Al2O3, copper, and titanium bottoms separately. A tribo‐catalytic mechanism has been proposed, in which water at micro‐holes in friction surfaces is squeezed by elastically deformed copper of rotating copper disks, and under increased pressure CO2 and H2O are catalyzed to react to form flammable gases by copper.

Testing of Lubricants for DIC Tests to Measure the Forming Limit Diagrams of Aluminum Thin Sheet Materials

We investigated lubricants and thin teflon foils that can be applied in the formability testing of the thin aluminum sheets used in the electronics and automotive industries. For the tests, thirteen different industrial lubricants (oils and greases) (i.e., L1–L13) and two Teflon films (i.e., 0.08 and 0.22 mm thick) were applied. The authors conducted an Erichsen test, and the thickness reduction of the discs was measured first. In forming-limit curve (FLC) tests, it is crucial that the stresses are localized in the central area of the specimen during forming and that biaxial deformation is maintained throughout, if possible. We aimed to achieve and fulfill this task. To perform this measurement, the GOM ARAMIS measuring system was utilized. It is an optical measuring system based on the digital image correlation (DIC) principle, capable of measuring both stresses and displacements in real time. A specific validation method was also developed to qualify the DIC system. We concluded that there was a 5% difference in Erichsen indentation (IE) number diagrams between the best (L12) and worst (L4) cases for the lubricants and oils tested, which is a significant difference for thin plates. We found that this value could be increased and improved by using Teflon discs. Furthermore, the localization of stress maxima, i.e., the centering of cracks in the specimen, could be achieved by combining Teflon discs and L12 lubricant (with appropriate layer order), which significantly aids in the recording of standard FLC diagrams. Using foils is also advantageous because they are readily available, have no expiry date, and are of less environmental concern.

3D Digital Image Correlation Analysis of Local Deformation Field of Different Endodontic Calcium Silicate Cements

The objective was to compare the strain of three calcium silicate cements using an optical system based on the 3D digital image correlation method (3D-DIC). Dentine disks from 30 upper premolars were sectioned transversely to obtain 2 mm-thick sections and enlarged with a 4 mm diameter bur. An additional 30 samples were made in Teflon molds (4 × 2 mm). Dentine discs and Teflon molds were divided into three groups with ten samples each and then filled with MTA+ (Cerkamed), Biodentine (Septodont) and Well-Root PT (Vericom). The strain was determined using the 3D-DIC method in two zones: the peripheral and central zones. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with Scheffe’s post hoc test, a paired t-test and Pearson correlation (α = 0.05). Analysis showed that there were significant differences in the values of deformation between all tested materials in both zones. Comparing the strain in both zones, there were significant differences between zones in the Biodentin and Well-Root PT group on dentine discs, and in the Biodentine and MTA group on Teflon discs. Comparing the strain measured on different disc types, the higher values were found on Teflon. All the examined calcium silicate-based cements showed deformation after initial setting. The highest strain was recorded for Biodentine and the lowest was for Well-Root PT.

Greatly enhanced tribocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants by TiO2 nanoparticles through efficiently harvesting mechanical energy

Many piezoelectric nanomaterials have recently been revealed an attractive capability to degrade organic pollutants through utilizing mechanical energy via a tribocatalytic mechanism. Presently we have explored tribocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants for TiO2 nanoparticles. While degradation of organic dyes was observed for TiO2 nanoparticles under ordinary magnetic stirring, the degradation was greatly enhanced when the magnetic stirring was modified through using Teflon magnetic rotating disks, which are circular Teflon disks with a cross-shaped groove on one side and magnets mounted on the other side. With TiO2 nanoparticles under the modified magnetic stirring, as much as 99.7% of 40 mg/L Rhodamine B and 94.7% of 20 mg/L Methyl violet were degraded after 200 min, and 93.1% of 20 mg/L Methylene blue was degraded after 250 min, which are highly outstanding among catalytic dye degradations by metal oxide nanoparticles. Active radicals were detected through fluorescence spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy for TiO2 nanoparticles under magnetic stirring, which supports a tribocatalytic mechanism for the dye degradations. These results suggest that tribocatalysis can be an appealing technology to utilize mechanical energy for environmental remediation, especially in areas of insufficient solar energy.

Effect of Fungicide Mobility and Application Timing on the Management of Grape Powdery Mildew

Grape powdery mildew (GPM) fungicide programs consist of 5 to 15 applications, depending on region or market, in an attempt to achieve the high fruit quality standards demanded by the market. Understanding how fungicides redistribute and targeting redistributing fungicide to critical crop phenological stages could improve fungicide protection of grape clusters. This study evaluated fungicide redistribution in grapevines from major fungicide groups labeled for GPM control. Translaminar and xylem redistribution was examined by placing fungicide-impregnated filter disks on the adaxial or abaxial leaf surface of detached leaves for 10 min and then incubating for 48 h before inoculating the abaxial surface with conidia. Vapor redistribution used Teflon disks sprayed with fungicides and placed on the abaxial leaf surface of detached leaves 48 h before inoculation. Disease development was rated 10 days later. Translaminar movement through calyptra was tested using flowering potted vines. All fungicides tested redistributed through at least one mechanism. Fungicide timing at critical phenological stages (early, mid, and late bloom) was assessed in small plots of cultivar Pinot noir vines. The application of trifloxystrobin, quinoxyfen, or fluopyram at different bloom stages showed that applications initiated at end of bloom resulted in the lowest berry infection probabilities of 0.073, 0.097, and 0.020, respectively. The results of this study suggest that integrating two carefully timed applications of redistributing fungicides initiated at end of bloom into a fungicide program may be an effective strategy for wine grape growers in western Oregon to produce fruit with low GPM infection.

Effects of chemical and physico-chemical surface conditioning methods on the adhesion of resin composite to different mineral trioxide aggregate based cements

This study investigated the adhesion of resin composite to mineral trioxide aggregate based cements after different chemical and physico-chemical surface conditioning methods. Mineral trioxide aggregate based cements (Biodentine, ProRoot MTA, Imicryl MTA) were embedded in Teflon disks (N = 180). After storing at 37 °C at 100% humidity for 72 h, substrate surfaces were polished using silicon carbide papers. Specimens were allocated to 3 groups to be conditioned with one of the following (n = 15 per group): a) Adhesive resin (Clearfil SE Bond, CSE), b) Adhesive resin (Adper Single Bond 2, SB2), c) air-abrasion with 30 μm alumina coated with silica + silane + adhesive resin (ALB), d) no surface conditioning, control group (CON). Microhybrid resin composite (Filtek Z250) was applied on the conditioned substrate surfaces and photo-polymerized. After storage at 37 °C at 100% humidity for 24 h, adhesive interfaces were loaded under shear (1 mm/min) in a universal testing machine. After debonding failure types were analyzed. Data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (alpha = 0.05). SBS results were significantly affected by surface conditioning (p < 0.05) and materials (p < 0.05). Interaction terms were significant (p < 0.05). Biodentine-ALB resulted in significantly higher SBS values (3.96 ± 1.24) compared to those of other combinations, while ALB and SB2 resulted in no significant difference for ProRoot MTA and Imicryl MTA (p > .05). CSE (1.36 ± 0.5- 1.98 ± 0.76) did not significantly increase SBS for all MTA materials compared to the control group (0.8 ± 0.52 – 2 ± 0.91) (p > 9.05). While CON groups resulted in exclusively adhesive failures, ALB presented the highest incidence of mixed failures for all materials tested (60–100%).

DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF SOLID FORMS OF CaSO4:Dy THERMOLUMINESCENT DOSEMETERS IN RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY—A REVIEW

CaSO4:Dy is a reliable high-sensitive themoluminescent phosphor useful for low-level and high-level radiation measurements as it exhibits fading free linear dose response with a single glow peak at ~230°C in these dose regions. For large-scale radiation protection dosimetry service, it is embedded in Teflon matrix with varying thicknesses. Extensive studies have been carried out with such CaSO4:Dy Teflon discs in individual and environmental radiation monitoring applications including its capability to measure International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements operational quantities. The review highlights their development and application in high-energy photon measurements, thin wafers and graphite-loaded Teflon discs for beta-dosimetry, phosphor-filled aluminium discs for high-dose applications, 6LiF-mixed CaSO4:Dy Teflon discs for thermal and albedo or moderated fast neutrons, sulphur-mixed CaSO4:Dy pellets for fast-neutron exposure even in the presence of gamma-rays and polyethylene-mixed CaSO4:Dy discs for fast neutrons.

Antibacterial activity of reduced iron clay against pathogenic bacteria associated with wound infections

Clay is a substance historically utilized by indigenous cultures for the treatment of superficial wound infections. This study evaluated the effects of a recently identified clay – OMT Blue Clay – against staphylococci, streptococci, Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli. The clay and its aqueous leachate were evaluated against the bacteria in biofilm and planktonic states. Time-kill studies were used to assess planktonic activity. Biofilms on medical-grade Teflon discs were treated with a hydrated clay suspension or leachate. For the planktonic studies, clay and leachate exhibited bactericidal activity against all strains tested, with the exception of leachate against Staphylococcus aureus IDRL-6169 and USA300. All strains treated with clay suspension and leachate resulted in statistically significant biofilm population reductions compared with controls, except S. aureus IDRL-6169 and USA300 (P ≤ 0.05). OMT Blue Clay and its aqueous leachate exhibited bactericidal activity against a range of human pathogens in the planktonic and biofilm states.

Surface potential stability of large-area Teflon PTFE electret dosimeters of different thicknesses

The effects of charge polarity and thickness on the surface charge potential stability responses of large-area Teflon polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) discs electrostatically charged by a new “modified single point-to-plane corona poling rotating system” were studied. Large-area Teflon discs (6 cm diameter) with 0.2, 0.5 and 1 mm thicknesses were used to produce both negatively or positively charged Teflon discs, at the same charging conditions. The deposited charge potential stability of the Teflon discs of different thicknesses monitored by a non-contacting electrostatic voltmeter for an extended time were monitored up to 77 days. Some inter-related parameters such as surface charge potential and external electrostatic field, internal electrostatic field, surface charge density, and the storage duration were also studied. The thick large-area Teflon disc electrets produced provided a steady-state charge stability on either negative (0.2, 0.5 and 1 mm thick) or positive (1 mm thick) surface charge potentials for the long period studied. The Teflon electret discs produced demonstrated having the highest charge potential stability in thicker electrets (1 mm), either negative or positive polarity, with provision of high potential for different applications in general and radiation protection dosimetry in particular.

Disclosing Agents for the Intraoperative Identification of Biofilms on Orthopedic Implants

BackgroundDisclosing agents are dyes used in dentistry to colorize plaque (biofilm) and may offer a means for intraoperative detection of biofilms on orthopedic implants. Methylene blue (MB) stains biofilm and is safely used in orthopedic applications. Injection of MB into acutely infected prosthetic knees before debridement may enable visualization of biofilm, which could influence treatment decisions. The aims of this study were to determine if MB could be used to visualize biofilm on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implants and to determine if MB staining has an antimicrobial effect that might interfere with subsequent culture. MethodsStaphylococcus epidermidis biofilms were formed on TKA polyethylene liners and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and Teflon discs. After staining biofilms on these implants, the bacterial densities were determined through sonication and quantitative culture. The antimicrobial activity of MB staining was determined by measuring the bacterial density of S. epidermidis biofilms on PMMA discs incubated in 0.05% MB for 24 hours vs 30 seconds and comparing it with controls unexposed to MB. ResultsMB stained S. epidermidis biofilms grown on TKA implants and Teflon and PMMA discs in vitro. Sonication and quantitative culture of the stained implants showed that bacterial densities were at supraphysiological levels. Staining did not affect the ability to culture the organism. ConclusionMB is a possible cost-effective and novel method to expeditiously identify intraoperative biofilm. To further evaluate MB staining and its potential clinical usefulness, future studies are needed to assess the ability of MB to stain physiological levels of biofilm.

In Vitro Cytotoxicity of GuttaFlow Bioseal, GuttaFlow 2, AH-Plus and MTA Fillapex.

Introduction:The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of different sealers including GuttaFlow Bioseal, GuttaFlow 2, AH-Plus and MTA Fillapex on L929 murine fibroblasts. Methods and Materials:Samples of GuttaFlow Bioseal, GuttaFlow 2, AH-Plus and MTA Fillapex were fabricated in Teflon disks of 5 mm diameter and 3 mm thickness. L929 fibroblasts were exposed to the extracts of these materials for 3, 24, 72 and 168 h at 37°C with 5% CO2. Cell viability was evaluated by the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis was evaluated by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The data were analysed by ANOVA. Results:GuttaFlow Bioseal was nontoxic at all experimental time points (P>0.05), whereas MTA Fillapex and AH-Plus were toxic (P<0.001). At 7 days, there were more viable cells in the GuttaFlow 2 group than in the control group, and MTA Fillapex was more cytotoxic than AH-Plus. There were more apoptotic cells in the MTA Fillapex and AH-Plus groups than in the other groups at 3 h (P<0.001).Conclusion:GuttaFlow sealers are less cytotoxic than MTA Fillapex and AH-Plus. At all experimental time points, there was no significant difference in the cell viability between the GuttaFlow Bioseal group and the control group.

Direct Electrical Current Reduces Bacterial and Yeast Biofilm Formation.

New strategies are needed for prevention of biofilm formation. We have previously shown that 24 hr of 2,000 µA of direct current (DC) reduces Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation in vitro. Herein, we examined the effect of a lower amount of DC exposure on S. epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Propionibacterium acnes, and Candida albicans biofilm formation. 12 hr of 500 µA DC decreased S. epidermidis, S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa biofilm formation on Teflon discs by 2, 1, 1, and 2 log10 cfu/cm2, respectively (p < 0.05). Reductions in S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and E. coli biofilm formation were observed with as few as 12 hr of 200 µA DC (2, 2 and 0.4 log10 cfu/cm2, resp.); a 1 log10 cfu/cm2 reduction in P. aeruginosa biofilm formation was observed at 36 hr. 24 hr of 500 µA DC decreased C. albicans biofilm formation on Teflon discs by 2 log10 cfu/cm2. No reduction in P. acnes biofilm formation was observed. 1 and 2 log10 cfu/cm2 reductions in E. coli and S. epidermidis biofilm formation on titanium discs, respectively, were observed with 12 hr of exposure to 500 µA. Electrical current is a potential strategy to reduce biofilm formation on medical biomaterials.

Cytotoxicity of Two Bioactive Root Canal Sealers.

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of two different bioactive root canal sealers: one based on mineral trioxide aggregate, MTA Fillapex (Angelus, Solucoes Odontologicas, Londrina, PR, Brazil), and the other based on bioceramics, Endosequence BC Sealer (Brasseler, Savannah, Georgia, USA), in culture of mouse L929 fibroblasts. Mouse fibroblasts (L929), obtained from subcutaneous connective tissue of mouse line C3Hf, were cultivated in plastic culture flasks in an incubator at 37şC, with 5% CO2 and 90% humidity. Freshly mixed Endosequence BC Sealer and MTA Fillapex (0.1 g each) were placed on sterile teflon discs, 6 mm in diameter. Teflon discs with the materials as well as empty discs serving as control were placed in wells of 12-well plate. After incubation times of 1, 6, 20 and 24 hours, the teflon discs were removed from the wells and the number of viable cells was determined using trypan blue in Neubauer chamber. In comparison to the control group, MTA Fillapex had significantly less viable cells for all incubation periods (p≤0.05), while Endosequence BC sealer had significantly less viable cells after 6, 20, and 24 hours of incubation (p≤0.05). MTA Fillapex comprised significantly less viable cells in comparison to Endosequence BC sealer after the first hour and after 20 hours of incubation (p≤0.05), while for the other incubation periods there were no significant differences (p≥0.05). MTA Fillapex and Endosequence BC sealer were both cytotoxic in cultures of mouse L929 fibroblasts.

Antibiofilm Activity of Low-Amperage Continuous and Intermittent Direct Electrical Current.

Bacterial biofilms are difficult to treat using available antimicrobial agents, so new antibiofilm strategies are needed. We previously showed that 20, 200, and 2,000 μA of electrical current reduced bacterial biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here, we tested continuous direct current at lower amperages, intermittent direct current, and combinations of surface materials (Teflon or titanium) and electrode compositions (stainless steel, graphite, titanium, or platinum) against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and P. aeruginosa biofilms. In addition, we tested 200 or 2,000 μA for 1 and 4 days against biofilms of 33 strains representing 13 species of microorganisms. The logarithmic reduction factor was used to measure treatment effects. Using continuous current delivery, the lowest active amperage was 2 μA for 1, 4, or 7 days against P. aeruginosa and 5 μA for 7 days against S. epidermidis and S. aureus biofilms. Delivery of 200 μA for 4 h a day over 4 days reduced P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis biofilms on Teflon or titanium discs. A reduction of P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis biofilms was measured for 23 of 24 combinations of surface materials and electrode compositions tested. Four days of direct current delivery reduced biofilms of 25 of 33 strains studied. In conclusion, low-amperage current or 4 h a day of intermittent current delivered using a variety of electrode compositions reduced P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis biofilms on a variety of surface materials. The electricidal effect was observed against a majority of bacterial species studied.

Residual HEMA and TEGDMA Release and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement and Compomers Cured with Different Light Sources

The purpose of this study was first to evaluate the elution of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) monomers from resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and compomers cured with halogen and light-emitting diode (LED) light-curing units (LCUs). The effect of cured materials on the viability of L929 fibroblast cells was also evaluated. One RMGIC (Ketac N100) and two compomers (Dyract Extra and Twinkystar) were tested. Materials were prepared in teflon disks and light-cured with LED or halogen LCUs. The residual monomers of resin materials in solution were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography. The fibroblast cells' viability was analyzed using MTT assay. The type of LCU did not have a significant effect on the elution of HEMA and TEGDMA. A greater amount of HEMA than TEGMDA was eluted. The amount of TEGDMA eluted from Twinkystar was greater than Dyract Extra (P < 0.05) when cured with a halogen LCU. All material-LCU combinations decreased the fibroblast cells' viability more than the control group (P < 0.01), except for Dyract Extra cured with a halogen LCU (P > 0.05). Curing with the LED LCU decreased the cells' viability more than curing with the halogen LCU for compomers. For Ketac N100, the halogen LCU decreased the cells' viability more than the LED LCU.

Evaluation of cytotoxicity of six different flowable composites with the methyl tetrazolium test method

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of six different flowable composites with the methyl tetrazolium test (MTT). Materials and Methods: For MTT, six different flowable composites (Bisco Aelite, Bisco Inc., USA; Esthet X Flow, Dentsply, USA; Filtek™ Supreme XT Flowable Restorative, 3M Espe, USA; Gradia ® Direct Flo, GC, USA; Estelite ® Flow Quick, Tokuyama Dental Corporation, Japan; and Clearfil Majesty Flow, Kuraray Medical Inc., Japan) were prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions in standard Teflon disks (2 mm × 5 mm) and the samples were extracted in 7 ml of Basal Medium Eagle with 10% new born calf serum and 5% penicillin streptomycin gentamisin for 24 h. In the experiments: The L929 cells were plated (25.000 cells/ml) in wells of 96 well-dishes and maintained in a humidified incubator for 24 h at 37°C, 5% CO2, and 95% of air. After 24 h incubation of the cells, the incubation medium was replaced by the immersed medium in which the samples were stored. Then L929 cells were incubated in contact with evaluates for 24 h. The cell mitochondrial activity was evaluated by the MTT. 12 well used for each specimen and MTT tests applied 2 times. The data were submitted to the statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) tests. Results: According to the results of MTT test with L-929 fibroblasts demonstrated that all freshly prepared flowable composites did not reduce vital cell numbers (P&gt;0.05) in comparison to control group. Conclusion: This study revealed important information for clinical applications of flowable composites in dentistry.

In Vitro Osteogenic/Dentinogenic Potential of an Experimental Calcium Aluminosilicate Cement

IntroductionCalcium aluminosilicate cements are fast-setting, acid-resistant, bioactive cements that may be used as root-repair materials. This study examined the osteogenic/dentinogenic potential of an experimental calcium aluminosilicate cement (Quick-Set) by using a murine odontoblast-like cell model. MethodsQuick-Set and white ProRoot MTA (WMTA) were mixed with the proprietary gel or deionized water, allowed to set completely in 100% relative humidity, and aged in complete growth medium for 2 weeks until rendered non-cytotoxic. Similarly aged Teflon disks were used as negative control. The MDPC-23 cell line was used for evaluating changes in mRNA expressions of genes associated with osteogenic/dentinogenic differentiation and mineralization (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), alkaline phosphatase enzyme production, and extracellular matrix mineralization (alizarin red S staining). ResultsAfter MDPC-23 cells were incubated with the materials in osteogenic differentiation medium for 1 week, both cements showed up-regulation in ALP and DSPP expression. Fold increases in these 2 genes were not significantly different between Quick-Set and WMTA. Both cements showed no statistically significant up-regulation/down-regulation in RUNX2, OCN, BSP, and DMP1 gene expression compared with Teflon. Alkaline phosphatase activity of cells cultured on Quick-Set and WMTA were not significantly different at 1 week or 2 weeks but were significantly higher (P < .05) than Teflon in both weeks. Both cements showed significantly higher calcium deposition compared with Teflon after 3 weeks of incubation in mineralizing medium (P < .001). Differences between Quick-Set and WMTA were not statistically significant. ConclusionsThe experimental calcium aluminosilicate cement exhibits similar osteogenic/dentinogenic properties to WMTA and may be a potential substitute for commercially available tricalcium silicate cements.

Solution mixing and the emission of light in flow-cells for chemiluminescence detection

Constructing flow-through reactors for chemiluminescence detection by machining channels into polymer disks has enabled the exploration of new configurations and materials that can improve signal intensity beyond that attainable with the traditional coiled-tubing design. Several approaches to merge reactant solutions were examined: an intersection, chamber or deeper well in the centre of a serpentine configuration flow-cell (directly in front of a photomultiplier tube), or a confluence point outside the detection zone. For several analytically useful, rapid chemiluminescence reactions, the single-inlet flow-cell with external Y-piece was most suitable, but for others (such as KMnO(4)/Mn(II) with morphine, and [Ir(f-ppy)(2)BPS](-) with fluoroquinolones) the dual-inlet configuration provided greater signals. The introduction of central mixing zones with larger widths than the channel reduced the chemiluminescence response. The reversing turns of a serpentine channel promote efficient mixing and greater chemiluminescence intensities than a spiral channel, but increasing the sharpness of the turns created areas of poor solution flow and decreased the chemiluminescence response. Teflon disks impregnated with glass microspheres increased the chemiluminescence signals by 13%-17%, due to the greater reflection of stray light towards the photodetector.

Photo‐ and Thermal‐Degradation Studies of Select Eccrine Fingerprint Constituents

Photo- and thermal-degradation studies on eccrine fingerprint components are presented herein. Dilute distinct solutions of urea, lactic acid, and seven amino acids were deposited on steel coupons and Teflon disks, exposed to artificial sunlight or heat, extracted, and analyzed. This aim of this study was to determine whether the investigated eccrine components, previously determined to be Raman active for a parallel study, experienced photo- or thermally induced degradation, and if so, to determine the rate and identify any detectable products. Neither the amino acids nor urea exhibited photo-degradation; however, when heated for a period of three minutes, the onset of thermal-degradation was initiated at 100 degrees C for the amino acids and 100 degrees C for urea. Lactic acid, the major polymerization initiator of superglue fuming, showed photochemical and thermal-degradation. These results could be used for future development of new latent fingerprint visualization methods, especially when lactic acid is degraded.