6% (2 0 to 3 3), at 70 Of 2,041 with <25 mm at 65, 0 7% had a

6% (2.0 to 3.3), at 70. Of 2,041 with <25 mm at 65, 0.7% had an AAA at 70. Of 40 with a sub-aneurysmal aorta at 65, 52.5% progressed to AAA at 70. In a Cox regression analysis, sub-aneurysmal aorta at 65 (hazard ratio [HR] 59.78) and smoking (HR 2.78) were independent risk factors for AAA formation. Among 44 with AAA at 65, 22 completed AAA repair with no 30-day mortality.

Conclusion: AAA screening in a contemporary setting was safe at 5 years, with a single AAA rupture

observed among non-attenders. Men with a screening detected AAA had a high repair rate and high non-AAA related mortality. AAA-formation was common among men With sub-aneurysmal dilatation, indicating a possible need for surveillance of this Bafilomycin A1 in vivo group. (C) 2013 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Neutrophil myeloperoxidase (MPO) and elastase can be released in severe inflammatory diseases and cause tissue injuries. Equine enzymes have already been individually purified from large blood quantities. We describe the isolation of both enzymes from a same limited blood volume. Both MPO and elastase were extracted by crushing PMN isolated by centrifugation on a percoll-gradient Nepicastat supplier from a 460 ml blood collection. MPO and elastase were separated by an ionic exchange chromatography phase and further purified by

gel filtration chromatography on Superdex 200 and 75, respectively. Enzymes were identified in the collected fractions by specific enzymatic assays. The final purity was verified by electrophoresis. Specific activity was improved to 19.92 and 34.3x for elastase (final yield: 340 mu g) and MPO (final yield: 130 mu g), respectively, during the procedure. Results show the possibility of isolating both enzymes from the same blood sample with a sufficient yield and purity ACY-241 research buy for future studies on their implication and interaction during inflammatory diseases. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The antioxidant properties of extracts of Sybaris liquorice roots have been assessed using 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assay. The extracts, obtained by Soxhlet extraction (Et2O, AcOEt, MeOH and BuOH) of the

yellow (inner part) and brown (cortex) root powders ensuing from decortication of the raw dry roots, followed by separation and powderisation, were analysed for their scavenging activity by evaluating the colourimetric decrease in the absorbance of DPPH. The highest antioxidant activity (98.39 +/- 0.56%) was observed in the case of the Et2O extract of the brown powder, at a concentration of 3.33 mg mL(-1). Moreover, the total phenolic content of the extracts was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and expressed as milligram gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry extract. Our results show that the Et2O extract of the liquorice root cortex could be used as an attractive natural source of antioxidant additives for food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical applications.

MethodsWe identified all solid organ transplant recipients

MethodsWe identified all solid organ transplant recipients SB525334 ic50 with NTM disease at a single center over a 7.5-year period, and collected data on patient demographics, co-morbidities, immunosuppressive medications, and rejection. We conducted a case-control study to identify risk factors for disease, matching 3 control patients to each case patient by date of transplantation.

ResultsA total of 34 cases of NTM disease occurred during the study period, involving 6 single lung, 13 bilateral lung, 8 heart, 4 liver, 2 kidney, and 1 pancreas-kidney recipients. Cases were predominantly male (24/34), with a median age of 55years (interquartile range

[IQR]: 46-61years), and developed after a median of 8months post transplantation (IQR: 2-87months).

Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium avium complex were the most common pathogens, and the lung (including pleura) was the most common site of disease. In the adjusted case-control analysis, lung transplant recipients had the highest risk of NTM disease.

ConclusionsAdditional studies are needed to evaluate the role of targeted surveillance measures for NTM disease in high-risk patients, particularly lung transplant recipients, and to Compound C PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor characterize the mechanisms of disease acquisition.”
“Virtually all of the known biological actions of the hormonal ligand 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 (1,25(OH)(2)D-3) are mediated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Following binding and activation by the ligand, the VDR localizes in the nucleus to the regulatory

regions of target genes and recruits chromatin-active coregulatory complexes which, in turn, modulate transcriptional output. The failure of the VDR to function due to crippling mutations results in total hereditary resistance to 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 in both mice and humans. In this review, we summarize the structural and functional properties of the VDR and the role of 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 in receptor activation, and then describe the results of recent studies using genome-wide analyses that define the overarching principles through which the VDR modulates genes expression. We also focus on the find more recent analysis of a specific 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 regulated gene that provides confirmation of the principles identified through these genome-wide methodologies. Taken together, these studies suggest an unanticipated increase in the complexity of the molecular processes that govern gene regulation by hormones and other factors.”
“Chordoma is a tumor of the axial skeleton that is distinctly uncommon in children and adolescents. Previous observations have suggested that chordomas in pediatric patients differ from adult chordomas in presentation, morphology, and behavior. This study examines the clinical and histologic features of chordomas in young patients (<= 25 years old). All cases from the Mayo Clinic files were graphed according to age and a bimodal distribution was observed.

Methods and Results: We retrospectively studied 766 consecutive p

Methods and Results: We retrospectively studied 766 consecutive patients taking warfarin long term who underwent device-related procedures. Patients were grouped by treatment:

discontinued warfarin (-warfarin, n = 243), no interruption of warfarin (+warfarin, n = 324), and discontinued warfarin with heparin bridging (+heparin, n = 199). The study primary endpoint was systemic bleeding or formation of moderate or severe pocket hematoma within 30 days of the procedure. Thirty-one (4%) patients had bleeding events, including pocket hematoma in 29 patients. The bleeding events occurred more often for +heparin (7.0%) than -warfarin (2.1%) or +warfarin (3.7%, P = 0.029). For +warfarin group, INR of 2.0-2.5 at time of procedure did not increase bleeding risk compared with INR less than 1.5 (3.7% vs

3.4%; P = 0.72), but INR greater than 2.5 increased the bleeding Selleckchem KU57788 risk (10.0% vs 3.4%; P = 0.029). Concomitant aspirin use with warfarin significantly increased bleeding risk than warfarin buy PD98059 alone (5.6% vs 1.4%, P = 0.02). Median length of hospitalization was significantly shorter for +warfarin than +heparin (1 vs 6 days; P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Continuation of oral anticoagulation therapy with an INR level of < 2.5 does not impose increased risk of bleeding for device-related procedures, although precaution is necessary to avoid supratherapeutic anticoagulation levels. (PACE 2011; 34: 868-874)”
“The population dynamics theory of B cells in a typical germinal center could play an important role in revealing how affinity maturation is achieved. However, the existing models encountered some conflicts with experiments. To resolve these conflicts, we present a coarse-grained model to calculate the B cell population development in affinity maturation, which allows a comprehensive analysis

of its parameter space to look for Go 6983 optimal values of mutation rate, selection strength, and initial antibody-antigen binding level that maximize the affinity improvement. With these optimized parameters, the model is compatible with the experimental observations such as the similar to 100-fold affinity improvements, the number of mutations, the hypermutation rate, and the “”all or none” phenomenon. Moreover, we study the reasons behind the optimal parameters. The optimal mutation rate, in agreement with the hypermutation rate in vivo, results from a tradeoff between accumulating enough beneficial mutations and avoiding too many deleterious or lethal mutations. The optimal selection strength evolves as a balance between the need for affinity improvement and the requirement to pass the population bottleneck. These findings point to the conclusion that germinal centers have been optimized by evolution to generate strong affinity antibodies effectively and rapidly.

8) arrests on non-game “”Control Saturdays,”" and 11 8 (SD = 6 3)

8) arrests on non-game “”Control Saturdays,”" and 11.8 (SD = 6.3) arrests on holidays. Offenses committed on game days generally occurred closer to the football stadium than crimes committed on holidays or control days (F = 165.05. 2/941 df, p < .001). Though efforts have been made to combat excessive drinking on holidays, more effort is needed to address the significant binge drinking among students and other spectators that is associated with high-profile collegiate sporting events. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background: There is an evolving interest in shoulder ultrasound performed by orthopaedic surgeons as part of routine clinical assessment of the rotator

cuff in a so-called one-stop clinic. This study investigated the accuracy of SCH727965 research buy ultrasound assessment of rotator cuff integrity performed by orthopaedic surgeons without prior experience Of ultrasound

who were following our proposed learning protocol.

Methods: We studied four surgeons G418 order without previous experience with shoulder ultrasound and monitored their ability to evaluate rotator cuff integrity using ultrasound compared with findings at arthroscopy. The surgeons attended a formal training course and were taught a protocol to identify and size full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff. The surgeons performed preoperative scans on the day that patients underwent shoulder arthroscopy. This allowed the surgeons to receive same-day feedback with comparison of arthroscopic images and ultrasound images.

Results: One hundred and fifty-nine shoulders were scanned by the surgeons in the study. In the initial training period, surgeons who performed >100 scans demonstrated a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 88% (a positive predictive value of 79% and a negative predictive value of 97%) for the identification of a full-thickness tear and agreed with intraoperative sizing of the defect in 84% click here of the scans. In the later training period, the predictive values showed a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 97% (a positive predictive value of 95% and

a negative predictive value of 94%) for the identification of a full-thickness tear and agreement with intraoperative sizing for 95% of the scans.

Conclusions: The predictive values obtained in this study for the evaluation of rotator cuff integrity were comparable with published results from experienced radiologists. This study demonstrates the capacity of our proposed learning protocol to train surgeons without previous ultrasound experience to reliably evaluate rotator cuff integrity using ultrasound within fifty to 100 scans.”
“Background/objective: Studies using self-report may underestimate obesity prevalence because participants tend to overestimate their height, underestimate their weight and thus seriously underestimate their Body Mass Index (BMI).

Baseline buccal mucosa capillary density, expressed as the mean n

Baseline buccal mucosa capillary density, expressed as the mean number of capillaries +/- SD per mm(2) (cpll/mm(2)), was measured with sidestream dark-field imaging after treatment was performed, after 30 and 60 minutes, and then on days 2, 4, 6, 8, and 14. A linear

mixed model was used to examine capillary density over time and a P value of <.05 was BVD-523 inhibitor considered to be statistically significant.

Results. Baseline mucosal capillary density was 19 +/- 2.4 cpll/mm(2). Mucosal capillary density after melphalan infusion after 30 and 60 minutes and on days 2 and 4 showed no statistically significant differences. A decrease in capillary density with statistical significance was observed on days 6 (10 +/- 3.0 cpll/mm(2); P < .01) and 8 (12 +/- 4.9 cpll/mm(2); P < .01). On day 14, capillary density returned to near

baseline value.

Conclusions. High-dose CT alters microvascular structural integrity selleck inhibitor and dysregulates tissue perfusion in the oral mucosa by decreasing the number of perfused submucosal capillaries in the oral mucosa. The findings of this investigation suggest that acute CT toxicity alters oral microcirculation and may be an important mechanism responsible for driving early mucosal barrier disturbances associated with CT-induced OM. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010; 109: 91-97)”
“In this paper, the physical loss mechanisms in boron doped poly-SiGe are analyzed theoretically and experimentally. The phonon find more losses were calculated theoretically for different germanium and doping concentrations. The theoretical analysis showed that Akhiezer damping sets a fundamental lower limit to the internal damping. Calculated limits for

the f x Q due to Akhiezer damping were similar to 1 x 10(14) Hz for SiGe with low Ge content and similar to 2 x 10(13) Hz for SiGe with high Ge content. However, in the experiments it was found that an internal friction loss mechanism limits the maximum achievable f x Q in our material to 3 x 10(12) at a frequency of 130 MHz. Experimentally the loss mechanisms were studied further by preparing SiGe layers with different Ge/H/B content. The acoustical losses were measured by fabricating a micromechanical resonator from the layers. The measurements identified a thermally activated loss mechanism. By studying the microstructure of the SiGe layers, we identified interface defects and interstitial as the most important loss mechanisms. Furthermore, the experiments show that at high frequencies (>130 MHz) the achievable f x Q-products of SiGe are close to the values, which can be achieved with single crystal materials. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3499319]“
“We found evidence of autosomal dominant hereditary transmission of sulcus vocalis.

The PEtExt inhibited the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing,

The PEtExt inhibited the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, reduced the pain reaction www.selleckchem.com/products/gsk2126458.html time on both phases of the formalin test and decreased the edema in a dose-dependent manner. Pre-treatment with naloxone did not reverse the antinociceptive effect. Only the ethyl acetate fraction showed antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. Our results also showed that this extract contains compounds with analgesic action independent of anti-inflammatory activity.”
“Background: Encephalopathy is a serious neurologic complication from shigellosis often with fatal outcome but data on simple clinical and sociodemographic

predicting factors are limited. We sought to identify those factors in children.

Methods: In this unmatched case-control design, children of both sexes, aged 0 to 15 years having positive stool culture for Shigella from 1997 to 2006 were studied.

Children with Shigella encephalopathy constituted the cases (n = 29), whereas randomly selected children with shigellosis having no encephalopathy constituted controls (n = 87).

Results: The case-fatality was significantly higher among the cases than among controls (7% vs. 0%, RR: 4.2, CI: 3.0-5.9, P = 0.013). In logistic regression analysis, children with Shigella encephalopathy more often had an illiterate father (OR: 5.4, 95% CI: 1.1-27.1, P = 0.038), stopped breast-feeding in the neonatal period (OR: 41.3, 95% CI: 4.2-403.1, P = 0.001), had dehydrating diarrhea (OR: 9.9, 95% CI: 2.1-45.9, see more P = 0.004) with a duration of <1 day (OR: 29.4, 95% CI: 2.1-43.2, P = 0.004), and were more likely to be severely stunted (OR: 6.4, 95% CI: 1.2-34.9, P = 0.033).

Conclusion: PCI-34051 in vivo Education of parents about the value of exclusive breast-feeding and of prompt hydration in children with Shigella is critical to minimize morbidity and deaths.”
“The eigenenergy and the conductivity of a graphene sheet subject to a one-dimensional

cosinusoidal potential and in the presence of a magnetic field are calculated. Such a graphene superlattice presents three distinct magnetic miniband structures as the magnetic field increases. They are, respectively; the triply degenerate Landau level spectrum, the nondegenerate minibands with finite dispersion and the same Landau level spectrum with the pristine graphene. The ratio of the magnetic length to the period of the potential function is the characteristic quantity to determine the electronic structure of the superlattice. Corresponding to these distinct electronic structures, the diagonal conductivity presents very strong anisotropy in the weak and moderate magnetic field cases, while the predominant magnetotransport orientation changes from the transverse to the longitudinal direction of the superlattice. More interestingly, in the weak magnetic field case, the superlattice exhibits half-integer quantum Hall effect, but with a large jump between the Hall plateaux.

16 +/- 0 05 and 1 90 +/- 0 06 mg/g, respectively) while the most

16 +/- 0.05 and 1.90 +/- 0.06 mg/g, respectively) while the most abundant

anion was phosphate with a concentration of 23.23 +/- 4.61 mg/g for the aqueous leaf fraction

Conclusion: The study shows that CLL fractions contain variety of amino acids which could promote wound healing, as well as major and minor elemental ions which, as essential body electrolytes, are required for various metabolic processes in the body.”
“Acetylation of mimosa flavonoid tannin is easy to occur but to proceed to completion needs the presence of a catalyst. The acetylated tannin has been shown to be GSK2399872A mouse composed of flavonoid oligomers of different levels of acetylation in which the robinetinidin flavonoid unit predominates. All the different -OH groups of the flavonoids, both phenolic and alcoholic, are subject to acetylation. Whatever the level of acetylation the acetylated tannin loses its solubility

in DAPT water and becomes thermoplastic. In the case of the mimosa extract used here the predominance of acetylated B-flavonoid units is exclusively due to the predominance of B-type units, both robinetinidin and catechin, in the original tannin. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“The purpose of this study was to evaluate self-rated musculoskeletal complaints and their association with computer use time in the adolescent population in Lithuania. The cross-sectional study done in 2008-2009 in Lithuania. 1806 students aged 13-18 years from randomly selected schools were questioned (response rate 95.8%). Logistic regression analysis results show that musculoskeletal complaints DMH1 in vivo in adolescence are associated with duration of computer use as related to age and gender. Compared with adolescents using computer < 2 hours daily, a statistically significant probability of experiencing back

pain was determined for younger boys and girls groups (13-15 years) who reported working on a computer > 4 hours (OR=2.36 and OR=2.50, respectively) in older age groups (16-18 years); in girls only the ORs of back pain significantly increased with increased time of computer use. the probability of experiencing the neck-shoulder pain was determined only in girls aged 16-18 years who reported working on a computer 2-4 hours (OR=1.62, p=0.020). Musculoskeletal complaints in adolescence are related to duration of computer use. Increasing the time spent at the computer increased complaints of musculoskeletal pain among Lithuanian adolescents. The main guidelines for prevention point to restriction of time of computer use.”
“Background. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease occurs frequently after cessation of antiviral prophylaxis in CMV-seronegative kidney transplant recipients from seropositive donors (D+R-), and the risk factors are incompletely defined.

Methods.

All rights reserved “
“A 43-year-old female with antiphospho

All rights reserved.”
“A 43-year-old female with antiphospholipid syndrome and Graves’ disease developed a cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) against myeloperoxidase (MPO-ANCA) and proteinase-3 (PR3-ANCA), whilst treated with propylthiouracil (PTU). The skin lesions were progressively resolved after withdrawal of PTU and treatment with oral steroids. Selleck MK-4827 Patch

testing with PTU at 1%, 5%, and 10% in petrolatum was positive at 48 h. Despite positive ANCA titers after 1 year of follow-up, the patient maintains complete clinical remission. PTU is a common antithyroid drug, which has been known to induce ANCA-positive vasculitis. Although most U0126 nmr patients with this rare side effect have a good outcome, some fatal

cases have been reported. Therefore, patients treated with PTU should be carefully followed and monitored, not only for their thyroid state but also for early detection of potential serious complications of this drug. Early diagnosis and prompt cessation of PTU therapy are essential to improve the outcome. Also key aspects of PTU-induced ANCA-positive vasculitis are reviewed.”
“Object. Atlantoaxial tumors account for a substantial proportion of primary bone tumors in children. Before resection, surgeons must consider the complex regional anatomy, the potential for neurological compromise, craniocervical instability, and the question of tumor resectability in a growing spine. Using current technology, the authors analyzed surgical cases in this light and present outcomes and treatment recommendations after long-term patient follow-up.

Methods: The authors reviewed clinical records for Quizartinib ic50 23 children whose primary atlantoaxial bone tumors were treated from 1996 through 2010.

Results. Pathological lesions among the 23 patients were 4 aneurysmal

bone cysts, 2 osteochondromas, 5 chordomas, 4 osteoblastomas, 3 fibrous dysplasias, 4 eosinophilic granulomas, and 1 Ewing’s sarcoma. Clinical presentation consisted of neck pain (n = 23), headaches and occipital pain (n = 16), myelopathy (n = 8), and torticollis (n = 4). Selective angiography and coil embofization were undertaken for all patients with aneurysmal bone cysts and osteoblastomas, 2 patients with chordomas, 1 patient with fibrous dysplasia, and 1 patient with Ewing’s sarcoma. Primary embolization treatment of radiation-induced aneurysmal bone cyst of the atlas showed complete reossification. Results of CT-guided needle biopsy were diagnostic for 1 patient with eosinophilic granuloma and 1 with Ewing’s sarcoma. Needle biopsies performed before referral were associated with extreme blood loss for 1 patient and misdiagnosis for 2 patients. Surgery involved lateral extrapharyngeal, transoral, posterior, and posterolateral approaches with vertebral artery rerouting.

The treatment of the bagasse samples with 0 1% NaOH solutions res

The treatment of the bagasse samples with 0.1% NaOH solutions resulted in an average of 10% of dry mass solubilization, with significant

variation among the samples. The mass balances for these treatments showed that the cellulose fraction remained almost unchanged, whereas the hemicellulose decreased in most of the samples. The lignin fraction decreased only in the plants that contained the highest initial lignin contents. Alkali-treated samples provided enhanced cellulose conversion levels, varying from 23% to 48% after 72 h of enzymatic digestion. After pretreatment, the samples were better distinguished according to their digestibility by enzymes. In general, the experimental CHIR-99021 molecular weight hybrids with originally low lignin contents presented the highest digestibility. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“The aim of this work was to investigate the correlation between scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation (GDx VCC) parameters and blue-on-yellow perimetry (B/YP) indices in ocular hypertension (OHT). One eye each of 52 patients with OHT (with a normal visual field, a normal optic

nerve, and an untreated IOP > 21 mmHg) was chosen. All patients were examined with the Octopus 101 automated perimetry dG2 program using the dynamic/normal strategy (white-on-white perimetry, W/WP), with the dG2 program using the dynamic strategy/BY selleck chemicals llc method (blue-on-yellow perimetry, B/YP), and with GDx VCC. Seven of the 52 OHT patients had both B/YP visual field loss and retinal nerve

fiber layer (RNFL) defects with the GDx VCC measurements, and four patients demonstrated regions of B/YP visual field defects with corresponding RNFL defects on GDx VCC GANT61 examination. A mild significant correlation was found between B/YP mean sensitivity (MS) and the superior average (R (2) =0.138, p = 0.049). No significant correlation was found between the W/WP indices and GDx VCC parameters. B/YP MS correlated with the superior average of GDx VCC in OHT patients. The findings brought up the possibility of using both techniques for clinical examination to yield converging data.”
“Minimum variance (MV) based beamforming techniques have been successfully applied to medical ultrasound imaging. These adaptive methods offer higher lateral resolution, lower sidelobes, and better definition of edges compared to delay and sum beamforming (DAS). In standard medical ultrasound, the bone surface is often visualized poorly, and the boundaries region appears unclear. This may happen due to fundamental limitations of the DAS beamformer, and different artifacts due to, e. g., specular reflection, and shadowing. The latter can degrade the robustness of the MV beamformers as the statistics across the imaging aperture is violated because of the obstruction of the imaging beams.

As a result, degradation can be engineered through the variation

As a result, degradation can be engineered through the variation of the composition and structure of the material. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

J Appl Polym Sci 112:1538-1545, 2009″
“The ablation depth in planar Sn targets irradiated with a pulsed 1064 nm laser was investigated over laser intensities from 3×10(11) to 2×10(12) W/cm(2). The ablation depth was measured by irradiating a thin layer of Sn evaporated onto a Si wafer, and looking for signatures of Si ions in the expanding plasma with spectroscopic and particle diagnostics. Nepicastat It was found that ablation depth scales with laser intensity to the (5/9)th power, which is consistent with analytical models of steady-state laser ablation, as well as empirical formulae from previous studies of mass ablation rate in overlapping parameter space. In addition, the scaling of mass ablation rate with atomic number of the target as given by empirical formulae in previous studies using targets such as C and Al, are shown to remain valid for the higher atomic number of the target (Z=50) used in these experiments.”
“During the production of high impact polystyrene the rubber particle

formation process is very important to control the final physical property balance. Besides the rubber viscosity, the presence of a copolymer to reduce the interfacial tension between the rubber and polystyrene phase is central. Such a copolymer can be added or can be made during the polymerization. In this study, it learn more was attempted to create a block rubber in situ using ultrasound. Polybutadiene dissolved in styrene has been sonicated to create

macroradicals. It was anticipated that these macroradicals would initiate the polymerization of styrene thus generating a poly(butadiene-block-styrene) acting as emulsifier during the production of high impact polystyrene. No evidence was found for the SNS-032 formation of a block copolymer but the higher reactivity and the resulting rubber particles indicate that besides rubber molecular weight reduction extra functionality was introduced on the rubber. No attempts were made to define the nature of the functionality. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 112: 1546-1551, 2009″
“Time-resolved optical emission analysis was carried out for the plasma plume, produced by high-power tunable IR CO2 pulsed laser ablation of graphite, at lambda=10.591 mu m and in a regime of relatively high laser fluences (123-402 J/cm(2)). Wavelength-dispersed spectra of the plasma plume, at medium-vacuum conditions (4 Pa) and at 9.0 mm from the target, show ionized species (C+, C2+, C3+, C4+, N-2+ , N+, and O+), neutral atoms (C, H, N, and O), and neutral diatomic molecules (C-2, CN, OH, CH, and N-2). In this work, we focus our attention on the temporal evolution of different atomic/ionic and molecular species over a broad spectral range from 190 to 1000 nm.