Surface Depth Analysis of Chemical Changes in Random Copolymer Thin Films Composed of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Silicon-Based Monomers Induced by Plasma Treatment as Studied by Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Neutron Reflectivity Measurements.

In this study, a silicon-based copolymer, poly(tris(trimethylsiloxy)-3-methacryloxypropylsilane)--poly(,-dimethyl acrylamide), thin film was subjected to plasma surface treatment to make its surface hydrophilic (biocompatible). Neutron reflectivity (NR) measurement of the plasma-treated thin film showed a decrease in the film thickness (etching width: ∼20 nm) and an increase in the scattering length density (SLD) near the surface (∼15 nm). The region with a considerably high SLD adsorbed water (DO) from its saturated vapor, indicating its superior surface hydrophilicity.

Difference in structural changes of surfactant aggregates near solid surface under shear flow versus those in the bulk.

In water, the nonionic surfactant pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E5) forms multi-lamellar vesicles upon application of shear, attributed to buckling instability of the surfactant layers. In the standard setup for applying shear, a pair of solid substrates is moved in opposite directions, and a non-slip condition at the solid surface is assumed. Based on theoretical predictions, the effective viscosity of the fluid surrounding the membrane is modified in this process, and this confinement may affect membrane fluctuation.

Endovascular treatment for aggressive vertebrobasilar stenosis due to giant cell arteritis: illustrative cases.

Background: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) infrequently presents with progressive symptomatic vertebrobasilar stenosis. Vertebrobasilar GCA is often refractory to medical treatments and can lead to short-term ischemic stroke recurrence, which is associated with a poor prognosis. Endovascular treatment (EVT) is a therapeutic option; however, the optimal timing and indications for its application remain unclear.