Photodecomposition of chloroform catalyzed by unmodified MCM-41 mesoporous silica.

Unactivated MCM-41 mesoporous silica catalyzes the photodecomposition of chloroform to phosgene and hydrogen chloride under near-UV (λ > 360 nm) irradiation. The rate of photodecomposition increases toward an asymptotic limit as the O(2) partial pressure is increased. Deuterochloroform does not decompose under the same experimental conditions.

Reassessing specimen number and diagnostic yield of ultrasound guided breast core biopsy.

To reassess the minimum number of specimens required for an accurate diagnosis compared to the standard acquisition of five specimens. A total of 190 consecutive breast mass biopsies were performed using a 14-gauge core biopsy needle under ultrasound guidance. Two to six specimens were obtained from each mass and placed in sequential containers.