Effect of fibrous separators on the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries.

In this paper we systematically investigated effect of separator morphology on the performance of Li-S batteries. We tested two kinds of commercially available non-woven fibrous separators made of polypropylene in conjunction with trilayer PP/PE/PP porous separator. Among the non-woven separators, the fibers of the separator of first kind are rough and more acidic than the fibers of the separator of second art, which are smooth. It was found that batteries with smooth separator demonstrate higher Coulombic efficiency, higher charging/discharging capacity and better cycling stability. We attribute better performance of batteries with smooth fibers of separators to lower acidity than that of rough fibers. We believe that negatively charged polysulfides are unable to adsorb on more acidic rough fibers and diffuse readily to lithium electrode. In contrast, polysulfides are able to adsorb on the surface of less acidic smooth fibers that reduces their polysulfides shuttle and rapid decay of battery capacity. Strategic deployment of non-woven Freudenberg and Celgard separator in combination leads to high active mass utilization, superior wettability, reduced short circuit tendency caused by dendritic growth and slower capacity decay.

Effects of thiamethoxam seed treatments on soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) feeding behavior.

Since its discovery in North America in 2000, the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), has rapidly become an important pest of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill], sometimes resulting in significant yield losses. Previous research has documented the toxicity of neonicotinoid seed treatments to soybean aphids, but control under field conditions has been inconsistent. Imidacloprid, a popular neonicotinoid insecticide, has been shown to exhibit antifeedant effects on aphids. Antifeedant activity has not been demonstrated for other neonicotinoids, including thiamethoxam. This research investigated the effects of a thiamethoxam seed treatment on soybean aphid feeding behavior by using electronic penetration graphs (EPG) to visualize stylet penetration behavior. Soybean aphid feeding behavior was assessed for 9 h on thiamethoxam-treated and untreated soybeans (V2 and V4 stages). Because results were inconclusive from initial experiments, a study was conducted to document the effects of thiamethoxam-treated soybeans on soybean aphid survival. The seed treatment was shown to negatively affect aphid survival at 4, 8, and 11 d after aphid introduction. A subsequent EPG study then was designed to document soybean aphid feeding behavior for 15 h, after an initial exposure of 9 h to thiamethoxam-treated soybeans. In this study, the exposed aphids exhibited significant differences in feeding behavior compared with those aphids feeding on untreated soybeans. Soybean aphids on thiamethoxam-treated soybeans spent significantly less time feeding in the sieve element phase, with a greater duration of nonprobing events. These studies suggest soybean aphids are unable to ingest phloem sap, which may be another important element in seed treatment protection.

Intelligent materials with adaptive adhesion properties based on comb-like polymer brushes.

We investigated the adaptive adhesion properties of comb-like random copolymer brushes made of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) grafted on flat and rough substrates. The properties of the brush layers were investigated using ARXPS, contact angle, electrokinetics, null ellipsometry, and adhesion measurements. It was found that hydrophobic PDMS segments segregate at the brush topmost layer in the dry state. However, hydrophilic PEG chains segregate at the brush topmost layer in the wet state. The adhesion properties of fabricated materials were tested using the AFM colloid probe technique and probe tack tester. It was found that the adhesive properties depend strongly on the mechanical properties (stiff/soft) and chemical functionality (hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity) of the applied adhesion tester as well as on the chemical composition, surface roughness, and thickness of the brush. In particular, hydrophobic PDMS and hydrophilic PEG adhere more strongly to hydrophobically modified and hydrophilic native colloid probes, respectively. Thick brushes are more adhesive than thin ones, and brushes grafted to flat substrates are stickier than those grafted to rough substrates when measured with a hard AFM probe. Unlike the results of adhesion measurements performed using hard AFM probes, the PDMS surface probed by soft pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) is almost nonadhesive. However, PEG is strongly adhesive, and the adhesion increases with the PEG fraction in the brush when probed by both hydrophilic and hydrophobic soft adhesives. The surfaces roughness also has a considerable effect on adhesion. Contrary to the adhesion measurements performed by hard AFM colloid probes, the adhesion of rough surfaces measured with a soft PAA or SIS tack tester is greater than that on the corresponding flat one.

Dose-response relationships of clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam to Blissus occiduus (Hemiptera: Blissidae).

The western chinch bug, Blissus occiduus Barber (Hemiptera: Blissidae), has emerged as a serious pest of buffalograss, Buchlod dactyloides (Nuttall) Engelmann. In general, neonicotinoid insecticides effectively control a variety of turfgrass insects, particularly phloem-feeding pests. However, because of well documented inconsistencies in control, these compounds are generally not recommended for chinch bugs. This study was designed to document the contact and systemic toxicity of three neonicotinoid insecticides (clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam) to B. occiduus. In contact bioassays, thiamethoxam was approximately 20-fold less toxic than clothianidin or imidacloprid to B. occiduus nymphs and three-fold more toxic to adults. In adult systemic bioassays, thiamethoxam was up to five-fold more toxic than clothianidin or imidacloprid. Interestingly, thiamethoxam was significantly more toxic to adults than to nymphs in both contact and systemic bioassays. This was not observed with clothianidin or imidacloprid. Bifenthrin, used for comparative purposes, exhibited 1844-fold and 122-fold increase in toxicity to nymphs and adults, respectively. These results provide the first documentation of the relative toxicity of these neonicotinoid insecticides to B. occiduus.

[Young physicians' view on factors that increase the attractiveness of general practice]. / Möglichkeiten zur Attraktivitätssteigerung der Hausarztmedizin aus der Sicht junger Arztinnen und Arzte.

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study are to investigate young physicians' career plans at the end of their residency, and to assess what factors contribute in their view to improve the image of family medicine/general practice and make it an attractive career goal. METHODS: As part of a prospective study on career determinants in young physicians, begun in 2001, 534 residents were asked in 2007 about their aspired to professional career, their planned model of private practice, arguments against or for family medicine/general practice, respectively, and factors to improve the attractiveness of the latter. RESULTS: Of the study sample, 84 participants (42% men, 58% women) decided on family medicine (60% specialise in primary care, 40% in general internal medicine), 450 specialise in other medical specialties. Of the 534 study participants, 208 plan to work in a private practice, mostly in a group practice (88%). Of the future family physicians, 49% want to open their practice in an urban area, of the future specialists the respective number is 77%. Main reasons not to decide on family medicine are the uncertain development in health policy and the low income. The diversity of work, the broad spectrum of patients and the continuity in the doctor-patient relationship are named as factors in favour of family medicine. The possibility to run interdisciplinary group practices and better financial conditions are crucial factors to make family medicine an attractive career goal for young physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Family medicine is still assessed as an interesting field, however, the conditions of work as a family physician/general practitioner have a deterrent effect on young physicians.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of a new series of antiarrhythmic agents: 4,4-disubstituted hexahydro-3H-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidin-3-ones and related compounds.

A series of 4,4-disubstituted tetrahydro- and 4,4-disubstituted hexahydro-3H-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidin-3-ones (4 and 5, respectively) were prepared from 2-aryl-2-(2-piperidinyl)-4-[N,N-bis (1-methylethyl)amino] butanamides (2). Individual racemates of the piperidinyl amides 2 were converted to pure racemic diaza bicyclic compounds that were evaluated for antiarrhythmic activity in the Harris dog model and anticholinergic activity in a muscarinic receptor binding assay. Selected compounds were subsequently evaluated for hemodynamic effects in anesthetized dogs where blood pressure depression and negative inotropic activity were assessed. Of this group, 4a (R = CH3) and 5a (R = CH3) showed the most favorable pharmacological profiles; the former compound was chosen for toxicity testing over the latter due to its lack of noncompetitive inhibition of acetylcholine-induced contractions of guinea pig ileum segments. Clinical evaluation is now under way.

"ADAM complex" (amniotic deformity, adhesions, mutilations)--a pattern of craniofacial and limb defects.

We report eight patients with the craniofacial defects and limb anomalies of the (amniotic deformity, adhesions, mutilations) ADAM complex. Facial abnormalities comprise clefts and distortion and dislocation of craniofacial structures; limbs show various combinations of amputation, secondary syndactyly, and constriction. From previous reports and our cases it is obvious that the clinical picture of the ADAM complex varies enormously; a less severe type combines cleft lip and palate with amputations or amniotic bands. Clinical and experimental data suggest that these malformations are of symptomatic (exogenous) origin. Nosologic differentiation from other conditions phenotypically similar but of genetic etiology is important for genetic counseling. Observation of the ADAM complex in two members of a family suggests that genetic factors might operate in some cases.

An unusual dysplasia-malformation-cancer syndrome in two patients.

We report two patients with a similar syndrome of gross malformation of a lower limb and contiguous structures due to involvement with dysplastic, teratomatous tissue. This dysplasia seems to have arisen in a paramedian position in the embryonic hindquarter at the time of lower limb-bud differentiation. Malignant degeneration at 5--7 months led to metastases and death in both cases around 1 year of age. The behavior of the dysplastic/oncoplastic tissue suggests a 2-"mutational" causal model. This is an apparently previously undescribed formal genesis syndrome.

Leptin: a potent inhibitor of insulin secretion.

The hormone leptin is expressed and secreted by the adipose tissue and impacts on the central nervous system. Leptin is involved in the regulation of energy balance, satiety, and body composition. The lack of active leptin results in obesity, high food intake, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia. We present data supporting effects of leptin on the endocrine pancreas. We found the leptin receptor to be expressed in insulin- and glucagon-secretin cells derived from mouse, hamster, and rat pancreas. In the isolated perfused rat pancreas leptin is a potent inhibitor of basal and glucose-induced insulin secretion, especially during the first phase of the insulin response. At isolated mouse islets and insulin-secreting INS-1 cells leptin reduced promptly and persistently the intracellular Ca2+ levels. Cytoplasmic Ca2+ oscillation amplitude was decreased and the oscillation frequency increased. These findings suggest functional active receptors for leptin on insulin-secreting B-cells. Therefore, leptin is a metabolic hormone and not only a signal to the brain indicating filled fat stores. Our data suggest that leptin is also a signal back to the endocrine pancreas that no more insulin is required to replenish fat stores. Thus, an "adipo-insular axis" operating with two arms exists: insulin and glucagon are signals to the adipocyte. This releases leptin, which could be the mediator of the respective feedback to the pancreas. A defective leptin suppression of insulin secretion could contribute to hyperinsulinemia and disturbances of glucose metabolism.

Inheritance of resistance to oedema disease in the pig: experiments with an Escherichia coli strain expressing fimbriae 107.

Inheritance of resistance to intestinal colonization with E. coli causing oedema disease is hypothesized to be under the control of one locus consisting of two alleles with susceptibility (S) dominating resistance (s). This mode of inheritance was investigated by mating pigs, resistant and susceptible to the disease, and examining the offspring. Weaned piglets were repeatedly inoculated orally with 5 x 10(5) CFU per pig per day of a streptomycin resistant strain of E. coli serotype O139:K12(B):H1:F(107) and susceptibility determined by daily semiquantitative cultural examination of rectal swabs. Using results obtained from offspring, 5 boars were retrospectively assigned the genotype ss, 1 was assigned Ss, and 2 were assigned SS. Nine sows were designated ss, 8 classified Ss and 4 SS. Ninety two pigs resulted from matings regarded as ss x ss; 89 (97%) of these were resistant to colonization and oedema disease. Of the 168 pigs from Ss x ss matings, 83 (49%) were resistant, while only 13 (9%) of 146 pigs from matings with at least one SS parent were classified resistant. The results are compatible with inheritance being controlled by one locus and with susceptibility dominating resistance to oedema disease.

Prevalence of F107 fimbriae on Escherichia coli isolated from pigs with oedema disease or postweaning diarrhoea.

The study comprises fifty 4 to 12 weeks old pigs that died from oedema disease or severe diarrhoea. Smears were prepared from the mucosa of duodenum, jejunum and ileum, and by immunofluorescence F107 fimbrial antigens were detected. E. coli strains were isolated from the intestines and were characterised by slide agglutination (serogroup and F107 fimbriae production), by their cytotoxicity for Vero cells, and by gene amplification (genes coding for the major F107 subunit FedA, the toxin causing oedema disease SLT-IIv, and enterotoxins LTI, STIa and STII). F107 fimbriae were demonstrated in association with E. coli of serogroups O139:K12 and O141:K85a,b but not of serogroup O149:K91:F4a,c. Expression in culture of F107 fimbriae by some isolates gave additional evidence for production of these fimbriae by ETEC strains. The genetic determinant of SLT-Ilv was found in association with F107, and could not be detected in serogroup O149:K91:F4a,c. Gene fedA was demonstrated in two isolates which were devoid of SLT-IIv. Most isolates from cases of oedema disease belonged to serogroup O139:K12 and did not contain enterotoxin genes. Isolates from pigs that suffered from diarrhoea were serotyped O141:K85a,b or O149:K91:F4a,c, and carried at least two enterotoxin genes in their genomes. In a small proportion of the cases F107 antigens were demonstrated in intestinal smears although gene fedA was not detected in the corresponding isolates. The results confirm the importance of F107 fimbriae as virulence factor in oedema disease E. coli strains, but also demonstrate that F107 fimbriae can be found in association with postweaning diarrhoea isolates. In these latter strains enterotoxins were always demonstrated, irrespective of the presence of toxin SLT-IIv.

Adhesive fimbriae produced in vivo by Escherichia coli O139:K12(B):H1 associated with enterotoxaemia in pigs.

Two strains of E. coli O139:K12 (B):H1 were compared in vitro and in the intestinal environment. Both strains colonized the small intestines of experimentally inoculated pigs and exhibited in vivo a similar relationship to the microvillus border as enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). Strain 107/86 grown on blood agar expressed numerous long flexible non-haemagglutinating fimbriae which were antigenically distinct from the known fimbriae of porcine ETEC. It adhered in vitro to porcine enterocyte brush border fragments. Strain 124/76 grown on blood agar was devoid of fimbriae and did not adhere to brush border fragments. However, fimbriae morphologically and antigenically indistinguishable from those of strain 107/86 were detected in the intestinal environment by direct immunofluorescence and by immuno electron microscopy.

Designations F18ab and F18ac for the related fimbrial types F107, 2134P and 8813 of Escherichia coli isolated from porcine postweaning diarrhoea and from oedema disease.

The relatedness of the fimbriae produced by eight E. coli strains including type strains with F107 fimbriae, 2134P pili and colonization factor 8813 (preliminary F18), was examined. These strains had been isolated principally from pigs which were affected with postweaning diarrhoea or with oedema disease. The fimbriae were analyzed by means of electron microscopy, slide agglutination, immunofluorescence, immunogold labelling, immuno-diffusion, immunoelectrophoresis and western blot, molecular genetic techniques, and in vitro adhesion. The fimbriae of all the strains were long flexible filaments with a diameter not larger than 4.6 nm showing a zig-zag pattern. Results obtained by the serological techniques confirmed that the fimbriae possessed a common antigenic determinant designated 'a' in addition to a variant-specific determinant designated 'b' or 'c'. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that the determinants 'a' and 'b' or 'a' and 'c' were localized along the same fimbrium. In immunoelectrophoresis, fimbrial extracts of selected strains yielded a single precipitation line towards the cathode. One single major subunit of approximately 15 kDa was recognised in western blots by antisera against the common antigenic determinant and the variant specific determinants. All strains possessed sequences related to gene fedA, coding for the major subunit of fimbriae F107. Two types of fedA-related subunit genes were differentiated, corresponding to the 'ab' and 'ac' types of fimbriae as defined by serological methods. The results demonstrated that F107 fimbriae, 2134P pili and colonization factor 8813 are related, and that two serological variants can be distinguished. We propose designations F18ab (for F107), and F18ac (for 2134P and 8813) in analogy to the nomenclature of F4 fimbriae.

Influence of alkaloid concentration of tall fescue straw on the nutrition, physiology, and subsequent performance of beef steers.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate digestion, performance, and physiological responses to Acremonium coenophialum-infected tall fescue straw offered to vary ergovaline concentrations. In Exp. 1, 16 Hereford x Angus ruminally cannulated steers (370 +/- 12 kg BW, mean +/- SE) were blocked by age and BW and, within block, randomly assigned to one of four treatments containing graded concentrations of ergovaline in the diet: 1) 0 ppb, 2) 158 ppb, 3) 317 ppb, and 4) 475 ppb. Alkaloid concentrations were produced using various mixtures of two varieties of tall fescue straw that had similar genetic and phenotypic characteristics but differed in degree of endophyte incidence and associated concentrations of alkaloids. In the 36-d digestion study, feed intake, apparent DMD, and total tract NDF digestion were not influenced by alkaloid concentration (P > .10). Differences were observed with digesta kinetics; specifically indigestible ADF (IADF) fill and outflow decreased linearly with increasing alkaloid concentration (P < .10). These differences, however, may be attributed to differences in IADF concentration of the diets. Physiological variables (heart rates, respiration rates, and rectal, ear, and tailhead skin surface temperatures) were not influenced by alkaloid concentration (P > .10). Concentration of serum prolactin measured weekly tended (P < .10) to decrease with increasing alkaloid concentration of the diet. At the conclusion of the study, each steer was injected with 100 micrograms of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). All steers responded to the TRH challenge (P < .10); however, responses did not differ (P > .10) between alkaloid concentrations of the basal diet (P > .10).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Early-vegetative tall fescue hay vs alfalfa hay as a supplement for cattle consuming low-quality roughages.

Two studies were conducted to evaluate high-quality tall fescue hay as a supplement to beef cattle fed low-quality roughages. In Exp. 1, 15 ruminally cannulated Hereford x Angus steers (average weight 390 kg) were blocked by weight and assigned randomly to one of three treatments: 1) tall fescue straw, no supplement; 2) tall fescue straw plus tall fescue hay supplement; 3) tall fescue straw plus alfalfa hay supplement. The 28-d digestion study consisted of 14 d of adaption, 6 d of intake data, and 6 d of collection of feces, respectively, with a 1-d ruminal sampling (d 27) and ruminal evacuations (d 28). In Exp. 2, 90 gestating Hereford x Angus cows were stratified by age and body condition and, within stratum, assigned randomly to three replications of the same treatments as described for Exp. 1. In both studies, a basal diet of tall fescue straw was fed with ad libitum access, alfalfa hay was fed at .4% BW, and tall fescue hay was fed at a level isonitrogenous with the alfalfa hay (.61% BW). In Exp. 1, DMI was at least 13% greater (P < .01) for supplemented steers than for nonsupplemented steers and was 12% greater (P < .10) for steers receiving supplemental tall fescue hay than for alfalfa hay-supplemented steers. Digestibility of DM was greater for supplemented steers than for nonsupplemented steers (P < .05) and, between supplement treatments, greater for tall fescue hay-supplemented steers than for alfalfa hay-supplemented steers (P < .10). Ruminal ammonia values peaked at 3 h after feeding and were higher for steers fed supplement treatments than for those fed the control treatment from just before feeding through 6 h after feeding (P < .10). In Exp. 2, supplemented cows gained more BW than nonsupplemented cows (P < .01), and the tall fescue hay-supplemented cows gained more BW (P < .10) than cows supplemented with alfalfa hay. Likewise, supplemented cows lost less condition (P < .01) than their nonsupplemented counterparts during the 84-d supplementation period, and cows receiving tall fescue hay supplement tended (P = .23) to lose less condition than cows receiving alfalfa hay supplement. No differences in calf growth were noted among treatment groups (P < .10). In conclusion, supplementation of high-quality tall fescue hay to cows fed low-quality forage diets seems to result in performance that is similar to or better than that of cows receiving alfalfa hay supplements when fed on an isonitrogenous basis.

Dependence of young female volleyballers' performance on their body build, physical abilities, and psycho-physiological properties.

AIM: The aim of the study was to establish which anthropometric characteristics, physical abilities and psycho-physiological properties determine the success of adolescent female volleyballers at competitions. METHODS: For this purpose we studied 32 female volleyballers aged 13-16 years. The anthropometric examination included 43 measurements, 7 tests of physical fitness, and 4 series of computerised psycho-physiological tests (n=21). The performance of game elements was measured empirically during championship games using the original computer program "Game". RESULTS: The proficiency of performing volleyball elements - serve, reception, feint, block and spike - was calculated by regression models from the 14 anthropometric measurements, 4 physical fitness and 7 psychophysiological test results, which showed significant correlation with proficiency in the game. The predictive power of the models was at least 32% and in average 56%. The anthropometric factor was significant in the performance of all the elements of the game, being most essential (71-83%) for attack, block and feint. Good results in physical ability tests granted success in serve, attack and reception. CONCLUSION: It was possible to predict the efficiency of reception (44%) by endurance, flexibility and speed measuring tests. Medicine ball throwing test was essential for attack (22%). Psycho-physiological tests were significant for the performance of block (98%), attack (80%), feint (60%) and reception (39%).

[Intestinal receptors for adhesive fimbriae of Escherichia coli in swine--a literature review]. / Intestinale Rezeptoren für adhäsive Fimbrien von Escherichia coli beim Schwein--eine Literaturübersicht.

This review describes the mechanism of intestinal colonization by enterotoxigenic and enterotoxaemic Escherichia (E.) coli in swine. Colonization depends on specific binding between adhesive fimbriae and receptors on the enterocytes. Special focus is given on the occurrence of specific intestinal receptors for the fimbrial antigens F4 (K88), F5 (K99), F6 (987P) and F41. The demonstration of these receptors allows the identification of susceptible and resistant pigs. Furthermore unclassified adhesive fimbriae of E. coli isolated from pigs with postweaning diarrhea and edema disease are described. Finally the present knowledge is discussed in context with protection of animals against infections.

Thermal inactivation and gradient studies of the active agent in rheumatoid arthritis.

Ten day embryonated eggs have been used for testing supernatants of pooled RA synovial tissues for the presence of the RA-active agent. A high thermal resistance of the agent was observed up to 40 min of heating both at 100 and 121 degrees C with complete loss of infectivity only after 60 min at 121 degrees C. The high thermal resistance at 121 degrees C suggested that the active agent does not depend on a double-stranded DNA or RNA. It probably has no protein component and has a minimal number of subunits for replication. The CsC1 ultracentrifugation identified a concentration of high infectivity at densities in the range of 1.440-1.490 g/ml in five experiments.

[Coat changes in castrated bitches - a review of the literature]. / Haarveränderung nach Kastration bei der Hündin. Eine Übersicht der Literatur.

OBJECT: Literature on veterinary medicine was searched for information on coat changes in castrated bitches. The data obtained was evaluated according to criteria of evidence-based veterinary medicine, to gain an objective basis for the evaluation of this undesired spaying-induced effect. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The literature search was carried out via the search function of PubMed and of the "Deutsche Nationalbibliothek" (DNB). Furthermore, German journals were surveyed for relevant papers. RESULTS: A total of 16 publications concerning the subject were found: ten expert opinions, three case series and three cohort studies. CONCLUSION: Publications on "coat changes in castrated bitches" are rare. The contemporary literature is predominantly comprised of expert opinions and is therefore of little evidentiary value. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because coat changes following spaying in bitches are often described, dog owners should be informed about these possible secondary effects after spaying. Analysis of frequency and promotive factors with high evidentiary value are still lacking. Consequently, it is difficult or impossible to predict the individual risk of a dog developing coat changes.

Functional polyelectrolyte multilayer membranes for water purification applications.

A diverse set of supported multilayer assemblies with controllable surface charge, hydrophilicity, and permeability to water and solute was fabricated by pressure driven permeation of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) solution through poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) track-etched membranes. The polyelectrolyte multilayer fabrication was confirmed by means of FTIR, SEM, AFM, ellipsometry, zetapotential, and contact angle characterization. The prepared membranes were characterized in terms of their pure water permeability, flux recovery, and resistance to organic and biofouling properties. The antifouling behavior of the membranes was assessed in terms of protein adsorption and antibacterial behavior. Finally, the membranes were tested for rejection of selected water soluble dyes to establish their usefulness for organic contaminant removal from water. The membranes were highly selective and capable of nearly complete rejection of congo red with sufficiently high fluxes. The feasibility of regenerating the prepared membranes fouled by protein was also demonstrated and good flux recovery was obtained. In summary, the multilayer approach to surface and pore modification was shown to enable the design of membranes with the unique combination of desirable separation characteristics, regenerability of the separation layer, and antifouling behavior.