Abstract: The present invention provides a “living” radical polymerization method for a vinyl monomer by near-infrared photothermal conversion. The method comprises irradiating a reactor with near-infrared light of 750-850 nm, wherein the reactor has a first chamber and a second chamber that are isolated from each other, the first chamber contains an organic solution of a near-infrared light responsive croconaine dye, and the second chamber is provided with a closed reaction flask containing a reaction solution, the reaction solution comprises a vinyl monomer, two or more of an ATRP initiator, an ATRP ligand, an ATRP catalyst, an RAFT reagent, a thermal initiator, and an additive, and an organic solvent; and the near-infrared light responsive dye converts the near-infrared light into heat energy, by which the reactor is heated to 50-100° C. to polymerize the monomer in the reaction solution, to obtain polymers with controlled molecular weights and molecular weight distributions.

Abstract: A PEP module is provided for producing and transmitting oscillations of expiratory air to the lungs and airways of a user to thereby loosen and mobilize mucus obstructions. The PEP module includes an external device housing having a mouthpiece at a first end thereof and a cover at an opposite second end thereof configured for providing resistance to the airflow of the expiratory air. The PEP module further includes a valve assembly contained within the external housing and disposed medially between the mouthpiece and the cover. The valve assembly includes a valve housing and a valve moveably mounted on the valve housing. The valve rapidly and repeatedly oscillates relative to the valve housing as the user exhales to produce oscillations in the expiratory air that are transmitted to the lungs and airways of the user to loosen and mobilize the mucus obstructions.

Abstract: A PEP module is provided for producing and transmitting oscillations of expiratory air to the lungs and airways of a user to thereby loosen and mobilize mucus obstructions. The PEP module includes an external device housing having a mouthpiece at a first end thereof and a cover at an opposite second end thereof configured for providing resistance to the airflow of the expiratory air. The PEP module further includes a valve assembly contained within the external housing and disposed medially between the mouthpiece and the cover. The valve assembly includes a valve housing and a valve moveably mounted on the valve housing. The valve rapidly and repeatedly oscillates relative to the valve housing as the user exhales to produce oscillations in the expiratory air that are transmitted to the lungs and airways of the user to loosen and mobilize the mucus obstructions.