Synthesis and characterization of block copolymers from D,L-lactide and poly(tetramethylene ether glycol)

The copolymer from D ,L -lactide and poly(tetramethyene ether glycol) (PTMG) was prepared in bulk with an isotributyl aluminum–water–phosphoric acid complex catalyst as the initiator and characterized by H-NMR, GPC, and DSC. The effects of the temperature and the amount of PTMG on the polymerization rate and the molecular weight of copolymers were studied. The behavior of the degradation and delivery rate of Levonorgestrel microspheres in vitro was observed. The results show that the degradation and the delivery rate can be controlled by adjusting the molar rate of hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments of the copolymer © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Vascular manifestations in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

Progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS), a disease still of unknown origin, is a generalized autoimmune disorder characterized by immunological abnormalities, microvascular dysfunction, and tissue fibrosis. The mechanism leading to selective microvascular injury in PSS is not completely known, however it is now clear that neuropeptides, vascular endothelium, and disturbances in the regulation of fibroblast function are the three major contributors to the increased fibrosis of skin and internal organs. Thus, endothelial cell and fibroblast dysfunction may be linked through the paracrine activity of soluble endothelial cell products: the cytokine cascade (IL-1, TGF-beta-1, PDGF, TNF, etc.). In systemic sclerosis, the exaggerated generalized vasospastic tendency is clinically represented by Raynaud's phenomenon as shown by an early digital arterial closure after cold stimulation, and by an inadequate vasodilatory response to heat. In this review we summarize recently established data that center around the role of adhesion molecules, immune reactions, and aberrant fibroblast biology and metabolism in effecting vascular and connective tissue alterations in this disease. Only a better knowledge of the pathophysiological process involved in scleroderma might lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches.     

Ion microbeam radiation system

An ion microbeam radiation test system has been built for studying radiation-induced charge collection and single event upsets in advanced semiconductor circuits. With this system, it is possible to direct an ion beam of a diameter as small as 1 μm onto a circuit or test structure with a placement accuracy of 1 μm. The components of the system and its operation are described. Applications are described which demonstrate the capabilities of the system     

Spin coating over topography

A model for predicting film thickness profiles around topographical features during spin coating is presented. This model is applicable to features of arbitrary geometry in the two lateral dimensions. This generally permits study of the planarization of real device structures, including both isolated and neighboring features, with any orientation with respect to the wafer center. Predictions from this model agree qualitatively with measured thin-film profiles from interferograms taken during spinning. Phenomena such as pile-up and wakes result from interactions between surface tension and other driving forces in the flow     

Research bronchoscopies do not adversely affect HIV-infected individuals' future health-care decisions

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals are increasingly recruited for studies involving invasive procedures such as bronchoscopy. We sought to determine the response to and outcome of a request for a research bronchoscopy in HIV-positive individuals with no respiratory disease, and whether this would adversely affect future decisions to have a medically indicated bronchoscopy. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, semistructured, questionnaire-based study in a London teaching hospital HIV outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and seven consecutive HIV-infected eligible individuals. Thirty-one healthy volunteers served as a control group for the subjective response to bronchoscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects' attitudes and responses to requests for bronchoscopy and subsequent behavior when they required medically indicated bronchoscopy. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (70%) agreed to the procedure in principle, predominantly for altruistic reasons. Thirty-nine subjects underwent bronchoscopy. Five percent found it worse than expected; and 79% agreed to another research bronchoscopy (performed in 11 subjects approximately 2 years later). All patients said they would undergo bronchoscopy again for diagnostic purposes (required in seven during the study). When compared to a healthy volunteer population within the same study, postbronchoscopy symptoms were similar in frequency although somewhat different in nature. Subjects felt that a clear explanation of what was involved enhanced their participation in this research. CONCLUSIONS: Invasive research procedures such as bronchoscopy can be performed and are repeatable in a healthy HIV-infected population. Performance of procedures for research purposes does not appear to adversely affect future health-care decisions.