Temperature Oscillation Calorimetry: Robustness analysis of different algorithms for the evaluation of the heat transfer coefficient

Applicability of different temperature oscillation calorimetry algorithms, previously proposed in the literature, for the evaluation of the heat transfer coefficient during the course of the reaction, is analysed by referring to the experimental data from a methyl methacrylate polymerisation reactor.Results are coincident in the nominal case (no errors on data), while differences appear in the elaboration of real data. The effect of uncertainty in the experimental data has been simulated in terms of error on the amplitude and on the phase of reactor and jacket temperature profiles.This approach allows to indicate algorithms having the best robustness properties and to give an explanation of phase errors in terms of a lumped parameter which accounts for different phenomena, not included in the basic hypotheses of the method. Based on this observation, a procedure to eliminate this source of errors from experimental data is proposed for the more general algorithm presented to handle oscillating temperature profiles generated by different techniques.     

Fabrication and characterization of planar and channel polymer wave guides. I. Plasma-polymerized HMDS films

Plasma-polymerized hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS) films have been prepared as both planar and channel wave guides. The optical attenuation results measured in both the planar and channel HMDS wave guides were found to be similar, thus demonstrating that the inherent solvent resistance and chemical inertness of the plasma polymerized films allows the use of common photoresist techniques, including application of the photoresist, photomasking, and subsequent etching. This may be contrasted with wave guides made from conventional polymers, where careful consideration must be given to photoresist/polymer compatibility, because the photoresist solvents may adversely affect the underlying polymer and lead to degradation of the material during processing. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Chronic abdominal pain: role of video-laparoscopic adhesiolysis

Adhesions have been suggested as a possible cause of chronic abdominal pain, but the reports of their etiological role conflict. Lysis of adhesions has been proposed as the therapeutic modality of choice, although the reports of success are controversial. The aim our prospective study was to determine whether laparoscopic adhesiolysis ameliorates chronic abdominal pain in patients with abdominal adhesions. Forty-one patients with chronic abdominal pain lasting for more than 6 months, but with no abnormal findings other than adhesions found at laparoscopy, underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis. 37 patients (90.2%) were available for follow-up after a median time interval of 18 months (range: 12-41 months). Twenty-two patients (59.4%) were free from abdominal pain and 9 (24.3%) patients reported significant amelioration of their pain. Six (16.2%) patients had no amelioration. In conclusion the laparoscopy is an effective tool for the evaluation of patients with chronic abdominal pain, and laparoscopic adhesiolysis cures of ameliorates chronic abdominal pain in more than 80% of patients.     

A new epitope presenting system displays a HIV-1 V3 loop sequence and induces neutralizing antibodies

The principal neutralizing domain, IGPGRAF sequence, from the V3-loop of HIV-1 was inserted in two positions on the surface of the protein that makes up the capside shell of the insect Flock House Virus. The hybrid proteins were expressed in insect cells via recombinant baculoviruses. Three different hybrids were used as immunogens: two with a single copy of the insert in different positions of the carrier protein and a third with two copies of the insert at the same positions as before. All hybrid proteins induced strong and broad specific immune response in guinea pigs against different V3-loop sequences. However, only one of the hybrid proteins was able to induce a strong neutralizing response against MN and IIIB HIV-1 isolates. Our results demonstrate that a very short peptide sequence of HIV-1 can constitute a valuable immunogen able to induce a neutralizing response if presented to the immune system in the context of the FHV capsomer structure.     

Parallel feedforward class-AB control circuits for low-voltage bipolar rail-to-rail output stages of operational amplifiers

A new family of class-AB control circuits for bipolar rail-to-rail output stages of operational amplifiers is presented. Step by step, we report the development of five simple class-AB control circuits showing the advantages of using parallel feedforward. The circuits have been designed in such a way that temperature, supply voltage and process parameters have little influence. To test the output stages, one of them has been implemented in a very simple two-stage operational amplifier on a semi-custom chip. Measurements show a bandwidth of 2.5 MHz, a gain of 40 dB, a quiescent current of 23µA and a maximum output current of 250µA. Simulation results of three other simple operational amplifiers with the new class-AB control circuits are shown, which have a higher gain and maximum output current.     

How do the newer oral antimicrobials stack up against traditional agents?

As the antibiotic arsenal expands with the development of new oral agents, selecting appropriate therapy is becoming more difficult. What are the therapeutic indications for the newer antimicrobials, and what advantages do they have over traditional agents? Drs Gleckman and De La Rosa discuss current issues related to antibiotic treatment and offer specific recommendations for the best use of the newer agents.