Hydrolytic degradation of ionically cross-linked polyphosphazene microspheres

The hydrolytic degradation of gel microspheres based on calcium cross-linked phosphazene polyelectrolytes, poly[di(carboxylatophenoxy)phosphazene] (PCPP) and poly[(carboxylatophenoxy) (glycinato)phosphazene] (PCGPP), was investigated. These microspheres are of importance as carriers in protein and cell encapsulation. Both PCPP and PCGPP ionotropic polyphosphazene hydrogels are degradable in an aqueous environment (pH 7.4, 37°C). The degradation rates can be increased by incorporation of hydrolysis sensitive glycinato groups as the pendant structures in the polymer (PCGPP). Hydrolysis of these polymer hydrogels led to low molecular weight (<1,000 Da) products. The erosion and molecular weight profiles varied also according to the molecular weight of the polyphosphazene constituting the gel beads. Another approach to affect the degradation rates consists of coating microspheres with poly-L -lysine. Ionotropic polyphosphazene hydrogels have potential as biodegradable devices for controlled drug delivery systems. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Structure of Polymeric PbTiO3 Gels

The structural features of PbTiO₃ gels were found to be highly dependent on hydrolysis conditions. Gels formed from acid-catalyzed solutions were clear and rubbery, whereas base-catalyzed gels were translucent or cloudy with phase separation. Direct TEM observations determined that acid-catalyzed gels were fibrous in character and physically homogeneous, whereas base-catalyzed gels had a coarse texture. Analyses by EDX and SAD indicated that acidic gels were chemically homogeneous and microcrystalline, whereas basic gels were heterogeneous and amorphous.     

Thin-Layer Dielectrics in the Pb[(Mg1/3Nb2/3)1-xTix]O3 System

Thin layers of Pb[(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)_{1– x} Ti _x ]O₃ (PMNT) were prepared by spin casting alkoxide-based solutions on platinized Si. The effects of additives, heat treatment, and composition ( x = 0 to 0.9) on perovskite phase development, ceramic microstructure, and dielectric properties are reported. Depending upon the processing conditions, ceramic thin layers could be formed in a nonferroelectric pyrochlore phase (A₂B₂O₆) or in a ferroelectric perovskite phase (ABO₃). The dimensions of the pyrochlore and perovskite units cells were related and increased with Mg and Nb contents. To minmize pyrochlore formation, the most effective processing method involved rapid heat treatment between successive solution depositions. Phase development and microstructure were also affected by solution additives. Additions of benzoic acid were found to affect the structure in solution and the later organic pyrolysis behavior from thin layers. The effect of composition on the dielectric and ferroelectric properties is also reported.     

Bark beetle olfaction. III. Antennal olfactory responsiveness ofDendroctonus frontalis Zimmerman andD. brevicomis Le Conte (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) to aggregation pheromones and host tree terpene hydrocarbons

Electroantennograms from males and females ofDendroctonus frontalis andD. brevicomis in response to serial dilutions of the pheromonesexo brevicomin and frontalin and the host terpene hydrocarbons 3-carene and α-pinene show no significant differences in the threshold concentration for response to the compounds for either sex or species. The intensity of response was greater to higher concentrations of the pheromones (10 to >10⁴ μg) than the terpene hydrocarbons, suggesting the presence of more receptors on the antennae for pheromones than terpene hydrocarbons. Antennal olfactory responses to the compounds did not correlate to published data on behavioral responses by the beetles to the compounds in both field and laboratory studies. Adaptation experiments indicated that forD. frontalis, both frontalin andexo brevicomin share the same receptors on the antennae. The results indicated that the terpene hydrocarbons share some, but not all, of the same receptors.     

Properties of Cr:LiSrAIF(6) crystals for laser operation

We have performed several physical and optical measurements on the Cr:LiSAF (LiSrAlF(6)) laser material that are relevant to its laser performance, including thermal and mechanical properties, water durabilities, and Auger upconversion constants. The expansion coefficient, Young's modulus, fracture toughness, thermal conductivity, and heat capacity are all used to determine an overall thermomechanical figure of merit for the crystal. An investigation of the water durability suggests that the cooling solution should be maintained at pH = 7 to ameliorate problems associated with water dissolution. The Auger constant was found to become much more significant at higher Cr doping, in which excited-state migration leads to a substantial increase in the upconversion rate. We propose a design for a 50-W Cr:LiSAF laser system that is based on a detailed knowledge of all the relevant material parameters.     

Diode-Pumped Solid-State Lasers for Inertial Fusion Energy

We have begun building the Mercury laser system as the first in a series of new generation diode-pumped solid-state lasers for inertial fusion research. Mercury will integrate three key technologies: diodes, crystals, and gas cooling, within a unique laser architecture that is scalable to kilojoule and megajoule energy levels for fusion energy applications. The primary near-term performance goals include 10% electrical efficiencies at 10 Hz and 100J with a 2–10 ns pulse length at 1.047 m wavelength. When completed, Mercury will allow rep-rated target experiments with multiple chambers for high energy density physics research.     

Strength of character through the ethics of nursing

"A Practice-Based Bioethic" is a regular column in Advanced Practice Nursing Quarterly. A practice-based approach is derived from, and therefore is intended to be appropriate to, the situation of a patient, the purpose of the health care setting, and the role of the nurse. It is based on a shared state of awareness, the foundation on which ethical interactions between nurse and patient occur.     

Reduction mammaplasty improves symptoms of macromastia

The condition macromastia has not been defined and characterized precisely by the medical community. Whether the patient with hypertrophic breasts is a candidate for or can be helped by reduction mammaplasty is unclear to both the medical and the lay community. A prospective study of 39 women undergoing reduction mammaplasty surgery was initiated to answer these questions. Patients rated the severity of their somatic pain symptoms and discomfort before reduction mammaplasty and again after complete recovery. The severity of their symptoms and complaints was numerically graded and analyzed. These data were compared with similar data obtained from 40 "small-breasted" women of similar age. Headache, neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, and bra strap groove pain were present in 60 to 92 percent of patients, and 97 percent of patients had at least three of these pain symptoms preoperatively. All the patients had reduction of their pain symptomatology postoperative, and 25 percent of the study patients had total elimination of pain symptoms by reduction mammaplasty. The postoperative incidence and severity of pain symptoms and discomfort complaints were statistically equivalent to or less than the levels in the control group.