Comparative analysis of complex liquids based on a multi-experimental approach.
A parallel analysis is here presented between the results gathered by the author by means of three different experimental approaches--Dielectric analysis, Thermally Stimulated Depolarization (TSD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)--on some multi-component complex liquids consisting of association structures of self-assembling amphiphiles as, water-in-oil microemulsions. The highly dispersed nature of these systems was evidenced with the dielectric study: a Maxwell-Wagner relaxation was found to characterize this type of systems. The structural evolution of the system, against water addition, was well described by the orientational processes induced in the liquid samples by a nearly static electric field as in the TSD method. The investigation by DSC, besides offering a basic picture of the system's thermodynamics, allowed the measure of the specific heat, at constant pressure, at the higher order percolative phase transition. The comparison between the results obtained on samples processed with identical thermal cycles, once under the action of an impressed electric field as in TSD, and, once in the absence of any impressed electric field as in DSC, did help distinguish three main concentration intervals within which structurally different systems form namely, isotropic microemulsions and two liquid crystalline structures of lyotropic type.
Experimental Evidence of Interphasal Water in Water-in-Oil Microemulsions
By means of thermal analysis (DSC) applied to water-in-oil microemulsions, the experimental evidence is presented that, in the above systems, the water may exist in at least two different configurations, namely: interphasal and free, distinguished by the melting temperatures of respectively 263 K and 273 K. The role of both water and interphase in governing the microemulsion stability and structural changes upon water addition, are analysed. It is also shown that the enthalpic contribution associated with the thermal events ascribed to the dispersed phase (interphasal chorona + water core of the spherical droplet), are not particularly affected by the change of the continuous, hydrocarbon dispersing medium, provided that all the other components of the system as well as their mutual proportions are kept unchanged. The title system is, therefore, presented as a useful tool for studying the properties of water and interphasal water from both a scientific and a practical point of view, with particular regard to the forms of water in biosystems.
Complications of motility peg placement for porous hydroxyapatite orbital implants
Aim: To evaluate the complications associated with pegging of porous hydroxyapatite orbital implants. Methods: Complications associated with pegging were retrospectively reviewed from the charts of 100 of 133 patients with hydroxyapatite implantation from 1993 to 2000. Results: 48 (48%) of the 100 hydroxyapatite implanted patients who had undergone pegging were found to have problems with their pegs, including discharge (45.8%), peg falling out (20.8%), pyogenic granulomas (16.7%), popping peg (14.6%), hydroxyapatite visible around peg hole (8.3%), part of peg shaft visible (6.2%), peg drilled off centre (6.2%), peg drilled at an angle (4.2%), and excess movement of peg (4.2%). The standard peg fell out statistically more often than the peg and sleeve system (Yates's corrected χ2, p=0.038). There was a trend towards complications of the peg with use of a standard peg (versus sleeved peg) (p=0.226). Conclusions: There are several potential complications of pegging. Most complications are minor and can be managed successfully.