Abstract: A system includes an implantable polymer for increasing the dimensions of layers of tissue. In one embodiment, the implantable polymer is delivered transorally using an endoscope and an injection needle. The system allows for visualization and injection of polymer into an esophageal sphincter. Methods of treating gastroesophageal reflux disease include insertion of the distal portion of the injection needle into the esophageal tissue and injection of a polymer liquid to enlarge tissue dimensions. The polymer can be injected at several sites to distribute localized pressures and attain better distribution of the tissue bulking effect.

Abstract: A new adiabatic scanning calorimeter allows the thermal mass of a high-pressure reaction vessel to be dynamically compensated during a test. This allows the effective ? factor for the experiment to be reduced to 1.0 without the use of complex pressure balancing equipment. Endothermic events can be quantified and sample specific heats can be measured. The time required for test completion is much shorter than for conventional adiabatic calorimeters, thus considerably improving apparatus productivity. The sensitivity to exotherm detection is at least as good as existing adiabatic calorimeters employing the Heat-Wait-Search strategy, but does depend on the temperature-scanning rate. In addition, the heat of reaction is obtained without reference to the heat capacity of the sample, pressure is measured continuously, reactants may be injected into the test vessel and the sample can be mixed during the test.