Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an error rate of a data stream. The data stream is divided into a sequence of blocks, and a detection interval is defined including a predetermined number of blocks in the sequence. For one or more of the blocks in the detection interval, respective error measures are computed responsive to the error rate of the data stream. The one or more blocks in the detection interval are classified as good or bad blocks by comparing the respective error measures to a first threshold. It is estimated that an error condition exists in the data stream by comparing a count of the bad blocks in the interval to a second threshold.

Abstract: In a continuous flow reactor one or more bisphenols is converted by the action of phosgene and aqueous base into a mixture of mono- and bisphenol chloroformates which are then treated with a catalyst, additional aqueous caustic and a monophenol to afford endcapped polycarbonates. At relatively high levels of added monophenol endcapped polycarbonate oligomers are obtained. The method is especially suited for the continuous preparation of endcapped oligomers of tetrabromobisphenol A polycarbonate. The method is characterized by efficient use of phosgene, and conversion of chloroformate groups to carbonate linkages aided by trialkylamine catalysts bearing at least one methyl group on nitrogen, such as N,N-dimethylbutylamine (DMBA).

Abstract: The specification describes a continuous process for the preparation of monofunctional aromatic chloroformates (MAC) having the structure (I) 1

Abstract: A pedestrian-operated power unit 10 for a detachable grass/ground treatment module 15 comprises a chassis 11, an engine 12 mounted on the chassis 11, a frame 13 extending upwardly from the chassis 11 to permit pedestrian control of the unit 10 via the frame 13, and an adaptor coupling 14 provided on the unit and adapted to permit releasable mounting thereon of a proprietary grass/ground treatment module 15 which is designed primarily for mounting on the frame of a multi-unit ride-on machine.

Abstract: A catheter retention device comprises an oval base with a centrally located bore there through, an elevated disk portion surrounding said bore and two retention ring housing elements with centrally disposed bores whose axis are perpendicular to one another. The retention device is useful in securing the catheter so that any inadvertent physical force or traction exerted against it will not move the catheter or pull it from its incision. The catheter itself is threadably inserted through all the bores of the retention device which is then attached to the patients body at the ostomy site with sutures, tape or liquid adhesives. Preferably, the retention device is used in conjunction with gastrostomy or jejunal feeding tubes.

Abstract: Thermally stable polymers comprising chain members derived from at least one 1,3-dihydroxybenzene moiety and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid moiety, said polymer being substantially free of anhydride linkages linking at least two mers of the polymer chain, are prepared using an interfacial method comprising the steps of: (a) combining at least one 1,3-dihydroxybenzene moiety and at least one catalyst in a mixture of water and at least one organic solvent substantially immiscible with water; (b) adding to the mixture from (a) a controlled stoichiometric ratio of at least one acid chloride and at least one base while maintaining the pH between about 4 and about 8.5, and (c) adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to a value in the range of about 7 and about 9 following complete addition of acid chloride, and stirring the reaction mixture for a time sufficient to destroy any anhydride linkages in the polymer chain.

Abstract: An ingestible composition to prolong the useful life of an enteral feeding tube and a system of an enteral feeding tube and the composition is provided. The complete enteral feeding solution contains an edible antimicrobial agent which is 0.05% to 1.0% by weight alkyl paraben, the alkyl group having 1-10 carbon atoms. Methyl, ethyl, or propyl paraben are particularly preferred.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and apparatus for the continuous preparation of mono and bis-chloroformate products of halogenated dihydroxy compounds by an interfacial process. The mono and bis-chloroformate products may optionally be converted to capped oligomers.

Abstract: A continuous process for the preparation of monofunctional aromatic chloroformates (MAC) having the structure (I) wherein n is an integer from 1 to 5, and R1 represents hydrogen, a branched or unbranched alkyl group having from 1-15 carbon atoms, an aryl group which may be substituted or unsubstituted, a cycloaliphatic group which may be substituted or unsubstituted, or an arylalkyl group which may be substituted or unsubstituted, the method comprising the steps of a) introducing 1) an aqueous caustic solution; 2) a carbonyl chloride; 3) at least one monofunctional hydroxyaromatic compound; and 4) at least one inert organic solvent into a continuous reaction system; and b) effecting contact between 1), 2), 3) and 4) for a time and at conditions sufficient to produce a MAC of structure (I).

Abstract: In a continuous flow reactor one or more bisphenols is converted by the action of phosgene and aqueous base into a mixture of mono- and bisphenol chloroformates which are then treated with a catalyst, additional aqueous caustic and a monophenol to afford endcapped polycarbonates. At relatively high levels of added monophenol endcapped polycarbonate oligomers are obtained. The method is especially suited for the continuous preparation of endcapped oligomers of tetrabromobisphenol A polycarbonate. The method is characterized by efficient use of phosgene, and conversion of chloroformate groups to carbonate linkages aided by trialkylamine catalysts bearing at least one methyl group on nitrogen, such as N,N-dimethylbutylamine (DMBA).

Abstract: A perfusion incubator having a fluid conditioning unit (12), a well assembly (7) and a well assembly heating unit (14), a peristaltic pump (4) and a fluid collection unit (11). The well assembly has a number of wells (20, 21) each having a transparent lid (30) and a fluid inlet (26) and a fluid outlet (27). An illumination device (13) is under the well so that the cell being cultured in the well assembly can be observed by means of a microscope (15). Each fluid inlet (26) is positioned so as to allow a tangential entry of fluid to the well at a mid point in the well, and each fluid outlet (27) is above the fluid inlet with the cell to be cultured in a lower portion of the well so that flow of fluid in the well is formed into a vortex which tends to draw fluid from around the cell without direct flow over the embryo.

Abstract: A therapeutically effective amount of L-arginine, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, is orally administered, preferably as a food supplement in combination with a meal approved by the American Diabetes Association Inc. ("ADA"), to a person having Type II diabetes mellitus but who is not on either insulin or other medication for glycemic control. When 3 g to 15 g of L-arginine is ingested concurrently with a meal, or immediately prior to eating a meal, the L-arginine decreases the concentration of insulin generated, compared to that generated after the same meal without the L-arginine; at the same time, concentration of glucose in the person's blood is decreased, indicating that available insulin sensitizes cells so as to nearly mimic the effectiveness of normal cells in a non-diabetic person; from 3 g to 15 g of orally ingested L-arginine, by itself, produces no measurable increase in insulin secretion in a diabetic.

Abstract: A method of preparing a polycarbonate comprising the steps of:a) charging at least one dihydroxy compound, an inert solvent, water, caustic, carbonyl halide, and catalyst to a vessel, and maintaining the pH of the reaction mixture between about 4 and about 12 during charging; andb) within an interval of between 0 and about 90% of the total carbonyl halide addition to the vessel, activating a reaction system that produces monofunctional aromatic chloroformates (MAC) and introducing the MAC to the vessel within the interval of 0 to about 90% of the total carbonyl halide addition to the vessel; where the MAC reaction system is coupled with the vessel, and where means are provided for delivery of the MAC from the reaction system to the vessel.

Abstract: High flow brominated polycarbonates, useful as flame retardant additives for other polymers such as polyesters, are obtained by equilibration of a brominated aromatic polycarbonate such as a tetrabromobisphenol A homo- or copolycarbonate with a di- or polyhydroxy aromatic compound such as bisphenol A, or a diaryl carbonate, and an equilibration catalyst, under conditions such that the weight average molecular weight of the brominated polycarbonate is reduced by at least 35%. Preferred equilibration catalysts are Group I metal carboxylates, such as sodium stearate, and hexaalkylguanidinium salts.

Abstract: A static resistant polycarbonate composition is provided comprising a polycarbonate, at least one mold release agent, and at least one antistatic agent. The disclosed composition optionally comprises a heat stabilizer. Static resistant compact disks are molded from the polycarbonate composition.

Abstract: Redistribution of polycarbonate compositions is effected in the presence of a tetraorganophosphonium hydroxide as catalyst and a catalyst decomposing amount of a polyhydroxyaliphatic compound such as glyceryl monostearate, pentaerythritol or ethylene glycol. Catalyst decomposition after redistribution improves the stability of the redistributed polycarbonate composition.

Abstract: Branched polycarbonates having properties suitable for blow molding are prepared by equilibrating a linear or branched aromatic polycarbonate with certain tetraphenols, especially 2,2,5,5-tetrakis (4-hydroxyphenyl)hexane and ?1,1-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl!-phenyl ether.

Abstract: 1,1,1-Tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane in admixture with bisphenol A is obtained by the reaction of 2,4-pentanedione with excess phenol under acidic conditions and in the presence of a mercapto compound as promoter. The products may be separated by extracting bisphenol A with a chlorinated alkane. Purification of the resulting 1,1,1-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane is achieved by slurrying in and/or recrystallization from methanol-water, optionally with addition of an alkali metal borohydride or dithionite.

Abstract: Polyestercarbonates, particularly those containing aliphatic dicarboxylic acid-derived structural units, are redistributed by heating in the presence of a carbonate redistribution catalyst, and, optionally, a diaryl carbonate. The redistribution products have weight average molecular weights different from, and typically lower than, the initial molecular weight.