Abstract: A method of extracting non-polar isothiocyanates from a plant includes providing fresh or dehydrated plant material that contains at least one glucosinolate that will form a corresponding non-polar isothiocyanate, and endogenous myrosinase enzyme. Water is added to the plant material and milled, and oil is added thereafter to the water and plant mixture. This mixture is then homogenized after which the oil phase is separated from water phase and solids, such that the non-polar isothiocyanate(s) partition into the oil phase. A stable composition made according to the method includes at least one non-polar isothiocyanate and a vegetable oil. A dietary supplement may be formulated from the stable composition.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence device is disclosed. The device is a compressible resilient insert having top that contacts at least two opposed vaginal walls and deforms and substantially conforms to the shape of the vaginal cavity or cervical fornices. A removal member may be provided on the device such that when the removal member is pulled the device is removed from the vagina.

Abstract: A method for making modified poly(ethylene oxide) by graft polymerizing thereto organic monomers containing a trialkoxy silane functional group or a moiety that reacts with water to form a silanol group, such as methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane, onto the poly(ethylene oxide) is disclosed. The graft polymerization is accomplished by mixing the poly(ethylene oxide), the silane-containing monomer(s) and an initiator and applying heat. Preferably, the method is a reactive-extrusion process. After graft polymerization, the modified poly(ethylene oxide) may be exposed or subjected to relatively high moisture conditions, thereby causing crosslinking and formation of a structure that is capable of absorbing relatively large amounts of saline. The resulting modified poly(ethylene oxide) has improved properties over articles similarly processed from unmodified poly(ethylene oxide).

Abstract: Breathable, flushable, porous films and articles made therewith and a process for making these films. The present invention is directed to composites comprising a polymer that is water-soluble or water-degradable and a filler. The films are made by extruding the composite materials into a precursor film and, preferably, stretching the precursor film to achieve the desired breathability and water-dispersibility of the finished film. In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises a polymer of ethylene oxide and a filler such as calcium carbonate.

Abstract: A molar shaped urinary incontinence device is disclosed. The device is a flexible molar shaped insert having a cross-sectional area at the top that is larger than the cross-sectional area of the bottom. The top respectively contacts at least two opposed vaginal walls. A channel may be provided to connect an aperture on the top surface and an aperture on the bottom surface to allow normal discharge of secretions. A removal member may be provided on the device such that when the removal member is pulled in a direction away from the device, the top collapses upon itself.

Abstract: The present invention discloses water-soluble compositions comprising a blend of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(vinyl alcohol) that have improved ductility over water-soluble compositions comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) alone. In one desirable embodiment of the present invention, the poly(ethylene oxide) component of the blend is grafted. Grafted poly(ethylene oxide) resins have improved processability and improved blend compatibility with poly(vinyl alcohol). Films comprising a melt blend of poly(vinyl alcohol) and grafted poly(ethylene oxide) have improved melt processability as well as other improved properties. Films comprising compositions of the present invention have improved ductility over films comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) alone while retaining much of the high strength and water solubility exhibited by such poly(vinyl alcohol) films.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition includes a carrier, a skin-whitening agent, and sodium magnesium silicate. The sodium magnesium silicate is present in an amount effective to slow decomposition of the composition. A method of slowing the decomposition of a cosmetic composition containing a skin-whitening agent includes adding an effective amount of a sodium magnesium silicate to the composition.

Abstract: An ion exchange chromatography apparatus includes a first stationary phase and a second stationary phase. The first stationary phase has at least one complexing agent functional group capable of forming a complex with at least one ion present in a sample that contains at least two ions when the sample contacts the first stationary phase. The second stationary phase is distinct from the first stationary phase and has at least one non-complexing agent functional group capable of exchanging with the ions present in the sample, other than the one complexed by the complexing agent functional group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing the rate of skin desquamation by incorporating an oat extract into a cosmetic composition suitable for application to mammalian skin. The composition is preferably free of known skin exfoliation agents.

Abstract: Melt processable, flushable polymer fibers and methods of making melt processable, flushable polymer fibers are disclosed. The fibers comprise poly(ethylene oxide). Preferably, the poly(ethylene oxide) is modified by grafting polar vinyl monomers, such as poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, onto poly(ethylene oxide). The modified poly(ethylene oxide) has improved melt processability and can be used to melt process poly(ethylene oxide) fibers of thinner diameters.

Abstract: A process for making microporous structures that can be used as a catalyst support. The microporous structures have high porosity and high thermal stability, combined with good mechanical strength and relatively high surface area. The process is useful for making titanium dioxide for catalyst structures for use for fuel cells, sensors, electrochemical cells and the like.

Abstract: An expandable vaginal insert device for reducing the occurrence of female urinary incontinence. The vaginal insert device includes at least a resilient member capable of expanding to transmit pressure to the urethro-vaginal myofascial area. Optionally, the device may include one or more non-absorbent layers in addition to the resilient member. The resilient member and any additional layers are formed into an elongated member, which may be then be shaped into a M-shaped shaped profile or a dome-shaped profile.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process is provided for leaching nickeliferous laterite ores at temperatures below the boiling point of the pulp and at atmospheric pressure. The high iron fraction of the laterite, referred to as limonite, is first contacted with concentrated sulfuric acid to partially or completely dissolve the iron and nickel into solution. A reducing agent is used to keep the redox potential in solution below 1000 mV to enhance cobalt dissolution and more advantageously between 1000 and 900 mV to avoid reduction of ferric iron. Further mixing of the leach slurry in the presence of sodium, potassium, or ammonium allows formation of iron jarosite at ambient pressure. The resulting acid from iron hydrolysis is neutralized with the low iron fraction of the laterite ore (saprolite), thereby dissolving nickel into solution. The resulting final leach slurry can then be treated with conventional methods to recover nickel and cobalt from solution.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence device is disclosed. The device is an intra-vaginal flexible device that has a base portion connecting a proximal portion of a first leg and a proximal portion of a second leg to form a generally “C-shaped” configuration. The device also has a member that is an insertion member, a removal member, or both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making biodegradable films and biodegradable precursor films having enhanced breathability and ductility. The method includes blending a water soluble polymer and a biodegradable polymer to form a blended polymer mixture. The biodegradable polymer is preferably a biodegradable aliphatic polyester, and the water-soluble polymer is preferably polyethylene oxide and/or polyethylene glycol. The blended polymer mixture is formed into a precursor film. The precursor film is further processed to form a breathable biodegradable film.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper includes a backsheet layer, a substantially liquid-permeable liner layer, and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the liner. The backsheet and liner layers generally define a front waistband section, a rear waistband section, and an intermediate section, with the intermediate section interconnecting the front and rear waistband sections. The liner includes a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal upstanding ridges located at least in the intermediate section to provide barriers to transverse migration of body exudates. The upstanding ridges are formed by providing a plurality of laterally spaced apart and alternating longitudinally adhered liner portions and unadhered liner portions. Elastic members are located subjacent the unadhered portions and include a front end, a rear end, and a central portion disposed between the front and rear ends.

Abstract: A blackhead removing agent, a blackhead removing sheet and a method for producing the blackhead removing sheet are disclosed. The blackhead removing sheet comprises a base layer which is composed of a nonwoven fabric having the fineness of 0.0001 denier or more but less than 0.1 denier, and a blackhead removing layer consisting of the blackhead removing agent that contains a water-soluble macromolecular compound as a primary component. The blackhead removing agent comprises a water-soluble macromolecular compound, a filler, and a plasticizer that is compatible with the water-soluble macromolecular compound. The amount of the plasticizer in the blackhead removing agent is less than 0.01 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the water-soluble macromolecular compound. The water-soluble macromolecular compound preferably includes a copolymer of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate as a primary component.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process is provided for producing pigment grade TiO2 from titanium containing solutions. Generally, the solution is an aqueous solution. The process includes hydrolyzing the solution via complete evaporation in well-controlled conditions of temperature to form titanium oxide of well-defined characteristics. The hydrolyzing can be achieved by spray hydrolysis in a spray dryer. After hydrolyzing, the titanium oxide is calcined to transform the titanium oxide to the desired form of titanium dioxide. The titanium dioxide can be either anatase or rutile. Following calcination, the titanium dioxide is milled to provide the desired particle size distribution and then finished.