Abstract: A substrate coated with a polymer obtained by grafting an aqueous monomer grafting solution comprising a mixture that includes sodium styrene sulphonate (NaSS) and methacrylic acid (MA) or acrylic acid (AA). The mixture has 10 to 90 mol % of sodium styrene sulphonate and 10 to 90 mol % of methacrylic acid or acrylic acid. The substrate is selected from among polyesters, vinyl polymers, polyacrylics and polymethacrylics, PEEK, silicones, natural polymers, natural or artificial celluloses, collagens, glycopolymers, ceramics, metals and metal alloys, and in particular Ti and alloys thereof and Ni—Ti alloys. The aqueous grafting solution has, in addition to the mixture which represents 90 to 99 mol % of the aqueous grafting solution, 1 to 10 mol % of hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA).

Abstract: An oxidation and grafting method for grafting a bioactive polymer, such as polyNaSS, onto an article, in particular a polymer or ceramic article. The method comprises a step of oxidation by ozonation and a step of grafting by radical polymerisation in a polymerisation station having a first reactor. The two steps of oxidation and grafting are carried out consecutively in different solutions in the reactor of the polymerisation station.

Abstract: An orthodontic structure includes a body where at least one connecting hole is formed, a fastening part disposed on the body and fastened to an implant, and at least one traction assembly connected to the body. The traction assembly includes an orthodontic table and an adjustment part extending outwards from the orthodontic table to engage the connecting hole. The orthodontic table has at least one locking recess capable of holding a metal wire in place. The orthodontic structure is connected to the implant which is embedded in an alveolar bone in advance to provide a requisite anchorage effect required by orthodontics. Thus, the implant treatment and the orthodontic treatment can be concurrently executed to shorten the treatment time for straightening teeth and attain good implanting and straightening effects.

Abstract: A screw includes a positioning member defined on inclined cutting planes of a drilling portion of the screw for stably allowing a cutting edge constructed at a convergence of the cutting planes to cut efficiently. A threaded section formed on a shank of the screw is extended toward the cutting edge and connected with one end of the cutting edge. The positioning member helps the screw fixedly stand on an object. The cutting edge and the cutting planes allow cutting debris to be swiftly and smoothly extruded therefrom into the threaded section for avoiding the piling of the considerable cutting debris. Thereby, the screwing torque is reduced and the drilling speed is promoted. Preferably, the fastened screw is sunken in the object, and the fastening operation is completed successfully.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus that holds the probes to a solid support throughout the passages of the functionalisation process, thus avoiding user-dependent breakage or damage of the fragile AFM cantilevers. The apparatus allows the tips of the AFM probes to be placed face-down, which avoids the deposition of contaminants on their functional side. The device also allows functionalising the tips with small liquid volumes and cleaning. The present invention includes a functionalisation process preventing non-specific adsorption of molecules on the tip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container and a method that can be used to transport and store AFM probes in a liquid buffer. This container fastens an AFM probe and consists of a plastic lid that secures a probe while keeping it in a controlled environment, thus preventing that the tips are contaminated by air-borne molecules, packaging material, deposited substances or air bubbles. In the case of functionalised probes, the surface molecules are still functional upon arrival. The tips cannot be broken upon transport because they are held by the container, however the probes can be easily removed upon opening of the container.

Abstract: Compositions for enhancing memory of a subject comprising a combination of a positive modulator of an AMPA receptor and a positive modulator of an NMDA receptor are provided, wherein each modulator of the combination is present at a subtherapeutic dose for effecting memory enhancement. Methods for using such compositions in the treatment of cognitive impairment associated with aging, age-related diseases, and CNS disorders, for example, are provided. New fusion molecules are also provided that combine the positive modulator functionalities into one molecule.

Abstract: An adhesive composition is provided which is suitable for the bonding of polymeric materials, in whole or in part, such as composite resins, or methacrylate-containing glass-ionomer filling materials, to tooth enamel, or tooth dentin, or to other hand tissues of the human body, such as bone. The composition comprises an unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, an unsaturated phosphate ester and other crosslinking agents. The especially preferred phosphates (which are provided as new compounds) are those of formula (I) in which: R1 is a hydrogen atom, alkyl C1-C4, or CN; R is an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aryl radical containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and having a valence of n+1; n is an integer from 1 to 5, preferably from 3 to 5.

Abstract: An adhesive composition is provided which is suitable for the bonding of polymeric materials, in whole or in part, such as composite resins, or methacrylate-containing glass-ionomer filling materials, to tooth enamel, or tooth dentin, or to other hand tissues of the human body, such as bone. The composition comprises an unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, an unsaturated phosphate ester and other crosslinking agents. The especially preferred phosphates (which are provided as new compounds) are those of formula (I) in which: R1 is a hydrogen atom, alkyl C1-C4, or CN; R is an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aryl radical containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and having a valence of n+1; n is an integer from 1 to 5, preferably from 3 to 5.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and material compositions for producing objects containing in whole, or in part, biomedical polymers, especially those having dental use. Microwave sensitive material compositions are injected under pressure into a mold, the mold containing a replica of a body tissue or tissues. While hydraulic pressure is maintained on the material, a microwave source emits metered electromagnetic energy for hardening the material in the 3-dimensionally defined space. For dental and other applications, the mold making, injection and hardening are done sequentially to rapidly produce an object which accurately fits the mold.

Abstract: An adhesive composition is provided which is suitable for the bonding of polymeric materials, in whole or in part, such as composite resins, or methacrylate-containing glass-ionomer filling materials, to tooth enamel, or tooth dentin, or to other hand tissues of the human body, such as bone. The composition comprises an unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, an unsaturated phosphate ester and other crosslinking agents. The especially preferred phosphates (which are provided as new compounds) are those of formula (I) in which: R1 is a hydrogen atom, alkyl C1-C4, or CN; R is an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aryl radical containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and having a valence of n+1; n is an integer from 1 to 5, preferably from 3 to 5.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and material compositions for producing objects containing in whole, or in part, biomedical polymers, especially those having dental use. Microwave sensitive material compositions are injected under pressure into a mold, the mold containing a replica of a body tissue or tissues. While hydraulic pressure is maintained on the material, a microwave source emits metered electromagnetic energy for hardening the material in the 3-dimensionally defined space. For dental and other applications, the mold making, injection and hardening are done sequentially to rapidly produce an object which accurately fits the mold.

Abstract: Composite materials particularly suitable in the dental art as a tooth filling material including a polymer matrix, a metal, metal alloy, metal oxide particulate, or combinations thereof, in the presence or absence of colloidal silica, and a coupling agent to adhere the particulate to the polymer matrix. Adhesion can also be facilitated by cleaning and/or coating the particulates prior to incorporation into the polymer matrix. One or two paste systems of the composition with suitable initiators, accelerators, etc. can be formulated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone screw cap or stopper, comprising a shank (5) that fits closely to the outer contour of the head (2) of the screw and means (4) for detachably connecting the cap or stopper to the bone screw (1). Especially this stopper comprises an extended shank whose section is at least as large as the largest sectional part of the bone screw, and the length of the extended shank is preferably such that the end of the stopper remote from the bone screw extends to the subcutis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a biomedical polymer having a number average molecular weight of at least 7.500, said polymer being substantially nonporous and having polymerized therein at least one monomer having at least one covalently bound iodine group.

Abstract: A longitudinal revascularization conduit is formed in the body of an implant. It is blind at the distal end of the body to be implanted in one bone fragment, such as the trochanter, and open via transverse orifices and at the proximal end of the body to be implanted in another bone fragment, such as the femoral head. At least one self-tapping section situated at the distal end of the body immobilizes the body in the bone, or an anchor end-piece is slidably mounted on the body and contains a damping device adapted to push the end-piece in the proximal direction and the body in the distal direction in order to maintain the fracture in compression. The distal end of the body may be mounted in a cylindrical portion of a plate secured on the diaphysis of the femur.

Abstract: An intersomatic cage to be inserted from the posterior approach between two vertebrae comprises two substantially parallel branches for contact with the vertebral bodies, a linking portion linking the posterior ends of the branches, and a movable spreader member for angularly spreading the two branches after insertion of the cage between the two vertebrae. The cage allows adjustment of the lordosis angle between the two vertebrae during surgery. Ancillary equipment for insertion of the cage includes a rasp for forming a housing for the cage between the two vertebrae, a cage-holder for inserting the cage into the housing, a screwdriver for turning a screw screwed into the spreader member to spread the two branches of the cage, and a guide for successively guiding the rasp, the cage-holder with the cage, and subsequently the screwdriver.

Abstract: A consolidation rod and plural members, such as pedicular screws and vertebral claws, have threaded sections extending from a head and fitted with a nut. A rigid fast connection between the rod and a member providing high adhesion is ensured by a fastener for clamping the rod owing to the screwing of the nut. The fastener comprises a first bore sliding on the rod, a slit opening into the first bore and narrowed by nut screwing, and a second bore passing through the slit and passed through by the threaded section. An indented plate, or a bar with threaded ends fitted with hooks transversely stabilizes two consolidation rods. A connector longitudinally stabilizes two consolidation rods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydrophilic transparent plastic slide for a microscope and a method for preparing the same. This slide is characterized in that at least one surface of the slide is rendered hydrophilic so that a staining solution which is generally used in microscopic examination may not be repelled thereon. Further, according to the present invention, the plastic slides can be manufactured by providing at least one surface of each slide with a hydrophilic layer of silicon oxide, a polysaccharide or the like.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for feeding animals in at least two stages of development. The apparatus includes animal feeding places arranged in two adjacent, opposing rows which physically isolate one group of animals from a second group of animals. The two rows can be controlled and operated independently of each other, to provide different predetermined amounts of dry feed and water to the feeding places in each of the two rows.A feed supply duct is provided above each of the feeding places. The lower outlet ends of the feed supply ducts have a square cross-sectional area for more efficient delivery of dry feed to the feeding places. Feed is measured and discharged into each of the feeding places in a row by a movable feed pushing plate which pushes a predetermined amount of feed into the feeding places from beneath the lower outlets of the ducts in that row.