Abstract: Compositions include blends of ethylene-based polymers and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) or polyhedral oligomeric silicates (POS), having hydrocarbon substitution and processes for producing such compositions.

Abstract: Cell storage and delivery systems and methods for storing and delivering viable cells to a mammal are disclosed. The cell storage and delivery systems include a biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibrous matrix physically associated with viable cells to contain and release the cells at a controlled rate. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable matrix can be formed by electrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material. The methods include methods for storing viable cells and for delivering viable cells to a mammal using the cell storage and delivery system.

Abstract: Compositions include blends of ethylene-based polymers and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) or polyhedral oligomeric silicates (POS), having hydrocarbon substitution and processes for producing such compositions.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for electrospinning polymer fibers and membranes are described. The methods include in one aspect electrospinning a polymer fiber from a conducting fluid containing the polymer in the presence of a first electric field established between a conducting fluid introduction device and a ground source and modifying the first electric field with a second electric field to form a jet stream of the conducting fluid. In another aspect the methods include forming an electrospinning jet stream of the conducting fluid and electrically controlling the flow characteristics of the jet stream. In yet another aspect the methods include forming a plurality of electrospinning jet streams of the conducting fluid and independently controlling the flow characteristics of at least one of the jet streams.

Abstract: Biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles and methods for using the articles in medical applications are disclosed. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorable fibrous articles, which are formed by elctrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material, comprise a composite (or asymmetric composite) of different biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibers. Articles having specific medical uses include an adhesion-reducing barrier and a controlled delivery system. The methods include methods for reducing surgical adhesions, controlled delivery of a medicinal agent and providing controlled tissue healing.

Abstract: The present invention is polymer blend, which includes at least two immiscible polymers, and a compatibilizer used to produce a substantially homogeneous blend. The compatibilizer is a functionalized nanocomposite which prevents segregation of the polymer components in the polymer blend. The nanocomposites are formed by combining an organoclay and an intercalation agent. The intercalation agent is a reaction product of a polyamine functionalized with an alkyl halide in a polar solvent. The compatibilized blends are used in thin films, which are especially useful in microlithographic applications and as lubricants in low tolerance magnetic disks.

Abstract: A viscosity-adjustable medium for use in separation methods is described. In particular, a block copolymer composition is described which exists as a low viscosity solution at a temperature outside of the temperature range of electrophoresis and which self-assembles into a gel-like polymer network at electrophoresis operating temperatures. A system is described for conducting molecular separation in a capillary column using the viscosity-adjustable medium. In addition, a method is also described for separating charged molecules.

Abstract: A device is described for electrophoretic molecular separation. This device has a channel formed on a hydrophobic surface thereof. The interior surface of the channel is rendered hydrophilic through successive oxidation and protophilic reactions. A cover extends over the channel to form a conduit which is dimensioned to accept a molecular separation media. The conduit is also positioned for application of an electric current along the length of the interior of the conduit which drives a sample through the molecular separation media. Systems and methods are also described for electrophoretic molecular separation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for detecting the mobility of fluorescently labeled molecules in response to a force is disclosed. The fluorescently labeled molecules are placed in a fluid medium such as an electrophoretic gel in a capillary tube. An electric field is applied to induce the movement of the molecules. A region of the labeled molecules is photobleached leaving a geometrically defined region which has not been photobleached. The region which has not been photobleached is excited by a reading beam. The reading and the photobleaching beams can be generated by focusing a laser through a diffraction grading. The intensity produced by the interaction of the reading beam in the geometrically defined region of the molecule is detected by a photo detector. In detecting more than one spThis invention was partially made with Government support under the polymers program of the National Science Foundation DMR8617820. The Government has certain rights in the invention.

Abstract: A magnetic sphere or needle rheometer which may be fully controlled by a personal computer is provided. The rheometer is capable of measuring viscosities in the range of 5.times.10.sup.-4 to 5.times.10.sup.4 Pas (0.5 cP to 5.times.10.sup.7 cP). It can operate at shear rates between 1 s.sup.-1 and 2.times.10.sup.-4 s.sup.-1 and measure relaxation times down to 100 ms. The rheometer includes a magnetic coil which is used to maintain the sphere or needle in a selected position within a sample cell. The current required to maintain the sphere or needle in this position as the sample cell is moved up or down is measured. The viscosity of the liquid can be calculated from the difference in current flowing through the coil when the cell is stationary and when it is moved at a constant velocity.

Abstract: A laser light scattering and spectroscopic detector is provided which includes a probe comprising an optical fiber coupled to a graded index microlens. The angular aperture and the divergence of the probe are designed specifically to satisfy the scattering volume and coherence requirements for laser light scattering and spectroscopic measurements. The detector includes a housing which defines an elongate cell therein and a selected number of detector ports extending at various angles with respect to the cell. A method is provided for detecting scattered light which includes the steps of positioning the probe inside or outside the scattering medium at a selected angle with respect to the laser beam.

Abstract: A capillary viscometer is provided which includes a fiber-optic probe and a phototransistor which produces an output signal as a liquid meniscus falls through the field of view of a detecting fiber bundle. An analog circuit is employed for receiving the signal and starting or stopping a digital counter in response thereto. The circuit includes first and second differentiators and a zero detection portion for detecting zero value outputs from the second differentiator. The counter is started or stopped upon the generation of a triggering pulse at the time such zero value is detected.

Abstract: A scattering cell can contain a sample whose scattering properties upon irradiation are measurable by a detector. The cell includes a central body having an input and output side spanned by a sample cavity. The cell also has an input window bordering the sample cavity on the input side. Also included is a prismatic output window bordering the sample cavity on the output side. This output window is operable to refract its incident radiation and vary the angle between its incident and transmitted radiation as a function of its angle of incidence.