Abstract: Compositions and methods for inhibiting and interrupting biofilm formation, and for destabilizing established biofilms are provided, the novel compositions including polymeric resins and monomeric non-polymerizable and polymerizable resins. More particularly, the compositions and methods enable the protection and removal of biofilms from surfaces in the context of medical, consumer, domestic, food service, environmental and industrial applications, where the effects constitute beneficial and desirable biofilm attenuating activity.

Abstract: A sun hat having a bendable and shapeable brim is described. The bendable brim is characterized by a wire cable assembly secured in the brim of the hat along its perimeter. The wire cable assembly can comprise a loop of multi-strand metal cable enclosed in a slightly oversized flexible plastic sheath that is hermetically sealed at joining ends. The cable can be comprised of an annealed metal that permits it to be bent thousands of times without breaking.

Abstract: A sun hat having a bendable and shapeable brim is described. The bendable brim is characterized by a wire cable assembly secured in the brim of the hat along its perimeter. The wire cable assembly can comprise a loop of multi-strand metal cable enclosed in a slightly oversized flexible plastic sheath that is hermetically sealed at joining ends. The cable can be comprised of an annealed metal that permits it to be bent thousands of times without breaking.

Abstract: A sun hat having a bendable and shapeable brim is described. The bendable brim is characterized by a wire cable assembly secured in the brim of the hat along its perimeter. The wire cable assembly can comprise a loop of multi-strand metal cable enclosed in a slightly oversized flexible plastic sheath that is hermetically sealed at joining ends. The cable can be comprised of an annealed metal that permits it to be bent thousands of times without breaking.

Abstract: A sun hat having a bendable and shapeable brim is described. The bendable brim is characterized by a wire cable assembly secured in the brim of the hat along its perimeter. The wire cable assembly can comprise a loop of multi-strand metal cable enclosed in a slightly oversized flexible plastic sheath that is hermetically sealed at joining ends. The cable can be comprised of an annealed metal that permits it to be bent thousands of times without breaking.

Abstract: A system provides quantification and mapping of cultural characteristics. An analytic engine collects and organizes cultural attribute information by binary score and by cultural tendency. A cultural score engine coupled to the analytic engine receives cultural attribute information by category and scores the cultural attribute data for each cultural attribute to create scored data. A map engine receives the scored data and maps the cultural attribute data to a graphic output. An assessment engine quantifies areas, organization priorities, or cultural tendencies associated with each graphic output. A comparison engine compares a plurality of graphic outputs in a single comparison graphic output of cultural tendencies.

Abstract: A method is provided for quantification and mapping of cultural characteristics. Using an analytic engine, cultural attribute information is collected and organized by assigning binary scores to cultural tendencies. Using a cultural score engine coupled to the analytic engine, cultural attribute data is scored for each cultural attribute category to create scored data. Scored data is mapped to a graphic output using a map engine. Quantification of areas, organization priorities, or cultural tendencies associated with each graphic output is performed with an assessment engine. Comparing multiple cultures or scenarios affecting cultural attributes is executed by a comparison engine that compares multiple cultural graphic outputs in a single comparison graphic output of cultural tendencies.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument for cleaning/shaping a tooth root canal that includes an elongated shaft composed of a porous material, the shaft having a proximal end portion, a distal end and a tapered working portion having an external surface and a rotational axis, the working portion extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for inhibiting and interrupting biofilm formation, and for destabilizing established biofilms are provided, the novel compositions including polymeric resins and monomeric non-polymerizable and polymerizable resins. More particularly, the compositions and methods enable the protection and removal of biofilms from surfaces in the context of medical, consumer, domestic, food service, environmental and industrial applications, where the effects constitute beneficial and desirable biofilm attenuating activity.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument for cleaning/shaping a tooth root canal that includes an elongated shaft composed of a porous material, the shaft having a proximal end portion, a distal end and a tapered working portion having an external surface and a rotational axis, the working portion extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end.

Abstract: A method is provided for quantification and mapping of cultural characteristics. Using an analytic engine, cultural attribute information is collected and organized by assigning binary scores to cultural tendencies. Using a cultural score engine coupled to the analytic engine, cultural attribute data is scored for each cultural attribute category to create scored data. Scored data is mapped to a graphic output using a map engine. Quantification of areas, organization priorities, or cultural tendencies associated with each graphic output is performed with an assessment engine. Comparing multiple cultures or scenarios affecting cultural attributes is executed by a comparison engine that compares multiple cultural graphic outputs in a single comparison graphic output of cultural tendencies.

Abstract: A system provides quantification and mapping of cultural characteristics. An analytic engine collects and organizes cultural attribute information by binary score and by cultural tendency. A cultural score engine coupled to the analytic engine receives cultural attribute information by category and scores the cultural attribute data for each cultural attribute to create scored data. A map engine receives the scored data and maps the cultural attribute data to a graphic output. An assessment engine quantifies areas, organization priorities, or cultural tendencies associated with each graphic output. A comparison engine compares a plurality of graphic outputs in a single comparison graphic output of cultural tendencies.

Abstract: A method of predicting a nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission rate of a non-continuous, natural gas-fired boiler is presented. The method includes: calculating a correlation of the NOx emission rate to a measured fuel flow rate and a sampled oxygen (O2) concentration based on a plurality of sampled NOx emission concentrations, measured fuel flow rates, and sampled (O2) concentrations during operation of the non-continuous, natural gas-fired boiler using a computing device; calculating a predicted NOx emission rate based on the correlation with the measured fuel flow rate and the sampled O2 concentration using the computing device; and providing the predicted NOx emission rate for use by a user.

Abstract: A method of predicting a nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission rate of a non-continuous, natural gas-fired boiler is presented. The method includes: calculating a correlation of the NOx emission rate to a measured fuel flow rate and a sampled oxygen (O2) concentration based on a plurality of sampled NOx emission concentrations, measured fuel flow rates, and sampled (O2) concentrations during operation of the non-continuous, natural gas-fired boiler using a computing device; calculating a predicted NOx emission rate based on the correlation with the measured fuel flow rate and the sampled O2 concentration using the computing device; and providing the predicted NOx emission rate for use by a user.

Abstract: This invention relates to polysaccharide materials and more particularly to microbial cellulose containing materials having suitable implantation properties for repair or replacement of hard tissue. The invention also relates to the use of the implantable microbial cellulose as a bone void filler and as a carrier vehicle for active agent delivery for repair or regeneration of hard tissue.

Abstract: A method for transdermally delivering a biologically active agent to a subject in need thereof, comprising topically applying a composition comprising insoluble microbial cellulose, water, and a therapeutically effective amount of the biologically active agent, wherein the biologically active agent penetrates through the subject's stratum corneum at a substantially constant rate.

Abstract: An ultrastiff precision sonic bearing assembly and method thereof for controlling an effective coefficient of friction between two elements in slidable contact configured along an interface under a force sufficient to maintain contact and having static friction therebetween, by inducing a repetitive motion in one of the elements parallel to the interface thereby altering the effective coefficient of friction therebetween. The bearing assembly also provides for additional and independent electronic control over the average thickness thereof and senses the force thereon to allow the bearing assembly stiffness to be altered.

Abstract: A thermally modified microbial-derived cellulose material is described for use as an implantable material in general surgery, plastic surgery and neurosurgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to dura substitutes to be used as prostheses for dural defects in the field of neurosurgery and processes for producing the same. The present invention provides artificial dura mater materials comprising sheets of microbial-derived polysaccharide processed to have the necessary strength characteristics, conformability and physical properties.