Abstract: A tilt-tip moldable bed system for the care of immobile patients is provided. The bed system may include a moldable mattress having a casing with a bladder defining an inner volume and a top compliant surface over a top surface of the bladder, the compliant surface configured to conform to a shape of a displacing structure. The bladder may be configured to hold a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid medium. The moldable mattress may be molded while inflated and maintain a resilient shape when evacuated. The system may further include a supporting frame for the moldable support structure having a laterally rigid outer rim with at least one attachment point for the moldable mattress, at least one attachment point for a netted sling, and one or more mounting tracks configured to support at least one peripheral attachment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to subcutaneously implanted graft-port systems, devices and methods for establishing access to the vascular system of a patient requiring multiple blood treatments over an extended period of time. The systems, devices and methods disclosed herein reduce miscannulation, promote intra-session hemostasis, and decrease the incidence of bacteremia and sepsis among other improvements and advantages. The devices include a port with a flattened plateau-like surface for receiving an access tube. The flat surface may include a tactile or visual guide to assist with placement of the access tube into the tapered seat. Optional valve mechanisms reduce the size and form factor of the implantable graft-port device and seals the conduit of the port closed to physiologic pressures until the valve is opened upon percutaneous insertion of the access tube. The access tube does not pass into the conduit.

Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) system includes an electrode, a support structure configured to be worn by an ambulatory patient so as to maintain the electrode on the patient's body, and an energy storage module configured to store a charge that can be discharged via the electrode to deliver an electric shock to the patient. The WCD system further includes a divert actuator, for the patient to prevent an imminent discharge that is unnecessary. In some embodiments, actuating the divert actuator is overridden, for instance where it is inferred that the divert actuator is being actuated inadvertently. An advantage can be that a life-saving shock is thus not withheld. In some embodiments the divert actuator is used also for playing an instructional message, or for initiating long-term recording of an episode. An advantage can be that the patient needs to learn about fewer controls of the WCD system.

Abstract: A tilt-tip moldable bed system for the care of immobile patients is provided. The bed system may include a moldable mattress having a casing with a bladder defining an inner volume and a top compliant surface over a top surface of the bladder, the compliant surface configured to conform to a shape of a displacing structure. The bladder may be configured to hold a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid medium. The moldable mattress may be molded while inflated and maintain a resilient shape when evacuated. The system may further include a supporting frame for the moldable support structure having a laterally rigid outer rim with at least one attachment point for the moldable mattress, at least one attachment point for a netted sling, and one or more mounting tracks configured to support at least one peripheral attachment.

Abstract: Provided is a collection of polymer beads, wherein the volume distribution expressed as a function of bead diameter comprises (A1) a first peak having a maximum of PM1 at diameter PD1 and having full width at half maximum of 75 ?m or less, (A2) a second peak having a maximum of PM2 at diameter PD2 and having full width at half maximum of 75 ?m or less; and (B1) a valley having a minimum value of VM1 at a diameter between PD1 and PD2, wherein VM1 is less than 0.25*PM1 and VM1 is also less than 0.25*PM2. wherein the polymer beads comprise polymerized units of one or more monofunctional vinyl monomer and one or more multifunctional vinyl monomer.

Abstract: A tilt-tip moldable bed system for the care of immobile patients is provided. The bed system may include a moldable mattress having a casing with a bladder defining an inner volume and a top compliant surface over a top surface of the bladder, the compliant surface configured to conform to a shape of a displacing structure. The bladder may be configured to hold a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid medium. The moldable mattress may be molded while inflated and maintain a resilient shape when evacuated. The system may further include a supporting frame for the moldable support structure having a laterally rigid outer rim with at least one attachment point for the moldable mattress, at least one attachment point for a netted sling, and one or more mounting tracks configured to support at least one peripheral attachment.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming a polymer, comprising (a) providing a reaction mixture comprising (i) one or more vinyl monomers, (ii) one or more pH-sensitive inhibition systems, (iii) one or more initiators, and (iv) water; (b) establishing conditions in said reaction mixture such that a free radical polymerization of said vinyl monomer occurs at a location, and (c) after steps (a) and (b) and prior to completion of said free radical polymerization, changing the pH of said reaction mixture to increase the rate of generation of said free radical polymerization at the location of said free radical polymerization.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming a polymer, comprising (a) providing a reaction mixture comprising (i) one or more vinyl monomers, (ii) one or more pH-sensitive inhibition systems, (iii) one or more initiators, and (iv) water; (b) establishing conditions in said reaction mixture such that a free radical polymerization of said vinyl monomer occurs at a location, and (c) after steps (a) and (b) and prior to completion of said free radical polymerization, changing the pH of said reaction mixture to increase the rate of generation of said free radical polymerization at the location of said free radical polymerization.

Abstract: Provided is a method of suspension polymerization comprising (I) providing a composition comprising droplets distributed in an aqueous medium, wherein the droplets comprise one or more boronic acids, one or more monomers, and one or more initiators, and wherein the aqueous medium comprises polyvinyl alcohol; wherein the one or more boronic acids are present in an amount of 0.002% or more, by weight based on the weight of the droplets, and (II) stressing the composition so that the initiator initiates polymerization of the monomer.

Abstract: Provided is a composition comprising droplets distributed in an aqueous medium, wherein the droplets comprise one or more boronic acids, and wherein the aqueous medium comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: Provided is a method of making droplets distributed in an aqueous medium comprising bringing into contact (i) an organic solution comprising 0.

Abstract: A tilt-tip moldable bed system for the care of immobile patients is provided. The bed system may include a moldable mattress having a casing with a bladder defining an inner volume and a top compliant surface over a top surface of the bladder, the compliant surface configured to conform to a shape of a displacing structure. The bladder may be configured to hold a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid medium. The moldable mattress may be molded while inflated and maintain a resilient shape when evacuated. The system may further include a supporting frame for the moldable support structure having a laterally rigid outer rim with at least one attachment point for the moldable mattress, at least one attachment point for a netted sling, and one or more mounting tracks configured to support at least one peripheral attachment.

Abstract: A tilt-tip moldable bed system for the care of immobile patients is provided. The bed system may include a moldable mattress having a casing with a bladder defining an inner volume and a top compliant surface over a top surface of the bladder, the compliant surface configured to conform to a shape of a displacing structure. The bladder may be configured to hold a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid medium. The moldable mattress may be molded while inflated and maintain a resilient shape when evacuated. The system may further include a supporting frame for the moldable support structure having a laterally rigid outer rim with at least one attachment point for the moldable mattress, at least one attachment point for a netted sling, and one or more mounting tracks configured to support at least one peripheral attachment.

Abstract: A tilt-tip moldable bed system for the care of immobile patients is provided. The bed system may include a moldable mattress having a casing with a bladder defining an inner volume and a top compliant surface over a top surface of the bladder, the compliant surface configured to conform to a shape of a displacing structure. The bladder may be configured to hold a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid medium. The moldable mattress may be molded while inflated and maintain a resilient shape when evacuated. The system may further include a supporting frame for the moldable support structure having a laterally rigid outer rim with at least one attachment point for the moldable mattress, at least one attachment point for a netted sling, and one or more mounting tracks configured to support at least one peripheral attachment.

Abstract: Provided is a method of suspension polymerization comprising (i) providing a suspension of liquid droplets in an aqueous medium, wherein said droplets comprise (a) one or more water-insoluble vinyl monomers, and (b) a polyelectrolyte (PED) having a polarity, (c) one or more initiators, and wherein said aqueous medium comprises a polyelectrolyte (PEW) having a polarity that is opposite to the polarity of said polyelectrolyte (PED), (ii) polymerizing said vinyl monomer or allowing said vinyl monomer to polymerize.

Abstract: Provided is a suspension comprising liquid droplets dispersed in an aqueous medium, wherein said droplets comprise (a) one or more water-insoluble compounds, and (b) a vinyl polyelectrolyte (PED) having a polarity, and wherein said aqueous medium comprises a polyelectrolyte (PEW) having a polarity that is opposite to the polarity of said polyelectrolyte (PED). Also provided are a method of making such a suspension and a method using such a suspension in a process of suspension polymerization.

Abstract: A tilt-tip moldable bed system for the care of immobile patients is provided. The bed system may include a moldable mattress having a casing with a bladder defining an inner volume and a top compliant surface over a top surface of the bladder, the compliant surface configured to conform to a shape of a displacing structure. The bladder may be configured to hold a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid medium. The moldable mattress may be molded while inflated and maintain a resilient shape when evacuated. The system may further include a supporting frame for the moldable support structure having a laterally rigid outer rim with at least one attachment point for the moldable mattress, at least one attachment point for a netted sling, and one or more mounting tracks configured to support at least one peripheral attachment.

Abstract: Provided is a method of suspension polymerization comprising (i) providing a suspension of liquid droplets in an aqueous medium, wherein said droplets comprise (a) one or more water-insoluble vinyl monomers, and (b) a polyelectrolyte (PED) having a polarity, (c) one or more initiators, and wherein said aqueous medium comprises a polyelectrolyte (PEW) having a polarity that is opposite to the polarity of said polyelectrolyte (PED), (ii) polymerizing said vinyl monomer or allowing said vinyl monomer to polymerize.

Abstract: Provided is a suspension comprising liquid droplets dispersed in an aqueous medium, wherein said droplets comprise (a) one or more water-insoluble compounds, and (b) a vinyl polyelectrolyte (PED) having a polarity, and wherein said aqueous medium comprises a polyelectrolyte (PEW) having a polarity that is opposite to the polarity of said polyelectrolyte (PED). Also provided are a method of making such a suspension and a method using such a suspension in a process of suspension polymerization.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming a polymer, comprising (a) providing a reaction mixture comprising (i) one or more vinyl monomers, (ii) one or more pH-sensitive inhibition systems, (iii) one or more initiators, and (iv) water; (b) establishing conditions in said reaction mixture such that a free radical polymerization of said vinyl monomer occurs at a location, and (c) after steps (a) and (b) and prior to completion of said free radical polymerization, changing the pH of said reaction mixture to increase the rate of generation of said free radical polymerization at the location of said free radical polymerization.