Abstract: One or more radar sensors can be used to monitor patients in a variety of different environments and embodiments. In one embodiment, radar sensors can be used to monitor a patient's breathing, including monitoring of tidal volume, chest expansion distance, breathing rate, etc. In another embodiment, a patient position can be monitored in a patient bed, which can be used as feedback for control of bladders of a patient bed. Additional embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A movement detection device includes a signal transmission device configured to transmit a radar signal transmission toward a target area and to receive reflected radar signals, and a signal analysis device configured to analyze the reflected radar signals to detect a movement in the target area that is indicative of micro-shivering. In response to detecting the micro-shivering, the movement detection device generates an alarm.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process and related article for functionalizing a porous membrane by contacting the membrane with a polyacid polymer at low pH to stably adsorb a polyacid layer on the membrane pore surface. The resulting functionalized membrane is characterized by a high density of free acid groups, resulting in a higher specific capacity for its intended application. The process allows functionalization of porous membranes in a very simple, one-step process. Such functional membranes may find multiple uses, including rapid, selective binding of proteins for their purification or immobilization.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process and related article for functionalizing a porous membrane by contacting the membrane with a polyacid polymer at low pH to stably adsorb a polyacid layer on the membrane pore surface. The resulting functionalized membrane is characterized by a high density of free acid groups, resulting in a higher specific capacity for its intended application. The process allows functionalization of porous membranes in a very simple, one-step process. Such functional membranes may find multiple uses, including rapid, selective binding of proteins for their purification or immobilization.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process and related article for functionalizing a porous membrane by contacting the membrane with a polyacid polymer at low pH to stably adsorb a polyacid layer on the membrane pore surface. The resulting functionalized membrane is characterized by a high density of free acid groups, resulting in a higher specific capacity for its intended application. The process allows functionalization of porous membranes in a very simple, one-step process. Such functional membranes may find multiple uses, including rapid, selective binding of proteins for their purification or immobilization.

Abstract: Poly(glycolide) polymers are disclosed. The polymers generally include a polymerized alkynyl-substituted glycolide having a polymer backbone with one or more alkynyl groups appended thereto. The alkynyl groups provide reactive sites for further functionalization of the polymer, for example by reaction with azide derivatives (e.g., azide-substituted organic compounds). Alkynyl and azide groups react via the “click” chemistry mechanism to form functional groups covalently bonded to the polymer via a triazole link. The polymers are biodegradable and can be used to deliver drugs or other therapeutic substances (e.g., large biomolecules such as single strand RNA) at targeted locations in a patient's body and/or at controlled release rates.

Abstract: Poly(glycolide) polymers are disclosed. The polymers generally include a glycolide-based polymer backbone that includes one or more functional groups such as alkynyl groups, hydrophilic organic triazole groups, hydrophobic organic triazole groups (also including amphiphilic organic triazole groups), di-triazole organic crosslinking groups, and triazole-substituted drug derivatives. The alkynyl groups provide reactive sites for further functionalization of the polymer, for example by reaction with azide derivatives. The polymers can further encapsulate a drug for delivery to a patient (i.e., as compared to drug derivatives that are covalently attached to the polymer). The polymers can be in the form of thermodynamically stable unimolecular micelles or crosslinked nanoparticles. The polymer compositions are completely biodegradable and hold great potential for use in biomedical applications.

Abstract: A homopolymer of 1,4-benzodioxepin-3-cyclohexyl-2,5-dione with a Tg of 120° C. Copolymers are also described. The polymers are useful for surgical and other applications where biodegradability is important.

Abstract: A light modifying ceramic composition comprises an oxygen permeable sol-gel matrix and a lumophore held on the matrix. In particular, the lumophore of the invention is a hexanuclear molybdenum/tungsten core having 12 anionic ligands and two ligands that are uncharged. Uncharged ligands include organic nitriles, organic phosphines, and organic arsines. In one embodiment, the ceramic composition containing the lumophore and the sol-gel matrix is applied to the end of an optical fiber to provide a remote oxygen sensor. The sensors are useful for in situ biological monitoring of oxygen either in vivo or in vitro, and in time dependent control of combustion processes such as an automobile or power plant.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for creating a customized content viewer portlet from a content viewer portlet template. The system comprises a content viewer portlet template that is imported into a workbench. The content viewer portlet template includes a persistent interface component, a model component, a view component and a controller component. The persistent interface component is configured to connect to and retrieve data from a content management system, with the retrieved data being stored in the model component. The view component is configured to retrieve the data from the model component and to display the data as content items. The controller component is configured to invoke methods to be executed by the persistent interface component and the view component in response to a user request, such that the content viewer portlet template is transformed into the customized content viewer portlet that can be installed into a desired portal.

Abstract: Cyclic alkyl, particularly cyclohexyl, substituted glycolides and polylactides are described. The polylactides have a high glass transition temperature and improved clarity.

Abstract: Cyclic alkyl, particularly cyclohexyl, substituted glycolides and polylactides are described. The polylactides have a high glass transition temperature and improved clarity.

Abstract: Poly(glycolide) polymers are disclosed. The polymers generally include a glycolide-based polymer backbone that includes one or more functional groups such as alkynyl groups, hydrophilic organic triazole groups, hydrophobic organic triazole groups (also including amphiphilic organic triazole groups), di-triazole organic crosslinking groups, and triazole-substituted drug derivatives. The alkynyl groups provide reactive sites for further functionalization of the polymer, for example by reaction with azide derivatives. The polymers can further encapsulate a drug for delivery to a patient (i.e., as compared to drug derivatives that are covalently attached to the polymer). The polymers can be in the form of thermodynamically stable unimolecular micelles or crosslinked nanoparticles. The polymer compositions are completely biodegradable and hold great potential for use in biomedical applications.

Abstract: Cyclic alkyl, particularly cyclohexyl, substituted glycolides and polylactides are described. The polylactides have a high glass transition temperature and improved clarity.

Abstract: Poly(glycolide) polymers are disclosed. The polymers generally include a polymerized alkynyl-substituted glycolide having a polymer backbone with one or more alkynyl groups appended thereto. The alkynyl groups provide reactive sites for further functionalization of the polymer, for example by reaction with azide derivatives (e.g., azide-substituted organic compounds). Alkynyl and azide groups react via the “click” chemistry mechanism to form functional groups covalently bonded to the polymer via a triazole link. The polymers are biodegradable and can be used to deliver drugs or other therapeutic substances (e.g., large biomolecules such as single strand RNA) at targeted locations in a patient's body and/or at controlled release rates.

Abstract: A homopolymer of 1,4-benzodioxepin-3-cyclohexyl-2,5-dione with a Tg of 120° C. Copolymers are also described. The polymers are useful for surgical and other applications where biodegradability is important.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the direct synthesis of high melting polymers made from dimeric cyclic esters. In particular, the present invention provides a process for synthesis of polylactic acid (PLA) from racemic materials such as racemic lactide and polymandelide from mandelide. The process further provides racemic metal organic ligand catalysts such as racemic salbinap that catalyzes the polymerization of racemic dimeric cyclic ester monomers to a polylactide stereocomplex. Polymandelide and mixed dimeric cyclic esters are also prepared in the presence of low amounts of water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the direct synthesis of high melting polymers made from dimeric cyclic esters. In particular, the present invention provides a process for synthesis of polylactic acid (PLA) from racemic materials such as racemic lactide and polymandelide from mandelide. The process further provides racemic metal organic ligand catalysts such as racemic salbinap that catalyzes the polymerization of racemic dimeric cyclic ester monomers to a polylactide stereocomplex. Polymandelide and mixed dimeric cyclic esters are also prepared in the presence of low amounts of water.

Abstract: A composite electrolyte comprises (a) surface modified fumed silica filler, wherein the surface modified fumed silica comprises polymerizable groups on the surface thereof, the polymerizable groups being bonded to each other such that the surface modified fumed silica filler is crosslinked in a three-dimensional structure; (b) a dissociable lithium salt; and (c) a bulk medium which contains the surface modified fumed silica filler and the dissociable lithium salt. An electrochemical cell comprises an anode, a cathode, and a composite electrolyte dispersed between the anode and cathode.

Abstract: A technique for the preparation of an oriented thin film polydiacetylene suitable for use in channel waveguides involves depositing an alignment polymer upon a substrate, rubbing the surface thereof to effect orientation, depositing the polydiacetylene thereon and heating to a temperature just below the melting point thereof.