Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing a polymeric scaffold for use in tissue engineering applications or soft tissue surgery, as well as to the produced scaffolds and an associated kit. The method features a first fast drying step of applying a mechanical compression on a polymeric gel layer and a second slow drying step of the gel up to reach a polymer mass fraction of at least 60% w/w in the final scaffold. The method allows the production of scaffolds with high regeneration and healing properties of a grafted tissue via host cell invasion and colonization, and a good suturability. These goals are achieved through the formation within the scaffold of a non-uniform architecture creating softer and stiffer areas, which is maintained even upon re-swelling of the scaffold upon hydration of the final dried product.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing a polymeric scaffold for use in tissue engineering applications or soft tissue surgery, as wellto the produced scaffolds and an associated kit. The method features a first fast drying step of applying a as mechanical compression on a polymeric gel layer and a second slow drying step of the gel up to reach a polymer mass fraction of at least 60% w/w in the final scaffold. The method allows the production of scaffolds with high regeneration and healing properties of a grafted tissue via host cell invasion and colonization, and a good suturability. These goals are achieved through the formation within the scaffold of a non-uniform architecture creating softer and stiffer areas, which is maintained even upon re-swelling of the scaffold upon hydration of the final dried product.

Abstract: In making paper from an aqueous paper making stock, a binder comprising colloidal silicic acid and guar gum is added to the stock for improving the paper or the retention of the stock components so that the pollution problems and the amount of valuable substances in the white water are reduced. The guar gum is amphoteric or preferably cationic and may form part of the binder complex in a mixture with cationic starch. The weight ratio of guar gum to SiO.sub.2 or of guar gum plus cationic starch to SiO.sub.2 is between 0.1:1 and 25:1.

Abstract: In making paper from an aqueous papermaking stock a binder comprising colloidal silicic acid and cationic starch is added to the stock for improving the paper or the retention of the stock components, or is added to the white water for reducing the pollution problems or recovering values from the white water.The cationic starch of the binder has a degree of substitution of not less than 0.01, and the weight ratio of cationic starch to SiO.sub.2 is between 1:1 and 25:1.

Abstract: A papermaking process in which an aqueous papermaking stock containing a cellulosic pulp is formed and dried. The stock includes a binder comprising colloidal silicic acid, and cationic starch which is added to the stock before the sheet is formed. The manner of addition involves first adding and intermixing in the stock a portion of the colloidal silicic acid and then the cationic starch and, after an agglomerate has formed, adding and intermixing the remainder of the colloidal silicic acid prior to the formation of the sheet. The method results in improved sheet properties and improved retention of filler and fines on the wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning system in which, during the cleaning procedure, the articles have to pass a plurality of treatment stations in a direction which is opposite to that in which the flow of the cleaning liquid is established. From the first and most contaminated of the treatment stations, the cleaning liquid is removed and supplied to an ultrafilter. At least part of the outflow from this filter is returned to one of the latest or to the last treatment station. Ultrasonic energy is used to increase the efficiency of at least one of the stations. Ambient heat and vapor loss are recaptured.