Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an amino acid-modified polymer, a carboxypolysaccharide, and may further include a metal ion for anti-adhesion and vector application. More specifically, the invention relates to a thermosensitive composition having enhanced mechanical and improved water-erosion resistant properties for efficiently preventing tissue adhesions and can serve as a vector with bio-compatible, bio-degradable/absorbable, and in-vivo sustainable properties.

Abstract: Synthetic amino acid-modified polymers and methods of making the same and using the same are disclosed. The synthetic amino acid-modified polymers possess distinct thermosensitive, improved water-erosion resistant, and enhanced mechanical properties, and are suitable of reducing or preventing formation of postoperative tissue adhesions. Additionally, the amino acid-modified polymers can also be used as a vector to deliver pharmaceutically active agents.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing semiconductor substrates provides a substrate stage being a rotatable disc with a solid surface and a terraced edge with upper, intermediate and lower portions of increasing diameter. A hollow edge ring rests on the intermediate edge portion and a substrate disposed on the rotatable disc is lifted and transported by robot blades positioned beneath the edge ring and which lift the edge ring which holds the substrate around its edges. The rotatable disc and edge ring find application in MOCVD and other semiconductor manufacturing tools.