Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer blend comprising: (A) about 1% by weight to about 99% by weight of at least one polymer (A) comprising terephthalic acid residues, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; (B) about 1% by weight to about 99% by weight of at least one polymer (B) comprising 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid residues and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, and (C) about 0.01% by weight to about 20% by weight of at least one antimicrobial agent; said weight percentages being based on the total weight of the polymer blend.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a top assembly, a bottom assembly, and a diaphragm assembly. The bottom assembly is coupled to the top assembly to form an overall assembly. The diaphragm assembly includes a ring and a diaphragm flexible member that is attached to the ring. The ring forms an opening and at least one strengthening member is disposed at least partially across the opening. The at least one strengthening member is configured to provide strength and maintain a predetermined compliance of the diaphragm flexible member.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention relates to a method of making an encapsulated electrically energized device, the method comprising: providing a first layer and a second layer each independently comprising a copolyester, a polycarbonate, a polyacrylate, polycarbonate/polyester miscible blends, or mixtures thereof, providing the electrically energized between the first and second layer, thermocompressively fusing the first layer and the second layer to encapsulate the electrically energized device by applying pressure at a temperature, sufficient to form the article, to a perimeter of the surface of the first and second layers, wherein the perimeter does not overlap the electrically energized device, wherein the temperature at the interface of the first and second layers is equal to or greater than Tg of the first layer and the second layer, and wherein the polyester layers have a flow during encapsulation less than the flow that induces fractures in the electrically energized device.

Abstract: A risk management system enables users to assess various probabilities of achieving certain audience and advertising delivery guarantees by computing levels of risk associated with various levels of audience guarantees. Statistical theory is applied to actual currency level audience estimation systems to support an application that implements a guarantee tool so that users may examine the specific risk levels for specific advertising schedules. In one illustrative example, both sellers and buyers of magazine advertising may utilize the risk management system to negotiate guarantees at specific ad-audience levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to films made from mixed cellulose esters having low hydroxyl content and certain plasticizers. These films can exhibit +C plate, ?A plate, and biaxial Nz behavior, which make them particularly suitable for use in optical applications, such as in liquid crystal displays (LCD) as protective and compensator films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to films made from cellulose triacetate having low hydroxyl content and certain plasticizers. These films can exhibit low or zero optical retardation values, making them particularly suitable for use in optical applications, such as in liquid crystal displays (LCD) as protective and compensator films.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to engineered bacteriophages which express amyloid peptides for the modulation (e.g. increase or decrease) of protein aggregates and amyloid formation. In some embodiments, the engineered bacteriophages express anti-amyloid peptides for inhibiting protein aggregation and amyloid formation, which can be useful in the treatment and prevention of and bacterial infections and biofilms. In some embodiments, the engineered bacteriophages express amyloid peptides for promoting amyloid formation, which are useful for increasing amyloid formation such as promoting bacterial biofilms. Other aspects relate to methods to inhibit bacteria biofilms, and methods for the treatment of amyloid related disorders, e.g., Alzheimer's disease using an anti-amyloid peptide engineered bacteriophages. Other aspects of the invention relate to engineered bacteriophages to express the amyloid peptides on the bacteriophage surface and/or secrete the amyloid peptides, e.g.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blend comprising: (A) about 80% by weight to about 99.99% by weight of at least one polyester comprising terephthalic acid residues, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and (B) about 0.01% by weight to about 20% by weight of at least one antimicrobial agent; said weight percentages being based on the total weight of the blend.

Abstract: Disclosed are laminated articles comprising a first polymer layer and a second polymer layer having an inclusion embedded between the layers, wherein at least one layer comprises a branching agent to improve dimensional stability during the lamination process. Disclosed are laminated articles comprising a first polymer layer and a second polymer layer having an inclusion embedded between the layers, wherein at least one layer comprises a copolyester comprising a branching agent to improve dimensional stability during the lamination process. Also disclosed are methods of laminating a first layer and a second layer with an inclusion between the layers to form a laminated article with an embedded inclusion, wherein at least one layer comprises a copolyester comprising a branching agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer blend comprising: (A) about 1% by weight to about 99% by weight of at least one polymer (A) comprising terephthalic acid residues, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; (B) about 1% by weight to about 99% by weight of at least one polymer (B) comprising 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid residues and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, and (C) about 0.01% by weight to about 20% by weight of at least one antimicrobial agent; said weight percentages being based on the total weight of the polymer blend.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blend comprising: (A) about 80% by weight to about 99.99% by weight of at least one polyester comprising terephthalic acid residues, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and (B) about 0.01% by weight to about 20% by weight of at least one antimicrobial agent; said weight percentages being based on the total weight of the blend.

Abstract: A method of constructing a forwarding database for a data communications network comprising a plurality of network components and supporting at least first and second topologies having one or more common network components is described. The forwarding database includes a plurality of entries providing forwarding information for data destined for a related network component. The method comprises the step, performed at a constructing network component, of deriving topology dependent forwarding information for data destined for a network component. The method further comprises the step of including the topology dependent forwarding information at the related forwarding database entry.

Abstract: Polyester blends containing recycled, post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate are described. The blends have the advantage of being miscible (visually clear) and remaining clear after post-extrusion heat histories.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to methods, systems, and computer program products for managing productivity. Methods include establishing a planned execution time for performing a task. The task is assigned a unique identifier. Methods further include comparing the planned execution time with an actual execution time for performing the task and, based upon the results, calculating an efficiency rating. The actual execution time is extracted from a task dispatch system via the unique identifier. Methods also include associating the efficiency rating with one or more of: an individual performing the task, a supervisor of the individual performing the task, a group of individuals with which the individual performing the task is associated, and an organization associated with the individual performing the task.

Abstract: A method of constructing a forwarding database for a data communications network comprising a plurality of network components and supporting at least first and second topologies having one or more common network components is described. The forwarding database includes at least first and second database structures having records including forwarding information for data destined for related network components in the respective topologies. Each database structure has a plurality of elements including a pointer to one of a succeeding element or a record including said forwarding information. The method comprises the step, performed at a constructing network component of identifying a network component common to the first and second topologies for which a record exists in the second database structure. The method further comprises the step of including a pointer from the related element in the first database structure to a corresponding element or record in the second database structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a demodulator circuit in a communication system using a multi-carrier modulation scheme. The demodulator uses channel state information for respective carriers in the multi-carrier modulation to de-map the received data.

Abstract: A shock tool is adapted to a bottom hole tool assembly for isolating a zone in a subterranean formation accessed by a wellbore. Fracturing fluid such as nitrogen is accumulated at fracturing pressures uphole of the shock tool for subsequent and rapid release to the formation. The tool assembly can be suspended from a conveyance string in which fluid is accumulated for shock release through a valve of the shock tool and through an injection tool to the zone isolated by the injection tool. After a first zone is shocked, the tool assembly can be moved to a new zone, or multiple shocks can be applied cyclically at the selected zone.

Abstract: An insertion device for an infusion set, the insertion device including a two-part housing and a retainer or a retention means by which the infusion set can be temporarily held on the device, and a driver or a drive means including a pretensionable spring for providing the drive energy for an insertion movement of the infusion set, wherein one of the housing parts can be pivoted relative to the other to engage the infusion set and, after engagement of the infusion set, they can be pivoted again, as a result of which the spring is pretensioned and the insertion device is brought to a ready-to-use state. After the insertion movement has been triggered, the infusion set is separated from the device, such that it can execute the greatest part of the insertion movement free of the retainer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for improving cotton fiber length comprising applying to cotton a composition comprising a mixture of (A) cyclanilide or one of its agriculturally effective salts, (B) mepiquat chloride or one of its agriculturally effective salts, (C) optional additives for plant-protection compositions, and (D) optional adjuvants for plant-protection compositions, and wherein the mixture is applied at an application rate such that the total of components A and B is from about 4 to about 200 g/hectare.

Abstract: A source device (110) receives a carrier signal and continuously monitors the carrier signal for a first predetermined condition and a second predetermined condition. The source device (110) transmits data if the first predetermined condition is satisfied. The source device (110) ceases transmission of data if the first predetermined condition subsequently is not satisfied or if a second predetermined condition is satisfied.