Abstract: A communication system may include a first control circuit to detect a break on a first optical link; a first optical source to supply a first optical signal on a second optical link in response to detecting the break on the first optical link, the first optical signal propagating in a first direction on the second optical link; a second control circuit to detect a presence of the first optical signal on the second optical link, and output a control signal in response to detecting the presence of the first optical signal; and a second optical source to supply a second optical signal on the second optical link, the second optical signal propagating in a second direction opposite the first direction, where the Raman pump is disabled in response to the control signal.

Abstract: Tissue compression devices with a combination of fixation and tension straps and methods of using the same are described herein. The tissue compression devices include a combination of fixation and tension straps that are used together to fix or attach the tissue compression device over selected tissue at a selected location on a patient and to apply pressure to the selected tissue. In one or more embodiments, the fixation straps are sued to fix or attach the tissue compression device and the tension straps are used to provide tension that is converted to pressure on the selected tissue.

Abstract: Tissue compression devices having a tension limiting strap retainer and methods of using the same. The tissue compression devices described herein may include a strap retainer that is attached to a base by an elastic member that is configured to draw the strap retainer towards the base. The tissue compression devices described herein may also include a tension indicator that extends between the base of the tissue compression device and strap retainer. The tension indicator may be configured to limit the travel distance of the strap retainer away from the base in response to forces acting on the strap retainer. The tension indicator may also provide visual feedback to a user of the tension force in a strap to attach the tissue compression device to a patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presenting advertisements based on user interactivity with a web page are provided. According to embodiments of the invention, a web page is rendered on a client device. Gesture interactivity with the web page is monitored on the client device. A trigger is executed which defines an interactive event. When the interactive event occurs, as determined based on the monitored gesture interactivity with the web page, secondary content, such as an advertisement, is downloaded and displayed on the client device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presenting advertisements based on user interactivity with a web page are provided. According to embodiments of the invention, a web page is rendered on a client device. Gesture interactivity with the web page is monitored on the client device. A trigger is executed which defines an interactive event. When the interactive event occurs, as determined based on the monitored gesture interactivity with the web page, secondary content, such as an advertisement, is downloaded and displayed on the client device.

Abstract: A self-retaining suture comprises a filament. The filament has retainers on the surface such that the filament can engage and retain tissue without knots. The filament comprises one or more materials at least one of which is a shape-memory polymer or shape-memory alloy. The shape-memory material is used to cause the shape of the retainers and or the filament to transition from a first configuration to a second configuration in response to a transition stimulus. The transition stimulus may be applied before, during, or after deployment of the suture in tissue. In particular, the shape-memory material may be used to enhance the formation, elevation and/or deployment of the retainers. Methods for manufacturing the filament and retainers are also described.

Abstract: A communication system may include a first control circuit to detect a break on a first optical link; a first optical source to supply a first optical signal on a second optical link in response to detecting the break on the first optical link, the first optical signal propagating in a first direction on the second optical link; a second control circuit to detect a presence of the first optical signal on the second optical link, and output a control signal in response to detecting the presence of the first optical signal; and a second optical source to supply a second optical signal on the second optical link, the second optical signal propagating in a second direction opposite the first direction, where the Raman pump is disabled in response to the control signal.

Abstract: Battery management systems and methods are provided. The system includes an electronic device and a fuel cell module. The electronic device includes a processing module, a first power adapter, a first communication interface, and a rechargeable battery. The fuel cell module includes a second power adapter connected with the first power adapter, a second communication interface connected with the first communication interface, at least one fuel cell, and a control unit. The control unit receives a first status of the rechargeable battery from the electronic device via the processing module, the first communication interface and the second communication interface, and determines whether to charge the rechargeable battery using the fuel cell via the second power adapter and the first power adapter according to the first status.

Abstract: Thiocarbonate compounds are reacted with various polyols to introduce hydroxyl end groups thereto which can be subsequently reacted with urethane forming compounds to form various polyurethanes including block copolymers thereof.

Abstract: A s,s?-bis-(?,??-disubstituted-??-acetic acid)-trithiocarbonate and derivatives thereof can be used as an initiator, chain transfer agent, or terminator for polymerization of monomers such as free radical polymerizable monomers. Homopolymers, copolymers, and the like as well as block copolymers can be made utilizing the trithiocarbonate compound such as in a living free radical polymerization as well as to form telechelic polymers.

Abstract: Dithiocarbonate derivatives are disclosed, along with a process for preparing the same. The dithiocarbonate compounds can be utilized as initators, chain transfer agents and/or terminators in controlled free radical polymerizations. The dithiocarbonates can be used to produce polymers having narrow molecular weight distribution. Advantageously, the compounds of the present invention can also introduce functional groups into the resulting polymers. The dithiocarbonate compounds have low odor and are substantially colorless.

Abstract: The invention provides devices for the disruption of one or more layers of skin and methods of their use to administer therapeutic agents, e.g., antigens or drugs. The devices are designed to disrupt a defined area of skin. The defined area can approximate the area that a patch or other suitable vehicle for therapeutic agent, e.g., drug or vaccine, delivery is designed to contact. Exemplary devices employ a mask to define the area to be disrupted. Other devices disrupt a defined area by rotating in place. For devices that employ a mask that is secured to the skin, the invention provides methods of disrupting the stratum corneum by first securing the mask to the skin and then disrupting the skin. For rotating devices, the disrupting member is simply placed against the skin and actuated to effect disruption.

Abstract: Thiocarbonate compounds which, in one embodiment, are utilized as a rheology modifier or associative thickener. The thiocarbonate compounds thicken or increase the viscosity of a composition, preferably an aqueous composition when used in an effective amount. In one preferred embodiment, the thiocarbonate compounds include at least one hydrophilic group containing repeat unit such as derived from acrylic acid, and at least one hydrophobic group to enhance association with other compounds and thus increase viscosity of a composition. Aqueous composition comprising a latex and thiocarbonate associative thickeners are described.

Abstract: A s,s?-bis-(?,??-disubstituted-??-acetic acid)-trithiocarbonate and derivatives thereof can be used as an initiator, chain transfer agent, or terminator for polymerization of monomers such as free radical polymerizable monomers. Homopolymers, copolymers, and the like as well as block copolymers can be made utilizing the trithio carbonate compound such as in a living free radical polymerization as well as to form telechelic polymers.

Abstract: Thiocarbonate compounds which, in one embodiment, are utilized as a rheology modifier or associative thickener. The thiocarbonate compounds thicken or increase the viscosity of a composition, preferably an aqueous composition when used in an effective amount. In one preferred embodiment, the thiocarbonate compounds include at least one hydrophilic group containing repeat unit such as derived from acrylic acid, and at least one hydrophobic group to enhance association with other compounds and thus increase viscosity of a composition. Aqueous composition comprising a latex and thiocarbonate associative thickeners are described.

Abstract: Carboxylate terminated thiocarbonates are reacted with a polyfunctional alcohol to form a hydroxyl-terminated thiocarbonate compound.

Abstract: An adjustable window blind cord stopper includes a locking guider slidably connected on a lift cord of the window blind assembly by constructing an adjustable knot at a guiding through slot of the locking guider. In which, in an unlocked position that the adjustable knot is normally loosen with respect to the locking guider, the cord stopper is adapted for sliding along the cord in such a manner that when the adjustable knot is positioned above the guiding through slot, the cord stopper is adapted to slide downwardly along the lift cord, and when the adjustable knot is positioned below the guiding through slot, the cord stopper is adapted to slide upwardly along the lift cord. Thereby, the folding or unfolding condition of the slats of the window blind assembly can be locked up by sliding the cord stopper between an upper position and a lower position.

Abstract: An adjustable window blind cord stopper includes a locking guider slidably connected on a lift cord of the window blind assembly by constructing an adjustable knot at a guiding through slot of the locking guider. In which, in an unlocked position that the adjustable knot is normally loosen with respect to the locking guider, the cord stopper is adapted for sliding along the cord in such a manner that when the adjustable knot is positioned above the guiding through slot, the cord stopper is adapted to slide downwardly along the lift cord, and when the adjustable knot is positioned below the guiding through slot, the cord stopper is adapted to slide upwardly along the lift cord. Thereby, the folding or unfolding condition of the slats of the window blind assembly can be locked up by sliding the cord stopper between an upper position and a lower position.

Abstract: An adjustable window blind cord stopper includes a locking guider slidably connected on a lift cord of the window blind assembly by constructing an adjustable knot at a guiding through slot of the locking guider. In which, in an unlocked position that the adjustable knot is normally loosen with respect to the locking guider, the cord stopper is adapted for sliding along the cord in such a manner that when the adjustable knot is positioned above the guiding through slot, the cord stopper is adapted to slide downwardly along the lift cord, and when the adjustable knot is positioned below the guiding through slot, the cord stopper is adapted to slide upwardly along the lift cord. Thereby, the folding or unfolding condition of the slats of the window blind assembly can be locked up by sliding the cord stopper between an upper position and a lower position.