Abstract: The present invention describes an implantable tissue lifting and fixation device. More particularly, the present invention describes a temporal brow lifting device comprised of a bio-absorbable supportive backing. The device has a shape of a curvilinear end and a tail end region. The curvilinear end region comprises a plurality of attachment points protruding from the supportive backing, and the tail region comprises of a plurality of cavities in order to secure the device at the desired elevated position in the deep temporal fascia. The plurality of attachment points distributes tension in a multi-vector direction over the contact area between the device and the tissue. The attachment points can be manufactured separately and attached, however, preferably, the attachment points are made integral with the temporal brow lifting device.

Abstract: Stepped-edge and side-support members, systems, assemblies, and related methods for an innerspring assembly or other core are disclosed. In one embodiment, an innerspring assembly or core is provided having an interior area of a first height surrounded by one or more exterior, perimeter area(s) of shorter height(s) to provide a stepped-edge innerspring assembly or core. At least a portion of side-support members are placed onto at least a portion of the top surface of the perimeter area to provide edge-support for the innerspring assembly or core. In this manner, a greater portion of the side-support members can be disposed in the sleeping area of the innerspring assembly or core since the underlying perimeter area provides spring support to the side-support members. Further, this support can assist in retention and/or recovery of the shape of the side-support members to further prevent or reduce compression set of the side-support members.

Abstract: Polymers, methods of use thereof, and methods of decomposition thereof, are provided. One exemplary polymer, among others, includes, a photodefinable polymer having a sacrificial polymer and a photoinitiator.

Abstract: Polymers, methods of use thereof, and methods of decomposition thereof, are provided. One exemplary polymer, among others, includes, a photodefinable polymer having a sacrificial polymer and a photoinitiator.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include a unitary or monolithic composite or hybrid cushioning structure(s) and profile(s) comprised of a cellular thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material. The thermoset material may also be provided as cellular foam as well. In one embodiment disclosed herein, the unitary composite cushioning structure is formed from a cellular thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material. The cellular thermoplastic foam provides support characteristics to the unitary composite cushioning structure. The thermoset material provides a resilient structure with cushioning characteristics to the cushioning structure. A stratum is disposed between at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam and at least a portion of the thermoset material to secure the at least a portion of the thermoset material to the at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam to provide a unitary composite cushioning structure.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include a unitary or monolithic composite or hybrid cushioning structure(s) and profile(s) comprised of a cellular thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material. The thermoset material may also be provided as cellular foam as well. In one embodiment disclosed herein, the unitary composite cushioning structure is formed from a cellular thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material. The cellular thermoplastic foam provides support characteristics to the unitary composite cushioning structure. The thermoset material provides a resilient structure with cushioning characteristics to the cushioning structure. A stratum is disposed between at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam and at least a portion of the thermoset material to secure the at least a portion of the thermoset material to the at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam to provide a unitary composite cushioning structure.

Abstract: Related methods to produce unitary or monolithic composite or hybrid cushioning structure(s) and profile(s) comprised of a thermoplastic foam and a thermoset material are also disclosed. As non-limiting examples, the thermoset material may also be provided as cellular foam. The unitary composite cushioning structure may be formed from the thermoplastic material and the thermoset material. The thermoplastic material provides support characteristics to the unitary composite cushioning structure. The thermoset material provides a resilient structure with cushioning characteristics to the cushioning structure. A stratum, which may be continuously produced, is formed between at least a portion of the cellular thermoplastic foam and at least a portion of the thermoset material as the thermoset material transforms from a non-solid to a solid phase to secure the at least a portion of the thermoset material to the at least a portion of the thermoplastic material to provide a unitary composite cushioning structure.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the PEGylation of an N-terminal cysteine of a polypeptide such that the thiol group of the cysteine is unreacted in the fmal PEGylated polypeptide. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method of PEGylating a polypeptide having an N-terminal cysteine, the method comprising: contacting the polypeptide with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative having a free aldehyde group in a reaction mixture under reducing conditions such that the N-terminal cysteine in the resultant PEGylated polypeptide has a free thiol group.

Abstract: The present invention describes an implantable tissue lifting and fixation device. More particularly, the present invention describes a temporal brow lifting device comprised of a bio-absorbable supportive backing. The device has a shape of a curvilinear end and a tail end region. The curvilinear end region comprises a plurality of attachment points protruding from the supportive backing, and the tail region comprises of a plurality of cavities in order to secure the device at the desired elevated position in the deep temporal fascia. The plurality of attachment points distributes tension in a multi-vector direction over the contact area between the device and the tissue. The attachment points can be manufactured separately and attached, however, preferably, the attachment points are made integral with the temporal brow lifting device.

Abstract: A method for assaying a biological sample includes forming sensitized microcapsules filled with unique oligomarkers, capturing sensitized microcapsules in the presence of analytes, releasing oligomarkers from microcapsules and detecting and measuring oligomarkers to detect and quantify presence of analyte in biological sample. Using encapsulated oligomarkers provides for an amplified high sensitivity assay and using plurality of oligomarker types provides for a multiplexed assay.

Abstract: A method for assaying a biological sample includes forming sensitized microcapsules filled with unique oligomarkers, capturing sensitized microcapsules in the presence of analytes, releasing oligomarkers from microcapsules and detecting and measuring oligomarkers to detect and quantify presence of analyte in biological sample. Using encapsulated oligomarkers provides for an amplified high sensitivity assay and using plurality of oligomarker types provides for a multiplexed assay.

Abstract: Expandable edge-support members, assemblies, and related methods are disclosed. The expandable edge-support members can be used to provide edge support, including side support and corner support. The expandable edge-support members are suitable for bedding and seating applications as examples. The expandable edge-support members are expandable in length. Thus, the expandable edge-support members can be expanded in length as needed to be utilized to provide edge support for an innerspring having variations in perimeter lengths and different types of innersprings having variations in perimeter lengths. Further, the edge-support members may include a plurality of lateral members, which may be configured to be disposed between adjacent perimeter coils of an innerspring to support attachment to the innerspring.