Abstract: Imaging devices, imaging apparatus, and methods are provided to improve the development of image recording media. The imaging devices comprise at least a pressing member and at least a first deformable pressure-receiving member. The pressing member is provided with a step feature which is pressed against the first deformable pressure-receiving member. As an image recording medium moves through between the pressing member with the step feature and the deformable pressure-receiving member, a corresponding step difference is formed on the medium where a distinct shear mechanism was experienced. The efficiency of image development is significantly improved as evident by the significant increase in the fresh optical density observed immediately after development even with a reduced applied force.

Abstract: Microcapsules including a polymeric shell and an internal phase including a non-photopolymerizable reactive diluent are provided for use in microcapsule imaging sheets. Imaging sheets including microcapsules which include a non-photopolymerizable reactive diluent, and which exhibit improvements in color development (Dmax), discoloration (yellowing) resistance, mechanical properties (e.g., peel strength), and temperature latitude of imaging sheets including leuco dyes.

Abstract: A composite nano-substance of a cocoa-charcoal cladded conjugate structure and a manufacturing method for a yarn thereof are provided. The manufacturing method includes subjecting cocoa shells to a carbonization process to form nanometer cocoa charcoal particulates; subjecting the nanometer cocoa charcoal particulates to reduction and oxidation to have a surface oxidized to form nanometer charcoal particulates containing hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, and epoxy groups; and further subjecting the nanometer cocoa charcoal particulate to rection through mixing with nickel chloride in glycol solution to form a composite of nanometer nickel particle reduced nanometer cocoa charcoal particulates. Further, a surfactant adding process, a polymer blending process, and a yarn drawing process may be additionally implemented to form a multipurpose textile yarn featuring ultraviolet resistance, odor resistance, strong moisture absorption, and electromagnetic wave resistance.

Abstract: Described herein are quaternary ammonium polymers and compositions with broad spectrum antimicrobial properties that produce fast acting, long lasting, non-toxic and non-allergenic colorless and transparent durable surface coatings that are resistant to water and common solvents. The surface coatings are easy and cost effective to produce from readily-available materials using versatile synthesis enabling a wide range of chemical variations. Such coatings are readily applied to a wide range of surfaces and materials, and no materials leach out of the coatings.

Abstract: Described herein are dressings, compositions, and formulations for wound healing. These dressings, compositions, and formulations contain at least one quaternary ammonium polymer, quaternary ammonium copolymer, quaternary ammonium interpenetrating polymer network, quaternary ammonium polyelectrolyte complex, quaternary ammonium blend, or quaternary ammonium composite with broad spectrum antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a hydroponic culture medium and a hydroponic planting system, more particularly to a Houttuynia cordata hydroponic culture medium, a Houttuynia cordata hydroponic planting system, Houttuynia cordata extracts, a method, and applications thereof. The Houttuynia cordata hydroponic culture medium includes a plant fertilizer and a Houttuynia cordata growth-promoting additive. The Houttuynia cordata growth-promoting additive is selected from the group consisting of: vitamin B complex, seaweed essence, amino acid, microorganism, and a combination thereof. An electronic conductivity of the Houttuynia cordata hydroponic culture medium is between 0.4 ms/cm and 2.0 ms/cm.

Abstract: Primer layers having improved reflectivity and thermal insulation properties are provided for use in microencapsulated thermal imaging sheets. Primer layers having a polymeric binder, of about 3% to about 60% by weight, relative to the total weight of the primer layer, of a white particulate, a primer substrate, and hollow particulate particles improve the reflectivity, color development, color density, and thermal insulation of microcapsule imaging sheets including the same. A black back-coat applied to the substrate on a side opposite the primer layer further enhances the Dmax and E10 of microcapsule imaging sheets and prevents premature exposure of microcapsule imaging sheets in stacked media.

Abstract: Described herein are dressings, compositions, and formulations for wound healing. These dressings, compositions, and formulations contain at least one quaternary ammonium polymer, quaternary ammonium copolymer, quaternary ammonium interpenetrating polymer network, quaternary ammonium polyelectrolyte complex, quaternary ammonium blend, or quaternary ammonium composite with broad spectrum antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: Microcapsules including a color-filtering shell and a core comprising a leuco dye or dye precursor, a photoinitiator or photosensitizer, and a photohardenable or photosoftenable material are provided for use in microcapsule imaging sheets. The imaging sheets including such microcapsules reduce undesirable crosstalk among the microcapsules of various colors and provide significantly improved color fidelity of the image thus reproduced.

Abstract: Described herein are quaternary ammonium polymers and interpenetrating polymer networks and compositions thereof with broad spectrum antimicrobial properties that produce fast acting, long lasting, non-toxic and non-allergenic colorless and transparent durable surface coatings that are resistant to water and common solvents. The surface coatings are easy and cost effective to produce from readily-available materials using versatile synthesis enabling a wide range of chemical variations. They are readily applied to a wide range of surfaces and materials, and no materials leach out of the coatings.

Abstract: Described herein are quaternary ammonium polymers with broad spectrum antimicrobial properties that produce fast acting, long lasting, non-toxic and nonallergenic colorless and transparent durable surface coatings that are resistant to water and common solvents. The surface coatings are easy and cost effective to produce from readily-available materials using versatile synthesis, enabling a wide range of chemical variations. Such coatings are readily applicable to a wide range of surfaces and materials, without leaching of material from the coatings.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for automatic scene detection and character extraction. In one example, audiovisual content with video frames, an audio recording, and timing information is received. A score, based on the frame's visual characteristics, is determined for a first frame and subsequent frames. The first frame's score and subsequent frame's scores are compared to determine if the difference between the scores is above a threshold. When the difference in scores is above a threshold, the subsequent frame is classified as a new scene. The audiovisual content is segmented into scenes and textual characters are identified in at least one frame from each scene. The characters are stored and indexed in a searchable database with the timing information for the scene where the characters were identified. The audio recording is transcribed and the transcribed words are stored and indexed in the searchable database with timing information.

Abstract: Microcapsules including a polymeric shell and an internal phase including a non-photopolymerizable reactive diluent are provided for use in microcapsule imaging sheets. Imaging sheets including microcapsules which include a non-photopolymerizable reactive diluent, and which exhibit improvements in color development (Dmax), discoloration (yellowing) resistance, mechanical properties (e.g., peel strength), and temperature latitude of imaging sheets including leuco dyes.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a hydroponic culture medium and a hydroponic planting system, more particularly to a Houttuynia cordata hydroponic culture medium, a Houttuynia cordata hydroponic planting system, Houttuynia cordata extracts, a method, and applications thereof.

Abstract: Primer layers having improved reflectivity and thermal insulation properties are provided for use in microencapsulated thermal imaging sheets. Primer layers having a polymeric binder, of about 3% to about 60% by weight, relative to the total weight of the primer layer, of a white particulate, a primer substrate, and hollow particulate particles improve the reflectivity, color development, color density, and thermal insulation of microcapsule imaging sheets including the same. A black back-coat applied to the substrate on a side opposite the primer layer further enhances the Dmax and E10 of microcapsule imaging sheets and prevents premature exposure of microcapsule imaging sheets in stacked media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a maca extract and uses thereof. The part of the maca extract extracted with polar solvent has anti-thrombotic activity, the part of the maca extract extracted with medium and low polarity solvents has anti-neutrophilic inflammatory and anti-allergic activities, the part of the maca extract extracted with low polarity solvent has anti-neutrophilic inflammatory activity and has pro-angiogenic activity.

Abstract: A use of extracts of roselle seeds for preparing a composition of antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-UVB, anti-allergy, whitening, moisturizing, and anti-wrinkle, wherein the extracts of the roselle seeds comprise lauric, palmitic, linoleic, oleic, or stearic acids; and a method for preparing the extracts of the roselle seeds comprises steps of: steeping of: extracting a weight ratio of the 12:1 to 20:1 roselle seeds and an ethanol solution with a concentration of 75 to 95%; and steeping the roselle seeds in the ethanol solution to obtain a suspension; and extraction of: the suspension being engaged in an extraction of a continuous and rapid oscillation with an ultrasonic energy with a total energy of 200 to 500W, wherein 1 to 3 hours of the oscillation is one cycle, and a total number of 3 to 5 cycles is lasted, in order to obtain roselle seed crude extracts.

Abstract: A composite nano-substance of a cocoa-charcoal cladded conjugate structure and a manufacturing method for a yarn thereof are provided. The manufacturing method includes subjecting cocoa shells to a carbonization process to form nanometer cocoa charcoal particulates; subjecting the nanometer cocoa charcoal particulates to reduction and oxidation to have a surface oxidized to form nanometer charcoal particulates containing hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, and epoxy groups; and further subjecting the nanometer cocoa charcoal particulate to rection through mixing with nickel chloride in glycol solution to form a composite of nanometer nickel particle reduced nanometer cocoa charcoal particulates. Further, a surfactant adding process, a polymer blending process, and a yarn drawing process may be additionally implemented to form a multipurpose textile yarn featuring ultraviolet resistance, odor resistance, strong moisture absorption, and electromagnetic wave resistance.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for automatic scene detection and character extraction. In one example, audiovisual content with video frames, an audio recording, and timing information is received. A score, based on the frame's visual characteristics, is determined for a first frame and subsequent frames. The first frame's score and subsequent frame's scores are compared to determine if the difference between the scores is above a threshold. When the difference in scores is above a threshold, the subsequent frame is classified as a new scene. The audiovisual content is segmented into scenes and textual characters are identified in at least one frame from each scene. The characters are stored and indexed in a searchable database with the timing information for the scene where the characters were identified. The audio recording is transcribed and the transcribed words are stored and indexed in the searchable database with timing information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a maca extract and uses thereof. The part of the maca extract extracted with polar solvent has anti-thrombotic activity, the part of the maca extract extracted with medium and low polarity solvents has anti-neutrophilic inflammatory and anti-allergic activities, the part of the maca extract extracted with low polarity solvent has anti-neutrophilic inflammatory activity and has pro-angiogenic activity.