Abstract: The subject of the invention is a transparent glass substrate comprising at least one glass sheet provided with a thin-film multilayer coating acting on solar radiation, having a light transmission of greater than 10% and an emissivity of less than 50% after a heat treatment, such as a bending or toughening treatment, characterized in that said multilayer coating comprises: a niobium Nb functional layer with a thickness of between about 5 nm and about 35 nm; and at least one layer of another material, chosen from the group formed by Ti, Mo, B, Al or an alloy comprising at least one of these elements, which is placed relative to the glass substrate above the functional layer, said layer having a thickness of between about 1 nm and about 5 nm. The invention also relates to monolithic glazing or double glazing incorporating such a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides composite implants for the replacement or augmentation of non-load bearing or load bearing soft tissues, and methods of making and using these implant compositions.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for determining a descriptor, comprising calculating a maximum distance for a plurality of points in a sector between each of said plurality of points and an origin; calculating a minimal distance from one of said plurality of points and a target line, wherein said maximum distance is an initial value; computing a plurality of Fourier coefficients from said minimal distances; and defining an invariant descriptor from said Fourier coefficients, and appropriate means and computer-readable instructions.

Abstract: Microneedle devices and methods of use thereof are provided for the enhanced transport of molecules, including drugs and biological molecules, across tissue by improving the interaction of microneedles and a deformable, elastic biological barrier, such as human skin. The devices and methods act to (1) limit the elasticity, (2) adapt to the elasticity, (3) utilize alternate ways of creating the holes for the microneedles to penetrate the biological barrier, other than the simply direct pressure of the microneedle substrate to the barrier surface, or (4) any combination of these methods. In preferred embodiments for limiting the elasticity of skin, the microneedle device includes features suitable for stretching, pulling, or pinching the skin to present a more rigid, less deformable, surface in the area to which the microneedles are applied (i.e. penetrate).

Abstract: A strap device is provided for holding objects held by infants, for preventing the object from falling to the ground if released by the infant. The strap device includes a flexible strap having a first end with a first securing means, a second end with a second securing means, a first attachment means mounted on the flexible strap near the first end, and a second attachment means mounted on the flexible strap near the second end. The attachment means each can be releasably secured to a position on the flexible strap, forming a primary loop for securing the flexible strap to the object or to a support structure. The first securing means preferably is an elastic loop, which can attach the object to the strap device regardless of the object's shape and dimensions, while the second securing means attaches to a support near the infant for his use.

Abstract: Microneedle devices for transport of therapeutic and diagnostic materials and/or energy across tissue barriers, and methods for manufacturing the devices, are provided. The microneedles are hollow and/or porous and have diameters between about 10 nm and 1 mm. The microneedle devices permit drug delivery (or removal or sensing of body fluids) at clinically relevant rates across skin or other tissue barriers, without damage, pain, or irritation to the tissue. Microfabrication techniques are used to cost-effectively produce arrays of microneedles from metals, silicon, silicon dioxide, ceramic, and polymeric materials. Methods are provided for making porous or hollow microneedles.

Abstract: A strap device is provided for holding objects held by infants, for preventing the object from falling to the ground if released by the infant. The strap device includes a flexible strap having a first end with a first securing means, a second end with a second securing means, a first attachment means mounted on the flexible strap near the first end, and a second attachment means mounted on the flexible strap near the second end. The attachment means each can be releasably secured to a position on the flexible strap, forming a primary loop for securing the flexible strap to the object or to a support structure. The first securing means preferably is an elastic loop, which can attach the object to the strap device regardless of the object's shape and dimensions, while the second securing means attaches to a support near the infant for his use.