Abstract: Mixed-phase TiO2 nanofibers prepared via a sol-gel technique followed by electrospinning and calcination are provided as photocatalysts. The calcination temperature is adjusted to control the rutile phase fraction in TiO2 nanofibers relative to the anatase phase. Post-calcined TiO2 nanofibers composed of 38 wt % rutile and 62 wt % anatase exhibited the highest initial rate constant of UV photocatalysis. This can be attributed to the combined influences of the fibers' specific surface areas and their phase compositions.

Abstract: Mixed-phase TiO2 nanofibers prepared via a sol-gel technique followed by electrospinning and calcination are provided as photocatalysts. The calcination temperature is adjusted to control the rutile phase fraction in TiO2 nanofibers relative to the anatase phase. Post-calcined TiO2 nanofibers composed of 38 wt % rutile and 62 wt % anatase exhibited the highest initial rate constant of UV photocatalysis. This can be attributed to the combined influences of the fibers' specific surface areas and their phase compositions.

Abstract: Compositions for increasing the thermal stability of optical absorbers are provided as well as methods of making and using the resulting compositions. The compositions or complexes of the present teachings generally include an optical absorber bound to a metal or a metal oxide through one or more linkers, which contain a metal binding moiety.

Abstract: Embodiments of films and material layers comprising PEDOT. These embodiments are the result of methods that utilize polymerization processes including vapor phase polymerization (VPP) to form the conductive film comprising PEDOT. In one embodiment, the film can result from a method that includes steps for depositing a coating solution onto a substrate, exposing the substrate to a monomer source, and cleaning the substrate after polymerization. The coating solution can comprise an initiating oxidant, which facilitates growth of PEDOT from 3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), as well as a quenching agent that neutralizes acid that results from polymerization.

Abstract: Compositions for increasing the thermal stability of optical absorbers are provided as well as methods of making and using the resulting compositions. The compositions or complexes of the present teachings generally include an optical absorber bound to a metal or a metal oxide through one or more linkers, which contain a metal binding moiety.

Abstract: Mixed-phase TiO2 nanofibers prepared via a sol-gel technique followed by electrospinning and calcination are provided as photocatalysts. The calcination temperature is adjusted to control the rutile phase fraction in TiO2 nanofibers relative to the anatase phase. Post-calcined TiO2 nanofibers composed of 38 wt % rutile and 62 wt % anatase exhibited the highest initial rate constant of UV photocatalysis. This can be attributed to the combined influences of the fibers' specific surface areas and their phase compositions.

Abstract: Embodiments of films and material layers comprising PEDOT. These embodiments are the result of methods that utilize polymerization processes including vapor phase polymerization (VPP) to form the conductive film comprising PEDOT. In one embodiment, the film can result from a method that includes steps for depositing a coating solution onto a substrate, exposing the substrate to a monomer source, and cleaning the subsrate after polymerization. The coating solution can comprise an initiating oxidant, which facilitates growth of PEDOT from 3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), as well as a quenching agent that neutralizes acid that results from polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention features additions of nanostructures to interconnect conductor particles to: (1) reduce thermal interface resistance by using thermal interposers that have high thermal conductivity nanostructures at their surfaces; (2) improve the anisotropic conductive adhesive interconnection conductivity with microcircuit contact pads; and (3) allow lower compression forces to be applied during the microcircuit fabrication processes which then results in reduced deflection or circuit damage. When pressure is applied during fabrication to spread and compress anisotropic conductive adhesive and the matrix of interconnect particles and circuit conductors, the nano-structures mesh and compress into a more uniform connection than current technology provides, thereby eliminating voids, moisture and other contaminants, increasing the contact surfaces for better electrical and thermal conduction.

Abstract: The present invention features additions of nano-structures to interconnect conductor fine particles (spheres) to: (1) reduce thermal interface resistance by using thermal interposers that have high thermal conductivity nano-structures at their surfaces; (2) improve the anisotropic conductive adhesive interconnection conductivity with microcircuit contact pads; and (3) allow lower compression forces to be applied during the microcircuit fabrication processes which then results in reduced deflection or circuit damage. When pressure is applied during fabrication to spread and compress anisotropic conductive adhesive and the matrix of interconnect particles and circuit conductors, the nano-structures mesh and compress into a more uniform connection than current technology provides, thereby eliminating voids, moisture and other contaminants, increasing the contact surfaces for better electrical and thermal conduction.

Abstract: The present invention features additions of nano-structures to interconnect conductor fine particles (spheres) to: (1) reduce thermal interface resistance by using thermal interposers that have high thermal conductivity nano-structures at their surfaces; (2) improve the anisotropic conductive adhesive interconnection conductivity with microcircuit contact pads; and (3) allow lower compression forces to be applied during the microcircuit fabrication processes which then results in reduced deflection or circuit damage. When pressure is applied during fabrication to spread and compress anisotropic conductive adhesive and the matrix of interconnect particles and circuit conductors, the nano-structures mesh and compress into a more uniform connection than current technology provides, thereby eliminating voids, moisture and other contaminants, increasing the contact surfaces for better electrical and thermal conduction.

Abstract: A high yield, low cost process for the preparation of essentially calcium-free lactobionic acid from calcium lactobionate is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a series of ion-exchange resins are used to convert a solution of the relatively inexpensive calcium lactobionate to its acid form. Accordingly, a pure lactobionic acid solution with negligible amounts of impurities may be obtained. The lactobionic acid solution is subjected to crystallization via rotary evaporation with heating, followed by vacuum drying without heat. This process can be used to generate higher product yields than conventional production and crystallization methods. At higher concentrations of lactobionic acid, however, the solution behaves differently, forming a glass-like structure that retains a substantial amount of water.

Abstract: A system or network for assembling, filing and processing health care data transactions and insurance claims made by patients pursuant to health care policies issued to the patients by insurance companies or other carriers for service provided to the patients at health care facilities. The network comprises a multitude of participating patients, a multitude of health care facilities, and a plurality of insurance companies or other carriers. Each of the patients has a personal data file including a set of patient related data encoded in a machine readable format, and each of the health care facilities has a telecommunications unit and a file reader to read the data on the personal data files and to transmit the patient related data to the telecommunications unit at the facility. The network further includes a central claims processing unit connected to the telecommunications units of the health care facilities to receive the electronic claim forms from those facilities and to adjudicate those claims.