Abstract: Coatings and methods of forming coatings for implantable medical devices, such as stents, are described. The coatings are used for the sustained release of a therapeutic agent or drug.

Abstract: Treatment of aneurysmal blood vessels with local delivery of therapeutic agents thereby reduces or lessens the severity of an aneurysm, and, where used in conjunction with the placement of an excluding device, provides for more rapid recovery of the blood vessel from any disturbance occurring during placement of the excluding device. Therapeutic agents are placed in the aneurysmal site in a time-release carrier medium, such that the therapeutic agent is released into the aneurysmal site over a period of time without the need to provide systemic introduction of the therapeutic agent. The carrier may be introduced through the patient's dermis, such as with the use of a laparoscope, or intravacularly, through the use of a catheter. The carrier may be in a solid matrix, viscous liquid or liquid form.

Abstract: A prodrug comprising a heparin and a drug is provided. The prodrug can be used to form a coating on a medical device. The prodrug can also be used with a polymeric material to form a coating on a medical device. The polymeric material can be a hydrophobic polymer, a hydrophilic polymer, a non-fouling polymer, or combinations thereof. The medical device can be implanted in a human being for the treatment of a disease such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, hemorrhage, vascular dissection or perforation, vascular aneurysm, vulnerable plaque, chronic total occlusion, claudication, anastomotic proliferation for vein and artificial grafts, bile duct obstruction, ureter obstruction, tumor obstruction, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Provided are formulations of a stable commercial paroxetine tablet comprising paroxetine hydrochloride anhydrous, povidone, copovidone or HPMC as a binder, and an HCl free/non-hygroscopic filler, prepared by the wet granulation method.

Abstract: A method of producing glycogen is provided. The method comprises the step of heat- and pressure-treating a sugar-containing material under acidic conditions. The sugar-containing material is a polysaccharide or an oligosaccharide. Alternatively, the sugar-containing material is a plant material selected from the group consisting of Panax notoginseng, Yun Nan San-chi powder (trademark), Panax ginseng, wheat flour, soybean, soy flour, shiitake, and coffee extract residue. Representatively, the glycogen includes a molecule having a molecular weight of 10,000 or less. The glycogen has a specific rotation of [?]D+197° and anomeric proton peaks at 5.37 ppm and 4.95 to 5.33 ppm in 1H NMR spectra.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition (e.g., a pharmaceutical composition) for reducing aging-related mitochondrial antioxidant status changes in a subject, wherein the composition comprises Schisandrin B. The present invention further provides a composition (e.g., a pharmaceutical composition) for reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury in an aging subject, wherein the composition comprises Schisandrin B. Also provided are methods for reducing aging-related mitochondrial antioxidant status changes and/or for reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury in an aging subject using the same.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a traditional Chinese medicine preparation for cardio-cerebral blood vessel diseases, it is prepared through extracting danshen and Notoginseng by lye, precipitating with alcohol, concentrating, and adding other medicine and excipients. Then using the HAPLY-MS and HAPLY fingerprint Atlas to characterize its Physicochemical properties completely. Using the fingerprint Atlas analysis method of the present invention, the structure and comparative content of biologically active component can be known. Characterization of the physical chemical properties of danshen and Notoginseng of traditional Chinese medicine preparation with this way is better than other methods of the prior art.

Abstract: An anti-microbial composition is provided. The anti-microbial composition includes a first ingredient obtainable from ginger, a second ingredient obtainable from green tea, an optional third ingredient available from turmeric, and, optionally, an acceptable carrier. Also provided are methods of reducing, treating or preventing at least one symptom or adverse effect of microbial infection in a patient. The methods include the step of administering to the patient prior to expected exposure to a microbe, concurrently with exposure to a microbe, or after exposure to a microbe, an effective amount of a composition of the invention.

Abstract: p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) has antiseptic, antibiotic, fungicidal and bactericidal properties. It is used for these purposes in the form of compositions and method comprising the PMD and optionally a carrier. A method of treating acne, folliculitis body, scalp folliculitis, Hydradinitis suppuritiva dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis (scalp or body), pityriasis versicolor, pityrosporun folliculitis, tinea corporis, tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea capitis, tinea unguum, tinea folliculitis or rosacea in a patient including administering an effective amount of PMD.

Abstract: An animal feed with a high level of arachidonic acid is produced from microalgae, and fed to aquatic animals grown in aquaculture. The arachidonic acid-rich microalgae are fed directly to the aquatic animals, or processed to produce an oil that can be used as a human nutritive supplement. The arachidonic acid-rich microalgae can be combined with long chain omega-3 fatty acids to provide a source of nutrition for humans and animals. The animal feed and nutritional supplements are free of animal byproducts.

Abstract: The invention concerns an enzymatic method for making oenological tannins starting with lumps of wood and an enzymatic method for transforming tannins into tannins for wine-making purposes. The inventive method comprises a step which consists in contacting the lumps of wood or tannins with an aqueous solution comprising a composition containing enzymes of the cellulase class. The invention also concerns an enzymatic composition mainly consisting of enzyme of the cellulase class for making oenological tannins, comprising an endocellulase activity, a xylanase activity a ?-mannanase and/or ?-amylase activity.

Abstract: A time released nutritional food product and method of making it in is provided in which the product includes a plurality of grain or seed based constituents having plural digestion rates. In a preferred embodiment the product can be prepared by cooking the constituent parts together as a mixture at a substantially single length of cooking time. For example, the product while palatable, can be cooked by adding water, boiling for a given amount of time and eaten. In an embodiment the constituent parts include processed and unprocessed grains, at least one of which forms a gelatinous coating on the others when cooked.

Abstract: Improved methods are provided for the treatment of foods to inhibit microbial growth therein, by the applying to or incorporating into the food a quantity of an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt of levulinic acid. The salts may be topically applied by spraying or dipping, or can be incorporated into the foods such as comminuted meat products. Preferred antimicrobial agents are the sodium and potassium salts of levulinic acid, applied or incorporated at a level of from about 0.5-4% by weight. A variety of foods may be treated in accordance with the invention, such as human foods (e.g., meats and cheeses) or animal foods (pet foods).

Abstract: Stable acidic milk drinks characterized by composed of an acidic milk drink base together with collagen peptides obtained by hydrolyzing collagen and stabilizers. Thus, it becomes possible to add a collagen substance to the existing drinks containing various stabilizers without worsening the stability of the drinks achieved by the stabilizer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing condensed milk having a milk solids component of 32% to 40% by weight comprises the steps of mixing liquid milk having 10% to 14% milk solids and a first predetermined milk fat content with dried milk powder having a second predetermined milk fat content, in appropriate amounts so that the total weight percentage of milk solids in the mixture, from the liquid milk and from the dried milk powder, is 32% to 40% by weight of the mixture. Then, the mixture is permitted to stand for at least 30 minutes; after which it is pasteurized and recovered for further packaging and handling. Typically, the storage, mixing, and standing steps are carried out at temperatures of 2° C. to 25° C., and preferably below 10° C.

Abstract: An antioxidant extract from sesame seed/cake containing sesamol and other compounds is prepared by employing selective extraction techniques and purification methods and that which can be effectively utilised as a substitute for synthetic antioxidants for the protection of vegetable oils, foods, cosmetic/pharmaceutical preparations etc.

Abstract: A method for making a low or reduced carbohydrate dough for making snack food products with a reduced carbohydrate content. Legumes such as soybeans are cooked near boiling, drained, and milled. Dry ingredients such as starch, fiber, and/or protein can be added to lower the dough moisture content so the dough can be sheeted and cut into pre-forms. The pre-forms can then be cooked, by frying or baking, and seasoned to make a low carbohydrate tortilla-like snack food.

Abstract: A method of coating a medical appliance is provided that includes vibrating the medical appliance and contacting a material with the medical appliance to form the coating. A medical appliance is provided having a coating applied by a method. The method includes vibrating the medical appliance and contacting a material with the medical appliance to form the coating. A system is provided for coating a medical appliance. The system includes an arrangement for holding the medical appliance and an arrangement for at least one of moving and rotating the arrangement for holding the medical appliance. The system also includes an arrangement for vibrating the medical appliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forgery-proof labeling of items, such as credit cards, bank notes and the like, comprising the following steps: (a) applying, to a first layer (1) that reflects electromagnetic waves, an inert second layer (3) that is permeable to electromagnetic waves, said second layer having a predetermined thickness, (b) applying, to said second layer (3), a third layer (4) that is formed by metal clusters, and (c) linking the first layer (1) of the label so produced with the item.

Abstract: An integrated mask including a plurality of deposition masks, each deposition mask having an array of deposition apertures formed in accordance with a deposition pattern; and a base plate having a plurality of openings on which the deposition masks are arranged is provided. The deposition mass are retained to the base plate by engaging unit in a disengageable manner, and alignment marks used for positioning the deposition masks on the base plate are formed on the base plate. In addition a method and apparatus for fabricating the integrated mask, a method and apparatus for manufacturing an organic EL device using the integrated mask, and an organic EL device are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically conductive element for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell having low electrical contact resistance and high corrosion resistance. The conductive element comprises a corrosion susceptible metal substrate with a surface, which is preferably treated to activate the surface (i.e., to remove a passivation layer of oxides from the surface) with an acidic treatment solution. The treated surface is then overlaid with an electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant, protective coating to protect the substrate re-forming a passivation layer while exposed to the corrosive environment of the fuel cell. The present invention also provides methods of preparing an electrically conductive element to have low electrical contact resistance and high corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A method for preparation of inorganic fine particle-organic crystal hybrid fine particle comprising; pouring an organic material having ?-conjugated bond as a water soluble solution into aqueous dispersion in which inorganic fine particles of 50 nm or less selected from the compound group consisting of metal fine particles, semi-conductor fine particles, fine particles of inorganic fluorescent material and fine particle of inorganic luminescent material, are dispersed, co-precipitating said inorganic fine particle which forms a core into said organic material which forms a shell in said dispersion and forming shell of fine crystal of said organic material on the surface of the core of said inorganic fine particles of 50 nm or less by controlling the size of said inorganic fine particle and by controlling the adding amount of said organic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyfunctional polymer networks comprising an assembly of cross-linked polymer subchains attached to a surface, with each polymer subchain comprising a multitude of identical or different repeating units carrying one or more functional groups which allows an interaction with a sample or probe molecule.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical information recording medium that has a substrate having a signal recording layer formed on one principal surface thereof; and an optically transparent layer formed on the signal recording layer and made from a radiation cure type resin. According to the method, when the optically transparent layer is formed, the radiation cure type resin is supplied onto the substrate, and the radiation cure type resin is applied over the substrate by spinning the substrate at a predetermined number of application revolutions in a spin coating method. The number of revolutions of the substrate is increased after the application of the resin, and radiation is irradiated to cure the radiation cure type resin while the number of revolutions of the substrate is increased.

Abstract: The process of Polymer Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (PACVD) and the semiconductor, dielectric, passivating or protecting thin films produced by the process are described. A semiconductor thin film of amorphous silicon carbide is obtained through vapor deposition following desublimation of pyrolysis products of polymeric precursors in inert or active atmosphere. PA-CVD allows one or multi-layers compositions, microstructures and thicknesses to be deposited on a wide variety of substrates. The deposited thin film from desublimation is an n-type semiconductor with a low donor concentration in the range of 1014-1017 cm?3. Many devices can be fabricated by the PA-CVD method of the invention such as; solar cells; light-emitting diodes; transistors; photothyristors, as well as integrated monolithic devices on a single chip. Using this novel technique, high deposition rates can be obtained from chemically synchronized Si—C bonds redistribution in organo-polysilanes in the temperature range of about 200-450° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the length of a carbon nanotube, in cooperation with a substrate having at least one reference level on a surface of the substrate on which at least one carbon nanotube is formed, comprising at least one positioning platform for mounting and calibrating the substrate; a discharging electrode mounted on one side of the positioning platform to cut the carbon nanotube wherein the position of the discharging electrode can be calibrated with the positioning platform; a piezoelectric actuator for calibrating the position of the discharging electrode or the height of the discharging electrode relative to the substrate reference level; a position sensor for detection of the height of the substrate; and a voltage pulse supplying means for applying a voltage pulse to the discharging electrode to cut the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and method of cyclical deposition utilizing three or more precursors in which delivery of at least two of the precursors to a substrate structure at least partially overlap. One embodiment of depositing a ternary material layer over a substrate structure comprises providing at least one cycle of gases to deposit a ternary material layer. One cycle comprises introducing a pulse of a first precursor, introducing a pulse of a second precursor, and introducing a pulse of a third precursor in which the pulse of the second precursor and the pulse of the third precursor at least partially overlap. In one aspect, the ternary material layer includes, but is not limited to, tungsten boron silicon (WBxSiy), titanium silicon nitride (TiSixNy), tantalum silicon nitride (TaSixNy), silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy), and hafnium silicon oxide (HfSixOy).

Abstract: A method for fabricating an organic conductor path on a substrate includes providing a printing stamp with a hydrophobic patterned printing side that is loaded with a printing medium containing an organic conductive polymer and, by bringing it into contact with a hydrophilic substrate, a patterned layer including the organic polymer are formed on the substrate. The method can be operated continuously through selection of suitable geometries for the printing stamp and the substrate.

Abstract: An improved weathered stone panel is provided that is strong and durable, but flexible enough to accommodate curved surfaces, is suitable for water-based applications, and is lighter and less costly to ship while still maintaining the aesthetically pleasing smooth texture of the panel. The improved method for manufacturing a weathered stone panel includes preparing a base mixture comprising wood glue and plaster of paris and applying the base mixture to a substrate. The method further includes cutting the substrate to create panels of a desired size, applying light air movement to the panels until the panels are dry, applying an acrylic base to the panels, applying light air movement to the panels until the panels are dry, cutting the panels to preferred sizes, manipulating the panels by hand until at least one crack is created in each panel, applying a glaze to the panels for coloring, and finally drying the panels.

Abstract: An aqueous solution is prepared comprising 5 to 25% by weight of an anionic surfactant, 0.5 to 20% by weight of an amphoteric surfactant, 4 to 6% by weight of a nonionic surfactant and, if necessary, an antiseptic and the aqueous solution is adjusted with an organic acid to pH in the range of 4.5 to 7.0, which is used as an undiluted solution of a hydrophilicity maintaining and promoting agent for a polysilazane-containing coating film. The undiluted solution is diluted with water to from 3 to 15 times and the resulting solution is used as a hydrophilicity promoting agent. While the undiluted solution is diluted with water to from 30 to 70 times and the resulting solution is used as a hydrophilicity maintaining agent. The hydrophilicity promoting agent is applied on an anti-fouling coating film which is formed by applying on a substrate a coating solution comprising polysilazane and, if necessary, silica conversion catalyst, and thereby the coating film is made hydrophilic in an extremely short time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methodologies for the self-assembly of nanoparticles onto a release support that is capable of covalent integration into flexible free-standing films. Such films display usefull constitutive properties, such as permittivity, permeability, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and nonlinear optic properties. The type of property is dependant upon the type of nanoparticle incorporated into the compliant polymeric matrix. The compliant matrix may be any material that reacts with the components in the nanoparticle film and may be separated from the release substrate. The nanoparticles may be dispersed uniformly or spatially patterned throughout the self-assembled film.

Abstract: Chemical vapor deposition methods of forming titanium silicide including layers on substrates are disclosed. TiCl4 and at least one silane are first fed to the chamber at or above a first volumetric ratio of TiCl4 to silane for a first period of time. The ratio is sufficiently high to avoid measurable deposition of titanium silicide on the substrate. Alternately, no measurable silane is fed to the chamber for a first period of time. Regardless, after the first period, TiCl4 and at least one silane are fed to the chamber at or below a second volumetric ratio of TiCl4 to silane for a second period of time. If at least one silane was fed during the first period of time, the second volumetric ratio is lower than the first volumetric ratio. Regardless, the second feeding is effective to plasma enhance chemical vapor deposit a titanium silicide including layer on the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a polymeric fluorescent substance showing fluorescence in solid state, which has a specific carrier drift mobility, a specific repeating unit, and specific number-average molecular weight. The polymeric fluorescent substance is excellent in solubility to organic solvents, and has higher efficiency and longer lifetime in applying as a polymer LED.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes; a first and a second display panel facing each other, an alignment layer formed on at least one of the first and the second display panels and including a polyamic acid moieties and a polyimide moieties which form a block copolymer, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first display panel and the second display panel.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid crystal display element and a light-modulating material each containing at least one low molecular weight gelling agent, at least one dichroic dye having a substituent represented by formula (1) and at least one host liquid crystal between a pair of electrodes at least one of which is a transparent electrode. Representations in formula (1) are: Het, O or S; B1 and B2, divalent arylene, heteroarylene or alicyclic hydrocarbon group; Q1, divalent linking group; C1, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl or acyloxy group; j, 0 or 1; p, q and r, an integer 0 to 5; n, an integer 1 to 3; and (p+r)×n is an integer 3 to 10.

Abstract: A cushion comprised of at least one chamber comprised of a barrier material, said barrier material comprised of an elastomer, said elastomer being at least semi-permeable to at least a first reactant compound, a second reactant compound disposed within said at least one chamber, wherein said first reactant compound and said second reactant compound react to form a resultant compound, and wherein a rate of diffusion of said resultant compound through said barrier material is less than a rate of diffusion of said first reactant compound through said barrier material. An article of footwear including a cushion, said cushion comprised of at least one chamber comprised of a barrier material, at least a first and a second solid or liquid reactant compounds disposed within said at least one chamber, wherein said first reactant compound and said second reactant compound react to form a resultant gaseous compound.

Abstract: Preventing a molded disc substrate from generating a separation pattern. To this end, a molding die 1 includes a pair of stationary die 6 and movable die 7, and an outer circumference ring 16 for molding an outer circumference end of the disc substrate 2. The outer circumference ring 16 is so mounted as to be movable along forward and backward directions in parallel with a moving direction of the movable die 7 toward the stationary die 6, and has a retaining surface 39 for retaining the outer circumference of the molded disc substrate 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a honeycomb structure in which a plurality of honeycomb segments each constituted by a cell structure having a plurality of cells divided from each other by partition walls and functioning as a passage for fluid and an outer wall provided at the circumference of the cell structure are bonded to each other at the outer walls by a bonding layer made of a bonding agent and converted into one piece, which honeycomb structure is characterized in that the bonding agent does not contain inorganic particles having diameters (?m) of at least 1.1 times the average surface roughness Ra (?m) of the outer wall, in an amount exceeding 30% by mass relative to the total of the bonding agent. In the honeycomb structure, the honeycomb segments as a constituent are strongly bonded to each other by a bonding agent and converted into one piece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight structure for simultaneously providing a reduced infrared and radar signature, while adding little or no weight to a vehicle. As such, the present invention allows for substantial improvements over prior systems. An example of the type of vehicle able to make use of the present invention is a military helicopter, but there is nothing within the spirit and scope of the present invention limiting it to any particular vehicle. The teachings of the present invention are useful with any vehicle for which a reduction in infrared emissions and microwave reflections is desired.

Abstract: Coextruded, biaxially oriented polyester films which have a base layer (B) and have a heatsealable outer layer (A) that can be peeled from APET/CPET and from CPET, where the outer layer (A) includes a) from 60 to 99% by weight of polyester and b) from 1 to 10% by weight of inorganic and/or organic particles with a median diameter d50 of from 2 to 8 ?m, and where c) the polyester is composed of from 12 to 89 mol % of units derived from at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid and of from 11 to 88 mol % of units derived from at least one aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, and the non-sealable surface of the film has been rendered adhesion-promoting. The films of the invention are suitable as a packaging material for foods and other consumable items, and as a lid film for APET/CPET or CPET trays.

Abstract: A fluorescent red-orange retroreflective article includes a polymeric matrix and at least one fluorescent dye added in an amount that provides the article with a red-orange color under daytime lighting conditions. The article also includes cube corner elements disposed at a back side of the polymeric matrix. The article can exhibit a retroreflectivity of at least 350 or 500 cd/(lux·m2), and a brightness Y of at least 20, 30, or 35. The article can exhibit a color within a preferred red-orange color space bounded by CIE chromaticity coordinates (0.560, 0.380), (0.580, 0.355), (0.633, 0.366) and (0.610, 0.390).

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a transparent electrode substrate with an ITO film formed thereon, used for example as the transparent electrode plate in a dye sensitized solar cell, for which the electrical resistance does not increase even when exposed to high temperatures of 300° C. or higher. In order to achieve the object, the present invention provides a substrate for a transparent electrode, wherein two or more layers of different transparent conductive films are formed on a transparent substrate, and an upper layer transparent conductive film has a higher heat resistance than that of a lower layer transparent conductive film.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a new and refined method to produce ?-Al2O3 layers with substantially better wear resistance and toughness than the prior art. The ?-Al2O3 layer of the present invention is formed on a bonding layer of (Ti,Al)(C,O,N) with increasing aluminium content towards the outer surface. Nucleation of ?-Al2O3 is obtained through a nucleation step being composed of both aluminising and oxidisation steps. The ?-Al2O3 layer according to this invention has a thickness ranging from 1 to 20 ?m and is composed of columnar grains. The length/width ratio of the alumina grains is from 2 to 12, preferably 5 to 9. The layer is characterised by a strong (012) growth texture, measured using XRD, and by the almost total absence (104), (110), (113) and (116) diffraction peaks.

Abstract: Medical devices, and particularly intracorporeal devices for therapeutic or diagnostic uses, having a component chemically modified by plasma polymerization. The medical device comprises a substrate with a plasma polymerized functionality bonded to a surface of at least a section thereof. The plasma polymerized film on a first component of the medical device allows for bonding an agent or a second component to the first component. In one embodiment, the plasma polymerized film facilitates fusion or adhesive bonding of a first component to a second component formed of a material which is dissimilar to, incompatible with, or otherwise not readily bondable to the substrate material of the first component. In another embodiment, a bioactive agent is bonded to the plasma polymerized film on the component, for presenting or delivering the bioactive agent within a body lumen of the patient.

Abstract: A transparent and conductive laminate that is substantially decreased in reactive defects, and a display filter, a heat-ray reflecting film and an electromagnetic wave-shielding film comprising the laminate are provided. The laminate includes a transparent substrate, a transparent conductive thin-film layer containing silver, and a protective layer containing a binder material and inorganic fine particles, wherein the transparent conductive thin-film layer is in contact with the protective layer. The generation of reflective defects can be outstandingly reduced. Therefore, a laminate superior in electromagnetic wave-shielding ability, heat-ray reflecting ability and visibility for a long period of time and products comprising the laminate can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention concerns superabsorbent particles with a shell, wherein said shell comprises a cationic polymer crosslinked by the addition of crosslinker and adhered to hydrogel-forming polymer obtainable by applying a coating solution, containing both a cationic polymer and crosslinker, to hydrogel-forming polymer having a residual water content of less than 10 w %, their production and use.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an absorbent structure comprising a solid, typically particulate, water-swellable material that comprises coated water-swellable, preferably hydrogel-forming polymers, which are coated with a coating agent, which is such that it does not rupture when the polymers swell in a liquid, e.g., water or saline water. Hereto, the coating agent is extensible in wet state and comprises thereto a wet-extensible material that has a wet-elongation of at least 400% or even at least 500%, and preferably a tensile stress at break in the wet state of at least 1 MPa. Typically, the coating agent comprises thereto an elastomeric polymeric material.

Abstract: The pore forming material for a porous body of the present invention comprises organic polymer particles and inorganic particles. As the embodiment thereof, there may be mentioned one having a structure in which the inorganic particles are contained in the organic polymer particles, and an aggregate body of the organic polymer particles and the inorganic particles. The inorganic particles may be inorganic micro-balloons, and the organic polymer particles may be organic micro-balloons.

Abstract: This invention relates to a single- or multilayer, oriented film formed from polyester and at least one inorganic black pigment. The inventive films include at least one layer which has, alongside polyester, an amount of from 0.5 to 75% by weight of particles incorporating iron oxide as black pigment.

Abstract: A curable composition comprises an insulating resin and a halogen-free flame retardant. The halogen-free flame retardant has a particulate form, and whose primary particles have an average major axis from 0.01 to 5 ?m, an aspect ratio of 5 or less, and the proportion of a major axis of more than 10 ?m being at most 10% by number. A varnish comprises an insulating resin, a curing agent, a flame retardant and an organic solvent. The flame retardant is a flame retardant in particulate form surface-treated with a coupling agent, and the flame retardant particles present in the varnish have a secondary particle diameter of 30 ?m or less.