Abstract: A high-efficacy, long-acting formulation of silibinin, comprising silibinin solid dispersion, silibinin-loaded silica nanoparticles, slow-release matrix material and release enhancer, wherein the mass ratio of these components is silibinin solid dispersion:silibinin-loaded silica nanoparticles:slow-release matrix material:release enhancer=1:0.5˜1.25:0.1˜0.3:0.1˜0.3; the drug loading rate of the said silibinin-loaded silica nanoparticles is 51.29˜51.77%; the said silibinin solid dispersion contains povidone K30, soybean lecithin, acrylic resin IV, wherein the mass ratio between silibinin and other medical accessories is silibinin:povidone K30:soybean lecithin:acrylic resin IV=1:1˜3:0.3˜0.8:0.2˜0.5. Compared with the existing formulations, the half life of the high-efficacy, long-acting formulation of silibinin disclosed in this invention is 14.8 times longer while the mean residence time (MRT) of which is 4.

Abstract: Polymeric porous films, capable of eluding a bioactive agent when coming in contact with a physiological medium according to a pre-determined and controlled release profile suitable for particular type of drug and indication, and medical devices including the same are disclosed. Also disclosed are processes for producing the polymeric porous films by freeze-drying an inverted emulsion formulation in which the polymer's composition, the polymer's concentration, the polymer's initial molecular weight, the concentration and/or the type of a surfactant, the homogenization rate and/or the oil phase to aqueous phase ratio (O:A) are selected so as to impart a desired release profile of the bioactive agent from the polymeric film.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material has a microstructure deformed by cryogenic impact. When the cryogenic impact is applied to the thermoelectric material, defects are induced in the thermoelectric material, and such defects increase phonon scattering, which results in enhanced figure of merit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molding compound for producing a fireproof lining, especially for a combustion chamber of a stationary gas turbine. The molding compound is characterized particularly by the fact that the molding compound is formed from more than about 50 percent by weight of silicon carbide and less than about 50 percent by weight of aluminum silicate.

Abstract: An ice cake forming apparatus is provided. The ice cake forming apparatus may include a pair of molds formed from a material having a relatively high heat conductivity such as aluminum and so on, and guide rods which guide mutual freely separating and approaching of the pair of molds. Separating and joining surfaces of the pair of molds may be provided with molding concavities respectively and appropriately, and the apparatus may be so constituted that an appropriate blank ice lump is melted at portions contacting to the molds, utilizing a temperature difference between the molds at a temperature equal to or lower than a normal temperature and the blank ice lump, and a desired shape of molded ice cake can be molded by the molding concavities due solely to a heat held in the molds.

Abstract: Various embodiments of scaffolds are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the scaffold includes a tubular polymeric structure, and a controlled gradient of solid-walled microtubules oriented radially or axially in the tubular polymeric structure. In another embodiment, the scaffold includes a nano-fibrous tubular polymeric structure, and an oriented and interconnected microtubular porous network formed in the nano-fibrous tubular polymeric structure. In still another embodiment, a composite scaffold is formed including a polymeric structure having an inner wall and an outer wall, and at least one electrospun layer positioned along at least one of the inner wall, or the outer wall, or in a middle of the porous polymeric structure.

Abstract: A method of separating a poly(arylene ether) from a solvent includes treating a poly(arylene ether)-containing solution with a devolatilizing extruder to form an extruded composition, and cooling the extruded composition with a cooling device that does not immerse the extruded composition in water. The composition may be used to isolate a poly(arylene ether) from the solvent-containing reaction mixture in which it is prepared, or to remove solvent from a multi-component poly(arylene ether)-containing thermoplastic composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a solid foam wound dressing useful for hemorrhage control and wound repair, as well as methods for making such a wound dressing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone-regenerating scaffold, and more particularly, to a bone-regenerating scaffold which is made of a mixture of fibrin glue and bone powder, the interior of which has a plurality of pores for accommodating bone growth factors, and which has a predetermined concrete shape.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating elastomeric implants employ a mold with PVA crystals and irrigant added to the mold independent of each other. Related molds are also described.

Abstract: There are provided a dry aggregate mixture wherein the binder, even when heated, does not evolve unpleasant odor or gas hazardous to human health; a method of foundry molding wherein a space for foundry molding, up to minute portion thereof, can satisfactorily be filled with an aggregate mixture composed of a binder and granular aggregate; and a method of foundry molding wherein the mold used in molding of an aggregate mixture composed of a binder and granular aggregate can retain satisfactory properties even in high humidity. In the method of foundry molding, a mold is formed by the use of a dry mixture obtained by providing an aggregate mixture composed of granular aggregate, a water soluble binder and water and evaporating the water contained in the aggregate mixture through heating, pressure reduction or aeration while mixing so as to effect separation into single granules, or with the addition of a lubricant and a crosslinking agent thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to the liquid and lyophilized formulations of small particulates, liposomes, and micelles, and methods for making and using the formulations. In particular, at least in some embodiments, the present invention relates to the production and lyophilization of PEGylated nanoparticles, microparticles, micelles, and liposomes for use and administration in to a subject.

Abstract: A functional, porous, interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) includes a first polymer network in the form of a porogenic support fabric (PSF) composed of linear polymers in the form of a pre-formed network comprising a fibrous composite and a second polymer network synthesized, gelated, and/or cross-linked in the presence of the first polymer network to form a system of polymers which have their respective chains held in place by means of permanent physical entanglements produced by the interweaving of the component polymer networks. The IPN is modified by dissolving and dispersing a portion of the PSF fibers, the dispersible fiber network (DFN) to form a pre-designed interconnected pore structure. The resultant porous, supported, second polymer network has convective flow, diffusive flow, and high capacity, and may include functional capture chemistries to provide an adsorptive media for chromatography and filtration of various compounds including biomolecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of alginate-containing porous or sponge-like moulded articles, and to the moulded articles obtainable thereby and their use.

Abstract: This invention discloses a novel microneedle system, phase-transition microneedle patch, which overcomes all the limitations that existing microneedles encountered. The microneedle patch is formed of an integrated polymeric piece consisting of a microneedle array and a plate (called holding plate) on which the needles stand. The microneedles of the patch are hard and strong enough to penetrate epidermis at dry state but turn to be hydrogel state soft and permeable to hydrophilic agents when absorbing body fluid. The hydrogel state of the patch is a hydrophilic network held by physical or chemical cross-linking junctions. The pores of the network are opened up by body fluid for drugs and macromolecules to diffuse through. The polymeric materials used to form the microneedle patch have been used in the pharmaceutical field for years and have proven compatibility with the skin and with proteins.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel elastomeric biodegradable photoluminescent polymer (BPLP). The BPLPs of the present invention possess great processability and tunable fluorescence emission characteristics and are cell-compatible and biodegradable. The BPLPs of the present invention can serve as both implant materials and bioimaging probes.

Abstract: The invention is a sexual hygienic preparation comprising extract prepared from the milk of at least one equid animal. The preparation may contain medically/therapeutically acceptable additive(s) in specified cases. The preparation is formulated preferably as a feminine cleansing gel, feminine cleansing shampoo, feminine cleansing soap, vaginal suppository, vaginal pill, vaginal cleansing liquid, concentrate, water-soluble solid vaginal cleansing preparation, effervescent tablet, granulate, powder, lyophylized Lactobacillus preparation, spermicide preparation; adsorbent material such as dry or wet wipe, sanitary pad, vaginal suppository, containing sexual hygienic preparation.

Abstract: To provide a polyester resin container with a fracturable portion that has improved openability and to provide its production method. In the polyester resin container with a fracturable portion, in which the material of the container is polyester resin, which comprises a mouth portion 20 contiguous to the container body and a fracturable portion 30 located above the mouth portion 20 integrally, which is equipped with a fracturable structure that can be opened by fracturing the boundary part between the opening end 22 of the mouth portion 20 and the fracturable portion 30; a groove 40 is formed approximately perpendicular to the outer surface of the boundary part between the opening end 22 of the mouth portion 20 and the fracturable portion 30 of the container, and the intrinsic viscosity of the polyester resin located at the periphery of the groove 40 is lowered than the intrinsic viscosity of the polyester resin located at a location other than the periphery of the groove 40.

Abstract: A method for making an implantable bone material. The method includes providing a bone composition consisting essentially of demineralized human bone, and irradiating the composition at a temperature less than about 0° C.

Abstract: An open implant constituted of an osteogenic composition comprising at least one osteogenic growth factor/amphiphilic anionic polysaccharide complex, one soluble salt of a cation at least divalent, and one organic support, said organic support comprising no demineralized bone matrix. In one embodiment, said implant is in the form of a lyophilizate. It also relates to the method for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides phospholipid in a crystalline form, a method for its preparation, compositions comprising it and its use in the treatment of damaged tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nerve regeneration conduit including a resorbable tube having a matrix therein. The matrix is characterized by substantially parallel, axially aligned pores extending the length of the matrix. The matrix is formed by the axial freezing of a slurry having little or no significant radial thermal gradient during the freezing process. The matrix is used to bridge the gap between the severed ends of a nerve and provide a scaffold for nerve regeneration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for forming carbon nanostructures from a polymer mixture. The methods include the steps of mixing the pre-formed polymer with a liquid to form a polymer mixture, freezing the polymer mixture at an effective freezing rate greater than or equal to 103 Kelvin per second to form a polymer cast within the frozen liquid, separating the polymer cast from the frozen liquid by sublimating the frozen liquid, and carbonizing the polymer cast to form a carbon nanostructure. Variations of these methods are included in the scope of the invention and produce materials with varying properties. Through control of the freezing process, the nanomorphology of the resultant structure may be modulated. Nanostructures formed according to these methods are also claimed.

Abstract: Compositions for forming molded articles, particularly, shells for automotive applications are made up of melt blends of an aliphatic thermoplastic urethane elastomer and one or more polyolefin-based modifiers. These compositions may be blended to form a powder, pellets, microspheres or minibeads which may then be cast to form air bag door and instrument panel cover skins which may meet automotive deployment and weathering requirements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one active ingredient delivered by a nanoparticle. More specifically, the invention relates to solid pharmaceutical compositions comprising nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are in the form of agglomerates with elevated equivalent aerodynamic diameters. The invention further relates to a process for producing such nanoparticles.

Abstract: An innovative process is described for production of coloured powder cosmetic products. The process comprises forming a “slurry” (1) consisting of a powder cosmetic product and of water and/or solvent, pouring the slurry in a container (2) of anti-adhering material with shaped internal bottom (3) and smooth internal sidewalk (4). The slurry (1) poured into the container (2) is subjected to slight pressing by means of a plate (5) superimposed thereon. The process then provides freezing the slurry (1) inside the container (2) with the plate (5) arranged to close the top of the container (2), extracting and overturning the assembly consisting of the slurry (1) and of the plate (5) and putting such assembly (1, 5) into a cooking room.

Abstract: A biocompatible, self-supporting, curved, collagen membrane adapted to be secured by bone tacks or bone screws over exposed bone at a desired bone graft site in the alveolar ridge of a patient such that the membrane defines a space having a predetermined height and width over the exposed bone, in which the membrane maintains its structural integrity for at least 4 months after implantation at the bone graft site and then naturally breaks down and is resorbed by the patient's body, a method of making such a membrane, and a method of using such a membrane for vertical augmentation of the alveolar ridge of the patient.

Abstract: A process for producing meso-porous nanocomposite electrode comprising nano-scaled graphene platelets.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for forming a three dimensional sintered body comprising the steps of a) providing a basic mould having a configuration adapted to the sintered body that is to be produced, b) treating the surface of the basic mould to facilitate application of a first surface layer of the sintered body, c) applying powder particles onto the basic mould, to form said first surface layer, d) applying at least one more layer on top of said first surface layer, e) heat treating the basic mould and the particles to form a sintered body, wherein step b) is performed by providing an adhering layer to the basic mould arranged to adhere the particles of at least a portion of the surface layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ceramic molded product includes adding a binder mainly comprising a saccharide and water to a powder of ceramics such as silicon carbide and stirring the same to form an aqueous sludge having a fluidity, casting the sludge into an elastic die, molding the sludge while applying vibrations in a negative pressure state, solidifying the sludge by putting the die in which the sludge is cast to a temperature below freezing point for freeze-drying, and to a temperature where the binder is not frozen completely, then thawing the sludge in the negative pressure state and subliming and evaporating the water content in the binder, taking the molded product solidified in the die out of the die, further dewatering the demolded product by elevating the temperature to a temperature where the saccharide in the binder is dissolved, and then sintering the molded product.

Abstract: The invention relates to freeze-dried molded articles containing magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and alginate as well as optionally one or more active substances and/or auxiliary substances. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods for manufacturing these freeze-dried molded articles, the combination of such freeze-dried molded articles in kit-of-parts arrangements together with aqueous solutions, as well as the use of the freeze-dried molded articles and the kit-of-parts combinations for pharmaceutical and cosmetic application.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for fabricating large scaffolds in a variety of shapes with an organized pore structure. The pore structure is organized such that pores are generally aligned perpendicular to the edges of the scaffold, regardless of-the particular macroscopic scaffold shape. Specifically, a freeze-drying based fabrication method for creating large, polymeric porous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications, with an organized pore structure of columnar pores extending from the scaffold periphery into the main mass of the scaffold.

Abstract: The invention provides creep resistant, lubricious and tough PV A-PAAm-hydrogels, creep resistant, lubricious, tough PVA-PAAm-hydrogel-containing compositions, and methods of making the same. The invention also provides methods of implanting or administering the creep resistant, lubricious and tough PV A-PAAm-hydrogels, or the PVAPAAm-hydrogel-containing compositions to treat a subject in need. Methods of cross-linking pre-solidified or pre-gelled hydrogel particles and making cross-linked PVA-PAAm-hydrogels, and cross-linked PVA-PAAm-hydrogel-containing compositions also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discharging a temperature-controlled flow of a resultant fluid (32) containing a throttling gas and cryogenic fluid onto a material (14) for the purpose of maintaining the temperature of the material within a desired temperature range and below the glass transition temperature of the material during machining. Also disclosed is an apparatus and method for deburring or deflashing a machined material by discharging a temperature-controlled flow of a resultant fluid (132) onto a machined material (114) to harden the burrs (134a), then brushing the material (114) to remove the hardened burrs (143a).

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one substrate.

Abstract: A freeze-forging method for producing sintered three-dimensional ceramic bodies, particularly magnesium aluminate spinel domes. The method comprises forming a ceramic mix of a ready-to-sinter ceramic powder and a nonaqueous liquefied sublimable vehicle having a solidification temperature from room temperature to below 200° C.; reducing the temperature of the ceramic mix to below the vehicle's solidification temperature to freeze the mix; crushing the frozen mix into powdered form; cold forging the frozen powder in a mold to form a solidified green body of the desired three-dimensional shape; and densifying the green body into a sintered three-dimensional ceramic body.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a porous ceramics material. The method comprises preparing a slurry by dispersing a ceramics raw material in a medium, filling the slurry in a container, inserting the container in a given direction into a cooling medium having a temperature not higher than the freezing point of the slurry such that the slurry freezes unidirectionally from one end side, drying the frozen slurry to give a green body, and firing the green body.

Abstract: The invention provides fabricated PVA-hydrogels, PVA-hydrogel-containing compositions, and methods of making the same. The invention also provides methods of implanting or administering the PVA-hydrogels, or the PVA-hydrogel-containing compositions to treat a subject in need. Methods of cross-linking pre-solidified or pre-gelled hydrogel particles and making cross-linked PVA-hydrogels, and cross-linked PVA-hydrogel-containing compositions also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for making an implantable bone material. The method includes providing a bone composition consisting essentially of demineralized human bone, and irradiating the composition at a temperature less than about 0° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biomedical, biocompatible, polymeric foam scaffold suitable for use in the repair and regeneration of tissue and which contains located therein a network of, branched channels that are effective to encourage and facilitate vascularization and tissue growth within the scaffold and to methods for making such biomedical scaffolds.

Abstract: A thermoforming methodology for laminated thermoplastic sheets which preserves the class “A” finish and high gloss thereof. In a thermoforming process including heating followed by vacuum and opposing air pressure application, and then followed by application of chilled compressed air, control of spherulite formation using any of: addition of a nucleating agent to the paint film, using the chilled compressed air at a temperature of substantially about 32° F., heating to no more than about 311° F., selecting a paint film having a high melting point temperature, and selecting a paint film that is non-crystalline.

Abstract: Absorbable polyester fibers, braids, and surgical meshes with improved handling properties have been developed. These devices are preferably derived from biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate. These devices provide a wider range of in vivo strength retention properties than are currently available and have a decreased tendency to curl, in the preferred embodiment, due to the inclusion of relaxation and annealing steps following methods are characterized by the following physical properties: (i) elongation to break from about 17% to about 85% (ii) Young's modulus of less than 350,000 psi, (iii) knot to straight ratio (knot strength/tensile strength) of 55-80% or (iv) load at break from 1100 to 4200 grams.

Abstract: A heat resistant microporous membrane containing a thermoplastic resin having a crystalline melting point of 140-300° C. and having a layer structure formed in the direction of membrane thickness, said layer structure containing 5-100% of a layer defined by the following (A) and 95-0% of a layer defined by the following (B): (A) a layer in which the micropores are intra-spherulitic voids, and (B) a layer in which the micropores are intra-spherulitic voids and inter-spherulitic voids.

Abstract: Described is a method for obtaining hollow particles, having a particle wall and a particle lumen, the particle having dimensions of between 1 nm and 100 ?m, from a mixture comprising a liquid medium comprising at least one colloid or solute, the method comprising freezing said mixture and lyophilising the obtained frozen mixture, characterised in that a volume of at least 0.1 ?l of the mixture is subjected to a freezing step comprising: (a) (1) quench freezing the mixture resulting in a quench frozen mixture, and (2) incubating said quench frozen mixture at a temperature above the quench freezing temperature and below the melting point of the liquid medium, orb) (1) reducing the temperature of the mixture at a rate of 1 to 100° C./minute to below the freezing temperature of the mixture and (2) incubating said frozen mixture at a temperature above the temperature of the mixture and below the melting point of the liquid medium.

Abstract: A bioresorbable and mineralized material for filling osseous defects includes a native and/or renatured collagen matrix of congregated collagen chains, in which essentially only a surface of the congregated collagen chains is mineralized. A shaped article for filling osseous defects includes such a material. A method for producing a shaped article for filling osseous defects from a liquid medium, includes the steps of deposition of a mineral substance, preferably from its dissolved ionogenic components, on a collagen matrix, precipitation of the mineralized collagen matrix, separation of the mineralized collagen matrix, transfer of the mineralized collagen matrix to a suspension, transfer of the suspension to a mold defining the shaped article, and freeze-drying of the suspension in the mold.

Abstract: A multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane comprising a polypropylene layer and a polyethylene resin layer and having well-balanced permeability, mechanical strength, heat shrinkage resistance, shutdown properties and meltdown properties can be obtained by (1) forming a sheet comprising a gel-like polypropylene layer containing a membrane-forming solvent or a polypropylene layer containing no membrane-forming solvent and a gel-like polyethylene resin layer containing a membrane-forming solvent, stretching the sheet at two-stage temperatures, and then removing the membrane-forming solvent, or (2) forming a gel-like polypropylene sheet containing a membrane-forming solvent or a polypropylene sheet containing no membrane-forming solvent, and a gel-like polyethylene resin sheet containing a membrane-forming solvent, stretching them at two-stage temperatures, removing the membrane-forming solvent, and then laminating the resultant microporous polypropylene membrane and the resultant microporous polyethylene me

Abstract: There are provided a dry aggregate mixture wherein the binder, even when heated, does not evolve unpleasant odor or gas hazardous to human health; a method of foundry molding wherein a space for foundry molding, up to minute portion thereof, can satisfactorily be filled with an aggregate mixture composed of a binder and granular aggregate; and a method of foundry molding wherein the mold used in molding of an aggregate mixture composed of a binder and granular aggregate can retain satisfactory properties even in high humidity. In the method of foundry molding, a mold is formed by the use of a dry mixture obtained by providing an aggregate mixture composed of granular aggregate, a water soluble binder and water and evaporating the water contained in the aggregate mixture through heating, pressure reduction or aeration while mixing so as to effect separation into single granules, or with the addition of a lubricant and a crosslinking agent thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of high tensile strength and low creep polymer yarns, wherein it comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a mixture of: (i) a first ultra high molecular weight polyolefin polymer or copolymer, (ii) a second clay nanocomposite polyolefin polymer or copolymer, and (iii) a non-polar spinning solvent, (b) feeding the resulting suspension through an extruder at a temperature of at least 180° C., causing the formation of a gel, (c) spinning the gel so obtained in a spinneret with a length to diameter ratio (L/D) of at least 15, (d) cooling the yarn to a temperature below 2° C., (e) subsequently removing the non-polar spinning solvent, and (f) drawing the yarn so obtained so as to obtain a tensile strength value of at least 18 cN/Dtex and a creep value lower than 0.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ceramic molded product includes adding a binder mainly comprising a saccharide and water to a powder of ceramics such as silicon carbide and stirring the same to form an aqueous sludge having a fluidity, casting the sludge into an elastic die, molding the sludge while applying vibrations in a negative pressure state, solidifying the sludge by putting the die in which the sludge is cast to a temperature below freezing point for freeze-drying, and to a temperature where the binder is not frozen completely, then thawing the sludge in the negative pressure state and subliming and evaporating the water content in the binder, taking the molded product solidified in the die out of the die, further dewatering the demolded product by elevating the temperature to a temperature where the saccharide in the binder is dissolved, and then sintering the molded product.

Abstract: Solution casting of polymer film (76, 102) is provided. A dope (22, 115-117) containing a polymer of cellulose triacetate and solvent is cast on a casting support band (34, 121) which moves, to form a cast film (69, 122), and then the cast film is stripped from the casting support band and dried, to produce the polymer film. In the solution casting, the cast film is cooled shortly before stripping the cast film from the casting support band. Preferably, a cooling temperature to which the cast film is cooled is set lower than 6 deg. C. The cast film is cooled within a predetermined cooling region, disposed to start at a stripping point for the cast film, and to extend upstream therefrom with a length equal to or less than 25 % of the length of the casting support band. The cast film is blown by cooling gas caused to flow for cooling.