Abstract: Provided is a thermal transfer sheet that can form a good image on both a transfer object made of a polyethylene terephthalate and a transfer object made of a polypropylene, as well as can form an image with high alcohol resistance. The thermal transfer sheet of the present invention includes a substrate, and a transfer layer including a colored layer and an adhesive layer, in which the adhesive layer has a phase-separated structure formed by a polyester and a polyolefin that are incompatible with each other, and in which the percentage of the region formed by one of the polyester and the polyolefin to the total area (100%) of the adhesive layer is 55% or more and 85% or less.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprising a fiber web in an amount of 85-99.99 wt. %, and a cured natural binder in an amount of 0.01-15 wt. %; wherein the fiber web comprises natural fibers and synthetic fibers; wherein natural fibers are present in the nonwoven fabric in an amount of 70-90 wt. %; wherein synthetic fibers are present in the nonwoven fabric in an amount of from 10-30 wt. %; wherein the cured natural binder comprises modified cellulose and a strengthening agent in a weight ratio of strengthening agent to modified cellulose of 1:2 to 1:1,000, wherein modified cellulose comprises CMC and/or sodium CMC, wherein the strengthening agent comprises a crosslinking agent and/or a wet strength agent, wherein the crosslinking agent comprises a carboxylic acid having two or more carboxyl groups, and wherein the wet strength agent comprises a reactive functional group selected from the group consisting of halide, chloride, fluoride, hydroxyl, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A disposable device for absorbing urine and/or bodily fluids in the urethra having a cylindrical body having a top and bottom end. The body is made of absorbent material that expands upon contact with urine and bodily fluids and includes a string connected to the bottom end of the body for removing the device from the urethra. The device can include a vasodilator in or on a surface of the body and can be used to treat urinary incontinence and/or erectile dysfunction by inserting into the urethra and removing the device after it has been impregnated with fluid. The device can be included in a kit with a plunger for insertion.

Abstract: A laminate for use in a circuit board is provided. The laminate comprises a conductive layer and a film positioned adjacent to the conductive layer. The film comprises a polymer composition that includes a liquid crystalline polymer and a hydrophobic material. The polymer composition exhibits a dielectric constant of about 5 or less and dissipation factor of about 0.05 or less at a frequency of 10 GHz.

Abstract: An oral dosage form of an antidiabetic pharmaceutical composition comprises a core portion, an outer portion, and a controlled membrane film sandwiched therebetween. The core and outer portions respectively comprise a first antidiabetic agent and a second antidiabetic agent, such as metformin HCl and sitagliptin phosphate, each at a therapeutically effective amount. The controlled membrane film encapsulates the core portion and is provided with at least one passageway for allowing the first antidiabetic agent to release out when the oral dosage form is in an aqueous environment, such as in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a subject. The oral dosage form is configured, upon a single-dose oral administration, to provide a maximum plasma concentration of the first antidiabetic agent in the subject from approximately 7.5 to 15 hours after administration. A method for manufacturing the oral dosage form of the antidiabetic pharmaceutical composition is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are materials comprising a fiber material and an agent having at least one having improved tensile strength, in particular wet tensile strength, vis-à-vis fiber materials known from the art. While these fiber materials may be of use in various fields, in particular household products, hygiene products and the like, these fiber materials are of particular use in wound treatment. Also disclosed is a method for producing these materials.

Abstract: A thermal transfer sheet is provided, which allows for forming an image favorable to any transfer objects having a poor smoothness or a high smoothness. The thermal transfer sheet according to the present invention includes a substrate, and a transfer layer. The transfer layer includes a release layer, a colorant layer and an adhesive layer. The release layer includes a polyethylene glycol having a number average molecular weight Mn in a range of 8000 or more to 23000 or less, and the colorant layer includes a colorant and a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat transfers that include silicone based heat transfer inks and digitally printed toner images, particularly for use on fabrics, apparel items, garments and accessories. The present subject matter is especially suitable for use in heat-transferable labeling or creating embellishments on polyester fabrics and garments.

Abstract: A thermal transfer sheet is provided, which can be produced with enhanced working efficiency and is identifiable, and a thermal transfer printing device which uses the thermal transfer sheet is also provided. The thermal transfer sheet includes a substrate, and a yellow dye layer, a magenta dye layer and a cyan dye layer disposed on the substrate. An interval between the yellow dye layer and the magenta dye layer is different from an interval between the magenta dye layer and the cyan dye layer. Alternatively, the yellow dye layer and the magenta dye layer overlap partially, and the magenta dye layer and the cyan dye layer overlap partially. The transfer printing device identifies the type of the thermal transfer sheet based on the interval between the dye layers or the widths of the overlaps.

Abstract: An optical resin composition includes a thermoplastic resin and a cross-linked structure-containing polymer. A photoelastic constant of the cross-linked structure-containing polymer and a photoelastic constant of the thermoplastic resin are opposite in sign, and a molded article with a thickness of 2 mm formed from the optical resin composition has a haze of 6% or less.

Abstract: An infrared absorbing particle dispersion includes an aqueous medium; and infrared absorbing particles that are dispersed in the aqueous medium and contain a compound represented by formula (1) below and at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polyurea, and polycarbonate, each having an acid value of from 5 mg KOH/g to 50 mg KOH/g: wherein, in formula (1), Ra represents a group represented by formula (1-R) and Rb, Re, and Rd each independently represent an alkyl group, and, in formula (1-R), Re represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and n represents an integer of from 0 to 3.

Abstract: An aqueous dye dispersion for an aqueous ink including a dye derivative as indicated at Formula (1) below; a water-insoluble dye; a dispersant; and water, makes it possible to provide an aqueous dye dispersion for aqueous ink, which reduces flocculation of particles within aqueous ink even when the aqueous ink is prepared, and has satisfactory dispersion stability during storage, thereby providing an aqueous ink having satisfactory dispersion stability during storage.

Abstract: A sublimation transfer sheet including a backing layer positionable between overlapping end portions of the sublimation transfer sheet, method of using the same, and object decorated with method of using the same. Preferably, the backing layer is an absorbent layer. Also preferably, the backing layer is secured to a side of a release layer facing away from a side of the release layer having dyes or inks thereon.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an optical thermoplastic resin having excellent transparency and color tone, and also excellent heat stability, as well as being extremely low in both orientation birefringence and photoelastic birefringence; and a formed body made of said resin. This optical thermoplastic resin has a rate of reduction in melt viscosity of less than 20%, an orientation birefringence of ?1.7×10?4 to 1.7×10?4, a photoelastic constant of ?2×10?12 to 2×10?12 Pa?1, and, when formed into a 2 mm-thick formed body, has a haze of 1% or less.

Abstract: A man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF) plant growth substrate is provided together with an irrigation strategy for providing water to the substrate. The substrate comprises a slab having a volume of 3 to 20 liters on which a single block containing one or more plants is disposed. In the context of this substrate, it is found that an irrigation strategy can be used which comprises a first period during which the desired water content in the slab is reduced to a minimum level before increasing and a second period during which the desired water content is maintained at a substantially constant level, wherein the difference between the minimum level and the constant level expressed as a percentage of the water content required to saturate the plant growth substrate is less than or equal to 25%. This provides excellent control over the balance between vegetative and generative growth in the plant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metal-rubber laminate material comprising a metal plate, a rubber layer formed on the surface of the metal plate, and a solid lubricant layer formed on the rubber layer, the solid lubricant layer comprising an isocyanate group-containing urethane prepolymer, a synthetic wax having a softening point of 40 to 150° C., a fatty acid amide having a softening point of 60 to 170° C., graphite, and optionally a fluororesin. The metal-rubber laminate material, in which the metal plate and the rubber layer are bonded through a primer layer and an adhesive layer in this order, exhibits excellent effects, such as fretting resistance, when used as a metal gasket in an internal combustion engine for an automobile engine, etc.

Abstract: A biosensor for detecting a microorganism in a sample includes a polymer matrix and an immobilized layer of bacteriophages on the surface of the polymer matrix, wherein interaction of the bacteriophage with the microorganism causes a detectable physicochemical change in the polymer matrix. A method of detecting a microorganism in a sample using the biosensor includes the steps of contacting the sample with the biosensor; allowing the bacteriophage to bind to the microorganism in the sample; and detecting a physicochemical change in the polymer matrix, the change being indicative of the presence of the microorganism.

Abstract: Strap type securing systems, e.g., for footwear or other foot-receiving devices, include a strap support with a slot located between its opposite ends. A slot reinforcement may be provided, e.g., adjacent at least some portions of the slot edge, corners, and/or ends, to prevent the strap support from tearing and/or to provide a stable base for receiving strap tensioning force. A strap includes a first portion that extends along an interior surface of the strap support, a second portion that extends through the slot and around the slot reinforcement, and a third portion that extends beyond the slot reinforcement and toward a free end of the strap. The slot and the strap may be structured and oriented such that when the third strap portion is in an unfolded or untwisted condition, a portion of the strap support is sandwiched between the first and third strap portions.

Abstract: There is provided an ink jet ink set for sublimation transfer, including: a first ink composition; and a second ink composition, in which the first ink composition contains a first disperse dye having a molecular weight of 340 or less, and the second ink composition contains a second disperse dye having a molecular weight of 360 or more.

Abstract: There is provided an ink jet ink set for sublimation transfer, including: a first ink composition containing a first disperse dye and a first dispersant; and a second ink composition containing a second disperse dye and a second dispersant, in which the first disperse dye is the same as the second disperse dye, the content of the first disperse dye in the first ink composition is equal to or greater than the content of the second disperse dye in the second ink composition, the ratio A of the content of the first disperse dye in the first ink composition to the content of the first dispersant in the first ink composition is equal to or greater than the ratio B of the content of the second disperse dye in the second ink composition to the content of the second dispersant in the second ink composition.

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying a disposable flow circuit in a blood processing system. At least a portion of the disposable flow circuit is positioned within a centrifuge that is rotatable about a rotational axis and has a high-G outer wall with a window facing radially away from the rotational axis. The disposable flow circuit is monitored through the window to detect the presence of an expected identification feature and/or an expected alignment feature. If the expected feature is detected, a blood separation procedure is initiated, with the procedure including monitoring the disposable flow circuit through the window to detect characteristics of a fluid within the disposable flow circuit. If the expected feature is not detected, an alarm condition is generated and initiation of the blood separation procedure is prevented.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a thermal transfer recording sheet that enables images having a wide color gamut, a high chroma, and good lightfastness, in which the degree of catalytic fading is reduced, to be formed. The thermal transfer recording sheet includes a base material and a colorant layer on the base material. The colorant layer includes a yellow dye layer, a magenta dye layer, and a cyan dye layer. The dye layers each include, as a dye, a compound having a specific structure.

Abstract: An ink jet ink composition for sublimation transfer includes dye A and a dye B, in which the dye A is a disperse dye which has a molecular weight of 380 or less and an anthraquinone skeleton having a water-soluble group in a molecule, the dye B is a disperse dye which has a molecular weight of 400 or greater, and in the ink jet ink composition for sublimation transfer, dye solubility of the dye A is greater than dye solubility of the dye B.

Abstract: A backer sheet comprising a natural fiber and impregnated with a water-based acrylate resin is thermofused with a wood cellulose sheet impregnated with the same or different water-based acrylate resin to provide a continuous laminate. The acrylate resin diffuses into the pores of the natural fiber backer sheet and the wood cellulose sheet during impregnation. Heat and pressure are used to thermofuse the backer sheet and the wood cellulose sheet to form the laminate, and the sheets are permanently bonded after thermofusion. Advantageously, the thermofused laminate is free of volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde emissions. A topcoat or an iron oxide layer can be applied to the wood cellulose sheet after impregnating the wood cellulose sheet with the acrylate resin. A design can be transferred to the surface of the laminate or sheets using techniques such as dye sublimation or direct printing.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a thermal transfer recording sheet that enables high-chroma images to be formed, has a high color-developability that enables a wide color gamut to be achieved, and enables high-quality black images to be formed using process black. The thermal transfer recording sheet includes a base material, and a yellow dye layer including a yellow dye, a magenta dye layer including a magenta dye, and a cyan dye layer including a cyan dye that are disposed on the base material. The magenta dye, yellow dye, and cyan dye each contain specific compounds.

Abstract: Fabric has a printed pattern with a base color and at least one design color. The design color has a plurality of irregular, non-repeating spots. The printed pattern is adapted to abate identification of the fabric by a light responsive device. The fabric also includes metal extending throughout. The metal is adapted to abate identification of the fabric by an infrared, heat responsive device.

Abstract: A biodegradable nonwoven laminate is provided. The laminate comprises a spunbond layer formed from substantially continuous filaments that contain a first aliphatic polyester having a melting point of from about 50° C. to about 160° C. The meltblown layer is formed from microfibers that contain a second aliphatic polyester having a melting point of from about 50° C. to about 160° C. The first aliphatic polyester, the second aliphatic polyester, or both have an apparent viscosity of from about 20 to about 215 Pascal-seconds, as determined at a temperature of 160° C. and a shear rate of 1000 sec-1. The first aliphatic polyester may be the same or different than the second aliphatic polyester.

Abstract: Provided is a thermal transfer sheet capable of forming an image having excellent glossiness, and having no printing wrinkle or having a lesser possibility of generating wrinkles. A thermal transfer sheet in which a dyestuff layer or a transcriptive protective layer is formed on one surface of a substrate and a back face layer is formed on another surface of the substrate, wherein the back face layer contains (A) a resin of which weight-average molecular weight (Mw) is more than 15,000; (B) a resin of which weight-average molecular weight (Mw) is not more than 15,000; and (C) a lubricant ingredient; and wherein the (B) resin is contained at an amount range of 3% by weight to 40% by weight on the basis of the total solid content weight of the back face layer.

Abstract: A camouflage structure, capable of altering its appearance, comprises a camouflage graphic layer and a color-changing layer disposed on the camouflage graphic layer. Originally, the camouflage structure presents a first color state. After the color-changing layer changes the color by driving methods, the camouflage structure presents a second color state. For example, a transparent or semi-transparent color-changing layer able to reflect or emitting red light could be disposed on the woodland camouflage graphic layer, which allows for the overall appearance to change from the greenish woodland camouflage to the brownish desert camouflage. Alternatively, the camouflage structure could comprise a greenish camouflage graphic layer made of material with red-shift characteristics, which means the greenish camouflage graphic layer consists of different colors of chromic materials with reversible red-shift characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound represented by the Formula I: wherein substituents R16 and R17? are each independently selected from an electron withdrawing group have a Hammett ?p value of from 0.05 to 0.85 and R17 is hydrogen.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a color filter, an over-coating layer formed on the color filter, and a medium layer formed on the over-coating layer, wherein the medium layer is configured with at least two medium layers of which refractive indices are different from each other.

Abstract: A chromic luminescent object comprising one or more chromic luminescent compositions incorporated into or onto one or more portions of the object, in which the one or more chromic luminescent compositions are selected such that, when subsequently exposed to incident electromagnetic radiation, at least brightness of the one or more portions of the object is substantially modulated through absorption and emission as a function of incident electromagnetic radiation is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating the chromic luminescent object.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optical effects in pigments, inks, and on media. One aspect of this disclosure involves a pigment particle which includes a core, having a fluorescent material and having a spherical shape, and a shell surrounding the core; the shell includes a photochromic material which has a first optical property in a first light source and a second optical property in a second light source which includes a set of wavelengths not sufficiently present in the first light source. The second optical property attenuates an emitted radiation from the fluorescent material. Other aspects are also described.

Abstract: The system (10) includes at least one elastomeric, vulcanizable ink (18) that defines a decorative decal image (20). The decal image (20) has perimeter edges (22) and a display area (24) extending between the perimeter edges (22). The vulcanizable ink is vulcanized upon a carrier sheet (12). A heat-activated adhesive layer (26) is applied to overlie the display area (24) of the decal image (20), and the heat-activated adhesive layer (26) is also partially activated upon the display area (24) of the decal image (20). The decorative decal image (20) having the partially activated adhesive layer (26) is then thermally transferable to a vulcanized rubber product (28) such as a side wall (30) of an automotive tire (32), after which the carrier sheet (12) is removed.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is concerned with a stimuli-responsive polymer membrane and method of making the same. The method and making the membrane is a new one The entire body of the responsive membrane is a gel. Gels are used as membranes because they are permeable-swollen network. This disclosure discusses a new combination of cylindrical pores in a swollen network. When the network swells or shrinks the cylindrical pores open or close. Thus, inside the network, one can introduce ligands, function groups which due to specific interaction with some signaling molecules in the surrounding environment can cause swelling or shrinking the membrane and this way they open or close pores. With cylindrical pores in a gel there is the ability to regulate pore size in a broad range and an ability to arrange response by adding some functional groups inside the gel body.

Abstract: An electronic transmission range selection system of a vehicle includes first and second input devices and first and second modules. The first input device is user actuatable to request operation of a transmission in reverse, neutral, and drive. The first module generates first signals based on a first position of the first input device. The second input device is different than the first input device and is user actuatable to request operation of the transmission in park. The second module generates second signals based on a second position of the second input device.

Abstract: To prepare a decorated printed matter, which excels in the visibility of the spin line or hairline pattern and which gives an appropriate metallic luster. A decorated printed matter which comprises: a plastic plate 1 with a light permeability, the plastic plate 1 is made of poly carbonate and is provided a convexo-concave pattern consists of a plurality of fine grooves 2 in the form of spin line on a rear-side surface 1b thereof; an ink coating 3 covering the convexo-concave pattern; and the ink coating 3 is formed by removing a solvent from an ink composition coated on the rear-side surface 1b of the plastic plate, the ink composition includes a carbon black and a binder; the average ratio of carbon black to binder is determined such that the distribution of the black pigment in the ink coating becomes the distribution by which an incident light incoming into the resin substrate from the front-side surface thereof reflects at an interface between the resin substrate and the ink coating.

Abstract: A fluorescence based oxygen sensor can be prepared comprising a polyaniline polymer doped with one or more pyrene carboxylic acids. The polyaniline has the formula: and the pyrene carboxylic acids have the formula: Pyrene-R—COOH??(II); wherein R is an aliphatic linking group having 1 to 11 carbon atoms, n represents half the degree of polymerization, x is about 0.5, and (1?x) is about 0.5. The sensor can be coated onto a support. Upon excitation with an appropriate wavelength, the polyaniline/pyrene coating fluoresces. Upon exposure to oxygen the fluorescence rapidly decays.

Abstract: A water-degradable paper sheet has a basis weight of 80 to 400 g/m2 and is dry-formed from paper fibers bound together by a water-soluble binder including starch, the amount of binder in the sheet being 30 to 70%. Additionally, a tube is formed by a cylinder having a wall that includes at least one dry-formed paper sheet including paper fibers bound together by a water-soluble binder.

Abstract: Disclosed are a compound that emits fluorescence, particularly in its solid state, and is suited to provide a color converting material with various improved performance properties over prior art and a light emitter, a color conversion filter, a color conversion device, and a photoelectric device each containing the compound; particularly a Schiff base type compound of formula (I) and a coloring material, a color conversion layer, a light absorbing layer, a color conversion filter, a light absorbing filter, a color-converting light-emitting device, and a photoelectric device each containing the compound. The definition of the symbols in formula (I) is the same as in the specification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material composed of nanoparticles essentially comprising a spin transition compound. The compound corresponds to the formula [ ( Fe 1 - y ? M y ? L 3 ) w ? L 3 ] [ X 2 x ? ( 1 - z x ? ) ? Y 2 ? ? z x ? ] w in which L represents a 1,2,4-triazole ligand carrying an R substituent on the nitrogen in the 4 position; X is an anion having the valency x, 1?x?2; Y is an anion other than X having the valency x?, 1?x??2; R is an alkyl group or an R1R2N— group in which R1 and R2 represent, each independently of the other, H or an alkyl radical; M is a metal having a 3d4, 3d5, 3d6 or 3d7 configuration, other than Fe; 0?y?1; 0?z?2; 3?w?1500. Applications: thermochromic pigment, data storage, optical limiters, contrast agent.

Abstract: A forensic marker is disclosed including a marker that is added to the host material and is detectable for at least the expected life of the host material. The marker is inert with respect to the host material in that it does not significantly affect the desired qualities of the host material (e.g. weight, adhesive properties, structural integrity, etc). The marker is detectable, for example, by instruments, during the life of the host material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vanadium oxide thin film pattern which is fabricated by using APTS (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, H2NC3H5Si(OCH3)3) or the like to prepare an APTS-SAM or the like on the surface of a substrate, irradiating this APTS-SAM with vacuum ultraviolet light through a photomask to thereby modify amino-terminal silanes into silanol groups in the exposed area, and then depositing vanadium oxide in a liquid phase using a patterned self-assembled monolayer having the amino-terminated silane surface and silanol group surface as a template for patterning the vanadium oxide, to a method of fabricating the same, and to a vanadium oxide device.

Abstract: It is disclosed an appearance-modifying device (10), for modifying the visual appearance of a surface covered thereby. The appearance-modifying device (10) comprises two oppositely arranged substrates (11, 12), which are spaced apart by a spacer structure (13). The spacer structure (13) spaces apart the two substrates (11, 12) in such a way that a space between the two substrates (11, 12) is divided into a plurality of cells (15, 16), the shapes of the individual cells (15, 16) being such that an aperiodic cell pattern (14) is formed by the cells (15, 16). Each cell (15, 16) may comprise an optically transparent fluid having a plurality of particles dispersed therein. The particles are moveable in the fluid through application of an electric field. An appliance at least partly covered by the appearance-modifying device (10) is also disclosed. Furthermore, it is disclosed a method for manufacturing the appearance-modifying device.

Abstract: A decorating material with cubic (3D) effect and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed, wherein the material includes a resin layer formed on a substrate to have a convexo-concave pattern, a metallic film and a light opaque film sequentially formed on a convex portion or on a concave portion, wherein the convex portion or the concave portion is formed with a light penetration unit through which light is penetrated.

Abstract: Tough decorative printable film products having holographic-type images are provided that are low in cost. These film products include a relatively high temperature film that is made by continuous extrusion of the film resin onto a master film having pre-etched holographic-type imaging in order to provide a high-temperature primary film with conforming holographic imaging. This primary film provides a tough holographic-type image that is readily secured to any number of products to impart a holographic character to them. For example, this primary film is suitable for use on the surface of recreational sportsboards. When desired, sublimation printing can be used to impart indicia, text, images and colors, alone or in combination, to the primary film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition, which comprises an aqueous solvent and forms a transparent colorless coating, which yields markings of high contrast on exposure to energy. It also provides a process for the preparation of these compositions, substrates coated with these compositions and a process for their preparation, a process for preparing marked substrates using these compositions and marked substrates obtainable by the latter process.

Abstract: A composition includes a substrate (a) including a surface and (b) a multi-layer coating of nanowires positioned on at least a portion of the surface. The coating includes three or more laminar layers of nanowires and a bottom layer of nanowires affixed to the surface and a top-most layer of nanowires. A nanowire within a laminar layer is oriented substantially parallel to another nanowire within the same laminar layer. Nanowires within adjacent laminar layers are not substantially parallel to one another. The top-most layer of nanowires has a refractive index of about 5% to about 70% of the refractive index of the bottom layer of nanowires, and the refractive index of the three or more laminar layers of nanowires is decreases by about 10% or more per laminar layer from the bottom layer of nanowires to the top-most layer of nanowires.

Abstract: Photoresponsive shape memory nanoparticles have a layered smectic ordering and include a photoresponsive moiety selected from the group consisting of azobenzene, stilbene, and spiropyran. Multiple cycles of contraction and extension in these materials can be controlled by UV and visible light. By changing light intensity and exposure time, the magnitude of actuation can be modulated.

Abstract: A microactuator may be configured by activating a source of electromagnetic radiation to heat and melt a selected set of phase-change plugs embedded in a substrate of the microactuator, pressurizing a common pressure chamber adjacent to each of the plugs to deform the melted plugs, and deactivating the source of electromagnetic radiation to cool and solidify the melted plugs.