Abstract: A selectively hydrogenated block copolymer of general formula S-E-S, (S-E1)nX, or mixtures thereof is disclosed, where n has a value of 2-6, and X is a coupling agent residue. Before hydrogenation, S is a polystyrene block having a molecular weight of 4,400-5,600 g/mol, and E and E1 are polydiene blocks having molecular weights of 18,000-36,000 g/mol and 9,000 to 18,000 g/mol, respectively, selected from polybutadiene, polyisoprene and mixtures thereof, and having a total vinyl content of 60-85 mol %. After hydrogenation, the block copolymer has 0-10 percent of styrene double bonds reduced and at least 80 percent of conjugated diene double bonds reduced. The block copolymer has a solution viscosity of less than 80 centipoise (cP); a polystyrene content of 25-40 wt. % and up to 50 wt. % of diblock units of general formula S-E or S-E1.

Abstract: A dye printing method and an ink capable of performing printing on more types of media than in the related art are shown. A dye printing method using ink 10 containing a solvent 11, and particles 12 of a thermoplastic resin dispersed in the solvent 11 and containing a dye 13 is characterized by including a printing process of performing a printing on a medium 20 with the ink 10, a particle fixing process of fixing the particles 12 to the medium 20 by drying the solvent 11 of the ink 10 ejected to the medium 20 by the printing process, and a resin fixing process of fixing the thermoplastic resin to the medium 20 by heating the particles 12 fixed to the medium 20 by the particle fixing process, at least at a glass-transition temperature or higher.

Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed having a structure capable of preventing liquid circulation between an inner layer side and an outer layer side of a peripheral wall portion. The medical instrument includes a main body portion in which a center hole and a radially outward space are partitioned by a tubular peripheral wall portion. The peripheral wall portion includes at least a first layer on which a hydrophilic member, in which a hydrophilic coating is formed on a first base portion, is disposed and a second layer on which a hydrophobic member, in which a hydrophobic coating is formed on a second base portion, is disposed. The peripheral wall portion is configured by the first layer and the second layer being stacked along a radial direction. As a result of swelling of the hydrophilic coating, the adjacent hydrophilic members come into contact with each other.

Abstract: A hybrid polymeric structure, a method for fabricating a hybrid polymeric structure and a method for connecting two polymeric layers with the hybrid polymeric structure, the hybrid polymeric structure including a first polymeric material arranged in a first three-dimensional network, wherein the first three-dimensional network defines a cavity with a plurality of interconnected portions within the first three-dimensional network; and a second polymeric material substantially occupies the cavity of the first three-dimensional network, and defines a second three-dimensional network; wherein the first three-dimensional network and the second three-dimensional network are arranged to physically engage with each other so as to form a unified structure combining the first polymeric material and the second polymeric material.

Abstract: An expandable introducer assembly for use in inserting a medical device into a body vessel of a patient includes an expandable sheath subassembly including a sheath hub and an expandable sheath extending from the sheath hub for initial insertion into the body vessel of the patient. The expandable introducer assembly also includes introducer subassembly including a hemostasis valve and an introducer sheath extending from the hemostasis valve and axial advanceable through the sheath hub and into the expandable sheath for radially expanding the body vessel. A coupler is releasably connected to the sheath hub and disposed in interlocked relationship with the hemostasis valve when the hemostasis valve is axially advanced with the introducer sheath towards the sheath hub for allowing serial retraction of the introducer sheath and the expandable sheath out of the body vessel of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to layered double hydroxides (LDH) nanoparticles containing a non-polar compound of plant origin, which provide said non-polar compounds with higher stability and photodegradation resistance, in order to increase their shelf and storage life. Furthermore, it is described a simple and economical method for separating a non-polar compound from a plant material that contains it, as well as a method for selectively releasing the non-polar compound of plant origin contained in the LDH nanoparticles, with a high purity.

Abstract: A medical device (1300) for holding an annuloplasty ring (101) is disclosed comprising a support (102) defining first and second peripheral edges (103, 126) each with a curvature about which said cardiac valve implant can be fitted, wherein the support comprises a grip section (128, 129) positioned between and connected with the first and second peripheral edges at opposite sides of the grip section, the grip section defining an opening for engagement with a gripper tool in use of the support, wherein said grip section is recessed inwards from either of said first and second peripheral edges thereby defining said opening between said support and said cardiac valve implant when held in place by said support. A method of manufacturing a medical device is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a ring-opening polymerization product by reacting at least one polyisocyanate and 2-oxo-1,3-dioxolane-4-carboxylic acid and subjecting the reaction product to a temperature within the range of from about 40 to about 150° C. in the presence of a catalytic amount of at least one non-nucleophilic base. The obtained polymerization product may be present as a foam and is suitable as binder, insulation material, sealant or coating and in the production of mattresses or wound pads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasticizer composition and a resin composition including the same, and can provide a plasticizer composition in which a terephthalate-based material and a cyclohexane 1,4-diester-based material are mixed, and the sum of carbon atoms of alkyl groups bonded to the two materials is in the range of 34 to 40, and by which environmental friendliness can be secured, mechanical properties such as tensile strength and an elongation rate and physical properties such as migration properties and volatile loss can be improved to levels equal to or higher than those of existing products, and effects of improving processability and plasticizing efficiency can be expected, and a resin composition including the same.

Abstract: Generally, an absorbent composite comprising between about 20% and about 80% by weight of the particulate superabsorbent material and between about 20% and 80% by weight of a swellable absorbent fiber is disclosed herein. The swellable absorbent fiber is substantially water-insoluble and water-swellable and a centrifuge retention capacity of between 5 and 20 grams per gram after four hours and reaches at least 66% of centrifuge retention capacity between about 2 and about 50 seconds.

Abstract: The invention is to provide an ophthalmic lens and manufacturing method thereof. The ophthalmic lens comprises a lens body, a polydopamine layer formed on a surface of the lens body and a first cellulose nanofiber (CNF) layer bonded to the polydopamine layer.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a protective case for an electronic device. The case has a substantially transparent planar back surface. The substantially transparent planar back surface is made from a compostable biopolymer material configured to form a rigid back surface and wherein the substantially transparent planar back surface has a terminal outer periphery edge. An outer bumper formed into a continuous side wall extends transversely from the planar back surface. The continuous side wall has an inwardly extending edge such that the outer bumper is configured to form fit around an electronic device. The outer bumper is made from a compostable biopolymer material configured to form into the outer bumper that is softer then the rigid back surface, and wherein the outer periphery edge of the transparent planar back surface is over-molded into the outer bumper.

Abstract: An electroencephalogram (EEG) system is disclosed. The EEG system includes an EEG controller and an EEG sensor that includes a contact surface, the contact surface including an electrically-conductive portion in communication with the EEG controller and a sensor release element in communication with the EEG controller, the sensor release element being configured to perform, in response to a signal from the EEG controller, a release action to reduce adhesion of an electrically-conductive gel between the contact of the sensor and the user's skin.

Abstract: A non-limit multi-function viscoelastic support structure group, relating to a field of aerospace structural design, includes a basic structure, a supported structure and multiple viscoelastic support structure units. The multiple viscoelastic support structure units form a circular discontinuous group and are arranged between the basic structure and the supported structure. The viscoelastic support structure units are connected with the basic structure and the supported structure respectively in ways of pre-pressing and surface contact, and no fixed constrained relationship exists. The present invention absorbs a vibration energy through a viscoelastic effect of own structural material and forms a spring-oscillator vibration attenuation system with the supported structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel group of amino acid-based poly(ester urea)s (PEUs) for use in biodegradable adhesive and related methods for their making and use. These novel amino acid-based PEUs have a wide variation in mechanical properties and degradation behavior that can be tuned by varying the amino acids and polyols used to form the polyester monomers that form the PEUs. Importantly, these novel PEUs have been shown to be non-toxic in vitro and in vivo and may be suitable to a wide variety of biomedical and other uses. In some embodiments, the adhesive properties of these degradable amino acid-based poly(ester urea) adhesives has been further improved by the incorporation of controlled amounts of catechol functional groups into the side chains of the PEU via post-polymerization functionalization chemistry.

Abstract: The splint kit provides a sealed splint, bandaging, and a water source for setting the splint. Different kits may be needed depending upon the size of the user to which the splint will be applied. The kits may also vary according to the body part to be set. The size of each splint is based upon the size of the user and the size of the body part(s) to be splinted to eliminate the need for the user to size the splint. The splint is self-contained in its own packaging to maintain the integrity of the splint. The fiberglass/hardening material is encased by a foam material and/or felt to further simplify the process of applying and setting the splint.

Abstract: A transparent conductor including a Group 5 transition metal and boron, wherein the compound has a layered structure.

Abstract: Provided is a cell adhesion inhibitor which exhibits low cytotoxicity and an excellent cell adhesion prevention effect; a tool and an apparatus each having a surface modified through application of the cell adhesion inhibitor thereto; a method for producing each of the surface-modified tool and apparatus; a biomedical structure and a production method therefor; and a microchannel device and a production method therefor. The invention provides a cell adhesion inhibitor comprising, as an active ingredient, a polymer comprising a repeating unit having a sulfinyl group in a side chain thereof.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly is used with a surgical stapler. The staple cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge including a cartridge body, a cartridge deck, and a plurality of staples deployable from the cartridge body through the cartridge deck. The staple cartridge assembly includes a compressible adjunct positionable against the cartridge deck. The compressible adjunct includes a plurality of unaltered fibers and a plurality of altered fibers that are melted and resolidified. The unaltered fibers include a first fiber including a first fiber portion and a second fiber including a second fiber portion extending over the first fiber portion. The compressible adjunct further includes a node which comprises the first fiber portion, the second fiber portion, and at least a portion of the plurality of altered fibers, wherein the at least a portion of the plurality of altered fibers affixes the first fiber portion and the second fiber portion.

Abstract: Methods and devices for making particles at small volumes.

Abstract: A highly tunable bioscaffold is provided, as well as a method of manufacture of the bioscaffold and methods of use of the bioscaffold, for example for drug testing, cell propagation and for optimizing growth of a cell type, for example corneal endothelial cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sorbent for extracting polar components from a sample where the sorbent comprises a cross-linked polymer comprising nitrogen containing cyclic compounds, for example 1-vinylimidazole and/or 4-vinylpyridine. The invention further relates to a method of producing said sorbent and the use of the sorbent.

Abstract: The present invention provides metal medical devices which are provided with sliding properties (lubricity), low protein adsorption properties and low cell adsorption properties and further in which these properties are prevented from deteriorating. The present invention relates to a metal medical device having a surface at least partially treated with a copolymer C of a polymerizable silane compound A and a polymerizable compound B that contains a functional group.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ?-polylysine hydrogel and the preparation method and application of the as-described ?-polylysine hydrogel. The polylysine hydrogel is non-toxic to a recipient, and has biodegradability and biocompatibility. The wound tissue healing material prepared by the present invention can be used in wound tissue adhesion in an efficient, stable, safe manner.

Abstract: A dentifrice composition comprising an orally acceptable vehicle having distributed therein a water hydratable film flakes having a matrix comprised of a water soluble hydroxy alkyl cellulose polymer and a starch, and flaying entrained therein a constituent selected from therapeutic cosmetic and decorative materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape memory materials and to a method for controlling shape change in shape memory materials. In particular, the invention relates to a method and a system for forming complex shapes from shape memory materials and to shape memory materials having complex shapes.

Abstract: A composite material in the form of a linear structure having a width, a length and a thickness, the composite material having a first component formed by a polymer and a second component formed by a reinforcing material, wherein the first component is a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group of biodegradable polymers and mixtures thereof, and the second component is platy wood particles. The composite material being formable at a temperature of about 50 to 70° C. and being capable of being employed as a blank for an orthopedic splint.

Abstract: A bone cement comprising an acrylic polymer mixture which is formulated to have a relatively high viscosity for a relatively long window, due to distributions of molecular weights and/or sizes of acrylic beads.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pharmaceutically acceptable complex formulae comprising complexes of Abiraterone acetate and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, process for the preparation thereof and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The complex formulae of the present disclosure have improved physicochemical properties which results in reduced food effect which allows significant dose reduction and the abandoning of the requirement of taking the drug on an empty stomach.

Abstract: A dentifrice composition comprising an orally acceptable vehicle having distributed therein a water hydratable film flakes having a matrix comprised of a water soluble hydroxy alkyl cellulose polymer and a starch, and having entrained therein a constituent selected from therapeutic cosmetic and decorative materials.

Abstract: Provided are opaque materials exhibiting a good adhesive strength and a good color tone reproduction comparable with natural dental crowns as well as having a good operability. In addition, the opaque materials may exhibit a stain-resistance property in rebuilding-up a dental composition on the opaque materials in a cured form with a metal instrument. Further, the opaque materials may exhibit a good color tone reproduction comparable with natural dental crowns even if a dental membrane is thinly formed from the opaque metals. The dental membrane is formed from a first opaque layer and a second opaque layer, wherein the first opaque layer contains a filler of indefinite-shape particles and the second opaque layer contains a filler of spherical-shape particles, and wherein the first opaque layer is formed on a metal base and the second opaque layer is formed on the first opaque layer.

Abstract: Managing and accessing personal data is described. In one example, an apparatus has an application processor, a memory to store data, a receive and a transmit array coupled to the application processor to receive data to store in the memory and to transmit data stored in the memory through a wireless interface, and an inertial sensor to receive user commands to authorize the processor to receive and transmit data through the receive and transmit array.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling apparatus includes a cartridge body including a tissue contacting surface defining a plurality of staple retaining slots, a staple disposed within each staple retaining slot of the cartridge body, and a substantially circular buttress. The buttress includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a middle portion extending between the inner portion and the outer portion. At least one stiffened region joins the buttress to the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge body. The inner portion, the middle portion, the outer portion, and the at least one stiffened region are all formed from a common material.

Abstract: A resist underlayer film that can be used as a hardmask. A resist underlayer film forming composition for lithography, includes: as a silane, a hydrolyzable silane, a hydrolysis product thereof, or a hydrolysis-condensation product thereof, wherein the hydrolyzable silane includes a hydrolyzable silane of Formula (1) or a hydrolyzable silane containing a combination of a hydrolyzable silane of Formula (1) with a hydrolyzable silane of Formula (2) in a content of less than 50% by mole in all silanes; Formula (1): R1aR2bSi(R3)4-(a+b) wherein R1 is an organic group containing Formula (1-1), Formula (1-2), or Formula (1-3): a is 1 and b is an integer of 0 to 2, where a+b is an integer of 1 to 3; Formula (2): R4aR5bSi(R6)4-(a+b) wherein, R4 is an organic group containing Formula (2-1), Formula (2-2), or Formula (2-3): a is 1 and b is an integer of 0 to 2, where a+b is an integer of 1 to 3.

Abstract: A surgical stapler, or fastening instrument, may generally comprise a layer, such as a tissue thickness compensator, for example, releasably attached to a fastener cartridge and/or anvil by a flowable attachment portion. The flowable attachment portion may be indefinitely flowable. The flowable attachment portion may be flowable from the time that layer is installed to the fastener cartridge to the time in which the layer is implanted to patient tissue. The flowable attachment portion may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The flowable attachment portion may comprise an adhesive laminate comprising a base layer comprising the tissue thickness compensator and an adhesive layer on at least a portion of a surface of the base layer comprising the pressure sensitive adhesive. Articles of manufacture comprising flowable attachment portion and methods of making and using the flowable attachment portion are also described.

Abstract: An antimicrobial polyurethane foam that is formed from: a multi-functional isocyanate component; an aqueous polyol component reactive with the multi-functional isocyanate component; an antimicrobial metallic compound; and a complexing agent. The complexing agent is used to form a stable blend of the antimicrobial metallic compound with the polyol component. Exemplary complexing agents include amine compounds, ammonium-containing compounds, and ammonia as well as combinations of these compounds. The antimicrobial metallic compound can be a silver, zinc, or copper compound. Desirably, the antimicrobial metallic compound is silver saccharinate. A process of making the antimicrobial polyurethane foam and stable blends used in the manufacture of the antimicrobial polyurethane foam are also disclosed.

Abstract: A single layer flexible foam includes the reaction product of an (A) isocyanate component and a (B) isocyanate-reactive component. The isocyanate component and the isocyanate-reactive component react in the presence of a (C) polyurethane gel. The polyurethane gel has a viscosity of from about 3,000 to about 12,000 cps at 25° C. and includes the reaction product of a polyol component and a second isocyanate component which react at an isocyanate index of from about 10 to about 70. The flexible foam also includes a plurality of agglomerated gel substrates that are formed from the polyurethane gel and that are dispersed in the flexible foam. The flexible foam is formed using a method including the steps of providing (A), providing (B), providing (C), and combining (C) with (A) and (B), such that (A) and (B) react in the presence of (C) to form the flexible foam.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a two part retraction system that can be inserted into the sulcus to form a semi-rigid porous elastomer releasing a hemostatic agent suitable for sulcus retraction such that a dental impression may be completed by a dental practitioner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions of durable skin marking compositions that remains legible and visible on the skin after being treated with an aqueous, alcohol-based solution. The skin marking composition of the present invention includes a cyanoacrylate component, a solvent, and a colorant. The composition can further comprise one or more of viscosity modifiers/thickening agents, stabilizers, plasticizers, formaldehyde scavengers, polymerization accelerators, perfumes, adhesion promoters, and antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, or anti-microbial agents. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Compositions of P4HB with high purity have been developed. The compositions are prepared by washing P4HB biomass prior to solvent extraction, and precipitating P4HB from solution. The same solvent is preferably used to wash the P4HB biomass, and as a non-solvent to precipitate the polymer from a P4HB solvent solution. The highly pure P4HB compositions are suitable for preparing implants. The implants may be used for the repair of soft and hard tissues.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of making polymerizable resins containing a 1,3,5-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine moiety and dental compositions comprising such novel hydrolytic stable, polymerizable resins derived from 1,3,5-triacryloyl-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (TAT).

Abstract: This invention refers to photo-crosslinked hydrogel materials based in gellan gum suitable for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications or as drug delivery systems. Formulations of gellan gum with different degrees of acylation serve as precursor material for insertion of a polymerizable moiety. The materials are capable of free radical polymerization with a photo-initiator at mild temperatures and exposure to ultraviolet light, enabling control of reticulation and withstanding the encapsulation of human and animal cells and/or drugs, and any combination thereof. The physicochemical and biological properties can be adjusted by combining different formulations of gellan gum and reaction conditions.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, with an eye swab for cleaning eyes of vertebrate animals, for example dog's eyes, is provided. The eye swab consists of a gel-like putty, wherein the gel-like putty is held together from a reversibly bonded, three-dimensional network formed of at least one natural or synthetic polymer, at least one cross-linking agent and glycerol.

Abstract: A dual-cure curable material kit comprising: (A) a radical-polymerizable monomer component; (B) a photopolymerization initiator component comprising (b1) an ?-diketone compound, (b2) an aliphatic tertiary amine compound having a tertiary amino group in which three saturated aliphatic groups are bonded to a nitrogen atom and one of the saturated aliphatic groups has an electron-withdrawing group as a substituent, and (b3) an s-triazine compound having a trihalomethyl group as a substituent, or a diaryliodonium salt compound; and a chemical polymerization initiator component (C) comprising (c1) an organic peroxide, and (c2) an N,N-di(hydroxyalkyl)-p-toluidine compound; which is packed separately at least in two packages so that the component (b2) and the component (b3) of the photopolymerization initiator component (B) are not packed together in a single package and the component (c1) and the component (c2) of the chemical polymerization initiator component (C) are not packed together in a single package.

Abstract: A dental coloring material composition comprising containing: (a) a polymerizable monomer and/or an oligomer, (b) a polymerization catalyst, and (c) a pigment and/or a dye, wherein a color tone thereof is a cyan color based on three subtractive primary colors, or a color tone thereof is a magenta color based on three subtractive primary colors, or a color tone thereof is a yellow color based on three subtractive primary colors, and a dental color material set using the dental coloring material compositions in combination.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a brush polymer, including: a linear polymer main chain; and brush structural side chains, including: a hydrophobic molecular branch, and a hydrophilic molecular branch and/or an anti-biofilm/or an anti-microbial molecular branch, wherein the linear polymer main chain is conjugated to the side chains by covalent bonds formed between a hydroxyl group and a reactive functional group, wherein the reactive functional group includes: isocyanate, carboxyl, or epoxy. The present disclosure also provides a medical application of the brush polymer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of manufacturing pure dicalcium phosphate ceramics or dicalcium phosphate/hydroxyapaite (HA) biphasic ceramics for medical applications in hard tissue areas to be used as implant materials. These ceramic implant materials are in granular form or in block form, and are prepared by using an acidic phosphate compound, a basic calcium phosphate compound comprising HA, and water. The dicalcium phosphate ceramic comprises either dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO4.2H2O, DCPD) or dicalcium anhydrous (CaHPO4, DCPA). Wherein, when the acidic phosphate compound is provided in an amount stoichiometrically equal to or in excess relative to the basic calcium phosphate compound, a reaction product is the DCPD or DCPA ceramic; when the acidic phosphate compound is provided in the amount stoichiometrically less than the basic calcium phosphate compound, the reaction product is the DCPD/HA or DCPA/HA biphasic ceramic.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for improving acoustic coupling between a bone conduction hearing device (BCHD) and a patient's head or skull. Such systems, devices, components and methods include disposing a gel or paste between the BCHD and the patient's skin, hair and/or skull. The gel or paste improves the transmission of acoustic signals generated by a transducer in the BCHD to the patients head or skull by providing a more efficient and improved intermediary acoustic medium for the transmission of acoustic signals to the patient's head or skull.

Abstract: Provided are: an organic/inorganic composite, and a manufacturing method therefor; and a dental material and bone substitute material manufactured using the organic/inorganic composite. The organic/inorganic composite includes: (A) 100 parts by mass of a thermoplastic resin containing as a main component at least one kind selected from a polyarylketone resin and a polysulfone resin; and (B) 60 to 300 parts by mass of an inorganic particle mixture dispersed in the thermoplastic resin, in which the inorganic particle mixture contains inorganic particles each having a particle diameter of from 200 to 700 nm at a content of 25 vol % or more, and inorganic particles each having a particle diameter of from 40 to 100 nm at a content of 10 vol % or more.