Design of antimicrobial polymers for enhancing healthcare issues and minimizing environmental problems is an important endeavor with both fundamental and practical implications. Quaternary ammonium silane-functionalized methacrylate (QAMS) represents an example of antimicrobial macromonomers synthesized by a sol-gel chemical route; these compounds possess flexible Si-O-Si bonds. In present work, a partially-hydrolyzed QAMS copolymerized with bis-GMA is introduced. This methacrylate resin was shown to possess desirable mechanical properties with both a high degree of conversion and minimal polymerization shrinkage. Kill-on-contact microbiocidal activities of this resin were demonstrated using single-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 36558), Actinomyces naeslundii (ATCC 12104) and Candida albicans (ATCC 90028). Improved mechanical properties after hydration provided the proof-of-concept that QAMS-incorporated resin exhibits self-repair potential via water-induced condensation of organic modified silicate (ormosil) phases within the polymerized resin matrix.

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Detailed description of synthesis and isolation of S2 polymers, HMBC NMR and HSQC NMR spectra of small-molecule analogues, stacked 1 H NMR spectra of glycopolymers with small-molecule analogues, stacked variable temperature NMR spectra of glycopolymers and small-molecule analogues, and temperature coefficient plots of hydroXyl proton shifts for glycopolymers and small-molecule analogues (PDF)

Errorless learning (EL) procedures have been shown to be effective in teaching new information and new procedures to individuals with severe memory impairment. The published studies have been based on comparatively short-term interventions delivered to individuals with relatively circumscribed impairments. In this single case study, we explore the usefulness of errorless learning procedures used for seven years with an adult with profound and complicated memory and executive function impairments associated with three distinct aetiologies. In primary functional areas targeted by the intervention, outcome was documented by behavioural descriptions and a frequency rating scale. Caregiver burden was documented with qualitative descriptors. A financial cost-benefit analysis is also provided. In the absence of change in underlying neuropsychological impairments, DI's everyday functioning in critical areas improved substantially, with corresponding reduction in supports and improved quality of life. Caregiver burden was reduced to acceptable levels and cost-benefit analysis demonstrates substantial ongoing cost savings.

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanostructured chemicals, when incorporated at low levels in thermoplastics, provide processability enhancement and viscosity reduction without compromising other bulk physical properties. POSS has been relatively unexplored in high performance polymers, and there is incomplete understanding of the mechanisms by which POSS produces flow improvements. In this study, polyethersulfone (PES) was melt‐blended with trisilanolphenyl (TSP)‐POSS and dodecaphenyl (DP)‐POSS; and rheological, dielectric spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy evaluations were conducted to identify structure/property/processing relationships. TSP‐POSS yielded greater processability improvements and viscosity reductions than DP‐POSS, suppressed low temperature relaxations to a larger extent, and displayed a greater degree of nanoscale dispersion in the polymer matrix. The findings are evaluated in terms of competing theories of POSS viscosity reduction.

Incorporating dynamic covalent bonds into block copolymers provides useful molecular level information during mechanical testing, but it is currently unknown how the incorporation of these units affects the resultant polymer morphology. High‐molecular‐weight polyisobutylene‐b‐polystyrene block copolymers containing an anthracene/maleimide dynamic covalent bond are synthesized through a combination of postpolymerization modification, reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization, and Diels–Alder coupling. The bulk morphologies with and without dynamic covalent bond are characterized by atomic force microscopy  and small‐angle X‐ray scattering, which reveal a strong dependence on annealing time and casting solvent. Morphology is largely unaffected by the inclusion of the mechanophore. The high‐molecular‐weight polymers synthesized allow interrogation of a large range of polymer domain sizes.

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Launching a startup company is like synthesizing a new molecule. There is a starting point and a general concept for how to achieve the desired end. Known steps may be taken, but a successful synthesis is rarely the result of the original plan and relies on perseverance and creativity. If done well, the starting molecule (idea) gives rise to a new final product (business). Having personally lived these journeys, the authors of this viewpoint distilled their combined experiences into relevant topics for scientific entrepreneurs. This viewpoint is not a how-to guide for launching a startup. Instead, relatable personal insights and potential best practices are shared to catalyze discussions around a topic of growing relevance to both the polymer community and workforce of the future.