Abstract: Conventional adhesive and contact welding methods for holding the paperboard and plastic components of a composite closure together present a number disadvantages and do not lend themselves easily to mass production. The present invention describes two novel approaches, firstly the pre-assembly heating of the closure components with directed hot air to partially melt the thermoplastic surfaces and allow the parts to be immediately assembled sealingly and, secondly, a novel construction of plastic and paperboard composite closure in which the plastic rim is of a two-piece snap-fit constructions which firmly grips the top panel of the paperboard lid.

Abstract: Orally disintegrating or dissolving edible strips for use as a matrix for retaining and delivering nutrients, flavors and medicinal compounds are made from new liquid film casting compositions comprising a major proportion of gelatin. The particularly low melting range for hydrated gelatin produces films that leave virtually no residue upon dissolving in the mouth and can be used in the form of thicker films and strips than known edible films.

Abstract: A hemostatic composition includes a carrier medium including a predetermined amount of a particulate material. The particulate material is comprised of core particles with a coating. The core particles have an average particle size of about 5 nm to 10 ?m, and the coating is one of gold, silica, silver, platinum, steel, cobalt, carbon, a polymer, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A transgenic screen and method for screening biological and chemical test substances or molecules for their ability to influence or modulate the production of BDNF in cells, includes a fusion gene having a zebrafish BDNF gene fragment (promoter) and a fluorescent marker gene inserted downstream of the BDNF gene fragment. When the fusion gene is injected into a zebrafish embryo, the BDNF promoter causes the production of fluorescent protein in various cell types. The embryo is exposed to a test substance for determining the effect thereof on the production of the fluorescent marker protein.

Abstract: Improved deep well grounding systems of the kind used for cathodic protection of ground installations according to the invention employ a combination of materials for the casing of the central metallic anode and the backfill in the well which exhibit a degree of permeability sufficient to allow by-product gases develop in ordinary use of this system to escape, avoiding unwanted cavitation, while minimizing the migration of ground water and the attendant undesirable environmental pollution.

Abstract: A method and device for dispensing a predetermined or measured amount of a fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, chemical, or the like material includes a housing with a plurality of chambers in communication with each other. A plurality of valves are provided for opening or restricting the flow between the chambers. One of the chambers includes a measuring chamber, and a second of the chambers includes a storage chamber disposed downstream of the measuring chamber. A dispensing chamber is disposed downstream of the storage chamber. A material discharge valve is operably associated with the dispensing chamber for discharging the material from the housing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing plants wherein rotating arrays of seeds or seedlings carried by arcuate ribs arranged around a common horizontal axis face a growth promoting light source; plant growth is promoted and weight distribution within each array is maintained when watering the rotating arrays. Several intermeshing arrays can make up a carousel wherein the arrays rotate together during plant growth, cropping and replanting.

Abstract: A multifunctional particulate material, fluid, or composition includes a predetermined amount of core particles with a plurality of coatings. The core particles have an average particle size of about 1 nm to 500 ?m. The particulate material, fluid, or composition is capable of exhibiting one or more properties, such as magnetic, thermal, optical, electrical, biological, chemical, lubrication, and rheological.

Abstract: A method for collecting payment over a distributed digital computerized communication environment by a third party for services using digital tokens issued by a third party. The services may be provided by the third party or another party. The tokens are acquired by the user and stored in its database. The user cancels the tokens itself as it uses the provided services. The second party can monitor and report on the cancellation of tokens by the user. Fraud is reduced or eliminated by providing an open system that permits other parties to observe the user's cancellation of its tokens.

Abstract: A method for predicting onset or risk of atrial fibrillation in a subject includes determining the presence of an oxidative stress marker, such as glutathione, cysteine, and/or a derivative of a reactive oxidative metabolite (DROM).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing plants wherein a spherical array of seeds or seedlings radially face the center of the sphere and a growth promoting light source is generally at the center of the sphere; plant growth is promoted and approximately equal weight distribution among growing plants is maintained by rotating the sphere on its horizontal axis around the light source, simultaneously delivering water optionally containing plant nutrients to all the seeds or seedlings and regulating the light source during periods of plant growth and non-growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alpha-arteether resistance domain (ADR) of Sequence ID No.1 and a method of identifying ADR in alpha-arteether resistant pathogens and lastly, it relates to set three pairs of primers of sequence ID Nos. 3 to 8.

Abstract: A transgenic screen and method for screening biological and chemical test substances or molecules for their ability to influence or modulate the production of BDNF in cells, includes a fusion gene having a zebrafish BDNF gene fragment (promoter) and a fluorescent marker gene inserted downstream of the BDNF gene fragment. When the fusion gene is injected into a zebrafish embryo, the BDNF promoter causes the production of fluorescent protein in various cell types. The embryo is exposed to a test substance for determining the effect thereof on the production of the fluorescent marker protein.

Abstract: Human cells isolated and/or cloned from human NT2 cells for expressing serotonin (5HT) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are disclosed. These cells can be used as cellular minipumps to release serotonin and/or GABA to treat various neurological diseases, conditions, or disorders, particularly neurodegenerative disorders and the consequences of brain and spinal cord injuries (pain/spasticity).

Abstract: A method and kit for inducing hypoxia in tumors includes impeding oxygen supply to non-hypoxic cells in a subject in need thereof by using a magnetic fluid.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing plants includes an enclosed vessel having a growth medium containing a plant seed or seedling in the upper part thereof and a free space below into which plant roots can enter, a mechanism to feed water and nutrients to the vessel to saturate the growth medium, a mechanism to remove excess water and nutrients after reaching saturation, and a mechanism to regulate the amounts, intervals and rates of water and nutrients being fed for optimum plant growth.

Abstract: A method and composition for inhibiting or slowing blood coagulation includes lactadherin, a fragment of lactadherin, a functional equivalent of lactadherin, or a functional equivalent of a fragment of lactadherin.

Abstract: Novel antenna polymers characterized by a polymeric background of a biodegradable water soluble polymer and chromophores chemically bonded to the polymeric background have been found to be useful as photocatalysts in aqueous media. On completion of the desired photochemical reaction, the residual medium can safely be discharged to the natural environment as the catalyst residues undergo biodegradation to form environmentally harmless products.