Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5?-triphosphate [UTP], dinucleotides, cytidine 5?-triphosphate [CTP], adenosine 5?-triphosphate [ATP], or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.

Abstract: A device for automatically milking an animal, which device is provided with a milking robot, a computer for controlling the operation of the device, a measuring device for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal, at least two teat cups, and a common milk line for discharging milk coming from the at least two teat cups, each teat cup being connected via a teat cup line to the common milk line. The device is provided with a milk-determining element for determining the teat cup from which comes the milk present in the common milk line and for emitting a determination signal. The measuring device comprises a common sensor for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal and for emitting a measurement signal. The common sensor is disposed in the common milk line. The computer is suitable for combining the measurement signal and the determination signal.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization catalyst is described which includes: (A) a solid catalyst component being prepared by copulverizing a magnesium compound, an aluminum compound, an electron donor and a titanium compound, and (B) an organoaluminum compound. The present invention is also directed to a process for preparing polyolefins using the aforesaid catalyst system to polymerize olefins.

Abstract: A control method for an automatic transmission in which a first and a second control system are provided and regulate the transmission ratio respectively in automatic and in manual mode. The method comprises the stages of activating the first control system and automatically setting a transmission ratio, detecting the presence of a manual command from an operator to modify the transmission ratio in use, performing the manual command from the operator by modifying the transmission ratio set automatically, silencing the first control system for a predetermined time interval such that the transmission ratio set following the manual command is not modified following any automatic gear change request from the first control system, and attributing the control of the automatic transmission to the first control system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved EPD which comprises the in plane switching mode. More specifically, the EPD of the present invention comprises isolated cells formed from microcups of well defined size, shape and aspect ratio and the movement of the particles in the cells is controlled by the in-plane switching mode. The EPD of the present invention may be produced in a continuous manufacturing process, and the display gives improved color saturation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating pain. The method comprises administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a P2X receptor antagonist. The methods of the present invention are useful in reducing pain, such as traumatic pain, neuropathic pain, organ pain and pain associated with diseases. The P2X receptor antagonists particularly useful for this invention are mononucleoside polyphosphate derivatives or dinucleoside polyphosphate derivatives of general Formula I. The compounds of the present method can be used alone to treat pain. The compounds of the present method can also be used in conjunction with other therapeutic agents or adjunctive therapies commonly used to treat pain, thus enhancing the overall pain-reducing effect in a subject in need of such treatment.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.

Abstract: A device for measuring the AC voltage drop across a series of connections under load with no direct electrical contact to the conductors. The presence of a substantial resistance at series contacts is indicative of a series arcing fault. The device comprises a capacitive probe for clamping to the outer insulation layer of the wire to sense a first voltage at a first node. The device further comprises a floating high-impedance meter having a ground reference coupled to the source of common-mode voltage at a second node, the floating high-impedance meter being adapted to measure a voltage difference between the two nodes and being further adapted to indicate the presence of the series fault when the measured voltage exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A support apparatus is provided for use in the field of workstation design. The support apparatus is movably attachable to a seating device to selectively provide both dorsal and ventral support to a seated user. The support apparatus is movable, by a user in the seated position, between the position providing ventral support and the position providing dorsal support. Also provided is a method of selectively supporting either the ventral or dorsal side of a user by one apparatus, the apparatus moveable by a user in the seated position.

Abstract: An automatic transfer switch is disclosed that features a novel arrangement for detecting a failure of the power source as well as a novel arrangement for preventing cross-conduction between the first and second signal sources during a rapid transfer.

Abstract: A modified ubiquitin regulatory system which lacks heatshock elements and so is not heat inducible can be used to regulate expression of a structural gene under the control thereof, e.g. by introducing an appropriate DNA construct into plant tissue.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for demulsifying oil in water by dilution and impact, and for separation of the oil and suspended solids by dissolved gas floatation, are described. A produced water treating system is also described. The produced water treating system may include a dissolved gas floatation clarifier system, an oil demulsification system, and a separation system. A demulsification subsystem is also described. The apparatus may include a liquid-liquid fluid mixer and a gas generator.

Abstract: Short bioactive peptides containing phenylalanine, leucine, alanine, and lysine residues are disclosed. The peptides can be used in antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and other biological applications.

Abstract: A chitosan enhanced dewatering bag reduces the amount of silt, sedimentation and suspended solids from incoming water. The dewatering bag includes a first permeable membrane having a first open end or opening, and one or more applications of chitosan located within the bag. A second permeable member may be attached to the first permeable membrane so that it defines at least a portion of the outer surface of the dewatering bag. A baffle wall may also be located inside the dewatering bag to reduce the access of silt and sediment to this second permeable membrane. Fluid entering the first opening can readily flow through the dewatering bag, while unwanted dirt and other solids are impeded from such flow.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of a space-based Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) magnetic field detector in conjunction with ground-based network of ELF magnetic field detectors. In particular, a space based ELF detection system can be used to perform a wide area search and find precursor earthquake signals in both known and unknown earthquake zones, and a ground-based network of ELF detectors can be used to verify that the signals are indeed earthquake generated signals. The use of this invention will minimize cost and manpower necessary to effectuate an accurate and reliable earthquake detection system.

Abstract: This invention particularly discloses an improved immunoassay method for the specific detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies. This method employs rubella antigens comprising rubella E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins substantially free of capsid protein. Use of this antigen composition reduces or eliminates nonspecific protein-protein interactions leading to false positive results. A sample diluent comprising urea can also be used in the process to further reduce the occurrence of nonspecific protein-protein interactions. A diagnostic kit to aid in the detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process which comprises removing and stripping off part of the display panel in order to expose and connect the conductor lines on an electrode plate to a driver circuitry. More specifically the process involves (1) preparing a display panel having filled display cells sandwiched between a first and a second substrate layers, preferably by a roll-to-roll process; (2) removing part of a first substrate by asymmetrical cutting by, for example, a die, diamond, knife or laser cutting method to expose the layers underneath (which may include adhesive layer, primer layer, display cell layer and in the case of a display prepared by the microcup technology, the microcup layer and the sealing layer); and (3) stripping off the exposed layers by a stripping solvent or solution. After stripping, the conductor lines on the second substrate are exposed and ready for connection to the driver circuitry.

Abstract: A new variety of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Vamp Time Bronze,’ having a good uniform canopy of bronze decorative flowers. The new variety has a medium vigor, free branching, with a uniform spreading habit and good foliage presentation.

Abstract: A new variety of pot Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Chisel Time Cerise,’ having a good uniform canopy of cerise pink spoon tip single flowers. The new variety has a medium tall vigor, free branching, uniform spreading habit and good foliage presentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquefaction reactor with three distinct elements. First, an anchor type mixer with vertical blades near the reactor wall is used to prevent accumulation of viscous materials near the reactor wall. Second, the center shaft of the anchor mixer doubles as an auger mixer to provide vertical mixing and to draw any floating, unmelted waste below the surface. Finally, a dead zone nozzle at the bottom of the reactor is used to accumulate inorganic, undissolved solids and facilitate removal of these solids.