Abstract: The present invention is an orally administered liquid pharmaceutical composition that demonstrates excellent physical stability while delivering concentrated levels of the pharmaceutical active(s). Specifically, these compositions for extended periods do not allow the active to precipitate or settle out of solution. Among the advantages of this invention is that the compositions do not require agitation/shaking prior to use as a method to re-suspend or dissolve active drug material to insure even and consistent dosing.

Abstract: Methods of selecting fish for breeding and optimum growth in conditions of various salinity are disclosed. Fish are selected for growth in specific salinity based on their prolactin 1 genotype. A simple sequence repeat polymorphism (microsatellite) in the tilapia prolactin (prl 1) promoter is associated with differences in prl 1 expression and differences in growth in “salt-challenged” or “salt-effected” fishes. This discovery suggests that dinucleotide microsatellites may represent an under-appreciated source of genetic variation for regulatory evolution, and belie the textbook interpretation that non-coding microsatellite length variation lacks functional consequences.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reversible carbohydrate (glycan) trap, methods and system for preparing the trap and use of the trap in preparing and trapping glycans for the study of carbohydrate structure. The device and methods assist in the structural characterization of glycans. The method traps and purifies carbohydrate structures at improved sensitivities, thereby enhancing the accuracy of a tissue or cell's complete carbohydrate composition, the glycome, (vis-à-vis proteome). Most basically, the trap device covalently binds activated glycosyl residues on a polymer specifically prepared to contain aldehydic functional groups. The trap material is formed from a carbohydrate polymer, preferably dextran, which is oxidized with periodate to introduce aldehydic groups. The oxidized dextran polymer is packable into separation colulmns or micro-tips for use as the glycan trap.

Abstract: Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant, over 500 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 10 times stronger than other carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, lutein, canthaxanthin and beta-carotene. Astaxanthin has also been shown to enhance and modulate the immune system and diminish the damaging effects of UVA sunlight. Disclosed is a method for retarding and ameliorating fever blisters (cold sores) and canker sores. The method comprises administering a source of astaxanthin in a therapeutically effective amount to prevent, retard and ameliorate fever blisters and canker sores. The astaxanthin may be administered orally, topically, or in a combination of oral and topical dosage.

Abstract: The present seal (10) is a disc of a rigid but deformable plastic, the top surface of which is cylindrical, and the bottom of which has a circular groove (12) containing a flexible sealing mechanism (15). This seal is suited for use in a ganged rotor valve (22) having two or more levels of independent fluid passageways through the rotor along the length thereof. Each level will usually have two independent L-shaped passageways (34, 35). The seal (10) of this invention fits into the rotor about each of the ends of the passageways (34, 35) to seal the passageway between the rotor and the valve body (22).

Abstract: A phosphate mineral based reactive barrier system. Phosphate minerals are known to be sinks for heavy metal contaminants. The reactive barrier prevents the release of contaminants from waste materials, sediments or dredged materials via reaction with the contaminants at the interface between the barrier and the waste material, sediments or dredged material. The barrier is comprised of a phosphate mineral material where the form of the phosphate mineral is variable but primarily insoluble. This barrier is placed below, around, and/or on top of the contaminated materials such that the contaminated materials are completely enveloped, capped, or contained by a grout curtain. The barrier can be in a (i) slurry form, (ii) blended matrix form with other inorganic agents, or (iii) composite form with a geotextile or geofabric. These methods of construction can be used singly or jointly. In some cases, pH control may be used to optimize the chemical reactions within the barrier system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orthopedic saddle seat cushion, and method for cushioning, to prevent the coccyx of a rider from touching the saddle, to prevent or eliminate lower back discomfort or injury. The cushion allows a substantial area of the rest of the buttocks-seat of the rider to contact the saddle which permits the rider to feel the saddle and thus maintain good control of the animal being ridden. The saddle seat cushion is a circularly shaped outer ring of material that contains a mechanism for inflating the ring, which comprises an inflation tube for putting a gas, or any combination of gases, such as normal air, into the ring to inflate the ring, and an air plug for retaining gas in the ring. There is a fastening mechanism to secure the cushion to the saddle.

Abstract: Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant, over 500 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 10 times stronger than other carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, lutein, canthaxanthin and beta-carotene. Astaxanthin has also been shown to enhance and modulate the immune system. Disclosed is a method and treatment for retarding and ameliorating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and tenosynovitis. The method comprises administering a source of astaxanthin in a therapeutically effective amount to prevent, retard and ameliorate carpal tunnel syndrome and tenosynovitis.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrical feedthru wherein a thin liquid conductive film is deposited into a shallow trough of an insulating machinable substrate. The conductive film and substrate are fired and then the resulting bound composite is ground flush with the adjacent surface of the insulating machinable substrate. The surface cohesion of the fired composite, and the resulting high quality surface finish of the grinding operation, combined with an elastomeric seal, create low leakage barriers capable of supporting a pressure differential while allowing isolated electrical conduction across a pressure or vacuum envelope. The method produces a space saving feedthru which allows a high signal line density in a limited space, is relatively simple to assemble, allows for disassembly rework, can be ‘designed into’ unique geometries of varied applications, and which has a single O-ring sealing across all traces.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a one-piece unit for retrofitting back-lit incandescent or compact fluorescent, LED, and EL signs with electroluminescent (EL) panels, or for fitting new signs with EL panels. The EL unit comprises an EL lamp attached to a diffuser, a connection module which may have built-in surge protection and which is connected to first and second electrical connection leads, or traces, of the EL lamp and heat wrapped in place by heat shrink tubing to ensure a stable connection, and at least two electrical connection lead wires extending from the connection module for attachment to one or more power sources. The connection module is selected based on the AC and/or DC voltage of the power supply in the location to be fitted or retrofitted. Another embodiment of the invention is a kit which may include the EL unit, wire nuts, adhesive mountings, and instruction sheets.

Abstract: A multi-functional, compound apparatus that functionally provides at least one additional axle and wheels, that can be used with or without a trailer being towed to enable a vehicle to carry extra weight, extra long loads, and/or to tow a trailer heavier than the tow vehicle could otherwise safely tow is disclosed. The apparatus provides the additional payload carrying and towing capacity while maintaining the driving and steering capability of the tow vehicle, and removing the majority of the weight of the load from the rear portion of the tow vehicle. The apparatus may be used as a load bearing and distributing trailer hitch, or simply as a load bearing member to increase the payload capability of a carrying vehicle, or may be adapted to be used as a trailer itself.

Abstract: A collinear electronically tunable helical antenna system includes at least one helical antenna coil; a center conductive tube disposed axially through the open center space of the coil, which may contain bias and control lines and feed lines. The antenna coil is short circuited to the center tube near the base of the coil, forming a tunable choke. Sections of the coil are shorted to electrically shorten the coil, thereby tuning the antenna and choke. Each antenna coil is powered via feed lines that emanate from the antenna base and which run through the conductive tube from below the antenna base. Sections of coil may be shorted by a pair of oppositely poled diodes forming a PIN diode switch connected across a section of antenna coil. A bias voltage that controls the switch is supplied to the switch, via bias lines which run within the antenna coil and exit the antenna coil at a point symmetrical between each pair of oppositely poled diodes.