Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the extra-corporeal qualitative and/or quantitative recording of neuro-toxic substances in the blood plasma of an individual. According to said method, a system containing neurones or neuronal networks, which have been cultivated on or applied to a micro-electrode array or a neuro-chip, in addition to a device for measuring the electrical activity of at least one or several of said neurones are provided, the neurones are brought into contact with a prepared sample of plasma and the electrical activity of the neurones is measured. The aim of the invention is to develop and improve said method in such a way that it supplies reliable, reproducible results for the recording of neuro-toxic substances in the blood plasma of an individual, in particular in the case of encephalopathic conditions, such as for example hepatic failure, or of coma conditions of various origins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for blow forming a container (1) from a parison (2) made of plastic. After heating, said container is preformed by a gas injected into the container (1, 2) at a low pressure of 5 bar and by expanding the inner volume of said container. The final shape of the container can then be achieved by igniting an inflammable gas injected into the container, whereby the combustion generates a higher blowing pressure, or by injecting an additional gas with a higher blowing pressure of approximately 40 bar into the container after pre-blowing. The invention aims at improving known blow forming methods in such a way that a barrier layer impervious to gases, aromatic substances or the like is produced on the inner side of the container without having to use big machines. To this end, a precursor gas is added to and mixed with the inflammable gas, the mixture is then ignited and a coating is formed on the inner surface of the container by the combustion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting electromagnetic waves, especially for also detecting the phase and amplitude of electromagnetic waves, using elements that react sensitively to incident electromagnetic waves. The aim of the invention is to provide a method and a device for detecting the phase and amplitude of electromagnetic waves that are economical as possible and also allow relatively high resolution. To this end, the invention provides that the device has two different pixel types, one pixel type being essentially only sensitive to intensity and the other pixel type being essentially only sensitive to phase. Accordingly, two different pixel types are used in the method, one of which reacts essentially to the intensity of the incoming electromagnetic waves, while the other pixel type is phase-sensitive.

Abstract: The invention comprises plasmids and viral vectors containing an animal p53as cDNA sequence. A portion of the p53as sequence may be identified to a position of wild type p53 gene from the same animal. In preferred embodiments, the p53as is mouse or human p53as. A preferred viral vector is baculovirus vector. The invention further includes antibodies both polyclonal and monoclonal, to p53as and to at least a portion of human p53 intron 10 sequence encoding SLRPFKALVREKGHRPSSHSC (SEQ. I.D. NO. 1) which is related to p53as sequences and plasmids and viral vectors containing such sequences. All of the above find utility in studying p53 and p53as and their relative expressions which is believed important for detection and control of malignant cells and their susceptibility to treatment agents.

Abstract: A herbicidal composition comprises an aqueous solution of a mixture of acetic acid and glycine in a ratio by weight of from 10:1 to 1:1. Preferably, the composition further contains a surfactant. In general, for eradicating herbal vegetation, the aqueous solution has a concentration of acetic acid from 4 to 10% by weight, a concentration of glycine from 1 to 10% by weight and a concentration of surfactant from 0.5 to 5% by weight. The herbicidal composition may conveniently be prepared and shipped as a concentrate adapted to be diluted with water in a ratio by volume from 1:1 to 1:4 before use.

Abstract: A derivative of phosphoric acid ester salt or adduct or a mixture thereof is obtained from a reaction product, polycondensed with at least one aldehyde, of at least one polyol phosphoric acid ester with at least one organic nitrogen base. The derivative is advantageously used as a flame-inhibiting and/or intumescent treatment in plastic mouldings, on porous carriers or in paint or coating systems. The production of the derivative or a mixture thereof by reacting at least one polyol with phosphorus pentoxide and reacting the polyol phosphoric acid ester obtained in that way with at least one organic nitrogen base forming a phosphoric acid ester salt or adduct, is characterized in that the amount of phosphorus pentoxide required for the esterification operation is suspended in an amount of the ester or ester mixture to be produced, then at a temperature in the range of 20–180° C.

Abstract: A modular microreaction system comprising a housing and functional base modules accommodated therein. The housing has at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet. The base modules are arranged one behind another in a row in the housing and being designed such that fluid can flow successively through them in series. At least some of the base modules are constructed from a plurality of substantially rectangular foils having plate-like surfaces in essentially parallel planes which foils are connected to one another and are arranged in layers one above another, forming a foil stack. At least a first of the foils having at least one of microstructured channels, sensor elements, heating elements and combinations thereof on a plate-like surface of the at least a first of the foils.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds for detection, diagnosis and treatment of target tissues or target compositions, including hyperproliferative tissues such as tumors, using photodynamic methods. In particular, photosensitizer compounds that collect in hyperproliferative tissue are provided. In another embodiment, compounds that absorb light at a wavelength of from about 700 to about 850 nm are provided. In a further embodiment, compounds that are detectable by magnetic resonance imaging are provided.

Abstract: A printing process for the transfer of printing substance (2) from an ink carrier (1) to an imprinting material (6), in which, with the help of an energy-emitting apparatus, which, during a process period, emits energy in the form of electromagnetic waves (3), and the printing substance (2) undergoes a change in volume and/or position, wherein, with the help of absorption bodies (4), energy is transferred from the electromagnetic waves (3) into the printing substance (2). The invention also includes an apparatus for practicing the process of the invention and a printing substance containing absorption bodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for storing and transporting unit loads, especially articles whose dimensions are substantially larger in at least one or two directions perpendicular to each other than in the remaining third direction in space. Said articles are substantially accommodated in U-shaped pouches (4, 5) that consist of flexible sheet material and that are mounted in a rack or a frame. Said pouches (4, 5) are suspended in one or more points in the vicinity of their upper edge and are fixed at least in one additional point in the area of their lower edge or below said lower edge. The inventive device is characterized by a substantially improved ease of loading. The individual articles are securely held in the pouches (4, 5).

Abstract: A compound having the structural formula: where R is H or lower alkyl of 1 through 12 carbon atoms. In general, the compounds of the invention are 132-Oxo-bacteriopyropheophorbide—a carboxylic acid and C1–C12 alkyl esters thereof. A method for the preparation of the carboxylic acid compounds of the invention includes the step of reacting bacteriopyropheophorbide—a alkyl ester with lithium hydroxide tetrahydrofuran and water.

Abstract: A printing process for the transfer of printing substance (8) from an ink carrier (2) onto an imprinting material, in which the printing substance (8) undergoes a change in volume and/or position by means of an induced procedure of an energy-releasing apparatus, and thereby a transfer of a printing point onto the imprinting material takes place. The invention further includes a printing machine suitable for practicing the process.

Abstract: A compound comprising a chemical combination of a photodynamic tetra-pyrrolic compound with a plurality of radionuclide element atoms such that the compound may be used to enhance MR imaging and also be used as a photodynamic compound for use in photodynamic therapy to treat hyperproliferative tissue. The preferred compounds have the structural formula: where R1, R2, R2a R3, R3a R4, R5, R5a R6, R7, R7a, and R8 cumulatively contain at least two functional groups that will complex or combine with an MR imaging enhancing element or ion. The compound is intended to include such complexes and combinations and includes the use of such compounds for MR imaging and photodynamic therapy treatment of tumors and other hyperproliferative tissue.

Abstract: A method for MR imaging that comprises conducting the MR imaging after injecting compositions that are chemical combination of porphyrins, chlorins, bacteriochlorins, and related tetra-pyrrolic compounds with radioactive elements such as Technetium99, Gadolinium, Indium111 and radioactive iodine. When the element can form cations, the compound is usually a chelate with the porphyrin or chlorin structure. When the element forms anions, the compound is usually a direct chemical combination of the radioactive element into the porphyrin or chlorin structure. The method uses the compounds of the invention for diagnostic imaging of hyperproliferative tissue such as tumors and new blood vessel growth as is associated with the wet form of age related macular degeneration and methods of making the compounds.

Abstract: The process for growing single crystals, wherein crystal material is melted in a crucible and a crystal nucleus is immersed in the molten crystal material and slowly pulled out, wherein the crystal formed during the pulling is kept at a temperature close to melting temperature of the output material. The invention also includes a device for practicing the above process.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of pyropheophorbide a and its derivatives, including 3-devinyl-3-(1?-hexyloxy)ethyl-pyropheophorbide-a, otherwise known as HPPH, is provided. The process involves treating chlorin e6, in the form of its trimethyl ester, with a base, followed by heating to give pyropheophorbide a, which is converted to HPPH by treatment with acid, followed by hexyl alcohol under basic conditions.

Abstract: A fuel conditioning device for increasing fuel burning efficiency and reducing pollutant emissions. The device includes a hollow housing. The housing in turn includes: i) a first end for receiving a combustible liquid fuel supply and supplying it to an intermediate portion of the housing; ii) an intermediate portion having an eddy chamber for receiving fuel from the first end and creating turbulence and mixing within the fuel, where the eddy chamber is designed for receiving at least one flow diverter for diverting at least a portion of the flow from the first end in a direction at an angle of from about 30 to about 90 degrees to an original direction of flow from the first end; and iii) a second end for receiving a compound venturi for accepting fuel from the intermediate portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of extruded blown cellulose film from a solution of cellulose, water and an amine-oxide, which includes:—extrusion apparatus for continuously extruding a cellulose solution to produce a cellulose film;—solidifying apparatus for solidifying the extruded cellulose film;—drawing apparatus positioned downstream of the extrusion apparatus for continuously drawing the extruded cellulose film from the extrusion apparatus; and a tubular member for containing precipitation apparatus and for receiving an extruded blown film wherein the tubular member is situated within a precipitation bath. The invention also includes a method of extruding blown film.

Abstract: A fluoride-sensitive electrode having a tubular electrode shaft, a lanthanum fluoride crystal, which closes the end of the electrode shaft, an internal electrolyte sealed between the lanthanum fluoride crystal and a closure in the electrode shaft, and a contact wire which dips into the internal electrolyte, wherein the internal electrolyte has a pH of ?9.0 and a fluoride concentration of ?0.1 M. The invention also includes the method of using the electrode to determine fluoride ion concentration.

Abstract: Pyropheophorbide compounds are injected into a host and accumulate in tumor tissue to a higher degree than surrounding normal tissues. When the pyropheophorbide compounds are exposed to a particular wavelength of light the compounds become cytotoxic and destroy the tumor or diseased tissue without causing irreversible normal tissue damage. The pyropheophorbide compounds have shown improved results as compared to drugs currently used in photodynamic therapy. Further, they absorb light further in the red, optimizing tissue penetration mad are retained in the skin for short time periods relative to other drugs used in photodynamic therapy.