Abstract: Tubular, spheroidal, and helical lipid microstructures are individually clad with a metal coat deposited on the microstructures by an electroless plating bath. In metal cladding the microstructures, the surfaces of the lipid microstructures are sensitized by adsorption thereon of a catalytic precursor which enables metal from the electroless plating bath to deposit upon and adhere to the sensitized surface. The metal plate is electrically conductive and may also be magnetic. A composite material is produced by embedding the metal clad microstructures in a matrix of a polymer such as an epoxy or a polyurethane.

Abstract: An optically active carboxylic acid derivative represented by the general formula ##STR1## wherein R represents a normal alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, m and n represent 0 or 1 but are not 1 at the same time, X represents a hydrogen or halogen atom, Y represents a hydrogen or fluorine atom, provided that when Y is a hydrogen atom, X is a halogen atom, and that when n is 0, Y is a hydrogen atom, and Q* represents an optically active alkyl or 1-alkoxyethyl group having an asymmetric carbon atom.

Abstract: The invention relates to ferroelectric smectic liquid crystal mixtures and compounds. The invention also relates to electro-optical devices incorporating these mixtures.

Abstract: Polyphenyl-based liquid crystal compounds represented by the following general formula (1) and liquid crystal composition containing the same: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a straight or branched C.sub.1-18 alkyl group, haloalkyl group, aralkyl group or haloaralkyl group with or without optically active carbon, R.sup.2 represents a straight or branched C.sub.1-6 alkyl group, haloalkyl group or aralkyl group with or without optically active carbon, W represents (1) --OCO-- or --COO--, in which case T represents a halogen atom or a methyl group, or (2) a single bond, --O-- or --OCOO--, in which case T represents a halogen atom, X represents --OCO--, --COO--, --C.dbd.C--, --CH.dbd.N--, --N.dbd.CH, Y represents single bond, --O--, --COO--, --OCO--, --CH.sub.2 --, --OCH.sub.2 --, --COOCH.sub.2 -- or --OCOCH.sub.2 --, Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2 represent a hydrogen or halogen atom, a cyano group or nitro group, Z.sub.1 may be the same or different from Z.sub.

Abstract: Chemical biological agents to be encapsulated are blended into an aqueous dispersion of an unmodified starch comprising about 5% to about 25% by weight amylose. The dispersion, having an initial starch solids content of about 20% by weight, is characterized by completely disrupted starch granules and completely disassociated amylose molecules that are not significantly depolymerized. Subsequent drying is accomplished by reassociation of the amylose molecules which converts the dispersion into a protective matrix and binds the agents within the interstices of the reassociating starch chains. Rate of release of agents to the environment can be altered by varying the proportion of amylose in the starch. Encapsulation of biologically active compositions provides protection against degradative environmental conditions, improves safety in handling, and slows the release of such compounds to the surrounding medium.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline compounds having an optically active .gamma.-lactone ring of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a group selected from the group consisting of ##STR2## n and e are each independently 0 or 1; R.sup.3 is an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 is a group of the formula: --(CO).sub.m --R.sup.4 ; m is 0 or 1; R.sup.4 is hydrogen atom or an alkyl having 1 to 15 carbon atoms; and the symbol * is an asymmetric carbon atom, and an intermediate thereof, and process for the production of the same.

Abstract: A lead-oxide paste mix for use as an active material superimposed upon the plates of a lead-acid rechargeable battery. Battery grades of oxides of lead are mixed with a dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide, either alone or with additives and/or expanders. The resultant paste offers such advantages as reduced curing and drying times and/or the elimination of the need for curing and drying, lower dry active material weights and improved cohesion when compared to conventional pastes manufactured from leady oxides, sulfuric acid, and water.

Abstract: A surface-active block copolymer which comprises chemically linked polymeric blocks (A) and (B), block (A) of said copolymer consisting of at least one homo- or copolymerized non-polar alpha,beta-ethylenically unsaturated monomer and block (B) of said copolymer is derived by polymerizing an alpha-beta ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing an epoxy group and transforming the epoxy group into an hydroxy-substituted ionic group, preferably an anionic group. These block copolymers are used as dispersing agents in aqueous dispersions, including polymeric latex dispersions, and as plasticizing agent in hydrophilic colloid layers, including colloid layers containing a dispersed light-sensitive silver halide emulsion or other auxiliary substances for photographic materials.

Abstract: Infrared laser-induced production of nitrated products is achieved by irradiating compounds selected from propane, n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane, and cyclopropane in the gas phase while in a stainless steel cell 5.times.5.times.10 cm equipped with zinc selenide windows to admit the infrared laser radiation in the range of 10.4 or 9.4 micrometers provided by a continuous wave CO.sub.2 laser. KC1 windows on the short path are to monitor infrared spectra of reactants and products. Nitrogen dioxide or nitric acid is present as the second reactant and the nitrating agent. The infrared laser-induced method far exceeds the yield of nitrated products found in the argon-ion laser-induced nitration of isobutane reported in the literature. Applicants' method at least equals the yield from thermally activated systems with a minimum formation of undesirable side products. A representative sample, 220 torr of gaseous butane, and 20 torr NO.sub.2 is irradiated in one experiment for 30 seconds with 75 W/cm.sup.

Abstract: A process and reaction vessel for producing alkyl nitrite is disclosed the process comprising (a) contacting nitric oxide, lower alcohol and oxygen in a reaction zone such that alkyl nitrite is formed, said reaction zone comprising a reactor section and a rectification section, (b) supplying a liquid scrubbing agent to an upper portion of the rectification section, (c) withdrawing a gaseous alkyl nitrite product stream from the upper portion of the rectification section, and (d) withdrawing a liquid stream from a lower portion of the reactor section. The reactor section provides intimate vapor-liquid contact sufficient to enhance the conversion of nitric oxide to alkyl nitrite and the rectification section provides sufficient vapor residence time to enhance conversion of oxygen, as well as sufficient rectification capabilities to reduce the amounts of water and nitric acid in the gaseous alkyl nitrite product stream.

Abstract: A C-branched zwitterionic surfactant represented by the following formula is disclosed: ##STR1## wherein x and y are numbers, x is less than or equal to y+1, and the sum of x+y in the range of about 7 to about 19, with the provisos that: (1) when the sum of x+y is in the range of about 7 to about 13, x/y is in the range of about 0.3 to about 1.2; and (2) when the sum of x+y is in the range of about 14 to about 19, x/y is in the range of about 0.1 to about 0.7. An enhanced oil recovery method using the foregoing surfactants is also disclosed.

Abstract: A compound having ferroelectric liquid crystal properties of the formula: ##STR1## wherein A is the residue of a liquid crystal material or a liquid crystal compatible material;X is O or S;n is 0 or 1;Y is any inert group which does not cause the melting point of the compound of Formula I to exceed 200.degree. C.;R.sup.1 is selected from H, C.sub.1-4 -alkyl and halogen; andR.sup.2 is C.sub.1-4 -alkyl or halogen;provided that R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are different. In a suitable environment the compound is capable of alignment in two metastable states and is therefore suitable for use in multiplex-addressed, liquid crystal devices, such as flat bed large area screens and displays.

Abstract: Some of antineoplastic agents, for instance, adriamycin and daunorubicin, have a positive charge at physiological pH. Such drugs possess high affinity for binding to steroidal sulfate by means of electrostatic force. The invention utilizes this property to prepare steroidal sulfate liposomes having a net negative charge and encapsulating the antineoplastic agent.

Abstract: An self-moistening inactivating agent for toxic substances provided in a er-vapor-impervious container. The agent comprises an intimate admixture of at least one hygroscopic material and at least one oxidizing agent. The agent can also contain chelating materials and electrostatic materials. The agent is used to inactivate toxic substances on the ground or on contaminated surfaces. Particularly, the agent inactivates organo phosphorous toxic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in processes of preparing dinitrated .[.aromatic compounds, particularly dinitrated aniline and dinitrated substituted aniline compounds, employing relatively dilute and then more concentrated nitric acid as the nitrating agent.]. .Iadd.aniline and substituted phenol compounds in a two-step process, employing, in the first or mononitration step the spent nitric acid from the second of dinitration step. .Iaddend.

Abstract: A herbicidal suspension concentrate characterized by comprising from 0.5 to 20 parts by weight of at least one compound selected from among sulfonamide compounds represented by the general formula (I). ##STR1## (wherein X is a hydrogen atom, a chloride atom, a bromine atom, a methyl group, or a difluoromethyl group) and their salts as an active ingredient, from 55 to 94.5 parts by weight of a vegetable oil, and from 5 to 25 parts by weight of a surfactant.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising a non-magnetic support, a magnetic layer, and an undercoat layer provided therebetween, and said undercoat layer comprising: (A) at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyester resins having one or more hydroxyl groups and polyurethane resins having one or more hydroxyl groups; (B) a polyisocyanate compound (C) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of organometallic compounds and tertiary amine compounds; and (D) carbon black having an average single particle size of 50 .mu.m or smaller and an oil absorption of 100 g DBP/100 g or less; and having an (A)/(D) content ratio of 30/70 to 70/30, by weight, a (B) content of 15 to 50 wt. % based on component (A), and a (C) content of 0.5 to 5 wt. % based on component (A).

Abstract: The quaternary salts of rigidized 1,3-oxazole compounds of the formula: ##STR1## where R is either H or CH.sub.3 O. The compounds are produced in a modif Robinson-Gabriel synthesis of oxazoles. These dyes are used in solution with non-interfering polar solvents, such as ethanol and H.sub.2 O, to form lasing media useful in dye lasers.

Abstract: There are provided substituted p-phenylene diamines of the formula ##STR1## wherein Ar is phenyl or phenoxyphenyl.

Abstract: A polymer blend of a polyarylate with a minor amount of a segmented polyesteramide is useful as a molding composition, with improved impact strength and elongation.