Abstract: The metal ion complexing properties exhibited by dicitrate are disclosed as chelating agents for reducing the amounts of metal ions in a substance.

Abstract: A method for the controlled release of a biologically active agent wherein the agent is released from a hydrophobic, pH-sensitive polymer matrix is disclosed and claimed. The polymer matrix swells when the environment reaches pH 8.5, releasing the active agent. A polymer of hydrophobic and weakly acidic comonomers is disclosed for use in the controlled release system. Further disclosed is a specific embodiment in which the controlled release system may be used. The pH-sensitive polymer is coated onto a latex catheter used in ureteral catheterization. A common problem with catheterized patients is the infection of the urinary tract with ureaseproducing bacteria. In addition to the irritation caused by the presence of the bacteria, urease produced by these bacteria degrade urea in the urine, forming carbon dioxide and ammonia. The ammonia causes an increase in the pH of the urine. Minerals in the urine begin to precipitate at this high pH, forming encrustations which complicate the functioning of the catheter.

Abstract: Treating patients prophylactically and therapeutically with dicitrate cyclic diester (dicitrate) can prevent or reduce the effects of calcification-related disease, including some types of kidney stones.

Abstract: Dicitrate cyclic diester (dicitrate) is a novel compound which is found in patients who do not exhibit symptoms or predisposition to idiopathic renal calculous disease. Kits are provided for the detection of dicitrate cyclic diester.

Abstract: Dicitrate cyclic diester (dicitrate) is a novel compound which is found in patients who do not exhibit symptoms or predisposition to idiopathic renal calculous disease. Dicitrate can be isolated and detected by novel chromatographic methods. Further, treating patients prophylactically and therapeutically with dicitrate cyclic diester can prevent or reduce the effects of calcification-related disease, including some types of kidney stones, or other disease or condition associated with the presence of metal ions. The metal ion complexing properties exhibited by dicitrate are also applicable to the use of the subject compounds as chelating agents and methods of binding, and thereby reducing, the amounts of metal ions in a substance.

Abstract: A method for the controlled release of a biologically active agent wherein the agent is released from a hydrophobic, pH-sensitive polymer matrix is disclosed and claimed. The polymer matrix swells when the environment reaches pH 8.5, releasing the active agent. A polymer of hydrophobic and weakly acidic comonomers is disclosed for use in the controlled release system. Further disclosed is a specific embodiment in which the controlled release system may be used. The pH-sensitive polymer is coated onto a latex catheter used in ureteral catheterization. A common problem with catheterized patients is the infection of the urinary tract with urease-producing bacteria. In addition to the irritation caused by the presence of the bacteria, urease produced by these bacteria degrade urea in the urine, forming carbon dioxide and ammonia. The ammonia causes an increase in the pH of the urine. Minerals in the urine begin to precipitate at this high pH, forming encrustations which complicate the functioning of the catheter.

Abstract: Dicitrate cyclic diester (dicitrate) is a novel compound which is found in patients who do not exhibit symptoms or predisposition to idiopathic renal calculous disease. Dicitrate can be isolated and detected by novel chromatographic methods. Further, treating patients prophylactically and therapeutically with dicitrate cyclic diester can prevent or reduce the effects of calcification-related disease, including some types of kidney stones, or other disease or condition associated with the presence of metal ions. The metal ion complexing properties exhibited by dicitrate are also applicable to the use of the subject compounds as chelating agents and methods of binding, and thereby reducing, the amounts of metal ions in a substance.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compositions containing temporary visual indicators and methods for using these compositions. Specifically, this invention relates to a sunscreen composition containing an indicator that is visible when the substance is applied to the skin, but becomes invisible shortly after application. The continued presence of the indicator allows the indicator to be reactivated temporarily to the visible form so that a user can verify the presence of the sunscreen. The visible indicator ensures that the sunscreen is applied evenly and completely to the area to be protected, but becomes invisible so as not to interfere with the action of the sunscreen or discolor the skin.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compositions containing temporary visual indicators and methods for using these compositions. Specifically, this invention relates to a sunscreen composition containing an indicator that is visible when the substance is applied to the skin, but becomes invisible shortly after application. The continued presence of the indicator allows the indicator to be reactivated temporarily to the visible form so that a user can verify the presence of the sunscreen. The visible indicator ensures that the sunscreen is applied evenly and completely to the area to be protected, but becomes invisible so as not to interfere with the action of the sunscreen or discolor the skin.

Abstract: Dicitrate cyclic diester (dicitrate) is a novel compound which is found in patients who do not exhibit symptoms or predisposition to idiopathic renal calculous disease. Dicitrate can be isolated and detected by novel chromatographic methods. Further, treating patients prophylactically and therapeutically with dicitrate cyclic diester can prevent or reduce the effects of calcification-related disease, including some types of kidney stones.

Abstract: A sharp instrument encasement system is disclosed for encasing the sharp points or edges of medical instruments. The system comprises a container having two fluid-tight compartments separated by a frangible membrane, one compartment containing a hardenable resin and the other containing a filler comprising a particulate material that is substantially incompressible. Upon insertion of a medical instrument through a penetrable top and through the frangible membrane, the contents of the compartments mix, creating a reaction that hardens the resin and particulate material mixture and encases the sharp portions of the medical instrument.

Abstract: A method of preparing preceramic SiC fibers having a very low oxygen content by forming fibers from a solution of a polycarbosilane and a vinylic sic precursor in a mutual volatile solvent, heating fibers in an oxygen-free inert s atmosphere to effect a cross-linking reaction therebetween. Also disclosed is a method of preparing SiC fibers having superior high temperature properties and a very low oxygen content comprising beating the above-described cross-linked preceramic fibers in an inert atmosphere substantially free of oxygen for a time and at a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze the cross-linked fibers to SiC fibers. The disclosure also describes the novel fibers produced by the above-described methods.

Abstract: A method of preparing preceramic SiC fibers having a very low oxygen content by forming fibers from a solution of a polycarbosilane and a vinylic SiC precursor in a mutual volatile solvent, heating fibers in an oxygen-free inert atmosphere to effect a cross-linking reaction therebetween. Also disclosed is a method of preparing SiC fibers having superior high temperature properties and a very low oxygen content comprising heating the above-described cross-linked preceramic fibers in an inert atmosphere substantially free of oxygen for a time and at a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze the cross-linked fibers to SiC fibers. The disclosure also describes the novel fibers produced by the above-described methods.

Abstract: A method of preparing preceramic SiC fibers having a very low oxygen content by forming fibers from a solution of a polycarbosilane and a vinylic SiC precursor in a mutual volatile solvent, heating fibers in an oxygen-free inert atmosphere to effect a cross-linking reaction therebetween. Also disclosed is a method of preparing SiC fibers having superior high temperature properties and a very low oxygen content comprising heating the above-described cross-linked preceramic fibers in an inert atmosphere substantially free of oxygen for a time and at a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze the cross-linked fibers to SiC fibers. The disclosure also describes the novel fibers produced by the above-described methods.

Abstract: A process for grafting acrylamide onto the surface of low density polyethylene (LDPE). The LDPE is first oxidized by a chromic acid solution and then reduced with diborane to produce a hydroxyl-rich surface. Acrylamide is then grafted onto the surface of the LDPE by free-radical initiation, resulting in a hydrophilic polyacrylamide layer covalently bonded to the LDPE. The process has no effect on the bulk properties of the LDPE.