Abstract: A self-contained sterilization process biological indicator is provided. The indicator includes a housing. Test microorganisms disposed in the housing are enveloped by a wax composition. The wax composition comprises a long-chain (greater than C22) linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl alcohol, wherein the alkyl or alkenyl alcohol is not linked through an ester bond or an ether bond to a short chain alkyl or aryl (C1-C6) group, wherein the alkyl or alkenyl alcohol is not linked through an ester bond or an ether bond to a long chain (C8-C36) alkyl or alkenyl group, wherein the alkyl or alkenyl alcohol is not linked through an amide bond to a linear or branched long chain (C8-C36) alkyl or alkenyl amine or acid. The wax composition has a melting point between 78° C. and 120° C. Also contained in the housing are a nutrient composition and an openable container containing a liquid medium.

Abstract: Water-based formulations comprising an indicating composition dispersed in water are described. The water-based indicating compositions include an organic Bi(III) compound, a sulfur source, a carbonate salt, and strontium hydroxide. Formulations further including a resin and/or an acidic additive are also described.

Abstract: Water-based formulations comprising an indicating composition dispersed in water are described. The water-based indicating compositions include an organic Bi(III) compound, a sulfur source, a carbonate salt, and strontium hydroxide. Formulations further including a resin and/or an acidic additive are also described.

Abstract: A system and methods for sterilizing and drying contaminated articles, particularly medical articles, and more particularly the hollow internal areas of medical instruments or lumens of medical endoscopes. The system includes a plasma generator having an electrode, a shield, and a dielectric gap between the electrode and the shield. A source of electrical power connected to the plasma generator applies an electrode energy density between the electrode and the shield. A source of a sterilizing gas precursor provides a flow of the sterilizing gas precursor through the plasma generator to generate a plasma, thereby forming a sterilizing gas including acidic and/or oxidizing species. The contaminated article is exposed to the sterilizing gas for a time sufficient to achieve a desired degree of sterilization. A turbulent flow of a drying gas is used to dry the contaminated article alternately with the exposure of the contaminated article to the sterilizing gas.

Abstract: Water-based formulations comprising an indicating composition dispersed in water are described. The water-based indicating compositions include an organic Bi(III) compound, a sulfur source, a carbonate salt, and strontium hydroxide. Formulations further including a resin and/or an acidic additive are also described.

Abstract: Water-based formulations comprising an indicating composition dispersed in water are described. The water-based indicating compositions include an organic Bi(III) compound, a sulfur source, a carbonate salt, and strontium hydroxide. Formulations further including a resin and/or an acidic additive are also described.

Abstract: Ceramic oxide pre-forms comprising substantially continuous, ceramic oxide fibers, and methods for making the same. The ceramic oxide pre-forms are useful, for example, as in making metal matrix composites reinforced with substantially continuous, ceramic oxide fibers.

Abstract: Metal matrix composites reinforced with ceramic oxide pre-forms.

Abstract: Ceramic oxide pre-forms comprising substantially continuous, alpha alumina fibers, and methods for making the same. The ceramic oxide pre-forms are useful, for example, as in making metal matrix composites reinforced with substantially continuous, alpha alumina fibers.