Abstract: A scrubbing solution for removing contaminants, including particularly hydrogen sulfide, from a fluid. The scrubbing solution includes at least one scrubbing reagent which has a primary or secondary amine and an acid, which may be phosphoric acid. The fluid being scrubbed is passed through the scrubbing solution. The contaminants react with the scrubbing reagent securing them in the scrubbing solution. The fluid being scrubbed and the scrubbing solution are then separated. The scrubbing solution is heated and, if the scrubbing solution is under pressure, the pressure is reduced. The acid facilitates thorough removal of the contaminants, and especially the hydrogen sulfide, from the scrubbing solution. The scrubbing solution is then ready for reuse. Because the scrubbing solution is rendered substantially free of hydrogen sulfides, it can absorb other sulfide contaminants that might not otherwise be absorbed.

Abstract: A duct vent cover attaches to an exterior wall at a duct exhaust point. The duct vent cover comprises a hood, mounting bracket, and a paddle wheel. The duct vent cover shields the duct vent from weather effects. The paddle wheel deters the ingress of wildlife, such as, for example, birds, squirrels and other animals which nest in vents, while allowing the egress of exhaust air, lint, and other debris.

Abstract: Methods are provided for diagnosing and/or characterizing chronic immune disease activity in a subject. In the subject methods, a sample is obtained from a subject suspected of having or known to have a chronic immune disease. The sample is then assayed for the presence of low molecular actin fragments. The assay results are used to diagnose the presence of chronic immune disease activity and/or characterize chronic immune disease activity in the subject, e.g. to confirm an initial chronic immune disease diagnosis, to determine the stage of the disease, to monitor disease progression, to predict disease attacks, and the like. Also provided by the subject invention are kits for practicing the methods.

Abstract: Methods are provided for diagnosing and/or characterizing chronic immune disease activity in a subject. In the subject methods, a sample is obtained from a subject suspected of having or known to have a chronic immune disease. The sample is then assayed for the presence of low molecular actin fragments. The assay results are used to diagnose the presence of chronic immune disease activity and/or characterize chronic immune disease activity in the subject, e.g. to confirm an initial chronic immune disease diagnosis, to determine the stage of the disease, to monitor disease progression, to predict disease attacks, and the like. Also provided by the subject invention are kits for practicing the methods.

Abstract: Methods are provided for diagnosing and/or characterizing chronic immune disease activity in a subject. In the subject methods, a sample is obtained from a subject suspected of having or known to have a chronic immune disease. The sample is then assayed for the presence of low molecular actin fragments. The assay results are used to diagnose the presence of chronic immune disease activity and/or characterize chronic immune disease activity in the subject, e.g. to confirm an initial chronic immune disease diagnosis, to determine the stage of the disease, to monitor disease progression, to predict disease attacks, and the like. Also provided by the subject invention are kits for practicing the methods.