Abstract: An exhaust treatment apparatus (ATA) for reducing one or more components of the airstream directed through the ATA. The ATA includes an airstream inlet, an airstream outlet, and an airstream path directed through the ATA from the airstream inlet to the airstream outlet, and at least one corona/NTP generating region for altering a composition of an airstream. The ATA includes an outer enclosure forming one electrode surface and a second electrode surface positioned within and electrically insulated from the outer enclosure electrode surface, where an area between the outer enclosure electrode surface and the second electrode surface forms at least a part of the airstream path directed through the ATA. The second electrode surface includes a series of ridges directed towards the outer enclosure that encourage corona generation.

Abstract: A reactor for the plasma assisted processing of gaseous media, including a cylindrical reactor bed of gas permeable dielectric material contained between two co-axial electrodes, wherein the inner electrode has associated with it a number of radially projecting vanes or disks made of a dielectric material having a permittivity greater than that of the reactor bed material.

Abstract: A process for forming a polyimide composite electro-deposited film, which excels in durability of ink repelling function, wear resistance or mold-releasing property, has the following steps. An electrically conductive film is formed on at lest one side of a resin substrate. The polyimide composite electro-deposited film is formed on the electrically conductive film, while allowing co-deposition of at least one type of eutectic fine particles selected from the group consisting of water-repellant fine particles, wear-resistant fine particles and mold-releasing fine particles. This process can be used in the production of a nozzle plate having a discharge nozzle, by employing the water-repellant fine particles as the eutectic fine particles. When a metallic substrate is used, the polyimide composite electro-deposited film may be directly formed on one or both surfaces of such a metallic substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reacting dense-medium chemicals in an induced plasma state and novel reaction products resulting from the method are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to vitamin D compounds of formula (I) ##STR1## in which X is hydrogen or hydroxy; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 stand for hydrogen or a C.sub.1-6 hydrocarbyl radical which is optionally substituted with one or more deuterium or fluorine atoms, or taken together with the carbon atom bearing the group X can form a C.sub.3-8 carbocyclic ring; Q is a single bond or a C.sub.1-8 hydrocarbylene diradical which is optionally substituted with one or more deuterium or fluorine atoms; and derivatives of formula I. The compounds show anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects as well as strong activity in inducing differentiation and inhibiting undesirable proliferation of certain cells.

Abstract: A direct metallization process is disclosed wherein plastic substrates may be electrolytically plated without the need for any prior electroless plating. The process uses a specially formulated post-activator composition at an elevated temperature to treat the activated substrate comprising either an alkaline solution containing an effective amount of metal ions which undergo a disproportionation reaction or an alkaline solution containing a metal ion such as Cu.sup.+2.

Abstract: A method of biomolecule immobilization is described in which the biomolecule itself or, alternatively, a monomer-conjugated biomolecule, is grafted with free monomer onto a hydrophilic, solid-phase, polymeric substrate which has been pre-irradiated with ionizing radiation. The pre-irradiation step is carried out, preferably at -78.degree. C. in air, while the grafting step is carried out at 0.degree. C. in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere. The technique is applicable to immobilization of a wide variety of biomolecules, such as enzymes, catalysts, hormones, lectins, drugs, vitamins, antibodies, antigens, nucleic acids, DNA and RNA segments, pesticides, dyes and fertilizers. The products may be used for therapeutic or diagnostic applications or bioseparations.

Abstract: A method of biomolecule immobilization is described in which the biomolecule itself or, alternatively, a monomer-conjugated biomolecule, is grafted with free monomer onto a hydrophilic, solid-phase, polymeric substrate which has been pre-irradiated with ionizing radiation. The pre-irradiation step is carried out, preferably at -78.degree. C. in air, while the grafting step is carried out at 0.degree. C. in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere. The technique is applicable to immobilization of a wide variety of biomolecules, such as enzymes, catalysts, hormones, lectins, drugs, vitamins, antibodies, antigens, nucleic acids, DNA and RNA segments, pesticides, dyes and fertilizers. The products may be used for therapeutic or diagnostic applications or bioseparations.

Abstract: A system for decomposing aromatic hydrocarbons, such as furans, dioxins and PCBs, uses a glow discharge device as an electrochemical reactor. A gas, containing an aromatic hydrocarbon, is supplied at approximately atmospheric pressure to the glow discharge device which includes a pair of electrodes separated by a gap. The gas flows through the gap between the electrodes, one of which is preferably a planar electrode and the other of which is preferably a plurality of pins arranged perpendicular to the planar electrode. The electrodes are connected to a direct current power source via a ballast. The electrical potential across the electrodes is adjusted in conjunction with the flow rate to provide sufficient energy to break the benzene rings in the aromatic hydrocarbon, while preventing arcing across the electrodes.