Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of 2-oxo-1,3-dibenzyl-cis-4,5-imidazolidinedicarboxylic acid and of 2-oxo-1,3-dibenzyl-cis-4,5-imidazolidinedicarboxylic acid anhydride, starting from meso-2,3-bis(benzylamino)succinic acid dialkali metal salt. The process involves reacting meso-2,3-bis(benzylamino)succinic acid dialkali metal salt with phenyl chloroformate in a monophasic solvent system consisting of an about 2:1 to 1:1 mixture of a water-miscible ether and an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution, at a temperature not exceeding about 40° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pole head for supporting conductors on poles for medium- and high-voltage overhead power lines, having at least one tubular portion which has a structural function, is made of electrically insulating composite material, and is fixed to a supporting structure. Coupling flanges for supporting the electrical conductors are connected to the at least one tubular portion and are mutually spaced along the axis of the tubular portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to imido-derivative peroxycarboxylic acids having the formula I: ##STR1## wherein R and R.sub.1, which may be the same or different, represent hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, or, taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are linked, give rise to a cyclic aliphatic ring, all of them being optionally substituted; the . . . symbol indicates a simple or an olefinic bond; R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an OH group, and n is an integer different from 0; the process for their preparation and their use as bleaching agents.

Abstract: A selectively-permeable membrane constituted by a composition comprising starch and a synthetic thermoplastic polymer is used for separating liquid aqueous-organic mixtures by pervaporation.

Abstract: Process for preparing elastomeric copolymers of ethylene with .alpha.-olefins CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHR, optionally containing minor proportions of a diene, characterized by the use during the polymerization of a catalyst comprising the reaction product of:(I) a solid component comprising VCl.sub.3 supported on a magnesium dihalide in spherical or spheroidal shape, in active form;(II) an alkyaluminum compound;(III) optionally a halohydrocarbon.VCl.sub.3 is precipitated on said magnesium dihalide by heating VCl.sub.4 solutions in inert hydrocarbon solvents.

Abstract: A capsule for encapsulating implantable cells for improving the detectability of electrical signals generated by the cells is provided. The capsule includes a low-conductivity (high electrical resistance) membrane and a semi-permeable (low electrical resistance) membrane. The low-conductivity membrane seals around the circumference of the cell mass between the electrical poles of the capsule, and further extends for increasing the electrical resistance between the poles. The semi-permeable membrane enables nutrients and waste materials to flow to and from the cell mass. The semi-permeable membrane encloses at least one of the poles of the cell mass, and cooperates with the low-conductivity membrane to completely enclose the cell mass. The low-conductivity membrane may enclose one of the poles, if desired. Electrodes are used to detect the electrical signals from the cell mass. Various methods of making the capsule are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel trehalase having the properties that it hydrolyzes .alpha.,.alpha.'-trehalose, 2,2'-dideoxy-.alpha.,.alpha.'-trehalose and 2-deoxy-.alpha.,.alpha.'-trehalose into the respective constituting sugars while it does not act on neotrehalose, lactose, maltose, celobiose and sucrose; its optimum pH is 5 to 6; its optimum temperature is 65.degree. C.; it is stable against heating up to 65.degree. C.; its molecular weight as measured by a gel filtration is 400,000 to 500,000 while the molecular weight of the subunit as measured by a sodium dodecylsulfate--polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is 180,000 to 250,000; its isoelectric point as measured by an isoelectricfocusing is 2.7; and it is a glycoprotein.

Abstract: Multilayer and multifunctional packaging elements having a high-absorption activity toward aqueous liquid substances as well as barrier properties toward gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide are prepared by thermoforming.The packaging elements includes an inner porous layer, an intermediate absorbing layer and an outer sheet having high barrier properties toward gases. The intermediate layer may contain anti-bacterial agents.

Abstract: A method of photometric in vitro determination of at least one blood gas parameter in a sample of whole blood. The whole blood sample is obtained by connecting an at least partially transparent sample container to an in vivo locality and transferring whole blood into the sample container, then breaking the connection. The sample container is arranged in an optical system which has a radiation source and a means for detecting radiation to locate the sample container between the radiation source and the radiation detection means. Radiation is transmitted to the sample from the radiation source and radiation emitted from the sample is transmitted to the radiation detection means. The detected radiation is used to determine the blood gas parameter of the sample. A system for use in this method has a radiation source, a radiation detection means, an at least partially transparent sample container, and a sample container station.

Abstract: Optical system for measuring surface topography, comprised of a light source (30), a diffractive optical assembly (70, 72, 73) comprised of two or more diffraction gratings, holograms or like diffractive optics (120, 130; 122, 132; 123, 133), electronic detection means and digital signal processing means (10, 110) for determining surface height from interference data. The diffractive optical assembly (70, 72, 73) divides the incident light into two beams (150, 160; 152, 162; 153, 163), which subsequently impinge upon the object (20) at the same place on The object surface (70) but at two different angles of incidence. After reflection from the object surface, the beams pass separately back through the diffractive optical assembly (70, 72, 73), after which they combine once again and form an interference pattern representative of the surface topography. The equivalent wavelength of the resultant interference pattern is much greater than the illumination wavelength.

Abstract: An improved surface mount package and method of making such a package is provided. A conventional surface mount package is modified by fabricating a U-shaped via around the lead via to form a quasi-coaxial transmission line through the insulating substrate. This permits the electrical impedance in the conductive elements of the surface mount package to be controlled to reduce insertion loss and return loss, and to improve isolation. The surface mount package includes a lead frame, and a gold plate to which an integrated circuit in the package is attached. The package is sealed with a ring-frame and a lid. Ground vias connecting the lead-frame to the plate through the substrate may also be included. The present package is designed by modelling the various elements of the package as a coaxial transmission line, a co-planar waveguide, and a single lead in a trough transmission line in combination.

Abstract: Bleaching agents constituted by at least one imidearomatic (poly)peroxyacid, having the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein A represents a residue of a substituted or unsubstituted benzene or naphthalene ring, R is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, an OH group, a COOH group, a COOOH group or a COOR' group wherein R' represents a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group, and n is an integer from 1 to 5.

Abstract: Radical (co)polymerization process of fluorinated olefinic monomers, optionally in association with one or more non-fluorinated olefins, in which the monomers are (co)polymerized in aqueous emulsion, in the presence of a hydrogenated chain transfer agent selected from hydrogen, aliphatic hydrocarbons and fluorohydrocarbons C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 and of a branched chain aliphatic alcohol C.sub.3 -C.sub.12 characterized by a ratio between the number of hydroxyl groups and the number of methyl groups lower than or equal to 0.5.

Abstract: Novel crystalline copolymers of propylene with minor proportions of ethylene and/or alpha-olefins, endowed with very good mechanical properties, a low melting point and a limited solubility in xylene at 25.degree. C., and the process for preparing them by means of the polymerization of mixtures of propylene with ethylene and/or alpha-olefins of suitable composition, by using catalysts obtained from stereorigid and chiral compounds of zirconium, and methylalumoxanic compounds.

Abstract: A stable and soluble multi-dose ophthalmic solution is disclosed. The solution contains fibronectin, an amino acid, a sugar, and a lower alkyl p-hydroxybenzoate. A method treatment of ophthalmic wounds employing the ophthalmic solution, a process for preparing fibronectin for ophthalmic use, a method of lyophilizing an aqueous solution of fibronectin free of albumin, a method for inhibiting bacterial growth in an ophthalmic solution while preserving the cellular adhesion and wound healing activities of fibronectin, and a method of treatment of ophthalmic wounds administering a wound-healing accelerator solution are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymeric composition particularly suitable for obtaining heat sealable soft polypropylene fibers comprises a propylene homopolymer modified with a propylene homopolymer having an isotacticity index higher than 80, an ethylene-propylene copolymer insoluble in xylene at 23.degree. C. and a propylene copolymer soluble in xylene at 23.degree. C.

Abstract: An implantable sensor chip, which is preferably small enough to be injected through a hypodermic needle, includes a base constructed of an electrically insulating material, and at least one sensor for generating an output signal in the presence of a constituent or the existence of a condition. The sensor includes an electrically conductive lead mounted on an upper surface of the base. One end of the lead includes a conducting plate. An insulating layer is mounted on the upper surface of the base over the electrically conductive lead and the conducting plate, sealing the electrically conductive lead and conducting plate between the insulating layer and the base. The insulating layer has an aperture extending therethrough for exposing a portion of the conductive plate. At least one cell sealingly covers the exposed portion of the electrically conductive plate with the cell in electrical communication with the plate.

Abstract: A device for moulding articles of composite material includes a pressurizable gasket and an injection head the end of which is flush with the impression of the mould. After low-pressure filling the mould impression with jets of resin and catalyst so oriented as to secure the mutual mixing thereof, the pressurizable gasket allows the half-moulds to be further approached to each other and obtaining thereby the impregnation of the reinforcer element previously charged into the mould impression.

Abstract: Thin-walled biodegradable starch-based articles, particularly sheets of film including at least one first layer of polymeric material including starch and at least one second layer of hydrophobic material, are characterized in that the second layer includes a natural or synthetic wax or mixture of waxes.