Abstract: A detecting chip (2) comprising a body (5) and a frame (4) both detachable from each other. A large number of projecting pin electrodes (10) are arranged in a matrix inside the body (5). Oligonucleotide consisting of different gene sequences is fixed to the pin electrode (10). A common electrode is so disposed in a recess (8) in a frame (4) as to be out of contact with the pin electrodes (10). A DNA sample is placed in the recess (8). By applying a voltage between the common electrode and the pin electrodes (10), a current is detected to detect a hybridized two-strand DNA, thus analyzing a gene DNA.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing systems and methods for remotely monitoring sites to provide real time information which can readily permit distinguishing false alarms, and which can identify and track the precise location of an alarm. In embodiments, monitoring capabilities such as intrusion/fire detection and tracking capabilities, can be implemented through the use of multistate indicators in a novel interface which permits information to be transmitted using standard network protocols from a remote site to a monitoring station in real-time. In embodiments, communications can be handed from the centrally located host monitoring station to a mobile monitoring station (for example, a laptop computer in a responding vehicle, such as a police or fire vehicle). Additional embodiments include high, low, and rate-of-change alarms; chromagraphic representation of the value of an environmental or other parameter measured in a space; and detection and location of portable interface devices in a space.

Abstract: A gene detection system for detecting a target gene upon hybridization with a probe comprising a probe-immobilizing support on which a probe is immobilized, and heating and cooling means disposed in contact with another location different from the surface of the probe-immobilizing support on which the probe is immobilized, whereby genes can be rapidly detected with high sensitivity through hybridization.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing microparticles using liquid-liquid extraction. A first phase and a second phase are combined to form an emulsion. A portion of the second phase is separated from the emulsion (solvent rich), and the solvent is extracted from the separated second phase, which is then returned (solvent poor) to the emulsion. This process of separation of a solvent rich phase, extraction of solvent, and return of a solvent poor phase, is carried out until a selected level of solvent in the emulsion is achieved. Alternatively, the separated solvent rich phase is not returned to the emulsion, but replaced with another solution, such as an aqueous solution, that is free from solvent. The solvent is preferably extracted into an extraction liquid that functions as a “solvent sink” for the solvent.

Abstract: This invention provides therapeutic compositions and combinations for the protection, treatment and repair of liver tissue. The invention relates to novel compositions and combinations comprising two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of S-adenosylmethionine, L-ergothioneine, and a substance selected from the group consisting of constituents of Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), silymarin and active components of silymarin, whether naturally, synthetically, or semi-synthetically derived, and to methods of preventing and treating liver disease and of repairing damaged liver tissue. The invention also provides a method of administering these compositions and combinations to humans or animals in need thereof.

Abstract: A boiler system includes combustion air conduit for directing the flow of combustion air through a first air heater (e.g., A-side heater) to a boiler and flue gas conduit for directing the flow of flue gas generated by the boiler to a second air heater (e.g., B-side heater). The combustion air conduit is configured to direct the majority of the combustion air to the first air heater, and the flue gas conduit is configured to direct the majority of the flue gas from the boiler to the second air heater.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixing assembly. The static mixing assembly preferably includes a preblending static mixer and a manifold. The emulsion flows out of the static mixing assembly into a quench liquid whereby droplets of the emulsion form microparticles. The residence time of the emulsion in the static mixing assembly is controlled to obtain a predetermined particle size distribution of the resulting microparticles.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing microparticles using liquid-liquid extraction. A first phase and a second phase are combined to form an emulsion. A portion of the second phase is separated from the emulsion (solvent rich), and the solvent is extracted from the separated second phase, which is then returned (solvent poor) to the emulsion. This process of separation of a solvent rich phase, extraction of solvent, and return of a solvent poor phase, is carried out until a selected level of solvent in the emulsion is achieved. Alternatively, the separated solvent rich phase is not returned to the emulsion, but replaced with another solution, such as an aqueous solution, that is free from solvent. The solvent is preferably extracted into an extraction liquid that functions as a “solvent sink” for the solvent.

Abstract: Described are dermatological compositions for treating, protecting and re-epitheliazing cutaneous wounds and damaged skin, such compositions including about 21 to about 40% urea and trace amounts of zinc, copper and manganese in the form of their respective pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gold-plated body, a method for surface treatment of a gold-plated body, a surface-treated product, and an immobilization method which make it possible to immobilize a large number of sulfur-containing molecules. With the surface treatment method in accordance with the present invention, the surface of a gold-plated body is subjected to an annealing treatment at a temperature of 350 to 790° C. so that a large number of sulfur-containing molecules can be immobilized thereon. In particular, the treatment is conducted so as to obtain a structure in which surface gold crystals have no less than 30% planes with (1, 1, 1) orientation. The present invention also provides a method for the manufacture of a gold-plated body that allows a large number of sulfur-containing molecules to be immobilized on the surface thereof, by which surface gold crystals are formed from a starting material comprising a crystal growth enhancer.

Abstract: Sustained-release microparticle composition. The microparticle composition can be formulated to provide multi-phasic release. In one aspect, the composition includes microparticles having more than one rate of release. In another aspect, the composition includes microparticles that exhibit diffusional release and microparticles that exhibit biodegradation release.

Abstract: The present invention relates to crosslinked polymers, synthesized through ring-opening polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated epoxides, in combination with &agr;-hydroxy acids using a hydrophilic macroinitiator, such as poly(ethylene glycol), to form substituted copolymers having ethylenically unsaturated functionality randomly distributed along the polyester polymer backbone. That copolymer is subsequently crosslinked to form a hydrogel network. More particularly, the present invention relates to the synthesis of biodegradable poly(&agr;-hydroxy acid-co-glycidyl methacrylate)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(&agr;-hydroxy acid-co-glycidyl methacrylate) copolymers, which are subsequently crosslinked to form hydrogel networks. The invention also relates to the use of these hydrogel networks in various applications, in particular, for the controlled release of drugs and proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for the protection, treatment and repair of connective tissues in humans and animals comprising any or all of anabolic, anti-catabolic, anti-oxidant and analgesic agents, including aminosugars, S-adenosylmethionine, arachadonic acid, GAGs, including pentosan, collagen type II, tetracyclines or tetracycline-like compounds, diacerin, super oxide dismutase, L-ergothionine, one or more avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, and an analgesic, e.g., acetaminophen, and to methods of treating humans and animals by administration of these novel compositions to humans and animals in need thereof.

Abstract: Inhalation device and associated method for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device has a chamber for receiving the receptacle. A ring is circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of the chamber to achieve a higher reproducible emitted dose of medicament from the receptacle. The inhalation device also includes an improved implement for puncturing the receptacle, requiring less force and experiencing fewer failures.

Abstract: Methods for producing (1) a shelf stable, spreadable maple syrup product with a consistency of clear honey and (2) a shelf stable, thick, pourable maple syrup product with a viscosity of common table syrup are provided, which comprises adding a sucrose-cleaving enzyme to maple syrup and incubating the resulting solution. Also provided are (1) a shelf stable, spreadable maple syrup product with a consistency of clear honey, which may be used as a spread, or sweetener or a topping and (2) a shelf stable, thick, pourable maple syrup product with a viscosity of common table syrup. These product are also suitable for use in pure maple-based products and other food products.

Abstract: A detection chip capable of detecting large amounts of genes with high sensitivity is provided. The gene detection chip comprises a plurality of pins 12 as measurement electrodes, a common electrode 22 as a counter electrode therefor, and a tabular member 14 with a plurality of pin holes 15 for accommodating the pins. An arrangement may be adopted in which the diameters of the pin holes 15 taper off in the direction in which the pins are inserted, and the pins are held in place in the narrowest sections of the pin holes 15.

Abstract: A method of treating onychomycosis is described which includes administration of a topical formulation containing an effective amount of urea and an antioxidant to an infected area around a nail of a patient.

Abstract: Inhalation device and associated method for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device has a chamber for receiving the receptacle. A ring is circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of the chamber to achieve a higher reproducible emitted dose of medicament from the receptacle. The inhalation device also includes an improved implement for puncturing the receptacle, requiring less force and experiencing fewer failures. The inhalation device also includes a means for indicating readiness.