Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a method of producing L-amino acids comprising culturing altered bacterial cells having increased amounts of NADPH as compared to unaltered bacterial cells whereby L-amino acids yields from said altered bacterial cells are greater than yields from unaltered bacterial cells. The invention also relates to a gene encoding phosphoglucoisomerase.

Abstract: Synthetic versions of a full length and termini truncated humanized green fluorescent protein based on Ptilosarcus gurneyi are disclosed which have been modified to the favored or most favored codons for mammalian expression systems. The disclosed encoded protein has 239 amino acid residues compared with the wild type Ptilosarcus gurneyi which has 238 amino acids. In the present invention, a valine residue has been added at the second position from the amino terminus and codon preference bias has been changed in a majority of the wild type codons of Ptilosarcus gurneyi fluorescent protein. The humanized Ptilosarcus gurneyi green fluorescent protein is useful as a fluorescent tag for monitoring the activities of its fusion partners using imaging based approaches.

Abstract: A polyurethane polymer includes at least one buffer selected to adjust pH to a pH within a desired range. The buffer compound is immobilized within the polymer, and the polymer has a buffer capacity in excess of 3 micromoles of acid or base per gram polymer. A polymer includes at least one enzyme that is selected to catalyze a reaction of a substance. The enzyme is immobilized within the polymer. The polymer also includes at least one buffer selected to adjust the pH in the vicinity of the enzyme to a pH within a desired range. The buffer compound is also immobilized within the polymer. The polymer preferably has enzyme activity and a buffer capacity in excess of 3 micromoles acid or base per gram polymer. In one embodiment, each of the enzyme(s) and the buffer(s) are covalently bonded to the polymer.

Abstract: A method of increasing loading of active enzyme immobilized in a polyurethane polymer including the steps of: synthesizing the polyurethane polymer in a reaction mixture containing water and enzyme; and including a sufficient amount of a surfactant in the reaction mixture to increase enzyme activity at an enzyme loading.

Abstract: Liquid lysine can be made with almost any particular specification that may be reasonably expected. A multistep process for producing lysine includes at least: fermentation, ultrafiltration, evaporation, and mixing. Depending upon the particular specifications that are to be met, at least two liquids may be taken from selected points in the multistep process. The lysine in these two liquids is concentrated to a desired level and then the liquids are mixed together and returned to the processing feed stream. The process may be applied to any amino acid which can be produced by fermentation.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting an analyte in an environment includes a first reaction system including a first enzyme and a substrate for the first enzyme. The analyte inhibits the reaction of the substrate catalyzed by the first enzyme (in other words, the analyte inhibits the first enzyme). The sensor further includes at least a second reaction system that reacts to produce a first detectable state when the first enzyme is inhibited. In some embodiments, the reaction of the first reaction system can produce a second detectible state, different from the first detectible state. Another sensor for detecting an analyte in an environment includes a first reaction system including a first enzyme or a first substrate for the first enzyme. In this embodiment, the analyte is either a substrate for the first enzyme if the first reaction system includes the first enzyme or the first enzyme if the first reaction system includes the first substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controlled release pharmaceutical composition comprising a polydextrose, a drug that is complexed with the polydextrose, and a polymer matrix having the drug complexed with the polydextrose, wherein the polymer matrix and the polydextrose provide for a time release of the drug. A method of therapeutically treating a patient for an illness employing the controlled release pharmaceutical composition is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refractory ceramic mass comprising 60 to 99 MgO sinter and 1 and 40 wt.-% of a manganese containing spinel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic composite, in particular for use in secondary metallurgy, consisting of at least a first layer comprised of a carbon-containing, oxide refractory material, and a second layer comprised of a carbonless oxide refractory material bound with a binding agent.

Abstract: An essentially non-slumping sprayable refractory castable composition that is applied without forms is disclosed comprising (a) a tempered, pumpable first component comprising (i) one hundred weight percent of a refractory composition comprising from about 60 to 90 weight percent of a refractory aggregate, from about 2 to 25 weight percent of an ultrafine refractory material having an average particle diameter size less than or equal to about 3 microns, from about 0.5 to 15 weight percent of a binder, and from about 0.05 to 2.

Abstract: A refractory castable composition is disclosed comprising one hundred weight percent of a refractory composition comprising from about 60 to 90 weight percent of a refractory aggregate, from about 2 to 25 weight percent of an ultrafine refractory material having an average particle diameter size less than or equal to about 3 microns, from about 0.5 to 15 weight percent of a binder, and from about 0.05 to 2.0 weight percent of a dispersant, wherein all or a portion of the ultrafine refractory material comprises a thermal black such that the refractory composition comprises from about 2 to 15 weight percent of the thermal black, and from about 3 to 10 weight percent water based upon 100 weight percent of the refractory composition, and wherein the water is present in an amount sufficient to achieve a castable consistency. A method of installing the refractory castable composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: An essentially non-slumping sprayable refractory castable composition that is applied without forms is disclosed comprising (a) a tempered, pumpable first component comprising (i) one hundred weight percent of a refractory composition comprising from about 60 to 90 weight percent of a refractory aggregate, from about 2 to 25 weight percent of an ultrafine refractory material having an average particle diameter size less than or equal to about 3 microns, from about 0.5 to 15 weight percent of a binder, and from about 0.05 to 2.

Abstract: A track assembly and electrolytic container for the electro-refining and electrowinning of metals is disclosed. The container of this invention has mirror image integrally cast lip and trough sections in each interior side wall of the container for accepting a track assembly. The track assembly has a track means for engaging and guiding a separating member and a track retainer means for frictionally engaging and securing the track means to both of the interior side walls. The track assembly and electrolytic container of the instant invention facilitates the removal of unwanted slimes from the electrolytic container while keeping the electrolytic process operational during the removal period.

Abstract: A method of applying a castable refractory composition using a form. The refractory composition consists essentially of from about 50.0 weight percent to about 99.9 weight percent of a high purity silicon dioxide and from about 0.1 weight percent to about 30.0 weight percent of a potassium silicate binder. About 0.1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent water based upon 100 weight percent of the refractory composition may be added to achieve a pumpable consistency of the refractory composition.

Abstract: A fingertip protector comprises a sleeve adapted to fit over a finger of a wearer, and a flexible strip. The sleeve has an opening for the insertion of a finger, and a portion of strip is attached to the part of the circumference of the opening. An adhesive backing on the inner surface of the strip is present to secure the protector to the finger and the remainder of the circumference of the opening, and a release liner is releasably affixed to the adhesive backing, which is designed for removal before use. In an alternative embodiment, the fingertip protector is snugly secured to the finger by strips of hook and loop fastening material disposed about the circumference of the open end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A catheter garment for receiving and retaining an indwelling catheter near the exit site on the body. The garment comprises a flexible band member with a middle portion, upper and lower portions defining an inner surface and an outer surface, and end portions with adjustable fastening means e.g. hook and loop means. An elongated pouch for receiving and retaining the external tubing portion is affixed to the inner surface of the garment and places the external tubing portion in close proximity to the patient's body when the garment is being worn. The elongated pouch is made of a rectangular piece of material that is folded over and its longitudinal free edges are sewn together. The pouch is then sewn along its sewn longitudinal edges onto the inner surface of the flexible band member. The elongated pouch has opened ends along opposite sides of the pouch. One opened end is diagonally formed i.e.

Abstract: A refractory composition is disclosed comprising a high purity silicon dioxide and a binder. This refractory composition may be applied by trowelling, brushing, casting, pumping and/or spraying it on a worn and/or damaged high purity silica refractory surface. A refractory castable composition is also disclosed that may be employed with forms. Further, an essentially non-slumping, sprayable refractory castable composition that is applied without the use of forms is provided. The sprayable refractory castable composition comprises (a) a tempered, pumpable first component comprising (i) a high purity silicon dioxide and a binder, and (ii) water, if needed, to achieve a pumpable consistency, and (b) a second component comprising a flocculating agent. The flocculating agent is added to the first component for achieving installation of the sprayable refractory composition in an amount to prevent slumping of the sprayable refractory castable composition.

Abstract: A hammermill having a rotor assembly and a screen bar assembly is provided to reduce oversized wood chips. The hammermill may also be used to reduce wood and/or bark, the rotor assembly includes flexible hammers which are pivotally attached to allow each flexible hammer to move radially inward or radially outward during rotation of the rotor assembly. Each flexible hammer preferably includes a recess with a portion of a support rod disposed therein to limit radial movement inward and outward relative to the rotor assembly. The screen bar assembly includes a plurality of screen bars having a beveled surface formed along one edge of each screen bar disposed adjacent to the rotor assembly. The flexible hammers allow the rotor assembly to rotate at lower revolutions per minute which reduces the amount of fines and undersized wood chips produced by the associated hammermill.

Abstract: An interconnected precast module refractory leveling assembly for a metallurgical vessel is disclosed. The precast modules of the instant invention compensate for the sloping bottom of a metallurgical vessel. At least one precast module is disposed in each of two partial rings each of which is essentially a mirror image of the other so that the height of the leveling assembly varies substantially uniformly from a high point where the two mirror image portions join to a low point 180 degrees of arc displaced therefrom where the two portions again join. Each of the refractory precast modules has a slight taper in height so that the ends of each precast module are the same height as the juxtaposed ends of the adjoining precast module.

Abstract: A metallurgical vessel having a sloping bottom surface which includes a tapered upper surface terminating at a vertical surface, wherein the vertical surface terminates at a lower tapered surface for forming a pocket block reservoir such that the pocket block reservoir has a volume of less than or equal to about five percent of the total volume of the metallurgical vessel is disclosed. This pocket block reservoir provides an area for the accumulation of residue metal and slag when the metallurgical vessel is discharged, therefore resulting in a significant increase in the quantity of usable pure metal discharged from the metallurgical vessel and thus contributing to improved volumetric efficiency of the vessel. A method for improving the yield efficiency in the production of metal employing this vessel is also provided.