Abstract: A method for preparing a highly porous, high surface area degradable or partially degradable material. The method comprises the steps of mixing a degradable or partially degradable polymer with a mixed solvent comprising a first solvent and a second solvent, wherein the mixed solvent comprises a ratio higher than 1:1, first solvent to second solvent; gelling the mixture; and treating the gel under conditions whereby a substantially solvent free porous structure is created having a porosity greater than about 80%; wherein the material is mechanically strong and has a complex porous structure with nano fibrous architecture.

Abstract: A method for removing thiophene and thiophene compounds from liquid fuel includes contacting the liquid fuel with an adsorbent which preferentially adsorbs the thiophene and thiophene compounds. The adsorption takes place at a selected temperature and pressure, thereby producing a non-adsorbed component and a thiophene/thiophene compound-rich adsorbed component. The adsorbent includes either a metal or a metal ion that is adapted to form ?-complexation bonds with the thiophene and/or thiophene compounds, and the preferential adsorption occurs by ?-complexation. A further method includes selective removal of aromatic compounds from a mixture of aromatic and aliphatic compounds.

Abstract: Biocompatible materials that have the ability to release nitric oxide (NO) in situ at the surface-blood interface when in contact with blood. The materials which may be polymers (e.g., polyurethane, poly(vinyl chloride), silicone rubbers), metals, such as stainless steel, carbon, and the like are provided with biocatalysts or biomimetic catalysts on their surface that have nitrite, nitrate, and/or nitrosothiol-reducing capability. Illustratively, the catalysts are adsorbed or immobilized at the surface of the material. The catalysts can act on endogenous nitrite, nitrate, or nitrosothiols within the blood creating a local increase in the NO levels at the surface of the material. An illustrative enzymatic biocatalyst is mammalian xanthine oxidase. In another illustrative embodiment, a biomimetic catalyst is a copper (Cu(II)-ligand complex, e.g. dibenzo[e,k]-2,3,8,9-tetraphenyl-1,4,7,10-tetraaza-cyclododeca-1,3,7,9-tetraene. In some cases, lipophilic salts of nitrite/nitrate (e.g.

Abstract: A method for removing thiophene and thiophene compounds from liquid fuel includes contacting the liquid fuel with an adsorbent which preferentially adsorbs the thiophene and thiophene compounds. The adsorption takes place at a selected temperature and pressure, thereby producing a non-adsorbed component and a thiophene/thiophene compound-rich adsorbed component. The adsorbent includes either a metal or a metal cation that is adapted to form ?-complexation bonds with the thiophene and/or thiophene compounds, and the preferential adsorption occurs by ?-complexation. A further method includes selective removal of aromatic compounds from a mixture of aromatic and aliphatic compounds.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tailgate for a vehicle. The tailgate includes a multiple link mechanism operatively attaching the tailgate to the vehicle body. The link mechanism articulates the tailgate from a closed position into first and second open positions. First and second opposed spring assemblies operatively connect the tailgate to the link mechanism and the link mechanism to the vehicle body, respectively. Cables (adapted to support a predetermined weight) operatively attach the vehicle to the link mechanism and to the tailgate. First and second latch mechanisms are operatively defined in opposed sides of the tailgate/link mechanism and in respective adjacent areas of the vehicle body. The first latch mechanism is adapted to selectively open/close the tailgate. The second latch mechanism is adapted to selectively allow the link mechanism to articulate so as to move the tailgate between the two open positions.

Abstract: An extendable spinal implant has a first outer sleeve and a second outer sleeve coaxially disposed thereto. An inside drive element is connected by means of screws to at least one of the outer sleeves. The inside drive element has an outside thread, and the outer sleeve that is connected to the drive element has an inside thread that fits on the outside thread. The inside drive element rests on a supporting ring, and is rotatably driven with respect to the supporting ring.

Abstract: A method for removing thiophene and thiophene compounds from liquid fuel includes contacting the liquid fuel with an adsorbent which preferentially adsorbs the thiophene and thiophene compounds. The adsorption takes place at a selected temperature and pressure, thereby producing a non-adsorbed component and a thiophene/thiophene compound-rich adsorbed component. The adsorbent includes either a metal or a metal cation that is adapted to form ?-complexation bonds with the thiophene and/or thiophene compounds, and the preferential adsorption occurs by ?-complexation. A further method includes selective removal of aromatic compounds from a mixture of aromatic and aliphatic compounds.

Abstract: A method for removing thiophene and thiophene compounds from liquid fuel includes contacting the liquid fuel with an adsorbent which preferentially adsorbs the thiophene and thiophene compounds. The adsorption takes place at a selected temperature and pressure, thereby producing a non-adsorbed component and a thiophene/thiophene compound-rich adsorbed component. The adsorbent includes either a metal or a metal ion that is adapted to form ?-complexation bonds with the thiophene and/or thiophene compounds, and the preferential adsorption occurs by ?-complexation. A further method includes selective removal of aromatic compounds from a mixture of aromatic and aliphatic compounds.

Abstract: A method for preparing a highly porous, high surface area non-degradable material includes the steps of mixing a non-degradable polymer with a solvent or mixture of solvents; gelling the mixture; and treating the gel under conditions whereby a substantially solvent free porous structure is created having a porosity greater than about 80%. The resultant material is mechanically strong and has an architecture including at least one of nano fibrous, micro fibrous, non fibrous, complex porous structure with nano fibrous architecture, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An ionomer composite composition having improved and unique physical properties, includes a glass material containing at least one of divalent cations and multivalent cations; and at least one copolymer. The copolymer comprises: at least one hydrophilic monomer containing acid functional groups adapted to react with the at least one of divalent cations and multivalent cations to form ionic crosslinks among polymer chains, the hydrophilic monomer present in an amount sufficient to impart a desired degree of aqueous solubility to the copolymer, and at least one hydrophobic monomer present in an amount sufficient to impart a desired degree of structural stability to the composite composition when exposed to an aqueous environment.

Abstract: An isoreticular metal-organic framework (IRMOF) and method for systematically forming the same. The method comprises the steps of dissolving at least one source of metal cations and at least one organic linking compound in a solvent to form a solution; and crystallizing the solution under predetermined conditions to form a predetermined IRMOF. At least one of functionality, dimension, pore size and free volume of the IRMOF is substantially determined by the organic linking compound.

Abstract: Sulfur resistant/tolerant adsorbents useful for separating olefins from paraffins in a cracked gas stream including hydrogen sulfide. The method comprises the steps of contacting the gaseous mixture with an adsorbent which preferentially adsorbs the alkene, at a selected temperature and pressure, thereby producing a non-adsorbed component and an alkene-rich adsorbed component; the adsorbent comprising a carrier having a surface area, the carrier having been impregnated with a silver compound by incipient wetness, the silver compound releasably retaining the alkene; and changing at least one of the pressure and temperature to thereby release the alkene-rich component from the adsorbent. The adsorbent substantially maintains its adsorbent capacity and preference for the alkene in the presence of the sulfur compound. Sulfur resistant/tolerant adsorbents useful for selectively separating dienes from a mixture, particularly one containing mono-olefins and hydrogen sulfide, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotating electrode configuration lowers the detection limits of polyion-sensitive membrane electrodes. Planar potentiometric polycation and polyanion-sensitive membrane electrodes were prepared by incorporating tridodecylmethylammonium chloride and calcium dinonylnaphthalene sulfonate, respectively, into plasticized PVC or polyurethane membranes, and mounting discs of such films on an electrode body housed in a rotating disk electrode apparatus of the type used in voltammetry. Due to the unique non-equilibrium response mechanism of such sensors, rotation of the polyion-sensitive membrane electrodes at 5000 rpm resulted in an enhancement in the detection limits toward heparin (polyanion) and protamine (polycation) of at least 1 order of magnitude (to 0.01 U/ml for heparin; 0.02 ?g/ml for protamine) over that observed when the EMF responses of the same electrodes were assessed using a stir-bar to achieve convective mass transport.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the design and fabrication of highly porous (up to 97%) scaffolds from biodegradable polymers with a novel phase-separation technique to generate controllable parallel array of micro-tubular architecture. The porosity, diameter of the micro-tubes, the tubular morphology and their orientation may be controlled by the polymer concentration, solvent system and temperature gradient. The mechanical properties of these scaffolds are anisotropic. Osteoblastic cells are seeded in these 3-D scaffolds and cultured in vitro. The cell distribution and the neo-tissue organization are guided by the micro-tubular architecture. The method has general applicability to a variety of polymers, therefore the degradation rate, cell-matrix interactions may be controlled by the chemical composition of the polymers and the incorporation of bioactive moieties. These micro-tubular scaffolds may be used to regenerate a variety of tissues with anisotropic architecture and properties.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described that provide scaffolds for the support of cells. The scaffolds of the present invention have structural uniformity and desirable mechanical properties that make them suitable for a variety of uses, including uses for in vitro tissue regeneration or in vivo tissue or organ replacement. A method is described for controlling three-dimensional structure of the hydrogel/cell constructs under tissue culture environment.

Abstract: The invention provides novel adsorbents for use in the separation of unsaturated hydrocarbons from a mixture of gases containing such hydrocarbons. The preferred adsorbents comprise metal compounds supported on high surface area carriers. The adsorbents of the invention are usable in pressure swing adsorption or temperature swing adsorption processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions comprising microspheres and/or nanospheres containing condensed polyanionic bioactive agents, such as DNA. The polyanionic bioactive agent in the microspheres and/or nanospheres is preferably condensed using a polycationic condensing agent, such as poly-L-lysine. The present invention further relates to methods for producing the microspheres and/or nanospheres containing condensed polyanionic bioactive agents.

Abstract: The invention provides new methods for separating nitrogen from a mixture. The invention provides adsorbents specifically for accomplishing nitrogen separation. The adsorbents and separation methods are particularly useful for the selective adsorption of nitrogen from air. In one aspect, the adsorbent comprises an ion exchange zeolite X and preferably zeolite LSX (low silica zeolite X). The zeolite is most preferably a lithium-based zeolite. Further, the zeolite has exchangeable cationic sites, with silver cation or copper cation occupying at least some of the exchangeable cationic sites. The Ag/Cu exchanged zeolite is heat-treated under specific conditions as per the invention. The presence of the silver cation or copper cation at any of the sites will provide an improvement over the non-exchanged zeolite.

Abstract: A baby support assembly 10 which includes selectively stackable members 12, 30 which cooperatively and selectively support the positioning of a baby 91 upon the lap 92 of a mother or other individual 90.