Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining alcohol intake or alcohol induced liver damage in a subject by quantifying the content of sialic acid in apolipoprotein J (Apo J). In particular the present invention involves the steps of (a) providing a sample containing Apo J from a subject; (b) purifying the Apo J from the sample; (c) determining sialylation index, i.e., moles of sialic acid peer mole of Apo J in the sample; and (d) evaluating whether the sialylation index is an indication of alcohol intake or alcohol related liver damage recovery from alcohol addiction or alcohol relapse in the subject.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image is reproduced by unit 3. For that purpose, the interference pattern on carrier 8 is illuminated by source 7 of noncoherent reproduction radiation. The process is that of illuminating the first interference structure 5, which is optically coupled with the interference pattern, or the second interference structure 9, the principle of spatial filtration of which corresponds to the principle of spatial filtration of the first interference structure 5 and the scale of which corresponds to the scale of the interference structure illuminated. The beams are extracted the intensities, spatial positions and directions of which correspond to the intensities, spatial positions and directions of the beams that were registered in recording the interference pattern, i.e., the beams are extracted which correspond to the independent spatial coordinates .alpha. and .beta.. The set of these beams corresponds to a three-dimensional image of object 4, which is indistinguishable from the real image.

Abstract: Process for producing hydrogenated rubbers which allows an easy and effective deactivation of the living polymer before the hydrogenation step. The deactivation of living polymer is carried out using compounds with very good solubility in water of formula R--OH, R--COOH or compound of type R'.sub.n --Si--Cl.sub.4-n, R'.sub.n --Sn--Cl.sub.4-n, with n comprised between 0 and 3, extremes included; wherein R is a C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 alkyl group optionally containing one or more polar functional groups selected from C--OH, COOH, and R' is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.20 aryl. The catalysts used in the hydrogenation of the deactivated polymer are titanocene compounds, being the most preferred those of formula Cp.sub.2 Ti (PhOCH.sub.3).sub.2 and Cp.sub.2 Ti (CH.sub.2 PPh.sub.2).sub.2.

Abstract: A salt block insert for animals which consists of a salt block reservoir that is inserted into or attached to the inside of a feed container. The salt block insert permits the intake of required food and minerals at the same time, and also prevents the salt block from being removed from the feed container.

Abstract: An improved rake head consisting of multiple tines attached to a rake support member with each tine having two prongs. When the tines of the rake are flexed during use, both prongs on each tine make firm contact with the ground. The firm contact of each prong with the ground enhances raking efficiency.