Abstract: The mulch comprises a sheet of paper having a thickness between 2 and 4 mils and a basis weight between about 40 g/m.sup.2 and 60 g/m.sup.2. The sheet has at least one face coated with a layer of polylactide, which is used in an amount such that it weighs between about 2 g/m.sup.2 and 15 g/m.sup.2. The preparation is carried out by depositing on the sheet an amount of a hot extruded liquid layer of polylactide such that when it solidifies, it weighs between about 2 g/m.sup.2 and 15 g/m.sup.2, and allowing the layer to solidify and adhere to the sheet, whereby forming the mulch.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting at least one receptor in a biological sample in a flow stream for immunoassays, complex genetic analyses, and enzymatic assays. The biological sample includes a carrier having an indicator, such as a fluorescent dye, and a reactant that reacts to the receptor. The indicator indicates a presence of the receptor upon excitation by light having a wavelength or a band of wavelengths. The apparatus includes a viewing chamber for receiving the biological sample in the flow stream and for displaying the same. Light sources are arranged around the viewing chamber so as to emit light sequentially, simultaneously, or substantially simultaneously toward substantially identical or overlapping focal regions in the viewing chamber. At least one optical detector is configured to detect light emitted from the sample responsive to light emitted from the light sources.

Abstract: A one-piece metal plate has an open mesh-like pattern, a plurality of identical rectangular perforations arranged at regular intervals in parallel rows, a plurality of identical rectangular embossed parts arranged at regular intervals and bridging the rows, and a plurality of identical rectangular web parts. Each of the embossed parts is raised relative to the web parts, and has two opposing overlapping ends extending into the rows. Each of the web parts is confined by two adjacent ones of the perforations and two adjacent ones of the embossed parts. The perforations are aligned along first lines which intersect the rows. The embossed parts are aligned along second lines parallel to the first lines. The first and second lines alternate with one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new color compositions which are especially suitable to be used in oxygen indicators. The compositions comprise iron(II), an agent containing pyrogallol entities and an organic acid.

Abstract: A method for preventing bubble defects in borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) film is provided. A wafer for depositing borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) film is loaded in deposition chamber. After the wafer is properly positioned, the wafer is heated to a predetermined temperature. A process gas is introduced from the gas distribution system to the deposition chamber. A selected pressure of the deposition chamber is set and maintained throughout deposition process. After deposition of the BPSG film, the wafer is loaded out the chamber. Subsequently, helium gas is introduced to purge the liquid injection valve and delivery path. After pumping out the purge gas, the another wafer is then loaded in the chamber for depositing BPSG film.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modified coagulation factor Xa which has an improved capacity of forming crystals compared to its native form. Such crystals or crystalline composition are especially useful for studies in crystalline form of the active catalytic site of factor Xa when it is complexed to a specific affinity ligand with inhibiting characteristics.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of isolating hepatoblasts utilizing panning techniques and fluorescence activated cell sorting. This invention further relates to isolated hepatoblasts and to a method of treating liver dysfunction as well as to methods of forming artificial livers.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of DNA sequences and PCR products comprises the steps of constructing an oligonucleotide-labeled beadset, and labeled complementary probe, and exposing the beadset and probe to a DNA fragment or PCR product under hybridizing conditions and analyzing the combined sample/beadset by flow cytometry. Flow cytometric measurements are used to classify beads within an exposed beadset to determine the presence of identical or nonidentical sequences within the test sample. The inventive technology enables the rapid analysis of DNA sequences and detection of point mutations, deletions and/or inversions while also reducing the cost and time for performing genetic assays.

Abstract: A hyperhydrated form of citicoline and its formulations, which exhibits desirable characteristics, including crystal formation, moisture resistance, improved storage stability, and formulation versatility, is disclosed. Methods of preparing the citicoline hyperhydrate and its use in the manufacture of stable pharmaceutical dosage forms are also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of the topical treatment of equine laminitis are disclosed. In particular, combinations of a fast acting nitric oxide (NO) donor, a sustained acting NO donor and an NSAID mixed in a lipid-based carrier are described. The application of such combinations to the affected areas, e.g., the hoofs and surrounding tissues, of an equine afflicted with laminitis provides relief from the debilitating effects of this painful, often life-threatening condition.

Abstract: Hexose derivatives are described which facilitate control over the stereochemistry of the glycosyl bond formed in the course of a solid phase glycosylation reaction. Methods for their use are also described.

Abstract: A chemical sensor includes an enzyme layer, a diffusion layer and an analyte barrier layer positioned over the diffusion layer. Apertures are formed by microfabrication in the analyte barrier layer to allow controlled analyte flux to the diffusion layer.

Abstract: A composition for the treatment of exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage, particularly in horses. The composition comprises arginine and is formulated for inhalation. The invention includes an inhaler apparatus specially adapted for the administration of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of preventing or treating an infection or disease caused by an infectious agent. The present invention also relates to the augmentation of the efficacy of existing anti-infective agents by the co-administration of the compounds described herein.

Abstract: A flexible transparent container for improved storage of oxygen sensitive parenterally administerable agents comprising an inner, primary container enclosed in a substantially oxygen impermeable outer envelope with an oxygen absorber, capable of consuming essentially all residual oxygen after the outer envelope is sealed, and for sufficient period also the oxygen penetrating said envelope. The inner container is made of a polypropylene containing flexible polymeric material compatible with lipophilic agents capable of forming both permanent and peelable seals, while the envelope is made of a substantially water impermeable flexible multilayered polymeric material comprising a first outer substantially water impermeable polymeric film with oxygen barrier forming capacity, assembled with a second, inner polymeric film with a supplementary oxygen barrier forming capacity. The container essentially maintains its characteristics after being subjected to sterilization by steam or radiation.

Abstract: In an electronically controlled injection device for the administering of one or more injections from an injection cartridge, the readying of the device for administering and the subsequent administering therefrom are controlled by an electronic control unit. This control unit comprises a position or attitude sensor which transmits signals to the control unit such that the readying of the device optionally cannot take place unless the longitudinal axis of the injection cartridge is oriented in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A method for the multiplexed diagnostic and genetic analysis of enzymes, DNA fragments, antibodies, and other biomolecules comprises the steps of constructing an appropriately labeled beadset, exposing the beadset to a clinical sample, and analyzing the combined sample/beadset by flow cytometry. Flow cytometric measurements are used to classify, in real-time, beads within an exposed beadset and textual explanations, based on the accumulated data obtained during real-time analysis, are generated for the user. The inventive technology enables the simultaneous, and automated, detection and interpretation of multiple biomolecules or DNA sequences in real-time while also reducing the cost of performing diagnostic and genetic assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting a biologically active substance that affects intracellular processes mediated through a protein kinase or second messenger, which comprises incubating a cell with a test substance and measuring any change caused by the test substance in the fluorescence of (i) green fluorescent protein (GFP) having a protein kinase recognition site or (ii) GFP that has been modified to contain a second messenger binding domain.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of plumcot tree (apricot.times.plum) which is a heavy and regular producer of fruit; with half-open growth habit; producing firm, dark red fruit overspread with yellowish spots; with the fruit having good handling and shipping qualities, high brix values (18% average), excellent flavor and eating quality, and purplish red to dark flesh; the fruit ripening in middle season (late July); the stone being very small; and the fruit being semi-clingstone.