Abstract: A process for preparing a surfactant, useful for dispersing tackifier resins in aqueous media, comprises reacting an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride, or an ester thereof, with a terpene- or hydrocarbon-based resin to form an adduct, then reacting the adduct with a polyalkylene polyol to yield the surfactant. In a related embodiment, the surfactant is subsequently functionalized. Also disclosed are surfactants prepared using a disclosed process; compositions comprising a disclosed surfactant and a tackifier resin; aqueous dispersions comprising a disclosed surfactant; tackifier resin and water; adhesive compositions comprising a disclosed aqueous dispersion and a polymer latex; and pressure sensitive adhesive overlays prepared using a disclosed adhesive composition.

Abstract: For conformance treatment to plug an opening in subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation, a conformance additive including water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, a filter aid that is preferably diatomaceous earth, and optionally a reinforcing material. The method of forming a conformance fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of conforming the formation further including the step of injecting the fluid into the formation to plug the opening.

Abstract: For tubing/casing annulus plug treatment to plug a well, a tubing/casing annulus plug additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, a filter aid, and an optional reinforcing material, preferably of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a tubing/casing annulus plug fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of plugging the tubing/casing annulus of a well further including the step of injecting the fluid into the annulus.

Abstract: For well plug treatment to plug an abandoned well, a well plug additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and filter aid, and optionally, a reinforcing material preferably of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a well plug fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of plugging the well further including the step of injecting the fluid into the wellbore.

Abstract: For well kill treatment to prevent the intrusion of formation fluids into the wellbore while the well is open, a well kill additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, filter aid, and optionally, a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a well kill fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of conforming the formation further including the step of injecting the fluid into the wellbore.

Abstract: Prion peptides exhibiting structural isomerism to wild-type prion peptide are disclosed. The invention further discloses methods of making prion isomers, compositions comprising prion isomers, and compositions and products comprising antibody to a prion isomer. Methods for screening a patient for a neuro-degenerative disease, and methods for treating a patient afflicted with a neuro-degenerative disease are also disclosed.

Abstract: For tubing/casing annulus plug treatment to plug a well, a tubing/casing annulus plug additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a tubing/casing annulus plug fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of plugging the tubing/casing annulus of a well further including the step of injecting the fluid into the annulus.

Abstract: Methods and products for inhibiting growth of fungus and fungal disease on a plant. Methods comprise contacting at least a portion of a plant or plant seed together with a fungicidal composition comprising a fungicidal carboxamide. Products comprise any of leaves, crowns, roots, stolons, seed, seedlings, sod, and any combination thereof, treated with a fungicidal carboxamide. Preferred pathogens are of the genus Colletotrichum, preferred disease is anthracnose, preferred fungicides are carboxamides, and preferred plants are turfgrass.

Abstract: The invention describes a cost-effective alternative for deploying and installing subsea equipment using a workboat or other vessel of opportunity. The equipment is not supported directly by the vessel, but is instead supported by one or more buoys below the wave zone. The buoys are controlled by a combination of chain, wire rope, and synthetic line linking it to the workboat. As such, the buoy system described herein decouples vessel motion from the payload by supporting the payload from the buoys below the wave zone. Because the buoys are below the wave action and its associated turbulence, there is little energy and hence little tendency for motion. The result is a stable, inexpensive, maneuverable system capable of servicing large subsea payloads in a wide range of water depths.

Abstract: For well plug treatment to plug an abandoned well, a well plug additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a well plug fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of plugging the well further including the step of injecting the fluid into the wellbore.

Abstract: A piston for a pressurized container (i.e., “aerosol can”), the piston including a body having circumferential fins, with the fins being of uniform thickness, decreasing thickness radially away from the body, or varying thickness circumferentially. Further disclosed are container precursors and containers incorporating such a piston, and methods of filling and dispensing from such containers.

Abstract: For conformance treatment to plug an opening in subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation, a conformance additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a conformance fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of conforming the formation further including the step of injecting the fluid into the formation to plug the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling drag and vortex-induced vibration exerted onto a substantially cylindrical element of a fixed position subjected to a fluid flowing environment. Apparatus of the invention comprise a sleeve comprising an ultra-smooth surface. Methods for installing such apparatus onto cylindrical elements, and systems for controlling drag and vortex-induced vibrations in which a substantially cylindrical marine element has an ultra-smooth effective surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely installing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction and drag reduction devices on elongated structures in flowing fluid environments. The apparatus is a tool for transporting and installing the devices. The devices installed can include clamshell-shaped strakes, shrouds, fairings, sleeves and flotation modules.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for environments subject to vortex induced vibration. The system includes a shroud having a number of perforations, with the shroud encircling the flowing-fluid element less than 100%. The system further includes a separation member for attaching the shroud to the flowing-fluid element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for time, and labor efficient construction and production of subsea wells include a surface blowout preventer stack, a high pressure riser, and a drill thru Xmas tree. The systems may further comprise a subsea shut off and disconnect device.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I are disclosed which are useful as fungicides wherein X is —O—, —CH(R11)— or ═C(R11)—; R1 is H or C1-C2 alkyl; R2 is H; C1-C6 alkyl; C3-C6 cycloalkyl; or phenyl optionally substituted with halogen, cyano, C1-C2 alkyl or C1-C2 alkoxy; and R3-R11 are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula I and a method for controlling plant diseases caused by fungal plant pathogens which involves applying an effective amount of a compound of Formula I.

Abstract: The present invention provides hybrid molecules and methods of synthesizing such hybrid molecules from a cholinergic agent and a bile acid. The hybrid molecules function as cholinergic agents and may be either cholinergic agonists or cholinergic antagonists. Further disclosed herein are compositions comprising hybrid cholinergic agents and methods of making such compositions. Methods of treating a patient having a cholinergic disorder are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides hybrid molecules and methods of synthesizing such hybrid molecules from a cholinergic agent and a bile acid. The hybrid molecules function as cholinergic agents and may be either cholinergic agonists or cholinergic antagonists. Further disclosed herein are compositions comprising hybrid cholinergic agents and methods of making such compositions. Methods of treating a patient having a cholinergic disorder are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for coating a substrate and methods of shaping a workpiece comprise formation and use, respectively, of a surface or substrate comprising a first phase selected from nitrides, carbides. carbonitrides, borides, sulphides, chalcogenides, oxides, and silicides, and a second phase selected from nitrides, carbides, carbonitrides, borides, sulphides, chalcogenides, oxides, and silicides, wherein said second phase comprises a multiplicity of discrete portions positioned into the first phase, with these multiplicity of portions comprising a continuous second phase, and made thereof, coating and articles, especially machining, cutting and shaping tools, wearparts, and methods of making and using the composition, coating and articles.