Abstract: A composition for the control of smoking which comprises: (a) a flavonoid in the form of an extract from Eupatorium cannibium or Eupatorium Fortunei, preferably euparin; (b) a cytochrome P450 inhibitor; (c) a sugar; (d) a source of phosphate; and, optionally, (e) one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Abstract: Immunoassay displacement methods for detecting (preferably identifying) the presence or amount of a target analyte (e.g. drug) in a sample comprising the steps of: (a) exposing the sample to a complex comprising an immobilized antibody capable of specifically binding the analyte, said antibody being specifically bound to a displacement agent, wherein said agent comprises: (I) an analyte analog capable of specifically binding the antibody, (ii) a surface enhanced resonance raman scattering (SERRS) or a surface enhanced raman scattering (SERS) active label, (iii) a SERRS or SERS surface-seeking group (e.g. benztriazole), whereby any analyte present in the sample causes the displacement of agent from the antibody; (b) exposing any displaced agent to a SERRS or SERS surface; and, (c) detecting any displaced agent associated with said surface using SERRS or SERS. In preferred forms of the invention several target analytes are detected from a single source or sample simultaneously.

Abstract: A magnetic particle composition which can be used for separating biomolecules comprises magnetic materials of preferably less than five micron diameter bound to a negatively charged ion exchanger. The composition can be used to separate DNA from mixtures and to separate out cell debris.

Abstract: The use of polymer latices is described for fluid loss control in water-based drilling fluids. The latices used are water insoluble. The latices are essentially non-swelling in an aqueous solution. The latices are selected from known latices such that they are absorbed within a filter cake building up at the interface between the wellbore and porous formations in essentially the same state as they are in the aqueous drilling fluid during circulation.

Abstract: A solderable flexible adhesive interposer having solderable contacts includes low-modulus-of-elasticity (i.e. molecularly flexible) conductive adhesive vias to which contacts of an electronic device, such as a semiconductor chip or die or other component, are connected. The flexible adhesive interposer substrate includes a sheet or layer of a molecularly flexible dielectric adhesive having via holes therein through which the flexible conductive adhesive vias reside. A thin layer of solderable metal, preferably a plating of gold or nickel-gold, on at least one exposed surface of the flexible conductive adhesive vias provides the solderable contacts connecting electrically to the conductive vias. The electronic device may be covered by a lid or by an encapsulant attached to the flexible adhesive interposer substrate and/or the electronic device.

Abstract: Compounds having a mimetic or antagonistic property of an inositol phosphoglycan, and the uses of these compounds are disclosed, together with the use, e.g. to treat a condition ameliorated by administration of an IPG second messenger or an IPG antagonist thereof. Preferred compounds of the invention are based on the substituted cyclitols, and in particular, the compounds are based on the 1,6 linkage of two or more sugar residues to a cyclitol.

Abstract: A device (10) for mounting gemstones and decorative components on a jewelry piece (1). The mounting device (10) has a mounting stud (30) configured for supporting a gemstone (5) or other decorative component on the jewelry piece (1). A mounting base (40) is connected to the mounting stud (30) and disposed inside a cavity (28). The mounting base (40) is held in an abutting relationship with a toggling mechanism (50) that permits rotation of mounting base (40) within the cavity (28). The mounting stud (30) is adjustable to orient a gemstone (5) or decorative component in a plurality of orientations relative to the jewelry piece (1).

Abstract: Apparatus (4) for converting an optical theodolite (2) into a laser theodolite, which apparatus comprises a laser diode adapter (6) for connection to the optical theodolite in place of an eyepiece of a telescope (8) of the optical theodolite, and driver means (10) for the laser diode adapter (6); the laser diode adapter (6) comprising a housing (12), a laser diode (14); a holographic image reshaping lens (51), and a focusing lens (52) in the housing (12), and an externally threaded male portion (16) for screwing into the telescope (8) in place of the eyepiece; and the driver means (10) having securing means (18) for securing the driver means (10) to the optical theodolite (2) remote from the laser diode adapter (6).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aseptic biological production of cells and/or microorganisms are provided. The apparatus includes a support housing having an interior chamber, a disposable flexible sterile plastic liner lining the interior chamber and a head plate attached to the liner forming a sealed chamber with the liner to form a reservoir. After use the liner can be thrown away and the apparatus can be reused with a new liner. In this way, the apparatus simplifies cleaning and ensuring validation required by pharmaceutical and food industry standards. Aerating fluid is introduced during culturing of cell or microorganisms in the reservoir. A growth characteristic can be used to vary flow rate and/or composition of the aerating fluid. Another reservoir may be used for circulation between two reservoirs.

Abstract: An antenna arrangement comprises at least two antenna loops disposed in two intersecting planes disposed at an angle to define a detection region in which the antenna loops transmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals and through which an object may pass. Each antenna loop includes a portion disposed in each of the two planes, and the antenna loops overlap at least in part in each of the two planes. The antenna arrangement may be coupled to a processor and/or utilization system for cooperating therewith for performing a desired function.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules encoding a mismatch endonuclease and its method of use for the detection of mutations in targeted polynucleotide sequences are provided, which facilitate the localization and identification of mutations, mismatches and genetic polymorphisms.

Abstract: An antenna array comprises a plurality of antenna loops disposed to define a portal or passageway or other detection region in which the plural antenna loops transmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals. A processor coupled to the plural antenna loops processes at least the received signals and/or transmitted signals. The plural antennas may be arrayed in a rectangular array, on hanging flexible substrates or other suitable arrangement, and may be coupled to the processor by a filter or selective switch. The processor may be coupled to a utilization system for cooperating therewith for performing a desired function.

Abstract: A weeder includes an elongated shaft having a predetermined length and a longitudinal bore, a gripping mechanism provided at an upper end portion of the elongated shaft, a chuck mechanism provided at a lower end portion of the elongated shaft for pinching weeds, an operating lever mechanism for actuating the chuck mechanism, the operating lever mechanism provided at an axial portion of the elongated shaft which is adjacent the gripping mechanism, and a towing wire inserted in the longitudinal bore of the elongated shaft and coupling the chuck mechanism and the operating lever mechanism.

Abstract: A plastic movable guide is disclosed wherein a reinforcing plate for reinforcing a guide body is simplified in shape, permitting easy assembly and prevention of disengagement. The movable guide is constituted by a guide body and a reinforcing plate fitted into the guide body. The guide body has a slit which receives the reinforcing plate which has a pair of recesses. A pair of windows are formed in the guide body to register with the reinforcing plate recesses. Each window has a tongue piece having a face which projects angularly into the slit and terminates in a retaining portion. When the reinforcing plate is advanced into the slit, the retaining portions of the tongue pieces are deflected out of the slit and when the plate is seated, the retaining portions are engaged in the recesses and retain the plate in the guide body.

Abstract: Digitized signatures are recorded in respective digitized signature records. Each digitized signature record includes at least the position of each point of a signature in coordinates relative to a coordinate of a previous point thereof and time. Digitized signatures are identified, verified or authenticated by comparing characteristics thereof, may be indexed for facilitating comparison, may be utilized for network and Internet transactions, and may be converted to image format.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant polynucleotide comprising a promoter sequence being an inducible promoter obtainable from apple. The promoter sequence is preferably activated in response to which agents are specific to ripening fruit and is most preferably the apple &bgr;-galactosidase (ABG1) promoter. Vectors form a further part of the invention. Also provided are host plant cells, plus methods of producing transgenic plants and fruit which incorporate antisense RNA capable of down-regulating genes involved in ripening or peptides or proteins improving fungal, insect, bacterial, viral, herbicidal, nematode, or arachnid resistance. Such transgenic plants and fruit have storage and pest-resistance properties superior to non-transgenic varieties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-functional press for welding plastic tubes and joints particularly polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene and polyvinyldifluoride tubes and joints, comprising a first fixed base and a second base, movable with respect to said first base along sliding guides, a first vise group, mounted on said first base and a second vise group mounted on said second base, a thermo-element, provided on a guide parallel with respect to said first and second base and coupled with said guide in such a way to be provided in a working position between said vise groups, and in a rest position, completely out of the operation field of said vise groups, and in a lowered position with respect to the operation field of said vise groups.

Abstract: A microfabricated device employing a bridging membrane and methods for electrokinetic transport of a liquid phase biological or chemical material using the same are described. The bridging membrane is deployed in or adjacent to a microchannel and permits either ionic current flow or the transport of gas species, while inhibiting the bulk flow of material. The use of bridging membranes in accordance with this invention is applicable to a variety of processes, including electrokinetically induced pressure flow in a region of a microchannel that is not influenced by an electric field, sample concentration enhancement and injection, as well as improving the analysis of materials where it is desired to eliminate electrophoretic bias. Other applications of the bridging membranes according to this invention include the separation of species from a sample material, valving of fluids in a microchannel network, mixing of different materials in a microchannel, and the pumping of fluids.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences encoding peptide transporters, peptide transporters and methods of use thereof are disclosed.