Abstract: A method for performing an immunoassay is described. The method is particularly useful for detecting extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) producing microorganisms. The method is particularly useful for detecting microorganisms which produce extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) also known as exocellular polysaccharides, capsule, and/or lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In a preferred method for detecting microorganisms which produce EPS, LPS, or both, the EPS and/or LPS is extracted from a sample with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to produce molecular aggregates which are then preferentially bound to colored polystyrene latex particles over other components in the sample, and the bound EPS and/or LPS detected using a lateral flow immunoassay apparatus which has immobilized thereon antibodies specific for the EPS and/or LPS. The method can also be used to detect particular viruses, for example viruses of the potyviridae or tobamoviridae group.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer composition reinforced with fibers such as cellulose or other fillers, particularly from natural sources, and a process for manufacturing the composition are disclosed. The polymer is extruded with a salt which reduces the melting point and pelletized. The pellets are then extruded again with the filler. The composition with the filler can then be melted at the reduced melting temperature to manufacture an article.

Abstract: Compositions of biodegradable polymers and hyperbranched dendritic polymer (HBP) are described. The compositions can also include anhydride modified HBP. The resulting compositions have superior elongation at break and can be as cast or blown films for packaging, for example.

Abstract: Cyclic alkyl, particularly cyclohexyl, substituted glycolides and polylactides are described. The polylactides have a high glass transition temperature and improved clarity.

Abstract: A process for combined ozone degradation and filtration using a multi-layered, nanocrystalline, sintered ceramic, metal oxide catalyst and ceramic membrane filter is described. The process reduces fouling of the membrane and degrades ozone remaining in the water from ozonation of water to kill microorganisms.

Abstract: 1H-Pyrrolo-1,4-thiazines and a process for the preparation thereof are described. These compounds are useful as enzyme inhibitors in cells, particularly for medical uses.

Abstract: Conductimetric assay devices that have both low end and high end sensitivity are described. The geometric shape and/or arrangement of the capture zones make it possible for the assay devices to have both low end and high end sensitivity. Also described is a conductimetric assay device having a pre-capture zone to capture unbound analyte. The assay device overcomes the problem of flooding by the analyte.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of natural fiber and polymer composites is described. Thermoplastically processed plasticized soy flour based plastics are used with thermoplastic polymers. Polymers of soy flour and an in situ polymerized polyvinyl polymer which links proteins and carbohydrates in the flour to form the polymer are used. The composites are useful in engineering materials.

Abstract: A composite composition and methods for making the composition, providing a metal matrix and dispersed inorganic oxide particles with a bound organofunctional group on a surface of the particles are described. A composite solder composition and methods for making and using the composition, providing a metal matrix and dispersed inorganic oxide particles with a bound organofunctional group on a surface of the particles are described. An apparatus comprising this composite solder composition is also described. In particular, organofunctional POSS, and POS, particles are described. The compositions provide cast metals and solders.

Abstract: The use of chemically modified dicarboxy polysaccharides for the topical treatment of the eyeball are described. The modified polysaccharides provide a carrier in solutions for the treatment of the eyeball to obtain a timed release.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic plants which after harvest degrade the lignin and cellulose therein to fermentable sugars which can further be fermented to ethanol or other products. In particular, the transgenic plants comprise ligninase and cellulase genes from microbes operably linked to a DNA encoding a signal peptide which targets the fusion polypeptide produced therefrom to an organelle of the plant, in particular the chloroplasts. When the transgenic plants are harvested, the plants are ground to release the ligninase and cellulase which then degrade the lignin and cellulose of the transgenic plants to produce the fermentable sugars.

Abstract: An instrumentation network data system that transmits periodically measured instrument parameters or data to workstations residing on a computer network. A laboratory workstation residing on the network periodically collects and processes data from the instruments at predetermined collection time-intervals. The laboratory workstation includes a buffering data file to store the analyzed data. A supervisor workstation residing on the network periodically accesses the analyzed data from the buffering data file at predetermined supervision-time intervals and updates a supervision data file in the supervisor working station with the analyzed data. At predetermined viewing-time intervals, the supervisor working station can transmit the analyzed data to at least one viewing workstation residing on the network for remote viewing of the analyzed data.

Abstract: A new starch-vegetable oil graft copolymer, wherein the vegetable oil has been reacted onto the starch backbone using thermal or free radical initiators has been produced in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder. The starch-vegetable oil graft copolymer can further be reinforced with biofiber in the presence of an optional modifier such as maleic anhydride by reactive extrusion processing to form composites suitable to be injection molded into biodegradable articles.

Abstract: Graphite nanoplatelets of expanded graphite and composites and products produced therefrom are described. The preferred method of expanding the graphite is by microwaves or other radiofrequency wave treatment of intercalated graphite. The expanded graphite is preferably then crushed to nanometer (substantially all 200 microns or less). The expanded graphite is used in polymer composites. The expanded graphite is particularly useful for batteries, anodes and fuel cells.

Abstract: A fluid injection and removal system to inject or remove fluids from a landfill or contaminated area. The system allows for treatment of waste in the landfill or the contaminated area. The fluid injection and removal system includes a permeable layer and at least one perforated pipe. The permeable layer enables essentially uniform distribution of the fluid into the underlying waste or contaminated area. The fluid injection and removal system can be combined with a leachate collection system to create a leachate recirculation system for use in a landfill. The leachate collection system includes at least one perforated collection pipe embedded in a drainage layer. Sensors can be provided in the permeable layer to enable the change in the physical characteristics of the waste adjacent the permeable layer to be monitored.

Abstract: An electrically conductive diamond electrode and process for preparation thereof is described. The electrode comprises diamond particles coated with electrically conductive doped diamond preferably by chemical vapor deposition which are held together with a binder. The electrodes are useful for oxidation reduction in gas, such as hydrogen generation by electrolysis.

Abstract: Mesoporous crystalline alumina compositions and process for the preparation thereof are described. The compositions are useful as catalysts and absorbents.

Abstract: Devices for modification of a microwave signal using a magnetically saturated ferrite magnetoelectric device with electrical control are disclosed. The device is useful for microwave resonators, band pass filters, delay lines and phase shifters.

Abstract: A process for producing cyano substituted arene boranes is described. The compounds are useful intermediates to pharmaceutical compounds using the cyano group as a reactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccines and methods for making the vaccines that actively or passively protect an equid or other animal against Sarcocystis neurona. In particular, the present invention provides vaccines that provide active immunity which comprise a polypeptide or DNA vaccine that contains or expresses at least one epitope of an antigen that has an amino acid sequence substantially similar to a unique 16 (±4) kDa antigen and/or 30 (±4) kDa antigen of Sarcocystis neurona. The present invention further provides a vaccine that provides passive immunity to Sarcocystis neurona comprising polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies against at least one epitope of an antigen substantially similar to a unique 16 (±4) kDa antigen and/or 30 (±4) kDa antigen of Sarcocystis neurona.