Abstract: A method for making dissolving pulp from cellulosic fiber. The fiber is treated with a 3-stage sequence having a first alkali extraction stage, a xylanase treatment stage, and a second alkali extraction stage. Having the xylanase treatment stage sandwiched between 2 alkali extraction stages results in the dissolving pulp exhibiting both a very low xylan content of about 2.6% by weight or less and a very low mannan content of about 1.5% by weight or less. The low contents of these 2 components cannot be achieved with comparison treatments of only an alkali extraction stage, only a xylanase treatment stage, or only 2 stages of a xylanase treatment stage and an alkali extraction stage.

Abstract: A method of modulating angiogenesis in a vertebrate subject, the method comprising administering to the vertebrate subject an ECRTP/DEP-1 receptor activity-modulating amount of a composition, whereby an ECRTP/DEP-1 receptor within the vertebrate subject is contacted by the composition; and modulating angiogenesis through the contacting of the ECRTP/DEP-1 receptor with the composition. Optionally, the composition includes a monoclonal antibody which preferentially binds the ECRTP/DEP-1 receptor.

Abstract: A positive drive mechanism for use in a sheet folding apparatus includes a motor drive, a torque-limiting device coupled to the motor drive, a drive pulley coupled to the torque-limiting device, and a plurality of idler pulleys. Each of the idler pulleys is coupled to a drive shaft which supports a fold roller. A non-slip positive drive member operatively engages portions of the drive pulley and the plurality of idler pulleys. A sheet is fed into the folder and between the fold rollers in order to fold the sheet. In the event that the sheet becomes jammed between the fold rollers, the torque-limiting device operates to release the torque transmitted from the motor drive to the drive pulley.

Abstract: In the prevention of the spread of fires and for directly fighting fires, a cross-linked, water-swellable additive polymer in water/oil emulsion produced by an inverse phase polymerization reaction to be added to the firefighting water is disclosed. The additive has the properties of absorbing large quantities of water, high viscosity for adherence to vertical and horizontal surfaces, and retention of sufficient fluidity to be educted in standard firefighting equipment. The method of adding this additive to the firefighting water by eduction or by a batch addition to the water source is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vending machine comprising a base (10) and a transparent lid (20) housing one or more wheel assemblies (30a-g). The lid (20) is provided with an access door (21) at a convenient height for a user and the wheels (30a-g) are independently rotatable in a user selection process to view products such as food displayed thereon. The access door (21) is releasable in response to a payment mechanism (13). Conveniently, many food products can be viewed independently, and multiple users can each independently control one of the plurality of display wheels (30a-g) giving improved user satisfaction and throughput.

Abstract: A wrist fusion apparatus and method for attachment to and positioning at least one carpus area bone relative to a radius bone without an attachment to a metacarpal bone. The wrist fusion apparatus includes an elongated plate with a bottom and top side and with a proximal portion for positioning an attachment to a radius bone and a distal portion for positioning over and attachment to at least one carpus area of bone without extending over or attaching to a metacarpal bone. The proximal portion has a linear longitudinal axis and the distal portion is disposed along a curved longitudinal line extending from the linear longitudinal axis of the approximal portion. The plate includes fastener holes defined therethrough for receiving bone fasteners.

Abstract: A process for the removal of hydrocarbon contaminates from groundwater and/or wastewater in ground wells, treatment trenches or above-ground tanks which utilizes differential pressure between the area above the groundwater and/or wastewater and the purging gas introduced therein to the upward flow of bubbles of the purging gas through the groundwater and/or wastewater requiring stripping or volatilization to remove the hydrocarbon contaminates therefrom.

Abstract: A journal bearing comprises a body having a central longitudinal axis, a cylindrical inner surface coaxially disposed around the longitudinal axis and defining an axial bore, and an outer surface including a peripheral planar section. A lateral face is disposed on an end of the body, and extends between the outer and inner surfaces of the body. A feed channel is formed in the lateral face at an acute angle with respect to the planar section and in an inward direction with respect to the axial bore. A first end of the feed channel communicates with the outer surface of the bearing at a location proximate to the planar section, and a second end of the feed channel communicates with the axial bore. A pocket is formed in the inner surface of the bearing in communication with the second end of the feed channel and extends along a substantially helical path from the lateral face of the bearing. At least a portion of the pocket has a width of greater magnitude than a corresponding depth of the portion.

Abstract: A liquid smoke browning agent solution having good browning but minimal or no flavor, and a related method for making same. The liquid smoke browning agent solution may be made from commercially existing delignified wood pulp.

Abstract: A vent flow apparatus and method for general application in venting and filling air pockets in conduit or duct type apparatuses designed for passage of material therethrough is provided including a hollow vent flow conduit preferably in the form of a tube having an entry opening and a downstream exit opening with both openings being in communication with a duct for flow of material therethrough. The entry opening is in communication with the duct at a first location of greater cross-sectional area of the duct than a second location of communication of the exit opening with the duct. The vent flow conduit has particular applicability for post-tensioning systems for concrete or other suitable structures, particularly post-tensioning systems which include body sections interconnected in series by an intermediate anchor head and which use a transfer means for routing grout between the body sections and around the intermediate anchor head.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture comprising a subcuticular bacteria isolated from A. gracillima and having bacillus morphology and antimicrobial activity is described. A sample has been deposited at American Type Tissue Culture (ATCC) on Apr. 14, 1998 under accession numbers 202111, 202112, or 202113. Mutants or derivatives thereof having the same antimicrobial activity as the culture are also described. Antimicrobial compositions including the biologically pure culture and methods of inhibiting the growth utilizing the biologically pure culture are also described. Finally, an antibiotic or antibiotic fraction derivable from the bacteria is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nicotine method and solution which utilizes an acidic solution containing nicotine. The solution is for use to treat various medical conditions, such as to reduce the need of a user of smoking tobacco to smoke tobacco, to reduce attention deficit disorder symptoms in a person who has attention deficit disorder, and/or to reduce Alzheimer's disease symptoms in a person who has Alzheimer's disease. The solution is palatable and may be introduced into the person by the person drinking it. Subsequent to drinking, the blood plasma levels are sufficient to reduce the need to smoke tobacco, to reduce attention deficit disorder symptoms, and/or to reduce Alzheimer's disease symptoms.

Abstract: A method of treating animals having cancer by administration of secondary amide derivatives of various COOH-containing drugs, such as COOH-containing NSAIDs, for instance, indomethacin.

Abstract: A sheet-size and stacking direction adjustable accumulator and method are disclosed. The accumulator is easily adjustable for handling sheets of different widths and for either under or over accumulating. The adjustability is provided by allowing accumulator ramps to be added or removed without having to deconstruct the accumulator and without the need for special skill.

Abstract: A tampon device including a medicinal liquid, such as a hemostatic agent solution, and useful for releasing the medicinal liquid into the vaginal cavity after insertion into the vaginal cavity.

Abstract: Isolated and purified lipoxygenase proteins and nucleic acids are described. Particularly, a novel human 15(S) lipoxygenase (15-Lox-2) protein and cDNA and a cDNA for mouse 8S-lipoxygenase are described. Recombinant host cells, recombinant nucleic acids and recombinant proteins are also described, along with methods of producing each. Isolated and purified antibodies to 15-Lox-2 and 8-Lox, and methods of producing the same, are also described.

Abstract: A silencer for a vehicle exhaust assembly is described. The silencer comprises an outer wall, a porous exhaust pipe which defines an inner wall and a sound absorbent fibrous material located between the inner and the outer wall. The sound absorbent fibrous material is substantially unidirectional and parallel with the direction of gas flow through the porous exhaust pipe. The fibre is enclosed in a silencer cartridge. A method of producing such a cartridge is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating use of a shower is described. The apparatus comprises support means and shuttle means slidably mounted on the support means. In use, the shuttle means is slidably movable along the support means between a first position adjacent a shower and a second position remote from the shower. A shower curtain for use with the shuttle and support is also described. A footwell is adapted to ease use by an attendant.