Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to methods for reconditioning a barrel previously used for containing a substance, comprising the steps of determining cutting parameters specific to the barrel material to provide controlled cutting of the barrel material; removing a desired depth of the barrel material using an automated high pressure water cutting device; testing for a remnant of the substance using a sensor device; optionally spraying with a dissolving agent; and repeating the steps of removing and testing upon detecting the presence of the substance in or on the barrel. Additionally, the inventive methods comprise applying a liquid to the wood of the reconditioned barrel to control evaporation of the barrel contents.

Abstract: A container 11, carries a component 12 of the telemetry system. The container mounted unit 12 transmits via its antenna 34, a signal 41 containing data indicating the status of the container. This signal is received by shipboard transponder 32 including an antenna 33, a first transceiver 35 for communication with shipboard devices such as the container module 12, control unit 36 which monitors and buffers signals for re-transmission and routes incoming signals, and a second transceiver 37 which transmits and receives signals 39, to and from the satellite 15 via its antenna 38. Thus signals from the container mounted module 12 may be relayed via the shipboard relay 32, the satellite 17 and the communications network 19, 20, 21 to the receiver station 22.

Abstract: The invention relates to microorganism producing 5′-xanthylic acid. A 3,4-dehydro-DL-proline resistant Corynebacterium ammoniagenes CJXPK001 strain is provided for producing 5′-xanthylic acid. It is a mutant strain of Corynebacterium ammoniagenes KFCC 10743 having a lower resistance to 3,4-dehydro-DL-proline. The mutant strain is not affected by osmotic pressure caused by accumulated, highly concentrated solute in a culture medium, and it can produce 5′-xanthylic acid at a high yield and concentration rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ion conducting matrix comprising: (i) 5 to 60% by volume of an inorganic powder having a good aqueous electrolyte absorption capacity; (ii) 5 to 50% by volume of a polymeric binder that is chemically compatible with an aqueous electrolyte; and (iii) 10 to 90% by volume of an aqueous electrolyte, wherein the inorganic powder comprises essentially sub-micron particles. The present invention further provides a membrane being a film made of the matrix of the invention and a composite electrode comprising 10 to 70% by volume of the matrix of the invention.

Abstract: The disclosed content relates to a three dimensional real-time imaging apparatus of the ocular retina, which is associated with the most frequent ophthalmic diseases. In the present invention, the laser rays are formed into two dimensional ray surface sequentially with the time by using a polygon mirror motor and galvanometer and irradiated on the almost transparent retina through the pupil. The optical system is so arranged that the incident angles, relative to a retina, of the laser beams irradiated on the retina at respective moments may agree with the output angles of imaginary lines of the same laser rays reflected from a retina in both the vertical and horizontal direction. Further, the laser sequential single lines lit on the retina are caused to correspond to the sensors array, so that two dimensional retinal surface elements as many as the sensors of the sensor array are imaged in real time three dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel use of polysaccharides (PL) from Phellinus linteus for treating diabetes mellitus, which provides medicine or food comprising polysaccharide as active components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for the production of inorganic semiconductor nanocrystals having a rod-like shape. More specifically the present invention provides a method of synthesizing rod shaped Group III-V semiconductor nanocrystals. The method comprises: reacting, in a high-boiling point organic solvent, a two-source precursor solution comprising at least one metal source and at least one nonmetal source, or a single-source precursor solution, with a metal catalyst or an agent capable of producing said metal catalyst, said high-boiling point organic solvent having a temperature above 200° C., thereby forming a reaction product comprising semiconductor nanocrystals of various shape; cooling the reaction product, and subsequently exposing said cooled reaction product to at least one centrifugal step so as to obtain semiconductor nanocrystals having substantially rod-like shape.

Abstract: A process for the separation and extraction of liquid from a multi-component fluid within a conduit in which said liquid tends to settle, said process comprising introduction of a coil tubing into a predetermined settlement region within said conduit, said tubing having an inlet at said settlement region and being operatively connected to aspirating means, whereby the said liquid is separated within the settlement region and aspirated into the tubing and thereby extracted.

Abstract: A method for obtaining DNA from fish spermatogonia comprises (i) disrupting fish spermatogonium to obtain a milky-white colloid, (ii) adding an alkaline solution of pH 8 to pH 12, containing more than 1 mol of salts, such as monovalent salts, to the milky-white colloid, to separate DNA from protamines, and then (iii) adding ethanol solution to the resultant mixture, effecting a precipitation of DNA.

Abstract: A method for producing mushroom mycelia and uses of the mushroom mycelia. Mushroom mycelia can be cultured at low cost in a broth made of the water from the washing of grains. Also, mushroom mycelia rich in trace minerals can be cultured in a broth supplemented with trace minerals. Feeding of feedstuffs mixed with the mushroom mycelia culture produces duck meats with excellent taste and quality and low cholesterol content.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel fluorinated dendrons and to a universal strategy for producing functional fluorinated dendrons programmed to self-assemble into supramolecular nanocylinder compositions containing p-stacks of high electron or hole mobility donors (D), acceptors (A), or D-A complexes in the core. Such nanocylinder compositions are uniquely applicable to devices spanning from single supramolecule to nanoscopic and to macroscopic scales including transistors, photovoltaics, photoconductors, photorefractives, light emissives, and optoelectronics.

Abstract: A combination lock comprising a housing, a locking bolt and a locking breach, at least one locking assembly rotatably supported within the housing and comprising a disc member formed with a peripheral recess, a cam wheel and a reset cam. A locking member is formed with at least one locking lug angularly displaceable between an un-locked position in which all the looking lugs engage within the peripheral recess of the disc members and where the locking breach is disengaged from the locking bolt, and a locked position in which at least one of the locking lugs is disengaged from the peripheral recess, where the locking breach arrests the locking bolt. A planarly displaceable manipulating member comprises at least one follower corresponding with each cam wheel. A reset mechanism is provided for rotating all disc members into a reset position.

Abstract: A method for for comparing between an orthodontic element's actual position on the surface of a tooth and a proper position comprise monitoring the element, the tooth or both once the element and the tooth are proximal to one another by an image acquisition unit which transmits an image to a screen that displays the image and displaying information on the screen regarding proper position of the element in a manner allowing to compare between the actual and the proper position is disclosed. Further disclosed is a system and device for positioning of an orthodontic element or a marking device having a marking member for marking a position for subsequent placement of an orthodontic element on a surface of a tooth.

Abstract: Improved block of seats for airports, having a bearing structure (1), on which a cover (2) is incorporated which determines the consecutive surfaces of the seats and back-rests, where each section of the cover (2) is made up of a laminar structure (7) that is assembled between a pair of profiles (6), which are fastened with respect to the bearing structure (1) by means of fittings (5) which in the assembly establish a positioning of the profiles (6) determining a tightening of the laminar structures (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds useful as catalysts in asymmetric synthesis of chiral compounds, methods for the synthesis of said catalysts, and methods for synthesizing chiral compounds with high enantioselectivity.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel non-motorized water sports devices which facilitate and improve the usage of “tow-behind” water sports devices. Said devices of the present invention comprise a hull having an aft deck surface sized for accommodating at least one rider; at least one tow attachment point; a handle column; a handle bar attached to said handle column; and at least one rudder fin attached to said hull. Said devices are usually towed by a watercraft having a propulsion mechanism, by means of a tow rope or similar device(s).

Abstract: There is a vinyl 4-hydroxybenzal-vinylalcohol-vinyl acetate copolymer, a 4-t-butoxycarbonyloxybenzal-vinyl alcohol-vinyl acetate copolymer and a vinyl 4-t-butoxycarbonyloxybenzal-vinyl 4-hydroxybenzal-vinyl alcohol-vinyl acetate copolymer suitable for photoresist and methods for preparing the same. The latter two polymers contain 4-hydroxybenzal groups all or parts of which are protected with t-butoxycarbonyl group. Superior in transparency, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and adhesiveness to silicon wafer, the photoresists prepared from the protected copolymers can enhance the resolution of fine circuit by virtue of low weight loss upon the thermal treatment after exposure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, methods and kits that provide for the early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. More particularly, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing uteroglobin for preventing or inhibiting metastasis of lung tumor cells and methods of using the same to prevent or inhibit metastasis of lung tumor cells. The present invention also relates to methods and kits for early diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer by assaying for uteroglobin and comparing the results against control cells. The present invention also relates to methods and kits for detection of metastatic lung cancer by assaying for the presence of an aberrant form of uteroglobin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising and methods of using an N-linked urea or carbamate of a heterocyclic thioester for treating a vision disorder, improving vision, treating memory impairment, or enhancing memory performance.

Abstract: According to the collating apparatus of the present invention, if the collation error is detected, the erroneously collated matter selection and discharge unit discharges the erroneously collated matter so as to be distinguishable from the correctly collated matters. Besides, the collation error can be recognized and the erroneously collated matter can be removed after the collation operation is completed for all collated matters. Therefore, it is possible to continue the collation operation without stopping the collation operation when the collation error occurs.