Abstract: The present invention provides methods and reagents for assessing lipoprotein metabolism. The methods provided are applicable for use on multiple samples in a clinical laboratory, thus obviating the need for sophisticated instrumentation, such as flow cytometry. Selected cell types in a test sample are uniformly labelled with a detectable reporter substance, so that they may later be enumerated. Pre-determined lipoprotein receptors associated with the cells of interest are labelled with a receptor-selective marker, thereby to determine the number of lipoprotein receptors per cell in the test sample. Selected cells of interest are conveniently separated from the test sample by binding thereto a specific binding substance attached to a solid support. The specific binding substance binds specifically with a characteristic determinant of the cell subset of interest. The remainder of the test sample may be washed away or discarded.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a single crystal relaxor based material, including the following steps: providing a seed single crystal plate, providing a first and second polycrystalline structure, bonding the top surface of the seed crystal plate to the outer surface of the first polycrystalline structure, bonding the bottom surface of the seed crystal plate to the outer surface of the second polycrystalline structure, and annealing the bonded structure.

Abstract: A two-step adsorption process for producing ordered organic/inorganic multilayer structures is provided. Multilayered films are formed on metallic and nonmetallic substrates by alternate adsorption of a cationic polyelectrolyte and anionic sheets of a silicate clay. The two-step adsorption process is not only fast but allows also for preparation of multilayer elements of thicknesses greater than about 2200 Angstroms on silicon, and greater than about 1500 Angstroms on gold, silver, and copper.

Abstract: A process is provided for continuously decomposing ozone in the presence of water or water vapor by contacting the ozone containing gas with a zeolite, such as mordenite, dealuminized mordenite, zeolite Y or zeolite 13 X, at a temperature at which water or water vapor is not sorbed by the zeolite, such as 128 to 175.degree. C.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying a fluoropolymer including the following steps: providing a fluoropolymer surface, adding a solution including a a reactive species to the fluoropolymer surface, and exposing the reduced fluoropolymer surface to ultraviolet radiation in the presence of ozone or oxygen. The method reduces the discoloration of the fluoropolymer.

Abstract: Aqueous based printing ink compositions adapted for use in gravure and flexographic printing on hydrophobic substrates are prepared by combining a low-viscosity resin emulsion having an average particle diameter of less than about 0.5 microns and comprised of hydrophobic, moisture resistant, adherent resin forming components with a pigment paste containing a water-soluble polymer. The printing inks are substantially devoid of volatile organic solvent.

Abstract: An activated sludge process for reducing the amount of N.sub.2 O released to the atmosphere during biological oxidation of NH.sub.3, includes the following steps: mixing wastewater influent containing NH.sub.3 and BOD with activated sludge to provide a mixed liquor in a first enclosed aerobic treatment zone wherein an oxygen containing gas is introduced, the first enclosed aerobic treatment zone having two or more stages in which gas and liquor phases are staged and oxygen is transferred to the liquid phase and BOD is metabolized and NH.sub.3 is oxidized to NOx and N.sub.2 O, wherein the pN.sub.2 O is maintained at a level greater than 2 mm Hg; transferring the mixed liquor and gas to a second enclosed treatment zone having two or more stages, in which gas and liquid phases are staged, and wherein NOx and N.sub.2 O are reduced to N.sub.

Abstract: A two-step adsorption process for producing ordered organic/inorganic multilayer structures is provided. Multilayered films are formed on metallic and nonmetallic substrates by alternate adsorption of a cationic polyelectrolyte and anionic sheets of a silicate clay. The two-step adsorption process is not only fast but allows also for preparation of multilayer elements of thicknesses greater than about 2200 Angstroms on silicon, and greater than about 1500 Angstroms on gold, silver, and copper.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for decomposing methylene iodide, including the following steps: providing a hydrophobic sorbent zeolite, exposing the zeolite to methylene iodide in the presence of water or water vapor, so that the methylene iodide is adsorbed on the water, heating the zeolite to a first temperature of at least 100.degree. to decompose the methylene iodide, and heating the zeolite to a second temperature of at least 400.degree. to regenerate its sorbent characteristics.

Abstract: A technique for detecting damage of leads arranged in a generally parallel periodic pattern, includes the following steps: directing a coherent light beam at a plurality of adjacent leads; detecting an image at a distance from the leads at which the light beam would form a diffraction image having substantially uniform intensity when the leads form a substantially uniform pattern; moving the pattern of leads and the light beam with respect to each other; and detecting damage of leads from variation in intensity of the detected image.

Abstract: An illuminating apparatus for a wall switch or outlet that has a pair of terminals across which an electric potential is available, including an electroluminescent lamp plate having first and second electrode deposits on a surface thereof, and a contact plate disposed between the wall switch or outlet and the electroluminescent lamp plate and having a front surface facing the electroluminescent lamp plate and a back surface facing the switch or outlet, the contact plate having first and second conductors, each of which pass through the contact plate, the first conductor contacting the first electrode deposit and one of the terminals, and the second conductor contacting the second electrode deposit and the other of the terminals.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an individual's head or neck which includes a base member and a cushion portion being removably mounted on and spaced from the base member. The cushion portion includes a first section adapted to support an individual's head or neck, and additional recessed regions extending angularly from each end of the first section to form a substantially u-shaped cushion portion. The cushion portion is selectably engageable with an individual's head or neck forming an air channel when an individual lies in a horizontal prone position.

Abstract: A seal for use in a gap between two non-contacting solid members, comprises a pool of fluid, the pool being anchored in a first of the members and contacting the second of the members, the pool being detachable from the second member in response to a pressure differential within the gap, and a bearing in a gap between two solid members used in a micromechanical pump, comprising a disk member suspended between the non-contacting solid members, and a pool of a first liquid between a first of the solid members and a first surface of the disk member, a second fluid in contact with a second surface of the disk member, the second fluid being dielectric, and an electrical potential applied across the disk member and the second fluid, the disk member being moveable in response to the electrical potential.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring a structure for the formation of cracks and for providing protection of the structure from the environment, including the following steps: applying to the structure a first coating comprising microcapsules of a first color, applying over the first coating, a second coating having a second color, and identifying cracked portions which form in the structure by observing changes in the color of the second coating resulting from eruption of microcapsules in the first coating.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for depositing a substance on a substrate, including the following steps: providing the substrate in a deposition chamber, providing in the chamber a vapor of the substance, providing a buffer gas in the chamber, and directing a light beam at the substrate to control deposition of the substance by causing light induced drift.