Abstract: Methods for producing biocompatible heterogeneous proteinaceous networks crosslinked with a heterogeneous crosslinking agent, and the novel crosslinked networks.

Abstract: A method for extracting nucleic acids from a biological material such as blood comprises contacting the mixture with a material at a pH such that the material is positively charged and will bind negatively charged nucleic acids and then eluting the nucleic acids at a pH when the said materials possess a neutral or negative charge to release the nucleic acids. The nucleic acids can be removed under mildly alkaline conditions to the maintain integrity of the nucleic acids and to allow retrieval of the nucleic acids in reagents that are immediately compatible with either storage or analytical testing.

Abstract: Improved valve and methods for analytical techniques and systems. The valve includes a main housing, together with a rotor and stator. The stator has openings therethrough which allow for fluid communication between tubing when connected to the valve, and one surface of the rotor. Ferrules can be used with a clamping assembly to tightly connect the tubing to the valve in a way which separates the clamp assemblies (for ease of connection and disassembly), yet still provides close proximity between the fluid connections. In one embodiment, a series of two or more discrete elements, which can be selectively moved relative to one another, are located within the valve in a “stacked” configuration. Each of the discrete elements includes at least one feature useful for performing chemical analysis, such as sample loops, columns, detectors, mixers and the like, all of which are useful in chromatography.

Abstract: A process for producing an aged beverage, preferably a distilled spirit that is aged in contact with wood, in which raw or partially aged beverage is processed in a closed system with controlled heat and oxygen levels, and in contact with a beverage aging wood product. In certain embodiments ethyl acetate is added to the raw beverage prior to the aging process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for preventing nitrogen interference in the detection of a substance. In particular, it relates to new methods and apparatus for preventing interference due to nitrogen in pyro-electrochemical methods for measuring substances, for example sulfur content, contained within liquids such as petroleum products and beverages. One preferred apparatus and method comprises a catalytic converter or thermal converter to selectively remove the nitrogen-containing interferant, for example NO2, in the pyrolyzed gas stream to NO without affecting the sulfur content. A second preferred apparatus and method comprises a chemical scrubber to selectively remove the nitrogen-containing interferant from the gas stream without affecting the sulfur content.

Abstract: A magnetic docking apparatus includes a support member having an electromagnet attached thereto. The support member includes a fastener for attaching the magnetic docking apparatus to a vessel. The support member and the fastener cooperate to position the electromagnet external to the vessel. When the vessel is positioned proximate a docking point that includes a ferrous object, the magnetic docking apparatus is operable to energize the electromagnet. When energized the electromagnet creates a magnetic attraction between itself and the ferrous object, and the magnetic attraction causes the vessel to be held at the docking point. The electromagnet is also operable to be de-energized to release the vessel from the docking point. In another aspect of the present invention, a method includes attaching a magnetic docking apparatus to a vessel. The magnetic docking apparatus includes a support member having an electromagnet attached thereto.

Abstract: Novel polystyrene grafted polyolefin compositions having a high level of grafting are made using a novel process which involves suspending styrene in water. The polystyrene grafted polyolefin compositions can then be converted into ion exchange membranes that are particularly useful in electrolytic cells.

Abstract: A keratin hydrogel-filled implantable prosthetic device. One device is a breast implant for augmenting or reconstructing a human breast including an envelope containing a keratin hydrogel. One keratin hydrogel is formed from a solid precursor which forms a keratin hydrogel upon addition of water. One source of keratin is human hair. In one method, an envelope suitable for implantation and a solid keratin hydrogel precursor are provided. The solid can be in fibrous or powder form. The solid precursor can be inserted into the envelope interior. A small incision near the breast can be made and the envelope inserted into the incision. After insertion, water can be injected into the envelope interior, preferably through the incision and through a self-sealing port in the envelope. In one method, the implant is provided as a kit, with the envelope and keratin hydrogel provided. The hydrogel can be injected into the envelope either before or after insertion into the breast area.

Abstract: An improved on-stream analyzer for monitoring sulfur or nitrogen content of liquid petroleum or beverage products is described. It consists of the following main components: a sample injector for injecting predetermined fixed volumes of the liquid into a thermal oxidizer (pyrolyzer) at a preset, controlled rate, a thermal oxidizer in which an inert carrier gas and oxygen are introduced at measured and preset, controlled rates to thermally oxidize the sample at a temperature of about 1050° C., sample conditioner to control the relative humidity and temperature of the resulting gas mixture, an electrochemical cell sensitive to sulfur dioxide (SO2) or NO to measure the concentration of SO2 or NO in the gas mixture, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) to calculate the sulfur content of the original sample and manage the analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, including vectors, and methods for the rapid subcloning of nucleic acid sequences in vivo and in vitro. In particular, the invention provides vectors used to contain a gene of interest that comprise a sequence-specific recombinase target site. These vectors are used to rapidly transfer the gene or genes of interest into any vector that contains a sequence-specific recombinase target site located downstream of a regulatory element so that the gene of interest may be regulated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the integrity or quality of a gravel pack positioned between the casing and gravel pack screen of a subterranean borehole, with the method including azimuthally scanning the gravel pack for radiation, with detection of the radiation limited to a limited angular arc of the gravel pack at any one time, with the apparatus including shielded or collimated radiation source and/or detector.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting a labeled sample molecule bound to an immobilized probe by electrochemiluminescence. The method comprises providing a multiplexed molecular analysis system comprising a reaction chamber comprising a reaction substrate comprising a plurality of biosites, each biosite comprising a plurality of similar capture probes attached to the reaction substrate, the reactions substrate comprising an embedded conductive material connected to an electrical source and providing a sample comprising a plurality of molecules labeled with a electrochemiluminescent label; adding a solution comprising this sample to the reaction chamber; applying a voltage from the electrical source to the conductive material after sufficient time has passed for a labeled molecule to bind to a capture probe, thereby inducing an electrochemical event within the electrochemiluminescent label that releases a detectable amount of electromagnetic energy; and, detecting the released electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: Telephony call control functionality is divided into a set of components. Each component provides a specific portion of the call control. The components communicate with each other via a unique telephony protocol. The unique telephony protocol is defined as a set of events. A component sends/receives events to other components that are involvement in a call. Sets of components are located together on telephony servers. Because communication between components is via a protocol, the components may be located on many different servers.

Abstract: A keratin hydrogel-filled implantable prosthetic device. One device is a breast implant for augmenting or reconstructing a human breast including an envelope containing a keratin hydrogel. Another device is an implant for the intervertebral disc space. One keratin hydrogel is formed from a solid precursor which forms a keratin hydrogel upon addition of water. One source of keratin is human hair. In one method, an envelope suitable for implantation and a solid keratin hydrogel precursor are provided. The solid can be in fibrous or powder form. The solid precursor can be inserted into the envelope interior. A small incision near the breast can be made and the envelope inserted into the incision. After insertion, water can be injected into the envelope interior, preferably through the incision and through a self-sealing port in the envelope. In one method, the implant is provided as a kit, with the envelope and keratin hydrogel provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods for using the S(+) enantiomer of desmethylselegiline (N-methyl-N-(prop-2-ynyl)-2-aminophenylpropane), for the treatment of selegiline-responsive diseases and conditions. Diseases and conditions responsive to selegiline include those produced by neuronal degeneration or neuronal trauma and those due to immune system dysfunction. Effective dosages are a daily dose of at least about 0.015 mg/kg of body weight.

Abstract: A self-contained foul air eliminator comprises a housing with an intake port an impeller, a converter, and an exhaust port. The converter includes an oxidizing agent and an aqueous solution of a promoter. The eliminator is typically portable to eliminate malodors foul air from a toilet or another environment. The device is powered by a battery or a household current.