Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor platform based on at least two planar, separate, inorganic dielectric waveguiding regions on a common substrate and to a method for the parallel evanescent excitation and detection of the luminescence of identical or different analytes. The invention relates also to a modified sensor platform that consists of the sensor platform having the planar, separate, inorganic dielectric waveguiding regions and one or more organic phases immobilised thereon. A further subject of the invention is the use of the sensor platform or of the modified sensor platform in a luminescence detection method for quantitative affinity sensing and for the selective quantitative determination of luminescent constituents of optically opaque solutions.

Abstract: A delivery mechanism and device for the passive periodic release of a drug or an active ingredient which avoids the need for external power sources and/or electronic controllers. By taking advantage of oscillating chemical systems, one can change the state, i.e. the pH, of a solution, a drug, enhancer or solubilizer resulting in oscillating the ability of an active ingredient to be delivered transdermally. The pH of a solution can be oscillated over a range of pH values from 2 to 10 by the reduction and oxidation (redox) reactions of salts, such as permanganates, iodates, sulfates, chlorates, or bromates. Upon activation, the delivery system conditions begin to oscillate and with it, the delivery of the active agent oscillates.

Abstract: A transdermal system (1) for the administration of at least two substances through the skin with the aid of an electric current has a reservoir, which comprises a storage layer (2) for the substances, and a transfer means, which may be arranged in the form of a separating layer (3), that is connected to both the reservoir and the patient's skin (5) during administration. The transdermal system also has electrodes (4) which generate a current that transports the substances from the reservoir into the skin (5). In the transdermal system (1) means for the physical separation of the substances are provided that render possible a sequential administration of the substances.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing solid dispersions in the form of co-precipitates, which solid dispersions contain rapamycin and a carrier medium, and methods of treatment utilizing such pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The instant invention relate to a new method for the purification of proteins using copper chelate-affinity chromatography, wherein the impure or pre-purified protein is adsorbed on immobilized copper(II) ions, optionally washed with buffer and deionized water, washed with a solution of a Lewis-base, and finally eluted with deionized water.

Abstract: An improved microstructure for micro-scale fluid handling, processing and investigation comprises a support element and a microstructured element. The support element has a substantially even support face. The microstructured element has a microstructured face provided both with substantially even portions and with recessed portions. The even portions are substantially coplanar to a common even surface. The recessed portions are defined between the even portions adjacent thereto and recessed from the common even surface. The support face is located substantially adjacent to the microstructured face and cooperates with the recessed portions thereof to define a microchannel system. At least the microstructured element is made and formed of poly(dimethylsiloxane) polymer by applying a prepolymer or a precursor thereof onto a corresponding master element, and then curing the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cyclosporin-containing soft capsule preparation which contains a composition containing cyclosporin as an active ingredient; a non-hydrophilic component propylene carbonate or a mixture of propylene carbonate and a hydrophilic component polyethylene glycol, one or a mixture of two or more selected from the group consisting of an esterified compound of fatty acid and primary alcohol, medium chain fatty acid triglyceride and fatty acid monoglyceride as an oil component; and a surfactant having an HLB (Hydrophilic Lipophilic Balance) value of 8 to 17.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of polysaccharide-N-arylcarbamates in suitable form as supports for chromatography, which process comprises adding to polysaccharide carbamates, which may be substituted in the aryl moiety, an N-aryl-1-lower-alkylcarbamate-containing solution of an organic solvent, with vigorous stirring, until the polysaccharide derivative is completely dissolved and then adding thereto an aqueous solution containing a high molecular weight surfactant and, with continued stirring, removing the organic solvent from the emulsion so obtained and isolating the solid particles and washing and drying them. The polysaccharide derivatives so obtained can be used as support materials for the chromatographic separation of enantiomers.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of preparing aqueous polymeric dispersions which contain a water-dispersible polyurethane, a polymer prepared from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer and at least one additional polymer which is capable of enhancing certain properties of products which utilize the aqueous dispersions of the present invention, wherein the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is polymerized in the presence of the water-dispersible polyurethane dispersion and the additional polymer and in the absence of a surfactant and an organic solvent, to aqueous compositions containing the aqueous polymeric dispersions and to articles of manufacture prepared from the aqueous compositions containing the aqueous polymeric dispersions.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for preparing substituted aromatic amino compounds which contain at least one unsaturated --CN bond or carbonyl group on the aromatic radical or in a side chain, by catalytic hydrogenation of appropriate substituted aromatic nitro compounds in the presence of a modified noble metal catalyst of platinum which is modified with a metal selected from lead, mercury, bismuth, germanium, cadmium, arsenic, antimony, silver and gold.

Abstract: (Hydroxyalkyl)urea crosslinking agents and compositions which utilize such crosslinking agents are disclosed. The crosslinking agents contain a single urea group, at least two hydroxyl groups, and have at least two carbon atoms disposed between the urea group and each of the hydroxyl groups. The compositions contain a poly-functional molecule which contains at least two functional groups selected from the group consisting of carboxyl, anhydride and amine.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions containing at least one olefinic monomer, at least one polymer prepared form an olefinic monomer, an indicator dye to the basic structure of which an olefinic polymerisable group is covalently bonded directly or via a bridge group, at least one diolefinic cross-linking agent, and an effective amount of a polymerisation initiator; to polymerisates of the compositions, the polymerisates being in the form of interpenetrating networks; to membranes and unsupported films prepared from the polymerisates; to carrier materials coated with the compositions and polymerisates; to optical sensors prepared from the polymerisates; and to methods of determining ions and/or gases in solutions and/or blood.

Abstract: A polymer comprising styrene or substituted-styrene and carboxylated monomer is prepared by a solution polymerization process, comprising first a polymerization step, followed by a neutralization step, and then a distillation step. The polymers have relatively low molecular weights, generally below about 10,000, and can have higher styrene content than has hither been possible. The polymers are found to have good soil release properties and so to be particularly useful in cleaning compositions for fabric or hard surface cleaning.

Abstract: Methods of preparing granules which contain a water soluble or water dispersable polymer suitable for use in detergents are disclosed, in which a solution of the polymer in a liquid or a dispersion of the polymer in a liquid is formed into granules, in a single drying and granulation stage, wherein the polymer solution or dispersion is introduced into a substantially horizontal drum containing a multiplicity or rotating arms proximate its internal surface, which internal surface has an elevated temperature, and a gas is introduced into the drum at an elevated temperature via a gas inlet. Granules prepared by such methods may be used in detergent compositions, water treatment compositions, agrochemical compositions, adhesive compositions and cosmetic compositions, and may be used as pigment dispersants, mineral dispersants, cement additives, oil field additives, textile additives and paper additives.

Abstract: Latex binders are disclosed which are used to prepare freeze-thaw-stable latex coating compositions which may be free of volatile freeze-thaw/open-time additives. The latex binders are prepared by combining a polymer which is the polymerization product of a polymerizable saccharide monomer, an acrylic monomer and, optionally, a monomer selected from styrenic monomers, ionic monomer and wet adhesion monomers. The latex coating compositions are freeze-thaw stable, even in the total absence of a volatile freeze-thaw additive, and exhibit improved open-time when compared to a latex coating composition which does not contain a volatile freeze-thaw additive. Methods for preparing the freeze-thaw-stable latex coating compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Water soluble polymers are prepared from an allyloxybenzenesulfonic acid monomer, a methallyl sulfonic acid monomer, a copolymerizable nonionic monomer, and a copolymerizable olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer. Aqueous compositions containing the water soluble polymers and nonionic surfactants are stable to phase separation of the polymer from the nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a homogeneous solution of a partially-neutralized acrylic polymer in a solvent system comprising greater than 50 weight percent water and 0 to less than 50 weight percent of an organic solvent are disclosed, wherein the homogeneous solution of the partially-neutralized acrylic polymer has pH and viscosity which are effective for use in acrylic hair fixative compositions. Also disclosed are methods of preparing an acrylic hair fixative composition, which methods include preparing the homogeneous solution of the partially-neutralized acrylic polymer as above. Also disclosed are acrylic hair fixative compositions which contain the partially-neutralized acrylic polymer, water and, optionally, one or more of an organic solvent, a propellant and an emulsifier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sizing compositions for use on glass fibers which are used to reinforce lamination resins used in the formation of glass laminates. The sizing compositions contain a low molecular weight, polymer latex prepared by polymerizing at least one monomer(s) selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl esters of acrylic acid, C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl esters of methacrylic acid, glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydroxyalkyl esters of acrylic acid, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydroxyalkyl esters of methacrylic acid, vinyl esters of saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids containing up to 10 carbon atoms, (meth)acrylamide and their N-substituted derivatives, vinyl ethers, N-vinyl lactams, halogenated vinyl compounds, alkyl vinyl ketones, (meth)allyl ester of saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids, vinyl compounds such as vinyl pyrrole, olefins, diesters of itaconic, maleic and/or fumaric acid, and styrene.