Abstract: A CVD process for producing nanocrystalline films using a plasma (56, 312) created by an argon atmosphere (at least about 90 percent by volume) containing methane (preferably about at least about 1% by volume) and optionally hydrogen (preferably 0.001 to 2% by volume) is described. Strictly controlled gas purity and an apparatus which excludes oxygen and nitrogen from being introduced from outside of the chamber (40, 305) are used. The films are coated on various substrates to provide seals, optical applications such as on lenses and as a substrate material for surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino hexitols of a hexose sugars from novel hydroxyl protected oxime intermediates. The process includes formation of a lactam which is reduced to the hexitol. The hexitols are useful as drugs.

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of quinic acid from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing quinic acid from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme as well as conversion of quinic acid to hydroquinone are also provided.

Abstract: A automated manufacturing system is provided for performing a manufacturing operation along a contoured surface of a workpiece. The automated manufacturing system includes a movable member; a tool disposed on the movable member for performing a manufacturing operation; a path planning subsystem which is operable to generate path data based on dimensional data for the workpiece, where the path data is indicative of a path for traversing the tool along the surface of the workpiece; and a controller adapted to receive the path data from the path planning subsystem and operable to move the moveable member in accordance with the path data, thereby performing the manufacturing operation along the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method is provided for encapsulating sperm in a particle wherein the particle provides for the timed release of the sperm. In particular, the method uses a gel forming polymer to form the particle and a medium for maintaining most of the sperm in a non-capacitated stage while it is encapsulated. Further provided is a method for artificial insemination using the encapsulated sperm wherein the sperm is naturally or artificially capacitated after the artificial insemination. In an embodiment, capsules containing a core of sperm in a semen extender are formed as a mixture having membranes of different thicknesses to provide varying time of sperm release. In another embodiment, the sperm and extender are dispersed throughout solid beads that vary in chemical property and diameter to provide varying time of sperm release. The extender may be free of glucose, xanthine oxidase and H2O2, and contain fructose, fructose-6-phosphate, pyruvate, lactate or mixtures thereof as a carbohydrate source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorescent imaging thermographic method and system for use particularly in surface temperature measurements, which are reproducible over time. The invention provides a temperature-sensitive fluorescent probe comprising a rare earth compound in an ultraviolet and fluorescence transparent medium wherein the intensity of fluorescence varies as the temperature varies, in particular, provided are probes comprising Europium (1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone)3 for measuring temperatures greater than 24° C., and Terbium(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone)3 for measuring temperatures less than 24° C. The probe is applied as a layer to a surface, exposed to fluorescence-inducing energy, and emitted fluorescence measured. A ratio imaging algorithm enables the temperature at each location on the surface to be determined.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino hexitols of a hexose sugars from novel hydroxyl protected oxime intermediates. The process includes formation of a lactam which is reduced to the hexitol. The hexitols are useful as drugs.

Abstract: Mesoporous hexagonal, cubic or wormhole aluminosilicates derived from zeolite seeds using an ionic structure directing agent are described. The aluminum in the structures is stable so that the framework of the structures does not collapse when heated in the presence of water or water vapor (steam) The steam stable aluminosilicates can be used as acid catalysts for hydrocarbon conversions, including the fluidized bed catalytic cracking and the hydrocracking of petroleum oils, and other cracking of organic compounds.

Abstract: Processes for producing citraconic anhydride and citraconic acid using porous materials with specific surface acidities and surface areas are described. The preferred catalyst is a porous gamma alumina. Itaconic acid is produced from citraconic acid. Itaconic acid is an intermediate to a variety of compounds including polymers.

Abstract: Processes for producing citraconic anhydride and citraconic acid using porous materials with specific surface acidities and surface areas are described. The preferred catalyst is a porous gamma alumina. Itaconic acid is produced from citraconic acid. Itaconic acid is an intermediate to a variety of compounds including polymers.

Abstract: A method for determining a response to a biologically active agent in ovariectomized lower test mammals is described. The mammals are divided into those which have an early time post ovariectomy and those which have a late time post ovariectomy and then each group is tested simultaneously with the agent. The method is used to simulate menopause in humans for the purpose of determining a positive or negative response and a possible treatment.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of pyrrolidones (7 and 8) and pyrrolidines (9 and 10) from tri-O-acetyl-D-erythro-4-pentulosonic acid esters are described. The compounds are aza sugar analogs of D-ribofuranoside and are intermediates to drugs which regulate nucleoside and nucleic acid synthesis.

Abstract: A process for producing a ring-substituted arene borane which comprises reacting a ring-substituted arene with an HB organic compound in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of an iridium or rhodium complex with three or more substituents, excluding hydrogen, bonded to the iridium or rhodium and a phosphorus organic ligand, which is at least in part bonded to the iridium or rhodium, to form the ring-substituted arene borane. Also provided are catalytic compounds for catalyzing the process comprising an iridium or rhodium complex with three or substituents, excluding hydrogen, bonded to the iridium or rhodium and optionally, a phosphorus organic ligand, which is at least in part bonded to the iridium or rhodium.

Abstract: A process for producing organic substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic compounds including biaryl and biheteroaryl compounds in a two-step reaction. In the first step, the aromatic or heteroaromatic compound is borylated in a reaction comprising a borane or diborane reagent (any boron reagent where the boron reagent contains a B—H, B—B or B—Si bond) and an iridium or rhodium catalytic complex. In the second step, a metal catalyst catalyzes the formation of the organic substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic compound from the borylated compound and an electrophile such as an aryl or organic halide, triflate (OSO2CF3), or nonaflate (OSO2C4F9). The steps in the process can be performed in a single reaction vessel or in separate reaction vessels. The present invention also provides a process for synthesis of complex polyphenylenes starting from halogenated aromatic compounds.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 1,5-dideoxy-1,5-imino hexitols of a hexose sugars from novel hydroxyl protected oxime intermediates. The process includes formation of a lactam which is reduced to the hexitol. The hexitols are useful as drugs.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes and inflammation in a mammal using a cherry or cherry anthocyanins, bioflavonoids and phenolics is described. In particular a mixture including the anthocyanins, the bioflavonoids and the phenolics is described for this use.

Abstract: Novel lamellar mesoporous silica compositions which can contain functional inorganic elements and organic functional groups as part of the lamellar silica framework structure are described. The compositions are prepared using gemini amine surfactants as templates or structure directing agents. The compositions have novel high temperature and hydrothermal stability and unique fundamental particle structures.

Abstract: Novel lamellar mesoporous silica compositions which can contain functional inorganic elements and organic functional groups as part of the lamellar silica framework structure are described. The compositions are prepared using gemini amine surfactants as templates or structure directing agents. The compositions have novel high temperature and hydrothermal stability and unique fundamental particle structures.

Abstract: A process using ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 160 to 500 nanometers without higher wavelengths and a high intensity between about 1 and 40 watts/cm2 to surface treat a carbon containing fiber is described. The treated fiber contains an enhanced amount of oxygen on the surface which significantly improves the bondability of the fiber in composites.

Abstract: Mesoporous crystalline alumina compositions and process for the preparation thereof are described. The compositions are useful as catalysts and absorbents.