Abstract: A multilayer optical disk system, which includes an optical disk unit having a number of connected optical disks. A number of light sources, such as diode lasers, are used to provide a number of light beams of different wavelengths. A wavelength multiplexer combines the light beams into a single beam which is then axially dispersed so that light of different wavelengths are simultaneously focuses onto the different optical disks. A wavelength demultiplexer splits light reflected from the optical disks according to wavelength to produce separate beams which are then separately detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a plurality of containers with a liquid includes a holding tank for holding a quantity of liquid and a plurality of filler pipes connected to the holding tank. A plurality of filler valves are provided, each filler valve corresponding to one of the plurality of filler pipes. A flowmeter is provided, located between the holding tank and one of the filler valves in one of the plurality of filler pipes, for generating a signal after a predetermined amount of liquid has flowed through the filler pipe. A device, responsive to the signal generated by the flowmeter, is provided for closing the plurality of filler valves.

Abstract: This isometric/isotonic exercise and physical therapy device employs an elongated exercise rod preferably made of urethane or other resilient, elastomer resin. The exercise rod is releasably mounted, as by a set screw, in a socket that in turn is mounted on a metal base. The exercise rod may have one end secured in the socket; in other embodiments the socket is tubular and the elastomer rod extends through the tube. Different forms of mounting apparatus mount the base of the device on a stable support such as a floor, a desk, a table, a cabinet, a wall, a door, or a door frame. The base mounts include a vacuum cup for surface mounting, a clamp for a table or desk edge mount, and a floor-to-lintel doorway mount. The exercise/therapy use of the device depends on the resilient elastomer exercise rod; for a limp, low-resistance rod the exercise is essentially isotonic, but with stiffer rods isometric exercise is provided.

Abstract: A stapler device includes a manually grippable handle containing a drive and a trigger to activate the drive mechanism, a barrel fixed to the handle, a guide for holding a staple to be ejected and formed to accommodate a suture thread fixed to the staple, and an ejector driven by the drive through the barrel for ejecting a staple out through the guide into a bone to enable the suture, so anchored to the bone, to be used for various medical operations.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are described for preventing neurotoxicity, crising as active ingredient the stereospecific (+) enantiomer, having (3S,4S) configuration of .DELTA..sup.6 tetrahydrocannabinol type compounds. The compositions are particularly effective in alleviating and even preventing neurotoxicity due to acute injuries to the central nervous system, including mechanical trauma, compromised or reduced blood supply as may occur in cardiac arrest or stroke, or poisonings. They are also effective in the treatment of certain chronic degenerative diseases characterized by gradual neuronal loss.

Abstract: The invention relates to sustained-release biodegradable lice repelling preparations comprising as active ingredient a lice repelling agent comprising at least one natural oil selected from the group consisting of citronella oil, rosemary oil and eucalyptus oil, or at least one natural oil component selected from the group consisting of citronellal and geraniol or mixtures thereof and further comprising an anionic emulsifier and chitosan, optionally further comprising dermatologically acceptable additives, carriers or diluents. The preparations may be in the form of an aqueous emulsion or chitosan microcapsules, preferably prepared by the processes of the invention.

Abstract: An oxide superconducting coil is formed by winding a superconducting multifilamentary wire consisting essentially of a plurality of filaments consisting essentially of an oxide superconductor and a stabilizing material, consisting of silver or a silver alloy, covering the filaments. Superconducting phases of the filaments are substantially rendered monophasic, and c-axes thereof are strongly oriented along the thickness of the wire. Crystal grains of the superconductor forming the filaments are in the form of flakes extending longitudinally along the wire, while the same are bonded to each other. In a section of the wire, a ratio obtained by dividing a sectional area occupied by the silver or the silver alloy by that occupied by the filaments is not more than 3. In a magnetic field of at least 10 T, the coil exhibits a critical current value which is at least 60% of that exhibited by the wire itself forming the coil.

Abstract: The invention provides a new nerve-derived transglutaminase enzyme that converts immune-derived IL-2 to dimeric IL-2 having oligodendrocyte cytotoxic activity. Both the nerve-derived transglutaminase and the dimeric mammalian, e.g. human, IL-2, are for use as active ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions for inducing and facilitating regeneration of injured nerves of the central nervous system in mammals.

Abstract: A topical antibacterial preparation for treating infected wounds and for advancing their healing comprises silver sulfadiazine (SSD) and collagen, in which the w/w ratio of collagen to SSD ranges from 4/1 to 200/1. The concentration of the SSD is preferably from 0.5% to 2.5%, advantageously 1%. The collagen is advantageously native collagen, which may be acid soluble or insoluble, or mixtures thereof. The preparation may comprise an inert excipient, e.g. SiO.sub.2, or blood plasma components, peptides, carbohydrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds represented by the following formula (I) ##STR1## (wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, and R.sup.5 independently represent a hydrogen atom or an acetyl or benzyl group, R.sup.6 represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl, acetoxy, or benzyloxy group, R.sup.7 represents a hydrogen atom, or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 together my represent another direct bond, and R.sup.8 represents a carboxyl, methoxycarbonyl, hydroxymethyl, or acetoxymethyl group) or salts thereof and a process for the preparation thereof, as well as their utilities in a method for culture, a method for the growth inhibition of moyashi roots, and a method for the growth promotion of moyashi hypocotyls.

Abstract: A golf club head is formed with a ball impacting face having an outer layer of wood veneer bonded to an inner layer of synthetic resin reinforced fibers by a synthetic resin which impregnates both layers. In a wood-type version of the club head, the outer shell is formed over a molded foam plastic core by covering the core with a flexible woven resin reinforced fibers sock, impregnating the sock with an uncured synthetic resin, covering the impregnated sock with a pair of shaped wood veneer matched halves so that the wood veneer is impregnated with resin, and curing the composite in forming molds.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for enhancing the biodegradation of biodegradable organic wastes comprising a combination of organic-waste consuming microorganisms and liposomes wherein the liposomes supply essential nutrients for bacterial growth while concomitantly increasing the polarity and wettability of the waste, thereby increasing their availability for enhanced bacterial interaction therewith and methods for the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drug carriers composed of a block copolymer having hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments, a polymeric micelle type drug comprising hydrophobic drugs trapped by physical treatments in said drug carrier and methods for trapping hydrophobic drugs in the drug carrier. The drugs carrier composed of the block copolymer according to the invention forms a stable polymeric micelle structure with which hydrophobic drugs can be incorporated very efficiently via physical trapping. It was found that the incorporated drug is stably maintained in micelles even in the presence of serum. In addition, a drug difficult to administer into the living body owing to sparing water-solubility for its high hydrophobicity can be administered in the form of polymeric micelle drug.

Abstract: A system for reducing the initial force required to actuate a valve, preferably a rotary valve, from its fully closed position is disclosed. The system comprises an operating arm fixed to and rotatable with the valve stem. Disposed and rotatable about, but not fixed to, the valve stem is a spur gear with an operating lever affixed thereto. The force applied to the operating lever is transferred to the operating arm through a gear sector carried on the operating arm. During the initial actuation, the gear sector engages with and rotates about a latch pin to increase the force applied to the operating arm by the operating lever. During the remainder of the actuating movement, the gear sector is fixed relative to the operating arm so that the force applied to the operating lever is transmitted to the operating arm without any increase in force.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of formulating a pest control agent into a sprayable gluten-based formulation. A gluten-based formulation for use in pest control is also provided. The present invention also provides a process of decreasing the population of a pest of a living organism comprising formulating a pest control agent into a sprayable gluten-based formulation and delivering the formulation to the external surface of the living organism.

Abstract: A particle-containing or particle-forming liquid is spread over the surface of a high density liquid; the particles are aggregated two-dimensionally by reducing the thickness of the particle-containing or particle-forming liquid which has been spread; and the aggregated and formed two-dimensional particle thin film is brought into contact with the surface of a solid substrate to transfer and fix said thin film thereupon. By this method, it is possible to form a two-dimensional aggregate quickly, and form two-dimensional particle thin film of a high quality.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorescent compound of a molecular structure comprising a fluorophore, at least one phenylboronic acid moiety, and at least one amine-providing nitrogen atom where the nitrogen atom is disposed in the vicinity of the phenylboronic acid moiety so as to interact intermolecularly with the boronic acid. The compound emits fluorescence of a high intensity upon binding to saccharide(s), and is therefore suitable for use in the detection of saccharide(s).

Abstract: A dental prosthesis includes polymeric material formed by heat curing a polymerizable composition having at least 5 percent by weight of at least one polymerizable Monomer having at least one acrylic moiety and a gram molecular weight of at least 200. The polymeric material is preferably formed by heat curing and has an unnotched Izod impact strength of at least 2.5 and more preferably at least 3.0 ft.lb/in as measured by a Modified ASTM D256, and a flexural fatigue life of at least 20,000 flexes to failure at 0.1 inch deflection. Preferably the polymerizable monomer has a vapor pressure less than 5 mm Hg at 23.degree. C. A method of making a denture is provided which includes molding and polymerizing the polymerizable composition to form a denture.

Abstract: Dental cements and abrasives are provided which are polymerizable with visible light. Such adhesives. may be applied in thinner films than heretofore possible and demonstrate superior physical properties. Processes employing such materials are disclosed wherein the polymerizatioa of the adhesive is accomplished by transmmitting visible light through tooth or other structures to effect the sdhesion.