Abstract: A paving composition comprises a mixture of about 90 to 99.5 wt. % of an asphaltic material and about 0.5 to 10 wt. % of solid particles each encapsulated with a cross-linked polymer, the encapsulated particles being uniformly dispersed in the asphaltic material. The encapsulated particles have a particle-to-polymer weight ratio so as to provide a density match between the encapsulated particles and the asphaltic material. The paving composition according to the invention has a higher complex viscosity at high temperatures (60° C.) and is more ductile at low temperatures (−15° C.) in comparison with the base asphaltic material. Moreover, the composition is completely stable at elevated temperatures (160° C.) or during long periods of storage.

Abstract: Biomaterials like collagen can be designed for use as scaffolds for connective tissue reconstruction. It is known that proteins conjugated with PEGs exhibit a decrease in their biodegradation rate and their immunogenicity. Different concentrations and molecular weights of PEGs (PEG-750 and PEG-5000) were conjugated by chemical or irradiation means to collagen materials (films or sponges) which were then investigated by physicochemical assays, collagenase assay, fibroblast cell culture and subcutaneous implantation. PEG-conjugation delayed the degradation by collagenase and preserved a normal fibroblasts morphology and confluency in culture. In vivo, the porous structure of non-modified sponges was collapsed by day 15 with few observable fibroblasts between the collagen fibers. In PEG-modified collagen sponges, the porous structure remained stable for at least 30 days. Cell infiltration was particularly enhanced in PEG-750-conjugated collagen sponges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining predisposition to low or high bone mineral density and to development of osteoporosis of a patient, which comprises determining estrogen receptor polymorphism in linkage disequilibrium in a biological sample of said patient, wherein heterozygosity is associated with high bone density and homozygosity is associated with low bone density.

Abstract: A seeding device principally for no-tillage seeding conditions comprises a drag arm carrying two disk blades and transmitting the necessary forces thereto to cut through crop residues at the ground surface and to open a furrow for seed placement in the soil. The smaller disk is oriented vertically, whereas the larger disk extends at a compound angle from a lower front contact point between the two disks which thus define a V-shaped opener. The larger disk is angled relative to both the direction of travel and to a vertical axis to cut through residues and the soil and to displace a volume of soil for forming a trench. The smaller disk retains soil on a side of the furrow to allow a tube to deliver seeds therein. The smaller blade can also cut residues at the point of contact between the two disks to avoid trash buildup thereat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for debittering spent brewer's yeast, aiming at maximal efficiency with minimal impact on yeasts for their further use as live cells. The process consists in bringing a yeast suspension in contact with a surfactant containing unsaturated fatty acids, like Tween 80.RTM. (0.2% to 20% v/v), adjusting pH to 10.0 with NaOH 2N and agitating during 5 minutes at 50 rpm and 50.degree. C. A bitterness reduction of 98% is obtained, without affecting yeast viability or protein content. Furthermore, the debittered yeasts treated with 20% Tween 80.RTM. can be reactivated (viability of 100% and increased production of CO.sub.2) by growing them in a suitable medium for a sufficient time (about two to six hours). These reactivated yeasts have restored biological properties which are expected to allow the use of these spent yeasts in complete or partial replacement of new yeasts in bakery industry and in spirit and beer fabrication.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a method for the separation of hydrophobic from hydrophilic materials in a liquid suspension by means of gas bubbles and a flow of water that drags the hydrophobic material upwards. A distinctive feature of the method is an upward flow of water countercurrent to the flow of settling hydrophilic particles. The disclosure describes a cell in which gas is caused to disperse into an ascending flow of liquid and in which a feed port is provided to introduce particles in a flow countercurrent to that of the bubbles and water.

Abstract: An electron multiplier device formed of the combination of a support made of high temperature-resisting electrically-insulating ceramic material and of a layer of secondary electron emitting semi-conducting glass material fused to the inner wall of the ceramic material and method of making; the multiplier device is further characterized in that the ceramic material and the glass material have substantially the same coefficient of expansion. The device is made by pouring molten semi-conducting glass into at least one channel in a ceramic support having a higher fusion point than that of the glass and the same coefficient of expansion, flowing the glass under pressure through the channel and cooling to leave a semi-conductor wall to the channel.