Abstract: A maintenance chamber configured to reduce contamination on an electroplating chuck, the maintenance chamber including a positioning system configured to rotate, axially move, or both rotate and axially move the electroplating chuck, and a gas atomizing nozzle, wherein the nozzle is configured to spray an atomized fluid onto the electroplating chuck, wherein the atomized fluid is configured to reduce contamination on the electroplating chuck. Further, a method for reducing contamination of an electroplating chuck inside a maintenance chamber, including placing the electroplating chuck inside the maintenance chamber, spraying the electroplating chuck with an atomized fluid from one or more nozzles, and dislodging or eroding contaminants on the electroplating chuck by mechanical interactions between atomized liquid droplets and the contaminants.

Abstract: A maintenance chamber configured to reduce contamination on an electroplating chuck, the maintenance chamber including a positioning system configured to rotate, axially move, or both rotate and axially move the electroplating chuck, and a gas atomizing nozzle, wherein the nozzle is configured to spray an atomized fluid onto the electroplating chuck, wherein the atomized fluid is configured to reduce contamination on the electroplating chuck. Further, a method for reducing contamination of an electroplating chuck inside a maintenance chamber, including placing the electroplating chuck inside the maintenance chamber, spraying the electroplating chuck with an atomized fluid from one or more nozzles, and dislodging or eroding contaminants on the electroplating chuck by mechanical interactions between atomized liquid droplets and the contaminants.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate wetting and cleaning system includes a processing chamber (12) and a rotatable head disposed in the processing chamber. A coupler or chuck (24) couples a semiconductor substrate or wafer (18) to the rotatable head. At least one gas atomized spray nozzle (20) is directed at the semiconductor substrate (18) when coupled to the coupler. A source (21) of wetting/cleaning fluid is in flow communication with the spray nozzle (20), and a source (23) of atomizing gas also is in flow communication with the spray nozzle (20) to atomize the wetting/cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A dose collection container comprising first and second opposing walls, the first wall comprising an aperture sized to receive a nozzle of a nasal spray, and the second wall comprising at least two diverging impact surfaces which, on actuation of a nasal spray into the dose collection container, deflect the spray along an internal surface. Also included are methods and apparatus for using the described dose collection container.

Abstract: A volume and resistance compensator device; an inhaler testing apparatus containing the device; and methods for testing inhalers utilizing the device and apparatus for improving the consistency and reliability of the testing process are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and uses thereof in methods for treating an inflammatory disease, disorder or condition in a subject, in particular an inflammatory disease, disorder or condition of the digestive tract such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and/or colorectal cancer. The invention also relates to probiotic compositions and the use of the compositions for treating gastrointestinal disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions including probiotic compositions and methods for treating metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, neurological diseases, inflammatory or autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and uses thereof in methods for treating an inflammatory disease, disorder or condition in a subject, in particular an inflammatory disease, disorder or condition of the digestive tract such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and/or colorectal cancer. The invention also relates to probiotic compositions and the use of the compositions for treating gastrointestinal disorders.

Abstract: There is disclosed inhaler testing apparatus, in which at least one flow regulation valve, such as a needle valve, is located within a conduit. The flow regulation valve divides the conduit into inlet and outlet sides of the valve. The inlet side is arranged for connection to an inhaler and the outlet side for connection to a vacuum source. An electric motor provides variable adjustment of a flow opening through the valve. At least one sensor senses pressure or flow rate in the inlet side and a controller automatically adjusts the flow opening through the valve in response to readings from the at least one sensor. The apparatus may also comprise a shut off valve, such as a solenoid valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Clostridium species comprising a non-native gene capable of expressing (R)-3-hydroxybutyryl-Co A dehydrogenase. Also provided is a method of producing (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid, or a salt thereof, and/or (R) 1,3-butanediol using such Clostridium.

Abstract: There is disclosed inhaler testing apparatus, in which at least one flow regulation valve, such as a needle valve, is located within a conduit. The flow regulation valve divides the conduit into inlet and outlet sides of the valve. The inlet side is arranged for connection to an inhaler and the outlet side for connection to a vacuum source. An electric motor provides variable adjustment of a flow opening through the valve. At least one sensor senses pressure or flow rate in the inlet side and a controller automatically adjusts the flow opening through the valve in response to readings from the at least one sensor. The apparatus may also comprise a shut off valve, such as a solenoid valve.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a water-sport boarding apparatus is provided, comprising an elongated hoard including: a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer edge, wherein a first end segment of the elongated board comprises a first half-circle portion of the outer edge, a second end segment of the elongated board comprises a second half-circle portion of the outer edge, a middle segment of the elongated board unifies the first end segment with the second end segment, the middle segment comprises two substantially linear portions of the outer edge, the top surface is substantially flat, the bottom surface under the middle segment is convex along the width of the elongated board, and the bottom surface comprises a plurality of elongated ridges disposed parallel to a length of the elongated board, the elongated ridges forming a water channel on the bottom surface along the length of the elongated hoard.