Abstract: Disclosed herein is a liquid pod comprising a liquid composition comprising at least two of a Solvent A, a Solvent B, an Active, a Modifier, and an Adjuvant, wherein the water treatment liquid composition is disposed within a packet comprising a water-soluble polymer film.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for the treatment of a recirculating water system, comprising: trichloro-s-triazentrione (TCCA) in an amount of from about 75% to about 98% by mass of the composition; an inorganic salt present in an amount of from about 2% to about 25% by mass of the composition; and an auxiliary agent in a total amount of from about 0% to about 10% by mass of the composition. Also disclosed herein is a formed object comprising the composition, a process for preparing the formed object, and a method of using the formed object.

Abstract: Horizontally layered tablets, methods of making the horizontally layered tablets, and tableting equipment capable of producing the horizontally layered tablets are described. The horizontally layered tablets can be produced by simultaneously feeding a segregated flow of different compositions that form the respective layers of the tablet.

Abstract: Horizontally layered tablets, methods of making the horizontally layered tablets, and tableting equipment capable of producing the horizontally layered tablets are described. The horizontally layered tablets can be produced by simultaneously feeding a segregated flow of different compositions that form the respective layers of the tablet.

Abstract: A system for dispensing water treatment compositions into a pool, spa, or other body of water is disclosed, which system provides a visible cue that the water treatment is properly dispersing and also provides a visible cue when the desired amount of water treatment has been dispensed. The system comprises a dispenser and the water treatment composition contained within the body of the dispenser, which dispenser and which system provides a readily visual cue that when the water treatment dose has been fully, or in some cases mostly or partially dispersed. For example, the dispenser sinks when fully dosed and resurfaces when empty, and in particular embodiments the water treatment generates visible gas bubbles and/or a color stream as the treatment dissolves.

Abstract: Horizontally layered tablets, methods of making the horizontally layered tablets, and tableting equipment capable of producing the horizontally layered tablets are described. The horizontally layered tablets can be produced by simultaneously feeding a segregated flow of different compositions that form the respective layers of the tablet.

Abstract: A system for dispensing water treatment compositions into a pool, spa, or other body of water is disclosed, which system provides a visible cue that the water treatment is properly dispersing and also provides a visible cue when the desired amount of water treatment has been dispensed. The system comprises a dispenser and the water treatment composition contained within the body of the dispenser, which dispenser and which system provides a readily visual cue that when the water treatment dose has been fully, or in some cases mostly or partially dispersed. For example, the dispenser sinks when fully dosed and resurfaces when empty, and in particular embodiments the water treatment comprises a means for generating visible gas bubbles and/or producing a color stream as the treatment dissolves.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate member with a pattern of active areas of receptive material and a pattern of blocking material layers. The receptive material and blocking material are attached to the substrate member with a photo-reactive crosslinking agent activated in a masking process. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte in a test sample is provided. The device comprises a chromatographic medium that defines a detection zone, wherein a crosslinked network is non-diffusively immobilized within the detection zone. The crosslinked network contains a small molecule indicator that is configured to undergo a detectable color change in the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: A vaginal treatment composition that rapidly forms a gel when placed into contact with monovalent or polyvalent cations, such as sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) cations naturally found in vaginal mucosa, is provided. The gel may form in less than about 1 hour, in some embodiments less than about 1 minute, and in some embodiments, less than about 30 seconds. Among other things, such rapid gelation reduces the likelihood of leakage during use. In addition, because the gel may form intravaginally, it is more likely to retain its structure and shape over an extended period of time. In this manner, the gel may provide the prolonged release of a therapeutic agent that inhibits and/or treats vaginal infection. For instance, the gel may remain within the vagina for about 2 to about 48 hours to provide the desired effect.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate member with a pattern of active areas of receptive material and a pattern of blocking material layers. The receptive material and blocking material are attached to the substrate member with a photo-reactive crosslinking agent activated in a masking process. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with a layer of receptive material disposed thereon overlying a layer containing a photo-reactive agent. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of active and inactive areas of the receptive material are defined in the receptive material layer by a masking process wherein the photo-reactive agent is activated in the exposed regions of the mask.

Abstract: A vaginal treatment composition that employs a therapeutic agent to inhibit and/or treat vaginal infection is provided. The therapeutic agent is capable of inhibiting and/or killing Gardnerella (e.g., Gardnerella vaginalis), Candida (e.g., Candida albicans), and/or Trichomonas (e.g., Trichomonas vaginalis) pathogens. Desirably, such antimicrobial efficacy is achieved without substantially inhibiting the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus. For instance, sugars and/or sugar alcohols may be employed in the present invention as a therapeutic agent for inhibiting and/or treating vaginal infection. In one particular embodiment, D-xylitol is used as the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A method for detecting a microorganism or class of microorganisms is provided. More specifically, the method employs an array that contains a plurality of discrete regions (referred to as “addresses”) spaced apart on a solid support in a predetermined pattern. The addresses are selected so that the array provides a distinct spectral response (e.g., pattern of colors) or “fingerprint” for a particular microorganism or class of microorganisms. For example, the array may provide a certain spectral response in the presence of one microorganism or class of microoryanisms (e.g., gram-negative bacteria), but provide a completely different spectral response in the presence of another microorganism or class of microorganisms (e.g., gram-positive bacteria). Detection of the spectral response provided by the array may thus allow for differentiation between microorganisms.

Abstract: A method for detecting a microorganism or class of microorganisms is provided. More specifically, the method employs an array that contains a plurality of discrete regions (referred to as “addresses”) spaced apart on a solid support in a predetermined pattern. The addresses are selected so that the array provides a distinct spectral response (e.g., pattern of colors) or “fingerprint” for a particular microorganism or class of microorganisms. For example, the array may provide a certain spectral response in the presence of one microorganism or class of microorganisms (e.g., gram-negative bacteria), but provide a completely different spectral response in the presence of another microorganism or class of microorganisms (e.g., gram-positive bacteria). Detection of the spectral response provided by the array may thus allow for differentiation between microorganisms.

Abstract: A method for rapidly assessing upper respiratory conditions is provided. More specifically, the method involves contacting a sample obtained from the upper respiratory tract of a host with a test strip. The test strip contains an indicator that provides a broad spectrum response in the presence of bacteria, mold, yeast, or other microorganisms that is different than its response in the presence of viruses. This allows for a rapid and simple assessment as to whether the test sample is infected with a virus or some other microorganism. To help a clinician identify the proper course of treatment, it may also be desirable to obtain further information about the particular type of microorganism present. In this regard, the test strip contains any array of one or more differentiating indicators that provides a certain spectral response in the presence of different types of microorganisms.

Abstract: A silicone elastomer having hydrophilic properties is provided. The elastomer is a copolymer that is formed from a crosslinkable silicone composition, the silicone composition comprising an organopolysiloxane component and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer component. For example, the silicone composition may comprise: i) an organopolysiloxane having the following general formula: wherein, each R2 is individually selected from unsubstituted and substituted monovalent hydrocarbon groups containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; each R3 is individually selected from unsubstituted and substituted alkenyl groups containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; x?1; and y?0 and is an integer that is selected so that the organopolysiloxane contains an average of at least two alkenyl groups per molecule; ii) an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid; iii) a silicon hydride crosslinking agent; and iv) a platinum-based catalyst.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte in a test sample is provided. The device comprises a chromatographic medium that defines a detection zone, wherein a crosslinked network is non-diffusively immobilized within the detection zone. The crosslinked network contains a small molecule indicator that is configured to undergo a detectable color change in the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: A diagnostic test kit for detecting hydrogen peroxide released by enzyme-catalyzed oxidation of an analyte within a test sample is provided. The test kit comprises a lateral flow device that contains a chromatographic medium, wherein the chromatographic medium defines a detection zone within which a chromogen is substantially non-diffusively immobilized in conjunction with an anionic compound. The chromogen is a leuco base, or a derivative thereof, which is capable of undergoing a detectable color change upon oxidation.

Abstract: A method for detecting a microorganism or class of microorganisms is provided. More specifically, the method employs an array that contains a plurality of discrete regions (referred to as “addresses”) spaced apart on a solid support in a predetermined pattern. The addresses are selected so that the array provides a distinct spectral response (e.g., pattern of colors) or “fingerprint” for a particular microorganism or class of microorganisms. For example, the array may provide a certain spectral response in the presence of one microorganism or class of microorganisms (e.g., gram-negative bacteria), but provide a completely different spectral response in the presence of another microorganism or class of microorganisms (e.g., gram-positive bacteria). Detection of the spectral response provided by the array may thus allow for differentiation between microorganisms.