Abstract: Sulfur-containing derivatives of carboxy-amino-amides are provided for use, inter alia, in treating diseases or disorders.

Abstract: A caller places a telephone call and enters an access code when calling a subscriber. The caller's access code signal is generated by the caller when the caller inputs his or her access code. The call is transmitted over the Public Switched Telephone Network to a subscriber's telephone number. A Call Router Server capable of receiving the caller's telephone call and the caller's access code signal is provided. The Call Router Server detects the caller's access code signal and then directing the caller's telephone call to the subscriber to be completed in a particular manner based upon the caller's access code. An Access Code Server which is Web server is provided that allows a subscriber to input the manner in which incoming telephone calls will be received and completed based upon the access code signal that is received by the Call Router Server. This information is stored on a Database Server, which instructs the Call Router Server on the proper routing pattern of the incoming telephone call.

Abstract: A closure for a bottle. The closure includes an outer cap. An audio device and a triggering mechanism are positioned within the outer cap. A water block is positioned on the outer cap so as to prevent water from penetrating into the audio device.

Abstract: Immunological assays for several biological markers for thyroid disorders in a biological sample are performed in a single test with a combination of sandwich-type, sequential competitive, and serological assays by the use of particles classified into groups that are distinguishable by flow cytometry, one group for the assay of each marker. Each group of particles is coated with a different immunological binding member, and coating densities, co-coating materials, and special buffer solutions are used to adjust for differences in the sensitivities and dynamic ranges of each of the markers in the typical sample.

Abstract: A multilayer color reversal photographic film element is described containing at least two silver halide photographic emulsion layers and a compound of the formula F-1: wherein A, B, C, and D are independently substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic or heterocyclic substituents, which may where structurally possible together form a ring or rings; where at least one of A, B, C, and D is of the formula F-2: wherein R1 and R2 are independently either hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic or heterocyclic substituents, which may where structurally possible form a ring with other substituents; R3 is a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic or heterocyclic substituent which may where structurally possible form a ring with other substituents, L is a bivalent linking or timing group attached to the carbonyl moiety via a heteroatom, n varies from 0-2; and INH is a silver development inhibitor attached either t

Abstract: In a solid polymer fuel cell series, various circumstances can result in a fuel cell being driven into voltage reversal by other cells in the series stack. For instance, cell voltage reversal can occur if that cell receives an inadequate supply of fuel (for example, fuel starvation). In order to pass current during fuel starvation, reactions other than fuel oxidation may take place at the fuel cell anode, including water electrolysis and oxidation of anode components. The latter may result in significant degradation of the anode. Such fuel cells can be made more tolerant to cell reversal by promoting water electrolysis over anode component oxidation at the anode. This can be accomplished by enhancing the presence of water in the anode catalyst layer through modifications to the anode structure or anode composition near or in the catalyst layer.

Abstract: The electrocatalysts in certain fuel cell systems can be poisoned by impurities in the fuel stream directed to the fuel cell anodes. Introducing a variable concentration of oxygen into the impure fuel stream supplied to the fuel cells can reduce or prevent poisoning without excessive use of oxygen. The variation may be controlled based on the voltage of a carbon monoxide sensitive sensor cell incorporated in the system. Further, the variation in oxygen concentration may be periodic or pulsed. A variable air bleed method is particularly suitable for use in solid polymer fuel cell systems operating on fuel streams containing carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling access to a data object stored on a portable storage medium. A request to access a data object stored on the portable storage medium is received. A first attribute associated with the data object is inspected to determine if read access to the data object is permitted. An access control portion of a file stored on the portable storage medium is inspected to determine an offset within the file at which the data object is stored. If the first attribute indicates that read access to the data object is permitted, then the data object is read at the offset within the file.

Abstract: A method detects fluid leaks within a fuel cell assembly. The method comprises (a) introducing a first supply fluid to a first fluid passage within the fuel cell assembly, wherein the first supply fluid comprises a tracer; (b) introducing a second supply fluid to a second fluid passage within the fuel cell assembly, wherein in the absence of a leak in the first fluid passage, the second fluid passage is fluidly isolated from the first fluid passage; and (c) monitoring a second fluid exhaust stream exiting from the second fluid passage and detecting when a concentration of the tracer is present within the second fluid exhaust stream.

Abstract: Application of two-dimensional materials (TDMs) that are exfoliated transition metal dichalcogenides in electrochemical fuel cells to remove contaminants that are harmful to the fuel cells; to effect proper transport and containment of various fluids in fuel cells to achieve proper and efficient operation; to protect various surfaces and materials commonly comprised in or used for fuel cells and critical to their operation; and to purify and lower the freezing point of cooling water used for the fuel cell stacks. Disclosed are methods whereby the TDM is used as a barrier to prevent unwanted crossover (between electrodes through a polymer electrolyte membrane or PEM) of chemical species; where the TDM is used to coat and/or encapsulate catalyst particles, carbon catalyst support, PEMs, and chemical or metal hydrides, to protect the same from unwanted exposure to chemical species; and where the TDM is used to purify and lower the freezing point of fuel cell stack cooling water.

Abstract: Various systems, method and apparatuses are disclosed that include a pressure swing adsorption apparatus coupled to a fuel cell, wherein the fuel cell receives at least a portion of a product gas from the pressure swing adsorption and powers the pressure swing adsorption apparatus. Also disclosed is a portable gas separator that include a housing that houses a rotary pressure swing adsorption apparatus.

Abstract: Power plant systems and processes are described that enable recovery of at least a portion of the fuel storage energy associated with a storage system for supplying fuel to the power plant systems. A first embodiment of an energy-recovery power plant system includes at least one fuel storage container and at least one expander that can receive fuel from the fuel storage container at a first pressure and provide the fuel to the power plant at a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure. A second embodiment of an energy-recovery power plant system includes a first conduit fluidly coupling the fuel storage container and the power plant for delivering fuel from the fuel storage container to the power plant and at least one regenerative thermodynamic cycle engine thermally coupled to the first conduit such that heat may be exchanged between the fuel and a working fluid for the regenerative thermodynamic cycle engine.

Abstract: A process for formulating a ruminant food ration in which the methionine needs of the ruminant are determined, a plurality of natural or synthetic feed ingredients and the nutrient composition of each of said ingredients are identified wherein one of said ingredients is 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid or a salt, amide or ester thereof, and a ration is formulated from the identified feed ingredients to meet the determined methionine needs of the ruminant which comprises one or more grains, a hydroxy analog of methionine, and optionally a bypass fat wherein (i) the hydroxy analog of methionine is selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid and the salts, amides and esters thereof, (ii) the hydroxy analog of methionine is added separately from any bypass fat which is included in the ration, and (iii) the ration is formulated on the basis that at least 20% of the hydroxy analog of methionine is assumed to be available for absorption by the ruminant.

Abstract: An underground storage tank monitoring system and method uses special micropower impulse radar probes, with one such probe being inserted into each storage tank. The micropower impulse radar probes use flexible waveguides which extend downward to the tank bottom such that micropower radar impulses travel to and from the liquid surface via a wave guide, with the lapse between emission and reception of the impulse indicating a distance from the probe, and thus a liquid level. Each micropower impulse radar probe is connected to a dedicated spread spectrum transmitter which collects level and status information from the probe, encodes and transmits it to a matching spread spectrum receiver nearby. The receiver converts the coded signals into electrical signals and forwards them to a processor, a modem and a back-up battery are located. The processor stores the liquid level information for later transmission, along with liquid dispensed and liquid replaced information, to a central monitoring site via the modem.

Abstract: The invention is CDMA quadrature signal technology that controls the transmit power of a CDMA signal. The CDMA quadrature signal technology receives a CDMA signal, and in response, process quadrature components of the CDMA signal to generate a power control signal. The CDMA quadrature signal technology adjusts the gain of the CDMA signal in response to the power control signal. A CDMA transmitter transmits the CDMA signal after the gain is adjusted. One example of the CDMA transmitter is a CDMA base station. Using the invention, a multi-sector CDMA base station can control power without transferring gain information to base station components for all sectors. The invention eliminates unnecessary data transfer and storage.

Abstract: An improved fuel cell anode structure comprises a substrate and a first carbon-based component. The first carbon-based component exhibits little or no resistance to corrosion. When said anode structure is incorporated into a membrane electrode assembly, the membrane electrode assembly is tolerant to incidences of cell voltage reversal.

Abstract: A nutrient formulation including moisture which is designed for use in poultry and other animals, and a method of feeding it which improves subsequent livability, cumulative feed efficiency and weight gain is disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds termed “vitaletheine modulators” which include beta-alanyl-taurine and carbobenzoxy beta-alanyl-taurine are synthesized and added to culture media for in vitro culture of cells such as mammalian or plant cells. The compounds support cell vitality, and provide increased cellular life span, increased cellular bioproductivity, improved cellular function, and adaption of resistant cells to culturing. The compounds further delay senescence, optimize growth and maturation, and increase population doublings.

Abstract: A process for formulating a ruminant food ration in which the methionine needs of the ruminant are determined, a plurality of natural or synthetic feed ingredients and the nutrient composition of each of said ingredients are identified wherein one of said ingredients is 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid or a salt, amide or ester thereof, and a ration is formulated from the identified feed ingredients to meet the determined methionine needs of the ruminant which comprises one or more grains, a hydroxy analog of methionine, and optionally a bypass fat wherein (i) the hydroxy analog of methionine is selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid and the salts, amides and esters thereof, (ii) the hydroxy analog of methionine is added separately from any bypass fat which is included in the ration, and (iii) the ration is formulated on the basis that at least 20% of the hydroxy analog of methionine is assumed to be available for absorption by the ruminant.

Abstract: The electrocatalysts in certain fuel cell systems can be poisoned by impurities in the fuel stream directed to the fuel cell anodes. Introducing a variable concentration of oxygen into the impure fuel stream supplied to the fuel cells can reduce or prevent poisoning without excessive use of oxygen. The variation may be controlled based on the voltage of a carbon monoxide sensitive sensor cell incorporated in the system. Further, the variation in oxygen concentration may be periodic or pulsed. A variable air bleed method is particularly suitable for use in solid polymer fuel cell systems operating on fuel streams containing carbon monoxide.