Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation.

Abstract: The system uses a specifically modified spray assembly to spray electrically charged fluid into selected clouds. In addition to rain enhancement, the system is also designed for snow enhancement, hail suppression, fog dissipation, and smog remediation.

Abstract: The system uses a specifically modified spray assembly to spray electrically charged fluid below selected clouds so that an updraft carries the charged fluid into the cloud and induces precipitation. The size, charge, and design of the sprayers are specifically designed to elicit precipitation.

Abstract: The system uses a specifically modified spray assembly to spray electrically charged fluid below selected clouds so that an updraft carries the charged fluid into the cloud and induces precipitation. The size, charge, and design of the sprayers are specifically designed to elicit precipitation.

Abstract: An amino-acid ester compound can be cyclized into a cyclic amido-carbonyl compound by contacting the amino-acid ester compound in a liquid medium with a heterogeneous acidic ion-exchange substance. For example, 2-hydroxy-3-(2-aminophenylthio)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propionic acid, methyl ester, threo form, can be cyclized in an aqueous mixture into cis-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1,5-benzothiazepin-4(5H)-one by employing a sulfonated polystyrene-divinylbenzene ion-exchange resin in its acid form, e.g., Dowex.RTM. 50X4-400. at yields exceeding 85 percent of theory, and the product can be used to make diltiazem hydrochloride.

Abstract: A cyano glycidic acid ester compound can be prepared by reaction of an alkyl haloester and a cyano-aldehyde in the presence of an alkali metal alkoxide; an amino-acid ester cyano compound can be prepared by reaction of the cyano glycidic acid ester compound and an attachable amino compound, and a cyclic amido-carbonyl cyano compound can be prepared by contact of the amino-acid ester cyano compound in a liquid medium with a heterogeneous acidic ion-exchange substance.

Abstract: Certain 1,5-benzothiazepines are useful intermediates or pharamceuticals.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides, in one aspect, a process comprising contacting a 2-Aminothiophenol with an optically active 3-(4-alkyloxyphenyl)glycidic acid acyclic alkyl ester by step(s) under conditions such that an optically active 2-hydroxy-3-(4-alkyloxyphenyl)-3-(2-Aminophenylthio)propionic acid acyclic alkyl ester is prepared. Another aspect comprises the optically active 2-hydroxy-3-(4-alkyloxyphenyl)-3-(2-Aminophenylthio)propionic acid acyclic alkyl ester. A preferred aspect is a process comprising contacting 2-aminothiophenol per se with a 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)glycidic acid methyl ester by step(s) under conditions such that a 2-hydroxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2-aminophenylthio)propionic acid methyl ester is prepared.