Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automated sampling and/or dispensing device for minimizing possible sample contamination from contaminants (e.g., mechanical pieces of machinery, dust, or the like) falling into sample vials during analysis by having no mechanical moving parts above stationary samples. The automated sampling or dispensing device may include a table for supporting a sample holder holding a sample vessel, a sample arm assembly extending for supporting a sample probe, the sample arm assembly including a z-axis support and a sample probe support arm, and a drive assembly couple to the z-axis support of the sample arm assembly for powering and positioning the sample arm assembly. The drive assembly causes the sample arm assembly to move in translation along the x-axis, in translation along an axis coaxial with the z-axis support, and radially about the z-axis for inserting the sample probe into the sample vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of substituted bicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-2,4,9-triones, especially clusianon and clusianon derivatives, as pharmaceutical active ingredients or medicamentous active ingredients, especially for producing medicaments for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic (curative) treatment of tumour or cancer diseases, and of viral diseases. The above-mentioned compounds can be used in cytostatic agents and antiviral agents (virostatic agents). They are especially used as inhibitors of topoisomerases and telomerases and as regulators during the MAP kinase signal transduction and can thus intervene on a cellular scale in the mechanism for multiplication of tumour or cancer cells and viruses.

Abstract: Self-assembled gels were modified by the installation of azide and alkyne groups on the gelator and reaction with complementary reagents by the catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction. This is the first example of the use of a “click” reaction in such a supramolecular environment, and a new strategy for tuning the properties of gelled materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clusianon isomer and to the use thereof, in particular as a pharmaceutical or medical active ingredient, in particular for producing medicaments for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic (curative) treatment of tumor or cancer diseases as well as viral diseases. The aforementioned compound can be used in cytostatics and antiviral agents (virostatics). Said compound acts, in particular, as a topoisomerase and telomerase inhibitor and as a regulator in the MAP kinase signal transduction. Said compound can thus intervene at the cellular level in the proliferation mechanism of tumor or cancer cells and viruses.

Abstract: The present invention is related generally to a method for screening subjects to determine those subjects more likely to exhibit a hypersensitivity to allergen in the presence of airborne pollutants, such subject having a GSTM1 null genotype and/or a GSTP1 Ile/Ile genotype. This invention also provides novel or improved pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of immune diseases resulting from inappropriate or unwanted immune response such as allergic reactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clusianon isomer and to the use thereof, in particular as a pharmaceutical or medical active ingredient, in particular for producing medicaments for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic (curative) treatment of tumour or cancer diseases as well as viral diseases. The aforementioned compound can be used in cytostatics and antiviral agents (virostatics). Said compound acts, in particular, as a topoisomerase and telomerase inhibitor and as a regulator in the MAP kinase signal transduction. Said compound can thus intervene at the cellular level in the proliferation mechanism of tumour or cancer cells and viruses.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of substituted bicyclo[3.3.1]noman-2,4,9-triones, especially clusianon and clusianon derivatives, as pharmaceutical active ingredients or medicamentous active ingredients, especially for producing medicaments for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic (curative) treatment of tumour or cancer diseases, and of viral diseases. The above-mentioned compounds can be used in cytostatic agents and antiviral agents (virostatic agents). They are especially used as inhibitors of topoisomerases and telomerases and as regulators during the MAP kinase signal transduction and can thus intervene on a cellular scale in the mechanism for multiplication of tumour or cancer cells and viruses.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preparing platens to perform lapping operations. The system includes a platter that is rotatably mounted on a base and designed to receive the platen thereon. A main drive motor is provided for rotating the platter and the platen disposed thereon. A plurality of pressure arms are disposed on the base and configured to include a tool receiving portion that can be positioned in alignment with a lapping surface of the platen, and configured to softly touch a tool to a platen. A tool is attached to each tool receiving portion so that predetermined operations can be performed on the lapping surface of the platen. A monitor is provided to monitor predetermined parameters and maintain substantially constant conditions while preparing the platen.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preparing platens to perform lapping operations. The system includes a platter that is rotatably mounted on a base and designed to receive the platen thereon. A main drive motor is provided for rotating the platter and the platen disposed thereon. A plurality of pressure arms are disposed on the base and configured to include a tool receiving portion that can be positioned in alignment with a lapping surface of the platen. A tool is attached to each tool receiving portion so that predetermined operations can be performed on the lapping surface of the platen. A monitor is provided to monitor predetermined parameters and maintain substantially constant conditions while preparing the platen.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preparing platens to perform lapping operations. The system includes a platter that is rotatably mounted on a base and designed to receive the platen thereon. A main drive motor is provided for rotating the platter and the platen disposed thereon. A plurality of pressure arms are disposed on the base and configured to include a tool receiving portion that can be positioned in alignment with a lapping surface of the platen, and configured to softly touch a tool to a platen. A tool is attached to each tool receiving portion so that predetermined operations can be performed on the lapping surface of the platen. A monitor is provided to monitor predetermined parameters and maintain substantially constant conditions while preparing the platen.