Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of optical imaging. More particularly, it relates to compounds of the cyanine family with near-infrared emission characterized by improved physico-chemical and biological properties and to conjugates with biological ligands thereof. The invention also relates to the use of these compounds as optical diagnostic agents in imaging or therapy of solid tumors, to the methods for their preparation and to the compositions comprising them.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for programmable chalcogenide capacitors are described. A first programming pulse may be applied, for a first duration, to a capacitor comprising a chalcogenide material to adjust a capacitance of the capacitor from a first capacitance to a second capacitance. A pulse may be applied to the capacitor based on applying the first programming pulse to the capacitor. A first voltage may be stored in the capacitor based on adjusting the capacitance of the capacitor from the first capacitance to the second capacitance, and the first voltage may be stored based on the capacitor having the second capacitance.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for identifying and treating BAV disease and/or aortopathy in a subject, and methods of improving outcome in a subject. The subject may be asymptomatic of BAV disease and/or aortopathy, experiencing symptoms of BAV disease and/or aortopathy, have BAV disease and/or aortopathy, or be a blood relative of an individual having BAV disease and/or aortopathy. Levels of sRAGE in the subject's biological sample are determined, compared to a control biological sample, and used as an indicator for the presence and severity of BAV disease and/or aortopathies, a tool to screen family members, and an indicator of the proper surgical or treatment regimens.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for mitigating SVD mechanisms in BHV, including non-calcific SVD mechanisms, are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for protecting BHV from SVD mechanisms, including non-calcific SVD mechanisms, are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for testing BHV for performance or longevity are provided.

Abstract: A device for mounting and removing a tire on/from a rim includes a pincers element which is pivoted in a tool body with respect to the main frame and can grip a tire bead; the pincers element performs a preset rotation together with the tool body, moving away from the rim edge by performing a motion over the edge without making contact with the rim at the end of the rotation; the pincers element releases the bead on the outer edge of the rim, in a removal operation, or in the inner seat of the rim, in a mounting operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating or preventing a mitral valve disease in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a therapeutic agent. The therapeutic agent is capable of suppressing serotonin receptor signaling. The methods may be combined with a mitral valve surgery, serotonin transporter polymorphism genotyping, MV disease diagnosis, and/or an adjunct assay. Also provided are related medicaments, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for preparing the medicaments.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for identifying and treating BAV disease and/or aortopathy in a subject, and methods of improving outcome in a subject. The subject may be asymptomatic of BAV disease and/or aortopathy, experiencing symptoms of BAV disease and/or aortopathy, have BAV disease and/or aortopathy, or be a blood relative of an individual having BAV disease and/or aortopathy. Levels of sRAGE in the subject's biological sample are determined, compared to a control biological sample, and used as an indicator for the presence and severity of BAV disease and/or aortopathies, a tool to screen family members, and an indicator of the proper surgical or treatment regimens.

Abstract: Process for recovering at least 70% of hollow glass microspheres having an average diameter, according to the ASTM D1214-1989, ranging from 5 to 200 ?m contained in a mixture of drilling mud and cuttings which comprises: a) screening, if necessary, the mixture through one or more 5 to 20 mesh sieves; b) feeding the screened mixture to one or more cyclones and/or hydrocyclones arranged in series, each of which is fed with a volume flow-rate from 1.5 to 10 times higher than the maximum nominal operating value.

Abstract: Process for recovering at least 70% of hollow glass microspheres having an average diameter, according to the ASTM D1214-1989, ranging from 5 to 200 &mgr;m contained in a mixture of drilling mud and cuttings which comprises: a) screening, if necessary, the mixture through one or more 5 to 20 mesh sieves; b) feeding the screened mixture to one or more cyclones and/or hydrocyclones arranged in series, each of which is fed with a volume flow-rate from 1.5 to 10 times higher than the maximum nominal operating value.

Abstract: A process for printing and decorating an article by the use of sublimable inks, includes providing preformed images on a substrate, these preformed images are obtained using the sublimable inks; applying the substrate on surfaces of the article; applying a pressure to the preformed images for pressing the preformed images against the surfaces, providing a heat thermoretractable material and heating the heat thermoretractable material at a temperature suitable for causing a thermoretraction of the heat thermoretractable material for generating the pressure; heating the preformed images until the sublimable inks are transferred by sublimation onto the surfaces. The thermoretractable material can be polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). An apparatus for printing and decorating an article by the use of sublimable inks has compression parts for applying a pressure to images provided on a substrate applied on surfaces of the articles.

Abstract: The reclosable container (1), adapted to reduce the risk of contamination of the substance contained therein, comprises a hollow body (2) provided with a dispensing mouth (15) which can be plugged through respective detachable closure elements (4, 20, 23) which comprise plugs (6, 6b, 6c, 21, 21b, 25) which can be coupled to the mouth (15); the closure elements (4, 20, 23) are monolithic with the container (1); the plugs (6, 6b, 6c, 21, 21b, 25) are located on the closure elements (4, 20, 23) on the side thereof directed towards the mouth (15). The method comprises the formation of the closure elements (4, 20, 23) nonlithically with the container (1); during formation, the plugs (6, 6b, 6c, 21, 21b, 25) are formed on the closure elements (4, 20, 23) on the side of these elements which is directed towards the mouth (15); at the end of the formation, the plugs (6, 6b, 6c, 21, 21b, 25) are made to couple to the mouth (15).

Abstract: A strip like structure is formed in the shape of a succession of phials, of a heat-sealable plastic, with the phials molded with their respective bases open and their mouths each closed by a removable stopper element, each of the phials having a first set of webs disposed transversely about the middle of their respective longitudinal axis and a second set of webs formed at the mouth ends with narrow stiffening ribs on either side of an uppermost edge thereof, the first and second webs serving to interconnect the phials and the removable stopper elements closing the same, respectively. The interconnecting webs are provided with relative weakening creases located preferably midway between each two adjacent phials and disposed parallel to the phial longitudinal axis. Each terminal web of the second set has transverse butt portion disposed at right angles to the plane of the web, the butt having a width not greater than the width of the phial and a height equal to a depth of the second web.

Abstract: A container provided for the controlled dispensing of powders and liquids which compress,a container body,an extremely threaded neck provided on said container body,a cylindrical, tubular extension member axially connected at one end to the externally threaded container neck,the cylindrical, tubular extension member having an inner base compressing a calibrated portion and terminating at the other end thereof in a divergent frustoconical outlet mouth portion,a rupturable transverse membrane diaphragm scalingly separating the calibrated portion from the outlet mouth portion,a circumferential groove provided on the outer surface of said tubular extension member, in the vicinity of the diaphragm,a cylindrical capsule acting as a scaling and rescaling device, the capsule having at one end thereof an internally threaded portion adapted for screw engagement with the externally threaded neck, andan elastic training ring circumferentially provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical capsule for spring-engagement

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for cleaning the bottom of mercury cathode electrolytic cells or the like, usable in closed cells which are cut off from the power supply and maintained under suction, characterized in that said apparatus consists essentially of a plate or strap that is displaceable along the bottom of the cell, and having an overall length substantially corresponding to the width of the cell-bottom to be cleaned, said strap normally resting on or near the bottom of the cell, and means for moving said strap along the bottom of the cell to scrape or dislodge mercury sludge and other residues that have accumulated during the operation of the cell. The means for moving the strap along the bottom of the cell may be manually actuated from outside the cell or they may be actuated by motor means situated outside the cell.