Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a roll of material includes a first and a second conical base. The first conical base has a first through-hole extending completely through the first conical base along a first central axis. The first conical base also has a first tapering section circumscribing and concentric with the first through-hole, the first tapering section configured to be inserted into a first opening of a central bore of the roll. The second conical base has a second through-hole extending completely through the second conical base along a second central axis. The second conical base has a second tapering section circumscribing and concentric with the second through-hole, the second tapering section configured to be inserted into a second opening opposite the first opening of the central bore of the roll. Engagement between the roll and the first and second conical base structures operably stabilizes rotation of the roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a roll of material includes a first and a second conical base. The first conical base has a first through-hole extending completely through the first conical base along a first central axis. The first conical base also has a first tapering section circumscribing and concentric with the first through-hole, the first tapering section configured to be inserted into a first opening of a central bore of the roll. The second conical base has a second through-hole extending completely through the second conical base along a second central axis. The second conical base has a second tapering section circumscribing and concentric with the second through-hole, the second tapering section configured to be inserted into a second opening opposite the first opening of the central bore of the roll. Engagement between the roll and the first and second conical base structures operably stabilizes rotation of the roll.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting microbial growth comprises administering an effective amount of a silver complex of a N-heterocyclic amine. A method for treating cancer cells or a method for imaging one or more tissues of a patient includes administering an effective amount of a complex of a N-heterocyclic amine and a radioactive metal. N-heterocyclic carbenes of the present invention may be represented by formula (I) wherein Z is a heterocyclic group, and R1 and R2 are, independently or in combination, hydrogen or a C1-C12 organic group selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, heterocyclic, and alkoxy groups and substituted derivatives thereof.