Abstract: A PLG copolymer material, termed a PLG(p) copolymer material, adapted for use in a controlled release formulation for a bioactive material is provided, wherein the formulation exhibits a reduced “initial burst” effect when introduced into the tissue of a patient in need thereof. A method of preparation of the PLG copolymer material is also provided, as are methods of use.

Abstract: An automated hydroponic growing and harvesting system for sprouts includes a continuous serpentine chain conveyor transporting suspended trays through a tray preparation zone where trays are cleaned, a seeding zone where a layer of seeds is deposited across each tray, a germination zone where environmental conditions and nutrients and water are provided for germination, a growing zone where lighting, nutrients and water are provided for growth, and a harvesting zone where sprouts are dumped from each tray.

Abstract: A method for generating a recombinant clonal cell line expressing a target cell surface receptor at a specific level of expression from a cell population comprising cells transfected with a plasmid encoding the cDNA sequence of the target receptor and expressing the target cell surface receptor, the method comprising (c) incubating the cell population with a receptor specific fluorescent ligand (d) selecting single cells from step (c) expressing the target cell surface receptor by monitoring the specific binding of the fluorescent ligand using flow cytometry; and novel fluorescent ligands.

Abstract: A PLG copolymer material, termed a PLG(p) copolymer material, adapted for use in a controlled release formulation for a bioactive material is provided, wherein the formulation exhibits a reduced “initial burst” effect when introduced into the tissue of a patient in need thereof. A method of preparation of the PLG copolymer material is also provided, as are methods of use.

Abstract: A method of assigning expected recovery values to control substances used in analytical testing is disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a method for determining the standard deviation of a data sample. The method considers the distribution of the data in the context of cumulative probability. The empirical probability of a plurality of values is determined. The quantiles of the normal distribution for each empirical probability is then obtained. A robust linear regression of the quantiles versus the plurality of values is performed. Then the slope of the robust linear regression is determined and the inverse of the slope serves as an estimate of the standard deviation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nonpolymeric compounds and compositions that form liquid, high viscosity materials suitable for the delivery of biologically active substances in a controlled fashion, and for use as medical or surgical devices. The materials can optionally be diluted with a solvent to form a material of lower viscosity, rendering the material easy to administer. This solvent may be water insoluble or water soluble, where the water soluble solvent rapidly diffuses or migrates away from the material in vivo, leaving a higher viscosity liquid material.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a method for determining the rate of reaction by including sample points before initiation of the reaction. Absorbance measurements are taken over a plurality of time points, prior to initiation of the reaction, to obtain zero-time absorbance points. The sample is combined with a reagent to obtain a mixture, thereby initiating the chemical reaction. Signal data measurements are then obtained for the mixture. The rate of reaction is then obtained for the mixture. For instance, the rate of reaction is obtained using a linear regression of the zero-time absorbance points and one or more reaction absorbance measurements. The reaction rate obtained may be correlated to known reaction rate data to determine the concentration of a chemical of interest in the sample.

Abstract: An AC induction motor has separate start and run windings radially separated in slots in the stator laminations. The start windings are arranged in the radially outer portions of the slots to aid heat dissipation and to increase the flux linkage so as to reduce inrush current during starting. The motor is started by switching on the start windings initially, and switching on the run windings in phase with the start windings when the motor reaches its running speed, but before switching off the start windings. In this way, the surge current during switching between the start and run windings is reduced.

Abstract: An AC induction motor has separate start and run windings radially separated in slots in the stator laminations. The start windings are arranged in the radially outer portions of the slots to aid heat dissipation and to increase the flux linkage so as to reduce inrush current during starting. The motor is started by switching on the start windings initially, and switching on the run windings in phase with the start windings when the motor reaches its running speed, but before switching off the start windings. In this way, the surge current during switching between the start and run windings is reduced.

Abstract: Detergent builder/activators which can be produced from renewable resources are provided. The detergent builder/activators are obtainable by a process comprising subjecting a poly(saccharide) comprising a vicinal diol moiety to the independent steps of a) oxidative cleavage of a vicinal diol moiety with an oxidizing agent for vicinal diols to introduce carboxylic acid functionality, and b) acylation with an acylating agent.

Abstract: A thermoinsulative protective garment comprising a first, outer, waterproof but vapor permeable, garment part for covering at least a part of the body of a wearer (preferably the whole body) and a second, inner, thermoinsulative garment part constituting a lining for the first garment part and sealingly bonded to the first garment part at least at the aperture(s) of the garment, so as to provide a layer of air between the garment parts, the second garment part including a thermoinsulative fabric sheet comprising a substantially impermeable closed-cell elastomeric (e.g.

Abstract: There is provided a fabric for use in a wearable article, the fabric having a first side directed to an inner side of the article as worn and a second side directed to an outer side of the article as worn and a second side directed to an outer article as worn, the fabric comprising a sheet formed of a substantially impermeable elastomeric material having perforations provided therethrough, the first and second sides being in airflow communication with each other through the perforations, each perforation having at least one relatively wide region along its length and at least one relatively narrow region along its length whereby the perforation defines an internal chamber at the relatively wide region, the internal chamber open to the first side of the fabric.

Abstract: A catalyst system and process for the oxidative cleavage of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide is provided. The catalyst system comprises a source of ruthenium, a source of molybdenum and a phase transfer agent. The process comprises contacting an alkene with the hydrogen peroxide in the presence of the above catalyst system. Sources of ruthenium and molybdenum comprise the metals, salts or complexes. Preferred sources are RuCl.sub.3 and MoO.sub.3. The phase transfer agent is preferably a quaternary ammonium salt. The process usually takes place in the presence of an organic solvent, preferably t-butanol.

Abstract: A breathable insulating fabric is described, from which wearable articles such as garments or medical support fabrics or dressings can be made, in which an elastomeric insualating sheet (1) has perforations (4) which have relatively wide (5) and narrow (6) regions along their lengths to define an internal chamber (7) open to the inner side of the sheet as worn and sufficiently closed to the outer side of the sheet to permit air passing from the inner to the outer side of the sheet to accumulate in the chamber under increased pressure prior to passing to the outer side. The breathability of the fabric is adaptable to changes in the external conditions and the biological functions of the wearer.

Abstract: The metal shell of a furnace or cupola is cooled by means of water flowing down over the exterior surface of the metal shell. In order to reduce heat loss and thus decrease the energy consumption, the interior surface of the metal shell is lined with a fired refractory shape. The thermal conductivity of the refractory material and its thickness are selected such that the amount of refractory material remaining upon reaching equilibrium conditions will be sufficient to maintain the mechanical and structural integrity of the lining. Refractory materials of different conductivities may be selected for various locations in the furnace depending upon the temperatures to be encountered.