Abstract: A medical scope device such as an endoscope is produced using a cast aluminum process including a molten casting aluminum alloy including a maximum of 0.2-0.3% Si and at least 5% Zn. The process includes providing an investment casting mold, casting the aluminum alloy in the mold to create a component and removing the mold from the component, post-machining the component to meet a desired specification, and after post-machining the component, performing surface finishing, such as centrifugal barrel finishing (CBF) sufficient to remove impurities on casting surfaces by 2-3 mils, then coating the component with a micro-crystalline aluminum anodic coating of at least 0.5 mil thickness. A medical scope and product-by-process is also provided employing such techniques.

Abstract: Methods for improving the functionality and/or fertility of sperm, for example, by enhancing motility and extending the lifespan of sperm in the FRT, by adding functional molecules of interest attached to a membrane anchoring agent-PEG conjugate to the surface of the sperm are provided. Such methods may be used in AI to reduce the number of sperm needed for insemination and to improve conception rates.

Abstract: Methods for improving the functionality and/or fertility of sperm, for example, by enhancing motility and extending the lifespan of sperm in the female reproductive tract, by adding PEG to the surface of the sperm are provided. Such methods may be used in artificial insemination to reduce the number of sperm needed for insemination and to improve conception rates.

Abstract: Methods for improving the functionality and/or fertility of sperm, for example, by enhancing motility and extending the lifespan of sperm in the female reproductive tract, by adding PEG to the surface of the sperm are provided. Such methods may be used in artificial insemination to reduce the number of sperm needed for insemination and to improve conception rates.

Abstract: Materials and Methods for the separation of X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm, for example in a semen sample, are provided. The methods involve contacting the semen sample with a binding agent, such as an antibody, that specifically binds to an antigen that is specific for an X- or Y-chromosome. Kits for use in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present application discloses plant polynucleotides, their encoded polypeptide sequences, and sRNA sequences which are putative regulators of long-distance florigenic signaling and flowering control. Methods of use of these sequences related to long-distance florigenic signaling are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing infrared emission from excited molecules in the determination of, for example, total inorganic carbon, chloride and available chlorine in aqueous samples. Methods of exciting the gas-phase, infrared-active molecules to emit radiation include flame excitation, furnace excitation, excitation by electron impact in a gas discharge or excitation by collisions with a vibrationally excited diatomic molecule. The detector is optimized by use of dual beam system with background subtraction capabilities thereby eliminating background noise and fluctuations therein.

Abstract: A new bow-carrying backpack is disclosed. Two different designs are disclosed. The first is designed to carry take-down bows, such as the modern recurve bow and the long bow. The second is used to carry compound bows. The invention consists of a backpack that has two specially designed side pockets. The first carries the parts of the disassembled bow. The second holds a supply of arrows in a protected shell. The pack includes storage space for accessories such as gloves, and incidentals and camping gear. In the compound bow carrier design, the bow is fastened to the back of the pack. The lower pulley fits into a special pulley pocket and VELCRO, a hook and loop fastening system, straps are provided to hold the bow onto the back of the pack. This permits the bow to be carried without difficulty through most types of terrain.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing infrared emission from excited molecules in samples of interest is disclosed. Over the wavelength interval from 1 to 5 um, two strong emission bands are observed with a PbSe detector when organic compounds are introduced into an hydrogen/air flame. The band at 4.3 um (2326 cm.sup.-1 is due to the asymmetric stretch of carbon dioxide while the band at 2.7 um is due to both water and carbon dioxide emission. The carbon dioxide emission at 4.3 um is most intense at the tip of the flame, and increases with the amount of organic compound introduced into the flame. For chromatographic application, an optical filter can be used to isolate the 4.3 um emission band. The infrared emission detection system finds application in the determination of total inorganic carbon, chloride and available chlorine in aqueous samples.

Abstract: A system for the precipitation of Al(OH).sub.3 from green liquor is provided which comprises process and apparatus for feeding the green liquor into the bottom of a chamber containing a supersaturated solution of alumina and Al(OH).sub.3 seed particles. The flow of green liquor into the bottom of the chamber is maintained at a rate sufficient to suspend the seed particles in the chamber with minimum turbulence so that the liquor is in approximately plug flow. As Al(OH).sub.3 precipitates on the seed particles, the particles grow larger and gradually move to the bottom of the chamber where they are removed. The solution, somewhat depleted with respect to Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, overflows the chamber to return to the process.

Abstract: Back reactions of dissolved alumina from a high caustic-lime digest of anorthosite and other alumina-containing siliceous materials can be eliminated or mitigated by control of particle size of digestible material; and time and temperature of separation of the alumina-bearing liquid from the solid residues. In one embodiment the back reaction is further controlled by adjustment of the caustic concentration of the digest effluent.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the recovery of sodium aluminate crystallized from a digest of caustic and lime with high-silica aluminous materials. The digest solution is concentrated by evaporation and then seeded with Na.sub.2 Al.sub.2 O.sub.4.2.5H.sub.2 O crystals to crystallize alumina from the solution as Na.sub.2 Al.sub.2 O.sub.4.2.5H.sub.2 O. The crystals are then separated from the mother liquor solution by filtration or centrifugation. The crystals are then washed with a solution having a lower caustic content than the mother liquor and an alumina concentration of about 50 grams per liter to remove any mother liquor remaining on the crystals. The sodium aluminate crystals are used as a feed for a subsequent Bayer processing step.