Abstract: A filter assembly comprises a filter (10) defining path for fluid passing to or from the filter (10). An adaptor (11) is connected to the filter (10) and provides a continuation of the path. The adaptor (11) is for mounting the filter (10) on a mounting plate (12) and carries one or more sealing rings (30, 37) that are engageable with the mounting plate (12). The adaptor (11) is made from a plastics material and one surface of the adaptor (11) is reinforced by contact with an annular reinforcing member (31) which may be of metal, particularly steel. This allows the flow path provided by the adaptor (11) to be maximized.

Abstract: A device is constructed for adjusting the concentricity of a die within an extrusion die assembly. The adjustment mechanism involves a series of compound screws having multiple operating threads that employ different pitches to generate a fine adjustment motion. The compound screws are coupled to opposing spring loaded plungers that move against a bias spring in reaction to movement of the compound screws.

Abstract: A controller includes a hysteretic circuit that provides a first ON level pulse when a corresponding first negative regulated voltage rises above a respective first voltage threshold. Similarly, a second ON level pulse is provided when a corresponding second positive regulated voltage falls below a respective second voltage threshold. The hysteretic circuit provides an OFF level pulse when one of first and second switch currents increases above a current threshold. A switch control circuit receives the first and second ON level pulses and the OFF level pulse, and provides first and second switch control outputs to separately regulate the first and second regulated voltages.

Abstract: Process for treating spent nuclear fuel (SNF) to make mixed metal oxides of UO3 and PuO2 to prevent nuclear proliferation. The process comprises the steps of (1) dissolving spent nuclear fuel in an acidic solution in the presence of an agent that reduces Pu+6 to Pu+4 and an agent that oxidizes Pu+3 to Pu+4; (2) extracting U+6 and Pu+4 from acidic solution with an organic solvent comprising a ligand that binds U+6 and Pu+4 and which is soluble in the organic solvent; (3) jointly extracting U+6 and Pu+4 from the organic solvent with an acidic aqueous solution; and (4) precipitating a mixture of U+6 and Pu+4 by adding a carboxylic acid to the acidic aqueous solution. The U+6 and Pu+4 precipitate is then be calcined to form a mixed metal oxide of UO3 and PuO2. Additional steps can result in the formation of a mixed metal oxide of UO3, PuO2 and NpO2 as well as the removal and isolation of technecium from the SNF.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one net positively charged group and at least one net negatively charged group, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core and a shell. The shell comprises a plurality of silane moieties; at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net positively charged group and at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net negatively charged group.

Abstract: Textiles are simultaneously cleaned and conditioned in aqueous laundry cleaning using detergent surfactant and non-ionic fatty amino-amide/ester fabric conditioner. The conditioner particularly includes compound(s) of the formulae (IIa), to (IId), (III), (IV) and/or (V): Formula R1—CO—NH—(CH2)n—NR2—(CH2)n—O2C—R1 and Formula R1—CO—NH—(CH2)n—NR2—(CH2)n—NHCO—R1. Formula (IIc) or formula (IId). R1, R2 and n are defined with R1 and/or R2 including fatty hydrocarbyl; formula [R4—(CH2)p]3—N. R4 is HO—, or R8CO2—; R6 is hydrocarbyl (including fatty hydrocarbyl); and p is 2 to 6; formula R7—N—[(AO)m—R8]2. R7, R8, AO and m are defined with R7 and/or R8 including fatty hydrocarbyl; formula (R1—CONH)q—R10. R1 as in formulae (Ia) or (Ib), R10 is polyalkyleneimine after removal of q primary amino groups; and q is at least 1, desirably at least 2.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one net positively charged group and at least one net negatively charged group, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core and a shell. The shell comprises a plurality of silane moieties; at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net positively charged group and at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net negatively charged group.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one net positively charged group and at least one net negatively charged group, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core and a shell. The shell comprises a plurality of silane moieties; at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net positively charged group and at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net negatively charged group.

Abstract: A blank cartridge (1) comprises a cartridge casing (2) with a first primer (18); a piston (9) with a head (10) and an arm (11); and an expansion chamber located between said primer (18) and the head of the piston (10), wherein, following detonation of the primer, the piston slidably displaces substantially within the casing (2) of said cartridge (1).

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for analyzing e-mail communications. E-mail messages and/or associated information (e.g., senders, recipients, message IDs) communicated through an e-mail system are captured and analyzed to identify e-mail threads. Based on the e-mail threads, scores are generated that are indicative of e-mail usage of e-mail users. Based on the scores, an action may be performed such as, for example, notifying individual(s) or their manager(s) that e-mail user(s) are generating or initiating e-mail conversations that generate an excessive amount of e-mail traffic. As another example, the e-mail account of at least one user may be at least partially restricted based on the scores.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core, having a core surface essentially free of silica, and a shell attached to the core surface. The shell comprises at least one silane-functionalized zwitterionic moiety.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core, having a core surface essentially free of silica, and a shell attached to the core surface. The shell comprises at least one silane-functionalized zwitterionic moiety.

Abstract: Food, feed or drug combinations with conjugated linoleic acid are described that cause enhanced fat loss in mammals more efficiently than any of the individual components of the combination. Food, feed, or drugs that activate AMP activated protein kinase, agonists of nuclear receptors that bind RXR in adipocytes, or statin inhibitors were found to be more effective for fat loss when combined with conjugated linoleic acid.

Abstract: An improved jaw apparatus is provided for making or breaking a tubular pipe connection. The jaw includes a head adapted to receive a hook having a threaded shank end. The threaded shank end is engaged at the head end opposite the hook end by a hydraulic powered nut adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly may be operated by a control unit to allow for the automatic opening and closing of the jaw for receiving pipes of varying diameters.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a canister from which product is to be dispensed by a dispensing system comprising a solid/gas arrangement in which the gas is adsorbed on to the solid under pressure and desorbed therefrom when the pressure is released the solid comprises an adsorbent for the gas, the container being sealed and having valve for dispensing the product. The method includes filling the canister with the gas by applying a pressure of gas to the adsorbent via an aperture in the canister and sealing the canister the size of the aperture and the applied pressure being controlled such that sufficient gas is allowed freely to contact the adsorbent and achieve a pre-determined pressure in the sealed canister.

Abstract: In a dispensing system for dispensing a product from a canister, which comprises a solid/gas arrangement with a gas adsorber for storing gas, the canister having valve means for dispensing the product while allowing the gas adsorbed by the carbon to be desorbed, the system incorporates a scavenger for the removal or neutralization of a substances which detrimentally affects the performance of the system.

Abstract: Provided are in vivo imaging agents comprising muteins of hTLc having detectable binding affinity for c-Met or a domain thereof, coupled to a signal generator, and the mutein coupled to a signal generator is disposed in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also provided are diagnostic methods using in vivo imaging agents comprising muteins of hTLc having detectable binding affinity for c-Met or a domain thereof.

Abstract: A blank cartridge (1) comprises a cartridge casing (2) with a first primer (18); a piston (9) with a head (10) and an arm (11); and an expansion chamber located between said primer (18) and the head of the piston (10), wherein, following detonation of the primer, the piston slidably displaces substantially within the casing (2) of said cartridge (1).

Abstract: Provided herein are PDGF-R? imaging agents that are polypeptides labeled with a signal generator (e.g., paramagnetic label, a radionuclide, or a fluorophore), wherein the imaging agents bind specifically to PDGFR-?. Also provided are in vivo imaging methods using the imaging agents.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of reducing liver uptake in vivo of a polypeptide that specifically binds to a target comprising: (a) providing a polypeptide that specifically binds to a target; and (b) substituting at least one basic or at least one neutral amino acid residue of the native polypeptide from step (a) with an acidic amino acid residue to produce a modified polypeptide, wherein the modified polypeptide demonstrates an isoelectric point at least 0.05-0.1 pH points less than the isoelectric point of the native polypeptide. Also provided are polypeptides made using the inventive methods as well as imaging techniques that employ the methods and agents.