Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a stable aqueous dispersion of polymer particles and a dispersant adsorbed onto the surfaces of TiO2 particles, wherein the dispersant is a water-soluble polymer functionalized with structural units of a carboxylic acid ester and tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane. The composition of the present invention is particularly useful for achieving high hiding for paints containing associative thickeners.

Abstract: The present application relates to methods for diagnosing and treating multiple myeloma (MM) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), e.g., based on the detection of clonal IgK or IgL-expressing cells.

Abstract: Methods for making a differential diagnosis of hepatic neoplasms, e.g., tumors, and for identifying metastatic tumors of hepatic origin, based on detection of levels of albumin mRNA. The methods can also be used to select treatments or guide treatment decisions.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing and treating IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), e.g., based on detecting levels of IgG4 mRNA, preferably using a branched DNA assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer comprising hindered primary amine groups bonded to the backbone of the polymer by way of an amide, ester, or thioester linkage. The polymer is particularly useful as an adjuvant, especially for isothiazolone, and as a dispersant and stain blocker in coatings formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition which comprises a stable aqueous dispersion of discrete polymer particles and a water-soluble dispersant adsorbed onto the surfaces of pigment particles, wherein the polymer particles comprise structural units of a sulfonic acid monomer or a salt thereof. The present invention addresses a need in the art by providing a way to improve the hiding efficiency of compositions containing pigment such as TiO2 and associative rheology modifiers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a water-soluble dispersant comprising structural units of a sulfonic acid monomer or a salt thereof and a co-monomer. The dispersant of the present invention addresses a need in the art by providing a way to improve the hiding efficiency of coatings compositions.

Abstract: An applicator assembly includes a head portion having a proximal, a distal end, and an interior portion defining a fluid chamber, a container slidably coupled to the body, a breakable membrane sealing an end of the container, and a hollow puncture mechanism, wherein the hollow puncture mechanism is mounted in the interior portion of the head portion and an interior of the container is placed in fluid communication with the application member by way of a fluid conduit that is formed through the hollow puncture mechanism from the container to the fluid chamber when the container is axially translated toward the head portion and the puncture mechanism pierces the breakable membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an amphoteric polymer having pendant acid groups, or salts thereof, and pendant mono- or dialkylamino ethylene oxide groups or alkylammonium ethylene oxide groups characterized by either of the following formulas: where R1-R3 and X? are as defined herein. The composition of the present invention improves hiding efficiency for coating compositions formulated using associative rheology modifiers, binders, and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer comprising hindered primary amine groups bonded to the backbone of the polymer by way of an amide, ester, or thioester linkage. The polymer is particularly useful as an adjuvant, especially for isothiazolone, and as a dispersant and stain blocker in coatings formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a water-soluble dispersant comprising structural units of a sulfonic acid monomer or a salt thereof and a co-monomer. The dispersant of the present invention addresses a need in the art by providing a way to improve the hiding efficiency of coatings compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition which comprises a stable aqueous dispersion of discrete polymer particles and a water-soluble dispersant adsorbed onto the surfaces of pigment particles, wherein the polymer particles comprise structural units of a sulfonic acid monomer or a salt thereof. The present invention addresses a need in the art by providing a way to improve the hiding efficiency of compositions containing pigment such as TiO2 and associative rheology modifiers.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing target chemicals from water includes a reaction chamber, a source of an aqueous solution of the target chemicals that can be supplied on demand to the reaction chamber, a timer that times a reaction between the particles and the target chemicals such that a concentration of the target chemicals in the aqueous solution reaches a predetermined low level in a desired time, and elements for removing the aqueous phase from the reactor while keeping the particles entrained inside the reactor using a microfilter configured to be back flushed, adding aqueous solution to the reactor from the source and continuing cycles until the particles are saturated, removing and replacing the particles in a final cycle of a particle charge lifetime, and recovering the target chemicals from the particles such that the particles can be reused.

Abstract: An applicator assembly includes a head portion having a proximal, a distal end, and an interior portion defining a fluid chamber, a container slidably coupled to the body, a breakable membrane sealing an end of the container, and a hollow puncture mechanism, wherein the hollow puncture mechanism is mounted in the interior portion of the head portion and an interior of the container is placed in fluid communication with the application member by way of a fluid conduit that is formed through the hollow puncture mechanism from the container to the fluid chamber when the container is axially translated toward the head portion and the puncture mechanism pierces the breakable membrane.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices for diagnosing heart failure in a subject based on the amount of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in a urine sample. Also described are methods and devices for predicting whether a subject is at risk of developing cardiovascular events accompanied with heart failure based on the amount of BNP in a urine sample.

Abstract: A method for generating a graphical icon to represent a software module is disclosed. The method includes the steps of processing a description of the module stored within a database through a glossary to obtain a normalized description, parsing the normalized description to abstract the module and identify at least one component of the module, obtaining at least one icon component for the at least one module component, and assembling the at least one icon component into the graphical icon.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a two-sided nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced three-dimensional image that is durable to both converting and end-use application. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a first precursor web comprising a first fibrous matrix and a second precursor web comprising a second fibrous matrix. Between the first and second precursor web, a fluid-pervious support layer or scrim, is interposed and subjected to hydroentanglement on a moveable imaging surface having a three-dimensional image transfer device. By formation of a nonwoven fabric in this fashion, a three-dimensional image that is durable to abrasion and distortion due to elongation is imparted and a product formed which exhibits on its opposite surfaces the unique properties of the respective fibrous matrix used.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a first three-dimensional image and a second three-dimensional image whereby the first and second three-dimensional images are dissimilar from one another. In particular, the present invention contemplates a fabric comprised of sequentially formed three-dimensional images that are formed from a pre-entangled precursor web entangled on a first three-dimensional transfer device so as to impart a first image therein, then subjected to hydroentanglement on a second three-dimensional image transfer device wherein a second three-dimensional image is imparted to the web that is different from the first three-dimensional image, the resulting nonwoven fabric presenting aesthetic and tactile qualities representative of both imparted images.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven cleaning article, which exhibits a first three-dimensional image and a second three-dimensional image whereby the first and second three-dimensional images are dissimilar from one another. In particular, the present invention contemplates a fabric comprised of sequential three-dimensional images that are formed from a pre-entangled precursor web entangled on a first three-dimensional transfer device so as to impart a first image therein, then subjected to hydroentanglement on a second three-dimensional image transfer device wherein a second three-dimensional image is imparted to the web that is different from the first three-dimensional image, the resulting nonwoven cleaning article presenting aesthetic and tactile qualities representative of both imparted images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to norketamine and ketamine/norketamine prodrugs, and methods of their use as analgesics. More particularly, the invention relates to norketamine and N-conjugated prodrugs of ketamine and norketamine, and methods of using these agents for the management of chronic pain without requiring administration of narcotics. The invention relates to self-management of pain on an outpatient basis comprising administering via conventional routes, including transdermal, nasal, rectal, oral, transmucosal, intravenous, intramuscular, and other routes, one or more doses of norketamine and/or ketamine/norketamine prodrugs effective to alleviate pain to a subject suffering from pain. Uses of norketamine and ketamine/norketamine prodrugs would also apply, to treating headaches, drug abuse, mood and anxiety disorders, as well as other neuropsychiatric disorders, both motoric and cognitive, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's syndrome, which are thought to be caused by neurodegeneration.