Abstract: Aspects relate to mechanisms for enhancing the coupling of scattered light from a sample under test into a spectrometer. An optical device can include a reflective surface positioned apart from the sample and configured to receive a first portion of scattered light from the sample and to redirect the first portion of the scattered light back to one or more discrete spots on the sample in a non-random manner to produce redirected scattered light from the sample. The spectrometer may then be configured to receive coupled light from the sample including at least a portion of the redirected scattered light.

Abstract: Disclosed are hollow fibers suitable for use in dialysis in an outside-in configuration. For such fibers, it is desirable that the fiber have a low albumin sieving coefficient and have a permeability high enough to be considered a High Flux dialyzer, and it is desirable that the outer (blood-facing) surface have a sufficiently small roughness and be hydrophilic. It is desirable that there be a selective layer on the outer surface and, interiorly of that, a porous structurally supportive region, which may contain elongated macrovoids. Such a fiber may be spun through a triple-concentric spinneret that produces a bore liquid surrounded by dope surrounded by a shower. The shower and the coagulation bath may be pure water, which is a non-solvent. The process may be performed at room temperature. Spinning parameters are discussed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the treatment or prevention of a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection using an anionic cellulose- or acrylic-based polymer, a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said anionic cellulose based polymer or acrylic based polymer or prodrug of either. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an anionic cellulose or acrylic based polymer, a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said anionic cellulose-based polymer or prodrug. The present invention further provides combination therapies for the treatment or prevention of a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection using an anionic cellulose or acrylic-based polymer, a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said anionic cellulose based or acrylic based polymer or prodrug of either and one or more anti-infective agents.

Abstract: Removal of water-insoluble organic residues from inorganic surfaces can be accomplished in aqueous cleaning solutions containing an oxidant at a preselected temperature wherein the pH is adjusted with respect to the isoelectric point of the surface material to be removed so that the pH is above the pKa and the isoelectric point of the surface for acid materials, and below the pKa and the isoelectric point of the surface for basic materials. Surfactants can also be added to the cleaning solution.

Abstract: Compositions, formulations, and methods for the treatment or prevention, or decreasing the frequency of transmission of a virus (such as human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), Herpes Simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), or Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV2), or other virus), or a bacterial infection (such as Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseris gonorrhoeae Haemopholus ducreyl, or Chlamydia trachomatis, or other bacterial species), or a fungal infection, using an anionic cellulose- or acrylic-based oligomer, polymer, or copolymer. The present invention also includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of said oligomer, polymer, or copolymer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent, thereof.

Abstract: Hollow porous fibers containing adhered contaminants are cleaned to remove the contaminants by backflushing a liquid to fill the pores, and adding a flow of gas so as to form a two-phase mixture of gas and bubbles of liquid that can scrub the fibers, loosening the contaminants and allowing them to be flushed from the hollow fibers. The method is particularly useful for cleaning hemodialyzers used for dialysis and hollow fiber modules used in water treatment and separations. The two phase flow method is specifically effective in cleaning piping systems having high length to diameter (l/d) ratios.

Abstract: A method of cleaning surfaces using a mixed phase cleaning mixture of an aqueous solution and a flow of gas sufficient to produce droplets of the liquid which are entrained by the gas for a time sufficient to clean tubing of various lengths and geometries and porous membranes to remove biofilm, debris and contaminants.

Abstract: Biofilm and debris can be removed from the interior and exterior surfaces of small bore tubing by passing an aqueous cleaning solution of water, one or more surfactants and preferably a source of hydrogen peroxide, optionally including small inert solid particles, together with a gas under pressure, to create a turbulent flow within the tubing that loosens the biofilm and debris so that they can be flushed from the tubing. When the exterior surfaces of tubing are to be cleaned, the tubing is inserted in a sleeve fitted with an adaptor that provides a pressure-tight seal between the tubing and the sleeve.