Abstract: The present invention is a method for electromanipulation of chemical species in vivo relative to a target tissue utilizing a nonconductive, conformable array base adapted to be placed coincident to the target tissue, a plurality of electrode elements projecting from the array base towards the target tissue, the electrode elements addressable individually, an electrical source coupled to the plurality of electrodes, a control means interposed between the electrical source and the plurality of electrode elements and in circuit communication therein, the control means adapted to establish an electrical potential between at least two electrodes, and a delivery means adapted to introduce chemical species to the target tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and equipment for fluid catalytic cracking for the production of middle distillates of low aromaticity that comprises cracking a mixed feed consisting of heavy fractions of hydrocarbons, in the absence of added hydrogen and employing a catalyst of low activity and low acidity, in a dense-bed FCC reactor to produce an effluent constituted of fractions of middle distillates and naphtha of low aromaticity.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel. The bubble valve includes a fluid meniscus interfacing the microchannel interior and an actuator for deflecting the membrane into the microchannel interior to regulate fluid flow. The actuator generates a gas bubble in a liquid in the microchannel when a sufficient pressure is generated on the membrane.

Abstract: A process is described for catalytic cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks from petroleum refining which increases substantially the yields of light olefins. The process limits the extreme conditions to a first reaction section and introduces a stream of cooling fluid above the feedstock injection point so as to maintain a second reaction section under cracking conditions which produce light olefins propene and ethene, and inhibits reactions undesirable for the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method whereby aspirin and acetic acid help to permeabilize cell membranes to allow exogenous molecules to gain access to the cell interior. As such, the present invention provides a low cost drug and gene delivery tool that can be applied in combination with other molecular delivery methods.

Abstract: A method for facilitating a delivery of a molecule into an interior space of a cell includes the steps of introducing a molecule into a target tissue comprising a cell and applying a substantially continuous low-level electric field to the target tissue. The field is applied for a duration sufficient to effect a change in porosity the cell of the target tissue sufficient to facilitate an entry of a desired molecule into an interior of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the prevention of, delay of progression to or the treatment of diseases modulated by an increase in tissue bradykinin levels by administering to a warm-blooded animal a therapeutically effective amount of a renin inhibitor, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, alone or in combination with (i)) an ACE inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (II) an angiotensin II receptor blocker, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of either.

Abstract: An improved SERRS substrate for use in an improved analyte detector is provided by depositing a Raman enhancing surface on, or within, a porous 3D support matrix made of a solid support material. The support material is arranged to have a Raman dye distributed within the volume and the response to illumination of the dye is enhanced as a result of the dye being distributed within the volume and proximate to the Raman enhancing surface, which is also distributed within the volume.

Abstract: A device for manipulating a molecule in vivo relative to a target tissue includes at least one elongated member having at least two discrete and separately activatable electrodes separated by an insulating material interposed therebetween. The electrodes are configures to establish at least one of a first electromagnetic field between selected electrodes sufficient to manipulate a molecule relative to a target tissue and a second, typically higher-level, electromagnetic field sufficient to cause transient permeability of a cell membrane within the target tissue. A third electromagnetic field may also be applied to cause further translation of the molecule into an electropermeabilized cell and/or manipulated with respect to the tissue. Thus three-dimensional manipulation of the molecule relative to the target tissue may be effected to optimize a desired positioning thereof, such as entry into a cell.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for electromanipulation of chemical species in vivo relative to a target tissue including a nonconductive, conformable array base adapted to be placed coincident to the target tissue, a plurality of electrode elements projecting from the array base towards the target tissue, the electrode elements addressable individually, an electrical source coupled to the plurality of electrodes, a control means interposed between the electrical source and the plurality of electrode elements and in circuit communication therein, the control means adapted to establish an electrical potential between at least two electrodes, and a delivery means adapted to introduce chemical species to the target tissue.

Abstract: A method for facilitating a delivery of a molecule into an interior space of a cell includes the steps of introducing a molecule into a target tissue comprising a cell and applying a substantially continuous low-level electric field to the target tissue. The field is applied for a duration sufficient to effect a change in porosity the cell of the target tissue sufficient to facilitate an entry of a desired molecule into an interior of the cell.

Abstract: The electroporation system and method combine pulses having different characteristics for delivering molecules to cells in vivo. The pulses include a high-intensity pulse for inducing electroporation and a low-intensity pulse to induce electrophoretic molecule movement within an interstitial space, molecule adherence to a cell membrane, and electrophoretic movement of the molecule through the permeabilized membrane. The use of a high-intensity and a low-intensity pulse achieves improved delivery; reduction of intensity and/or duration of pulses for inducing electroporation; and decreased muscle stimulation, tissue damage, and patient discomfort.

Abstract: A process and device to optimize the yield of fluid catalytic cracking products through a reactive stripping process are disclosed. One or more hydrocarbon streams (3) are introduced in an intermediary region of the stripper (1) of a fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCC), from a device that allows a homogeneous distribution with adequate dispersion. This/these stream(s) react(s) with the catalyst of FCC, although its activity is reduced due to the adsorption of hydrocarbons in the reaction zone, generating products that improve and/or change the global distribution of products, providing a refinery profile adequate to meet quality demands and requirements.

Abstract: A method for determining a misfire condition includes receiving crankshaft acceleration data. The method further includes routing the received data through at least one of a plurality of processing paths and through a startup path and determining a crankshaft revolution count. The method further includes comparing the determined crankshaft accelerations over the determined revolution count to at least one threshold crankshaft acceleration value over the determined revolution count and determining a misfire condition from one of the startup path and the processing path based on the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and equipment for fluid catalytic cracking for the production of middle distillates of low aromaticity that comprises cracking a mixed feed consisting of heavy fractions of hydrocarbons, in the absence of added hydrogen and employing a catalyst of low activity and low acidity, in a dense-bed FCC reactor to produce an effluent constituted of fractions of middle distillates and naphtha of low aromaticity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of directing, focusing, or concentrating electrical charges within a defined electric field so that these charges can be used to exert forces on cells and tissues in vivo and/or cell cultures in vitro. The present invention reduces and/or eliminates the damage at a target site that would normally be caused by an electrode that acts as a current source or sink to accomplish the same task.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence, absence or quantity of a dye in a sample in a reaction region is provided, comprising the steps of providing a dye comprising a ligand ion complex, the ligand having a lowest unoccupied electron level and the ion having an excited electron level, the lowest unoccupied electron level of the ligand having an energy level such that an electron in the excited electron level of the ion may transfer non radiatively to the lowest unoccupied electron level of the ligand, the complex having a ground state electron level; illuminating the dye with a specified wavelength of radiation to detect the presence, absence or quantity of dye; detecting radiation from the illuminated dye; wherein the electron levels of the complex and the wavelength of the radiation are arranged such that electrons in the ground state are promoted to an excited state by photon absorption and it is energetically favourable for electrons to transfer to the lowest unoccupied electron level of the ligand from the

Abstract: A class of compounds specifically designed to act as resonance Raman spectroscopy labels, particularly surface-enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy (SERRS) labels, for analytes such as proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and related molecules is described. A resonance Raman spectroscopy label of the invention comprises a metallocene covalently attached to: a reactive group for covalent attachment of the label to an analyte; a SERRS surface binding group; and a halogen, wherein attachment of the halogen to the metallocene is such that the halogen causes a characteristic Raman peak to be produced when the label is subjected to resonance Raman spectroscopy. In a preferred aspect the label also has redox properties suitable for a second use as a label for electrochemical sensing.

Abstract: A hair styling device for forming spiral curls is provided. The device includes a relatively rigid, elongated hollow cylinder having a plurality of apertures through its outer wall. A segment of hair is wrapped around the cylinder, inclined at an angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. The segment of hair can be secured to the cylinder using one or more clips. The segment of hair can also be secured to the cylinder using an elastic band that can be attached to both ends of the cylinder. A method for forming spiral curls using the device is also provided.

Abstract: A method for determining a misfire condition includes receiving crankshaft acceleration data. The method further includes routing the received data through at least one of a plurality of processing paths and through a startup path and determining a crankshaft revolution count. The method further includes comparing the determined crankshaft accelerations over the determined revolution count to at least one threshold crankshaft acceleration value over the determined revolution count and determining a misfire condition from one of the startup path and the processing path based on the comparison.