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: Methods of electrochemically monitoring enzyme-substrate reactions are described. The substrate is tagged with a redox-active group. Modification of the substrate by an enzyme can then be monitored electrochemically by means of the redox-active group. Such methods can be used in particular to monitor non-redox enzyme reactions, such as kinase, phosphatase, or protease reactions, although redox enzyme en reactions can also be monitored by such methods. Screening assays to identify modulators of enzyme activity or new enzyme substrates are also described.

Abstract: Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitor apparatuses, system and related methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a method for varying the capacitance of two conductive plates is provided. The method can include providing a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitor. The variable capacitor can include first and second actuation electrodes wherein one of the actuation electrodes is movable with respect to the other actuation electrode when a voltage is applied across the first and second actuation electrodes. Further, the variable capacitor can include first and second capacitive electrodes. The method can include applying a voltage to the first and second actuation electrodes for movement of at least one of the capacitive electrodes in a substantially straight direction with respect to the other capacitive electrode upon application of voltage across the first and second actuation electrodes to change the capacitance between the first and second capacitive electrodes.

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 valve for controlling fluid flow in a microfluidic device is provided. The valve comprises a chamber (26) formed on a substrate (24), a heating coil (42), and a valve material (30) contained in the chamber (26). When the valve is to be closed, the heating coil is activated causing the valve material to expand out of the chamber, through a neck portion (28), and into the main channel (22), blocking it. Preferably, the valve material is paraffin wax, and is caused to melt by the heating coil (42). On melting the melted paraffin wax flows into the main channel whereupon it cools and solidifies. A restriction (34), with collar (36) provides a cool surface on which the solidifying wax accumulates.

Abstract: A method for improving the quality of healthcare, efficiency, and patient satisfaction procedures is provided. The method includes conducting at least a first survey of patients regarding care provided before, during, and after a procedure, wherein the survey focuses on benchmarks identified as being relevant to quality of care. The method further includes entering the results of the first survey into a database configured to store the results, reviewing the results of the first survey to determine the quality of care provided during the procedure, identifying incidences of poor quality of care, and comparing the results of the first survey with results of surveys taken from other patients to recognize patterns of poor quality of care. The method further includes addressing the incidences of poor quality of care by developing methods to address the recognized incidences of poor quality of care.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence or absence of an analyte in a sample uses an analyte carrier with a calibration dye held in a region near a metal surface. A reporter dye is held away from a region near the metal surface and is displaceably attached to a selective agent. The selective agent is capable of binding to an analyte so that when the analyte binds to the selective agent the reporter dye detaches and moves to a region near a metal surface. The difference in response to illumination from the reporter dye and calibration dye can be used to detect the presence, amount or absence of an analyte sample.

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 is provided of restricted substance management and recycling in a manufacturing environment. The method includes the steps of inputting restricted substances and recycle content data of parts supplied by an inputter of information and receiving the inputted data by a receiver of information via a computer system. The method also includes the steps of reviewing the inputted data and determining parts with banned or recycled content or substances over predetermined thresholds. The method further includes the steps of reporting the determined parts to the inputter of the information and the receiver of the information.

Abstract: A FCC process for the maximization of medium distillates from feedstocks of different sources, by the contact of the feedstock which circulates in a riser reactor together with a fine particulate catalyst from a regenerator (6), under FCC conditions of maximum LCO, at temperatures between about 480° C. and about 520° C.

Abstract: Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) proteins have a fundamental role cell signaling, and are activated by a large number of cytokines and growth factors. One member of the STAT family, STAT3, has a critical role in oncogenesis. The present invention relates generally to disruption of the pathway of STAT3 signaling in the treatment of human cancer. STAT3 activation is shown to be present in diverse tumor cell lines and tumors, to promote oncogenesis, to inhibit apoptosis, and to reduce sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. Inhibition of STAT3 signaling induces apoptosis specifically in tumor cell lines, and increases sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. The invention relates more particularly to methods, compositions, means of administering such compositions, and means for identifying such compositions for the inhibition of STAT3 intracellular signaling in the treatment of human cancers.

Abstract: Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitor apparatuses, system and related methods are provided.

Abstract: A detector assembly for detecting the presence of analyte molecules, in particular, proteins, uses both Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) in synergy. The excitation laser used for SERS provides scattering from a reporter dye to which an analyte molecule is attached in the vicinity of a conducting surface. Simultaneously, a second laser is provided at the critical angle to the conducting surface. The second laser causes a field to be created in the region of the analyte which enhances the Raman scattering effect.

Abstract: Use of an electrochemical mediator to transfer electrons from an electrode to molecules of a mammalian oxidative drug metabolizing enzyme (DME) in solution is described, in particular to carry out assays to determine metabolism of a candidate drug by the DME. Transfer of electrons by the mediator is carried out in the absence of a reductase enzyme for the DME molecules. The mediator is in solution with the DME molecules and/or immobilized to the electrode. Where the mediator is immobilized to the electrode, this may form a protective layer on the electrode thereby reducing or preventing denaturation of the DME molecules by direct contact with the electrode. Electrodes and electrochemical reaction chambers for use in the assays are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of eliciting an antitumor effect in vivo comprising the steps of identifying a species representative of a treatment subject, identifying at least one non-coding nucleic acid sequence, introducing the at least one nucleic acid to at least one tumor in the treatment subject and applying an energy source to the at least one tumor. The energy source may comprise, but is not limited to, electrical, sonic, photonic, and microwave output.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method that will accomplish molecular delivery and subsequent electroporation with a single apparatus without the need for separate molecule injection and placement of the electroporation applicators.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfluidic valve comprising a first body for containing fluid having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a plurality of electrodes, and arranged to contain, in use, a second body held within fluid contained in the first body, the second body being moveable toward or away from one of the fluid inlet or fluid outlet, the movement of the second body caused by the electric field generated by the electrodes, such that fluid flow into or out of the first body is controlled. The fluid flow is controlled using one of the dielectrophoretic, electrophoretic or electro-osmotic effects. The invention also provides a method of controlling fluid flow, and a microfluidic switch, and microfluidic chip and a diagnostic device, wherein fluid flow is controlled in each.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting adverse conditions during the analysis of chemical and biological processes are disclosed. In one embodiment, the reaction conditions in a microelectrochemical reaction chamber are monitored. The reaction chamber comprises electrodes arranged to pass an electric current through reaction mixture located within the reaction chamber, thereby inducing an electrochemical reaction. A detection circuit is provided to detect and measure the electric current flowing between the electrodes. The detection circuit is arranged to generate a signal indicating whether the measured current lies inside or outside a predetermined range of values. If the measured current lies outside the expected range of values, then the reaction conditions are adverse. A single pair of electrodes may perform a dual function of both inducing the electrochemical reaction and allowing the current flowing through the mixture to be measured.

Abstract: An electromagnetic micropump for pumping small volumes of liquids and gases comprises a magnetic actuator assembly, a flexible membrane and a housing defining a chamber and a plurality of valves. The magnetic actuator assembly comprises a coil and a permanent magnet for deflecting the membrane to effect pumping of the fluid. A plurality of micropumps may be stacked together to increase pumping capacity.

Abstract: Electrodes for use in electrochemical assays to determine whether a candidate drug is metabolised by an oxidative drug-metabolising enzyme (DME) are described. In a first type of electrode the DME is immobilised at the surface of the electrode. In a second type of electrode, a surface of the electrode is modified by the covalent or non covalent addition of chemical groups to allow efficient transfer of electrons from the electrode to the DME in solution. Use of the electrodes in electrochemical assays are described, as well as electrochemical reaction chambers comprising the electrodes.