Abstract: An alloyed semiconductor quantum dot comprising an alloy of at least two semiconductors, wherein the quantum dot has a homogeneous composition and is characterized by a band gap energy that is non-linearly related to the molar ratio of the at least two semiconductors; a series of alloyed semiconductor quantum dots related thereto; a concentration-gradient quantum dot comprising an alloy of a first semiconductor and a second semiconductor, wherein the concentration of the first semiconductor gradually increases from the core of the quantum dot to the surface of the quantum dot and the concentration of the second semiconductor gradually decreases from the core of the quantum dot to the surface of the quantum dot; a series of concentration-gradient quantum dots related thereto; in vitro and in vivo methods of use; and methods of producing the alloyed semiconductor and concentration-gradient quantum dots and the series of quantum dots related thereto.

Abstract: An alloyed semiconductor quantum dot comprising an alloy of at least two semiconductors, wherein the quantum dot has a homogeneous composition and is characterized by a band gap energy that is non-linearly related to the molar ratio of the at least two semiconductors; a series of alloyed semiconductor quantum dots related thereto; a concentration-gradient quantum dot comprising an alloy of a first semiconductor and a second semiconductor, wherein the concentration of the first semiconductor gradually increases from the core of the quantum dot to the surface of the quantum dot and the concentration of the second semiconductor gradually decreases from the core of the quantum dot to the surface of the quantum dot; a series of concentration-gradient quantum dots related thereto; in vitro and in vivo methods of use; and methods of producing the alloyed semiconductor and concentration-gradient quantum dots and the series of quantum dots related thereto.

Abstract: An alloyed semiconductor quantum dot comprising an alloy of at least two semiconductors, wherein the quantum dot has a homogeneous composition and is characterized by a band gap energy that is non-linearly related to the molar ratio of the at least two semiconductors; a series of alloyed semiconductor quantum dots related thereto; a concentration-gradient quantum dot comprising an alloy of a first semiconductor and a second semiconductor, wherein the concentration of the first semiconductor gradually increases from the core of the quantum dot to the surface of the quantum dot and the concentration of the second semiconductor gradually decreases from the core of the quantum dot to the surface of the quantum dot; a series of concentration-gradient quantum dots related thereto; in vitro and in vivo methods of use; and methods of producing the alloyed semiconductor and concentration-gradient quantum dots and the series of quantum dots related thereto.

Abstract: An elbow for conveying particulate material comprising a plurality of tubular shaped sections jointed at a junction to form a flow passage having a bend for changing the direction of material being transported wherein the sections consist essentially of silicon carbide which joined at the junction by sintering to form a unitary elbow.

Abstract: A portable, self-sustaining refrigeration system for storing and transporting temperature sensitive materials comprising an insulated housing constructed of double wall plastic panels having an R value per inch of at least 20, and a thermal storage phase change material in the form of a reversible gel for operation at about 0.degree. to 10.degree. C. wherein the reversible gel is enclosed in a sealed liquid-impervious enclosure, is disclosed.

Abstract: An insulating vacuum panel comprising an insulating support member enclosed within a sealed, flexible polymeric envelope, the envelope comprising a polymeric barrier film which minimizes permeation of gas and liquid through the barrier film, the panel having an R value per inch of at least about 20 wherein the enclosed insulated vacuum panel is useful as insulation to maintain an essentially constant temperature in a closed structure, and a system for storing and transporting temperature-sensitive materials wherein the insulated vacuum panels are employed to provide and maintain a constant temperature in the system are described.