Abstract: The present invention refers to the use of thiazolidinediones (preferably rosiglitazone and/or pioglitazone) in the prevention or treatment abnormal bone growth selected from the list comprising: heterotopic ossification, osteophytes and/or syndesmophytes. According to the present invention, thiazolidinediones can be combined with corticoids and/or anti-inflammatory drugs (preferably non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Abstract: Multiple zones of a subterranean formation penetrated by a multi-zoned completed well may be fractured by pumping into one or more zones an acidizing solution at or above the fracturing pressure of the subterranean formation. After fractures are created or enhanced in the formation, a displacement fluid is pumped into the formation to farther advance the acidizing solution into the fractures.

Abstract: Multiple zones of a subterranean formation penetrated by a multi-zoned completed well may be fractured by pumping into one or more zones an acidizing solution at or above the fracturing pressure of the subterranean formation. After fractures are created or enhanced in the formation, a displacement fluid is pumped into the formation to farther advance the acidizing solution into the fractures.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to modify the conventional proton exchange fuel cell by applying a non-conductive proton exchange material (5), a separate semiconductor (8), cylindrical-conical fuel cell elements (1,3), and internally stacking the fuel cell elements by a simple method. These modifications in the operating principle and construction configuration of the proton exchange fuel cell are designed to result in a major increase in the power density output necessary for transport vehicle and stationary power generation applications.

Abstract: A unipolar liquid activation apparatus with an anode cell (40), a cathode cell (41), and a direct current power supply (43), the anode cell having an anode (46), a liquid inlet (50) and an anolyte outlet (51), the cathode cell having a cathode (47), a liquid inlet (52) and a catholyte outlet (53), means to electrically connect the anode and cathode respectively to the direct current power supply. The cells can also include connected solution electrodes (44, 49). Alternatively the anode and cathode can be compound electrodes (81, 83) with means to electrically connect the inner anode electrode and the inner cathode electrode. The anode cell and cathode cell may be adjacent to each other and electrically connected by an electronic membrane (104) in contact respectively with the anode and cathode and allowing flow of electrons only from the cathode to the anode.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus and system for extracting and recovering metals from their compounds using electrochemical cells where the anolyte 10 is connected electrically to the catholyte 11 through an independent set of electrodes 13, 14 immersed in each electrolyte and connected to each other by a conductor 16. The specification details the application of this principle to commercial size cells and systems to extract metals from solutions, from ores in-situ, from ores in heaps and fixed beds, from fine metal concentrates dissolved either at the anode cell or in a separate leaching vessel. Alkaline electrolytes are also given for the extraction and recovery of nickel and copper from their oxide ores. A method for extracting gold from ores or residues is also included.

Abstract: An electrochemical system for the recovery of metals from metal ores in which reactions are carried out in separate anode and cathode tanks with the liquid product from the anode tank being separated and purified before being returned to the cathode tank for metal deposition. The separation includes thickening such as liquid solid separation with the liquid proceeding to the cathode tank. A reaction stage may be included before the thickening stage. Purification may include removal of impurities, adjustment of chemical and physical conditions and the addition of cathode reaction enhancers.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of nickel, cobalt and manganese from slurries of their ores such as laterite, saprolite or manganese nodules in an aqueous acid solution while irradiating the solution with electromagnetic energy such as microwave energy. The acid may be hydrochloric acid, sulphurous acid and/or sulphuric acid and the acid solution may be blended with high concentrations of halite and magnesium ions to further control the dissolution of magnesia from the ore. A reactor including electromagnetic wave generators is also included.