Abstract: An electrolytic reduction cell for production of a metal includes an outer steel shell, a layer of insulating material adjacent the outer steel shell and a carbonaceous layer overlaying the insulating material and protecting the insulating material from an electrolytic bath to be contained in the cell. The carbonaceous layer includes at least one carbonaceous cathode block having an upper surface and a lower surface, with a plurality of electrical contact plugs being mounted in electrical contact with the lower surface of the cathode block. A collector plate is in electrical contact with the electrical contact plugs. The electrical contact plugs are distributed over the lower surface of the cathode block such that in operation of the cell, a substantially isopotential surface is achieved at the top surface of the cathode block.

Abstract: A class of polycationic polymers comprising products obtained by the copolymerization of a diprimary amine and a suitable comonomer, wherein the diprimary amine contains at least two primary amines and at least two secondary amines, and their use for nucleic acid transfection, and the delivery of suitable anionically charged bioactive molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for preparing carbon-containing materials resistant to alkali metal disruption, and compositions suitable for the preparation of carbon-containing materials resistant to alkali metal disruption. A composition in accordance with the invention comprises a mixture of (a) a binder phase having a viscosity of less than 10 Pascal seconds and a char yield in excess of 20% upon heating to a temperature of 800.degree.-1200.degree. C., and comprising at least one polymerizable resin and (b) particles of a solid material which is thermally stable at a temperature of 800.degree.-1200.degree. C., the particles having a granulometry wherein void spaces between the particles have a size of less than 20 .mu.m in diameter and the particles are coated with a layer of binder phase having a thickness of less than 2 .mu.m. When the composition is carbonized by heating to a temperature of 800.degree.-1200.degree. C., the composition forms a carbon-containing material resistant to alkali metal disruption.

Abstract: An electrolytic reduction cell for the production of metal is provided, in which liquid metal is deposited at or adjacent an upper surface of a cathode. The electrolytic reduction cell includes an anode structure and a cathode located beneath the anode structure, wherein an upper portion of the cathode comprises an aggregate of particles sized and shaped such that in operation of the cell liquid metal is present in at least an upper part of the aggregate and a slurry of liquid metal and particles is established, the slurry comprising a substantially uniform dispersion of the particles in a continuous liquid phase of the liquid metal, the slurry having a viscosity sufficiently high such that under operating conditions of the cell the slurry is relatively immobile. Methods for the production of a metal by electrolysis in the electrolytic cell are also provided.

Abstract: A warm-up and weight training device for use on a sports racquet comprised of a housing which fits around the lower end of the head of the racquet, elongated members within the housing which are resiliently biased against the frame of the sports racquet thereby securing the device to the racquet, at least one supplemental weight and weight retaining clips for securing the weight(s) within the housing unit.