Abstract: An absolute humidity sensor for a microwave oven is disclosed. The absolute humidity sensor includes a silicon substrate, a humidity sensing element formed on a substrate, for detecting humidity exposed to the air, having a variable resistance value depending on the amount of the humidity, a temperature compensating element formed on the semiconductor, for compensating for the resistance value of the humidity sensing element, and a passivation film covered on the temperature compensating element, for shielding the humidity exposed to the air so as not to vary the resistance value of the temperature compensating element. The humidity sensing element and the temperature compensating element include an insulating film formed on the substrate, a humidity sensing film formed on the insulating film, for absorbing the humidity, and an electrode formed below the humidity sensing film or over/below the humidity sensing film.

Abstract: A swab assembly (10) comprises an external housing (11) formed from two interengageable housing parts (12, 13). A hollow tubular member (14) having swab material (16) at one end is attached to one housing part (12) at the other end. The Interior of the tubular member (14) is closed off with a seal member and contains a suitable reagent (18) which is held in spaced disposition from the swab material by capillary action. When the assembly is to be used, the two housing parts (12, 13) are separated revealing the inner tubular member (14) and the swab material (16) can be utilised to collect a sample. If it is desired to dispense reagent (18) onto the swab material (16) prior to or after collection of the sample, the tubular member (14) can be deformed in the region of a seal (17) to separate the tubular member from the housing part (12) thereby allowing the reagent (18) to flow onto the material (16).

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a pipettor reservoir for particulate-containing liquid, including: a body portion; a shallow reservoir portion defined in an upper surface of the body portion; fluid-flow channels defined in the body portion to deliver the particulate-containing liquid from an inlet port to a plurality of openings defined in a bottom of the reservoir portion, the plurality of openings being arranged such as to agitate the particulate-containing liquid to keep particulate matter in suspension therein.

Abstract: A silicon nitride cuvette window for a microsampling device and method of construction are provided. The sample to be analyzed is drawn into the cuvette of the microsampling device. The silicon nitride window permits optical measurements to be made on analytes contained within the cuvette.

Abstract: A microdispensing apparatus comprising a jetting tube comprising an orifice at one end and an aperture at the other end, a transducer coupled with the jetting tube and adapted to apply a pressure pulse to the jetting tube in response to an electrical signal applied to the transducer such that liquid in the jetting tube is caused to pass therethrough, and means for collecting, capturing or retaining one or more compounds from liquid passing the jetting tube; a system for sampling, collecting and dispensing compounds in small volumes of liquid including the microdispensing apparatus; and methods of sampling, collecting and arraying small quantities of compounds in a liquid sample on a target.

Abstract: An air filter system is disclosed which utilizes a house plant growing in a standard plant growing device (pot) and a subsurface air withdrawal member positioned below the top surface of the growth media in which the plant is growing. The subsurface member has intake and outlet apertures where the outlet aperture is in fluid communication with a fan unit. The fan unit pulls air from the environment into and through the plant growing medium, into and through the subsurface member and into and out of the fan unit. As the air is pulled through the growth media the plant and associated micro-organisms remove airborne contaminants such as VOCs, pollens, dust and the like. The unit can also be operated in reverse where air is drawn into the fan unit and exhausted through the plant growth medium. Thus, any pot suitable for growing plants indoors can be converted into an air filter for upgrading the air quality of in open, closed or semi-closed environments.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reduction reactor has a plurality of fluidized bed reactors (10) with inner gas distributors (19). A charge duct (12) passes through the top of the fluidized bed reactor (10) with a free end to charge a fine iron ore into said reactor (10). The free end of the iron ore charging duct (12) is positioned close to the top center of the gas distributor (19). A spiral-shaped partition weir (13) is placed over the gas distributor and surrounds the iron ore charging duct (12) while being spirally extended to an inner wall of the fluidized bed reactor (10) where it is fixed. The fine iron ore is fluidized and reduced while spirally flowing from the center of the fluidized bed reactor (10) to its inner wall. In this structure, the back mixture phenomenon where the reacted fine iron ore is mixed with the non-reacted fine iron ore does not occur.

Abstract: There are disclosed a production apparatus for producing a gallium nitride film semiconductor by HVPE process, a cleaning apparatus for cleaning exhaust gas coming from the above apparatus and an overall production plant for producing a gallium nitride film semiconductor by HVPE process. Therein exhaust piping for exhaust gas in the production apparatus, introduction piping for the cleaning apparatus and exhaust gas piping which connects the production apparatus and the cleaning apparatus are each composed of an electroconductive corrosion-resistant material and are each electrically grounded, thereby surely preventing electrostatic charging due to friction between ammonium chloride powders in the exhaust gas and inside walls of exhaust gas piping, and markedly enhancing operational safety.

Abstract: A gas scrubber comprises a gas inlet pipe that provides the scrubber with gases to be processed; means for initiating reactions of decomposition that is directed to initialize the decomposition of gases; an oxygen and natural gas inlet pipes to provide the necessary gases for combustion; a chamber of decomposition into which the gases to be processed are decomposed under thermal process carried out by combustion; and means for scrubbing byproducts produced in the chamber of decomposition. The means for initiating the reactions of decomposition is directed to initialize the decomposition of gas through producing radicals thereof. Thereby, the decomposition of gases under combustion in the chamber of decomposition can be accelerated, and less thermal energy is required from the combustion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for regenerating used absorbent derived from a desulphurizing zone or from a gas containing sulphur oxides, comprising regeneration simultaneous with filtering of said absorbent, in reducing atmosphere, and which further consists in partial combustion of a regenerating gas upstream of the regeneration process, and in mixing the products of said partial combustion with the used absorbent before the regeneration-filtering step.

Abstract: An improved electrode device for generating a glow discharge plasma is provided for the purpose of cleaning the specimen and interior specimen chamber of Electron Microscopes, and similar electron beam instruments. The electrode is a cylindrical screen that produces multiple hollow cathodes and allows the flow of molecules, radicals, and ions by convection through it. The electrode is used in a glow-discharge, oxygen-radical generator placed on a specimen chamber port with an excitation source to create a low-power glow-discharge plasma inside the generator. Air or other oxygen and nitrogen mixture is admitted to the generator at a pressure between 0.3 Torr and 5 Torr. The low power glow discharge is used to disassociate oxygen preferentially over nitrogen to create the oxygen radicals. The oxygen radicals then disperse by convection throughout the chamber to clean hydrocarbons from the surfaces of the chamber, stage and specimen by oxidation to CO and H2O gases.

Abstract: A structure for generating ozone using a high voltage durable silicone rubber electric conductor as a medium, the structure is advantageous in having long life of use, low cost of production and good working efficiency. The ozone generating structure is comprised of an electric circuit board, a high voltage durable silicone rubber electric conductor and a conducting tube. The conducting tube is formed by winding a stainless steel wire which is hardly to be oxidated; and has a central passage, both ends thereof are fixed on the circuit board to connect with a first connecting line. The electric conductor has a free end extended through the central passage of the conducting tube, and has an electric conducting end welded to the circuit board to connected with a seconded connecting line.

Abstract: A reactor (2) for generating moisture in which the starting material gases are caused to undergo turbulence so as to increase the efficiency of the moisture-generating reaction.

Abstract: A compact, multitube steam reformer converts a fuel into a reformate stream comprising hydrogen. In one embodiment, the reformer comprises a closed vessel and a burner disposed within the vessel. The burner comprises a start fuel manifold for receiving and distributing a start fuel stream, an oxidant manifold for receiving and distributing an oxidant stream, and a burner fuel manifold for receiving and distributing a burner fuel stream. The oxidant manifold comprises a plurality of oxidant distribution tubes, each having an inlet end and an outlet end, disposed in a separator member. The burner fuel manifold comprises a plurality of burner fuel distribution tubes, each having an inlet end and an outlet end. The burner fuel distribution tubes extend through the start fuel manifold and the oxidant manifold and are fluidly isolated therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a fixed-bed shell-and-tube reactor, which can stably produce an aimed product for a long period when a solid particulate material such as a catalyst is packed and used for each substance; and its usage. The fixed-bed shell-and-tube reactor comprises a plurality of reaction tubes that are packed with a solid particulate material and arranged in parallel, wherein the solid particulate material is weighed so as to be uniform volume, and is packed in each reaction tube in a packing time of not shorter than 30 seconds per liter.

Abstract: A metal sterilization container (10) comprises a pan (12) forming the bottom of the container holding a tray (14), with a cover (16) forming the top of the container, and a filter element (20). The filter (20) covers an opening in the cover (16) so that the inside of the container (10), formed when the cover is removably sealed to the pan (12), can communicate with the atmosphere surrouning the sealed container allowing gas plasma to enter and exit the container passing through the filter (20). Items to be sterilized are placed on the tray (14) and the cover (16) is attached and sealed to the pan (12). The sealed container is then placed in a gas plasma environment. The container is preferably made of aluminum with an anodic coating of 0.5 mils (0.0005 inches) or less with the pan (12) and cover (16) electrically insulated from one another via the coating.

Abstract: A carbon foam obtained by heat-treating a mesophase pitch whose softening point is 300° C. or less according to an elevated flow tester, whose ratio (Daromatic/Daliphatic) of the absorption intensity of an aromatic C-H stretching vibration, measured with FT-IR, to the absorption intensity of an aliphatic C-H stretching vibration, measured with FT-IR, is 4.0 or less and whose optically anisotropic content is at least 80%, a graphite foam obtained by heat-treating the carbon foam recited above at a temperature of 2,000° C. or higher and production processes of these.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for producing single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) catalyst supports and compositions thereof. In one embodiment, SWNTs or SWNT structures can be employed as the support material. A transition metal catalyst is added to the SWNT. In a preferred embodiment, the catalyst metal cluster is deposited on the open nanotube end by a docking process that insures optimum location for the subsequent growth reaction. The metal atoms may be subjected to reductive conditions.

Abstract: A carbon fiber for a field electron emitter has a coaxial stacking morphology of truncated conical tubular graphene layers, each of which includes a hexagonal carbon layer and has a large ring end and a small ring end at opposite ends in the axial direction. The edges of the hexagonal carbon layers are exposed on at least part of the large ring ends. Since all the exposed edges function as electron emission tips, a large amount of emission current can be obtained.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to forming arrays of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT). In one embodiment, the present invention involves forming a macroscopic molecular array of tubular carbon molecules, said method comprising the step of assembling subarrays of up to 106 single-wall carbon nanotubes into a composite array.

Abstract: A sodium chlorite (NaClO2) solution is admixed with flowing water to form a flowing water and sodium chlorite (NaClO2) solution. A flowing water and acid solution is admixed into the flowing water and sodium chlorite (NaClO2) solution. The combined solutions are directed into and through a mixing chamber to form a homogenous, acidified sodium chlorite solution. The homogenous, acidified sodium chlorite solution is removed from the mixing chamber and is either utilized as a liquid or is frozen to form ice that is utilized. The acidified sodium chlorite solution provides a slow release of chlorine dioxide gas (ClO2) for use in water treatment, in food plant sanitation, in ice for icing food items, and as an antimicrobial solution for direct application to food items.

Abstract: Stable copper hydroxide is prepared by removing ferrous ion from the beginning cupric solution. The ferrous ion is oxidized to ferric ion, and the ferric ion is precipitated by raising the pH of the solution to 3-4. The utilization of phosphate ion both increases the efficiency of oxidation and simultaneously precipitates ferric ion. A second raising the pH of the purified solution precipitates highly pure copper hydroxide that can be harvested.

Abstract: By using a catalyst formed by carrying a noble metal such as platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, or ruthenium, and an element from the 2B and 3B families such as zinc, gallium, or indium, on a basic metal oxide carrier, such as cerium dioxide or zirconium dioxide, or a catalyst formed by carrying similar noble metal and an alkali metal, such as sodium, potassium, or cesium, or an alkaline earth metal such as magnesium, calcium, or barium on a similar carrier, methanol can be water vapor reformed with a high efficiency while the carbon monoxide concentration in the obtained hydrogen-containing gas can be simultaneously kept at a low level.

Abstract: Molecular sieves comprising (1) phosphorus oxide; (2) a first oxide comprising an oxide of silicon, germanium or mixtures thereof; and (3) a second oxide comprising an oxide of aluminum, boron or mixtures thereof, said molecular sieve having a mole ratio of the first oxide to the second oxide of greater than 1, containing at least about 10 weight percent phosphorus oxide in the crystal framework, and having pores greater than 5 Å in diameter are useful as catalysts in hydrocarbon conversion reactions.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating AVMs in a mammal by use of a radiation composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel prostate cell-surface antigen, designated Prostate Stem Cell Antigen (PSCA), which is widely over-expressed across all stages of prostate cancer, including high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate tumors.

Abstract: A method of targeting a diagnostic or therapeutic agent to a focus of infection comprises injecting a patient infected with a pathogen parenterally with an antibody conjugate which specifically binds to an accessible epitope of the pathogen or of a pathogen-associated antigen accreted at the focus of infection, the antibody conjugate further comprising a bound diagnostic or therapeutic agent for detecting, imaging or treating the infection. Polyspecific composite conjugates enhance the efficacy of the method, which is especially useful for treating infections that are refractory towards systemic chemotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmacological evaluation test (PET) model for evaluating candidate compounds for physiological and pharmacological effects in a single animal. Test systems and pharmacological functions which can be assessed using the present invention include but are not limited to: central nervous system (e.g., behavioral, neurologic and autonomic overt effects using, for example, a modified Irwin profile); cardiovascular and central nervous systems (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, motility using, for example, a telemetric system); pulmonary system (e.g., frequency and tidal volume using, for example, a chamber plethysmograph technique); renal function (e.g.

Abstract: Imaging agents for magnetic resonance imaging are disclosed. Methods of monitoring angiogenesis and the growth and remission of tumor tissue are also disclosed. Methods of monitoring blood clot formation and dissolution are additionally disclosed. Methods of monitoring wound healing are further disclosed. A kit for obtaining an image of a biological structure is further disclosed.

Abstract: Agents containing magnetic particles are suitable for use in enhancing images in diagnostic procedures, e.g., via x-ray, ultrasound or especially NMR. Preferred particles are based on metals, e.g., iron, cobalt or nickel, double metal oxides/hydroxides or complexes thereof.

Abstract: The addition of surfactant additives to facilitate efficient laminar flow through the lumens of certain medical devices, including catheters. The surfactant can be added to an injection medium, or otherwise located within the catheter itself.

Abstract: Pooled human plasma is processed by cold ethanol fractionation to produce purified immunoglobulin G antibodies for intravenous administration. Immunoglobulin A is an unwanted by-product since intravenous administration of immunoglobulin A-containing immunoglobulin G can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis in some people. The present invention is the aerosol administration, by metered dose inhaler or nebulizer, of by-product immunoglobulin A for the prevention or treatment of diseases including immunodeficiencies and infections. Antigen-specific monoclonal immunoglobulin A may be used. Immunoglobulin A from any of the aforementioned sources may then be coupled with recombinant J chain, and may then be additionally coupled with recombinant secretory component in order to render the immunoglobulin A more physiologically active. Immunoglobulin A, with or without J chain and secretory component, is then administered by aerosol inhalation.

Abstract: A method for treating a bone defect is provided by identifying a bone site suitable for receiving an implant; and introducing a strongly resorbable, poorly crystalline apatitic calcium phosphate at the implant site, whereby bone is formed at the implant site. A bone defect may be treated by identifying a bone site suitable for receiving an implant; and introducing a hydrated precursor to a strongly resorbable, poorly crystalline apatitic calcium phosphate at the implant site, whereby the hydrated precursor is converted in vivo to a poorly crystalline apatitic calcium phosphate and whereby bone is formed at the implant site. The implant site may be a variety of sites, such as a tooth socket, non-union bone, bone prosthesis, an osteoporatic bone, an intervertebral space, an alveolar ridge or a bone fracture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of 4-hydroxyisothiazole compounds as antimicrobially active substances, certain new 4-hydroxyisothiazole compounds and a process for their preparation.

Abstract: An oral composition comprising picolinic acid and a peroxyl species or equivalent source thereof, characterised in that the molar ratio of picolinic acid to peroxyl species or equivalent source thereof is from 1:30 to 100:1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic or dermatological composition for the treatment of keratinous materials, particularly hair, comprising in a cosmetically or dermatalogically exceptable medium at least a grafted silicone polymer with a polysiloxanic skeleton grafted by organic non silicone monomers and at least an aqueous dispersions of insoluble particles of non ionic or cationic polymer. The compositions of the invention are used particularly as rinsed products or as non rinsed products particularly for hair washing, hair care, hair conditioning, hair dressing or hair setting.

Abstract: A vehicle, and a fragrance concentrate are described for providing a customized, personal care product to a consumer at a location, typically the point of sale, that is remote from a second location in which a personal care product base composition is prepared. The custom personal care product typically includes a product base, a fragrance concentrate, and one or more performance agent concentrates that may contain benefit agents, botanical extracts, active ingredients for skin and hair, and the like. The inventive vehicle is substituted to the extent that an insufficient amount of performance agents are selected by the consumer to obtain optimum, final product, component concentrations.

Abstract: Methods and kits for removing, treating or preventing head lice infestations in patients in need of such treatment are disclosed and include topically applying to the lice-infested area an effective amount of a driable pediculostatic agent for a time sufficient to immobilize the lice, drying the agent onto the application site and removing the dried agent, thereby removing the lice and nits.

Abstract: A deodorizing composition comprising as an antimicrobial agent an effective amount of an extract of Lawsonia inermis, or of an antimicrobially active fraction thereof

Abstract: The invention involves the recognition of IL-9 as a molecule involved in induction of IL-10. Administration of IL-9 leads to protection against conditions where IL-10 production is warranted, such as infections by Gram negative bacteria. Examples of such conditions are septic shock and endotoxemia. Also a part of the invention are methods of treatment where IL-9 and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor are administered to a subject. Compositions, such as kits which include these two components are a part of the invention, as is treatment of conditions involving excess IL-10 production by administering an IL-9 inhibitor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for determining whether a patient's immune system can be modified through stimulation of thymus function. In a preferred embodiment, sex steroids are ablated in the patient, and the resulting production of thymic factors is monitored. In particular, the level of these factors in the patient's blood stream is observed. In another embodiment, the level of new T cells is monitored. An early response, such as within hours or days of the ablation, indicates that the patient's thymus is disposed to regeneration through sex steroid ablation.

Abstract: Porcine spinal cord cells and methods for using the cells to treat spinal cord damage due to neurodegeneration resulting from spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative disorders are described. The porcine spinal cord cells are preferably embryonic spinal cord cells obtained from select gestational days. The porcine spinal cord cells can be modified to be suitable for transplantation into a xenogeneic subject, such as a human. For example, the porcine spinal cord cells can be modified such that an antigen (e.g., an MHC class I antigen) on the cell surface which is capable of stimulating an immune response against the cell in a xenogeneic subject is altered (e.g., by contact with an anti-MHC class I antibody, or a fragment or derivative thereof) to inhibit rejection of the cell when introduced into the subject.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and compositions for controlling food borne enteric bacterial pathogens in poultry populations. The incidence of the colonization of poultry by enteropathogenic bacteria, and/or the populations of enteropathogenic bacteria within colonized poultry, may by substantially reduced by providing particles of an expanded matrix material to the locus or vicinity of the animals, particularly during the period of feed removal prior to slaughter. The method and compositions are particularly useful for the control of Salmonella species, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter species.

Abstract: Enhancers which preferentially increase the transcription of cis-linked coding sequences in prostate cells are provided. Methods of using DNA constructs comprising the enhancers to control transcription of heterologous polynucleotides are also provided. Delivery vehicles comprising the enhancers and methods of using the vehicles are also provided. Adenovirus vectors in which one or more genes are under transcriptional control of the enhancers of the invention are also provided. Further provided are methods of using the adenovirus vectors of the invention to confer selective cytotoxicity in mammalian cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for efficient and reliable construction of adenovirus vectors which contain and express foreign DNA and are useful for gene transfer into mammalian cells, for vaccines and for gene therapy. The invention provides for the growth and purification of adenovirus vectors (helper dependent vectors or HDVs) from which all or most of the viral genes have been removed. The vector system described herein is a new method designed to eliminate helper viruses from the final HDV preparation by cleavage of the helper virus DNA with an endonuclease, alone or in combination with other methods known to limit the level of helper virus contamination of helper dependent vector preparations. The disclosed methods and compositions also provide for regulated control of gene expression.

Abstract: Methods for deriving adult pluripotent stem cells from fully differentiated adult somatic cells by in vitro nuclear remodeling are provided. Cells cultured from a variety of tissue sources are treated in vitro to reverse the tissue specific epigenetic chromosomal changes associated with differentiation. Remodeled cells resemble embryonic stem cells by expressing telomerase and demonstrating pluripotency. The cells can be genetically modified to produce heterologous proteins or to correct for genetic defects. Methods for treating a human by implanting in vitro-derived adult pluripotent stem cells (“NucREM™ cells”) and generating engineered tissues for implantation are also disclosed. Advantages to this invention include the non-use of embryos to obtain an unlimited supply of stem cells for therapy and the ability to generate autologous cells and tissues for therapeutic use.

Abstract: Primary receptors and co-receptors for adeno-associated virus (AAV) attachment to and infection of target cells are described. Such receptors can be used to facilitate AAV attachment to and infection of cells, e.g., for gene therapy. Methods for purification and/or concentration of AAV are also described. Methods of facilitating or enhancing AAV infection of a cell are also provided. Also described are methods of inhibiting or preventing infection of AAV into a cell. Cell samples may be screened for permissiveness for AAV attachment and infection by detecting the presence or abundance of cellular receptors that mediate attachment and/or infection of AAV into the cell. Formulations and kits for mediating AAV attachment to, and infection of, cells are also provided herein.

Abstract: A composition for treatment of a human body comprises a combination of at least one hormone, at least one amino acid, at least one enzyme and/or vitamin, and least one mineral. The relative proportions of the hormone, amino acid, enzyme and mineral in the combination are balanced with respect to each other so as to be present in effective amounts to substantially restore to optimal levels in the body the hormone, amino acid, enzyme and mineral The hormone, amino acid, enzyme and mineral in the combination further operate synergistically to provide both nutrients and command components to enable the body to effectively utilize the nutrients. The invention is also a method of forming a composition for the treatment of a human body.

Abstract: A method for the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of Streptococcal pneumoniae infections is disclosed which comprises the treating of an individual with an effective amount of a lytic enzyme composition specific for the infecting bacteria, and a carrier for delivering said lytic enzyme. This method, and composition can be used for the treatment of upper respiratory infections, lower respiratory infections, septicemia, bacterial meningitis, and other infections involving Streptococcal pneumoniae.

Abstract: The invention relates to vWF cleaving entities having a molecular weight of 180 kD, 170 kD, 160 kD, 120 kD or 110 kD and an N-terminal amino acid sequence of AAGGILHLELLV, vWF cleaving complexes and methods for their production.