Abstract: An opto-acoustic wave sensor provides for the detection, the determination of the location, and/or the quantification of an amount of a chemical species using a selective chemical interaction of the chemical species and a selective reagent disposed on a surface of the opto-acoustic wave sensing element. The amount of the chemical species is detected by a change in the mass of the opto-acoustic wave-sensing element, which results in a detectable change in a resonance frequency of the sensing element. The identity of the chemical species is ascertained by an optical property of the product of the selective chemical interaction such as an absorbance or an intensity or other properties of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the product.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for rapidly generating a plurality of isolated effluents have been developed. A specific embodiment involves screening a plurality of solids through simultaneously contacting the members of the plurality with a fluid, simultaneously sampling the resulting fluids, and processing the resulting fluids to, for example, determine changes as compared to the feed fluid or as compared to other resulting fluids.

Abstract: A container assembly provides for the collection, transporting, and dispensing of a fluid specimen. The container assembly includes a cup-shaped container having an open end for collecting the fluid specimen. A lid is attachable to the container to close the open end thereof. The lid includes a receptacle for providing communication with the collected fluid specimen through the cover and for permitting extraction of a sample therefrom. A self-sealing closure member is supported by the lid in the receptacle and seals the receptacle preventing fluid leakage. The extraction device may be used to extract a sample of the fluid specimen. The extraction device is insertable into the receptacle to permit such extraction. Upon removal of the extraction device, the self-sealing closure reseals the container and prevents fluid leakage into the receptacle.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a flow baffle for providing a generally uniform flow to a fluid within a catalytic reactor, which is characterized by a single flow channel. The invention, however, has general application to any single flow channel device. The flow baffle is inserted within the reactor in the single flow channel to cause the fluid flowing in the single flow channel to have a generally uniform flow field, instead of preferentially flowing down a periphery of the channel. The uniform flow field promotes the design optimization of the catalytic reactor.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure which is a plurality of honeycomb segments (21) bonded into one piece by a bonding material (25), the honeycomb segments (21) each having a large number of through-channels (11) separated from each other by partition walls (20), the bonding material (25) being composed of components substantially same as components composing the unified boy of honeycomb segments (21), and the honeycomb segments (21) being bonded to each other at their planes substantially parallel to the direction of channels of through-channels (11), in which honeycomb structure each bonded plane (22) of each honeycomb segment (21) has a structure possessing an unbonded area (12) containing at least an edge portion opening to a periphery of its gas inlet side end face (15) and/or a periphery of its gas outlet side end face (17). With this honeycomb structure, there is no cracking caused by the thermal stress during the use, and excellent durability can be obtained.

Abstract: A device for selective oxidation of a substance stream comprises a selectively active catalyst. For improving the cold-starting characteristics, the device also has an oxidation catalyst that possesses high activity at low temperatures. The selectively active catalyst is applied as a coating onto one or more surfaces of interior walls of the device. A layer of oxidation catalyst is provided in at least the inlet region where the substance stream enters the device, between the layer of selectively active catalyst and the interior walls of the device.

Abstract: A chemical-mechanical process whereby the contamination occurring through combustion of fossil fuels, petroleum and its by-products is reduced by altering the final chemical composition of the resulting gases; by reducing the totality of gases: SOx, NOx, VOC or HC, CO and CO2 and particle matter comprising the effluent and releasing a greater quantity of oxygen into the atmosphere than the one resulting post-combustion.

Abstract: This patent describes technology for generating ammonia from urea. The method is based on the hydrolysis of an aqueous solution of urea and/or biuret by heating under pressure to form a mixture of ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. The gas mixtures produced are useful for supplying ammonia at controlled pressure and rate of flow for many industrial applications without the risks and hazards associated with the transportation and on-site storage of ammonia, thereby providing a significant safety advantage over present industrial practice.

Abstract: A process for removing nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases is provided. The process comprises mixing an exhaust gas generated during the chemical vapor deposition process for producing semiconductors and containing dinitrogen monoxide (N2O), nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) with ammonia (NH3) in an amount 0.5-3 times the sum of the stoichiometric amount corresponding to nitrogen monoxide and the stoichiometric amount corresponding to nitrogen dioxide; and then contacting said mixed gas with a noble metal catalyst at a sufficiently high temperature to decompose dinitrogen monoxide, nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Dinitrogen monoxide (N2O), nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in exhaust gases can be treated in one step. No N2O is produced as a by-product.

Abstract: A lithium ion secondary cell having a high capacity, improved first charge/discharge efficiency and improved cycle performance is obtainable using as the negative electrode material a lithium-containing silicon oxide powder having the formula: SiLixOy wherein x and y are 0<x<1.0 and 0<y<1.5, with the lithium being fused and partially crystallized.

Abstract: A method for obtaining particulate calcium carbonate having an average particle size less than about 12 microns is provided. The method includes the steps of (1) withdrawing from a pulp mill a mixture containing calcium carbonate; (2) treating the mixture to remove contaminants contained in the mixture to produce a treated mixture containing calcium carbonate and further having a chemical composition and/or purity which substantially inhibits the fusing together of calcium carbonate particulates; (3) recovering from the treated mixture particulate calcium carbonate having an average particle size less than about 12 microns. The calcium carbonate produced has a high surface area to volume ratio and is therefore highly reactive and suitable for numerous applications such as in the treatment of soil, filler paper production, paint production, and contaminant containment in coal stack emission assemblies.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a fine tungsten carbide powder, which comprises the steps of drying a slurry, which is obtained by mixing an aqueous ammonium tungstate solution with a carbon powder, at low temperature, to form a precursor, mixing a reduction and carburization product, which is obtained by reducing and oxidizing the precursor in an inert gas, with a carbon powder in a proportion required to substantially carburize the entire tungsten component into tungsten carbide (WC), and carburizing the mixture; and a high-performance fine tungsten carbide powder produced by the process, which has an average particle size of 0.8 &mgr;m or less and is free of a coarse power having a particle size of more than 1 &mgr;m, and which also contains less metal impurities and contains oxygen and nitrogen in a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method for reversibly storing hydrogen, characterized in that reversible hydrogen storage materials are used which contain mixtures of aluminum metal with alkali metals and/or alkali metal hydrides and transition metal and/or rare-earth metal catalysts.

Abstract: A compound comprising a chemical combination of a photodynamic tetra-pyrrolic compound with a plurality of radionuclide element atoms such that the compound may be used to enhance MR imaging and also be used as a photodynamic compound for use in photodynamic therapy to treat hyperproliferative tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to the individualization of therapy on the basis of a phenotypic profile of an individual. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of metabolic phenotyping for the individualization of treatment with hyperlipidemia agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of using non-invasive imaging technologies to monitor the effects of potential therapeutic compounds on gene expression in non-human living animals. This invention also provides methods to analyze perturbation in biochemical pathways and physiological functions associated with disease (e.g. a cancer, cardiovascular disease, degenerative nervous system disease, osteoporosis, disease related to body weight regulation, toxicity, and any other disease condition related to abnormal gene expression) using the non-invasive imaging technologies to monitor alterations in gene expression in non-human living animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic tool for vascular diseases, which is coated with a dye-containing resin that comprises one or more biocompatible dyes selected from the group consisting of sulfonic acid azo dye, phthalein dye, triphenylmethane dye, phenantridium dye, acrydine dye, xanthene dye, phenothiazine dye and cyanine dye; a medical treatment by the use of the therapeutic tool for vascular diseases; and a method of preventing vascular restenosis caused mainly through inhibition of migration of vascular progenitor cells by administering the medical treatment to a subject.

Abstract: Low density microspheres, methods for preparing same, and use of same as contrast agents are described. The microspheres have a void having a volume that comprises at least about 75% of the total volume of the microspheres, and which contains a gas or the vapor of a volatile liquid selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, tetraalkyl silanes and perfluorocarbons.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents and methods of detecting physiological signals or substances.

Abstract: An insect pest eradication system comprised of a non-lethal knockout agent and an insecticide. The present invention also relates to a method of eradicating insects, particularly those found in earthen colonies, by treating the insects with a non-lethal knockout agent, such as trans-dichloroethylene, in combination with a suitable insecticide for the targeted insects.

Abstract: A method and composition for treatment and prophylaxis of snoring, sleep apnea or sudden infant death syndrome and for improvement of nasal breathing in mammals by nasal and/or pharyngeal administration of tyloxapol or a related alkylaryl polyether alcohol polymer. A spray, liquid or solid composition comprising from about 0.01 to about 20% (w/v), equivalent to about 100 &mgr;g/ml to about 200 mg/ml, of tyloxapol or another alkylaryl polyether alcohol polymer alone or in admixture with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and additives. The composition is administered as a spray, liquid, liquid drops, lozenges or powder suitable for nasal and/or pharyngeal application.

Abstract: The present invention thus provides chemically and physically stable formulations of glucocorticosteroids (such as, for example, budesonide) obtained by formulating the glucocorticosteroid with a cosolvent (such as ethanol), a propellant (such as HFA-134a, HFA-227ea, or both), and a radical quencher such as ascorbyl palmitate) where the glucocorticosteroid remains chemically and physically stable under standard conditions.

Abstract: A method of delivering benzindene prostaglandins to a patient by inhalation is discussed. A benzindene prostaglandin known as UT-15 has unexpectedly superior results when administered by inhalation compared to parenterally administered UT-15 in sheep with induced pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract: Systemic delivery of insulin to a mammalian host is accomplished by inhalation of a dry powder of insulin. It has been found that dry insulin powders are rapidly absorbed through the alveolar regions of the lungs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder formulation for administration by inhalation comprising an active substance and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, which composition has the form of a physical mixture and comprises from 5 to 25 wt. % of the excipient, and wherein the active substance has a particle size distribution of from 0.5 to 10 &mgr;m, and wherein the excipient has a particle size distribution of from 15 to 500 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mousse-forming cosmetic composition, comprising by weight of said composition (i) at least 0.1% of a quaternary ammonium agent capable of forming vesicles, (ii) at least 1% of emollient. The composition also preferably further comprises at least 1% of humectant.

Abstract: An improved rapidly disintegrating flavored film that quickly and completely disintegrates upon contact with mucosal tissue in the oral cavity of a human includes a hydroxypropyl cellulose, a modified starch and a flavor ingredient. The flavored films of this invention completely disintegrate upon contact with the mucosal tissue in less than a minute, and often in less than 30 seconds, whereas previously known flavored films typically do not complete dissolve, or do not dissolve as rapidly, upon contact with mucosal tissue in the oral cavity of a human. The flavored films of this invention may be advantageously employed as breath freshening films, and in food items to impart flavor and, optionally, to impart functional qualities to the food item.

Abstract: A dental fluoride rinse system comprising two different dental rinse compositions, typically maintained in separate vessels until the time that they are mixed with an appropriate solvent such as water. The first dental composition provides a non-stannous fluoride ion source and a phosphate ion source that has a pH of about 3.75+ or −0.75 when mixed with water and comprises greater than about 1% by weight of the fluoride ion. The second dry composition provides between about 0.1% and 1% stannous fluoride when mixed with the solvent and is administered to the patient after the first rinse composition so that the patient gets two different kinds of fluoride administered to the oral cavity in a short time period. In a significant advantage of the present system, the stannous fluoride can be mixed with water by the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of hydroxybenzoic benzyl esters by reacting benzyl chloride with hydroxybenzoic acids in the presence of one or more amides.

Abstract: The present invention includes oil-free cosmetic or dermatological emulsions that include a water phase and at least one UV filter substance which is liquid at room temperature as a futher phase, where the difference in density between the UV filter phase and the water phase (determinable using a computerized digital density meter of the type DMA 45 from Chempro/PA at 25° C.) is not greater than 0.01 g·cm−3. The present invention further includes processes for the preparation of oil-free emulsions.

Abstract: The invention relates to insoluble organic compounds containing one or more aryl vinylene ketone groups, for screening out UV radiation, in the form of fine particles with an average size of between 10 nm and 5 &mgr;m, and also to their use for protecting the skin, the hair or materials that are sensitive to UV radiation. The said compounds may be obtained by a process of grinding coarse particles in the presence of one or more suitable surfactants.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of 3,4-dihydroxy-mandelic acid as an anti-oxidant and/or free-radical scavenger for protecting the skin, in particular human skin against oxidative damage caused by ultra-violet light and also for protecting cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparations, other objects and foodstuffs against oxidation and/or photo-oxidation.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of excessive discoloration in hydroquinone compositions of a neutral pH. Antioxidants in the hydroquinone phase and inorganic or amino acyl cationic salts of acidic ascorbyl esters, preferably sodium metabisulfite and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate respectively, are effective in stabilizing such hydroquinone compositions, which are used in treatment of pigmentation disorders. Protected retinoid may be added to these compositions for additional skin benefit effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anhydrous pigmentary paste comprising:

Abstract: The invention relates to novel deodorizing preparations with a synergistically improved performance. The novel preparations contain (a) dialkyl carbonates, (b1) antiperspirants, (b2) esterase inhibitors, (b3) bactericidal or bacteriostatic active substances and/or (b4) perspiration-absorbing substances.

Abstract: Hair care compositions for relaxing and/or straightening hair having enhanced properties comprising about 1% to about 10% ethoxydiglycol and sodium hydroxide, and methods for making the hair care compositions. The hair care compositions may also comprise emulsifying wax, mineral oil, petrolatum, cetearyl alcohol, water, other active or inert ingredients, colorings and fragrances. The compositions may be used in methods for relaxing and/or straightening hair having reduced processing times.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-toxic shampoo concentrate that generates colored lather when it is mixed with water. The colored lather produced by the shampoo concentrate washes out and does not stain or color the hair it is applied to. The shampoo concentrate is provided in attractive colorful containers having a color scheme selected to correspond approximately with the color of the lather produced by the shampoo, and/or the shampoo concentrate itself. It is preferred that the concentrate be dispensed in bottles resembling crayons. Several small crayon-shaped bottles may be provided in a single package resembling an ordinary crayon box in both size and shape, with each of the small bottles sized such that it contains enough of the subject shampoo concentrate for approximately one application, enabling the user to select a different color of lather for each shampoo application.

Abstract: Polyethylene glycol ethers of alkyl alcohols having the general formula CH3(CH2)xCH2(OCH2CH2)nOH wherein x is 8 to 20 (of which ceteareth-20, steareth-20 and steareth-100 are preferred), poloxamer 185, poloxamer 407, N,N-dimethyl dodecylamine N-oxide, and mixtures thereof, are employed to increase follicular delivery and/or follicular residence time of certain water soluble ornithine decarboxylase inhibitors of which 2(difluoromethyl)-2,5-diamino pentanoic acid and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, optical enantiomers and racemic mixture are preferred.

Abstract: The present invention is a controlled delivery system that can be incorporated in hair, skin, and fabric care products such as shampoos, conditioners, hair styling products, lotions, creams, liquid laundry detergents, fabric softener, and other hair, skin, and fabric care products to effectively deliver a broad range of active agents and sensory markers onto the hair, skin, and fabric. The system also prolongs the release rate of the active agents or sensory markers over an extended period of time, or provides heat triggered release of the active agents and yields a high impact fragrance “burst” upon blow drying the hair, ironing the fabric, or other types of heat treatment. The controlled delivery system of the present invention is a nano-sphere, having an average sphere diameter of from about 0.01 microns to about 10 microns.

Abstract: The invention relates to W/O emulsions comprising amino-functional organopolysiloxanes and constituting car polishes, cleaning products for vitro ceramic hobs, textile treatment compositions, shoecare compositions, cosmetics, and hair gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic makeup and/or care composition for keratin fibres and/or the skin, comprising at least one particle dispersion comprising one at least partially external phase of supple type comprising at least one supple polymer, with a glass transition temperature of less than or equal to 60° C. and one at least partially internal phase of rigid type which is an amorphous material having a glass transition temperature which is greater than 60° C. and which is such that the supple polymer is at least partially attached by chemical grafting onto the said phase. The invention also relates to the use of at least such a particle dispersion for improving the level of comfort and staying power of cosmetic compositions comprising it.

Abstract: Compositions, optionally heat-activated, methods and kits for protecting keratinous fibers from extrinsic damage or repairing keratinous fibers damaged by extrinsic conditions by applying to keratinous fibers a composition comprising at least one compound comprising at least one C5 to C7 saccharide unit substituted with at least one amino group and derivatives thereof, and heating the keratinous fibers.

Abstract: In order to form liposomes with a longer half-life in blood, use is made of defined compounds with the general formula (A) 1

Abstract: The invention relates to a topically-applied iridescent composition comprising at least one surfactant selected from among alkypolyglycosides and an aqueous dispersion of polymer particles, said particles having an average size of between 50 and 300 nm. The inventive composition has a very attractive appearance owing to the iridescent color thereof and it is particularly suitable for use as a foaming composition, especially for cleansing the skin, including the scalp and/or hair. Said composition has very good foaming power.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to shaving compositions which comprise one or more water soluble polymers to increase lubricity and enhance shaving performance. The polymers employed in the shaving compositions provide the composition with a stress ratio (i.e., the ratio of normal stress to shear stress) in excess of 3.0 when measured at a shear rate of 800 sec−1. A preferred combination of polymers includes polyethylene oxide (mol. Wt.≧1 million) and natural or synthetic polysaccharide gum. The present invention is also directed to an improved shaving method in which such compositions are applied to an area of skin, then said area is shaved. In another aspect, the present invention embraces shaving compositions comprising water, a cleansing or conditioning agent for hair or skin, polyethylene oxide (mol. Wt.≧1 million) and natural or synthetic polysacchride gum.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, therapeutic combinations and methods including: (a) at least one bile acid sequestrant; and (b) at least one substituted azetidinone or substituted &bgr;-lactam sterol absorption inhibitor which can be useful for treating vascular conditions, diabetes, obesity and lowering plasma levels of sterols.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions relating to the attachment of water soluble polymers to proteins. Provided are novel methods for N-terminally modifying proteins or analogs thereof, and resultant compositions, including novel chemically modified G-CSF compositions and related methods of preparation.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods for delivery systems of agents, including therapeutic compounds, pharmaceutical agents, drugs, detection agents, nucleic acid sequences and biological factors. In general, these vector compositions comprise a colloidal metal, derivatized PEG (polyethylene glycol) and an agent. The invention also comprises methods and compositions for making such colloidal metal compositions and for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to oligomers of a dimer, trimer, quatromer or pentamer of recombinant fusion proteins. Said oligomers are characterized in that the recombinant fusion proteins have at least one component A and at least one component B, whereby component A contains a protein or a protein segment with a biological function, in particular with a ligand function for antibodies, for soluble or membranous signal molecules, for receptors or an antibody, or an antibody segment, and component B contains a protein or a protein segment which dimerizes or oligomerizes the dimer, trimer, quatromer or pentamer of the recombinant fusion protein, without the action of third-party molecules. The invention also relates to the use of dimers or oligomers of this type for producing a medicament, to the fusion proteins which cluster in dimers or oligomers and to their DNA sequence and expression vectors or host cells comprising this DNA sequence.

Abstract: A method of treating an inflammation in a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The method comprises locally or systemically administering to the subject IFN-&ggr; in an amount so as to achieve an IFN-&ggr; bulk tissue concentration at a site of inflammation of 1-8,000 units per kilogram body weight, thereby ameliorating the inflammation.