Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. The invention particularly provides microsystem platforms for achieving efficient mixing of one or a plurality of fluids on the surface of the platform when fluid flow is motivated by centripetal force produce by rotation.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for rapidly heating and/or cooling a sample in a reaction vessel. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes optics for the efficient detection of a reaction product in the vessel. The invention also provides a reaction vessel having a reaction chamber designed for optimal thermal conductance and for efficient optical viewing of reaction products in the chamber.

Abstract: An HPLC injection valve is mounted to a probe drive system close to the probe axis to minimize probe movements required for sample injections into a mobile phase column. The probe is directly connected by a short conduit to the injection valve, eliminating the need to dispense aspirated samples from the probe into a remote injection port.

Abstract: A conductive plastic tip rack for pipette tips includes a conductive outer shell formed around a support insert. The support insert serves as the skeleton for the tip rack, providing structural support to make the tip rack strong and sturdy. The conductive outer shell includes sidewalls depending from the sides of a face having a plurality of tip seats for receiving a plurality of pipette tips. The conductive outer shell is formed of an electrically conductive plastic. The conductive plastic rack is capable of sufficiently conducting or dissipating electricity such that static electricity existing on a pipette tip placed within the tip rack will flow out of the pipette tip and through the tip rack. By removing the static electricity from the pipette tips placed in the tip rack, static electricity is prevented from disturbing the tips seated in the tip rack.

Abstract: The present invention has an object thereof to make possible the recycling of exhaust gas components in a manufacturing process by cooling, liquefaction, and recovery, and to use toxic or useful gases without disposal, and to dramatically reduce the frequency of exhaust system maintenance by combining such a recovery method with a vacuum exhaust system.

Abstract: A waste gases-neutralizing device comprises a filter installation with at least one filter unit (11, 12, 13) with an inlet (2) and an outlet (3) between which a filter (5) is received to remove undesired components form the waste gases. The installation has a modular construction and comprises a number of filter units which are placed in series in a flow path of the waste gases and/or a reactor vessel provided with a nozzle (50) with mixing chamber in which waste gases are at least partially removed with a mixture of at least one neutralizing compound and oxygen under pressure. The filter units each comprise a filter adapted to a specific component or group of components to be removed from the waste gases. The waste gases-neutralizing device preferably also comprises, in addition to the filter installation, a neutralizing unit 21 comprising a neutralizing liquid bath or a fixed connection impregnated with a neutralizing liquid. The waste gases-neutralizing device preferably also comprises a UV generator.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for removing carbon monoxide from a gas stream comprising a major portion of an inert gas and a minor portion of carbon monoxide are provided. The process involves contacting a feed gas stream with at least a primary metal oxide in a reaction zone of a reactor vessel at conditions effective to convert substantially all of the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, thus producing a purified gas stream consisting essentially of the inert gas and carbon dioxide and substantially free of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: An apparatus having a baffle device and used for treating an exhaust gas, the apparatus comprising:

Abstract: The invention concerns an up-flow reactor for catalytic treatment of a particle-containing gas comprising a catalytic unit and at least one drain pipe upstream the catalytic unit within a reactor wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a high intensity, in-line rotor-stator apparatus to produce fine particles via antisolvent, reactive, salting out or rapid cooling precipitation and crystallization.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enclosure for storing hunting apparel while imparting either a natural or artificial scent to the stored hunting apparel to mask the human scent, thereby improving the hunting of big game animals. The container has an apparel storage compartment and a scent source storage compartment. The container may be comprised of a rigid portable enclosure, a non-rigid portable enclosure, or a cabinet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating ions of metallic elements are provided. Preferred methods utilize a hydrophobic chelating extractant, such as an organophosphorus compound, adsorbed onto carbon or graphite fibers in the form of felt. Also described is a new thallium-201 generator that comprises a column containing an acidic organophosphorus extractant adsorbed on carbon or graphite fibers, and a yttrium-90 generator system comprised of two extraction columns designed to selectively absorb yttrium-90 at different pH, to enable the separation of yttrium-90 from strontium-90. The two columns are connected in series for stepwise separation. The yttrium-90 product is freed from residual strontium-90 and metal contaminants and can be eluted from the second column with dilute acid, acetate buffer, water or saline for labeling biological targeted molecules. The new generator system provides rapid and efficient separation of yttrium-90 and is amenable to both scale-up and automation.

Abstract: A method of recovering metal and/or oxide thereof from a slurry is described. The method involves magnetically separating at least a portion of any magnetic impurities from the slurry and then leaching or dissolving at least a portion of any remaining magnetic impurities in a slurry. At least one chelating agent can then be added to the slurry and the solids can be recovered from the slurry by various separation techniques. The methods of the present invention are particularly useful in the recovery of tantalum and/or oxide thereof especially tantalum and/or oxide thereof having a very fine size.

Abstract: A gas stream containing at least about 90% (vol.) hydrogen and at least one halogen-containing compound is contacted with a nickel hydrogenation catalyst. When the gas stream contacts the hydrogenation catalyst substantially all halogen-containing compounds are dehalogenated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material for treating gaseous media containing volatile organic components. According to the invention, the material is porous and exhibits an absorption capacity of approximately 20-30% in relation to the dry weight thereof, containing approximately 47-52% by weight of a composite carbon and silicon structure, approximately 12-20 wt. % carbon, approximately 5-7 wt % hydroxyl, and approximately 1-2 wt % oxygen. The invention can be used in atmospheric treatment for the preservation of living matter.

Abstract: The amorphous-silica particle having 0.1-0.7 &mgr;m of the average particle diameter, 5-30 m2/g of the specific surface area, less than 40 of the dispersion coefficient, and 20 &mgr;C/m2 of the absolute value of the triboelectrostatic charge, can be obtained, by setting flame temperature to more than melting point of silica, raising the silica concentration in a flame, and staying the generated silica particle in the flame for a short time to be grew up. Since this silica particle has a particle shape being near a true sphere, and a particle size of said particle is remarkably uniform, so it is suitable for a filler of a semiconductor sealing agent or various materials, etc. In addition, since said particle has strong electrification, it is also suitable for an outer or an inner additional agent of a toner for an electronic photograph, a photo conductor material for a electronic photograph, and a material of an electric charge transportation layer, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for producing nitrogen trifluoride. The invention involves passing a working fluid through a heat engine cycle and using the mechanical energy generated by the working fluid to produce sufficient mixing intensity within a nitrogen trifluoride reactor. The method utilizes a working fluid vapor jet, such as a hydrogen fluoride vapor jet, to impart sufficient energy to the mixing zone of a reactor in order to disperse gaseous fluorine within a liquid ammonium acid fluoride melt. A gaseous reaction product stream is removed from the reactor, the reaction product stream comprising nitrogen trifluoride and a working fluid vapor. The working fluid is then separated from the nitrogen trifluoride and recycled for reuse in the process, thereby completing a heat engine cycle.

Abstract: A method of producing a zinc-ammonia-carbonate complex solution includes heating a solution made from urea with added zinc from a zinc source in a first vessel to produce zinc and impurities dissolved in the solution and a residual; cementing the solution by adding zinc dust to form a slurry; filtering the slurry to remove a first precipitate and to produce a first filtrate; optionally heating the first filtrate to form a second precipitate in the first filtrate; and filtering the first filtrate to remove the second precipitate and to produce a second filtrate which comprises the zinc-ammonia-carbonate complex solution.

Abstract: Catalysts made from a newly discovered phase of aluminum trihydroxide and processes for making such catalysts. This invention also relates to a method for improving the activity of and for regenerating catalysts having a silica-alumina support.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods for the cost-effective commercial manufacture of small crystal titanium-silicate molecular sieve products, toward a novel titano-silicate molecular sieve composition synthesized thereby, which the present inventors have termed “TS-PQ”, and toward uses of that molecular sieve composition as an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to a radiodiagnostic agent to image tumors. A composition for a tumor imaging agent, a method and kit for preparing a tumor imaging agent, and a radiolabeling reagent for preparing the tumor imaging agent are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using a radiolabeled small molecule antagonist of the platelet IIb/IIIa receptor for the diagnosis of arterial and venous thrombi.

Abstract: The present invention relies on the affinity of stressed or apoptotic cells for exogenously administered annexin V to create a multi-functional molecular probe that can be simultaneously used for imaging (localization of unstable plaque within the body) and therapy (treatment of unstable plaque).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the generation and characterization of anti-MUC18 monoclonal antibodies. The invention further relates to the use of such anti-MUC18 antibodies in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders associated with increased activity of MUC18, in particular, tumors, such as melanomas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for estimating effective regimens and patient survival rates of antibiotic treatments for fatal infectious diseases. More particularly, the invention estimates the effective dose regimens and the patient survival rate, utilizing (1) the survival data of patients receiving either no treatment or inactive treatments and (2) the correlation between the organism eradication rate and the dose regimen of the antibiotics.

Abstract: MR spectroscopy and imaging methods for imaging pulmonary and cardiac vasculature and the cardiac region and evaluating blood flow or circulatory deficits use dissolved phase polarized 129Xe gas and large flip angle excitation pulses. Pulmonary and cardiac vasculature MRI images are obtained by delivering gas to a patient via inhalation such as with a breath-hold delivery-procedure, exciting the dissolved phase gas with a large flip angle pulse, and generating a corresponding image. Preferably, the image is obtained using multi-echo imaging techniques. Blood flow is quantified using low field MR spectroscopy and an RF excitation pulse with a frequency which corresponds to the resonance of the dissolved phase 129Xe.

Abstract: A method for the hyperthermia treatment of tissue in a target site applies a heat source to kill cells without protein denaturization. The method introduces an encapsulated dye that is released at a selected temperature in the target site to indicate that a threshold temperature has been reached to hyperthermally treat the tissue. In one embodiment, the composition releases the dye at a temperature of 42° C. to 50° C., and preferably about 45° C. to 49° C. The composition which can be a liposome composition encapsulating the dye can be introduced to the bloodstream of the patient to flow through the target site.

Abstract: Methods are provided for cancer and pre-cancer detection by increased uptake of fluorophore glucose or deoxyglucose conjugates in cancerous and pre-cancerous cells relative to normal cells.

Abstract: New and sensitive methods for imaging the perfusion of tissues and the extravasation of blood out vessels have been developed. The present invention is useful in the imaging of microperfusion in organ tissues (e.g., heart, liver, brain and kidneys) to aid in evaluating the perfusion status of organs on the level of the smallest blood vessels (i.e. capillaries). The present invention also provides methods and compositions for imaging and evaluating macrophages and plaque, e.g., vulnerable plaque. Such evaluations are important in a number of clinical diagnoses, including assessing organ damage associated with angina pectoris, heart attack, stroke, and the like, as well as assessing vessel leakages associated with aneurisms, diffuse bleedings after trauma, and the like.

Abstract: Novel 5-substituted-2-arylpyridine compounds are provided. Such compounds can act as selective modulators of CRF receptors. The 5-substituted-2-arylpyridine compounds provided herein are useful in the treatment of a number of CNS and periphereal disorders, particularly stress, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disorders, and eating disorders. Methods of treatment of such disorders and well as packaged pharmaceutical compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention comprises a medicinal aerosol composition comprising a propellant, an excipient comprising a functionalized polyethyleneglycol, and a drug. The invention also comprises particulate medicinal compositions comprising particles with a mean mass aerodynamic diameter of less than about 10 microns that incorporate an excipient comprising a functionalized polyethyleneglycol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for delivering bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions. Antiadhesion compositions can be made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and/or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then used as fluids, gels or foams. By providing a product bag, the compositions can be delivered as gels or as sprays. By dissolving propellant gases in the compositions, the materials can be delivered as foams, which have decreased density, and therefore can adhere to surfaces that previously have been difficult to coat with antiadhesion gels. Delivery systems can also provide mechanisms for expelling more product, and for directing the flow of materials leaving the delivery system. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, antiadhesion, and/or hemostatic compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions.

Abstract: A dry particulate pharmaceutical composition for pulmonary administration is prepared by spray-drying a hydrophobic active agent (e.g. declomethasone dipropionate) with a small quantity of pharmaceutically acceptable hydrophilic polymer (e.g. poly (vinyl) alcohol). This mitigates aggregation of the particles of active agent, which otherwise limits the desirable find particles dose available.

Abstract: An oral composition comprises water and a cyclic carbonate compound in a certain ratio. In this case, the ratio of the water and the cyclic carbonate compound is such that when the water and the cyclic carbonate compound are mixed together the mixture goes into a 2-phase state. Moreover, the oral composition may further comprise a polyol, and in this case the ratio of the water, the cyclic carbonate compound and the polyol is such that when the water, the cyclic carbonate compound and the polyol are mixed together the mixture goes into a 2-phase state. The oral composition has an excellent effect of removing accumulations on dental surfaces or between teeth through a physico-chemical action, rather than relying purely on a mechanical action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral care compositions, especially toothpastes, comprising: a safe and effective amount of phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate complex (“PP-ACP”); a safe and effective amount of a fluoride ion source; a safe and effective amount of a phosphate buffer; a pharmaceutically-acceptable topical, oral carrier; wherein the pH of the final composition is greater than 8 to about 12 and the composition has improved fluoride stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel growth factor from bovine milk, milk products or milk product extracts. The present invention also relates to the use of recombinant DNA technology to isolate, clone and sequence nucleic acids encoding the mature and precursor forms of the growth factor and, in addition, to the use of these nucleic acids in the recombinant production of the growth factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral compositions comprising a stannous ion source, a fluoride ion source, and a polymeric mineral surface active agent that binds stannous, said compositions providing adequate therapeutic efficacy with minimal side effects of tooth staining and astringency. The composition simultaneously provides reduction and control of supragingival calculus. The present oral care compositions may be formulated as single phase or dual phase compositions. The present invention also provides a method for effective delivery of stannous-containing compositions with minimal side effects of tooth staining or astringency and with effective tartar control by administering to a subject a stable dentifrice composition comprising a clinically effective amount of stannous fluoride and/or other stannous salts in combination with a fluoride ion source and a polymeric mineral surface active agent, preferably a phosphate- or phosphonate-containing polymer.

Abstract: A composition is provided, wherein the composition comprises a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer, a blend of a hydrophilic polymer and a complementary oligomer capable of hydrogen bonding to the hydrophilic polymer, and a whitening agent, preferably a peroxide. The composition finds utility as a tooth whitening composition and is applied to the teeth in need of whitening, and then removed when the degree of whitening has been achieved. In certain embodiments, the composition is translucent. Methods for preparing and using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for treating potable water contains a mixed buffer of a cation exchange resin in the hydrogen ion form and an anion exchange resin, a chelating agent and a sparingly soluble calcium salt, all contained in a porous, flow-through bag.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions are disclosed which are supersaturated with respect to calcium phosphate(s) and which further comprise a stabilising agent in an amount sufficient to enable the calcium ions and phosphate ions to remain in supersaturated solution so that it may be used as a dental rinse or mouthwash. Such solutions are suitable for treating patients having dental caries or other conditions of the oral cavity.

Abstract: Cosmetic and personal care compositions can be manufactured using the multifunctional-additive compositions of the present invention. Such an additive preferably contains one or more particulate-based thickeners, such as a smectite clay, colloidal silica, laponite, and/or alumina, and most preferably one or more smectite clays. According to one important embodiment of the present invention, the thickener particles are co-dispersed with particles of one or more particulate UVR-filters such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or SUNSPHERE (available from International Specialty Chemicals, ISP), and most preferably with the natural particulate sunscreens such as the metal oxides. Another important component of the multifunctional-additive compositions is a dispersant or surface-modifier for the foregoing particulate materials, selected from the family of polyphenolic, natural polymers such as lignosulfonates, lignins, humates, tannates, and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Topically applicable cosmetic/dermatological sunscreen compositions well suited for the enhanced UV-photoprotection of human skin and/or hair contain synergistically UV-APPD-enhancing amounts of (a) particulates of at least one insoluble organic UV-screening agent having a particle size ranging from 10 nm to 5 &mgr;m, and (b) at least one UV-screening amino-substituted 2-hydroxybenzophenone compound having the following structural formula (I): 1

Abstract: There is provided a method and composition for improving the water resistance, shine, gloss, surface smoothening, and/or film-forming attributes in various personal care, hair care and cosmetic products. The composition has a novel polyurethane polyesterpolyquat. Preferably, the polyurethane polyesterpolyquat is incorporated into a shampoo, hair conditioner, mascara, color cosmetic, body wash, liquid soap, hair color, nail care and/or skin care composition.

Abstract: Composition for dyeing keratin fibers, such as human hair, comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one coloring agent chosen from direct dyes and oxidation dyes and an aminoethylimino(C4-C8)alkyl amino silicone. Dyeing devices, kits and methods using said compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The cosmetic composition for nails without phtalate, without camphor or aromatic solvent comprises:

Abstract: Cosmetic preparations are disclosed, containing: (a) extracts of Waltheria indica and (b) ascorbic acid, ferulic acid and/or kojic acid.

Abstract: Optically-activated particles for use in cosmetic preparations. The optically-activated particles include a plurality of substrate particles selected from the group consisting of nylons, acrylics, polyesters, other plastic polymers, natural materials, regenerated cellulose, metals and minerals; an optical brightener chemically bonded to each of the plurality of substrate particles to form integral units in the form of optically-activated particles for diffusing light to reduce the visual perception of skin imperfections, including cellulite, shadows, skin discolorations, and wrinkles; and each of the optically-activated particles are encapsulated with a UV transparent coating to increase the diffusion light to further reduce the visual perception of the skin imperfections.

Abstract: Deodorant compositions are disclosed comprising a cross-adapting agent, alone or in combination with other such agents, in an amount effective to reduce perception of malodor. Deodorant compositions are also disclosed comprising a cross-adapting agent, alone or in combination with other such agents, in an amount effective to reduce perception of gender-specific malodor. The methods feature reducing perceived body odor comprising administering a deodorant composition wherein the composition comprises an amount of cross-adapting agent effective to reduce perception of such odor. Other methods feature blocking perceived body odor comprising administering a deodorant composition wherein the composition comprises an amount of cross-adapting agent effective to occupy an odorant receptor site, thereby blocking interaction of the site with other odorants.

Abstract: Disclosed are antiperspirant compositions comprising (a) from about 0.1% to about 30% by weight of an antiperspirant active; (b) from about 0.05% to about 0.95% by weight of petrolatum; (c) from about 10% to about 99% by weight of a liquid carrier; and (d) from about 0.1% to about 30% by weight of a suspending agent. The compositions provide a consumer perceived improvement in antiperspirant efficacy and product wash-off when the compositions are formulated with petrolatum within the above-described concentration ranges.

Abstract: Skin conditioning compositions, and corresponding methods of application, wherein the compositions comprise a lipophilic carrier, solid particulates and preferably a skin benefit agent; and wherein the compositions have a Deposition Efficiency of at least about 30%, provide skin conditioning benefits. Preferred embodiments are further defined by selected lipophilic carrier rheologies, defined solid particulates for improved skin feel, and selected skin benefit agents for use in the composition. These compositions and corresponding methods provide improved cosmetics, skin feel, and/or skin active efficacy.