Abstract: A high-efficiency, high-sensitivity absorbance detection system in a lab-on-a-chip is provided. The absorbance detection system includes detection cells having an optical pathlength ten times and/or much longer than the width of a separation channel to improve detection sensitivity, lens structures for collimating light in the detection cells, and slit structures for preventing scattered light from entering detectors. The detection cells, the lens structures, and the slit structures of the absorbance detection system are fabricated and integrated in a lab-on-a-chip. The absorbance detection system exhibits excellent absorption efficiency, detection limit, and linearity, compared to existing absorbance detection systems, and can be applied for the detection of a variety of samples. The absorbance detection system does not need labeling of the samples which saves time and costs. The absorbance detection system can be used effectively in detecting trace compounds with a high sensitivity.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a semiconductor substrate and a sensing membrane. The sensing membrane is located at the bottom of a recess, which is formed by etching the substrate, and includes a heater, heater extension electrodes, a gas sensitive film, and gas-sensitive-film extension electrodes. A first end of each heater extension electrode is in contact with the heater, and a second end of each heater extension electrode extends outward from the sensing membrane. A first end of each gas-sensitive-film extension electrode is in contact with the gas sensitive film, and a second end of each gas-sensitive-film extension electrode extends outward from the sensing membrane. All of the heater, the heater extension electrodes, and the gas-sensitive-film extension electrodes are made of polycrystalline silicon.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for sample preparation and/or sample delivery for an injection system of a chromatograph, having a magazine (1), which can be moved in steps, for juxtaposed sample tubes (2), and having a lifting device (6) which can be moved between two end positions perpendicular to the transport direction of the magazine (1) via a motor (11) and bears a gripper (7) for a sample tube (2), as well as having a transfer device for a sample tube (2), the lifting device comprising at least one telescopic threaded cylinder (8) which bears the gripper (7) and has a plurality of nested threaded cylinders with an inner threaded cylinder (8a) and an outer threaded cylinder (8d) of which one is arranged non-rotatably relative to the magazine (1), while the other can be rotated by the motor (11).

Abstract: A sample introduction device is provided that is particularly useful in the critical care environment for the anaerobic withdrawal of small volumes of arterial blood from a sample collection syringe and introduction thereof into a sample chamber of a sensor for analysis. The sample introduction device includes a Luer fitting adapted to mate an outlet of the container in a concentric orientation with an input aperture of the sample chamber. A tubular probe is adapted for concentric placement with both the outlet and inlet aperture, with a first end thereof extending into the syringe and a second end adapted for attachment to an air supply. The probe has a predetermined diameter sufficient to provide an annular clearance between the probe and each of the outlet and inlet aperture. A predetermined volume of air is injected through the probe into the container to displace a predetermined volume of sample therefrom, through the annular clearance into the sample chamber.

Abstract: A wick for a dispenser for a volatile liquid which includes a body defining an opening in the body in which the opening is adapted to receive a member associated with the dispenser.

Abstract: Ultrasound device having a reaction chamber, which includes a magnetostrictive transducer and a horn transmitting ultrasound radiation substantially uniformly throughout the reaction chamber. The horn is hollow and is constituted by a cylinder having an empty inner chamber at its core defining a resonance chamber, which may be cylindrical and may comprise a plurality of sections of cylindrical shape or a central section of larger diameter and two terminal sections of smaller diameter.

Abstract: A nitrate reduction device has a cadmium structure forming a plurality of longitudinal channels within a flow chamber, which may be formed by a plurality of wires. The device is used to reduce nitrate to a final nitrite product for analysis.

Abstract: An industrial catalytic converter and a removable catalyst element therefor wherein a solid extension is secured on the catalyst element such that, when the catalyst element is positioned in the converter housing, the solid extension will project into the element insertion channel of the housing in a manner effective to at least partially block the flow of exhaust gas around the catalyst element.

Abstract: A method of recovering daughter isotopes from a radioisotope mixture. The method comprises providing a radioisotope mixture solution comprising at least one parent isotope. The at least one parent isotope is extracted into an organic phase, which comprises an extractant and a solvent. The organic phase is substantially continuously contacted with an aqueous phase to extract at least one daughter isotope into the aqueous phase. The aqueous phase is separated from the organic phase, such as by using an annular centrifugal contactor. The at least one daughter isotope is purified from the aqueous phase, such as by ion exchange chromatography or extraction chromatography. The at least one daughter isotope may include actinium-225, radium-225, bismuth-213, or mixtures thereof. A liquid-liquid extraction system for recovering at least one daughter isotope from a source material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting depletion of mineral values from pregnant lixiviant solutions comprise contacting the requisite metal ore with a preg-robbing inhibition agent (PRIA) comprising (I) alkyl polyglucoside surfactants; (II) imidazoline based amphoteric surfactants; (III) hydroformylation products of lower (C2–C8) alkanes in an organic solvent medium, and (IV) esters and aldehydes.

Abstract: Process wherein the vanadium present in the chromium ore chromite is recovered as vanadium pentoxide during the course of the fusion of the chromium ore with alkali and its work-up to produce sodium chromate solution and sodium dichromate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating a halogen containing solid or semi solid waste material from a flue gas cleaning process, wherein the amount of alkaline compounds is sufficient to provide a suspension of the waste material in water with a pH value of at least 10, said method comprising the steps of a) preparing an aqueous suspension of the solid or semi solid waste material, said suspension having a pH value of at least 10, b) separating the solid and the liquid material from each other to obtain an aqueous solution of waste material and a solid waste material, and collecting the solid waste material. The procedure is repeated one or more times, and optionally the resulting solid waste material is dried.

Abstract: A continuous process for directly preparing high purity lithium carbonate from lithium containing brines by preparing a brine containing about 6.0 wt % lithium and further containing other ions naturally occurring in brines; adding mother liquor containing carbonate to precipitate magnesium; adding a solution of CaO and sodium carbonate to remove calcium and any residual magnesium; precipitating lithium carbonate from the purified brine by adding soda ash solution; filtering to obtain solid lithium carbonate; preparing an aqueous slurry of the lithium carbonate and introducing carbon dioxide gas at a temperature from at least minus 10 to +40° C.; passing the lithium bicarbonate solution through a filter to clarify the solution; introducing said filtered lithium bicarbonate solution into a reactor and adjusting the temperature of the solution to from 60–100° C. to precipitate ultra-pure lithium carbonate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combustion apparatus for the production of carbon nanomaterials including fullerenes and fullerenic soot. Most generally the combustion apparatus comprises one or more inlets for introducing an oxygen-containing gas and a hydrocarbon fuel gas in the combustion system such that a flame can be established from the mixed gases, a droplet delivery apparatus for introducing droplets of a liquid hydrocarbon feedstock into the flame, and a collector apparatus for collecting condensable products containing carbon nanomaterials that are generated in the combustion system. The combustion system optionally has a reaction zone downstream of the flame. If this reaction zone is present the hydrocarbon feedstock can be introduced into the flame, the reaction zone or both.

Abstract: A single crystal diamond grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition has a hardness of 50–90 GPa and a fracture toughness of 11–20 MPa m1/2. A method for growing a single crystal diamond includes placing a seed diamond in a holder; and growing single crystal diamond at a temperature of about 1000° C. to about 1100° C. such that the single crystal diamond has a fracture toughness of 11–20 MPa m1/2.

Abstract: The present invention describes the preparation of carbon nanotubes of varied morphology, catalyst materials for their synthesis. The present invention also describes reactor apparatus and methods of optimizing and controlling process parameters for the manufacture carbon nanotubes with pre-determined morphologies in relatively high purity and in high yields. In particular, the present invention provides methods for the preparation of non-aligned carbon nanotubes with controllable morphologies, catalyst materials and methods for their manufacture.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for the combustion synthesis of carbon nanotubes characterized with the combustor having an oxidizing agent inlet, a fuel inlet and an inert gas inlet, such that the inverse diffusion flame occurs within the combustor, thereby producing carbon nanotubes without using vacuum, and a method for the combustion synthesis of carbon nanotubes using the same. According to the present invention, it is possible to directly collect samples including carbon nanotubes without oxidation and a substrate may be installed with ease. Moreover, the manufacturing cost can be lowered to a level suitable for mass production so that the carbon nanotube technology can be extended to various applications.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon gas containing H2S, mercaptans and CO2 is fed to an absorption plant operated at a pressure of 20 to 80 bar and supplied with a selective solvent, a solvent stream loaded with H2S and a roughly desulfurized gas stream are withdrawn, the H2S loaded solvent stream is charged to a regeneration plant and the roughly desulfurized gas stream is charged to an absorption and regeneration plant operated at a pressure of 20 to 80 bar, a large first gas stream of H2S and CO2 and an unloaded solvent stream are withdrawn from the absorption regeneration plant, and the large first gas steam of H2S and CO2 is supplied to a Claus plant, and a valuable hydrocarbon gas stream is withdrawn from the absorption and regeneration plant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the production of hydrogen peroxide from hydrazine hydrate or hydrazine salt, represented by a general formula: N2H4.nX, wherein, X is H2O, H2SO4, HNO3, HCl, HBr, HI or CH3COOH; n is 0.5, 1 or 2; N is nitrogen; H is hydrogen; S is sulfur; Cl is chlorine; Br is bromine; and I is iodine, by its liquid phase oxidation with oxygen, using a solid catalyst comprising palladium but with or without halogen promoter, in an aqueous reaction medium with or without comprising a mineral acid and/or halide anions, which comprises: i) contacting the solid catalyst with a hydrazine hydrate or hydrazine salt and oxygen containing gas selected from oxygen, air and oxygen enriched air, in aqueous reaction medium at the following reaction conditions: the concentration of hydrazine hydrate or hydrazine salt in the reaction medium above 0.

Abstract: Provided is a cathode composition for lithium secondary battery that includes a lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide that has the formula Li[Li(1-x)/3CrxTi(2/3)yMn2(1-x-y)/3]O2 where 0?x?0.3, 0?y?0.3 and 0.1?x+y?0.3, and layered a-LiFeO2 structure. A method of synthesizing the lithium-chromium-titanium manganese oxide includes preparing a first mixed solution by dispersing titanium dioxide (TiO2) in a mixed solution of chrome acetate (Cr3(OH)2(CH3CO2)7) and manganese acetate ((CH3CO2)2Mn.4H2O), adding a lithium hydroxide (LiOH) solution to the first mixed solution to obtain homogeneous precipitates, forming precursor powder that has the formula Li[Li(1-x)/3CrxTi(2/3)yMn2(1-x-y)/3]O2 where 0?x?0.3, 0?y?0.3 and 0.1?x+y?0.3 by heating the homogeneous precipitates, and heating the precursor powder to form oxide powder having a layered structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-purity niobium monoxide powder (NbO) produced by a process of combining a mixture of higher niobium oxides and niobium metal powder or granules; heating and reacting the compacted mixture under controlled atmosphere to achieve temperatures greater than about 1800° C., at which temperature the NbO is liquid; solidifying the liquid NbO to form a body of material; and fragmenting the body to form NbO particles suitable for application as e.g., capacitor anodes. The NbO product is unusually pure in composition and crystallography, highly dense, and can be used for capacitors and for other electronic applications. The method of production of the NbO is robust, does not require high-purity feedstock, and can reclaim value from waste streams associated with the processing of NbO electronic components.

Abstract: There are provided a method for producing a fine zirconium oxide powder which has a narrower particle size distribution than that of conventional zirconium oxide powders and which is capable of lowering the starting temperature in the sintering reaction of a reactant to which the fine zirconium oxide powder is added. When a hydrated zirconium is calcined to be dispersed in a solvent with a dispersing agent, an alcohol (e.g., IPA or t-butanol) having a branched chain structure, not a straight chain structure, is used as the solvent, and a dicarboxylic acid (e.g., maleic acid or oxalic acid) having two carboxyl groups in its molecule is used as the dispersing agent. Thus, a fine zirconium oxide powder having a narrow particle size distribution and a small particle size at 90 vol % is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing zeolites having the MTT framework topology defined by the connectivity of the tetrahedral atoms in the zeolite, such as zeolites SSZ-32 and ZSM-23, using certain nitrogen-containing organic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-compartment aerosol device containing a hair treatment composition in a first compartment and a compressed gas chosen from air, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, and mixtures thereof, in a second compartment, where the hair treatment composition contains, in an alcoholic or aqueous-alcoholic cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one hair sheen agent and/or conditioner in a concentration of greater than 0.4% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enhanced efficacy antiperspirant salts containing strontium and an amino acid or a hydroxy acid and particularly to stabilized aqueous solutions of such salts. The present invention also embraces methods of making these antiperspirant salts and solutions and compositions containing same.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices, kits, and methods for eliminating termite colonies. The kits, devices, and methods employ a termiticidal bait matrix containing a) a termiticide selected such that the termiticide causes death to about 50 to about 100% of termites within about 24 to about 84 days after the termites begin to ingest the termiticide or the bait matrix comprising the termiticide, b) a cellulose containing material, and c) water. The termiticidal bait matrix can be used in a bait station installed in the ground. The kits are suitable to be used by consumers in their homes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, this invention provides methods of treating mammalian cancer or hyperproliferative cells, said method comprising contacting said cells with a tumor suppressor protein or tumor suppressor nucleic acid and also contacting said cell with at least one adjunctive anti-cancer agent. The invention also provides for a pharmacological composition comprising a tumor suppressor protein or a tumor suppressor nucleic acid and at least one adjunctive anti-cancer agent, and a kit for the treatment of mammalian cancer or hyperproliferative cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is an injectable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition, comprising at least one hyaluronic acid benzyl ester or auto-cross-linked derivative, in combination with at least one mammalian cell and/or at least one pharmacologically or biologically active substance and/or micro-particles such as fibres, granules, microspheres or sponge fragments of a hyaluronic acid derivative.

Abstract: Uses of aldose 1-epimerase (SEQ ID NO:3) from body fluids or body tissues in human and veterinary medicine as a marker peptide for diagnosis, for prognosis of the course and for monitoring of the course of inflammations and infections and/or as a target for therapeutically influencing the course of inflammations and/or infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions related to the use of enzymes of the allene oxide synthase family for reducing myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury associated with myocardial infarction, thrombolysis, angioplasty and coronary bypass surgery. The methods of the invention comprise administration of allene oxide synthases, which are capable of eliminating lipid hydroperoxides, as a potent cardioprotective agent. The invention is based on the discovery that administration of allene oxide synthase following severe global ischemia stimulates cardiac recovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hyaluronidase enzyme methods, vaccines and compositions for treating or preventing pathogenic infections, such as HIV, in a patient. The invention also relates to methods, vaccines and compositions for providing immunity against HIV infection in a patient comprising treating the patient with HIV virus or HIV infected cells that have been treated with hyaluronidase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA encoding a novel extracellular serine protease termed Tumor Antigen Derived Gene-14 (TADG-14) which is overexpressed in ovarian, breast and colon carcinoma samples. Also provided are vector and host cells capable of expressing the DNA of the present invention, as well as the uses of the DNA and protein of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the affinity of a polypeptide to a target molecule by a combination of steps, including: (1) the identification of aspartyl residues which are prone to isomerization; (2) the substitution of alternative residues and screening the resulting mutants for affinity against the target molecule. In a preferred embodiment, the method of subtituting residues is affinity maturation with phage display (AMPD). In a further preferred embodiment the polypeptide is an antibody and the target molecule is an antigen. In a further preferred embodiment, the antibody is anti-IgE and the target molecule is IgE. In another embodiment, the invention relates to an anti-IgE antibody having improved affinity to IgE.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed recombinant anti-VLA-4 antibody molecules, including humanized recombinant anti-VLA-4 antibody molecules. These antibodies are useful in the treatment of specific and non-specific inflammation, including asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, the humanized recombinant anti-VLA-4 antibodies disclosed can be useful in methods of diagnosing and localizing sites of inflammation.

Abstract: A method for enhancing intracellular delivery of effector molecules is provided. The method involves modifying selected antibodies with biotin and streptavidin, conjugating these antibodies with an effector molecule, and delivering the conjugated effector to an intracellular target specifically recognized by the antibody.

Abstract: The invention relates to Leptospiral surface proteins, and the nucleic acid molecules which encode them. Various uses are described, including immunoprophylactic, diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine for inducing an immune response to an antigen in a vertebrate (e.g., mammal) comprising an antigen and all or a portion of a stress protein or all or a portion of a protein having an amino acid sequence sufficiently homologous to the amino acid sequence of the stress protein to induce the immune response against the antigen. In a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to vaccines and compositions which induce a CTL response in a mammal comprising an antigen and all or a portion of a stress protein. In another embodiment, the invention relates to vaccines and compositions which induce an immune response to an influenza virus in a mammal comprising an antigen of the influenza virus and all or a portion of one or more stress proteins. The invention also relates to vaccines and compositions for inducing a CTL response to a tumor-associated antigen comprising a tumor-associated antigen and all or a portion of the stress protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the establishment of a cultivation condition that is suitable for the large-scale production of pharmacologically active filtrates from a culture of A. camphorata, in particular, by optimizing the agitation rate and/or pH value during the cultivation. The present invention also relates to a process for obtaining pharmacologically active compositions from a culture of A. camphorata through a series of fractionation. This invention is further directed to the uses of the above compositions in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated HLA DRB1*15-binding peptides consisting of the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:7 with 0–10 amino acids added to either or both ends of the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:7, and an endosomal targeting signal comprising an endosomal targeting portion of human invariant chain Ii or LAMP-1.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula wherein the substitutents are defined as in the specification useful for modulating immune responses in warm-blooded animals.

Abstract: To provide an oil cleaning sheet for makeup which has excellent oil absorption, allows clear assessment of the oil absorbing effect by becoming transparent upon oil absorption, thus providing the user with a feeling of adequate wiping and a sense of satisfaction, has an agreeable feel, is resistant to damage during use and which does not require inclusion of particulate bodies on the surface. The oil cleaning sheet consists of a porous stretched film made of a plastic material.

Abstract: Granulated forms of various active ingredients can be prepared with a small amount of a dissolvable polymer and a solvent for that polymer. The solvent dissolves at least a portion of the polymer. This dissolved polymer acts as a particle lubricant for the extrusion process and, when the solvent is removed, as a binder for the final extrudate. A poly(alkylene oxide) is preferred and, in the presence of a small amount of solvent, dissolves sufficiently to provide lubricity to the extrusion mixture that the solids can be extruded with little friction and associated local temperature rise thru the extrusion die.

Abstract: An anti-fungal product is comprised of at least three delayed release dosages forms, each of which has a different release profile, with the Cmax for the anti-fungal product being reached in less than about twelve hours after initial release of anti-fungal from the product.

Abstract: A multi-layer coating is particularly useful for the coating of implants such as orthopedic and dental implants, particularly metallic implants. The first layer comprises a bond coating of a dense material insoluble and inert in body fluids. The second layer comprises apatite and a binder. The first layer protects the metallic implants from corrosion, apatite dissolution, and interfacial reaction with apatite and the binder. The apatite in the second layer is a bioactive agent that can osteobond to tissue. The binder allows adjustment of the thermal expansion coefficient between the coating and the metallic substrate. This multi-layer coating has both high bond strength to implants and excellent bioactivity with the surrounding body tissue.

Abstract: This invention lies in the technology of transdermal and topical drug delivery. In particular, the present invention relates to enhancement of the penetration of transdermally or topically applied drugs and with the reduction of skin irritation that often accompanies transdermal and topical drug delivery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition, comprising: (a) cationic lipids, wherein said lipids are a liposomal mixture of a diacyl-ethyl-phosphocholine and 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine; and (b) a plasmid cDNA sequence encoding a protein having tumor suppressor or pro-apoptotic activity. This composition has a high gene transfection efficiency at non-toxic doses and is designed to transfect human bronchial premalignant lesions and early endo-bronchial malignancies.

Abstract: Stable, biologically compatible pharmaceutical compositions in the form of water-in-oil microemulsions (w/o), for the sustained release by parenteral administration of active ingredients which are hydrophilic or are made hydrophilic by suitable derivatization, a process for the preparation of said microemulsions and the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel controlled release multilayer composition that is capable of delivering a first active agent from one layer immediately followed by continuous controlled delivery of second active agent from matrix forming layer while the dosage form floats and is retained in the fluid of the environment. The floating bilayer system comprises of immediate release layer containing one active agent and a disintegrating agent whereas second floating matrix forming layer comprises a gas generating component, a gelling agent, and a second active agent. The present invention relates more particularly to a controlled release fluoroquinolone compositions, which maintain a therapeutically effective blood concentration of fluoroquinolone for duration with once a day administration.

Abstract: The invention relates to oral pharmaceutical compositions useful as aldosterone receptor blockers comprising the active agent micronized eplerenone in an amount of about 10 mg to about 1000 mg and one or more carrier materials.

Abstract: A multi-layered microcapsule containing one or more active ingredients and process for preparing the same is disclosed. The multi-layered microcapsule comprises an inner solid microparticle core, typically composed of a biodegradable polymer, and having one or more alternating layers of polymer, active ingredient or polymer/active ingredient mixtures to produce a multi-layered microcapsule wherein the polymer or active ingredient in each layer may be the same or different or have the same or different concentration of the polymer or active ingredient in other layers.