Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate having a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. The filling apparatus can comprise an assay input layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The assay input layer can comprise an assay input port extending from the first surface to the second surface and at least one pressure nodule extending from the second surface. An output layer can comprise a plurality of staging capillaries each having an inlet and an outlet. A intermediate layer can be disposed between the assay input layer and the output layer. The intermediate layer can be flexible and comprise a plurality of microfluidic channels and a flow aperture being in fluid communication with the assay input port and the plurality of microfluidic channels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multiple analyte detection include a system for distribution of a biological sample that includes a substrate, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of sample chambers, a sample introduction channel for each sample chamber, and a venting channel for each sample chamber. The system may further include a preloaded reagent contained in each sample chamber and configured for nucleic acid analysis of a biological sample that enters the substrate and a sealing instrument configured to be placed in contact with the substrate to seal each sample chamber so as to substantially prevent sample contained in each sample chamber from flowing out of each sample chamber. The substrate can be constructed of detection-compatible and assay-compatible materials.

Abstract: A plunger stroke pipette for replaceable pipette points with a seat for the detachable mounting of a pipette point, a plunger, a cylinder in which the plunger is movably arranged, a Connection channel connecting the cylinder with an opening in the seat, a driving equipment, coupled to the plunger for displacing the plunger in the cylinder, an upper stopper and a lower stopper and at least one counter-stopper of the driving equipment and/or the plunger for limiting the stroke of the plunger, a holder, holding the lower stopper, an overstroke spring between the upper stopper and the holder, an adjustment equipment for adjusting the position of the holder with respect to the cylinder, and an indicating equipment for indicating the position of the holder.

Abstract: A pipetting device including a pipetting unit (12) having an application chamber (26) and a first end (16) that is realized with a discharge opening (18), and a second, open end (20). In the vicinity of the second, open end (20) of the pipetting unit (12), a sleeve-like receptacle unit (14) is guided so that it can move axially on at least two sealing lips (22, 24) that project radially inward and are at some distance from each other, which is provided on the side facing the application chamber (26) of the pipetting unit (12) with a base element (28), and on the side facing away from the application chamber (26) has an opening (32) and which has, in the vicinity of its periphery, at least one opening (34), the axial dimensions of which are somewhat smaller than or equal to the distance between the sealing lips (22, 24).

Abstract: In a cartridge for chemical reaction, there are provided an inner part in which a chemical reaction is caused by feeding a liquid in accordance with a deformation when an external force is applied, and a plurality of passages that are connected with each other, and the passages can be switched between an opened state and a closed state by the external force. Since the plurality of passages are connected together in the cartridge, the cartridge can be applied to various uses. The plurality of passages may be connected together in the form of a network. Wells may be provided at the junctions of the passages. When the external force is applied on the well, the liquid may be pushed out of the well through the passages connected to the well. A passage may be provided for introducing a sample into the cartridge from an external part of the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and apparatus for improving the sensitivity of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). The invention particularly concerns devices comprising a channel that contains an in-line sol-gel column to concentrate samples being subjected to capillary zone electrophoresis, and the use of such devices to enhance the sensitivity of capillary zone electrophoresis.

Abstract: A measurement instrument for adequately correcting data in consideration of the deterioration of a reagent used for measurement over time. A deterioration correction data table where the variation of the sensitivity of each reagent from the date of manufacture of the reagent to the expiration date is recorded for each lot is stored in a deterioration correction data storage unit (3b). A bar code including information designating the lot and the date of manufacture is attached to the reagent. A CPU (1) designates the deterioration correction data table corresponding to the lot of the reagent used for measurement according to the reagent information read by the bar code reader of a nozzle derive unit (10), calculates the reagent sensitivity by interpolation on the measurement data with reference to the designated deterioration data table, and corrects the measurement data with respect to the deterioration of the reagent according to the calculated reagent sensitivity.

Abstract: A method for deliberately plugging the inlet and outlet ends of a reactor tube in a recoverable manner, which method employs at least one vented plug whereby fluid communication within the tube can be established or terminated at will, and the tube is unplugged only after the fluid content of the tube has been drained through the vented plug.

Abstract: The Track Light Fan consists of a fan motor covered by a housing, a fragrance slot and fragrance center, a speed adjustor, a plurality of rotating blades covered by a protective grate, a track light connector, and a rod for connecting the fan to the track light connector. To use The Track Light Fan, a user simply attaches the track light connector to a standard track. The operator can then use the speed adjustor and other knobs and buttons to control the device.

Abstract: To facilitate operation of a facility for chemical conversion of a feed that comprises a reactor (2) containing a slurry constituted by at least one suspension of at least one solid in a liquid, a gas supply, and a circuit that is external of the reactor, for continuous movement of a slurry stream, wherein the external circuit withdraws slurry from the reactor from at least one point (A) and re-introduces at least a portion of the slurry at at least one other point (B), the facility is further provided with means for stopping circulation of the slurry in the circuit; means for pressurized introduction of at least one fluid for draining the slurry contained in the circuit; and means for circulating the slurry in the external circuit under conditions such that the Reynolds number is more than 2500.

Abstract: A fluidized-bed gasification furnace has a gasification chamber for fluidizing a fluidized medium therein and pyrolyzing a material in the fluidized medium to produce a pyrolysis gas and a pyrolysis residue. The fluidized-bed gasification furnace also has a combustion chamber having a combustion portion for fluidizing a fluidized medium therein and combusting the pyrolysis residue to heat the fluidized medium and a settling portion disposed adjacent to the combustion portion and the gasification chamber for settling the heated fluidized medium therein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel catalysts for treating automobile exhaust that have increased resistance to poisoning from oil- and/or fuel-derived additives. In the catalysts of this invention, the catalytic materials are not coated onto a front-end poison capture zone of the support that carries the catalytic layers. Since poisonous elements tend to deposit on the upstream end of the catalyst, such poisons do not inactivate any of the catalytic materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for the removal of dust, HF, HCl, SO2, SO3, heavy metals, heavy-metal compounds, polyhalogenated hydrocarbons and polycyclic hydrocarbons from combustion flue gases by treating the pollutant-containing combustion flue gases with a sorbent in a circulating fluidized bed. The process is characterized in that the sorbent used is a mixture of Ca(OH)2, at least one naturally occurring zeolite and a carbon-containing substance, in that the treatment of the pollutant-containing combustion flue gases with the: sorbent is carried out at from 120 to 180° C.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an exhaust treatment device comprises: a housing, a substrate disposed within the housing, and a mat wrapped around the substrate in a helical configuration, wherein the mat has a length that is greater than or equal to about three times the mat width and is disposed between the substrate and the housing. In another embodiment, a method for producing an exhaust treatment device comprises winding a mat around a substrate in a helical configuration to form a substrate/mat sub-assembly and disposing said substrate/mat sub-assembly in a housing. The mat has a length that is greater than or equal to about three times the mat width and is disposed between the substrate and the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for collecting and redirecting liquid which has been separated from a gaseous process stream by inertial separation techniques such that the separated liquid and gaseous stream are flowing co-currently or counter-currently within the same process apparatus. The apparatus has liquid catch means, such as a flange, for catching the separated liquid and flow-through means, such as a flow-through opening in the flange, for simultaneously allowing the gaseous materials to flow, co-currently or counter-currently with the separated liquid, through and past the liquid catch means and downstream on to further processing equipment. The method comprises collecting the separate liquid phase by patching the separate liquid phase as it drips and flows down the inner wall of the process apparatus, while simultaneously allowing the gaseous materials to flow on, co-currently or counter-currently with the separate liquid phase, to further processing equipment, using the aforesaid apparatus.

Abstract: A process for recovering a precious metal from a sulfidic material comprises the steps of preparing an acidic aqueous halide solution having an oxidation potential sufficient to oxidise the sulfidic material and render the precious metal soluble in the solution, adding the material to the acidic aqueous halide solution so that the sulfidic material is oxidised and the precious metal is solubilised and separating the precious metal from the oxidised sulfidic material. In addition, a process for removing a contaminant from a contaminated sulfidic material comprises the steps of mixing the material in an aqueous solution wherein a multi-valent species of a relatively high oxidation state oxidises the contaminant to render it soluble in the solution, produces a contaminant refined material, and is reduced to a relatively lower oxidation state; and removing the contaminant from the solution whilst regenerating the multi-valent species to its relatively high oxidation state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst for exhaust-gas purification in lean-burn engines, the catalyst comprising at least ZrO2 and/or Ce/Zr mixed oxide as support material and ruthenium as active metal, on its own or together with at least one further active metal selected from the precious metals group. Rare earth oxides and transition metals are used as promoters. The invention also comprises a method for purifying the exhaust gas from lean-burn engines in rich/lean and constant lean mode, in which a catalyst as defined above is used.

Abstract: A method for forming a copper oxide catalyst includes forming a precipitate of copper hydroxide from a copper salt solution; forming dried particles of copper hydroxide by drying the precipitate at a temperature of less than 30° C.; heating the copper hydroxide particles to form copper oxide; and activating the copper oxide. The copper oxide catalyst includes particles of copper oxide. Copper oxide catalyst particles can preferably include a metastable form of copper oxide. The copper oxide catalyst particles are useful for low-temperature and near-ambient temperature catalysis and/or oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for removing impurities accumulated in a scrubbing fluid in a flue gas scrubber and effluents from the scrubber. The flue gases are scrubbed with a scrubbing fluid that includes a calcium-containing absorbent. The scrubbing fluid containing gypsum and other impurities and produced in the scrubber is discharged from the scrubber. The gypsum is separated from the scrubbing fluid. To the scrubbing fluid is added an auxiliary agent, by the effect of which the impurities accumulated in the scrubbing fluid are removed with the gypsum and the moisture content of the gypsum to be separated from the scrubbing fluid is increased.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of charcoal, fuel gas, and potassium from a biomass gassifier.

Abstract: A method of growing single-walled carbon nanotubes. The method may include supplying at least one of an oxidant and an etchant into a vacuum chamber and supplying a source gas into the vacuum chamber to grow carbon nanotubes on a substrate in an oxidant or an etchant atmosphere. The carbon nanotubes may be grown in an H2O plasma atmosphere. The carbon nanotubes may be grown at a temperature less than 500° C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for the preparation of porous materials, which can be used not only for a catalyst, an adsorbent, a catalytic support, ion exchange and gas storage, but also for adsorbent of guest molecules due to nanometer spaces (nanospaces), and of mixed metal oxides which are used as functional ceramic materials. More particularly, disclosed is a method for the preparation of porous materials and mixed metal oxides, in which microwave energy is used as a heating source, and a tube free of connection portions is used as a reactor, and the pressure within the reactor is controlled by measuring the pressure of gas remaining after the separation of solid and liquid, so that the method has increased operational stability and reproducibility, makes the control of residence time easy, and can achieve an increase in productivity. Also, disclosed is an apparatus for the continuous preparation of porous materials and mixed metal oxides, which can perform the preparation method.

Abstract: A process for making red iron oxide containing less than 1500 ppm sulfur is described. The iron oxide is useful as a catalyst or catalyst ingredient in a wide variety of processes and in a preferred embodiment has an acicular shape.

Abstract: There are provided methods for producing a zeolite layered composite, methods for producing a zeolite shaped body and methods for producing a zeolite layered intermediate body. In one aspect, there is provided a method for producing a zeolite layered composite, comprising layering a template-containing zeolite membrane having a composition the same as or similar to that of a zeolite shaped body of a completely crystallized zeolite composed of tetrapropylammonium ion (TPA) and silica sol in a mixing ratio (TPA/SiO2) of 0.015 to 0.08 by mole and containing a template therein on the zeolite shaped body, and simultaneously removing the template from the zeolite membrane and the zeolite shaped body by calcining the resulting layered product to obtain a zeolite layered composite comprising the zeolite shaped body and the zeolite membrane layered thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test meal kits that are used in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders characterized by changes in the rate of gastric emptying; and, with a breath test or a nuclear scintigraphy scan, are used to measure a half-gastric emptying time useful for therapy monitoring of gastrointestinal disorders in clinical.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods to characterize exemplified compounds such as 3?, 17?-dihydroxyandrost-1,5,11 -triene and 3?, 17?-dihydroxy-17?-ethynylandrost-1,5,11-triene and to the use of described compounds to ameliorate or treat a condition such as thrombocytopenia, inflammation or other exemplified conditions.

Abstract: Antibodies directed to the antigen CD20 and uses of such antibodies are disclosed herein. In particular, fully human monoclonal antibodies directed to the antigen CD20. Nucleotide sequences encoding, and amino acid sequences comprising, heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules, particularly sequences corresponding to contiguous heavy and light chain sequences spanning the framework regions and/or complementarity determining regions (CDR's), specifically from FR1 through FR4 or CDR1 through CDR3 are disclosed. Hybridomas or other cell lines expressing such immunoglobulin molecules and monoclonal antibodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to diagnostic agents. More specifically, the disclosure is directed to compounds, diagnostic agents, compositions, and kits for detecting and/or imaging and/or monitoring a pathological disorder associated with coronary plaque, carotid plaque, aortic plaque, plaque of the arterial vessel, aneurism, vasculitis, and other diseases of the arterial wall. In addition, the disclosure is directed to methods of detecting and/or imaging and/or monitoring changes in the arterial wall, including expansive and constrictive remodeling, total vessel wall area, internal lumen size, and exterior artery perimeter.

Abstract: A method of treating volume expansion mediated hypertension including administering a therapeutically effective dose of resibufogenin to a patient having volume expansion mediated hypertension. A method for the determination of the presence of volume expansion mediated hypertension may be by determining whether there has been a substantial elevation in marinobufogenin which may be blood-derived or urine-derived and if such elevation does exist, concluding that volume expansion mediated hypertension does exist. The method may advantageously be practiced by employing urine, blood serum or blood plasma as the body specimen in determining whether a patient has volume expansion mediated hypertension. In another embodiment, bufodienolide derivatives other than resibufogenin may be employed in lieu of thereof or in combination therewith. In another embodiment, resibufogenin analogues may be employed in the treatment of volume expansion mediated hypertension.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for making and using Be complexes of defined compositions, which may have multiple functionalities and/or binding specificities. In various embodiment, Beryllium (Be) complexes may include Be such as 10Be and 7Be complexes. Such complexes find use in a wide variety of applications, particularly in the field of treatment, detection and/or diagnosis of infections, diseases and other health-related conditions, including but not limited to cancer, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, degenerative diseases, and organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated anti-interferon alpha monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that inhibit the biological activity of multiple interferon (IFN) alpha subtypes but do not substantially inhibit the biological activity of IFN alpha 21 or the biological activity of either IFN beta or IFN omega. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides methods for inhibiting the biological activity of IFN alpha using the antibodies of the invention, as well as methods of treating disease or disorders mediated by IFN alpha, such as autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection and graft versus host disease, by administering the antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to conjugates that consist of macrocyclic metal complexes with biomolecules and their production. The conjugates are suitable as contrast media in NMR diagnosis and radiodiagnosis as well as as agents for radiotherapy. High relaxivity is achieved by a special liganding of macrocyclic compounds, and a fine-tuning of the relaxivity is made possible.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to an implantable device for detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte in an aqueous environment in vivo. The device includes a macromolecule that comprises a copolymer of: a) one or more indicator component monomers which individually are not sufficiently water soluble to permit their use in an aqueous environment for detecting the presence or concentration of said analyte; b) one or more hydrophilic monomers; and c) one or more catalytic antioxidant monomers; such that the macromolecule is capable of detecting the presence or concentration of the analyte in an aqueous environment. The presence of the catalytic antioxidant reduces or prevents oxidative damage to the macromolecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to contrast media for nuclear spin tomography (or else magnetic resonance tomography, MRT) with use of the Overhauser effect, which are suitable for transferring the magnetic orientation of electron spins to adjacent proton spins.

Abstract: A flexible test device and a method for irritation testing of formulations on skin. The test device includes a flexible substrate, a group of formulations secured on the flexible patch for application on the skin of an animal such that the test device conforms to the skin for the formulations to contact the skin, and adhesive for attaching the test device to the skin for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: There is provided scaffolds for tissue repair/augmentation/implant comprising an acellular matrix, a biocompatible polymer and a biomimetic agent. The scaffolds advantageously supports cell growth in the target tissue. There is also provided a method for the preparation of the scaffold and for monitoring the functionality of the scaffold in tissue using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complexes which contain polycrystalline magnetic iron oxide particles in a pharmaceutically acceptable shell, and to the use of these compositions in magnetic particle imaging (MPI). Particular preference is given to the use of these compositions in examining the gastrointestinal tract, the vascular system of the heart and cranial components, in the diagnosis of arteriosclerosis, infarctions, and tumors and metastases, for example of the lymphatic system.

Abstract: The present invention provides contrast agents for use in diagnostic ultrasound studies comprising microbubbles of gas or a gas precursor encapsulated by non-proteinaceous crosslinked or polymerised amphiphilic moieties.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is an oral dosage form comprising: a therapeutically effective amount of an opioid analgesic; an opioid antagonist; and an irritant in an effective amount to impart an irritating sensation to an abuser upon administration of the dosage form after tampering.

Abstract: Hydroxylated nebivolol metabolites increase NO release from human endothelial cell preparations in a concentration dependent fashion following acute administration. In addition, hydroxylated nebivolol metabolites, including but not limited to 4-hydroxy-6,6?difluoro-, 4-hydroxy-5-phenol-6,6?difluoro-, and 4-hydroxy-8-pheno-6,6?difluoro-, have the ability to increase the capacity for NO release in human endothelial cells following chronic administration. This invention provides hydroxylated nebivolol metabolites and compositions comprising nebivolol and/or at least one hydroxylated metabolite of nebivolol and/or at least one additional compound used to treat cardiovascular diseases or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides glucuronidated nebivolol metabolites and pharmaceutical compositions of glucuronidated nebivolol metabolites for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, this invention also provides compositions comprising nebivolol and/or at least one glucuronidated metabolite of nebivolol and/or at least one other active compound in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention also provides methods of treating and/or preventing vascular diseases, by administering at least one glucuronidated metabolite of nebivolol that is capable of releasing a therapeutically effective amount of nitric oxide to a targeted site affected by the vascular disease. Also, this invention is directed to the treatment and/or prevention of migraine headaches administering at least one glucuronidated metabolite of nebivolol. This invention may also be used in conjunction with or as a single treatment of metabolic syndrome disorders.

Abstract: A delivery formulation and system for delivering inactivated bioactive peptides to the body. The formulation includes effective amounts of the peptide as well as a mucosal permeation enhancer selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium salts. The system can be used by spraying the formulation into the buccal cavity, e.g., to the roof of the mouth.

Abstract: Methods for treating diseases comprising delivering CGH by aerosol delivery and comprising administering a lesser amount of CGH than TSH are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of muscle relaxants through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing muscle relaxants that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, a muscle relaxant is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a coating of a muscle relaxant, on a solid support, to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% muscle relaxant degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering a muscle relaxant through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a coating of a muscle relaxant and b) a device for dispensing said coating a muscle relaxant as a condensation aerosol.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method for pulmonary delivery of therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic agents to a patient wherein the agent is released in a sustained fashion, and to particles suitable for use in the method. In particular, the invention relates to a method for the pulmonary delivery of a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent comprising administering to the respiratory tract of a patient in need of treatment, prophylaxis or diagnosis an effective amount of particles comprising a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent or any combination thereof in association with a charged lipid, wherein the charged lipid has an overall net charge which is opposite to that of the agent upon association with the agent. Release of the agent from the administered particles occurs in a sustained fashion.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and compositions useful for controlling bacterial biofilms as well as for controlling and/or preventing bacterial infections. The compounds of the invention are pentacyclic acid triterpenes. Methods for controlling biofilms and for controlling and/or preventing bacterial infections are also disclosed.

Abstract: An oral composition is provided covering one or more cationic active ingredients and a cationic-compatible inorganic particulate having a porous surface that is substantially inert to the cationic active ingredient. The oral composition also has a cationic-compatible surfactant system and a carrier that is stable in the presence of the cationic active ingredient. The oral composition can be rpvioded in a dual tube or dingle tube form, if desired.

Abstract: A toothpaste, dental cream, or mouth spray composition for soothing the gums and teeth has base ingredients such as sorbitol, hydrated silica, polyethylene glycol and water; and a combination of eucalyptus oil and collagen, being present at less than about 10% by weight.

Abstract: Peptide sequences comprising 10 to 50 amino acids are disclosed. The sequences are characterized by containing at least one of an integrin binding motif such as an RGD sequence, a glycosaminoglycan binding motif, and a calcium binding motif, and the remainder of amino acids contiguous with the RGD sequence in matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein. The sequences may be formulated for injection or dispersed in toothpaste or a mouthwash or gum patch and administered to enhance bone/tooth growth and/or reduce excessive urinary phosphate loss from the body.

Abstract: Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail bed and is difficult to treat topically because penetration of the nail plate is difficult, and systemic antifungal treatments are prone to side effects and drug interactions. The present invention treats onychomycosis by applying an antifungal composition to the nail bed directly using a solid, semi-solid, or flowable carrier. The carrier can be in the form of a semi-solid into which the user digs and scrapes the nail, a solid carrier can be inserted directly under the nail in contact with the nail bed, or a flowable composition can be injected in contact with the nail bed.