Abstract: A device for collecting and transporting aqueous fluid from the oral cavity to a lateral chromatographic strip for test is disclosed. The lateral chromatographic strip is placed within and extend along a cavity defined in a housing. At least one inspection site to the lateral chromatographic strip is provided to enable inspection of selected sites on the lateral chromatographic strip for test results. A porous wick material protrudes from the housing to a collection site exterior of the housing at one end and communicates to the lateral chromatographic strip at the other end. The porous wick material has particulate construction, the particles adsorbing aqueous oral fluid to transport the fluid from the mouth to the lateral chromatographic strip without substantial absorption. The particles of the porous wick material are bound together to define a continuous interstitial volume for the flow of oral fluid to be transported and are treated to be hydrophilic to the adsorbed oral fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow cell, a method for separating carrier-free radionuclides from a liquid or liquefiable target material, and the radiochemical reaction thereof. According to prior art, flow cells are known which require reaction volumes corresponding to the volume of the target material in order to carry out the desired reactions. The inventive flow cell (1) and method enable the reaction volume, and thus the quantity of starting material, to be reduced by a multiple by reducing the cylinder volume (=reaction volume). As the radioactively marked product is present in very small quantities (picomole to nanomole), the HPL-chromatographic separation of the non-reacted starting material is significantly improved. The economic efficiency of the method is increased due to the fact that small quantities of starting material can be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic system for processing a cell-containing liquid. The system includes a lysing zone to receive the cell-containing sample and a positioning element to position the cell-containing sample in a lysing position in the vicinity of a lysing mechanism. The lysing mechanism releases intracellular material, such as DNA or RNA, from the cells. In one embodiment, the lysing mechanism includes electrodes for generating an electric field sufficient to release intracellular contents from the cells. Alternatively, the lysing mechanism may lyse the cells using chemical, heat and/or ultrasonic techniques or any combination of these techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The multiple banks of valves provide an additional number of reagent choices while operating in a serial mode and faster reagent distribution while operating in a parallel mode. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering fluids into microfluidic device body structures are described. The methods and devices include the use of fluid manifolds which are integrated or interchangeable with device body structures. Methods of fabricating manifolds are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for removing small negatively charged molecules from a biological sample mixture that uses an anion exchange material.

Abstract: A high-pressure reactor which has a hydraulically controlled pressure-relief valve. The mechanical design of the corresponding hydraulic system in combination with the control technology used facilitates particularly fast opening of the pressure-relief valve in the case of pressure or temperature jumps in the high-pressure reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the generation of hydrogen peroxide. The apparatus provides for the production of a large scale volume of hydrogen peroxide by the generation of a liquid bearing bubble cloud. The bubbles are generated with a tiny volume before flowing over the reactor bed to generate the hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A two-cycle countercurrent extraction process for recovery of highly pure uranium from fertilizer grade weak phosphoric acid. The proposed process uses selective extraction using di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) and tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) with refined kerosene as synergistic extractant system on hydrogen peroxide treated phosphoric acid, and stripping the loaded extract with strong phosphoric acid containing metallic iron to lower redox potential. The loaded-stripped acid is diluted with water back to weak phosphoric acid state and its redox potential raised by adding hydrogen peroxide and re-extracted with same extractant system. This extract is first scrubbed with sulfuric acid and then stripped with alkali carbonate separating iron as a precipitate, treated with sodium hydroxide precipitating sodium uranate, which is re-dissolved in sulfuric acid and converted with hydrogen peroxide to highly pure yellow cake of uranium peroxide.

Abstract: The method relates to a pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical process for the recovery and recycling of lithium and vanadium compounds from a material comprising spent rechargeable lithium batteries, particularly lithium metal gel and solid polymer electrolyte rechargeable batteries. The method involves providing a mass of the material, hardening it by cooling at a temperature below room temperature, comminuting the mass of cooled and hardened material, digesting with an acid its ashes obtained by incineration, or its solidified salts obtained by molten salt oxidation, or the comminuted mass itself, to give a mother liquor, extracting vanadium compounds from the mother liquor, separating heavy metals and aluminium therefrom, and precipitating lithium carbonate from the remaining solution.

Abstract: The gaseous feed flowing in through line 1 is contacted in contacting zone ZA with a liquid solvent flowing in through line 2. The solvent comprises between 0.001% and 100% by weight of a liquid olefin. Contacting in zone ZA is carried out in the presence of an acid catalyst. The purified gaseous feed is discharged from zone ZA through line 3. The sulfide-laden solvent is discharged through line 4, then regenerated in unit RE. The regenerated solvent is recycled through lines 7 and 2 to zone ZA.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the catalytic decomposition of N2O to N2 and O2. This process is carried out at a high temperature, generally of between 700 and 1000° C., at a high HSV and in the presence of a catalyst composed of a mixed oxide of zirconium and of cerium existing in the form of a solid solution.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for the synthesis of fullerenes and/or nanotubes from precursor soot without the formation of carbonaceous soot. The method comprises the pyrolysis of a hydrocarbon fuel source by heating the fuel source at a sufficient temperature to transform the fuel source to a condensed hydrocarbon. The condensed hydrocarbon is a reaction medium comprising precursor soot wherein hydrogen exchange occurs within the reaction medium to form reactive radicals which cause continuous rearrangement of the carbon skeletal structure of the condensed hydrocarbon. Then, inducing dehydrogenation of the precursor soot to form fullerenes and/or nanotubes free from the formation of carbonaceous soot by continued heating at the sufficient temperature and by regulating the carbon to hydrogen ratio within the reaction medium. The dehydrogenation process produces hydrogen gas as a by-product.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of tricalcium aluminate (TCA) filter aid for use in an alumina refinery is described. Quicklime is slaked in a slaker tin using a suitable slaking solution to form a slaked lime slurry (10). A suitable surface-active agent is added to the slaking solution prior to slaking of the lime. Alternatively, the surface-active agents can be added to the slaked lime either during slaking or after slaking. The slaked lime slurry is then transferred to a stirred storage/transfer tank (12) before it is pumped to a lime aging tank (14). A concentrated Bayer liquor and steam are added to the tank (14) to provide a caustic aluminate solution that reacts with the slaked lime. Sufficient residence time is allowed in the lime aging tank (14) for the initial product of the reaction to “age” before use, forming relatively pure particles of the thermodynamically stable TCA.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating hydrogen gas from methane are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes heating a vessel containing a catalyst to a temperature above approximately 600° centigrade and pressurizing the vessel to about ten atmospheres. A pressure swing absorbent, a methane stream, and a stream of steam are introduced into the vessel. In a particular aspect, the temperature may be maintained within a range of approximately 600 C. to approximately 700 C.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a composition of somatostatin analogues having the general formula: is provided wherein Z may be absent or present and when present is selected from DOTA- and DTPA-based chelators, NOTA-based chelators, carbonyl compounds, hydrazino nicotinamide, N4-chelators, desferrioxamine, NxSy-chelators, optionally complexed or labeled with a radioisotope, tyrosine for halogenation, a fluorescent dye, or biotin. The composition further provides that L may or may not be present and when present is a linker molecule, X1 is glutamic acid or a symmetric or asymmetric diamino acid containing 3 or 4 consecutive C atoms, X2 is a positively charged natural or unnatural amino acid, an arginine mimic, citrulline, or a neutral amino acid, X3 is phenylalanine, Ala-[3-(2-thienyl)], ?-naphthylalanine, or ?-naphthylalanine, X4 is an aromatic amino acid, X5 is threonine or serine, and X6 is phenylalanine, Ala-[3-(2-thienyl)], ?-naphthylalanine, or ?-naphthylalanine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothpaste composition for preventing calculus formation and removing plaque, more specifically to the toothpaste composition comprising soluble ultra phosphate with network structure and zeolite granule. The composition of the present invention has superior effect to prevent and remove calculus, and removing interdental plaque.

Abstract: A composition comprising (a) from 0.005% to 0.5% by weight of a cooling compound; (b) from 0.1% to 10% by weight of an emulsifiable substance; (c) from 0.15% to 15% by weight of a surfactant; (d) optionally up to 5% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 5% by weight of a cosurfactant.

Abstract: There are provided oral mouth rinse compositions, consisting essentially of: a) 1–20 wt % of an orally acceptable peroxide, b) 0.5–15 wt % of an orally acceptable sulfate, bisulfate, pyrosulfate salt of an inorganic cation or mixtures thereof, and c) water to 100 wt %. There are further provided methods of preparing and using said compositions as well as kits for maintaining the components to prepare said compositions.

Abstract: An aqueous leave-on hair conditioning composition which comprises: a.) about 0.01 percent to about 10.0 percent of a quaternary ammonium compound; b.) about 0.0 percent to about 10.0 percent of a silicone oil; c.) about 0.00001 to about 0.05% of a polyoxyethylene polymer; and d.) about 0.01 to 10% of a non-ionic surfactant wherein said composition is substantially free of hair hold enhancing agents and which is substantially free of cationic cellulosic resins containing tetra-substituted nitrogen moieties, is described.

Abstract: There is disclosed an antimicrobial composition that may be used in the treatment of diseases and conditions associated with farm animals and livestock. The composition may also be utilized as an inhibitor of microbial growth on crops, plants or foodstuffs, such as grains and the like. The composition comprises an antimicrobially effective amount of clove bud oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, tea tree and orange oil but may be diluted with water prior to application.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a biologically active complex comprising at least two heterologous molecules. More particularly, the biologically active complex of the present invention comprises at least two polypeptides or parts, fragments, truncates or protease-activated forms of one or more of the polypeptides wherein the complex alone or in association with a receptor, ligand or other molecule facilitates proliferation, differentiation and/or survival of a cell. The identification of the biologically active complex of the present invention permits the assay for agonists and antagonists of the formation of the biologically active complex as well as therapeutic and diagnostic reagents based on the biologically active complex or interaction between the biologically active complex and a receptor, ligand or other molecule.

Abstract: A C to T DNA variation at position 3365 in exon 5 of the human Asthma Associated Factor 1 (AAF1) produces the predicted amino acid substitution of a methionine for a threonine at codon 117 of AAF1. When this substitution occurs in both alleles in one individual, it is associated with less evidence of atopic allergy including asthma, fewer abnormal skin test responses, and a lower serum total IgE. Thus, applicant has identified the existence of a non-asthmatic, non-atopic phenotype characterized by methionine at codon 117 when it occurs in both AAF1 gene products in one individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of an ATP binding cassette transporter and mutated sequences thereof associated with macular degeneration. Methods of detecting agents that modify ATP-binding cassette transporter comprising combining purified ATP binding cassette transporter and at least one agent suspected of modifying the ATP binding cassette transporter an observing a change in at least one characteristic associated with ATP binding cassette transporter. Methods of detecting macular degeneration is also embodied by the present invention.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to viruses that are able to purge (reduce or eliminate) undesirable cells in a mixture of cells. Undesirable cells can include neoplastic cells, cells mediating graft-versus host diseases, and autoimmune cells. The subject invention also relates to the purging of undesirable cells from bone marrow or peripheral blood cell harvests in the treatment of mammals including cancer patients, transplant recipients, and patients with autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactobacillus reuteri variant from animal sources that inhibits rotavirus infection and other pathogenic microorganisms, as well as being tolerant of gastric and bile acids. Also, this invention relates to a prophylactic and therapeutic composition comprising the same for contributing in many probiotic ways to the host's general health and preventing and treating diseases or conditions associated with rotavirus and other enteric pathogens.

Abstract: Human monoclonal antibodies which bind specifically to Fc alpha receptor (CD89), including monoclonal antibodies which react specifically to Fc receptor for IgA of human effector cells are disclosed. The binding agents, e.g., antibodies are useful for targeting human effector cells (e.g. macrophages) against a target cell (e.g. a cancer cell, an infectious agent, etc.). For this purpose, bifunctional antibodies or heteroantibodies can be constructed containing the binding region derived from an anti-Fc-alpha receptor antibody and the binding region of a target-specific antibody. Targeted effector cells can specifically lyse target cells.

Abstract: Antibodies to a novel family of TGF-? binding proteins are disclosed, for use in methods of altering bone density and bone mineralization, which methods are applicable to the treatment of diseases including osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to anti-TNF antibodies, fragments, regions and derivatives thereof which are specific for human tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF?) and are useful in methods of treating psoriasis, as well as polynucleotides coding for murine and chimeric anti-TNF antibodies, and methods of producing anti-TNF antibodies, fragments, regions and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (GD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signalling. These antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating, preventing, or diagnosing epidermal or dermal disorders, e.g., psoriasis, are disclosed. The methods and compositions of the invention use binding agents, e.g., antibodies, specific for the extracellular domain of human prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable compacted, compressed or hard tableted injectable composition, including a vaccine composition comprising at least one freeze dried antigenic component and a dissolution aid. A package containing the above injectable composition and method to facilitate immunizing a subject against a disease comprising the steps of first dissolving the compacted, compressed or hard tableted vaccine composition in a package with a diluent to form a vaccine solution, and administering the resulting vaccine solution in an amount effective for immunizing is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of treating and diagnosing disorders characterized the by the presence of antigens associated with inflammatory diseases and/or cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic epitope of a M. vaccae protein, polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, and fusion proteins comprising at least one such polypeptide, together with genetic constructs comprising at least one inventive polynucleotide. Compositions comprising such polypeptides, polynucleotides, fusion proteins and/or genetic constructs may be employed in the treatment of infectious diseases and immune disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extract of Elfvingia applanata, which shows a therapeutic activity for diabetes and diabetic complications and a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of diabetes and diabetic complications comprising the extract.

Abstract: Methods for promoting growth of bone, ligament, or cartilage in a mammal are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to said mammal a composition comprising a pharmacologically effective amount of zvegf4 in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. Also disclosed are methods for promoting proliferation or differentiation of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, chondrocytes, or bone marrow stem cells comprising culturing the cells in an effective amount of zvegf4.

Abstract: Chimeric parainfluenza viruses (PIVs) incorporate a PIV vector genome or antigenome and one or more antigenic determinant(s) of a heterologous PIV or non-PIV pathogen. These chimeric viruses are infectious and attenuated in humans and other mammals and are useful in vaccine formulations for eliciting an immune responses against one or more PIVs, or against a PIV and non-PIV pathogen. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules and vectors incorporating a chimeric Ply genome or antigenome which includes a partial or complete PIV vector genome or antigenome combined or integrated with one or more heterologous gene(s) or genome segment(s) encoding antigenic determinant(s) of a heterologous PIV or non-PIV pathogen.

Abstract: The cloning of a novel PCVII viral genome is described as is expression of proteins derived from the PCVII genome. These proteins can be used in vaccine compositions for the prevention and treatment of PCVII infections, as well as in diagnostic methods for determining the presence of PCVII infections in a vertebrate subject. Polynucleotides derived from the viral genome can be used as diagnostic primers and probes.

Abstract: A human synthetic peptide-based influenza vaccine for intranasal administration comprises a mixture of flagella containing at least four epitopes of influenza virus reactive with human cells, each expressed individually in Salmonella flagellin, said influenza virus epitopes being selected from the group consisting of: (i) one B-cell hemagglutinin (HA) epitope; (ii) one T-helper hemagglutinin (HA) or nucleo-protein (NP) epitope that can bind to many HLA molecules; and (iii) at least two cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL) nucleoprotein (NP) or matrix protein (M) epitopes that are restricted to the most prevalent HLA molecules in different human populations.

Abstract: A single polypeptide is provided which comprises first and second domains. The first domain enables the polypeptide to cleave one or more vesicle or plasma-membrane associated proteins essential to exocytosis, and the second domain enables the polypeptide to be translocated into a target cell or increases the solubility of the polypeptide, or both. The polypeptide thus combines useful properties of a clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum or tetanus toxin, without the toxicity associated with the natural molecule. The polypeptide can also contain a third domain that targets it to a specific cell, rendering the polypeptide useful in inhibition of exocytosis in target cells. Fusion proteins comprising the polypeptide, nucleic acids encoding the polypeptide and methods of making the polypeptide are also provided. Controlled activation of the polypeptide is possible and the polypeptide can be incorporated into vaccines and toxin assays.

Abstract: A composition, especially for treatment of aged and/or stressed skin, the composition containing, in addition to water, at least one substance that forms lamellar structures with water. The composition further contains S-adenosylmethionine and/or at least one compound that contains a functional group of the general formula —CH2—N?—(CH3)3. The lamellar structure has a layer structure in which an upper layer of the substance is aligned with a lower layer, the hydrophilic groups of the substance each point outwards, and the lipophilic groups of the substance are aligned inwards with one another. The lamellar structure is surrounded by a hydrophilic medium, preferably water.

Abstract: The invention provides wet skin treatment compositions for use during bathing. The compositions are activated by water and retained efficiently on skin. The compositions impart desirable benefits to skin, are perceived to absorb quickly on wet skin, and leave the skin feeling clean, but non-greasy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cosmetic and pharmaceutical oil-in-water emulsions which have a mattifying effect when applied to the skin. The invention comprises a hydrophilic, non-organically modified magnesium aluminum silicate or a bentonite clay and a polyol in the water phase; and a volatile, skin-compatible, lipophilic solvent and a high melting point lipophilic plasticizer in the oil phase. A preferred surfactant system to stabilize the emulsion includes non-toxic metal alkyl sulfates and/or sucrose esters.

Abstract: A method of preparing a rapid acting bait composition which is water based and contains a water-sensitive insecticide as an active ingredient is described. The composition is easily applied into cracks and crevices and voids or other pest harborage areas to rapidly kill insect pests, particularly cockroaches. A kit is also described for preparation of the composition.

Abstract: Germicidal compositions with enhanced activity towards killing microbiological spores and vetgetative cells comprising certain quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), phenolic compounds, monohydric alcohols, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, triclocarban, triclosan or combinations thereof with one or more spore coat opening agents. The invention also provides for the application of the germicidal compositions to animate and inanimate surfaces to help kill germs and protect against the risk of infection from bacteria, molds, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and microbiological spores.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antimicrobial silicate glass with the following weight composition in wt. % based on oxides: SiO2 20 to 70, Na2O 5 to 30, K2O 0 to 5, P2O5 1 to 15, B2O3 0 to 10, CaO 4 to 30, AgO 0 to 2, ZnO 0 to 8, CuO 0 to 5, MgO 0 to 8, Al2O3 0 to 7, CeO2 0 to 5, Fe2O3 0 to 2 whereby the sum of the components AgO, CuO, CeO2 is >10 ppm, preferably ?100 ppm and <8 wt. %.

Abstract: The present invention features a sustained-release microcapsule for long-term pest controlling. In general, a microcapsule has a capsule core including active pest-control ingredients and diluents, and a capsule shell which physically separates the capsule core from the surrounding medium. Diluents are arranged to entrap active ingredients therein and to provide resistance to mass transfer of the active ingredients therethrough. The capsule shell generally includes the shell pores and provides additional resistance to mass transfer of the active ingredient therethrough. Diluents are selected from a class of material such that the mass transfer resistances existing in the capsule core and/or capsule shell depend on the temperature of the surrounding medium.

Abstract: An implantable biodegradable device is disclosed containing a fibrous matrix, the fibrous matrix being constructed from fibers A and fibers B, wherein fibers A biodegrade faster than fibers B, fibers A and fibers B are present in relative amounts and are organized such that the fibrous matrix is provided with properties useful in repair and/or regeneration of mammalian tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for transferring nucleic acids into cells in vitro and in vivo. The compositions comprise a transfection reagent and one or more detergents. In preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise delivery systems providing nucleic acid transfer complexes that transfect cells with high efficiency.