Abstract: A method for manufacturing a silicon carbide composite body and includes the steps of forming a slurry including silicon carbide and a carbonaceous precursor, adding to the slurry composite granules containing a carbonaceous binder and carbon black, drying the slurry, shaping the dried slurry and sintering the dried and shaped slurry at a temperature of at least 2000° C. to form a body containing silicon carbide and non-graphitic carbon. The invention further relates to the composite body formed and the mixture prior to sintering.

Abstract: The method for producing a granulated powder of the present invention includes the steps of: preparing an R—Fe—B alloy powder; and granulating the alloy powder using at least one kind of granulating agent selected from normal paraffins, isoparaffins and depolymerized oligomers, to prepare a granulated powder. The produced R—Fe—B alloy granulated powder is excellent in flowability and compactibility as well as in binder removability.

Abstract: A method of treating a biological tissue including contacting the biological tissue with an aqueous sterilizing solution, and maintaining the aqueous sterilizing solution at a temperature of about 50° C. for a time period of about 1 to 2 days. The method of treating a biological tissue may be utilized as a terminal sterilization step in a method for fixation of biological tissues, and bioprosthetic devices may be prepared by such fixation method. The fixation method may include the steps of A) fixing the tissue, B) treating the tissue with a mixture of i) a denaturant, ii) a surfactant and iii) a crosslinking agent, C) fabricating or forming the bioprosthesis (e.g., forming the tissue and attaching any non-biological components thereto) and D) subjecting the bioprosthesis to the terminal sterilization method. The aqueous sterilizing solution may be glutaraldehyde of about 0.625 weight percent buffered to a pH of about 7.4.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the reduced inorganic sulfur content of a sample. The apparatus has a reaction chamber (12) and means (14) for introducing a reducing agent that can selectively convert the reduced inorganic sulfur of a sample in the reaction chamber (12) to hydrogen sulfide. The reducing agent can be chromous chloride. The apparatus also includes means for measuring the amount of hydrogen sulfide evolved by reaction of the reducing agent with the sample and a detector for detecting when evolution of the hydrogen sulfide has reduced or ceased. The term “reduced inorganic sulfur” refers to sulfur in a form that can undergo oxidation and includes mineral sulphides and elemental sulfur.

Abstract: The invention relates to optoelectronic systems for detecting one or more target particles. The system includes a reaction chamber, a specimen collector, an optical detector, and a reservoir containing cells, each of the cells having receptors which are present on the surface of each cell and are specific for the target particle to be detected, where binding of the target particle to the receptors directly or indirectly activates a reporter molecule, thereby producing a measurable optical signal.

Abstract: A microarray spotter printhead is mounted to a bracket with a semi-kinematic mounting system for avoiding the need for calibration when replaced.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, assemblies, and systems are provided, as are methods of manipulating micro-sized samples of fluids. Microfluidic devices having a plurality of specialized processing features are also provided.

Abstract: An effluent gas stream treatment system for treatment of gaseous effluents such as waste gases from semiconductor manufacturing operations. The effluent gas stream treatment system comprises a pre-oxidation treatment unit, which may for example comprise a scrubber, an oxidation unit such an electrothermal oxidizer, and a post-oxidation treatment unit, such as a wet or dry scrubber. The effluent gas stream treatment system of the invention may utilize an integrated oxidizer, quench and wet scrubber assembly, for abatement of hazardous or otherwise undesired components from the effluent gas stream. Gas or liquid shrouding of gas streams in the treatment system may be provided by high efficiency inlet structures.

Abstract: A device for additive-free, catalytically induced oxidation of solid carbon particles and decomposition of chemical compounds, comprising a converter chamber with compartments, in which porous structure catalyst carrier matrix profiles are mounted, so that a space between the internal diameter of catalyst profiles is connected to an inlet connection of the converter chamber, and a space around the external diameter of the catalyst profiles is connected to an outlet connection into the catalyst chamber. The profiles are mounted so that gas particles reach outlets only by passing through porous profiles. Advantageously, a third opening through which liquid, gaseous media, e.g., NO2, O3 or H2O or auxiliary means maybe in front of the porous structures. The porous structures are made of catalytically active material with catalytic action at temperatures below 400° C., preferably below 350° C. and especially below 300° C. The low-temperature below 250° C. by H2O is preferred.

Abstract: A catalytic combustion reactor system comprises a heat exchange unit that comprises a bundle of open-ended tubes, the bundle having first and second collective ends, the first collective end adjoining a catalytic reactor that comprises a plurality of catalyst containing housings each of which is provided with an opening for the inflow of fluid for combustion and an opening for the outflow of fluid combustion product; an outer shell that envelopes the adjoined heat exchange unit and catalytic reactor and permits the flow of fluid to contact the heat exchange tube surfaces to absorb heat generated by the combustion reaction and to enter the inlet openings of the catalyst containing housings, the shell having a single fluid inlet in the area of the second collective end of the heat exchange unit, thereby allowing contact of the entire length of the tubes of the bundle with the incoming fluid for the exchange of heat; and a single outlet at the second collective end of the heat exchange unit which collects combus

Abstract: A cylindrical reactor containing a radial particle bed suitable for hydrocarbon reforming comprises: a reactor inlet (1) having a means of feeding a charge, numerous perforated, internal conduits (5) arranged around the periphery of the reactor and parallel to the axis of the reactor, which feed particle bed (2) with the charge, a circular collar (8) supporting the conduits in the lower bottom of the reactor, a perforated (7) central collector (3) receiving a reactor effluent connected to an outlet (14).

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for capturing proteins or peptides from a sample mixture and analyzing the captured proteins or peptides via high throughput electrospray ionization (ESI) or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (HT MALDI MS) are provided. The methods and compositions are useful in large scale, simultaneous analyses of proteins and peptides present in a cell(s), tissue(s), or biological fluid(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to an autoclave for medical appliances and instruments with a chamber (13) in which the appliances to be sterilized are located, with a steam generator (5) and a condensate collector (11), whereby the steam generator is connected with the chamber (13) by a steam pipe (9) and the condensate collector (11) is connected with the chamber (13) by a feed pipe (35) of the condensate. The invention is characterized in that the condensate collector (11) is positioned above the steam generator (5), staggered with respect to the steam generator (5), by positioning a check valve (41) between the condensate collector (11) and the steam generator (5) and by providing a check valve (39) at the mouth of the feed pipe (35) of the condensate to the condensate collector (11).

Abstract: Metal carbonates that are insoluble in water but that have a corresponding metal biocarbonate salt that is more than 75% by weight soluble in water are purified by preparing an aqueous slurry of the metal carbonate: introducing carbon dioxide gas to form a corresponding metal biocarbonate solution and heating that solution to form a purified metal carbonate and precipitate it.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling NOx emissions which includes a chamber having a wall surface and an interior, a flue gas entrance and a flue gas exit for a flue gas to enter and exit the interior of the chamber, a gas quenching zone in which the temperature of the gas can be lowered, an ozone injection and retention zone in the chamber, and a liquid spray zone including at least one spray nozzle for spraying a liquid towards the wall surface.

Abstract: Sulphur dioxide is removed from gas streams by contacting the gas stream with an absorbing medium containing an amine capable of forming an amine salt, heat stable salt and sulfite. The level of heat stable salt is selected such that during the regeneration process of the sulphur dioxide rich amine, the pH of the absorbing medium is at a selected level or below when the level of sulfite in the absorbing medium has been reduced to a specified value. The amine that absorbs the sulphur dioxide has a pKa less than that of sulfite. If the absorbent includes a diamine, then the spent absorbing medium is regenerated under conditions such that at least one amine group remains in salt form.

Abstract: By using a CBN synthesis catalyst containing a CBN synthesis catalyst component coated with an organic substance for producing cubic boron nitride (CBN), the CBN can be produced at a high transformation ration and a high yield ratio. Each of the CBN grains produced through this method has a sharp shape with a highly developed (111) plane, exhibits high strength, and exhibits a small reduction in strength due to heating. The amount of catalyst component contained in the CBN is 7.5×10?4 mol or less per 1 mol of CBN.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) by catalytic decomposition of gaseous carbon-containing compounds over a transition metal-based catalyst. The catalyst comprises A-B and a support, wherein A is selected from the group VIII transition metal elements and B is selected from the Group VIB transition metal elements. An additional aspect of this invention includes a method of preparing hydrogen gas.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are formed by chemical vapor deposition using metal nanoparticles as a growth substrate. Control over the size and properties of the carbon nanotubes is achieved by controlling the size of the metal nanoparticles in the growth substrate. The metal nanoparticles of a controlled size may be formed by a thermal decomposition reaction of a metal salt in a passivating solvent.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for purifying a highly pure niobium compound and/or tantalum compound, the method enabling the purification of a highly pure niobium compound and tantalum compound in a simplified manner at a low cost. The object is met by providing a method comprising adding an organic solvent to an aqueous solution containing a niobium compound and/or tantalum compound together with impurities, and then performing extraction via the solution. A niobium compound and/or tantalum compound dissolved in a solution is allowed to precipitate, and said aqueous solution is obtained by dissolving the precipitate in water.

Abstract: Composite microparticles having thin coating layers can be simply prepared by bringing a host particle precursor into contact with a flame generated in a burner movably mounted at the bottom of a coating apparatus, by introducing the precursor in the form of a vapor or micronized liquid droplets upwardly into the burner, to obtain host particles; and introducing a gaseous coating precursor upwardly toward the host particles in or around the flame, the coating precursor being protected by an inert gas introduced therearound such that the formation of particles derived from the coating precursor itself is prevented.

Abstract: A method and a composition for treatment of pulmonary bacterial infections caused by gram-negative bacteria suitable for treatment of infection caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter species, Serratia marcescens as well as those caused by Burkholderia cepacia, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Alcaligenes xylosoxidans, and multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using a concentrated formulation of aztreonam lysinate delivered as an aerosol or dry powder formulation.

Abstract: Cosmetic and dermatological formulations comprising at least one hydrophilic active ingredient and at least one dialkyl naphthalate which is characterized by the structural formula in which R1 and R2, independently of one another, are selected from the group of branched and unbranched alkyl groups having 6 to 24 carbon atoms, have been found to be stable and effective, particularly in moisturizing the skin or protection the skin from skin aging.

Abstract: Water soluble activated polymers are provided containing an active ethyl sulfone moiety having a reactive site located at the second carbon from the sulfone group. In an embodiment, a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivative is disclosed that is activated with the active ethyl sulfone moiety for selective attachment to thiol moieties on molecules and surfaces. The activated PEG is water soluble, hydrolytically stable for extended periods, and forms hydrolytically stable linkages with thiol moieties. The linkages generally are not reversible in reducing environments. The PEG derivative is useful for modifying the characteristics of substances including modifying biologically active molecules and surfaces for biocompatibility.

Abstract: The present invention includes interferon-tau (IFN?) pharmaceutical compositions useful for oral administration to treat cancers, autoimmune disorders (particularly multiple sclerosis), cell proliferative disorders and viral disease.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating a tumor in a human comprising administering to the tumor a dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and (ii) an adenoviral vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding TNF-? operably linked to a promoter, wherein the dose comprises about 1×107 to about 4×1012 particle units (pu) of replication-deficient adenoviral vector, at least once in a therapeutic period comprising up to 10 weeks, whereby the tumor in human is treated.

Abstract: A process is described for the delivery of a therapeutic polynucleotide to limb muscle tissue suffering from or potentially suffering from ischemia. The polynucleotide is inserted into a mammalian limb vessel such as an artery. Delivery efficiency and distribution is enhanced by combining injection of a solution containing the polynucleotide with the use of an externally applied cuff.

Abstract: Probiotic compositions derived from Lactobacillus casei ATCC number PTA 3945 are disclosed. More specifically, probiotic compositions containing prebiotic compositions including edible oils are provided. The probiotic/prebiotic compositions disclosed herein are packaged using a nitrogen purge instant bonding anaerobic encapsulation process to maintain high viability for extended periods.

Abstract: The invention is directed to tissue-engineered biografts, methods for preparing the biografts of the invention, and methods for repairing a damaged myocardium in a mammal. The methods of the invention can include providing a three-dimensional porous polysaccharide matrix; introducing mammalian cells into said matrix; growing said cells in said matrix in vitro, until a tissue-engineered biograft is formed; and transplanting the tissue-engineered biograft onto myocardial tissue or myocardial scar tissue of said mammal. The tissue-engineered biograft of the invention can form a contracting tissue. The methods of the invention can optionally include removing scar tissue or dead tissue from the site of implantation prior to transplanting the biograft.

Abstract: A glial precursor cell population from mammalian central nervous system has been isolated. These A2B5+ E-NCAM? glial-restricted precursor (GRP) cells are capable of differentiating into oligodendrocytes, A2B5+ process-bearing astrocytes, and A2B5? fibroblast-like astrocytes, but not into neurons. GRP cells can be maintained by regeneration in culture. GRP cells differ from oligodendrocyte-type-2 astrocyte (O-2A) progenitor cells in growth factor requirements, morphology, and progeny. Methods of use of GRP cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the treatment of inflammatory disease (e.g., asthma, COPD, inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, atopy, allergy, allergic rhinitis, scleroderma, and the like), relating to inhibiting a chitinase-like molecule. The invention further includes methods to identify new compounds for the treatment of inflammatory disease, including, but not limited to, asthma, COPD and the like. This is because the present invention demonstrates, for the first time, that expression of IL-13, and of a chitinase-like molecule, mediates and/or is associated with inflammatory disease and that inhibiting the chitinase-like molecule treats and even prevents, the disease. Thus, the invention relates to the novel discovery that inhibiting a chitinase-like molecule treats and prevents an inflammatory disease.

Abstract: Novel human kinase-like polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition to isolated, full-length kinase-like proteins, the invention further provides isolated kinase-like fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-kinase-like antibodies. The invention also provides kinase-like nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a kinase-like gene has been introduced or disrupted. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating or arresting the progress of pathologies characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix components by providing an agent to suppress the activity of transforming growth factor ? (TGF-?) a peptide growth factor which is anabolic and leads to fibrosis and angiogenesis. In one embodiment, such agent is anti-TGF-? antibody. Pathologies which can be so treated include, but are not limited to, glomerulonephritis, adult respiratory distress syndrome and cirrhosis of the liver. The invention further provides a method for the diagnosis of pathologies, or incipient pathologies, which are characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix components in tissues by determining the levels of TGF-? in the tissues, a high level being indicative of such pathologies.

Abstract: Anti-TNF antibodies, fragments and regions thereof which are specific for human tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF?) and are useful in vivo diagnosis and therapy of a number of TNF?-mediated pathologies and conditions, as well as polynucleotides coding for murine and chimeric antibodies, methods of producing the antibody, methods of use of the anti-TNF antibody, or fragment, region or derivative thereof, in immunoassays and immunotherapeutic approaches are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and dietary supplement comprising yeast cells that can produce a healthful benefit in a subject inflicted with leukemia. The biological compositions can be used to reduce the number of leukemia cells and/or prolonging the time of survival of the subject. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the biological compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vinegar marine algae powder or grain which is rich in marine algae minerals and dietary fibers in a highly absorbable form and which has a favorable taste.

Abstract: Marigold oleoresin having a low viscosity and a high lutein content which can be filled in soft capsules can be obtained according to the method of the present invention, which is characterized by combining a step of subjecting oleoresin to supercritical fluid extraction and a step of dissolving oleoresin in a ketone solvent, cooling the solution and removing the ingredient which precipitated in solution.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the treatment of allergic and other immune disorders associated with overproduction of Th2 type cytokines by antigen specific T cells. Immunotherapy with adjuvants, as provided in the present invention, greatly inhibits the development of airway hyperreactivity and airway inflammation. Such immunotherapy is shown to reverse ongoing airway disease, and convert allergic inflammatory responses into protective immune responses. Conditions of particular interest include allergic conditions associated with production of Th2 cytokines and/or IgE antibodies, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and anaphylactic reactions. The addition of adjuvant induces a Th1-type immune response and can redirect an established Th2-type response to a Th1-type response for the selected antigen. Preferably, antigen-specific IgE production is reduced without altering the intensity of the antigen-specific proliferative response.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a pharmaceutical composition suitable for the transdermal or transmucosal administration of one or more active agents, in form of a gel or a solution, comprising as a permeation enhancers a combination of: a) saturated fatty alcohol of formula CH3—(CH2)n—CH2OH or saturated fatty acid CH3—(CH2)n—CH2COOH wherein n is an integer number 8÷22, preferably 8÷12, most preferably 10, or unsaturated fatty alcohol or fatty acid of formula: CH3(CnH2(n-1))—OH or CH3(CnH2(n-1))—COOH wherein n is an integer number 8÷22, b) a ternary vehicle or carrier consisting of a C1÷C4 alkanol, a polyalcohol in particular propylenglycol and water, c) optionally also a monoalkylether of diethylenglycol.

Abstract: This invention relates to cosmetic applications for topical applications to the human skin. In particular, it relates to anhydrous cosmetic and dermatological compositions, with the capacity for self-warming or self-heating upon application. The self-warming or self-heating cosmetic compositions of the present invention comprise: (i) from about 0.1 to about 99% by weight of an anhydrous skin care preparation; and (ii) from about 0.01 to about 99% by weight of a heating agent selected from polyvinyl amine, polyalkyleneamine or polyalkyleneimine.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a stent for treatment and prevention of arterial stenosis and re-stenosis. The stent for intraluminal placement within an artery and subsequent expansion for implantation in a patient comprises of a main body portion having a first end and a second end, for defining a passage for flow of blood there-through, the main body portion having an inner lumen surface and an outer lumen surface, the outer lumen surface coming into contact with the endothelium and delivering a drug composition on the outer lumen surface directly only to the endothelium for providing cell surface antithrombotic activity, wherein the anticoagulation activity in the blood plasma of a patient is not appreciably increased.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided lipid-conjugated polyamide compounds and related compositions and methods thereof. Lipid-conjugated polyamide compounds of the present invention are particularly useful as vehicles for delivering biologically active agents to a target site. In particular, the invention compounds are effective at facilitating the delivery of polynucleotides to cells. The present invention also provides a method for producing stable formulations of polynucleotides complexed with a delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for preventing abuse of dosage forms comprising an opioid analgesic and an aversive agent (e.g., a dye) in an effective amount to deter an abuser from administering a tampered form of the dosage form intravenously, intranasally, and/or orally are revealed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of overweight in mammals. More particularly the invention is concerned with such a method comprising the enteral administration to a mammal of a preparation comprising an effective amount of a combination of dill or an isolate thereof and one or more components capable of stimulating in vivo lipolysis. Suitable examples of components capable of stimulating in vivo lipolysis include methylxanthines, adrenergic amines, Paullinia cupana or an isolate thereof, Zingziber officinale or an isolate thereof, Camellia sinensis or an isolate thereof, Ilex paraguayiensis or an isolate thereof. Another aspect of the invention relates to a solid or semi-solid unit dosage, preferably selected from the group consisting of tablets, pills, microparticles, microspheres, suppositories, capsules, caplets and the like, that is suitable for enteral unitary administration to human subjects and other mammals comprising: a.

Abstract: The invention provides sustained release formulations of metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and methods of treating diabetes by administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a sustained release formulation of metformin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) is provided having a hydrolytically degradable linkage, a first terminus comprising an acrylate group, and a second terminus comprising a target such as a protein or pharmaceutical agent or a reactive moiety capable of coupling to a target. Hydrogels can be prepared. The hydrogels can be used as a carrier for a protein or a pharmaceutical agent that can be readily released in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: A wet granulation process in which a pharmaceutical substance is granulated using a granulating fluid which is a halogenated hydrocarbon which has a normal boiling point below ambient temperature, for example 1,1,1,2-tetraflouroethane, under a pressure sufficient to maintain the halogenated hydrocarbon in a liquid state. A process in which the halogenated hydrocarbon is re-cycled, and suitable equipment for performing the process is also described.

Abstract: A topical composition which enhances sexual responsiveness of a mammal is disclosed. An effective dosage of a peripheral vasodilator, an absorption enhancer and, optionally, a vasoconstrictor and an alpha receptor blocker are combined with a pharmaceutically-acceptable topical vehicle to produce the composition. The compositions are applied topically to the penis or labia majora and minora pudenda to enhance erection or vasocongestion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the use of botanical extract compositions, which contain ingredients with self-preserving properties for use in cosmetic or dermatological compositions.

Abstract: A natural preservative composition obtained from plant materials provides antimicrobial activity for various compositions such as a food composition. The antimicrobial agent is effective in inhibiting the growth of gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, gram-negative Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, acid-fast bacterium Mycobacterium smegmatis, the yeast Candida albicans. The antimicrobial agent has a MIC of 3.0 ?l/ml capable of inhibiting these organisms. The antimicrobial agent includes mixtures of Origanum vulgare L., Thymus vulgaris L., Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees, Rosmarinum officinalis L., Lavandula officinalis L., Hydrastis canadensis L. and olive leaf extract. The antimicrobial agent is an effective natural alternative to commonly used synthetic ingredients for product preservation.