Abstract: A process for the removal and causticisation of sodium oxalate and/or sodium sulphate from a Bayer process liquor containing sodium carbonate and one or both of sodium oxalate and sodium sulphate in an alumina refinery is described. The process is based on the observation that to efficiently causticise sodium oxalate solutions, it is first necessary to remove the aluminate ion from solution, optionally with recovery of the aluminate ion in some later step. This is effected by removing aluminate ions from the Bayer liquor through the formation of a carbonate bearing hydrocalumite and/or sulpha-bearing hydrocalumite. The liquor may then be treated with sufficient lime to remove and causticise any residual carbonate ions and some or all of the oxalate ions present so that any reacted lime solids thus formed can be separated and safely disposed of.

Abstract: A method for cleaning coke oven gas by washing the gas, whereby a washing liquid is guided into a washing liquid circuit and impurities in the washing liquid are expelled in a desorber. According to the invention, the coke oven gas is washed with caustic soda in a counter flow. The caustic soda is regenerated in the desorber by expelling acid gas components and ammonia.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing cubic boron nitride, in which a mixture containing hexagonal boron nitride and a catalyst is maintained under pressure and temperature conditions that thermodynamically favor the stable presence of cubic boron nitride, thereby forming composite lumps containing cubic boron nitride, which in turn are dissolved in an alkaline solution to recover cubic boron nitride. The method is characterized by including, prior to the dissolving step, a step of decreasing the ratio of low-pressure phase boron nitride to cubic boron nitride in the composite lumps down to 50% by mass or less.

Abstract: A new, non-wrapping approach to solubilize nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes, in organic and inorganic solvents is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, carbon nanotube surfaces are functionalized in a non-wrapping fashion by functional conjugated polymers that include functional groups for solubilizing such nanotubes. Various embodiments provide polymers that noncovalently bond with carbon nanotubes in a non-wrapping fashion. For example, various embodiments of polymers are provided that comprise a relatively rigid backbone that is suitable for noncovalently bonding with a carbon nanotube substantially along the nanotube's length, as opposed to about its diameter. In preferred polymers, the major interaction between the polymer backbone and the nanotube surface is parallel ?-stacking. The polymers further comprise at least one functional extension from the backbone that are any of various desired functional groups that are suitable for solubilizing a carbon nanotube.

Abstract: There is provided shorte nanotubes and nanoparticles. The nanotubes are in general terms shorter than conventionally produced nanotubes. An improved apparatus for production of the fullerenes and nanocarbons is also disclosed wherein a moveable contactor is attached to a first electrode within a sealable chamber, and is spaced from the second electrode such that an electric discharge can pass between them.

Abstract: A process is described for producing synthetic zeolites useful as catalysts with a MFI structure, a Si/Al atomic ratio from about 8 to 45 to 1 and very small primary crystallites. A Si source, an Al source and an organic template are reacted with one another under hydrothermal conditions. The process is carried out in the presence of seed crystals with an average particle size from roughly 10 to 100 nm, preferably from 20 to 50 nm, prepared from an earlier batch of synthetic zeolites with a MFI structure, without separation from the mother liquor. The process further includes conversion by ion exchange of the zeolites into an H form. Moldings may also be produced by the addition of binders and optionally catalytically active base metal and/or precious metal components before or after the moldings are produced. The zeolites as claimed in the invention are characterized by the combination of the following features: (a) Si/Al atomic ratio 8 to 45:1 (b) Size of the primary crystallites roughly 0.01 to 0.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding novel polypeptides which are capable of binding to native and methylated LDL (low density lipoprotein), the isolated polypeptides, called LBPs (LDL binding proteins), and biologically active fragments and analogs thereof, are described. Also described are methods for determining if an animal is at risk for atherosclerosis, methods for evaluating an agent for use in treating atherosclerosis, methods for treating atherosclerosis, and methods for treating a cell having an abnormality in structure or metabolism of LBP. Pharmaceutical compositions and vaccine compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of selective peptide isolation for the identification and quantitative analysis of proteins in complex mixture. The method comprises the selective isolation from every protein of those peptides that neither contain arginine nor histidine (NHNR peptides), and the determination of the relative concentrations of one or several proteins in different samples from the ratio between the areas of the estimated theoretical spectra for the NHNR peptides labeled with different isotopes in each sample. The determination of the relative concentration of proteins is valid for any type of isotopic label of the NHNR peptides. The method avoids the separation and purification of the proteins present in a complex mixture, and the analysis of all peptides generated from the enzymatic digest of the samples. The method is applicable to the identification of proteins with vacunal, therapeutic and diagnostic aims.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manipulating the rate of upper gastrointestinal transit of a substance in a mammal. Also disclosed are methods of manipulating satiety and post-prandial visceral blood flow. A method of treating visceral pain or visceral hypersensitivity in a human subject is also described. A method for prolonging the residence time of an orally or enterally administered substance by promoting its dissolution, bioavailability and/or absorption in the small intestine is also described. These methods are related to a method of transmitting to and replicating at a second location in the central nervous system a serotonergic neural signal originating at a first location in the proximal or distal gut of a mammal and/or a method of transmitting to and replicating at a second location in the upper gastrointestinal tract a serotonergic neural signal originating at a first location in the proximal or distal gut.

Abstract: Provided are a functionalized, encapsulated fluorescent nanocrystal comprising a liposome having encapsulated therein one or more fluorescent nanocrystals; use of the functionalized, encapsulated fluorescent nanocrystals in detection systems; and a method of producing functionalized, encapsulated fluorescent nanocrystals. A method of using the functionalized encapsulated fluorescent nanocrystals having affinity molecule bound thereto comprises contacting the functionalized encapsulated fluorescent nanocrystals with a sample so that complexes are formed between the functionalized encapsulated fluorescent nanocrystals and substrate for which the affinity molecule has binding specificity, if the substrate is present; exposing the complexes in the detection system to an excitation light source, and detecting a fluorescence peak emitted from the complexes, if present.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for producing powdered preparations for inhalation comprising a substance having a smaller particle size distribution and a substance having a larger particle size distribution, wherein a substance having a smaller particle size distribution and a substance having a larger particle size distribution are continuously metered into a suitable mixing container such that the quotient N of the delivery speed for the metering of the substance having the smaller particle size distribution and the delivery speed for the metering of the substance having the larger particle size distribution is at least as great as the quotient M of the total mass of the substance having the smaller particle size distribution and the total mass of the substance having the larger particle size distribution.

Abstract: The invention relates to propellant gas formulations containing suspensions of the crystalline anhydrate of (1?,2?,4?,5?,7?)-7-[(hydroxydi-2-thienylacetyl)oxy]-9,9-dimethyl-3-oxa-9-azoniatricyclo[3.3.1.02,4]nonane-bromide.

Abstract: Sunscreen compositions contain the active ingredients avobenzone, zinc oxide and phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid. The phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid protects avobenzone against photodegradation.

Abstract: The cosmetic or dermatological formulations of the invention include: (a) at least one oxidation-sensitive or UV-sensitive active ingredient, (b) at least one dialkyl naphthalate which is distinguished by the structural formula in which R1 and R2, independently of one another, are chosen from the group of branched and unbranched alkyl groups having 6 to 24 carbon atoms, and (c) at least one wax and/or one oil thickener. The present invention also includes methods of using the cosmetic or dermatological formulations.

Abstract: A composition for forming an antimicrobial artificial nail, a method for preparing the same, and a method for treating a microbial infection of a nail plate are provided. The composition comprises a binder component; a filler component which polymerizes to form an acrylic matrix subsequent to contact with the binder component; and an antimicrobial agent available for diffusion from the acrylic matrix.

Abstract: A compound represented by the following general formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 represent a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 26 carbon atoms, preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, R3 represents a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, n represents 1 or 2 provided that the acidic amino acid residue in the molecule is L-aspartic acid residue when n is 1 and said acidic amino acid residue is L-glutamic acid residue when n is 2, and a gelling agent for an oil comprising said compound

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least 0.02 weight percent relative to the composition total weight, one or several water soluble organosilicon compounds, selected among silanes having one silicon atom and siloxanes having two or three silicon atoms, the organosilicon compounds comprising two hydroxyl groups or groups capable of being hydrolyzed and two groups not capable of being hydrolyzed per molecule, at least one of the groups not capable of being hydrolyzed being a group with a cosmetic effect and at least one of the remaining functional groups being a group with a solubilizing function. The invention is applicable to hair care compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to cosmetic and dermatological hair treatment compositions comprising at least one copolymer. The copolymer is obtained by free-radical copolymerization of A) acryloyldimethyltaurine and/or acryloyldimethyltaurates, and B) optionally, one or more further olefinically unsaturated, noncationic comonomers, C) optionally, one or more olefinically unsaturated, cationic comonomers, D) optionally, one or more silicon-containing component(s), E) optionally, one or more fluorine-containing component(s), F) optionally, one or more macromonomers, G) optionally, the copolymerization taking place in the presence of at least one polymeric additive, H) with the proviso that component A) is copolymerized with at least one component selected from one of the groups D) to G).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for enhancing the effect of vaccines in animals, such as domestic, sport, or pet species, and humans. More particularly, the use of Ribavirin as an adjuvant to a vaccine protocol and compositions having Ribavirin and an antigen are described.

Abstract: A specific clinical protocol for use toward therapy of defective, diseased and damaged cholinergic neurons in the mammalian brain, of particular usefulness for treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. The protocol is practiced by delivering a definite concentration of recombinant neurotrophin into, or within close proximity of, identified defective, diseased or damaged brain cells. Using a viral vector, the concentration of neurotrophin delivered as part of a neurotrophic composition varies from 1010 to 1015 neurotrophin encoding viral particles/ml of composition fluid. Each delivery site receives from 2.5 ?l to 25 ?l of neurotrophic composition, delivered slowly, as in over a period of time ranging upwards of 10 minutes/delivery site. Each delivery site is at, or within 500 ?m of, a targeted cell, and no more than about 10 mm from another delivery site. Stable in situ neurotrophin expression can be achieved for 12 months, or longer.

Abstract: The strain of micro-organism Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 is a novel anti-microbial and anti-oxidative probiotic. It has a high anti-microbial effect on Escherichia coli, Shigella sonnei, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and moderate activity against Helicobacter pylori strains. The strain of micro-organism possesses Mn-superoxide dismutase and both its lysates and intact cells have high anti-oxidative activity, increasing the glutathione red-ox ratio in blood sera and able to capture toxic hydroxyl radicals. The strain of micro-organism could be used as a probiotic for the production of functional food (yoghurt, cheese) and non-comestibles (tablets, capsules) for the prophylaxis of intestinal and uroinfections, both for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, caused by prolonged oxidative stress.

Abstract: Disclosed are acid- and bile salt-resistant Lactobacillus isolates having the ability to lower cholesterol. The present Lactobacillus isolates or their sub-cultured offspring or mutants derived therefrom can be used in the preparation of various food products, and in the manufacture of medicaments for use in the treatment or prevention of gastrointestinal diseases and for use in lowering serum cholesterol.

Abstract: Frozen and lyophilized compositions for a metalloproteinase fibrinolytic agent (fibrolase or NAT), a method for preparing the lyophilized composition, and a kit and method for reconstituting the lyophilized composition are described herein.

Abstract: A new protein derived from acid hydrolyzed IgG concentrate which has a molecular weight of about 55,000, and is activated by heat within the defined narrow temperature range provides resulting product that has a protective mechanism for bacterial and viral invasion of living cells.

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: An antibody of the invention interacts with human DR5 to produce agonistic or antagonistic effects downstream of the receptor including inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences of anti-DR5 antibodies have been elucidated and vectors and cells containing and expressing these sequences have been generated. Methods and uses for the antibodies are detailed including treatment of apoptosis-related disease and treatment of dysregulated cell growth.

Abstract: The invention provides human binding molecules specifically binding to West Nile virus and having West Nile virus neutralizing activity, nucleic acid molecules encoding the human binding molecules, compositions comprising the human binding molecules and methods of identifying or producing the human binding molecules. The human binding molecules can be used in the diagnosis, post-exposure prophylaxis and/or treatment of a condition resulting from West Nile virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a peptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent wherein the peptide has a length of 8 to 50 amino acids, at least three preferably consecutive amino acids of the peptide are identical to at least three amino acids which appear in close vicinity on the molecular surface of an allergenic protein, and said at least three amino acids are solvent-exposed amino acids in the allergenic protein. The invention also concerns a method for the preparation of the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A VP2 protein isolated from a variant Georgia strain of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) and method of generating such VP2 protein and variant strain for use to reduce or prevent infection in poultry by IBDV.

Abstract: The genome sequences and the nucleotide sequences coding for the PWD circovirus polypeptides, such as the circovirus structural and non-structural polypeptides, vectors including the sequences, and cells and animals transformed by the vectors are provided. Methods for detecting the nucleic acids or polypeptides, and kits for diagnosing infection by a PWD circovirus, also are provided. Method for selecting compounds capable of modulating the viral infection is further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccines, compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections caused by PWD circovirus and the use of vectors for preventing and/or treating diseases also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides new Pestiviral RNA genomes (replicons) that are able to replicate, and can be packaged into infectious viral particles in cells that complement the missing protein(s), but do not produce infectious progeny virus. Such replicons can be useful for vaccine purposes.

Abstract: The invention is for a DNA vaccine expressing the hemagglutinin (HA1) gene of equine-2 influenza virus. By engineering a stop codon within HA1, expression of HA1 is ensured. By encapsulation of the DNA vaccine in liposome and by intranasal inoculation, it is sufficient to elicit protective immunity at a significantly lower dosage compared to a DNA vaccine expressing the full length HA gene. Lower dosage reduces the risk of induction of anti-DNA antibodies. Intranasal inoculation directly to the respiratory epithelial cells reduces the risk of DNA integration. The inventive vaccine is advantageous over current inactivated or live attenuated vaccines, as updating of the vaccine requires only the replacement of the encoding sequence with the new virus.

Abstract: Agents for treating pain, methods for producing the agents and methods for treating pain by administration to a patient of a therapeutically effective amount of the agent. The agent can include a clostridial neurotoxin, or a component or fragment or derivative thereof, attached to a targeting moiety, wherein the targeting moiety is selected from a group consisting of transmission compounds which can be released from neurons upon the transmission of pain signals by the neurons, and compounds substantially similar to the transmission compounds.

Abstract: Agents for treating pain, methods for producing the agents and methods for treating pain by administration to a patient of a therapeutically effective amount of the agent. The agent can include a clostridial neurotoxin, or a component or fragment or derivative thereof, attached to a targeting moiety, wherein the targeting moiety is selected from a group consisting of transmission compounds which can be released from neurons upon the transmission of pain signals by the neurons, and compounds substantially similar to the transmission compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a polycationic compound for the preparation of a medicament with retarded in vivo release.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition having excellent application feeling and transparency while maintaining covering power which includes (a) composite particles obtained by allowing at least two kinds of particles having different shapes and particle diameters to contact with at least one polymer compound selected from the group consisting of fluorinated polymer compounds, silicone polymer compounds, and mixture thereof, in the presence of supercritical carbon dioxide, and (b) a cosmetic component.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions suitable for use as artificial tears or as vehicles for ophthalmic drugs are disclosed. The compositions contain a combination of three polymers that have a synergistic effect on viscosity.

Abstract: A coated stent or intra-luminal prosthesis containing a MAP kinase inhibitor controls, reduces, or prevents restenosis, inflammation, and complications associated with stent or intra-luminal prosthesis implantation and/or cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from which pyrogen has been removed are provided for use in numerous biomedical applications. PHAs which have been chemically modified to enhance physical and/or chemical properties, for targeting or to modify biodegradability or clearance by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), are described. Methods for depyrogenating PHA polymers prepared by bacterial fermentation processes are also provided, wherein pyrogens are removed from the polymers without adversely impacting the polymers' inherent chemical structures and physical properties. PHAs with advantageous processing characteristics, including low melting points and/or solubility in non-toxic solvents, are also described. PHAs are provided which are suitable for use in in vivo applications such as in tissue coatings, stents, sutures, tubing, bone and other prostheses, bone or tissue cements, tissue regeneration devices, wound dressings, drug delivery, and for diagnostic and prophylactic uses.

Abstract: A polymer of fluorinated monomers and hydrophilic monomers is provided. It is also provided a polymer blend that contains a polymer of fluorinated monomers and another biocompatible polymer. The polymer of fluorinated monomers or polymer blend described herein and optionally a bioactive agent can form a coating on an implantable device such as a drug-delivery stent. The implantable device can be used for treating or preventing a disorder such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, hemorrhage, vascular dissection or perforation, vascular aneurysm, vulnerable plaque, chronic total occlusion, patent foramen ovale, claudication, anastomotic proliferation for vein and artificial grafts, bile duct obstruction, ureter obstruction, tumor obstruction, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: This invention is directed to graft materials for implanting, transplanting, replacing, or repairing a part of a patient and to methods of making the graft materials. The present invention is also directed to stent grafts and endoluminal prostheses formed of the graft materials. More specifically, the present invention is a graft material which includes polymeric sheet comprising holes. The graft material also comprises an ECM disposed in the holes of the polymeric sheet. The polymeric sheet of the graft material could be a textile or a porous polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbable, conformable composite preform for use in making a solid bone filler which is an absorbable mixture of oppositely charged, solid microparticulate polyelectrolytes encased in a sealed, flexible, absorbable copolyester fabric construct and is capable of undergoing solidification to a solid, integral mass having a modulus of more than about 0.5 GPa upon contact with an aqueous medium. In an alternative embodiment the absorbable copolyester fabric construct is filled with a mixture of a microparticulate zincophosphate glass or glass-ceramic and at least one material carrying both acidic and basic groups on the same molecule.

Abstract: A method of providing relatively long term diminishment or prevention of painful disorders comprises the topical or intranasal administration of civamide or one of its salts in an amount of about 0.001% to 1.0% by weight in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle over a relatively short term treatment period to provide unexpectedly long-lasting pain relief.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing the permeability of skin or mucosal tissue to transdermally administered nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The method involves use of a specified amount of a hydroxide-releasing agent, the amount optimized to increase the flux of the NSAID through a body surface while minimizing the likelihood of skin damage, irritation or sensitization. Formulations and drug delivery systems for co-administering a hydroxide-releasing agent with an NSAID are provided as well.

Abstract: This invention relates to liposomal antineoplastic agents (e.g., camptothecin) compositions and methods of using such compositions for treating neoplasia and for inhibiting angiogenesis. The compositions and methods are useful for modulating the plasma circulation half-life of an active agent.

Abstract: A composition for administration of a therapeutically effective dose of a topoisomerase inhibitor I or topoisomerase I/II inhibitor is described. The composition includes liposomes having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an aqueous liposome compartment, and being composed of a vesicle-forming lipid and of a vesicle-forming lipid derivatized with a hydrophilic polymer to form a coating of hydrophilic polymer chains on both the inner and outer surfaces of the liposomes. Entrapped in the liposomes is the topoisomerase inhibitor at a concentration of at least about 0.10 ?mole drug per ?mole lipid.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for treating neoplasias in a mammal. In particular, the invention provides methods for treating various types of lymphomas, including relapsed forms of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. These methods involve the administration of liposome-encapsulated vinca alkaloids, e.g., vincristine, to a mammal with a lymphoma.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate compositions comprising a poorly soluble drug and at least one copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate as a surface stabilizer adsorbed to the surface of the drug. Also encompassed by the invention are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a nanoparticulate composition of the invention, methods of making and using such nanoparticulate and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a member which is superior in anti-fungus property and anti-alga property, and is coated with a surface treatment coating comprising at least a layer having anti-fungus property and/or anti-alga property laminated between a topmost surface functional layer and a base, wherein the layer having anti-fungus property and/or anti-alga property comprises 80% or more of Ni, 0.1 to 10% of P, and 0.0001 to 1% of hydrogen, holes reaching the surface of the layer having anti-fungus property and/or anti-alga property are present in the topmost surface functional layer so as to penetrate the topmost surface functional layer, the opening area ratio thereof to the total area when the topmost surface functional layer is viewed in plan being from 0.001 to 10%, or the elution amount of Ni is from 0.1 to 50 ?g/cm2/week when the member is immersed in still water at 30° C.

Abstract: Retention of chlorine and hypochlorite in hair is reduced by treating the hair with a defined composition, allowing the composition to remain on the hair for at least 10 seconds, and then rinsing off the composition with water. The composition comprises at least 1% by total weight of the composition of potato particles having an average diameter of less than 10 microns when dried; at least 1% by total weight of the composition of clathrate; at least 1% by weight of surfactant; and water.