Abstract: A degassing apparatus for use with a polymerisation reactor is disclosed. Slurry from the reactor is discharged into a flask tank (3) in which monomers or dilluent vaporise to form a gas. Filler units (9, 10) are provided at the upper part of the flash tank (3). They may be selectively connected to the flash tank by valves (11, 12). No cyclone etc. is provided between the flash tank and the filter (9, 10) and these particles may then fall back into the flash tank (3). The filters may be separately isolated for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: The membrane reactor of the present invention generates a desired gas such as hydrogen produced by steam reforming liquid fuels. The membrane reactor provides thermal integration between the heating source and the reaction catalyst by heat conduction through a solid medium. A gas purification system extracts energy from the waste gases to heat the membrane reactor. This, in concert with other control mechanisms provided results in a more efficient gas purification process.

Abstract: A particle trap, which may be installed in a pipe, e.g. in an exhaust tract of a motor vehicle, is provided for the agglomeration and oxidation of particles in a fluid flow and includes a multiplicity of substantially rectilinear and mutually parallel flow passages having passage walls with structures. The structures generate swirling, calming and/or dead zones in the fluid flow but keep the particle trap open to the fluid flow. Therefore, the particle trap is an open system in which particles can be kept or precipitated out of a fluid by turbulences in the flow and can be held until they undergo oxidation. Assemblies and exhaust tracts having the particle trap are also provided.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sterilization process is enhanced by concentrating a germicide via condensation and re-vaporization thereof, exploiting the difference between the vapor pressures of the germicide and its solvent to extract some of the solvent during the condensation process. A heat pump coupled with the condensation surface enhances the speed and efficiency of condensing and revaporizing the germicide.

Abstract: The present invention applies the fundamental electrochemical NEMCA effect (Non-Faradaic Electrochemical Modification of Catalytic Activity), to the treatment of the automotive exhaust. A solid electrolyte layer is sandwiched between a conductive catalyst layer and the underlying metal honeycomb multichannel supporting structure forming the exhaust treatment device. Electric current is applied between the catalyst layer and the metallic structure resulting in an increase of catalytic activity of the catalyst. The exhaust stream is passing through the multichannel honeycomb structure and is catalytically treated with increased efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is to produce an aluminum nitride powder which is turned into a sintered body at a temperature of not more than 1600° C., thereby obtaining a sintered aluminum nitride in which the density and thermal conductivity are high and which can be properly used as a substrate material. Using a vapor phase reaction apparatus shown in FIG. 1, ammonia gas was fed from a reactor 2 heated at from 300 to 500° C. and maintained at that temperature by a heating section 1 via a feeding tube 4 while being regulated by a flow regulator 3. At the same time, while being regulated by the flow regulator 5, nitrogen gas containing an organic aluminum compound is fed via a feeding tube 6 to obtain an aluminum nitride powder. The aluminum nitride powder is subjected to a heat treatment at from 1100 to 1500° C. in a reducing gas atmosphere and/or an inert gas atmosphere to obtain an aggregate aluminum nitride powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a burner with a burner head (1) and a gas feed pipe (2) that is located in the burner head (1) and that is surrounded by an ring channel (3) for feed of another gas. In the gas feed pipe (2) and in the ring channel (3), there are means (10, 11) for producing a swirl of the gas flowing through the gas feed pipe (2) and that flowing through the ring channel (3).

Abstract: A method of making nanocrystals involves adding a chalocogen source to a hot solution of a metal-containing non-organometallic compound, such as CdO, in a first ligand solvent, such as TOP, and preferably subsequently cooling the resulting mixture to a lower temperature to grow the nanocrystals at said lower temperature. The method can involve either one ligand or two-ligand systems.

Abstract: Materials that are useful for absorption enhanced reforming (AER) of a fuel, including absorbent materials and catalyst materials, and methods for using such materials for the conversion of carbon-based fuels to a H2-rich product gas. The materials can be fabricated by spray processing. The use of the materials in AER can produce a H2 product gas having a high H2 content and a low level of carbon oxides. The method for converting carbon-based fuels to a H2-rich product gas includes forming an intermediate gas product from the carbon-based fuel using a catalyst and contacting the intermediate gas product with an absorbent to absorb CO2. The absorbent can be regenerated while retaining a high absorption capacity.

Abstract: A crystalline inorganic porous material having two different types of pores which are macropores having a diameter in the micrometer range and micropores having a diameter in the angstrom range, at least part of the skeleton thereof having a zeolite structure. The crystalline inorganic porous material of the present invention has macropores and micropores and enables the effective transport of a substance by the macropores, thereby improving the effectiveness of the micropores of zeolite. Since a molded product can be obtained without using a binder, the selectivity of a reaction of interest can be improved in an acidic catalytic reaction or precision separation in adsorption/separation becomes possible.

Abstract: Crystalline spherical inhalation particles incorporating a combination of two or more different active ingredients and a process for the preparation thereof. The particles have a narrow particle size distribution, rough surfaces and improved stability. The inhalation particles of the invention are particularly useful in the administration of a combination medicament, e.g. a combination of an anti-inflammatory agent and a bronchodilator, by inhalation in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory disorders.

Abstract: Unique abrasive and/or thickening materials that are in situ generated compositions of precipitated silicas and silica gels are provided. Such compositions exhibit different beneficial characteristics depending on the structure of the composite in situ generated material. With low structured composites (as measured via linseed oil absorption levels from 40 to 100 ml oil absorbed/100 g composite), simultaneously high pellicle film cleaning properties and moderate dentin abrasion levels are possible in order to accord the user a dentifrice that effectively cleans tooth surfaces without detrimentally abrading such surfaces. Increased amounts of high structure composite materials tend to accord greater viscosity build and thickening benefits together with such desirable abrasion and cleaning properties, albeit to a lesser extent than for the low structure types.

Abstract: Agents and methods for enhancing recombinant virus transduction in the bladder epithelium are described. A first method involves contacting the luminal surface of the bladder with a composition comprising a transduction enhancing agent and an oncolytic virus. Alternatively, the luminal surface of the bladder can be contacted first with a pretreatment composition comprising a transduction enhancing agent and, subsequently, with a composition comprising an oncolytic virus. Bladder treatment compositions comprising a transduction enhancing agent and an oncolytic virus are also described.

Abstract: Described herein are novel ammonia-oxidizing bacteria as well as isolated nucleotide sequences representative of 16S rDNA of these ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Particular bacteria of the present invention are tolerant of freshwater environments, saltwater environments or both. Furthermore, in various embodiments, various bacteria of the present invention are capable of surviving a freeze-drying process, and may remain viable thereafter. Compositions including various combinations of the bacteria are further described, as are polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers and oligonucleotide probes that may be used to detect these bacteria based on their 16S rDNA.

Abstract: A method of treatment of a patient includes administering to the patient stored red blood cells and a hemoglobin solution. The stored red blood cells and the hemoglobin solution can be administered to the patient simultaneously. Alternatively, the hemoglobin solution can be administered to the patient prior to administrating the stored red blood cells or the stored red blood cells can be administered to the patient prior to administering the hemoglobin solution. A composition of the invention includes stored red blood cells and a hemoglobin solution.

Abstract: A method for killing or inactivating spores, by contacting the spores with a haloperoxidase, a source of hydrogen peroxide and a source of iodide ions. The spores may additionally be contacted with a haloperoxidase enhancing agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and means for making and using Angptl3 polypeptides. The invention specifically concerns the use of Angptl3 polypeptides in inducing liver regeneration and angiogenesis. Further methods include the use of Angptl3 polypeptides in the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease. Also provided herein are antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for diagnosing neurotransmission or developmental disorders in a mammal comprising the step of detecting in a bodily fluid of said mammal autoantibodies to an epitope of the muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK). One such method comprises a) contacting said bodily fluid with said MuSK or an antigenic determinant thereof; and b) detecting any antibody-antigen complexes formed between said receptor tyrosine kinase or an antigenic fragment thereof and antibodies present in said bodily fluid, wherein the presence of said complexes is indicative of said mammal suffering from said neurotransmission or developmental disorders. Also disclosed are kits for use in the diagnosis of neurotransmission and subsequent developmental disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a binding member which binds to Lewisy and Lewisb haptens in the treatment of tumours and leukaemia. The binding member may be an antibody which binds to Lewisy and Lewisb haptens and cancer cells and induces cells death.

Abstract: Novel oligonucleotides comprising a sequence derived by a computer program are provided for inhibiting cytotoxic activity of lymphocytic cells, inhibiting production of inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory responses associated with those cytokines, inhibiting the activity of heme-containing enzymes and delaying the onset of an autoimmune disease. By combining the subject compositions with mixtures of cells comprising lymphocytic cells and cells which would otherwise activate the lymphocytic cells, lysis of the target cells can be substantially inhibited. The oligopeptides may be joined to a variety of other groups or compounds for varying the activity of the subject composition. The subject compositions may be administered by any convenient means to inhibit lymphocytic attack on tissue, particularly involved with xenogeneic or allogeneic transplants or to inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory responses associated therewith.

Abstract: Using CTL epitopes to the Ebola GP, NP, VP24, VP30, VP35 and VP40 virion proteins, a method and composition for use in inducing an immune response which is protective against infection with Ebola virus is described.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to novel methods and compositions for protecting cats from infection by a broad range of FIV strains using a multi-subtype FIV vaccine. Multi-subtype FIV vaccines comprising either cell free whole virus or cell lines infected with viruses are described. Methods for vaccinating cats with the subject vaccine compositions are also described. Cats vaccinated according to the methods and compositions of the subject invention exhibit protective humoral and cellular immune responses to FIV when challenged with homologous or heterologous strains of FIV. The subject invention also pertains to novel feline cell lines that are susceptible to infection by FIV and their methods of use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a parvovirus vector having a parvovirus DNA excisable from the vector DNA in a parvovirus-permissive cell, the parvovirus DNA having a left terminus which comprises a parvovirus minimal origin of replication, and a system comprising the parvovirus vector. Furthermore, this invention concerns a method of producing the parvovirus vector, parvoviral particles as well as their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microbicide composition for plants, containing at least two active ingredient components in an amount producing synergistic activity, together with an appropriate filler, wherein component I is the compound 2-[?-{[(?-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)imino]-oxy}-o-tolyl]-glyoxylic acid-methylester-O-methyloxime, and component II is a compound selected from the group consisting of IIA) 5,7-dichloro-4-(4-fluorophenoxy)quinoline (“Quinoxyfen”); IIB) 4-cyclopropyl-6-methyl-N-phenyl-2-pyrimidinamine (“Cyprodinil”); IIC) benzo(1,2,3) thiadiazole-7-carbothio-acid-S-methylester (“Acibenzolar-S-methyl”); IID) 3-anilino-5-methyl-5-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1,3-oxazolidine-2,4-dione (“Famoxadone”); IIE) 8-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-N-ethyl-N-propyl-1,4-dioxaspiro[4.

Abstract: An analgesic/anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical dosage form which comprises an effective amount of an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of racemic 5-benzoyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizine-1-carboxylic acid, optically active forms thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or diluent, said dosage form being an intranasally administrable dosage form.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing the photostabilizing of silver in medical materials are described. More particularly, the methods increase the photostabilization of silver in certain materials comprising hydrophilic, amphoteric and anionic polymers by subjecting the polymers to solutions containing an organic solvent and silver, during or after which one or more agents are added which facilitate the photostablization of the material.

Abstract: A transdermal delivery system (TDS)for use in treatment of living bodies may be applied as an open (liquid, gel) or closed (patch) article. The TDS is composed of a particular active agent which dictates an associated selection of certain solvents, solvent modifiers, solute modifiers and skin stabilizers with which the medicament forms a true solution that rapidly crosses the skin barrier. The associated selection of the particular solvents, solvent modifiers, solute modifiers and skin stabilizers is based on a balancing of the molecular properties of all the components against the molecular properties of all the components plus the particular active agent. The TDS may also include a source of cellular energy to induce CAMP or cGMP. The TDS improves delivery of active agents having a molecular weight greater than 340 Daltons and increases dosage above 0.25 mg/day for such active agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved dietary supplements and methods for inhibiting the progression of macular degeneration and promoting healthy vision. The dietary supplements of the invention contain cobeadlets comprising vitamin E and carotenoids in the form of Vitamin A, lutein and/or zeaxanthing. The dietary supplements of the invention further contain Vitamin C, copper and zinc and may also contain such ingredients as rosemary, DHA, other vitamins and minerals.

Abstract: A method of making a processed cheese with improved firmness comprises mixing a protein cross-linking enzyme and optionally first other ingredients with a cheese material having a pH of less than 5.6, a moisture content of less than 60% and preferably containing one or more coagulating agents, to form a mixture; providing temperature and pH conditions and allowing time for the enzyme to react with protein in the mixture to cross link at least a portion of the protein; and combining one or more emulsifying agents and optionally second other ingredients with the mixture and heating the combination to thereby produce processed cheese from the combined cheese material contain cross-linked proteins, emulsifying agents and optional first and second other ingredients.

Abstract: Amorphous water-soluble calcium citrate salts having a mole ratio of calcium to citrate of less than 2.5:2, and powdered beverage mixes and liquid compositions fortified with these amorphous water-soluble calcium citrate salts as a calcium source, are provided. Liquid compositions fortified with calcium citrate according to this invention have superior dispersability, solubility, appearance, and storage stability. These liquid compositions are prepared by new methods that provide and preserve a stable amorphous character in the dry powdered product salts. The present invention also is directed to a method of administering such calcium citrate-fortified liquid compositions to increase the dietary calcium intake in individuals.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method automatically cook food, for example, a hulled grain such as buckwheat, thereby conveniently providing the uniform and optimal cooking quality of the food to a user. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking cavity that contains food to be cooked and water therein, and a heating unit that heats the food and the water. The cooking apparatus further includes a control unit operated in such a way as to heat the food and the water at a preset initial output of the heating unit, first to reduce the output of the heating unit to a first reduced output and allow the heated high temperature water to be absorbed into the food after a first preset time has elapsed, and second, to reduce the output of the heating unit to a second reduced output and cook an inside of the food using the high temperature water absorbed into the food after the water has simmered.

Abstract: In fabricated, thermally processed snack foods, the addition of one of a select group of amino acids to the recipe for the food inhibits the formation of acrylamide during the thermal processing. The amino acid can come from the group of cysteine, lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, and arginine and can be a commercially available amino acid or in a free form in an ingredient added to the food. Amino acids can be added to fabricated foods at the admix stage or by exposing raw food stock to a solution containing a concentration of the amino acid additive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sweetener which has mild sweetness like sugar while maintaining a high sweetness intensity of a Stevia sweetener and also has a sharp head-taste of sweetness, a sharp after-taste of sweetness, as well as reduction of the bitterness and astringency of after-taste peculiar to the Stevia sweetener, and a process for producing the same. The sweetener contains steviol glucosides comprising ?-1,4-galactosyl rebaudioside A having one to three ?-1,4-bonded galactosyl groups in a molecule and rebaudioside A, wherein the following expressions (1) and (2) are satisfied: [(GRA+RA)/(X)]?0.4??(1) [(GRA)/(RA)]?1.0??(2) wherein GRA represents the weight percentage of the ?-1,4-galactosyl rebaudioside A having one to three ?-1,4-bonded galactosyl groups in a molecule, RA represents the weight percentage of the rebaudioside A, and X represents the weight percentage of the steviol glucosides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foodstuff having creamy to pasty characteristics having one or more biopolymers and water and having a homogeneous microstructure wherein the biopolymers are present in a very fine microscopic distribution and without discernible coarse clusters. This foodstuff is produced by mixing the constituents of the foodstuff to form a starting mixture of liquid to pasty consistency; cooling the starting mixture to a product temperature of below 0° C. with simultaneous continuous mixing and without aeration to produce a freeze-texturized homogenous mixture of the constituents of the foodstuff; and allowing the product temperature to rise to a distribution and consumption temperature of 4° C. and above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme electrode useful for estimation of cholesterol in aqueous medium, said electrode comprising: i. an electrically conductive base plate, ii. a film of sol gel derived material deposited thereon, said sol gel derived material of step b) being microencapsulated cholesterol oxidase with an electron mediator. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of an enzyme electrode by coating an immobilized cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) and mediator on a silicate sol gel by microencapsulation.

Abstract: A method for applying a sample film to a sample carrier for subsequent spectroscopic analysis is described, comprising providing a quantity of sample in liquid state, providing a sample carrier having at least one sample position, applying the quantity of sample in liquid state on the at least one sample position in a plurality of partial quantities of the quantity of sample in such a manner that the partial quantities on the at least one sample position are not in contact with one another before being dried, drying the quantity of sample to form the sample film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, in which when a liquid material is applied to the application surface of an object of application by using a liquid material supply device having a syringe containing the liquid material and equipped with a needle having at its distal end an ejection hole from which the liquid material is ejected, an image of the distal end of the needle is taken laterally by a horizontal camera together with a height reference mark when an ascent/descent drive system of the liquid material supply device is set to a reference height, and the height position of the distal end of the needle is obtained from the difference between the height of the distal end of the needle and the height of the height reference mark.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a piezoelectric/electrostrictive film device including a ceramic substrate and a piezoelectric/electrostrictive operation portion including a lower electrode, a piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer, and upper electrode stacked on the substrate. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer is formed to extend beyond at least one of electrodes to form projected portions at its ends.

Abstract: An information-storage media is provided that includes: (a) a substrate disk 312 having first and second opposing surfaces; (b) a first interface layer 304 on the first surface, the first interface layer having a first thickness; (c) a second interface layer 308 on the second surface, the second interface layer having a second thickness, wherein the first and second interface layers have a different chemical composition than the substrate disk; and (d) an information-storage layer 412 adjacent to one or both of the interface layers. The first and second thicknesses are different to provide an unequal stress distribution across the cross-section of the media.

Abstract: A process for the selective removal of a TiO2-containing substance from an article for cleaning applications is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, there is provided a process for removing a TiO2-containing substance from an article comprising: providing the article having the TiO2-containing substance deposited thereupon; reacting the substance with a reactive gas comprising at least one selected from a fluorine-containing cleaning agent, a chlorine-containing cleaning agent and mixtures thereof to form a volatile product; and removing the volatile product from the article to thereby remove the substance from the article.

Abstract: Textile fabric composed of synthetic fibers is subjected to a gas phase fluorination in a fluorine/inert gas atmosphere having a fluorine concentration in the range from 0.1 to 10% in order that the synthetic fiber surfaces may be activated in such a way that they are able to react with organic or inorganic compounds. Thereafter, the fabric is coated with a fluorocopolymer which is free of adhesion promoters. Similarly, yarn composed of synthetic fibers is first gas phase fluorinated and thereafter coated with a fluorocopolymer. Sewing yarn or thread, having been gas phase fluorinated, is bonded by means of a fluoropolymer coating. The improved adhesion makes the coated materials useful for a wide range of industrial applications.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the kinetic conditions (i.e. temperature and time) related to how metal glass alloys are transformed are manipulated to alter the microstructure and the resulting properties of the subject alloys. Low temperature recovery, relaxation, crystallization, and recrystallization phenomena are used to shift the microstructure of amorphous or partially crystalline coatings in order to tailor and improve their properties for specific applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crosslinker for organic coatings having an amino resin core with substituents including more than one olefin functional group, a silicon-containing group, and at least one alkoxyalkyl or alkylol group. Coating compositions containing the crosslinker can be cured with radiation, especially ultraviolet radiation. The crosslinker can be included in a coating composition with one or more curable resins, applied onto a substrate and cured to form the cured coating of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that lenses, such as contact lenses, can be pigmented using an ink that includes oligomers, polymers or polymerizable monomers. The ink can be used to make images on or within the lens. Images made using these inks are may be digital or analogue and can be used in a variety of printing methods, including ink-jet printing.

Abstract: For the liquid impervious sealing of smallest crevices, chinks, capillaries and/or openings within a housing wall, in particular of electronic or electrical devices, it is proposed to provide the housing wall at least in the area of the crevices, chinks, openings or capillaries with a hydrophobic coating. The advantage of applying a hydrophobic coating is that certain gas permeability can be maintained, so that a gas exchange between the interior of the housing and the environment is possible.

Abstract: In a method of fabricating a protective film, a vacuum ultraviolet radiation CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) system is used. The method includes providing a vacuum ultraviolet rays generator, a reactor provided with a platform for supporting a substrate, a heat retainer provided on the platform, and a window separating the vacuum ultraviolet rays generator from the reactor. Then, a step of feeding an organic stock gas from a gas feeder into the reactor while retaining the temperature of the substrate at a temperature of about equal to or less than 100° C. with the heat retainer is performed. Simultaneously, a step of irradiating the reactor with vacuum ultraviolet rays from the vacuum ultraviolet rays generator through the window is performed.

Abstract: A compensator element for a liquid crystal display is provided comprising at least one layer of negative biaxial burefringement material formed by at least one polycyclic organic compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to display and protective articles having a fluorochemical surface layer, and methods of making such articles. The invention also relates to fluoropolyether acrylate compositions.

Abstract: A rotating inflatable ornament has a main chamber, a bottom chamber, a rotating chamber, a rotating device, a joint tube and a blower. The bottom chamber is attached to a bottom of the main chamber. The rotating chamber is mounted in the main chamber and has a main air-entering tube, multiple jet tubes and multiple inflatable adornments. The main air-entering tube communicates with the bottom chamber. The rotating device is attached rotatably to the main chamber. The joint tube is attached to the main air-entering tube and is mounted rotatably in the bottom chamber. The blower is mounted in the bottom chamber and fills air into the bottom chamber. The air coming out of the jet tubes makes the rotating chamber rotate.

Abstract: A collapsible artificial Christmas tree that opens and retracts like an umbrella has an elongate trunk with a branch hinge connected to a trunk. A tree branch is rotatably connected to the branch hinge. A slide ring is slidably connected to the trunk. A branch lift rod is rotatably connected to the slide ring. The branch lift rod is rotatably connected to the tree branch for moving the tree branch when the slide ring slidably moves on the trunk.