Abstract: An apparatus for detection and measurement of trace species in a gas or liquid sample. A sensor of a ring down cell formed from an optical fiber is exposed to the sample gas or liquid. A coherent source emits radiation into the optical fiber loop, which in turn is received at an output coupler. The fiber optic ring is coupled to a sensor which has a portion thereof, between the input and output, exposed to the sample gas or sample liquid. The sensor has an enhanced evanescent region. A processor is coupled to the receiver and determines the level of trace species in the gas or liquid sample based on the rate of decay of the radiation within the fiber optic ring.

Abstract: A chemical dosimeter comprising: a chamber defined by a heat resistant mesh; and a quantity of an adsorbent contained within the chamber; the arrangement being such that gas may diffuse into the chamber through the heat resistant mesh so that chemicals in the gas may be adsorbed by the adsorbent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacture for a pipette tip having a membrane filter includes a pipette tip having an interior annulus for receiving an exterior perimeter of the membrane filter. A shear plate overlying the pipette tip defines an aperture having a dimension equal to the exterior perimeter of the membrane filter. A cylindrical punch has a path of motion for passing through the aperture in the shear plate to the interior annulus of the pipette tip. Membrane filter material is placed over the shear plate in the path of motion of the cylindrical punch. By the expedient of moving the cylindrical punch through the membrane filter material, the aperture in the shear plate, to the interior annulus of the pipette tip to place sheared filter material over the annulus of the pipette tip. Specific embodiments of pipette tips are illustrated including tips having a first filter for filtering material drawn into the pipette tip and second filters from preventing contamination of the pipette.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices capable of combining discrete fluid volumes generally include channels for supplying different fluids toward a sample chamber and means for establishing fluid communication between the fluids within the chamber. Discrete fluid plugs are defined from larger fluid volumes before being combined. Certain embodiments utilize adjacent chambers or subchambers divided by a rupture region such as a frangible seal. Further embodiments utilize one or more deformable membranes and/or porous regions to direct fluid flow. Certain devices may be pneumatically or magnetically actuated.

Abstract: A sample chamber is formed by a housing sealed against a microscope slide. The housing has fluid ports, including a well formed over at least one port. In a rinse station, rinse solution is drawn from a reservoir through the chamber to a waste reservoir. At a fill station, an aliquot of reagent already placed in the well is driven into the chamber. The reagent may be driven into the chamber by first drawing a vacuum on the chamber through the aliquot of reagent and then releasing the reagent to be drawn into the chamber by the vacuum.

Abstract: A method is provided for the removal of chromium from leach liquors produced during high pressure leaching of laterite ores in an autoclave, by addition to the autoclave of carbon in a quantity of about 0.5%-1% by weight with reference to the total dry feed.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a ruthenium stabilized oxidation-reduction catalyst useful for oxidizing carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds, and reducing nitrogen oxide species in oxidizing environments, substantially without the formation of toxic and volatile ruthenium oxide species upon said oxidizing environment being at high temperatures.

Abstract: A semiconductive GaAs wafer has a diameter of 4 inches or more, and an in-wafer plane dislocation density of 30,000/cm2 or more and 100,000/cm2 or less. A semiconductive GaAs wafer is made by growing a GaAs single crystal under a temperature gradient of 20° C./cm or more and 150° C./cm or less formed in the crystal so that the semiconductive GaAs wafer has an in-wafer plane dislocation density of 30,000/cm2 or more and 100,000/cm2 or less.

Abstract: The invention describes the finding that 4-(4-dimethylaminostyrl)-N-methylpyridinium or ASP+ is a fluorescent substrate that is transported by several neurotransmitter transporters. Provided are methods for the analysis of neurotransmitter transport and binding using ASP+. The invention also provides rapid methods for screening for modulators of neurotransmitter transport. As neurotransmitter transporter defects are associated with numerous neurological disorders, the invention also provides methods for treating neurotransmitter transport-associated defects/conditions using the modulators identified by the screening methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides interferon-alpha polypeptides and conjugates, and nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides. The invention also includes compositions comprising these polypeptides, conjugates, and nucleic acids; cells containing or expressing the polypeptides, conjugates, and nucleic acids; methods of making the polypeptides, conjugates, and nucleic acids; and methods of using the polypeptides, conjugates, and nucleic acids.

Abstract: Gene Therapy vectors, which are especially useful for cystic fibrosis, and methods for using the vectors are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the oral administration of beneficial microorganisms in a discrete dosage form, comprising about 10% to about 50% by weight of a starch component, about 25% to about 50% by weight of a sugar component, about 0-20% of a humectant component, and about 5% to about 25% by weight of water. The composition has a soft and chewy texture and water activity of about 0.60 to about 0.75.

Abstract: The invention is therapeutic methods and compositions that alter the immunogenicity of the host.

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: Humanized forms of mouse antibody 3D6 that retain the binding properties of mouse 3D6 are disclosed. Also disclosed are processes for making the humanized antibody, intermediates for making the humanized antibodies, including, nucleotide sequences, vectors, transformed host cells, and methods of using the humanized antibody to treat, prevent, alleviate, reverse, or otherwise ameliorate symptoms or pathology or both, that are associated with Down's syndrome or pre-clinical or clinical Alzheimer's disease or cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

Abstract: An isolated binding partner of a Cripto-1 protein, Pim-1 protein or an antigen present in a colon cancer cell lysate is described. The binding partner inhibits growth of one or more cancer cell types and may be used in an anti-cancer agent for treating cancer in a subject. The binding partner may also be used in a method of inducing apoptosis in a cancer cell, as well as in a method of sensitizing a cancer cell to a cytotoxic compound. In addition, a cancer vaccine is described wherein the vaccine comprises a Cripto-1 protein (or an antigenic fragment thereof), Pim-1 protein (or an antigenic fragment thereof) or an antigen present in a colon cancer cell lysate or, alternatively, comprises an expressible DNA molecule encoding a Cripto-1 protein (or an antigenic fragment thereof), Pim-1 protein (or an antigenic fragment thereof) or an antigen present in a colon cancer cell lysate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to antibodies directed to the antigen parathyroid hormone (PTH) and uses of such antibodies. In particular, in some embodiments, there are provided fully human monoclonal antibodies directed to the antigen PTH. In further embodiments, nucleotide sequences encoding, and amino acid sequences comprising, heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules, particularly sequences corresponding to contiguous heavy and light chain sequences spanning the framework regions and/or complementarity determining regions (CDRs), specifically from FR1 through FR4 or CDR1 through CDR3, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ligand/receptor and antigen/antibody specificity exchangers comprising a saccharide or glycoconjugate. Methods of making these specificity exchangers and methods of using said specificity exchangers to treat or prevent human disease are described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to HIV chimeric gene formed by the union of fragments of different genes of said virus, wherein said fragments contains epitopes for cytotoxic T cells (CTL) or HIV-1 auxiliary T cells, which are presented by a wide range of antigens of type Major Histocompatibility Complex (HLA-I). Recombinant poxviruses are obtained from said genes, which are useful for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination against HIV/AIDS infections, are capable of generating a protective immune cell response in vaccinated laboratory animals and are recognized by the CTL lymphocytes of HIV/AIDS patients.

Abstract: Superior molecular vaccines comprise nucleic acids, including naked DNA and replicon RNA, that encode a fusion polypeptide that includes an antigenic peptide or polypeptide against which an immune response is desired. Fused to the antigenic peptide is an intercellular spreading protein, in particular a herpes virus protein VP22 or a homologue or functional derivative thereof. Preferred spreading proteins are VP22 from HSV-1 and Marek's disease virus. The nucleic acid can encode any antigenic epitope of interest, preferably an epitope that is processed and presented by MHC class I proteins. Antigens of pathogenic organisms and cells such as tumor cells are preferred. Vaccines comprising HPV-16 E7 oncoprotein are exemplified. Also disclosed are methods of using the vaccines to induce heightened T cell mediated immunity, in particular by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, leading to protection from or treatment of a tumor.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition containing a polyether urethane thickener corresponding to formula I: wherein R1, R2 and R3, independently of one another, represent linear or branched alkyl and/or alkenyl groups containing from about 6 to 22 carbon atoms, x, y and z, independently of one another, represent a number from 1 to 10 and k, m and n, independently of one another, represent a number from about 10 to 200.

Abstract: A composition which causes adult boring bark beetles to discontinue boring, discontinue laying eggs and become disoriented and bore out of the tree or cease boring altogether and die is described. Additional tests have shown that beetles will not infest a tree which has been treated with the composition. Furthermore, the composition also causes beetle larvae to cease boring and die and also causes egg sacks to shrivel and die.

Abstract: A composition comprises a protein, a polyol, and a metal. The protein is stabilized by the polyol and the metal, and is protected from denaturing when in contact with an organic solvent. The polyol may be a hydrocarbon containing two or more hydroxyl groups (—OH) bonded to carbon. The metal may be divalent.

Abstract: A polymer coating for medical devices based on a derivatized poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) is disclosed. A variety of polymers are described to make coatings for medical devices, particularly, for drug delivery stents. The polymers include poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) modified by alkylation, esterification, and introduction of fluorinated alkyl fragments, polysiloxane fragments and poly(ethylene glycol) fragments into the macromolecular chains of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and compositions achieve rapid closure of vascular puncture sites. The systems and methods form a vascular closure composition by mixing together a first component, a second component, and a buffer material. The first component includes an electrophilic polymer material having a functionality of at least three. The second component includes a nucleophilic material that, when mixed with the first component within a reaction pH range of between 7 to 9, cross-links with the first component to form a non-liquid, three-dimensional barrier. The buffer material has a pH within the reaction pH range. The systems and methods apply the composition to seal a vascular puncture site.

Abstract: A method of treating a mammal to promote wound healing in the mammal in need thereof, comprising orally administering to the mammal an effective amount of a palatable, concentrated protein composition comprising an effective amount of hydrolyzed gelatin and tryptophan, and an ingestible carrier, the composition comprising the essential amino acids required by the mammal. Palatability is preferably achieved by the use of an effective amount of a sweetener. The method is particularly useful for treating wounds resulting from decubitus ulcers and bariatric surgery.

Abstract: An immediate release compressed pharmaceutical tablet that has two or more segments and a top and a bottom and has a height that exceeds the width of the tablet. The height is measured vertically from the top to the bottom of the tablet while it is in the tablet die in which it is fully compressed, after compression has been completed. The width is measured as the greatest horizontal dimension of the tablet at a location halfway between the top and the bottom of the tablet, except that when the horizontal cross-section of the tablet is substantially rectangular, the width is defined by locating the two shorter sides of the perimeter of the horizontal cross-section, and measuring the length of a line that is at right angle to the shorter sides.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for preventing oxidation of beneficial agents.

Abstract: Liquid coating compositions are provided that comprise siloxane containing polymer, volatile polydimethylsiloxane, and aliphatic hydrocarbon. The liquid coating compositions preferably comprise from 18-55 weight % of volatile polydimethylsiloxane, from 5-55 weight % of aliphatic hydrocarbon, from 1-40 weight % of siloxane containing polymer, and from 0-15 weight % of adjuvant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition of the plant Withania Somnifera, and, more particularly to a high purity extract composition with advantageous levels of withanolide glycosides and oligosaccharides, a minimum of polysaccharides, and substantially low levels of free withaferin A and equivalents (withanolide aglycones), which composition provides enhanced cognition-enhancing effects for the user, and an extraction process for obtaining such composition, as well as pharmaceutical, nutritional and personal care use products thereof.

Abstract: A herbal formulation used for treatment of depression and other related disorders comprises the following ingredients, namely Os Draconis, Concha Ostreae, Fructus Tritici Aestivi, Bulbus Lilii, Radix Rehmanniae, Caulis Polygoni Multiflori, Fructus Jujubae, Flos Albiziae, Radix Et. Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata Cum Melle, Sclerotium Poriae Circum Radicem Pini, Caulis Bambusae in Taenia, and Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the isolation of silymarin from silybum marianum seeds without precooling wherein the ground seeds are defatted using a hydrocarbon solvent, followed by extraction with a nontoxic medium polarity solvent, purification of the dried extract and drying of the crystals thus obtained.

Abstract: An assembly including a processed cheese portion (22) and a package (26) closely wrapping the portion. The package includes an element which itself comprises a film (2) tightly wrapping the portion and in contact therewith, and tear-initiating member (11) for enabling the sheet (2) to be torn along at least one tear line (8) when a gripping tab (10) of the element is pulled. At least a first part of the or each tear line (8) is defined by or made from a material of the film (2).

Abstract: An economical process for producing a milk-added coffee beverage with an enhanced flavor in a process for producing a milk-added coffee beverage produced through a step of heat sterilization of coffee and milk as the main raw materials. The process includes adding a strongly basic substance and/or basic amino acid to the coffee component and conducting the heat sterilization after the milk component is admixed to the coffee component. Coagulation at the step of admixing milk component is prevented and precipitation which tends to arise after the heat sterilization is prevented with the use of a much smaller amount of emulsifier and thickening agent.

Abstract: A feed supplement for increasing the plasma amino acid level of animals, including animal feed and liquid lysine base, where the liquid lysine base has a concentration between about 45% and about 55%, and has a pH level of between about 9.5 and about 10.5, a chloride content between about 0.10% and about 0.15%, a bulk density of between about 1.14 and about 1.17 g/cm3, and a maximum moisture level of between about 42% and about 48%. The animal feed may either be dry feed, liquid feed, drinking water or milk replacers, or a combination thereof. The present invention also includes a method of increasing the plasma amino acid level of animals, including the steps of providing animal feed, and supplementing the animal feed with an amino acid supplement comprising liquid lysine base having a concentration between about 45% and about 55%, and having a pH level of between about 9.5 and about 10.5.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of coating a stent. A stent framework is provided. A polymeric mixture is injected through at least one inlet port in an extrusion die, and the polymeric mixture is extruded through a shaped orifice onto at least a portion of the stent framework to form a coated stent. A coated stent including an extruded coating disposed on at least a portion of the stent framework and a system for treating a vascular condition are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of applying a drug-polymer coating on a stent. A stent framework is dipped into a first polymeric solution including a first polymer, a first therapeutic agent, and a first solvent. The polymeric solution is dried to form a thin drug-polymer layer on the stent framework. The stent framework with the thin drug-polymer layer, which is insoluble in the second polymeric solution, is dipped into a second polymeric solution including a second polymer and a second solvent and is dried to form a thin barrier layer on the thin drug-polymer layer. The steps of dipping the stent framework into the first polymeric solution, drying the first polymeric solution, dipping the stent framework into the second polymeric solution, and drying the second polymeric solution are repeated until a target drug-polymer coating thickness is disposed on the stent framework.

Abstract: Antistatic films are designed and manufactured so as to have proper electrification properties that are previously defined according to types and applications of the antistatic films on the basis of simulated outbreaks of static trouble such as static marks and/or static clinging of sample films having electrostatic charges (V) and surface resistivity (R) either one or both of which differ stepwise from one another that are expressed in R-V orthogonal coordinate diagrams.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a magnetic element are described. The method and system include providing a pinned layer, fabricating a metallic spacer layer and oxidizing a portion of the spacer layer in an environment including at least oxygen and a gas inert with respect to the spacer layer to provide an oxide layer. The method and system also include creating a free layer. The oxide layer is between a remaining metallic portion of the spacer layer and the free layer. In one aspect, the system includes a chamber and a gas diffusion apparatus within the chamber. The gas diffusion apparatus includes a plurality of nozzles and defines a plane. The gas exits each of the plurality of nozzles in a cone having an apex angle. The nozzles are directed at a nozzle tilt angle of at least half of the apex angle from the plane and the spacer layer.

Abstract: A thin film of zinc oxide is deposited by sputter deposition in a partial pressure of oxygen on a suitable at a low temperature, such as less than 300 degrees Centigrade, to provide an amorphous film. This should take place in a sputtering environment which will produce an oxygen deficient film layer. After this, the film is crystallized by heat treatment in an oxygen free environment in a given temperature range. The thin film produced by this process will have very low electrical resistance, is transparent from about the visible to beyond 10 microns in wavelength, is highly resistant to laser energy and is highly conductive.

Abstract: A method for dispensing towels contained in a compartment and selectively treating the towels with a fluid comprises the steps of extracting a dispensable towel from the compartment, through a towel delivery conduit extending through a removable cover disposed on the compartment, and from a top opening of the cover, and selectively applying the fluid to the towel as the towel is extracted through the conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to chiral compounds of formula (I) R1—X1-(A1-Z1)m-G-(Z2-A2)n-X2—R2, wherein R1, R2, X1, X2, A1, A2, Z1, Z2, G, m and n have the meaning given in claim 1, to liquid crystalline mixtures comprising at least one chiral compound of formula (I), to chiral linear or crosslinked liquid crystalline polymers obtainable by polymerizing a polymerizable mixture comprising at least one chiral compound of formula (I), to the use of chiral compounds of formula (I) and mixtures and polymers obtained thereof in liquid crystal displays, active and passive optical elements, adhesives, synthetic resins with anisotropic mechanical properties, cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions, diagnostics, liquid crystal pigments, for decorative and security applications, nonlinear optics, optical information storage or as chiral dopants, and to a liquid crystal display comprising a mixture comprising at least one chiral compound of formula (I).

Abstract: A novel retardation film is disclosed. The film comprises a transparent substrate and an optically anisotropic layer formed thereon by fixing a liquid crystalline compound in an aligned state, wherein the retardation film, when positioned between two polarizers in a crossed Nicol arrangement, has a frontal luminance within a range of 0.700 to 0.000 cd/m2. A novel liquid crystal display is also disclosed. The display comprises a first polarizing film, the retardation film positioned in contact with a surface of the first polarizing film, a first substrate, a liquid crystal layer formed of a liquid crystal material, and a second substrate positioned in this order, in which liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal material are aligned in a black state parallel to surfaces of a pair of the substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed are resin coated flexible substrates, such as labels, including spine labels for CDs and DVDs which are adapted for thermal transfer printing, methods for preparing and printing on these resin coated flexible substrates and the printed substrates obtained therefrom. The printed substrates have images which are stable even when subjected to the heat and abrasion from a process which provides a shrink-wrap over the printed substrate.

Abstract: A board material A board material having a flexible sheet member, and a plurality of hard strip members including a plurality of first hard strip members bonded in parallel to a first side of the flexible sheet member and second hard strip members arranged into sets and bonded in parallel to a second side of the flexible sheet members corresponding to the first hard strip members, the first hard strip members having a width in an integral multiple of the width of the second hard strip members.

Abstract: There is provided a honeycomb structure 1 having partition walls 2 to form cells 3 extending in the axial direction and having a polygonal section, and an outer wall 4 surrounding the plurality of partition walls 2. The partition walls 2 have an average thickness (Tp) of 0.038 to 0.17 mm. The outer wall 4 has an average thickness (Ts) satisfying a relation of Tp<Ts?0.7 mm. The outer wall 4 has a concave and convex structure at its outer surface 40. The convex top 7 is located at the outer surface 41 of an abutting portion 5 or the outer surface 42 of abutting portion vicinity 9. The honeycomb structure sufficiently withstands the pressure applied during canning and also has excellent thermal shock resistance.

Abstract: Thermal barrier coating (TBC) and a method of depositing a TBC having a modulated columnar microstructure that exhibits increased impact resistance. The TBC is deposited to have a columnar microstructure in which columns extend from a substrate surface. The columns having inner regions contacting the surface, outer regions near an outermost surface of the TBC, and interior regions therebetween. The inner regions of the columns are substantially normal to the substrate surface and at least one of the interior and outer regions of the columns are nonaligned with its respective inner regions, so that the columns of the columnar microstructure are continuous but modulated between the inner and outer regions to reduce tensile stresses within the columns resulting from particle impact.

Abstract: Transparent panels having unidirectional bullet-resisting characteristics contain at least one sheet of glass, several intermediate sheets formed of an acrylic resin or further glass sheets, and an inner sheet formed of a polycarbonate resin. A transparent adhesive bonds the sheets to each other to form the panel. The level of bullet resistance capability is measured according to NIJ standards and the panels have a Level III or Level IV rating.

Abstract: The resistance of a semiconductor nanoparticle provided with a surface treatment, such as an OH coating or ammonia treatment, against external factors is improved. A semiconductor nanoparticle provided with a surface treatment such as an OH coating or ammonia treatment and having high-emission properties is coated with an organic material, such as hexylamine, dodecylamine, trioctylmethylammonium, tridodecilmethylammonium, and similar organic material, by migrating the semiconductor nanoparticle from an aqueous phase to an organic solvent, such as hexane or toluene, thereby providing it with durability against external factors.

Abstract: Disclosed are weatherable multilayer articles comprising (i) a coating layer comprising a block copolyestercarbonate comprising structural units derived from at least one 1,3-dihydroxybenzene and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid, (ii) a second layer comprising a polymer comprising carbonate structural units, (iii) an adhesive layer comprising a polyurethane, and (iv) a substrate layer comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic resin, a cured thermoset resin, a metal, a ceramic, a glass, and a cellulosic material, wherein the coating layer is in contiguous superposed contact with the second layer, and the adhesive layer is in contiguous contact with the second layer and the substrate layer. Also disclosed is a method for making the multilayer article.