Abstract: The 28-kDa outer membrane proteins (P28) of Ehrlichia chaffeensis are encoded by a multigene family consisting of 21 members located in a 23-kb DNA fragment in the genome of E. chaffeensis. Fifteen of these proteins are claimed herein as novel sequences. The amino acid sequence identity of the various P28 proteins was 20-83%. Six of 10 tested p28 genes were actively transcribed in cell culture grown E. chaffeensis. RT-PCR also indicated that each of the p28 genes was monocistronic. These results suggest that the p28 genes are active genes and encode polymorphic forms of the P28 proteins. The P28s were also divergent among different isolates of E. chaffeensis. The large repertoire of the p28 genes in a single ehrlichial organism and antigenic diversity of the P28 among the isolates of E. chaffeensis suggest that the P28s may be involved in immune avoidance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antigens that stimulate protective antibodies against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Also disclosed herein are proteins encoded by cssA and cssB genes as well as constructs containing the genes and methods of using thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel immunogenic composition and vaccine, processes for producing them and methods for immunization against infections and disease caused by group A Streptococci. The compositions include group A streptococcal polysaccharide covalently linked to protein or liposomes to form immunogenic conjugates. The method of immunization for this invention comprises administering to an individual an immunogenic amount of group A polysaccharide. The group A polysaccharide may be administered as a vaccine either on its own, conjugated to proteins or conjugated to liposomes. Additionally, the group A polysaccharides may be associated with an adjuvant. This invention is particularly useful for providing both active and passive immunogenic protection for those populations most at risk of contracting group A Streptococcal infections and disease namely adults, pregnant women and in particular infants and children.

Abstract: Mutant cholera holotoxins having single or double amino acid substitutions or insertions have reduced toxicity compared to the wild-type cholera holotoxin. The mutant cholera holotoxins are useful as adjuvants in antigenic compositions to enhance the immune response in a vertebrate host to a selected antigen from a pathogenic bacterium, virus, fungus, or parasite, a cancer cell, a tumor cell, an allergen, or a self-molecule.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) an anticholinergic of formula 1 ?wherein X? is an anion with a single negative charge; and (b) a compound of formula 2 ?or the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts, solvates, and hydrates thereof.

Abstract: Unique Solenopsis invicta viruses (SINV) have been identified and their genome sequenced. Oligonucleotide primers have been developed using the isolated nucleic acid sequences of the SINV. The viruses are used as a biocontrol agent for control of fire ants.

Abstract: A method for the prevention or treatment of symptoms of hypertension in a patient who is resistant to antihypertensive effects of an antihypertensive compound administered in the absence of melatonin comprises administering to said patient melatonin in an amount effective to ameliorate or prevent symptoms of hypertension in said patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are nutritional powders, including lactose-free powders or other oxidatively sensitive nutritional powders, comprising at least about 400 ppm by weight of ascorbyl palmitate, preferably in combination with at least about 300 ppm by weight of cystine, cysteine, or combinations thereof. It has been found that these powders, especially the lactose-free embodiments, have improved stability as measured by sensory performance and reduced vitamin A degradation during prolonged storage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses tissue products comprising a cleansing composition. The cleansing composition removes soil and contaminants from the skin's surface and comprises a thermoplastic polymer and a water soluble neutral oligosaccharide. In one embodiment, the cleansing composition comprises polymethylmethacrylate and a water soluble starch.

Abstract: A transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) with a content of at least one active substance from the group of the carboxyl group-containing non-steroidal antirheumatics, which has a backing layer (1), an active substance-containing matrix layer (2) and a detachable protective layer (3), is characterized by a matrix layer (2) based on a carboxyl group-containing polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive, which matrix layer (2) has a content of oleic acid and potassium ions, with the constituent amount of the potassium ions being in the range of from 5 to 50%, relative to the equivalent weight of the sum of all carboxyl group-containing matrix components.

Abstract: A nutritional supplement includes a first formulation including minerals: chromium polynicotinate, magnesium glycinate, manganese sulfate, selenium, vanadyl sulfate, zinc gluconate, copper gluconate, iodine, and boron; and vitamins: vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12, biotin, alpha-lipoic acid, and folic acid. The second formulation, packaged separately from the first, includes essential fatty acids: walnut oil, flax seed oil, safflower oil, sesame seed oil, and pumpkin seed oil; and vitamins: vitamin E and vitamin Q-10. A method for improving metabolic function includes consuming the first and second formulation. A method of formulating a composition for improving metabolic function includes packaging together the first formulation and packaging together and separately from the first formulation the second formulation. A method for assisting a patient to improve metabolic function includes prescribing the first formulation and the second formulation to be taken separately from the first formulation.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is an oral dosage form comprising: a therapeutically effective amount of an opioid analgesic; an opioid antagonist; and an irritant in an effective amount to impart an irritating sensation to an abuser upon administration of the dosage form after tampering.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multilayer pharmaceutical tablets in which an NSAID and a triptan are present in separate and distinct layers. The layers are in a side-by-side configuration, which allows the dissolution of triptan and NSAID to occur independently and immediately.

Abstract: A colonic cleansing kit comprises an osmotic colonic evacuant, and an oral rehydration mixture. The oral rehydration mixture comprises sugar, and salt. The sugar comprises a glucose containing saccharide, and the salt comprises sodium.

Abstract: A novel formulation is provided that serves to specifically inhibit the COX-2 mediated inflammation response in animals. The formulation comprises comprising an effective amount of component I selected from the group consisting of alpha acids and beta acids and an effective amount of at least one component II selected from the group consisting of alpha acids, beta acids, essential oils, fats and waxes, with the proviso that component I and II are not the same compound. The composition provides specific inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 with little or no effect on cyclooxygenase-1.

Abstract: A three-phase center-filled gum or bubble gum candy lollipop product. An extruded gum or bubble gum material has a semi-liquid center-fill material added to it in a batch forming mechanism simultaneously with the formation of an exterior candy shell. The three-phase rope of material is formed into lollipop candy members in a forming machine and lollipop sticks are inserted into them. The formed lollipop products are then cooled, tumbled and prepared for further processing.

Abstract: A food product in the form of a connected but random, symmetrical or linear array of food portions can be served as an entree, appetizer dessert or other food. The array is adapted for manual separation and consumption. The food can take any asymmetrical or symmetrical form. The product can have a central portion or location and two or more portions that extend from the central portion that are asymmetrical or symmetrical about the central point. The portions can be filled or topped with fillings or toppings and can be designed for convenient preparation, serving, separation into individual units, and consumption by hand. The food can be uncooked, par-fried, par-baked, baked, fried, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enriched animal chew toy comprising a resin a fermented soy nutraceutical. Optionally the nutraceutical may contain enzymes or coenzymes. Also, the enriched animal chew toy may be formed by mixing a resin with the fermented soy nutraceutical in a heated molding machine. Suitable resins include starch, thermoplastic, casein, denatured and partially hydrolyzed collagen, wheat gluten, rawhide, proteins, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Thin snack chips having a curved or wave shape are obtained by forming, shaping or curling baked chips into a curved or wave configuration before they become too cold and rigid so as to result in breakage during forming. The essentially flat, malleable baked chips, still hot from baking in an oven may be continuously transported on a conveyer belt into a nip or gap formed between the conveyer belt and a rotating forming roller to curve or curl the malleable baked chips around the roller. The malleable baked chips are subjected to a guided curtain of air to cool and set the chips in a curved or wave configuration and to remove or blow the curved or wave chips off of the rotating forming roller onto the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A device for the production of dough from ingredients intended for human consumption as well as from a liquid, water in particular, having a mixing chamber designed to receive and accommodate the ingredients as well as a dough produced from the former wherein conveying means for transporting the ingredients into the mixing chamber are mounted in the mixing unit. Kneading means is provided and includes a nozzle unit for the injection of the liquid into the mixing chamber and the ingredients. The nozzle unit is designed for the injection of the liquid under high pressure to intermixture the ingredients in a mass of dough-like consistency for the production of dough.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved compositions comprising mixtures of toasted soybean flakes and potato flakes, for making highly soy protein enriched and soy oil containing mashed potato products having excellent nutritional, taste and texture properties. The toasted soybean flakes are made from full fat, enzyme active, dehulled soybean flakes. Additionally, the invention relates to methods for making said highly soy protein enriched and soy oil containing mashed potato products from said compositions; and to said highly soy protein enriched and soy oil containing mashed potato products per se.

Abstract: A soy protein isolate and method for preparing the same are shown. The novel soy protein isolate possesses excellent suspension stability and flavor. The process used to produce the soy protein isolate includes an enzyme hydrolysis process, and the resulting soy protein isolate can be used in acidic beverage formulations.

Abstract: An electroless plating method and composition for depositing Co, Ni, or alloys thereof onto a metal-based substrate in manufacture of microelectronic devices, involving a source of deposition ions selected from the group consisting of Co ions and Ni ions, a reducing agent for reducing the depositions ions to metal onto the substrate, and a hydrazine-based leveling agent.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium is disclosed that is characterized by a lowered noise component and improved thermal stability. The method for making the recording medium includes the serial steps of forming a soft magnetic back-lining layer on a non-magnetic substrate, forming an intermediate layer on the soft magnetic back-lining layer, forming a magnetic recording layer on the intermediate layer, and forming a protective film and then a liquid lubricating layer on the magnetic recording layer. Thermal treatment is executed after the formation of the magnetic recording layer and before the formation of the protective film, or after the formation of the protective film and before the formation of the liquid lubricating layer. The thermal-processing steps are is executed in a vacuum higher than about 0.1 Pa and in a thermal environment within a range from about 200° C. to about 250° C. for a period of less than about 60 seconds.

Abstract: Method for densifying a porous carbon preform (5). The method includes the steps of: (a) providing the apparatus (11); (b) charging the apparatus (11) with a plurality of stacks of annular porous carbon preforms (5), the preforms being separated from one another by spacers (15); (c) locating the charged apparatus (11) in a furnace at a temperature in the range of 950-1100° C. and a pressure in the range of 5-40 torr; and (d) circulating a natural gas reactant blended with up to 15% propane through the apparatus for a period of from 150 to 900 hours. Carbon-carbon composite preforms made by this method may be configured as aircraft landing system brake discs or racing car brake discs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced glass having excellent heat resistance and toughness, or a composite comprising a heat-resistant fiber and a siloxane polymer, which has a modified surface structure and is useful as a heat-resistant fiber.

Abstract: Microneedle arrays are fabricated by providing a sacrificial mold including a substrate and an array of posts, preferably solid posts, projecting therefrom. A first material is coated on the sacrificial mold including on the substrate and on the array of posts. The sacrificial mold is removed to provide an array of hollow tubes projecting from a base. The inner and outer surfaces of the array of hollow tubes are coated with a second material to create the array of microneedles projecting from the base. The sacrificial mold may be fabricated by fabricating a master mold, including an array of channels that extend into the master mold from a face thereof. A third material is molded into the channels and on the face of the master mold, to create the sacrificial mold. The sacrificial mold then is separated from the master mold. Alternatively, wire bonding may be used to wire bond an array of wires to a substrate to create the sacrificial mold.

Abstract: There is provided a plating apparatus and method which can control the temperature of a plating solution during plating more uniformly and easily form a uniform plated film on the to-be-plated surface of a workpiece, and which can simplify the device and decrease the footprint. The plating apparatus includes a plating bath having a double bath structure including an inner bath for holding a plating solution and carrying out plating, and an outer bath which surrounds the inner bath and is in fluid communication therewith. A heating device is disposed in the outer bath. The plating apparatus may further include means for circulating or stirring the plating solution in the plating bath.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston ring coated with a coating material by a thermal spray process, exposed to heat treatment of the coating material at an elevated temperature and for a time effective to at least partially diffuse the coating material into the piston ring surface or underlying layer of coating material, and an additionally applied coating material layer subject to successive heat treatments of each coating material layer in order to lay down on the piston ring surface a plurality of layers of the same coating material.

Abstract: Methods for permeabilizing biofilms using stress waves are described. The methods involve applying one or more stress waves to a biofilm, e.g., on a surface of a device or food item, or on a tissue surface in a patient, and then inducing stress waves to create transient increases in the permeability of the biofilm. The increased permeability facilitates delivery of compounds, such as antimicrobial or therapeutic agents into and through the biofilm.

Abstract: The present invention is to solve a problem that, conventionally, there is a risk of impurity elution when the optical retardation control layer obtainable by photopolymerization comes into contact with the liquid crystal layer because of the deterioration in heat resistance of the optical retardation control layer due to high temperature of post-process, the insufficient chemical resistance or the like. ?-amino alkylphenone based 2-methyl-1[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-2-morpholinopropane-1-one or 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)-butanone-1 are used as a photopolymerization initiator to be compounded in a composition for forming an optical retardation control layer or other optically functional layers.

Abstract: An insulating glazing unit including at least two glass sheets spaced apart by a gas-filled cavity, an insert that serves to keep the two glass sheets apart and that has an internal face facing the gas-filled cavity and an opposed external face, and a sealing with respect to the inside of the glazing unit. The insert includes a substantially flat strip that surrounds a first part of the perimeter of the glazing unit, being pressed by its internal face against the edges of the glass sheets and kept fastened by a fastener, and another strip that surrounds a second part of the perimeter of the glazing unit.

Abstract: A forming tube for coated glass fiber is pervious to the vapors generated during the curing/drying process for the fiber. The forming tube can be formed from various materials, including but not limited to molded plastic with perforations, metal (e.g., a wire screen or cage structure), wound paperboard treated with sizing compound to render the paperboard impervious to liquid but pervious to vapors, wound synthetic paper or nonwoven material formed of synthetic fibers, or wound perforated paperboard.

Abstract: This invention relates to articles made of polyester, preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET), having coated directly to at least one of the surfaces thereof one or more layers of thermoplastic material with good gas-barrier characteristics, and novel methods of making such articles. Preferably the barrier-coated articles take the form of preforms coated by at least one layer of barrier material and the containers blow-molded therefrom. Such barrier-coated containers are preferably of the type to hold beverages such as soft drinks, beer or juice. The preferred barrier materials have a lower permeability to oxygen and carbon dioxide than PET as well as key physical properties similar to PET. The materials and methods provide that the barrier layers have good adherence to PET, even during and after the blow molding process to form containers from preforms. Preferred barrier coating materials include poly(hydroxyamino ethers).

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer wherein the lower surface of the adhesive layer has a Sheffield roughness of at least about 10 and the adhesive article provides air egress. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the adhesive articles. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.

Abstract: An adhesive article includes a release liner and an adhesive layer on the surface of the release liner. The release liner has a surface with an arrangement of structures thereon, wherein the structures extend downward from a plane of the surface. The structures have at least three sidewalls. A first sidewall makes an angle with respect to the plane of the surface of greater than about 0° and less than 90° and a second sidewall makes an angle with respect to the plane of the surface of greater than 0° and less than about 90°. The first sidewall angle differs from the second sidewall angle by more than about 10°.

Abstract: A component for an interior of a vehicle is provided, including a substrate, a skin cooperating with the substrate to define a cavity, and foam disposed within the cavity. The substrate includes a recess defining a side wall and a back wall. The skin includes a primary wall defining a show surface, a perimeter wall extending away from the primary wall and contacting the side wall, and a terminal wall extending away from the perimeter wall. The terminal wall further contacts and applies a force onto the back wall. The foam is disposed within the cavity such as to substantially seal at least one of the perimeter wall and the terminal wall against the substrate. The force acting on the back wall promotes a substantially flam-tight seal, thus preventing foam from leaking between the substrate and the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a card having a card base body (20) and a plastic layer (30) joined thereto. According to the invention, the delimiting edge(s) of the plastic layer (30) is/are set back from the card edge(s) and comprise(s) projections that terminate with the edge(s) of the card base body (20) in a flush manner.

Abstract: The laminated structure comprises: a plurality of thin plate members; and adhesive which bonds the plurality of thin plate members in layers, wherein: at least one of the plurality of thin plate members has at least one bonding surface to be bonded with a surface of another of the plurality of thin plate members with the adhesive; at least one groove is formed in a breadthways direction of the thin plate member on the bonding surface; and at least one of ends of the groove does not reach an edge of the thin plate member.

Abstract: Various manufacturing techniques may be employed to construct an appliqué for use in an instrument cluster. In one commonly employed technique, an appliqué may be formed by applying different colored ink layers onto a surface of a polycarbonate sheet using a silk screen printing. In some instance, an edge of an underlying ink layer may cause a visible step line on the face of the appliqué. To reduce or eliminate these visible step lines, an outer boundary area of the printing layers invention are defined as a dispersing dot pattern.

Abstract: A composition includes a layer of nanoparticles and a layer of a second material.

Abstract: A method of making a circuitized substrate such as a laminate chip carrier in which a polymer, e.g., Teflon, is used as a dielectric layer and a promotion adhesion layer of a polymer is used to securely adhere a conductive layer thereto which is deposited by plating. The resulting product is thus able to provide extremely narrow conductive circuitry for subsequent connections, e.g., to a semiconductor chip. Electroless plating is the preferred plating method with the dielectric immersed in a solution of conductive monomers, e.g., pyrrole monomer, the solution also possibly containing a seed material such as palladium-tin.

Abstract: A hardcoat film comprises a substrate film, and a hardcoat layer laminated on at least one side of the substrate film, wherein a reflectance of the hardcoat layer at a wavelength within 400 to 600 nm has a mean ripple amplitude of 1% or less. The hardcoat film has decreased iris patterns. There is also provided an antireflection film having a low surface reflectance and a neutral tone of color, and an equipment for display including the film.

Abstract: Biodegradable molded articles; a process for producing the same: and compositions for foam molding packed in a packaging film bag to be used in the production. A bowl-type container(10a), which is one of the biodegradable molded articles as described above, consists of a bowl body(11a) comprising starch as the main component and a coating film(12) having at least hydrophobic properties and comprising a biodegradable plastic as the main component which is bonded to the surface of the bowl body(11a). This bowl body(11a) is formed by steam-foaming molding a material to be molded which is in the form of a slurry or a dough containing starch and water. The coating film(12) is closely bonded to the surface of the bowl body(11a) either directly or via an adhesive layer. Compositions for foam molding packed in such packaging film bags can be easily stored and molded.

Abstract: A resin-molded component such as a loudspeaker diaphragm, in which rigidity is enhanced while light weight and high specific modulus of elasticity are maintained, is formed by applying carbon dioxide gas with a predetermined pressure to a thermoplastic resin in which crystallization is facilitated in the resin flowing direction to fill a mold. After the resin is filled, injection molding is performed by somewhat moving the mold to form five layers of: oriented minute-foaming layers, having approximately cylindrical foams, the length of which is twice the diameter thereof in the resin flowing direction in the mold, an unfoamed core layer positioned between both the foaming layers, and unfoamed skin layers formed on the front and rear surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a film-reinforced glass, which has excellent impact resistance, penetration resistance and durability and which can be easily prepared. The constitution of the glass consists of one glass plate and a film comprising an organic polymer which is superposed thereon through a transparent adhesive layer, wherein the transparent adhesive layer comprises a first transparent adhesive layer of polyvinyl butyral and a second transparent adhesive layer of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer; or wherein a hard coat layer consisting of a cured layer formed from a curable resin containing fine particles of silica is provided on the surface of the organic polymer film on the side in noncontact with the transparent adhesive layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to articles such as protective films and displays having a fluorochemical surface layer comprising an antistatic agent and the reaction products of at least one fluoropolyether (meth)acryl compound and at least 50 wt-% of non-fluorinated crosslinking agent(s).

Abstract: An electrochemically disbondable composition is provided having a matrix functionality and an electrolyte functionality. The matrix functionality provides an adhesive bond to a substrate, and the electrolyte functionality provides sufficient ionic conductivity to the composition to support a faradaic reaction at an interface with an electrically conductive surface in contact with the composition, whereby the adhesive bond is weakened at the interface. The composition may be a phase-separated composition having first regions of substantially matrix functionality and second regions of substantially electrolyte functionality. Adhesive and coating compositions and methods of disbonding also are described.

Abstract: A tape-shaped insulating material comprises an insulating substrate and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provided on one side or both sides of the substrate, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is made of an aqueous dispersion type acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive containing a polymer emulsion that is a product of emulsion polymerization of a monomer mainly composed of C4 to C12 alkyl(meth)acrylate ester in the presence of an emulsifying agent. The tape-shaped insulating material has an electrolytic corrosion coefficient according to JIS C-2338 of 0.98 or more, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has good insulating characteristics.

Abstract: An iron nitride magnetic powder consisting primarily of Fe16N2 phase whose average particle diameter determined by particle size measurement using a TEM micrograph is 20 nm or less and whose geometric standard deviation of the particle diameter is 1.4 or less. The iron nitride magnetic powder can be obtained by a method of producing an iron nitride magnetic powder consisting primarily of Fe16N2 phase includes a step of, at the time of producing an iron nitride magnetic powder consisting primarily of Fe16N2 phase by subjecting a reduced powder obtained by reduction of iron oxide to ammonia treatment, using goethite containing Al in solid solution as the iron oxide.