Abstract: A support electrode (2) and a counter electrode (16) constituting parallel plate electrodes are disposed in a process vessel (1). A substrate (W) with an organic material film formed thereon is supported by the support electrode (2). A high-frequency power of a frequency of 40 MHz or above for generating the plasma is applied to the support electrode (2), so that a high-frequency electric field is formed between the support electrode (2) and the counter electrode (16). A process gas is supplied into the process vessel (1) to generate plasma of the process gas by the high-frequency electric field. The organic material film on the substrate (W) is etched with the plasma, with an organic material film serving as a mask. The process gas includes an ionization accelerating gas, such as Ar, that is ionized from a ground state or metastable state with an ionization energy of 10 eV or below and has a maximum ionization cross-section of 2×1016 cm2 or above.

Abstract: A method of etching and cleaning objects contained in a vessel, includes etching the objects by providing etching solution into the vessel, forcing out the etching solution from the vessel by providing pressurized gas into the vessel; cleaning the objects by providing cleaning solution into the vessel; and draining the cleaning solution from the vessel. By forcing out the etching solution with a pressurized gas such as nitrogen gas, there is no density difference of the etching solution in contact with the objects, leading to uniform etching of the objects.

Abstract: A method of forming a superhydrophobic material (66) includes mixing a hydrophobic material (24) with soluble particles (26) to form a mixture (32). The mixture (32) is cured. A portion of the soluble particles (26) is etched away from the mixture (32) to form the superhydrophobic material (66). A superhydrophobic material forming system (10) includes a mixer (30) that mixes a hydrophobic binder (24) with soluble particles (26) to form the mixture (32). A curing station (16) cures the mixture (32). An applicator (69) applies a solvent (68) to the mixture (32) to etch away a portion of the soluble particles (26) from the mixture (32) to form the superhydrophobic material (66).

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid composition comprising a carrier fluid; and a plurality of high aspect ratio magnetizable particles, wherein the aspect ratio of the high aspect ratio magnetizable particles is greater than 1.5. Optionally, the high aspect ratio magnetizable particles can have interlocking structures comprising male component and a female component. Still further, a magnetorheological fluid composition can comprise low aspect ratio magnetizable particles having the interlocking structures, wherein the aspect ratio of the low aspect ratio magnetizable particles is 1 to 1.5.

Abstract: Methods for cooling a fuel cell include providing in a fuel cell coolant system an aqueous fuel cell coolant composition having an initial electrical conductivity of at most 50 ?S/cm. The fuel cell coolant compositions include an alkylene glycol and water solution, and an additive consisting of one or more five membered heterocyclic compounds (azole derivatives) having 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen and sulfur, which contain no or at most one sulfur atom and which may carry a fused aromatic or saturated six-membered ring, and an orthosilicate in an amount to provide a silicon content of from 2 to 2000 ppm by weight.

Abstract: An antifreeze concentrate for cooling systems in fuel-cell drives which gives ready-to-use aqueous coolant compositions having a conductivity of at most 50 ?S/cm, based on alkylene glycols or derivatives thereof and containing one or more five-membered heterocyclic compounds (azole derivatives) having 2 or 3 hetero atoms from the group consisting of nitrogen and sulfur, which contain no or at most one sulfur atom and which may carry a fused aromatic or saturated six-membered ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixtures for producing transparent plastics, comprising a) a prepolymer, produced from the compounds of formulae (I) and (II), wherein R1 independently represents hydrogen or a methyl group, R2 independently represents a linear or branched, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic group or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group and m and n independently represent an integer greater or equal 0, with m+1>0, and compounds of formula (III), alkyldithiols or polythiols, preferably HS—R3—SH (III), wherein R3 is equal or different from R2 and can have the meaning indicated in R2, and b) at least one radically polymerizable monomer (A) having at least two methacrylate groups and c) aromatic vinyl compounds, such as styrene and d) optionally a radically polymerizable monomer having at least two terminal olefinic groups that have different reactivity, and/or e) optionally at least one monomer (B) from the group of methacrylates, preferably 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate.

Abstract: A mesogenic, crosslinkable mixture comprising at least one polymerisable liquid crystal and at least one polymerisable dichroic dye of the general formula I: wherein A represents a dichroic residue exhibiting at least partial absorption in the visible region >400 nm; n1, n2, n3, n4 signifies 0 or 1 whereby the sum of n1, n2, n3 and n4 is >0, and B1 and B4 represent a group of substructure II wherein the broken line symbolises the linkage to said dichroic residue.

Abstract: A UV-emitting phosphor is described wherein the phosphor is excitable by vacuum ultraviolet radiation (VUV). The phosphor is a gadolinium-activated strontium magnesium aluminate which preferably has an excitation maximum at about 172 nm. The phosphor exhibits a narrow-band UV emission at about 310 nm which makes it useful for medical phototherapy applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilizer composition for halogen-containing thermoplastic resins, the stabilizer composition comprising (a) calcium hydroxide and/or calcium oxide which may optionally be surface-modified; and (b) a hydroxyl group-containing isocyanurate. This stabilizer composition is particularly suited for weather-resistant halogen-containing resin compositions, such as rigid PVC.

Abstract: An electrochemical device and a proton conducting medium for use in an electrochemical device having a proton conducting electrolyte comprising the formula: HaMbQ.nH2O where H is a proton, M is a cation, Q is the fluoroborate or fluoroheteroborate anion, n ranges from 0.01 to 1000, a ranges from 0.01 to 2 and b ranges from 0 to 2, a and b are chosen to render the formula electrically neutral, and when b is greater than 0, the ratio of b to a is less than 100 to 1.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for producing composites of fullerene nanotubes and compositions thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a method of producing a composite material that includes a matrix and a fullerene nanotube material embedded within said matrix. In another embodiment, a method of producing a composite material containing fullerene nanotube material is disclosed. This method includes the steps of preparing an assembly of a fibrous material; adding the fullerene nanotube material to the fibrous material; and adding a matrix material precursor to the fullerene nanotube material and the fibrous material.

Abstract: In an injection molding machine having upstream and downstream channels communicating with each other for delivering fluid material to one or more mold cavities, apparatus for controlling delivery of the melt material from the channels to the one or more mold cavities, each channel having an axis, the downstream channel having an axis intersecting a gate of a cavity of a mold, the upstream channel having an axis not intersecting the gate and being associated with an upstream actuator interconnected to an upstream melt flow controller disposed at a selected location within the upstream channel, the apparatus comprising a sensor for sensing a selected condition of the melt material at a position downstream of the upstream melt flow controller; an actuator controller interconnected to the upstream actuator, the actuator controller comprising a computer interconnected to a sensor for receiving a signal representative of the selected condition sensed by the sensor, the computer including an algorithm utilizing a v

Abstract: A brush is injection molded in a multipart mold. The bristles of the brush are sequentially molded integrally with the base or handle. The bristles are extremely small and are injection molded in a unique molds. The bristle portion of the mold consists of a series a plates or semi-sphere cups, each of which is drilled with a diminutive drill bit. The plates and cups are then assembled so that the bores of the plates and cups are aligned to form the bristle containing portion of the mold. The mold portion for the bristles is injection molded with a first resin material. Then base or handle producing portion of the mold is injected with a second resin material. The selection of applicable resins, seize of bristles, spacing of bristles, viscosity of the to-be-dispensed fluid all considered in the defining of the amount of liquid to be carried and dispensed by the brush.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a co-cured vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding manufacturing method includes providing a tool base, disposing a prepreg skin panel outwardly from the tool base, disposing one or more tooling details outwardly from the prepreg skin panel, and disposing one or more preforms proximate the one or more tooling details. The one or more preforms are either dry or binderized. The method further includes disposing a high permeability medium between the one or more tooling details and the one or more preforms, enclosing the prepreg skin panel, the one or more tooling details, the one or more preforms, and the high permeability medium with at least one vacuum bag, pulling a vacuum on the vacuum bag, infusing the one or more preforms with a resin, and curing the one or more preforms and the prepreg skin panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing fiber-reinforced products with integrated insert parts by moulding a heat-bonding resin having a viscosity of about 1-10_6 and about 30-10+6 mPas, between two joinable halves of a separable mould having an upper and lower mould parts forming a cavity therebetween, the inner moulding faces are attached to displaceable fixed parts of a pressing table. Prior to moulding, an insert part is fixed in position in the cavity, and the mould parts each have a set of a support devices displaceable in the cavity relative to the respective moulding faces. According to the method, the resin is located in the cavity before the mold is closes and the insert is in position prior to and during an initial phase of moulding. The support device is removed prior to the setting of the resin in the mould leaving holes in the material, and thereafter the mold parts are held together for filling the holes.

Abstract: A molded article manufactured by a fixed mold used with a forming metal mold for molding synthetic resin includes a base mold, a first forming mold secured to the base mold and having a molding recess, and a second forming mold secured to the base mold as it is combined with the first forming mold. The first forming mold includes a transfer surface within the molding recess in continuation to its opening edge for providing decoration to the molded article on transcription to the surface of the molded article. The second forming mold includes a charged opening defining a cavity along with the molding recess and into which is charged a molding material. In this forming metal mold, the molding material is charged into the cavity to transfer a pattern formed on the transfer surface to the molded product.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment provides, for example, a system and method of integrating fluid media dispensing technology such as direct-write (DW) technologies with rapid prototyping (RP) technologies such as stereolithography (SL) to provide increased micro-fabrication and micro-stereolithography. A preferred embodiment of the present invention also provides, for example, a system and method for Rapid Prototyping High Density Circuit (RPHDC) manufacturing of solderless connectors and pilot devices with terminal geometries that are compatible with DW mechanisms and reduce contact resistance where the electrical system is encapsulated within structural members and manual electrical connections are eliminated in favor of automated DW traces. A preferred embodiment further provides, for example, a method of rapid prototyping comprising: fabricating a part layer using stereolithography and depositing thermally curable media onto the part layer using a fluid dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: Mold for transforming a material comprising a plastic and/or a composite material, wherein the mold includes a mold body having at least one impression arrangement. A heating arrangement directly heats at least one of the material and an intermediary surface impression arranged adjacent to the material. The at least one impression arrangement includes an insulating material that prevents transfer of calorific energy from the material to the mold body, and vice-versa. The insulating material includes a mineral resin which includes an association of non-organic constituents. An insulating device is arranged one of within the insulating material and between the insulating material and the mold body. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A process and a device for producing a three-dimensional object is provided, with which process or device the object is produced by layer-wise solidification of a pulverulent material by sintering of the material at the points corresponding to the cross-section of the object by means of the action of radiation energy. The process comprises the application of a layer of the pulverulent material onto a substrate or a previously sintered layer, pre-heating of the pulverulent material to a working temperature below the temperature at which the powder is sintered and sintering of the material at the points corresponding to the cross-section of the object in the layer, wherein a step of controlled heating of an applied powder layer and of determining the quantity of heat taken up by the powder per (FIG. 3) temperature interval for at least two temperature intervals is carried out.

Abstract: The balloon catheter comprises a plastic tubing, a balloon fused to one end portion of said tubing, and the balloon being made of a polymer and on of a carbon nano-tube material, a nano-clay material or a nano-ceramic fiber material.

Abstract: A Fe—Ni based permalloy comprises Ni: 30-85 wt %, C: not more than 0.015 wt %, Si: not more than 1.0 wt %, Mn: not more than 1.0 wt %, P: not more than 0.01 wt %, S: not more than 0.005 wt %, O: not more than 0.0060 wt %, Al: not more than 0.02 wt % and, if necessary, not more than 15 wt % of at least one selected from the group consisting of Mo, Cu, Co and Nb within a range of not more than 20 wt % in total.

Abstract: A sensor structure for chemochromic optical detection of hydrogen gas over a wide response range, that exhibits stability during repeated coloring/bleaching cycles upon exposure and removal of hydrogen gas, comprising: a glass substrate (20); a vanadium oxide layer (21) coated on the glass substrate; and a palladium layer (22) coated on the vanadium oxide layer.

Abstract: A detector for detecting vapors emitted from analytes includes a housing, a pump and a sensing assembly. The housing has an inlet, an outlet and an enclosed sensing volume therebetween. The pump communicates with the housing for moving a carrier sequentially through the enclosed sensing volume at a predetermined flow rate. The sensing assembly senses the vapors of the analyte delivered by the carrier as the carrier passes through the housing. The sensing assembly includes a sensing unit constructed of an amplifying fluorescent polymer, a source of excitation, a detector, and a convertor assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for regenerating and pretreating oxides of manganese and precipitation of oxides of manganese from manganese salt solutions. Oxides of manganese, a slurry containing oxides of manganese or manganese salt solutions are mixed with heated aqueous oxidizing solutions and processed in a continuous process reactor. Temperature, pressure, Eh value, and pH value of the mixed solution are monitored and adjusted so as to maintain solution conditions within the MnO2 stability area during processing. This results in regenerated, pretreated and precipitated oxides of manganese having high or increased pollutant loading capacities and/or oxidation states. Oxides of manganese thus produced are, amongst other uses; suitable for use as a sorbent for capturing or removing target pollutants from industrial gas streams. Filtrate process streams containing useful and recoverable value present as spectator ions may be further processed to produce useful and marketable by-products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods for manipulating and analyzing fluid samples. The disclosed microfluidic devices utilize a plurality of microfluidic channels, inlets, valves, filter, pumps, liquid barriers and other elements arranged in various configurations to manipulate the flow of a fluid sample in order to prepare such sample for analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices constructed from four layers. The layers include a rigid substrate layer, a patterned rigid layer having thickness t, a patterned elastomeric layer having thickness greater than t, and a rigid support layer. Microfluidic structures in the devices are defined by the alignment of openings in the patterned rigid layer and the patterned elastomeric layer. The rigid support layer, rigid substrate layer, and patterned rigid layer may be made of any rigid material, including but not limited to plastic or silicon-containing materials, such as glass, quartz, or SiO2-coated materials. Similarly, the patterned elastomeric layer may be made of any elastomeric material, including but not limited to polydimethylsiloxanes, polymethylmethacrylates, perfluoropolyethers, or combinations thereof. Microfluidic devices according to the present invention may include sensors or sensor arrays.

Abstract: The present invention is based on rapid displacement of solvents under mild vacuum in solution-solid phase reaction of immunocomplex [Ijsselmuiden et al., J. Immunol. Methods, 6 (1989): 35]. In the present invention, this is achieved by a microporous absorbing pad upon which a nitrocellulose transfer membrane is placed. The absorbing pad under mild vacuum generated/regulated by running tap effectively filters out the unbound ligand and rinsing solutions through transfer membrane, thus enhancing the reaction kinetics of immunocomplex. This mechanism, in turn reduces the incubation steps of antibody-antigen reaction from hours to few minutes, allowing total assay time in less than 20 minutes.

Abstract: A device for evaporation of a solution based on solvent and compounds or solutes inside an enclosure comprises different evaporation zones separated by separating partitions into several distinct elementary chambers enabling fractionated evaporation via outlets generating a plurality of separate vapor flows specific to each constituent. The solution is injected into the first chamber subjected to the lowest temperature so as to impregnate a porous mobile element that passes through the different partitions, being successively in contact with said chambers heated to increasing temperatures. A neutral carrier gas is injected in the vicinity of the partitions for control of the pressure losses of the gas flows between the different chamber.

Abstract: An air disinfection module for use in a HVAC system comprises a first and second housing, each of the housings including at least one support member adjustably coupled with the other to form a framework for varying the lateral distance between the first and second housings. The housings further comprise a lamp assembly that includes at least one ultraviolet radiation source communicating with and projecting from its respective housing towards its opposite housing, and a radiation pervious protective sleeve disposed about the radiation source. Electric transmission means are also included which communicates with the ultraviolet radiation source(s) and with at least one source of electrical power to provide electricity to the ultraviolet radiation sources. At least one cross support member communicating with the protective sleeves and the support members is provided for supporting the sleeves and their corresponding ultraviolet radiation sources between the first and second housings.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for treating flue gas containing sulfur dioxide using a scrubber, and more particularly relates to recovering gypsum and magnesium hydroxide products from the scrubber blowdown. The gypsum and magnesium hydroxide products are created using two separate precipitation reactions. Gypsum is crystallized when magnesium sulfate reacts with calcium chloride. Magnesium hydroxide is precipitated when magnesium chloride from the gypsum crystallization process reacts with calcium hydroxide. The process produces a high quality gypsum with a controllable pH and particle size distribution, as well as high quality magnesium hydroxide.

Abstract: A flow directing insert for a reactor chamber in a reactor may have a mainly square-shaped cross-section. The chamber has an inlet at one end of the chamber and an outlet at the other end of the chamber and at least one of the walls of the reactor chamber consists of a heat conductive material or of a membrane. The insert comprises a number of units arranged in rows, which units together with the walls of the chamber define a channel for a fluid. The channel extends from a first side of the chamber to a second side of the chamber and back again to the first side backwards and forwards a number of times. The units are arranged such that the fluid is forced to flow between the units in a serpentine path. A reactor comprises at least one reactor chamber containing a flow directing insert as described above.

Abstract: A disinfecting and cleaning agent connection device for devices with a chamber for the holding or transport of fluids has a connection line that connects the fluid chamber with a disinfecting or cleaning agent container. The connection device has a connection line, a buffer chamber, a sealing element in the upper section of the buffer chamber connecting it with the fluid chamber, a channel which opens into the bottom section of the buffer chamber and has a siphon-type section whose end lies lower than the bottom of the buffer chamber, and a fluid sensor in the buffer chamber which is lower than the upper section of the siphon area and higher than the channel opening into the buffer chamber. The disinfecting and cleaning agent connection device can be used in conjunction with medical devices such as a dialysis machine and a reverse osmosis machine.

Abstract: The gaseous effluent flowing in through line 1 is contacted in absorption zone ZA with the liquid absorbent solution flowing in through line 9. The gaseous effluent depleted in acid compounds is discharged through line 2. The absorbent solution laden with acid compounds is discharged through line 3. The absorbent solution once laden with acid compounds comprises two phases: a first phase poor in acid compounds and a second phase rich in acid compounds. The two phases are separated in zone ZS. The first phase is recycled through lines 5 and 9 to absorption zone ZA. The second phase is fed through line 4 into regeneration zone ZR. In zone ZR, the acid compounds are separated from the absorbent solution. The acid compounds are discharged through line 7. The regenerated absorbent solution is recycled through lines 6 and 9 to zone ZA.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon trap comprises an Ag-zeolite which is heated by a unique steaming regimen.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for the production of hydrogen and carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons involving: a) supplying a gaseous stream of hydrocarbons and a molecular-oxygen containing gas to a first reaction zone having a fluidized bed of partial oxidation catalyst; b) catalytically partially oxidizing the hydrocarbons in the gaseous stream at a temperature in the range of from 700° C. to 1400° C., to form a first effluent; c) supplying a gaseous stream of hydrocarbons, steam and the first effluent to a second reaction zone containing a fluidized bed of steam reforming catalyst; d) catalytically reforming the hydrocarbons fed to the second reaction zone at a temperature in the range of from 200° C. to 700° C.; e) separating hydrogen from the reformed gas by a selective membrane in the second reaction zone; and, f) removing a gaseous stream rich in carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy storage device comprising a macroreticular carbonaceous material having a distribution of micropores, mesopores and macropores wherein the macroreticular carbonaceous material has a total surface area of from greater than 500 m2/g to 2500 m2/g and wherein 20% to 80% of the total surface area is due to pores with diameters of from 17 angstroms to 100,000 angstroms. In addition, the present invention relates to an energy storage device comprising a macroreticular carbonaceous material having at least one first distinct peak representing a pore size of less than or equal to 20 angstroms when measured utilizing H-K dv/dlog(W) pore size distribution and at least one second distinct peak representing a pore size greater than 20 angstroms when measured utilizing BJH dv/dlog(D) pore size distribution.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for producing functionalised short carbon nanotubes with at least one open tip by mechanical treatment of long carbon nanotubes, wherein said long nanotubes are submitted to mechanical milling forces in the presence of a reactant able to chemically react with the nanotubes so that short carbon nanotubes comprising at least one specific chemical group are obtained.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for producing self-assembled objects comprising fullerene nanotubes and compositions thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a three-dimensional structure of derivatized fullerene nanotubes that spontaneously form. It includes several components having multiple derivatives brought together to assemble into the three-dimensional structure. In another embodiment, objects may be obtained by bonding functionally-specific agents (FSAs) to groups of nanotubes, enabling them to form into structures. The bond selectivity of FSAs allow selected nanotubes of a particular size or kind to assemble together and inhibit the assembling of unselected nanotubes that may also be present.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing hydrogen sulfide and recovering sulfur from a gas stream, comprising the steps of: contacting said gas stream with an aqueous catalyst solution of a polyvalent metal redox catalyst in a contacting zone to absorb said hydrogen sulfide and form a reduced catalyst solution comprising reduced polyvalent metal redox catalyst and sulfur particles; oxidizing said reduced catalyst solution while removing sulfur particles to form said oxidized aqueous catalyst solution comprising polyvalent metal redox catalyst in an oxidized state with sulfur particles removed; and recovering sulfur by transferring at least one of said sulfur particles and foam to a separation zone; wherein a coagulating reagent is added to a feed of said separation zone prior to entering said separation zone to promote settlement of sulfur particles.

Abstract: The invention is a method and related precursor for preparing 18F-FLT. The precursor has a butoxycarbonyl protecting group at the 5?-position that results in low amounts of chromophoric byproducts being formed during deprotection. The method for preparing 18F-FLT is efficient and makes the final purification step less complicated.

Abstract: A contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging comprising a complex of a paramagnetic cation, preferably Gd+3, Dy+3, and Fe+3 with three equivalents of a charge neutralizing chelator that provides a lipid soluble complex of the paramagnetic cation is described. The complex is retained intracellularly when introduced into a mammalian cell. A method of providing an image of an internal pathology of a patient by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by administering the MRI contrast agent or tagged cells to the patient and scanning the patient using magnetic resonance imaging to obtain visible images of the internal pathology of the patient is also set forth.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for conditioning the skin and reversing the effects of aging on the skin.

Abstract: Provided are a hair dye composition comprising a diamide compound (1) and a dye; and a hair bleach composition comprising the diamide compound (1) and an oxidizing agent. wherein, R1: a C1-12 hydrocarbon group which may be substituted by a hydroxy and/or alkoxy group, R2: a divalent C1-5 hydrocarbon group, and R3: a divalent C1-22 hydrocarbon group. The hair dye composition or hair bleach composition according to the present invention suppresses hair damage during dyeing or bleaching, does not impair the moisture intrinsic to the hair, and provides excellent feeling upon use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of lipid oxidizing abzymes as a key pathogenic factor in atherosclerotic disorders. Methods and means for the reduction of abzyme mediated lipid oxidation in the vascular system are provided as therapeutic approaches for the treatment of atherosclerotic disorders. Methods are provide for determining the efficacy of treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a G-protein coupled receptor and a novel ligand therefor. The invention provides screeing assays for the identification of candidate compounds which modulate the activity of the G-protein coupled receptor, as well as assays useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a disease or disorder related to the dysregulation of G-protein coupled receptor signaling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of production of antibodies wherein the heavy and light chains of a particular antibody molecule are encoded by the DNA present in a dicistronic message in which the two cistrons are linked by an optimised intergenic sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides multivalent vaccines for the treatment of B-cell malignancies (e.g., lymphomas and leukemias). The present invention also provides methods for the production of custom vaccines, including multivalent vaccines for the treatment of immune cell tumors malignancies as well as methods of treating immune cell tumors using custom vaccines.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of dermal sheath tissue and/or cells derived therefrom in wound healing systems. Specifically, the relevant features of this tissue type have been exploited to provide a novel wound healing material that has application in the provision of new therapeutic compositions and new surgical dressings where wound closure and minimal scarring is desirable.

Abstract: Human chemokine Alpha-3 polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such chemotactic cytokines and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such chemotactic cytokines for the treatment of leukemia, tumors, chronic infections, auto-immune disease, fibrotic disorders, sepsis, wound healing and psoriasis and to stimulate stem cell mobilization. Antagonists against such chemotactic cytokines and their use as a therapeutic to treat rheumatoid arthritis, auto-immune and chronic and acute inflammatory and infective diseases, allergic reactions, prostaglandin-independent fever, ARDS and bone marrow failure are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to mutations in the nucleic acid sequences and altered concentrations of the polypeptides.