Abstract: A process for preparing lithium-rich metal oxides. The process comprises subjecting a mixture of a metal oxide or a metal oxide with low lithium content and a lithium sulfide in a solid state to a thermal treatment to form a lithium-rich metal oxide and elemental sulfur and subliming off the elemental sulfur. The lithium-rich metal oxides produced from the process may be used as cathode material in lithium ion batteries or electrochemical cells. Suitable metal oxides may be selected from metal oxides of the elements of group Va to VIIa of the Periodic Table and may include vanadium oxides, manganese dioxide, manganese oxide, chromium trioxide, niobium pentoxide, tantalum pentoxide, molybdenum oxides or tungsten trioxide. Metal oxides with low lithium content are metal oxides as defined above which comprise a small amount of lithium, in which the molar ratio of lithium atoms to metal atoms is not more than 1:2.30.

Abstract: Particulate pollutants such as carbonaceous particles are removed from an engine exhaust stream by passing the exhaust stream through an exhaust gas reactor, the exhaust stream first traversing a charging zone wherein the particles are charged via a corona discharge, and thereafter traversing a downstream collection zone wherein the charged particles are collected and eliminated by a collector/reactor having an oppositely charged reactive collecting surface.

Abstract: An air purifying apparatus includes an air flow generating device for generating a flow of air, a nozzle spraying water to the air flowing through the air flow generating device, a plasma module performing a plasma reaction on the air containing the water sprayed from the nozzle, and oxidizing NOx in the air and converting it into NO3, an eliminator eliminating the NO3 converted in the plasma module and the water contained in the air and passing pure air through the eliminator and out of the air purifying apparatus and a water tank storing the water received from the eliminator, thereby heightening the removal efficiency of NOx from the air.

Abstract: A solvothermal process for making inorganic nanoparticles is described. Inorganic nanoparticles can be produced by forming a suspension or solution comprising at least one group II-IV and lanthanide metal inorganic salt in a first medium, disposing the suspension or solution in a sealed chamber having an interior pressure, elevating the interior pressure of the sealed chamber to an initial interior pressure prior to the heating, heating the suspension or solution to a peak temperature higher than the normal boiling point of the first medium, optionally adding a second medium to the suspension or solution after the heating.

Abstract: A new mixed layer silicate useful for industrial materials is provided. The mixed layer silicate is obtained by a specific synthesis method. The mixed layer silicate includes non-swelling 2:1 type layered silicate layers having a layer charge of 0 or non-swelling 2:1 type layered silicate layers having a layer charge of 0.6 to 1 and including potassium ions between layers and swelling 2:1 type layered silicate layers having a layer charge of 0.2 to 0.6 and including exchangeable cations between layers. The mixed layer silicate has a structure in which individual layers are laminated in a regular order in a lamination direction (regularly mixed layer structure).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a diamond composite, includes: a) mixing diamonds with additives, the mixture comprising at least 50 wt % and less than 95 wt % of diamonds and more than 5 wt % additives; b) forming a work piece from the mixture using a pressure of at least 100 Mpa; c) heating the formed work piece to at least 300° C. for removing possible water and wholly or partially removing additives; d) heating the work piece and controlling the heating temperature and heating time so that a certain desired amount of graphite is created by graphitization of diamonds, wherein the amount of graphite created by graphitization is 3-50 wt % of the amount of diamond; e) infiltrating silicon or silicon alloy into the work piece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a raw coke having such a structure that the graphitized product resulting from graphitization of the raw coke at a temperature of 2800° C. under an inactive gas atmosphere will have ratios of the crystallite size to the lattice constant of 360 or less in the (002) plane and 1500 or less in the (110) plane, as a raw coke providing active carbon produced by alkali-activating the raw coke, which is reduced in remaining alkali content and can simplify washing operation because washing liquid can easily pass through the activated carbon, or as a raw coke for the production of needle coke.

Abstract: A carbon microtube comprising a hollow, substantially tubular structure having a porous wall, wherein the microtube has a diameter of from about 10 ?m to about 150 ?m, and a density of less than 20 mg/cm3. Also described is a carbon microtube, having a diameter of at least 10 ?m and comprising a hollow, substantially tubular structure having a porous wall, wherein the porous wall comprises a plurality of voids, said voids substantially parallel to the length of the microtube, and defined by an inner surface, an outer surface, and a shared surface separating two adjacent voids.

Abstract: The invention relates to recycled rubber produced by a process comprising the steps of: a) shredding cleaned rubber tires into shreds less than 2? long; b) pyrolyzing the shreds in a reaction chamber of a thermal processor in a first anaerobic environment to produce a char; c) drawing off volatile organics from the reaction chamber; c) removing the char from the reaction chamber; d) cooling the char in a second anaerobic environment; e) removing metal and textile components from the char to obtain pyrolytic carbon black; f) milling and sizing the pyrolytic carbon black so obtained into particles of 325 mesh size or smaller; and, g) utilizing the pyrolytic carbon black from the previous step in a polymerization process that produces said recycled rubber. It also relates to the high quality pyrolytic carbon black recovered from this process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for obtaining fullerene-like metal chalcogenide nanoparticles, comprising feeding a metal precursor selected from metal halide, metal carbonyl, organo-metallic compound and metal oxyhalide vapor into a reaction chamber towards a reaction zone to interact with a flow of at least one chalcogen material in gas phase, the temperature conditions in said reaction zone being such to enable the formation of the fullerene-like metal chalcogenide nanoparticles product. The present invention further provides novel IF metal chalcogenides nanoparticles with spherical shape and optionally having a very small or no hollow core exhibiting excellent tribological behaviour. The present invention further provides an apparatus for preparing various IF nanostructures.

Abstract: A hot oxygen stream containing radicals is fed into a gas stream, such as a catalyst regenerator flue gas stream, that contains carbon monoxide to convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a lithium and vanadium oxide and the thus obtained products. The method comprises preparing a precursor gel by reacting hydrogen peroxide with ?-V2O5 in an aqueous medium in the presence of a lithium precursor and exposing the gel to a heat treatment in an oxidant atmosphere at a temperature ranging from 260° C. to 580° C. A compound of a formula Li1+xV3O8, (0.1<x<0.25) comprises needle-shaped grains having a bimodal distibution, wherein the length (L) of the first distribution needles ranges from 10 to 50 ?m and the length (L) of the second distribution needles ranges from 1 to 10 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flaky ?-alumina crystal and a preparation method thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flaky ?-alumina crystal comprising aluminum oxide and zinc oxide, which is prepared by hydrolyzing an aluminum precursor solution containing a water-soluble flux and a zinc precursor solution to obtain a gel mixture and aging, drying, calcining and crystallizing it under a specific reaction condition, and a preparation method thereof. Since the flaky ?-alumina crystal of the present invention has a thickness of less than 0.5 ?m, an average particle diameter of at least 15 ?m and an aspect ratio of at least 50, it is useful as high-quality pearlescent pigment material and filler for ceramic materials.

Abstract: Process for the production of aluminum hydroxide flame-retardants by wet-miling and spray-drying an aluminum hydroxide containing slurry.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a system for methods of producing and releasing hydrogen from hydrogen storage compositions having a hydrogenated state and a dehydrogenated state. In the hydrogenated state, such a composition comprises a hydride and a hydroxide. In a dehydrogenated state, the composition comprises an oxide. A first reaction is conducted between a portion of the hydride and water to generate heat sufficient to cause a second hydrogen production reaction between a remaining portion of the hydride and the hydroxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and apparatus for the production of pure hydrogen by steam reforming. The process integrates the steam reforming and shift reaction to produce pure hydrogen with minimal production of CO and virtually no CO in the hydrogen stream, provides for CO2 capture for sequestration, employs a steam reforming membrane reactor, and is powered by heat from the convection section of a heater.

Abstract: Disclosed is super water absorbent polymers applied to contain water, and the polymers may further collocate with water absorbent cotton materials to accelerate water absorbent rates. The described water absorbent materials are combined with solid hydrogen fuel to complete a stable hydrogen supply device. Performance of the hydrogen supply device is not effected by inverting or tilting thereof. Even if inverting or tilting the device, the water contained in the water absorbent materials does not flow out from the device. As such, the MEA film in the fuel cell connected to the hydrogen supply device will not blocked by the water, thereby avoiding the fuel cell performance degradation even breakdown.

Abstract: This invention relates to a crystalline molecular sieve having, in its as-synthesized form, an X-ray diffraction pattern including d-spacing maxima at 13.18±0.25 and 12.33±0.23 Angstroms, wherein the peak intensity of the d-spacing maximum at 13.18±0.25 Angstroms is at least as great as 90% of the peak intensity of the d-spacing maximum at 12.33±0.23 Angstroms. This invention also relates to a method of making thereof.

Abstract: Timed-bioresorbable particulates, particularly microspheres or fibers, may be used as a vehicle for delivery of radioisotopes, such as Y-90 and Pd-103 for localized radiotherapy, or as an embolic device. These particulates may also be embedded in polymers, or dispersed in injectable gels or other injectable media for the treatment of various cancers. The benefit of bioresorption, the ability to control the ratio of radioisotopes in the particulate, especially the gamma and beta ratios such as In-111/Y-90 ratio in a particulate, and the benefit of non-conductive implants are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for promoting neural regeneration in a patient determined to have a lesion in a mature CNS neuron are disclosed. The method comprises the step of contacting the neuron with an EGFR inhibitor sufficient to promote regeneration of the neuron.

Abstract: A device that may be placed on a fingertip for treating an oral cavity. The device may be made from a material comprised of at least one ingredient for treating an oral cavity. Examples of ingredients for treating an oral cavity include abrasives, cavity prevention ingredients, medicinal ingredients (e.g., antiseptics, fungicides, and anesthetics), odor absorbing ingredients, tartar control ingredients, plaque control ingredients, tooth whitening ingredients, ingredients adapted to provide relief from hypersensitivity, and other cleaning ingredients and dentifrices. The device may be dissolvable and edible. Furthermore, some or all of the ingredients may be digestible. For example, the device may be primarily or entirely made of ingredients that are digestible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photoprotective composition containing as liquid phase, an oil-in-water emulsion, emulsified with at least one dimeric surfactant comprising two surfactant units, which may be identical or different, each consisting of a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail and connected to each other, via the hydrophilic heads, by means of a spacer group, at least one photoprotective system capable of screening out UV rays, containing at least one mineral nanopigment based on metal oxide, and optionally at least one organic, preferably hydrosoluble or liposoluble UV-A and/or UV-B screening agent, and at least one associative polymer comprising at least one C8-40 fatty chain, and also to a process for preparing such a photoprotective composition.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for delivering a medicament to a nail plate or nail bed that comprises providing a therapeutically effective amount of a medicament, etching the surface of the nail, and applying a medicament to the surface of the nail. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of treating a fungal infection of the fingernail or toenail. Also included in the present invention are the compositions (i.e., the etching compositions and/or the medicament compositions) used to treat the nail in accordance with the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: A dermatological composition which may be used for the topical treatment of the skin, hair, or nails of mammals, comprising tamanu oil, an unsaturated fatty acid, and arnica oil, optionally including Vitamins E and A. The dermatological composition may be combined with other components to form a shampoo, conditioner, lotion, cream, spray, salve, or other cosmetic product in liquid, paste, or powder form.

Abstract: A hair-cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one film-forming gradient copolymer comprising at least two different monomeric residues, and displaying a mass polydispersity index (Ip) less than or equal to 2.5, wherein the composition is able to form a film that has a strain at break ?r ranging from 5% to 2500%, and/or a Young's modulus ranging from 0.5 to 1200 Mpa, and/or an instantaneous elastic recovery ?i greater than or equal to 10%. An aerosol composition packaged in an aerosol device, comprising a propellant and a haircare composition as defined above, and also a method for treating the hair, such as a styling method, comprising applying the haircare composition or the aerosol composition above to the hair.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of cancer. More specifically the invention shows that the anti-cancer activity in mammals can be augmented by administering to the mammalian host a combination of a synergistically effective amount of TNF and alfa-galactosylceramide.

Abstract: Methods for treating mammals with infections, particularly viral infections using molecules that have an IL-21 functional activity are described. The molecules having IL-21 functional activities include polypeptides that have homology to the human IL-21 polypeptide sequence and proteins fused to a polypeptide with IL-21 functional activity. The molecules can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with other known antimicrobial or antiviral therapeutics.

Abstract: The growth hormone supergene family comprises greater than 20 structurally related cytokines and growth factors. A general method is provided for creating site-specific, biologically active conjugates of these proteins. The method involves adding cysteine residues to non-essential regions of the proteins or substituting cysteine residues for non-essential amino acids in the proteins using site-directed mutagenesis and then covalently coupling a cysteine-reactive polymer or other type of cysteine-reactive moiety to the proteins via the added cysteine residue. Disclosed herein are preferred sites for adding cysteine residues or introducing cysteine substitutions into the proteins, and the proteins and protein derivatives produced thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides biologically active variants of human ?-2b-interferon. The variants contain carboxy terminus truncations when compared with the amino acid sequence of full-length human ?-2b-interferon. It is the novel finding of the present invention that these truncated variants have the biological activity of full-length human ?-2b-interferon. The invention encompasses these biologically active variant ?-interferons, as well as polynucleotides encoding these interferons. Expression cassettes comprising these polynucleotides and host cells comprising the expression cassettes are also provided. The invention also provides compositions comprising variant ?-interferon polypeptides and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Strains of bacteria characterized by exhibiting: (a) a 7?-dehydroxylase activity of less than 50%, and (b) a bile acid deconjugation activity of less than 50%, and descendants, mutants and derivatives thereof preserving activities (a) and (b); and a pharmaceutical composition using one or more of such strains and use of same for preventing and treating diseases associated with or caused by an altered metabolism of bile acids.

Abstract: A probiotic composition comprising a Bifidobacterium strain which has DNA sequence homology of greater than 40% to Bifidobacterium GC56, wherein Bifidobacterium GC56 was deposited at the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Micro-organismes (CNCM, Institut Pasteur) on 9 Dec. 2004 with accession number CNCM 1-3342.

Abstract: A skin care product comprising from about 0.001% to about 10% of a retinoid, in combination with 0.0001% to about 50% of a combination of retinoid boosters.

Abstract: A method for modifying access of cells to extravascular spaces and regions comprising administering to a patient an enzyme that cleaves chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans is provided. It has been found that administration of an enzyme that cleaves chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans to a patient disrupts extravasation of cells from the blood stream into tissue. The present invention provides methods of reducing penetration of cells associated with inflammation into tissue of a patient. Several methods are also provided for the regulation and suppression of inflammation comprising administering enzymes that digest chondroitin sulfates. Also provided are methods of treating and preventing inflammation associated with infection, injury and disease.

Abstract: The present invention describes inhibitors of extracellular Hsp90. The inhibition of extracellular Hsp90 leads to a reduction of the invasiveness of the tumor cells. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of molecules inhibiting extracellular Hsp90 function for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of invasion and/or metastatic potential of cancer cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating immune disorders and cancers. In particular the invention provides methods of inhibiting the negative immunomodulatory effects of ERp-5 on T cells and dendritic cells, in conjunction with other surface receptors.

Abstract: This invention relates to binding members, especially antibody molecules, for IgE. The binding members are useful for, inter alia, treatment of disorders mediated by IgE including allergies and asthma.

Abstract: Compositions and methods included herein describe the treatment of atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases such as thrombosis, restenosis after angioplasty and/or stenting, and vein-graft disease after bypass surgery, by inhibition of the expression or biologic activity of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and/or myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). TLR4 cell signal transduction is at least partially responsible for the manifestation, continuation, and/or worsening of atherosclerosis and other forms of vascular disease. The present invention provides several means with which to inhibit this signal transduction pathway by affecting the biological activity of the TLR4 receptor and/or MyD88.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the method of inhibiting complement activation mediated by factor B inhibitors, that involves: (a) inhibiting factor B binding to properdin-bound C3b; (b) inhibiting the release of Bb; (c) inhibiting the activation of neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, and endothelium; or (d) inhibiting/reducing the formation of PC3bBb, C3a, C5a, and MAC. The present invention also discloses the novel use of factor B inhibitors in the treatment of various immunological disorders, resulting either primarily from direct immune responses such as rheumatoid arthritis, anaphylactic shock, myasthenia gravis, asthma, Alzheimer's disease, and the like, or secondarily from clinical conditions such as cardiopulmonary bypass inflammation, vascular stenosis and restenosis, burn injury, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of generating anti-PTH antibodies and antibodies generated by the methods of the invention. The anti-PTH antibodies generated by the methods of the invention specifically bind to an epitope on a whole PTH (1-84) which includes one or more N-terminal amino acid residues of the whole PTH. The anti-PTH antibodies generated are useful for detecting whole PTH in a biological sample and for diagnosing parathyroid diseases or disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides monoclonal antibodies that neutralize TNF? activity. The monoclonal antibodies may be rabbit monoclonal antibodies or monoclonal antibodies having CDR regions derived from those rabbit monoclonal antibodies. In certain embodiments, the monoclonal antibodies may be humanized. Methods of using the subject antibodies to inhibit TNF? activity, methods of treatment using those antibodies and kits containing the same are also provided. The invention finds use in a variety of research and medical applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical antibody formulations, in particular liquid pharmaceutical formulations comprising anti-rabies virus antibodies. The formulations can be used in the post exposure prophylaxis of rabies.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of inhibiting the growth of cells, in particular cancer cells, that overexpress Wnt2. The methods comprise contacting the cell with an agent that binds to Wnt2 mRNA or Wnt2 protein, interferes with Wnt2 signaling or inhibits binding of the Wnt2 protein to another protein, such as a Frizzled receptor.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of medicine, public health, immunology, molecular biology and virology. The present invention provides, inter alia, a composition comprising a virus-like particle (VLP) and at least one antigen, wherein said antigen is a GIP protein or a GIP fragment linked to the VLP respectively. The invention also provides a method for producing the aforesaid composition. The compositions of this invention are useful in the production of vaccines, in particular, for the prevention and/or treatment of obesity and hereby, in particular, by inducing efficient immune responses, in particular antibody responses. Furthermore, the compositions of the invention are particularly useful to efficiently induce self-specific immune responses within the indicated context. Accordingly, the invention further provides for methods of treating and/or preventing obesity and other conditions.

Abstract: Compositions including a trimeric OX-40 fusion protein are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for enhancing the immune response of a mammal to an antigen by engaging the OX-40 receptor on the surface of T-cells involving administering to the mammal a composition comprising a trimeric OX-40 fusion protein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the production, purification, and isolation of human growth hormone (hGH). More particularly, the invention relates to the production, purification, and isolation of substantially purified hGH comprising non-naturally encoded amino acids and hGH from recombinant host cells or culture medium including, for example, yeast, insect, mammalian and bacterial host cells. The process of the present invention is also useful for purification of hGH linked to polymers or other molecules.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin vaccine composition, which advantageously provides immunity from infection after a single administration. The composition comprises an inactivated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and an adjuvant mixture, which, in combination, provide immunity from Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection after a single administration, and elicit an immune response specific to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin and including cell-mediated immunity and local (secretory IgA) immunity. In a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant mixture comprises an acrylic acid polymer, most preferably CARBOPOL®, and a mixture of a metabolizable oil such as one or more unsaturated terpene hydrocarbons, preferably squalene or squalane, and a polyoxyethylene-polypropylene block copolymer such as PLURONIC®. The vaccine composition may optionally include a preservative, preferably thimerosal and/or EDTA.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the fields of molecular biology, virology, immunology and medicine. The invention provides a composition comprising a virus-like particle (VLP) of an RNA-bacteriophage and at least one antigen, wherein the VLP is recombinantly produced in a host, and wherein the amount of host RNA with secondary structure comprised by the VLP is at most 20% of the amount of host RNA with secondary structure originally comprised by the VLP; and wherein the VLP and the at least one antigen are linked with one another. The invention also provides methods for producing the compositions of the invention. The compositions of the invention are useful in the production of vaccines for the treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions. Furthermore, the compositions of the invention are particularly useful to efficiently induce strong antibody responses against the antigen within the indicated context while lowering or eliminating unwanted T cell responses.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to isolated influenza virus that is capable of infecting canids and causing respiratory disease in the canid. The subject invention also pertains to compositions and methods for inducing an immune response against an influenza virus of the present invention. The subject invention also pertains to compositions and methods for identifying a virus of the invention and diagnosing infection of an animal with a virus of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of influenza vaccine production. Influenza vaccines have been produced in embryonated hens' eggs for over 50 years, but recently there have been considerable efforts to develop cell culture systems for vaccine production. The invention provides a nucleic acid comprising an influenza gene segment and a bacteriophage polymerase promotor or a complementary strand of said nucleic acid, and a cell comprising such a nucleic acid capable of producing desired influenza virus. Furthermore, the invention provides a composition comprising a cell or material derived from a cell according to the invention and a virus or material derived from a viral particle according to the invention.

Abstract: Antigen and adjuvant components of an adjuvanted influenza vaccine are not mixed during manufacture, but are provided as separate components for extemporaneous mixing at the time of use, for example as a kit comprising (i) an antigen component, comprising an influenza virus antigen; and (ii) an adjuvant component, comprising an aluminium salt.