Abstract: The present invention provides a class of sensors prepared from regions of conducting organic materials and conducting materials that show an increase sensitivity detection limit for amines. The present class of sensors have applications in the detection of spoiled food products and in testing for diseases, such as cholera and lung cancer, which have amines as biomarkers.

Abstract: A combined hydrocarbon/ozone converter includes a substrate, a metal oxide washcoat and a hydrocarbon converting catalyst, such as platinum. The metal oxide washcoat comprises an ozone reacting component, such as cobalt oxide, and a non-catalytic component, such as aluminum oxide. The weight ratio of the hydrocarbon converting catalyst to the ozone reacting component may be between about 1:5 and about 1:100.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification apparatus in which layout restriction is lessened to be able to further achieve space-saving is proposed. The exhaust gas purification apparatus includes a first cylindrical housing in which an oxidation catalytic converter and a PM collection filter are contained and a second cylindrical housing in which a reducing catalytic converter and an ammonia oxidation catalytic converter are contained. The exhaust gas purification apparatus further includes a communicating pipe that connects between far end portions of both the housings, and a nozzle that is disposed in the communicating pipe and injects liquid reducing agent in exhaust gas. The two housings are closely disposed such that axis lines thereof are arranged substantially parallel. The communicating pipe is disposed such that an axis line thereof is arranged substantially parallel with the axis lines of the housings.

Abstract: A holding material for a catalytic converter including a catalyst carrier having an elliptical cross section, a metal casing for receiving the catalyst carrier, and the holding material mounted on the catalyst carrier and interposed in a gap between the catalyst carrier and the metal casing, in which the holding material has a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion in contact with a region of the catalyst carrier, corresponding to 40 to 95% of a major axis centering on an intersection of an ellipse and a minor axis in the elliptical cross section of the catalyst carrier, is larger than the second portion in contact with any other region of the catalyst carrier in basis weight.

Abstract: A device for further processing a fluid material, particularly a care device for medical or dental tool holders, the material being stored in a tank under pressure, the device having a coupling fixture having an adapter forming a screw connection to the tank under pressure, the adapter of the coupling fixture being pivotally supported.

Abstract: A retort system includes a vessel defining a heating chamber and including a product receiving area therein, and a product agitating arm mounted for reciprocating movement through a wall of the vessel and having a first end within the vessel and a second end outside the vessel. A drive arrangement is located exterior of the vessel and operatively coupled to the arm for moving the arm in a reciprocating manner. The drive arrangement includes a crankshaft assembly, a first flywheel and a second flywheel. The crankshaft assembly includes a crank throw operatively coupled to the arm, the crankshaft assembly having a rotational axis offset from the crank throw. The first flywheel is mounted to the crankshaft assembly to a first side of the crank throw for rotation with the crankshaft assembly about the rotational axis. The second flywheel is mounted to the crankshaft assembly to a second side of the crank throw for rotation with the crankshaft assembly about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A biochemical assay is provided comprising a substrate being capable of binding at least a target analyte and eventually other constituents contained in a biological sample, a test zone on the substrate for sample application, a non-immobilized conjugate reagent provided in the test zone for labeling the analyte, the conjugate reagent being capable of specific binding to the analyte but remaining unbound to the substrate, and a flow path for transporting a washing liquid through the test zone and washing an excess of unbound conjugate reagent away from the test zone. The test zone is also a detection area for detecting the labeled analyte.

Abstract: A system for diagnostic testing may include a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to a test media and a container configured to contain test media compatible with the meter. The meter may include a closure portion for selectively closing the opening of the container. The system may further provide a sampling device, such as a lancet, operable connected to the container such that that a user may use the sampling device to obtain a sample without disconnecting the sampling device from the container. The system may also provide mechanisms for removing a meter from a test container and reattaching it to a new one using one of several coding methods that recalibrate the meter for the new container of test strips. In addition, the system may further provide mechanisms to reconfigure the meter to perform a new function when it has been determined that the triggering event has occurred.

Abstract: A process for producing a film of a hydrophilic polymer on the inner surfaces of a fluidic component is provided comprising subjecting the inner surfaces of the fluidic component to a physicochemical pre-treatment, contacting the inner surfaces of the fluidic component with a solution of the hydrophilic polymer, replacing the solution of the hydrophilic polymer with a gaseous medium in such a manner that firstly the inner surfaces of the fluidic component remain wetted with part of the polymer solution, and removing the solvent to produce a film of the hydrophilic polymer on the inner surfaces of the fluidic component. The hydrophilic polymer used has a surface wettability for aqueous solutions which is higher than the surface wettability of the inner surfaces of the fluidic component itself.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a fluid sample, an incubation section in fluid communication with the sample inlet, the incubation section having at least one heater, and, CMOS circuitry between the supporting substrate and the incubation section, wherein, the CMOS circuitry is connected to the at least one heater for maintaining the fluid sample at an incubation temperature for an incubation period.

Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probe spots in contact with each of the electrode pairs respectively, the ECL probe spots containing ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, such that the electrical pulse to the electrode pair excites the ECL luminophores, wherein, the mass of the ECL probes in each of the probe spots is less than 270 picograms.

Abstract: A frame for a microfluidic chip may be used together with a laboratory apparatus. The frame is adapted at least for one of the following features: receiving the microfluidic chip; protecting the microfluidic chip; and, positioning the microfluidic chip relative to the frame. The microfluidic chip is movable relative to the frame.

Abstract: A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases is disclosed. The mechanical separator includes a float having a passageway extending between first and second ends thereof with a pierceable head enclosing the first end of the float, a ballast longitudinally moveable with respect to the float, and a bellows extending between a portion of the float and a portion of the ballast. The bellows is adapted for deformation upon longitudinal movement of the float and the ballast, with the bellows isolated from the pierceable head. The float has a first density and the ballast has a second density greater than the first density. The bellows is structured for sealing engagement with a cylindrical wall of a tube, and the pierceable head is structured for application of a puncture tip therethrough. The separation device is suitable for use with a standard medical collection tube.

Abstract: A blood glucose meter for providing easy access to test strips and measuring blood glucose, a disposable and removable cartridge for providing easy access to test strips, and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof are disclosed. The blood glucose meter for providing easy access to test strips and measuring blood glucose has a disposable and removable cartridge, a retaining member which releasably retains the test strips in a stacked configuration, and a housing. The disposable and removable cartridge has a rigid lid attached to a flexible body.

Abstract: An indicator for enabling an analytical instrument to positively detect the presence of a vial in respective vial-receiving rack position regardless of whether the vial is oriented in a manner necessary for a code reader to read a code printed on the vial. Translation of a leaf spring upon insertion of a vial into a rack position causes a flag to obscure a code provided adjacent the rack position. An instrument into which the rack is installed interprets the failure of the code reader to detect this code as positive indication that a vial is disposed within the respective rack position.

Abstract: A process for preparing an organic target compound by heterogeneously catalyzed gas phase partial oxidation of an organic precursor compound with molecular oxygen in two oxidation reactor lines operated in parallel and removal of the target compound from the mixture of the product gas streams in a workup line, wherein the catalysts charge of one of the oxidation lines comprises a portion of catalyst over which the heterogeneously catalyzed gas phase partial oxidation has already been carried out for longer than over the portions of catalyst of the catalyst charge of the other oxidation reactor line.

Abstract: A method for treating spent nuclear fuel, which includes first decontaminating the uranium, plutonium and neptunium found in a nitric aqueous phase resulting from dissolving the nuclear fuel in HNO3. The uranium, plutonium and neptunium found in the solvent phase is then split in a first aqueous phase and a second aqueous phase. Next, the first aqueous phase is stored. Following, the plutonium or other mixtures found in the first aqueous phase is purified relative to the fission products still found in said phase, in order to obtain, at the end of said purification, an aqueous solution containing a mixture of Pu and U or Pu, U and Np. Finally the resulting mixture of Pu and U or the mixture of Pu, U and Np is co-converted into a mixed oxide.

Abstract: An exhaust gas conversion system includes an oxide catalyst, a filter, a selective catalytic reduction catalyst and an ammonia supplying device. The filter has a honeycomb structural body including a honeycomb unit. The selective catalytic reduction catalyst has a honeycomb structural body including a honeycomb unit. The oxide catalyst, the filter and the selective catalytic reduction catalyst are sequentially arranged in a direction in which an exhaust gas flows. A ratio of an area of a cross section of the selective catalytic reduction catalyst perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the selective catalytic reduction catalyst with respect to an area of a cross section of the filter perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the filter is approximately 0.55 or more and approximately 0.90 or less. The area of the cross section of the filter is approximately 300 cm2 or more and approximately 1000 cm2 or less.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a container for receiving objects to be treated, an ozone generator having an intake air conduit, and an ozone eliminating device arranged in an exhaust air conduit. The exhaust air conduit is connected to the container and includes a fan for removing exhaust air from the container. The exhaust air conduit is connected to the intake air conduit of the ozone generator.

Abstract: A method for separating CO2 from gas mixtures uses a slurried media impregnated with buffer compounds and coating the solid media with a catalyst or enzyme that promotes the transformation of CO2 to carbonic acid. Buffer sorbent pebbles with a catalyst or enzyme coating are provided for rapid separation of CO2 from gas mixtures.

Abstract: Various methods and structures of complexes and molecules are described herein related to a zinc-centered catalyst for removing carbon dioxide from atmospheric or aqueous environments. According to one embodiment, a method for creating a tris(triazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule includes contacting a pentaerythritol molecule with a propargyl halide molecule to create a trialkyne molecule, and contacting the trialkyne molecule with an azide molecule to create the tris(triazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule. In another embodiment, a method for creating a tris(imidazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule includes alkylating an imidazole 2-carbaldehyde molecule to create a monoalkylated aldehyde molecule, reducing the monoalkylated aldehyde molecule to create an alcohol molecule, converting the alcohol molecule to create an alkyl halide molecule using thionyl halide, and reacting the alkyl halide molecule with a pentaerythritol molecule to create a tris(imidazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule.

Abstract: Methods are generally disclosed for synthesis of porous particles from a solution formed from a leaving agent, a surfactant, and a soluble metal salt in a solvent. The surfactant congregates to form a nanoparticle core such that the metal salt forms about the nanoparticle core to form a plurality of nanoparticles. The solution is heated such that the leaving agent forms gas bubbles in the solution, and the plurality of nanoparticles congregate about the gas bubbles to form a porous particle. The porous particles are also generally disclosed and can include a particle shell formed about a core to define an average diameter from about 0.5 ?m to about 50 ?m. The particle shell can be formed from a plurality of nanoparticles having an average diameter of from about 1 nm to about 50 nm and defined by a metal salt formed about a surfactant core.

Abstract: A catalyst containment unit, includes two concentric perforate members defining an annular space in which a particulate catalyst may be placed, and process fluid-impermeable end members mounted on the ends of the perforate members, wherein one end member extends across the unit to provide a closed end and the other end member closes the annular space thereby providing an open end through which gases may enter or exit the unit, and suspending means attached to one or both end members for securing the unit within an ammonia oxidation vessel. The unit may be suspended, for example, below a precious metal ammonia oxidation gauze pack and may contain a particulate ammonia oxidation catalyst or nitrous oxide abatement catalyst. A catalyst combination includes a precious metal ammonia oxidation catalyst gauze on a supporting framework and a particulate catalyst disposed in a catalyst containment unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides various biomarkers of depression. The present invention also provides various methods of using the biomarkers, including methods for diagnosis of depression, methods of determining predisposition to depression, methods of monitoring progression/regression of depression, methods of assessing efficacy of compositions for treating depression, methods of screening compositions for activity in modulating biomarkers of depression, methods of treating depression, as well as other methods based on biomarkers of depression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining whether blood flow is restricted in a blood vessel of an individual suspected of compromised blood flow in the vessel, the method comprising the steps of delivering UTP, a derivative thereof, or a salt thereof to the vessel, assessing blood flow quantitatively in the vessel by obtaining a value that correlates to blood flow in said vessel, comparing the obtained value with a reference value, and determining whether the individual has compromised blood flow based on the results of the comparison. The invention also provides for methods of diagnosing atherosclerotic and ischemic heart diseases using UTP, a derivative thereof, or a salt thereof, as well as methods for inducing maximal hyperemia for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contrast agents for diagnostic imaging with prolonged blood retention. In particular, this invention relates to novel compounds that are characterized by an image enhancing moiety (IEM); a protein plasma binding moiety (PPBM); and a blood half-life extending moiety (BHEM). This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to methods of using the compounds and compositions for blood half-life extension and contrast enhancement of diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an improved optical method and optical sensing device for determining the levels of polyhydroxyl-substituted organic molecules in vitro and/or in vivo in aqueous media. The range of detection is between about 400 and 800 nm. In particular, a sensory devise is implemented in a mammal to determine sugar levels. Specifically, a dye is combined with a conjugated nitrogen-containing heterocyclic aromatic boronic acid-substituted bis-onium compound in the presence of a sugar, such as fructose or glucose. The viologens are preferred as the aromatic conjugated nitrogen-containing boronic acid substituted compounds. The method is useful to determine sugar levels in a human being.

Abstract: Methods for killing insects and a nest are disclosed. The methods may be used to disrupt a colony of nest-dwelling insects. The insects may include wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets.

Abstract: A treatment system and method includes use of a chemical facilitator to provide a result-effective event against one or more negative therapeutic effects related to exposing to a light output a skin portion including a condition treatable in whole or in part with light. In one exemplary embodiment for skin treatment including tattoo removal, perfluorodecalin is used to inhibit or resolve whitening, for example to speed a laser therapy session.

Abstract: The present invention provides an additive for a hair cosmetic preparation and a hair cosmetic preparation containing the additive that can give a supple feel to the finished hair. The additive for a hair cosmetic preparation contains a graft copolymer obtainable by graft-copolymerizing a cationic water-soluble monomer and a nonionic water-soluble monomer in an aqueous solution containing either one or both of a natural polymer and a natural polymer derivative that have an OH group.

Abstract: A free-flowing surfactant composition comprising at least one anionic surface-active agent, an alkanolamide, an electrolyte, and water is described. In particular, the composition is a surfactant composition that has free-flowing non-Newtonian shear thinning properties and the ability to suspend components and is stable under at least one freeze/thaw cycle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gem-difluorinated C-glycopeptide compound of formula (I) in which N is an integer between 1 and 5, R4=H, AA1, AA1-AA2 and R5=OH, AA1, AA1, AA2, with AA1, and AA2 are independents groups and represent amino acids with a non-functionalized side chain and R1, R2, R3 are independent groups and one of them is equal to formula (II), in which n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y? are independent groups in which Y, Y?=H, OR, N3, NR?R?, SR??, where R=H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, acetate group, R?, R???H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(?O)-alkyl, C(?O)?Bn, R??=H, alkyl, acetate group, R6 is notably a group H, CH3, CH2OH, CH2-Glycoside group, CH2-OGP in which GP is a protector group such as an alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tertbutyldiphenylsilyl, acetate group,; and R7=OH, OGP?, NH2, N3, NHGP?, NGP?GP? in which GP? and GP? is or not a protector group such as an alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethyl

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic composition of rinse-off mask type for the care of the skin, characterized in that it comprises at least one superabsorbent polymer or copolymer of water-retaining type, in the form of particles in the substantially completely hydrated state, said particles having, in the dry or nonhydrated state, a mean particle size of between 5 and 100 ?m, advantageously between 20 and 50 ?m, in particular between 20 and 30 ?m.

Abstract: A topical ophthalmic composition comprised of povidone-iodine 0.01% to 10.0% combined with a steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This solution is useful in the treatment of active infections of at least one tissue of the eye (e.g., conjunctiva and cornea) from bacterial, mycobacterial, viral, fungal, or amoebic causes, as well as treatment to prevent such infections in appropriate clinical settings (e.g. corneal abrasion, postoperative prophylaxis, post-LASIK/LASEK prophylaxis). Additionally the solution is effective in the prevention of infection and inflammation in the post-operative ophthalmic patient.

Abstract: Provided herein are water-soluble prodrugs, compositions comprising such prodrugs, and related methods of making and administering the same. The prodrugs of the invention comprise a water-soluble polymer having three or more arms, at least three of which are typically covalently attached to an active agent, e.g., a small molecule. The conjugates of the invention provide an optimal balance of polymer size and structure for achieving improved drug loading, since the conjugates of the invention possess three or more active agents releasably attached to a multi-armed water-soluble polymer. The prodrugs of the invention are therapeutically effective, and exhibit improved properties in-vivo when compared to unmodified parent drug.

Abstract: A process for preparing a thermosensitive polymer from a microemulsion is provided. The microemulsion comprises a monomer capable of forming a thermosensitive polymer and a polymerizable surfactant. Additional comonomers may be included in the microemulsion to vary the properties of the polymers produced. The resulting thermosensitive polymers may be nanoporous. The polymers according to the invention are suitable for use in medical applications, including use as a wound dressing and for delivery of cells to a graft site.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of IL-6R/IL-6 chimera in chemotherapy induced neuropathy.

Abstract: HLA matched activated lymphocytes in mononuclear cells separated from peripheral blood or umbilical cord blood are proliferated and activated. After separating and collecting, the HLA matched activated lymphocytes are employed as the main component of a composition for promoting survival of transplanted hematopoietic stem cells. The obtained composition is widely usable in, for instance, prevention of survival failure of transplanted hematopoietic stem cells and therapy for promoting the survival thereof. Although the dose of the composition varies depending on the age, conditions, etc. of a patient, a humanized antibody is administered in a dose of from 0.2 to 20 ml/kg/day to mammals including humans. The composition is administered by intravenous injection either once a day (single administration or continuous administration) or intermittently once to 3 times in a week or once in 2 or 3 weeks.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing therapeutic agents using chondrocytes are provided. The genetically engineered chondrocytes can be used to express the therapeutic agent in a subject, including in an environment typically associated with chondrocytes and in an environment not typically associated with chondrocytes.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a composition for inducing a pattern of gut barrier maturation similar to that observed with breast-feeding and able to improve gut barrier maturation, e.g. during neonatal stress. In particular, the present invention relates to an infant formula containing a combination of specific ingredients designed to provide a synergistic effect all along gastrointestinal tract and barrier function.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions designed for treating a subject suffering from a skin condition, disorder or disease. The compositions include undifferentiated fetal skin cells that are either integrated with a collagen matrix or a carrier.

Abstract: A composition is provided, which comprises a serine protease; a reversible inhibitor of said serine protease; and a stabilizing agent M having the formula I: Also provided are uses of the composition as a medicament, and other uses and methods employing its various properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disintegrin and metalloproteinase containing thrombospondin 1-like domains (ADAMTS) and in particular to a novel ADAMTS13 protease and to nucleic acids encoding ADAMTS13 proteases. The present invention encompasses both native and recombinant wild-type forms of ADAMTS13, as well as mutant and variant forms including fragments, some of which posses altered characteristics relative to the wild-type ADAMTS13. The present invention also relates to methods of using ADAMTS13, including for treatment of TTP. The present invention also relates to methods for screening for the presence of TTP. The present invention further relates to methods for developing anticoagulant drugs based upon ADAMTS13.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes antibodies that target HM1.24. In various aspects, the antibodies have specific CDR, variable, or full length sequences, have modifications with the parent antibody, or include at least one one modification relative to a parent antibody that alters affinity to an Fc?R or alters effector function as compared to the parent antibody. Nucleic acids encoding the antibodies and methods of using the antibodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: Phage peptide display technology was used to identify peptides that bind specifically to the amyloid form of the A?1-40 peptide. Peptides with similar structural features and bind to the amyloid form of A?1-40 but not to monomeric A?1-40, are provided. Such peptides are useful as carrier molecules to deliver therapeutic and diagnostic reagents to amyloid plaques.

Abstract: To provide a therapeutic drug for Alzheimer's disease and/or a cancer. The therapeutic drug for Alzheimer's disease and/or a cancer contains an anti-nicastrin antibody, a derivative of the antibody, or a fragment of the antibody or the derivative.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for treating a subject by manipulating HER-2 on a cell as well as related products. The methods include methods of treating cancer using fatty acid oxidation inhibitors and HER-2 binding molecules such as antibodies and fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies against human collagen II, polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding human collagen II antibodies or fragments thereof, and methods of making and using the foregoing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins comprising a microorganism targeting molecule (e.g., immunoglobulin) and a biocide. The present invention also relates to therapeutic and prophylactic methods of using a fusion protein comprising a microorganism targeting molecule and a biocide in diverse fields.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions of use for treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In certain embodiments, the methods concern preparation of phage-display single chain antibody libraries and screening against amyloid-beta (A?) protein or peptide. Anti-A? antibodies are selected and sequenced. In certain embodiments, synthetic A? binding peptides are designed and prepared, using portions of the anti-A? antibody sequences. The antibodies and peptides are of use for treatment of AD or for treatment of individuals at risk of developing AD. Compositions comprising anti-A? antibodies or A? binding peptides are also disclosed.