Abstract: Methods of improving a variety of health related factors including, but not limited to weight, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and HDL levels, is provided. In one embodiment, a method of reducing body weight in a mammal is provided; the method comprises administering a composition containing an effective amount of Xylopia aethiopica, to the mammal, whereby the administering of the composition to the mammal is effective in reducing bodyweight in the mammal.

Abstract: A hair growth stimulant is provided. The hair growth stimulant uses carbonized chestnut burrs that exhibit excellent stimulatory effects on hair restoration and hair growth effects without causing side effect and toxicity. The hair growth stimulant exhibits excellent stimulatory effects on hair restoration without causing any side effect and toxicity in humans and stimulates hair roots to greatly contribute to hair growth. Therefore, the hair growth stimulant is effective in preventing hair loss and grayness. In addition, the hair growth stimulant is formulated into a cream or ointment preparation, which is highly effective in promoting the restoration of hair, to considerably shorten the time required for the treatment of hair loss. Furthermore, the hair growth stimulant uses vegetable ingredients only, thus causing no side effect in humans. Moreover, the hair growth stimulant is softly applicable to the scalp, thus offering convenience in use.

Abstract: A supercritical fluid (SCF) extract of a cardiac glycoside-containing plant mass is provided. The extract can be included in a pharmaceutical composition containing an extract-solubilizing amount of solubilizer. Oleandrin is included within the extract when a cardiac glycoside-containing plant, such as Nerium oleander, is extracted by SCF extraction. The extract can also contain one or more other SCF extractable pharmacologically active agents. The composition can be used to treat a wide range of disorders that are therapeutically responsive to a cardiac glycoside.

Abstract: A xylanase from Bacillus halodurans can increase the shelf life of baked products. More specifically, the xylanase in combination with a maltogenic amylase further improves the softness of bread crumb without having detrimental effects on elasticity.

Abstract: Described are dough compositions and methods of preparing dough compositions, raw and baked, including preferred methods and compositions wherein chemical leavening agents are encapsulated by a degradable barrier material to control their reaction until a time during baking, wherein the encapsulated chemical leavening agents at least partially leaven the dough composition during baking, and wherein the encapsulated chemical leavening agents are uniformly incorporated into the dough composition or dough ingredients by methods that limit shear damage to the encapsulated particles.

Abstract: A method for making a coated food product having a heat susceptible coating is disclosed. In one aspect, the invention is directed towards a nut having a proteinaceous or fruit-based coating with no visible scorching in the outer, visible coating layer. In one aspect, the food center is par-coated with or without a heat susceptible coating, pre-roasted, finished coated with or without a heat susceptible coating, and cooked. In another aspect, the food center is first coated with a heat susceptible coating, then coated with a non-heat susceptible coating and cooked. In yet another aspect, the food center is coated with a heat susceptible coating and then cooked in a two-stage process whereby the first stage is at a hotter temperature than the second stage.

Abstract: A molded animal chew toy including a resin, a fluid such as water, and meat jerky, particularly chicken jerky, is provided. Processes for forming such resin/water/jerky composition into shapes by direct injection molding, including a desired screw design, are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to containers that include at least one sub-container and to methods and/or systems for mixing first and second substances responsive to opening of the containers and the at least one sub-container that is included therein. The invention advantageously provides methods, systems, containers, sub-containers, seals and/or tethers that may be used in storing first and second substances in an unmixed state, until it is desired to mix the first and second substances just before utilization thereof.

Abstract: The invention describes a low temperature extrusion process and a respective device for an energy-optimized and viscosity-adapted microstructuring of frozen aerated systems like ice cream. Therewith a very finely dispersed microstructure is reached under optimized balance of viscous friction based mechanical energy dissipation (1) and transfer of dissipation heat and additional phase transition (freezing) heat (2) to a refrigerant up to very high frozen water fraction at very low temperatures. With this new process and device aerated masses are continuously frozen and optimally micro-structured under minimized/optimized mechanical energy input. The microstructure of this-like treated masses supports on the one hand preferred rheological properties which lead to improved shaping, portioning and scooping properties, even at very low temperatures, and on the other hand leads to an improved shelf life (heat shock stability) and mouth feel (e.g. creaminess, melting behavior).

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of a flavoring concentrate, to a flavoring concentrate which can be prepared by a process according to the invention, to products comprising one or more flavoring concentrates according to the invention, and to processes for the concentration of flavoring and/or aromatic substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process by which whey permeates or blends thereof can be converted to a modified whey powder (MWP) having low mineral content, low hygroscopicity, and advantageous organoleptic properties using a combination of ion-exchange demineralization and crystallization. The modified whey powder thus obtained is suitable for dry applications in the production of food products. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a modified whey powder (MWP) obtainable by said process and to products comprising said modified whey powder (MWP), such as confectionery, biscuits, and powdered soft drinks.

Abstract: An oil-in-water emulsion comprising hydrophobin and oil wherein the oil-in-water emulsion has an overrun of less than 35% and wherein the oil phase has an iodine value of greater than 40 characterised in that the ratio of hydrophobin to oil is greater than 20 g/liter is provided. Products comprising such an oil-in-water emulsion is also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are shortening compositions having reduced levels of saturated and trans fats. The compositions comprise cellulose fibers, a hard fat and a liquid oil. Also provided are methods of preparing such compositions and use thereof.

Abstract: Methods of incorporating an antioxidant into a medical device including a polymer are described, and methods of packaging medical devices.

Abstract: The apparatus and method use an optical feedback system to align a brush assembly with a stent strut. Once alignment is achieved, a coating is dispensed onto the stent strut via the brush assembly and the brush assembly is moved along the stent strut to coat the stent strut.

Abstract: A flexible laminate composition and methods for manufacturing same are provided. The flexible laminate composition includes one or more discrete and separate layers of a radiopaque material wherein the radiopaque layer is applied via a solvent to a layer that is composed of a plastic material. The laminate composition can be formed into a radiopaque marker band that can be used with a medical device, such as a catheter, for radiographic imaging. The laminate composition as an alternative can also be utilized to form the catheter or other suitable medical device.

Abstract: An improved differential coat weight technique employs a novel algorithm for measuring the weight of a coating material that has been deposited onto a sheet of substrate. The invention employs dual x-ray or nuclear gauges such that, even though the downstream sensor is never exposed to uncoated sheet substrate, imparting the downstream sensor with the ability to predict results that it would have yielded when measuring the uncoated sheet substrate, leads to the development of a coat weight calibration protocol from which the basis weight of the coating can be ascertained directly from measurements from the upstream and downstream sensors. No subtraction of results is required. Moreover, the two sensors do not need to be re-calibrated whenever the relative proportions of the coating and base substrate change. The technique is particularly suited for applications where the coating material and substrate are made of substances that have very different atomic numbers.

Abstract: The process for producing a magnet according to the invention is characterized by comprising a first step in which a heavy rare earth compound containing Dy or Tb as a heavy rare earth element is adhered onto a sintered compact of a rare earth magnet and a second step in which the heavy rare earth compound-adhered sintered compact is subjected to heat treatment, wherein the heavy rare earth compound is a Dy or Tb iron compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to connection elements comprising a tongue (3) and a groove (10), and an additional locking element (6) which is connected thereto in a non-positive manner, which consists of a plastic or adhesive material and is especially embodied as a bar.

Abstract: Sintered, carbon friction materials are made from fibrous materials that are impregnated with resins prior to sintering. Preferably, non-woven fibrous materials are impregnated with phenolic resin and sintered at 400 to 8000 C. The resulting material has an open porosity above 50 percent by volume.

Abstract: Mixed matrix membranes that are capable of separation and purification of gas mixtures are disclosed. These membranes comprise polymers that include dispersed therein nanomolecular sieve particles. In a preferred embodiment, the nanomolecular sieve particles contain attached functional groups to prevent their agglomeration.

Abstract: A precursor delivery system for an irradiation beam instrument having a vacuum chamber includes an injection tube for injecting gasses into the vacuum chamber of the instrument and a main gas line having an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is connected to the injection tube, and the inlet is connected to a sequential pair of valves connected to a carrier gas source. A crucible for holding precursor material is selectively connected to the main gas line at a location between the pair of valves and the injection tube. The source of carrier gas may be selectively connected to the inlet by sequential operation of the pair of carrier gas valves, so that pulses of carrier gas assist the flow of precursor material to the injection tube. Rapid purging of the system between precursors is enabled by a valve selectively connecting the main line to an envelope in communication with the instrument vacuum. Methods of CVD and etching using the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a method for forming a diamond-like carbon (DLC) film capable of enhancing the adhesion strength of a diamond-like carbon (DLC) film by simple steps. A surface of a substrate 11 made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is modified by plasma radiation, and a diamond-like carbon film 12 is formed on the modified PTFE substrate 11 surface by chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a precursor composition comprising: a compound selected from a compound represented by the formula: Si(OR1)4 and a compound represented by the formula Ra(Si)(OR2)4?a (in the formulas R1 represents a monovalent organic group; R represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom or a monovalent organic group; R2 represents a monovalent organic group; and a is an integer ranging from 1 to 3, provided that R, R1 and R2 may be the same or different from one another) a thermally degradable organic compound; an element having a catalyst activity; urea; and the like. A porous thin film produced from the precursor composition is irradiated with ultraviolet ray, and then subjected to gas-phase reaction with a hydrophobic compound. A porous thin film thus prepared can be used for the manufacture of a semiconductor device.

Abstract: In order to increase the probability that the component is disposed on the hydrophilic region, used is a substrate comprises a water-repellant region, a hydrophilic region, and a hydrophilic line, wherein the water-repellant region surrounds the hydrophilic region and the hydrophilic line, the hydrophilic region and the hydrophilic line are disposed along the +X direction in this order, the value of D1/D2 is not less than 0.1 and not more than 1.2, the value of D3 is not less than 5 micrometers, the value of D4 is less than the minimum length of the component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coating composition comprising (i) a corrosion inhibitor and the (ii) reaction product of a calcium compound with an acid compound. The coating composition is deposited onto a substrate prior to the application of a pre-treatment coating composition (conversion coating) onto the substrate. The present invention is also directed to a substrate that comprises a coating system that comprises such a coating composition.

Abstract: A process for mask-free localized grafting of organic molecules capable of being electrically activated, onto a composite surface comprising conductive and/or semiconductive portions, by placing said organic molecules in contact with said composite surface, in which said grafting is performed electrochemically in a single step on chosen, defined areas of said conductive and/or semiconductive portions, said areas being brought to a potential higher than or equal to a threshold electrical potential determined relative to a reference electrode, said threshold electrical potential being the potential above which grafting of said organic molecules takes place.

Abstract: A powder-containing oil-based lubricant for die contains 60 to 99% by mass of an oil-based lubricant consisting of oil, 0.3 to 30% by mass of a solubilizing agent, 0.3 to 15% by mass of an inorganic powder and 7.5% by mass or less of water, the lubricant being electrostatically applied to a die. The powder-containing oil-based lubricant may be applied to a die by electrostatic spraying. The electrostatic spray apparatus includes a device that imparts static electricity to the powder-containing oil-based lubricant and an electrostatic spray gun installed on a multi-axis robot.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for applying multiple layers of a composition to an article. Also presented are articles produced by the methods described herein. The methods include applying a first composition to the outer surface of a game card to produce a first layer, applying a second composition to the outer surface of the first layer to produce a second layer, applying an ink to the outer surface of the first layer, or the outer surface of the second layer, or both, so as to form an image, and applying a third composition to the outer surface of the second layer to produce a third layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods of crosslinking various compounds and materials made by these methods. Materials made by embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes.

Abstract: A method of lining tubing within a wellbore comprises applying a polymerisable fluid composition containing a photoinitiator to the interior surface of that tubing and initiating polymerisation of the composition by exposing it to actinic radiation, suitably light or ultraviolet with wavelength 250 to 800 nm. The composition is preferably stable against heat but polymerises quickly when exposed to the actinic radiation. The composition may be spread onto the tubing and exposed to actinic radiation as soon as it has been spread into a layer, suitably with a tool which skims the tubing surface with applicator pads for dispensing and spreading the composition, immediately followed by exposing the spread composition to actinic radiation. A second option is that the composition is provided as a sleeve which is expanded against the tubing, exposure to actinic radiation preferably then being achieved using light guides or light emitting diodes within the sleeve.

Abstract: A preparation method of an electroconductive copper patterning layer includes (Step 1) preparing a dispersion solution of copper-based particles selected from the group consisting of copper particles, copper oxide particles, and their mixtures; (Step 2) forming a copper-based particle patterning layer by printing or filling the dispersion solution of copper-based particles to a substrate into a predetermined shape; and (Step 3) irradiating laser to the copper-based particle patterning layer to burn and interconnect the copper-based particles contained in the copper-based particle patterning layer. This preparation method burns a copper-based particle patterning layer with a strong energy within a short time by using laser. Thus, it is possible to obtain a copper patterning layer that is hardly oxidized even in the atmosphere, so a copper patterning layer with excellent electric conductivity is formed.

Abstract: A method of forming a conformal dielectric film having Si—N bonds on a substrate having a patterned surface includes: introducing a reactant gas into a reaction space; introducing a silicon precursor in pulses of less than 5-second duration into the reaction space; applying a first RF power to the reaction space during the pulse of the silicon precursor; applying a second RF power to the reaction space during the interval of the silicon precursor pulse, wherein an average intensity of the second RF power during the interval of the silicon precursor pulse is greater than that of the first RF power during the pulse of the silicon precursor; and repeating the cycle to form a conformal dielectric film having Si—N bonds with a desired thickness on the patterned surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to dielectrically positive nematic media comprising one or more compounds of formula I and one or more compounds of formulae II and III and optionally one or more compounds of formulae IV and V and liquid crystal devices comprising these media and especially to fast switching electro-optical devices.

Abstract: Provided is a polymerizable compound with large solubility in a liquid crystal composition and high reactivity irradiated by ultraviolet in the longer wavelength range. Provided is a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one of characteristics such as high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large negative dielectric anisotropy, large specific resistance, high stability to ultraviolet light and high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced between at least two of the characteristics.

Abstract: An exhaust pipe for an internal combustion engine includes a metal tube enclosing a passage through which an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine passes, and a ceramic film covering the metal tube from the outside. The ceramic film contains no more than about 0.5 atomic % of a metallic element which is dominantly present in a surface of the metal tube.

Abstract: An open-ended tube comprising walls of a heat-sealable multi-layer polymeric film, wherein said film comprises an outer shrinkable substrate layer and an inner heat-sealable layer, wherein said substrate layer has a degree of shrinkage in the longitudinal dimension of the tube of about 0% to about 50% over the temperature range 55 to 100° C., and a degree of shrinkage in the transverse dimension of the tube of 5 to about 70% over the temperature range 55 to 100° C.; and use thereof in the manufacture of packaging for a container suitable as a receptacle for a ready-prepared ovenable meal.

Abstract: Tubular polymeric composite for articles such as tubing and hoses. The composite is formed of a tubular first layer of a thermoplastic block polyether amide resin (PEBA) filled with a more structured carbon black particulate filler to render it electrically-conductive, and a tubular second layer of a thermoplastic polyamide, polyester, polyolefins, or other thermoplastic resin compatible with the PEBA resin of the first material, and which second material optionally may be filled with a less structured carbon black particulate filler to render it electrically-conductive.

Abstract: A structural component with a tubular section, particularly a structural component of a fluid line, has at least two materials with different stiffness and/or creeping strength, wherein the materials include thermoplastic synthetic materials and wherein the material having the greater stiffness and/or creeping strength is embedded in the other material. The tubular section has a continuous annular surface which extends coaxially with the longitudinal center axis of the structural component and has the same material which has been injection molded over the annular surface in a predetermined quantity ratio relative to the outer material, or between 40% and 100% of the annular surface are composed of the same injection molded material and are distributed in uniform spacings in circumferential direction of the annular surface.

Abstract: Metal-coated polymer articles containing structural substantially porosity-free, fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings/layers optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein on polymer substrates, are disclosed. The substantially porosity-free metallic coatings/layers/patches are applied to polymer or polymer composite substrates to provide, enhance or restore vacuum/pressure integrity and fluid sealing functions. Due to the excellent adhesion between the metallic coating and the polymer article satisfactory thermal cycling performance is achieved. The invention can also be employed as a repair/refurbishment technique. The fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings are particularly suited for strong and lightweight articles, precision molds, sporting goods, aerospace and automotive parts and other components exposed to thermal cycling and stress created by erosion and impact damage.

Abstract: A coextruded multilayer film includes a core layer including an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer; two intermediate layers each including a blend of an amorphous polyamide having a glass transition temperature of at least 80° C., and a semicrystalline polyamide; two outer layers each including an olefinic polymer; and two tie layers each adhering an intermediate layer to a respective outer layer; wherein the film exhibits an elongation at yield (ASTM D 882) of less than 15% in each of the longitudinal and transverse directions, and a free shrink (ASTM D 2732) at 200° F. of less than 8% in each of the longitudinal and transverse directions. An aseptic package includes a sterilized food product, and a sterilized pouch in which the sterilized food product is disposed, the sterilized pouch including the coextruded multilayer film of the invention. A method of making an aseptic package is also disclosed.

Abstract: Industrial polyolefin piping system with improved stiffness, impact strength for use at high service temperature, comprising single or multilayer pipes, fitting, chambers, valves and vessels, consisting of ?-nucleated propylene homopolymers with an IR??0.98 having a tensile modulus ?1500 MPa, a Charpy impact strength, notched, at +23° C.?30 kJ/m2 and a Vicat B temperature >90° C. and a Heat Distortion Temperature >100° C. The industrial polyolefin piping system is suitable for chemical plant constructions comprising single or multilayer pipes, fittings, chambers, valves and vessels with improved stiffness, impact strength and high service temperature, preferred for conveyance of natural gas, dangerous liquids and/or toxic liquids.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a hollow bottle made of polyester, which has excellent heat resistance and is not likely to undergo deformation or change in capacity even if a liquid of high temperature is filled therein. The present invention relates to a hollow bottle formed by blow molding polyester, which has a thickness in the range of 200 to 400 ?m, and satisfies that ?d=d1?d2 is not less than ?7 kg/m3 and more than 7 kg/m3, with d1 [kg/m3] being a density of a part ranging from an outer surface up to 50 ?m inward, and d2 [kg/m3] being a density of a part of the body portion ranging from an inner surface up to 50 ?m inward. The polyester is preferably polyethylene terephthalate, and it is preferable that d1=1370 to 1375 kg/m3, while d2=1373 to 1378 kg/m3.

Abstract: An assembly includes a light-permeable film layer, a release liner, and a print pattern. The print pattern includes a base layer. The print pattern sub-divides the film layer into a plurality of discrete base layer areas and/or a plurality of transparent areas. The base layer includes a design imaging surface of a first color. The release liner includes an imperforate material. The release liner includes a release surface. The imperforate material when viewed through said light permeable film layer is a second color contrasting with said first color by the graytone of said second color differing from the graytone of said first color by at least 10%. This contrast may provide a more realistic perception of how the assembly will look in situ (e.g., on a window).

Abstract: A release liner formed of a highly recyclable polypropylene-based resin sheet and capable of assuring excellent operability over a wide range of environmental temperature is provided. A pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) sheet with release liner is also provided. A PSA sheet with release liner according to the present invention comprises a PSA sheet including a support and a PSA layer; and a release liner formed of a polypropylene-based resin sheet which is obtained by molding into a sheet a polypropylene-based resin composition containing a nucleating agent. The PSA sheet with release liner provides excellent operability even in a high temperature environment of, for example, about 35° C. The PSA sheet with release liner is preferably applicable in an attachment operation wherein the PSA sheet is attached to an adherend while the liner is released from the PSA sheet.

Abstract: A write-once optical recording medium includes an inorganic recording layer and a protective layer provided on at least one surface of the inorganic recording layer. This protective layer contains indium oxide and tin oxide as main components.

Abstract: A multilayer type optical information recording medium in which in multilayering of a write-once type optical information recording medium, when a second film is formed using a metallic stamper, a protective layer composed of an inorganic material is free from peeling, is provided. In the multilayer type optical information recording medium including an interlayer, the interlayer is constituted by multiple films of a first film contacting a protective layer and a second film contacting a reflection layer; materials of the first and second films are constituted of materials different from each other; and a peeling resistance of the material of the first film against a material of the protective layer of the first optical information recording layer is higher than that of the second film.

Abstract: A WORM-type recording layer in an optical information recording medium contains at least one azo-metal complex dye derived from a metal ion and a compound represented by the following general formula (1-1) or (1-2): wherein Q represents a carbocyclic group or a heterocyclic group, and R6 to R8 independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent. The compound represented by the general formula (1-1) or (1-2) has a dissociative hydrogen atom in Q, and the dissociative hydrogen atom in Q and the hydrogen atom in the —NH— group marked with asterisk * are eliminated from the compound, so that the residue is bonded to the metal ion to generate the azo-metal complex dye. The azo-metal complex dye may contain a component other than the metal ion and the compound represented by the general formula (1-1) or (1-2).

Abstract: A mouse pad includes a fabric and a flat pad. The pad has an upper surface and a lower surface corresponding to each other, and an edge is along the periphery of the upper and lower surfaces. The fabric is smoothly and flatly covered on the upper surface, the lower surface, and the edge smoothly and flatly. Thus, by completely covering the upper surface, the lower surface and the edge of the pad, formation of deckle edge or falling off of the fabric to expose the product defect due to lack of durability.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale microstructures in two-dimensional square and rectangular arrays utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided.