Abstract: An indexable cartridge and method that is useable in either a stagnant fluid environment or in a moving fluid environment with the indexable cartridge floatable in a stagnant fluid environment and securable in a moving fluid environment with the indexable cartridge having a housing having one or more diffusion ports and a sleeve having one or more diffusion ports indexable to a diffusion port alignment through resilient yielding of the sleeve while a set of ribs inhibit lateral flow therebetween.

Abstract: A capping device is configured to terminate a connector while disconnected from another connector in a fluid transportation system, e.g., for peritoneal dialysis. The connector comprises an exposed surface portion that is enclosed when the connector is connected to the other connector. The capping device comprises a body defining a chamber with an opening, a liquid-containing disinfectant in the chamber, a sealing element arranged in the opening to form a sealed cavity retaining the disinfectant, and a structure for engaging and guiding the connector towards the body such that a portion of the connector displaces the sealing element into the chamber. The sealed cavity is configured such that a displacement of the sealing element into the chamber actively presses the disinfectant out of the sealed cavity, for disinfecting at least part of the exposed surface portion.

Abstract: A gas-impervious container having a gas-permeable porous insert, wherein the insert contacts a flowable biomedical material, for improving access of the sterilant gas to the material.

Abstract: Sensors, such as optical sensors and other sensors used in an aqueous environment are protected from biological contamination by applying a biocide behind a shutter. The shutter is capable of covering a subject portion of the sensor or surrounding mounting surface adjacent the sensor in at least a semi-sealing manner. A well or reservoir forms a chamber in the shutter that is capable of holding a biocide having a limited water solubility and a low environmental toxicity in the aqueous environment, for example, anhydrous iodine crystals. The reservoir is in communication with the portion of the sensor while positioned against the portion of the sensor or surrounding mounting surface adjacent the sensor.

Abstract: A sensor strip apparatus includes: a top plate having an entrance opening downward and a joint formed downward; a pad section including a support having a window opening downward, a reaction pad attached to the window of the support and reacting with a specimen, first and second hemolysis inhibition pads attached to the reaction pad to filter hemocytes from the specimen, a specimen pad attached to the first and second hemolysis inhibition pads to diffuse the specimen crosswise, and an adhesive film attached to the support around the first and second hemolysis inhibition pads to increase adhesion strength of the specimen pad; and a bottom plate having a second joint forcibly coupled with to the joint of the top plate, and a window configured to indentify the reaction pad through the window of the support.

Abstract: An analytical device for performing an assay to determine the presence or approximate quantity of at least one analyte in a liquid sample is described. The device is manufactured to include an integrated desiccant within at least a test strip of the device. Addition of an integrated desiccant within the device improves signal to noise ratio, eases the manufacturing process, and saves in cost of production of the device.

Abstract: Saliva sample collection systems are configured with special attention to ease-of-use for the unskilled user and safe transport and delivery by a conventional delivery services such as Federal Express. A sealed cavity is formed by tight coupling of two primary elements: a receiving vessel element and a sealing cap element. The receiving vessel has integrated therewith: a standing means, a fill-line window, a funnel system, a knife, a threadset, and containment tube among others. A complementary cap element includes a cooperating threadset, label receiving surface, gripping surface, seal means and reservoir with piercable thin-film membrane. These two primary elements may be accommodated in an application-specific shipping container which support two shipping modes whereby the system may be shipped safely to and from a donor user each way in a different shipping mode.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices are described that include a rigid base layer, and an elastomeric layer on the base layer. The elastomeric layer may include at least part of a fluid channel for transporting a liquid reagent, and a vent channel that accepts gas diffusing through the elastomeric layer from the flow channel and vents it out of the elastomeric layer. The devices may also include a mixing chamber fluidly connected to the fluid channel, and a control channel overlapping with a deflectable membrane that defines a portion of the flow channel, where the control channel may be operable to change a rate at which the liquid reagent flows through the fluid channel. The devices may further include a rigid plastic layer on the elastomeric layer.

Abstract: The invention allows for the formation of robust, reproducible, non-permanent connections to microchips. The connections are formed using either indexing arms or multiple fitting holder heads which are capable of forming a compression seal to a port located at any position on the surface of the microchip. The sealing force is user-defined and can be tightly controlled with integrated force sensors. In addition, the sealing force is monitored with a force sensor and force compensation mechanism ensuring that the desired force is maintained. The device is compatible with all microchip architectures. Alterations to the microchip surface is avoided as connections are established using instrumentation rather than processing steps. Further, the process is automatable allowing for exchanging microchips and subsequently creating electrical and fluidic connections in an automated fashion. Optionally, the integration of leak sensors to monitor leaks are included.

Abstract: A reaction cassette for biochemical assay, a biochemical assay device including the reaction cassette, and a biochemical assay method performed by using the biochemical assay device are provided. The reaction cassette includes a first space, a second space, a third space, and an inner wall. The first space is configured to accommodate liquid and includes a first opening facing upward. The second space includes a second opening whose direction is perpendicular to the direction of the first opening. The first space and the second space are disposed such that when the reaction cassette is rotated, liquid in the first space can flow into the second space. The third space is located under the first space and includes a third opening whose direction is the same as the direction of the first opening. The inner wall connects the second opening and the third opening, which serves as a liquid flow channel between the second space and the third space.

Abstract: A device for the accommodation of a solid in a measuring cell (24), in which the release of the solid can be determined in a solution medium flowing through the measuring cell (24), has an insert (1) which can be introduced into the measuring cell (24) and which has a recess for the accommodation of a pressed disc (31). The recess for the accommodation of the pressed disc (31) is arranged on a side (16) of the insert (1) which faces the inflowing solution medium. A wall surface (32) of the insert (1) which surrounds the recess for the accommodation of the pressed disc (31) is tilted in the flow direction, so that the inflowing solution medium is transported laterally away from the pressed disc (31). The insert (1) has a housing (2) with a hole (3) through it, a sleeve (4) for the accommodation of the pressed disc (31), which can be accommodated in the hole (3), and a closure device (10). The housing (2) and the closure device (10) essentially consist of a plastic material and the sleeve (4) consists of metal.

Abstract: A system for making low volatile carbonaceous material including a digestion vessel in communication with a carbonaceous material feedstock unit for producing a digested carbonaceous material; an extraction vessel in communication with the digestion vessel, the extraction vessel containing supercritical carbon dioxide fluid for extracting hydrocarbons from the digested carbonaceous material to produce an extract solvent and the low volatile carbonaceous material; and at least one separation vessel in communication with the extraction vessel for separating the extract solvent to a carbon dioxide gas and a stream of extracted hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method and composition for the reduction of the emission of selenium into the environment from the burning of fossil fuels with the use of two chemistries, either individually or in combination with each other. The method uses polydithiocarbamic compounds, including polydithiocarbamic compounds derived from a polymer produced from acrylic-x and alkylamine in conjunction with a scrubber process to capture selenium and reduce its emission in aqueous phase blowdown. The method and composition also helps reduce corrosion in the scrubber process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to clean flue gases. As shown in FIG. 1, a condenser 10 is provided having two packed beds (20/26) and two condensate loops. The condensate loops are configured such that anti-corrosive agent (40/41) may injected. Corrosives are removed from flue gases as condensate containing anti-corrosive agents passes over the flue gases.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine to control desulfurization of at least one aftertreatment device is provided. The exhaust gas treatment system includes a desulfurization mode trigger module, a desulfurization control module, and an interrupt module. The desulfurization mode trigger module is configured to set a desulfurization request based on one or more trigger conditions. The desulfurization control module is configured to control desulfurization of at least one aftertreatment device based on the desulfurization request. The interrupt module is configured to interrupt the desulfurization of at least one aftertreatment device based on an interrupt condition.

Abstract: Provided are exhaust systems and components suitable for use in conjunction with gasoline engines to treat gaseous emissions such as hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxides. Layered three-way conversion (TWC) catalysts comprise an outer layer whose rhodium is supported by an oxygen storage component, such as a ceria-zirconia composite, and the outer layer is substantially free from alumina as a support. The rhodium-containing layer can be free of all other precious metals, such as platinum and palladium. A lower palladium layer is provided where the palladium is supported by a refractory metal oxide. The lower palladium layer can be free of rhodium and platinum and can contain an oxygen storage component that is the same or different from that in the rhodium-containing layer. Methods of making and using these catalysts are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of mixed oxides made of cerium oxide, zirconium oxide, rare earth sesquioxide and niobium oxide as catalytically active materials for the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides with ammonia or a compound that can decompose to form ammonia in the exhaust gas of internal combustion engines in motor vehicles that are predominantly leanly operated, and to compositions or catalysts which contain said mixed oxides in combination with zeolite compounds and/or zeolite-like compounds and are suitable for the denitrogenation of lean motor vehicle exhaust gases in all essential operating states.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include an exhaust gas stream produced by an engine and an aftertreatment system including an SCR catalyst element receiving at least a portion of the exhaust gas stream. An exhaust outlet flow path has an inlet fluidly coupled to the exhaust gas stream at a position downstream of at least a portion of the SCR catalyst element that bypasses at least a portion of exhaust gas stream to provide for compositional measurement of the exhaust gas with a compositional sensor located downstream of a diagnostic catalyst positioned in the exhaust outlet flow path.

Abstract: The disclosure utilizes a hydroxide sorbent for humidification and CO2 removal from a gaseous stream comprised of CO and CO2 prior to entry into a water-gas-shift reactor, in order to decrease CO2 concentration and increase H2O concentration and shift the water-gas shift reaction toward the forward reaction products CO2 and H2. The hydroxide sorbent may be utilized for absorption of CO2 exiting the water-gas shift reactor, producing an enriched H2 stream. The disclosure further provides for regeneration of the hydroxide sorbent at temperature approximating water-gas shift conditions, and for utilizing H2O product liberated as a result of the CO2 absorption.

Abstract: A process for reducing the carbon dioxide concentration of a carbon dioxide-containing gas which process includes, in a first stage, contacting the carbon dioxide-containing gas with a treating solution including an alkali metal carbonate and/or hydroxide and with a catalyst to promote the absorption of carbon dioxide to form a second solution including an alkali metal carbonate and bicarbonate and, in a second stage, contacting the second solution with a carbonatable silicate-containing material including an alkaline earth cation capable of forming an insoluble carbonate to produce silica and a solid carbonate including the cation and to regenerate a solution including alkali metal carbonate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for finally removing sulphur-containing, nitrogen-containing and halogen-containing impurities contained in a synthesis gas, said process including: a) a joint step for hydrolysing COS and HCN contained in the gas and for collecting the halogen-containing compounds, using a TiO2-based catalyst, b) a washing step using a solvent, c) a step for desulphurization on a collecting or adsorbing mass. The synthesis gas purified in accordance with the process of the invention contains less than 10 ppb by weight, less than 10 ppb by weight of nitrogen-containing impurities and less than 10 ppb by weight of halogen-containing impurities.

Abstract: A catalyst for removal of NOx from exhaust gas, containing cerium oxide and titanium dioxide, wherein a first portion of the cerium oxide forms at least one agglomerate of cerium oxide crystallites interdispersed in the titanium dioxide, and a second portion of the cerium oxide forms at least one island on a surface of the titanium dioxide, a method for producing the catalyst, a process for selectively reducing NOx levels in an exhaust gas using the catalyst, and an SCR canister containing the catalyst therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing spheroidized boron nitride which enable the further improvement in the heat conductivity of a heat dissipative member. Specifically disclosed is a process for producing spheroidized boron nitride, which is characterized by using spheroidized graphite as a raw material and reacting the spheroidized graphite with a boron oxide and nitrogen at a high temperature ranging from 1600 to 2100° C. to produce the spheroidized boron nitride. The boron oxide to be used in the reaction is preferably boron oxide (B2O3), boric acid (H3BO3), or a substance capable of generating a boron oxide at a higher temperature. A gas to be used in the reaction is preferably nitrogen or ammonia.

Abstract: Hydrophilic precipitated silicas which combine a particularly low initial moisture content with low moisture absorption over time, a low tapped density and a low silanol group density, have the following physicochemical parameters: equilibrium moisture content (at 70% relative humidity/20° C.) of 0.5%-5.0% by weight, based on the weight of the hydrophilic precipitated silica, BET surface area of 50-250 m2/g, CTAB surface area of 50-250 m2/g, and DBP (anhydrous) of 200-350 g/100 g.

Abstract: A method of producing silicon carbide is provided. The method includes heating a cured product of a curable silicone composition in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature exceeding 1,500° C. but not more than 2,600° C. The method is capable of producing high-purity silicon carbide simply and at a high degree of productivity, and is capable of simply producing a silicon carbide molded item having a desired shape and dimensions.

Abstract: To provide a method and facility for enabling CO2 gas generated in a cement manufacturing facility to be separated and recovered at a high concentration. To this end, according to the present invention, the calcination of a cement material and the recovery of CO2 gas generated in a calciner are performed by one of the following steps of: [1] superheating the cement material before calcination to at least the calcination temperature thereof in a superheating furnace and then mixing the superheated cement material with a new cement material before calcination in a mixer/calciner; [2] mixing, in the mixer/calciner, the cement material before calcination with a part of high-temperature cement clinker discharged from a cement kiln; and [3] using an externally heated calciner.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a continuous vapor grown carbon fiber mat including: (a) providing a substrate which has a catalyst on its surface; (b) placing the substrate in a furnace; (c) introducing hydrogen, ammonia, or combinations thereof into the furnace; (d) adjusting a temperature of the furnace to 400° C. to 900° C. to proceed heat treatment for 15 to 90 minutes; (e) adding a carbon-containing compound into the furnace and adjusting the ratio of the carbon-containing compound and the hydrogen, ammonia, or combinations thereof; (f) adjusting the temperature of the furnace to 600° C. to 1200° C. to crack the carbon-containing compound, and thereby forming a carbon fiber mat, where time for reaction is 1 to 3 hours. A continuous vapor grown carbon fiber mat and a graphitized carbon fiber mat are also provided.

Abstract: To provide a negative electrode carbon material capable of suppressing capacity degradation which will occur due to repetition of a charge/discharge cycle, storage under a charged state, float charging, or the like. An artificial graphite for a negative electrode of a lithium secondary battery having a c-axis crystallite size L (112) of from 2.0 to 4.2 nm as calculated from a (112) diffraction line obtained by X-ray wide-angle diffractometry and having a half-value width ??G of from 15 to 19 cm?1 for a peak appearing in a wavelength region of from 1580 cm?1±100 cm?1 in the Raman spectroscopy using an argon ion laser light having a wavelength of 5145 angstrom.

Abstract: Processes for the thermal reduction of sulfur dioxide to elemental sulfur in a single reaction furnace are disclosed. The reaction furnace contains an alumina monolith that performs as an active catalyst. The reaction furnace is followed by a Claus conversion zone, wherein H2S and SO2 react to produce additional elemental sulfur. Three methods to eliminate soot formation and two methods to consume produced H2 and CO are described. One or combination of these methods may be employed which consists of a) adding steam (water vapor), b) adding recycled sulfur or c) adding recycled tail gas.

Abstract: Porous metal oxides are provided. The porous metal oxides are prepared by heat treating a coordination polymer. A method of preparing the porous metal oxide is also provided. According to the method, the shape of the particles of the metal oxide can be easily controlled, and the shape and distribution of pores of the porous metal oxide can be adjusted.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for producing hydrogen from methanol, comprising providing at least one flow of methanol and (1) catalytically converting part of the methanol or a fuel gas with air oxygen to carbon dioxide and water, while generating heat and (2) catalytically converting the methanol or the remaining part of the methanol at elevated temperature to hydrogen and carbon monoxide, followed by conversion of the carbon monoxide with water to hydrogen and carbon dioxide, wherein the heat generated in step (1) is sufficient to produce the elevated temperature required in step (2), wherein both steps (1) and (2) are carried out in a bed of sintered metal particles, the bed of sintered metal in step (2) having a surface that is catalytically active for the conversion of methanol to hydrogen, and wherein the beds of sintered metal particles are in heat exchanging relationship.

Abstract: The invention provides a water gas shift process comprising a reaction stage. The reaction stage comprises (a) providing a gas mixture comprising CO, H2O and an acid gas component to a reactor containing an adsorbent, and (b) subjecting the gas mixture to water gas shift reaction conditions to perform the water gas shift reaction. The adsorbent comprises an alkali promoted alumina based material. The acid gas component comprises H2S.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to mesostructured zeolites. The invention also relates to a method of preparing mesostructured zeolites, as well as using them as cracking catalysts for organic compounds and degradation catalysts for polymers.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of drug delivery, cancer treatment and diagnosis and pharmaceuticals. This invention provides a method of making antibody- or antibody fragment-targeted immunoliposomes for the systemic delivery of molecules to treat and image diseases, including cancerous tumors. The invention also provides immunoliposomes and compositions, as well as methods of imaging various tissues. The liposome complexes are useful for encapsulation of imaging agents, for example, for use in magnetic resonance imaging. The specificity of the delivery system is derived from the targeting antibodies or antibody fragments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for myelin basic protein detection comprises identifying a subject at risk of or diagnosed with a myelin-associated neuropathy, parenterally administering to the subject the agent, and determining myelination in the subject by detecting binding to myelin basic protein. Methods for the detection of myelin and a quantitative measurement of its local concentration in a sample using an agent with specific binding to myelin basic protein are also provided as is a kit containing the agent or its derivatives for use in detecting myelin basic protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially non-lytic, non-cytotoxic anchor peptide that is capable of stably inserting into lipid membranes. In particular, the invention provides nanoparticles comprising stably inserted anchor peptides, which may be conjugated to a variety of different cargo complexes.

Abstract: Novel cromolyn analogs useful as imaging agents for detecting atherosclerotic plaques and for treating atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease, and methods of making the cromolyn analogs, are disclosed. The cromolyn analogs have the general formula (I), or formula (II); wherein X is OH, C1-C6 alkoxyl, 18F, or 19F; Y and Z are independently selected from a C1-C6 alkyl, CpC6 alkoxyl, halogen, un-substituted or C1-C6 substituted amine, 18F, 19F, or H; and n is 1, 2, or 3; and wherein for structure (I), if n are both 1 and Y and Z are both H, X is not OH.

Abstract: The present application discloses compositions and methods of synthesis and use of 68Ga, 18F or 19F labeled molecules of use in PET or MRI imaging. Preferably, the 18F or 19F is conjugated to a targeting molecule by formation of a complex with a group IIIA metal and binding of the complex to a chelating moiety, which may be directly or indirectly attached to the targeting molecule. In other embodiments, the 68Ga, 18F or 19F labeled moiety may comprise a targetable construct used in combination with a bispecific antibody to target a disease-associated antigen. In more preferred embodiments, a chelating moiety or targetable construct may be conjugated to a targeting molecule, such as an antibody or antibody fragment.

Abstract: An injectable hydrogel composition comprising: water; and poly(vinyl alcohol) chemically cross-linked with a second polymer to form a cross-linked resin, wherein the second polymer is selected from the group consisting of: a polyhydric alcohol compound, a polyvalent epoxy compound, a polyvalent amine compound, a dialdehyde compound, a diisocyanate compound, and mixtures thereof, wherein the cross-linked resin has a degree of cross-linking of from about 0.0001 mol/mL to about 0.002 mol/mL, and wherein the hydrogel is flowable when heated above its melting point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preventing, treating or inhibiting the development of tumors or metastases in a subject and to an immunomodulator for use in such therapy, in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent. An aspect the present invention is a method of preventing, treating, reducing, inhibiting and/or controlling the formation or establishment of metastasis of a primary neoplasia, tumor or cancer at one or more sites distinct from a primary neoplasia, tumor or cancer, in a subject intended to undergo chemotherapy, wherein the method comprises administering to the subject, a therapeutically effective amount of an antimetabolite pyrimidine analogue and an immunomodulator.

Abstract: A method for identifying a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor in a subject and molecules identified thereby. The method includes the steps of: (a) exposing a tumor to ionizing radiation; (b) administering to a subject a library of diverse molecules; and (c) isolating from the tumor one or more molecules of the library of diverse molecules, whereby a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor is identified. Also provided are therapeutic and diagnostic methods using targeting ligands that bind an irradiated tumor.

Abstract: Multimodal nanoparticles are nanoparticles containing contrast agents for PAT and one or more of luminescence imaging, x-ray imaging, and/or MRI. The multimodal nanoparticles can have a dielectric core comprising an oxide with a metal coating on the core. The particles can be metal speckled. The multimodal nanoparticles can be used for therapeutic purposes such as ablation of tumors or by neutron capture in addition to use as contrast agents for imaging.

Abstract: The present invention includes oral care compositions and methods for inhibiting growth and formation of oral biofilms by quorum sensing inhibition and/or bactericidal activity. In some embodiments, the present invention discloses an oral care composition including a therapeutically effective amount of at least one carbonate compound of Formula (1) and at least one excipient: wherein, R1 and R2 are independently: an aliphatic radical; a hydroxyaliphatic radical; or an aryl radical. In some embodiments, the present invention discloses a method of providing oral care benefits including applying to an oral cavity an oral care composition containing a therapeutically effective amount of at least one carbonate compound of Formula (1) and at least one excipient.

Abstract: A cosmetic regime or regimen for depigmenting, lightening and/or bleaching keratin materials, especially the skin, entails topically applying thereon a cosmetic composition containing a dithiolane compound of formula (I): in which: Y is O, NR1 or S R1 is a hydrogen atom; a C1-C20 alkyl radical or an optionally substituted phenyl radical; R is a hydrogen atom; or a C1-C20 alkyl radical, or an optionally substituted phenyl radical, or a C1-C8 alkyl radical containing an optionally substituted phenyl substituent; n=0 or 1 or 2; and also the salts, chelates, solvates and optical isomers thereof.

Abstract: In the prior cosmetics, the cosmetic product provided with sufficient storage stability together with excellent usability can not be realized, and it has been an actual state that a cosmetic product having sense of non-tackiness etc. and excellent usability has poor storage stability. The present invention provides a cosmetic for providing a cosmetic product having more excellent usability and storage stability as a cosmetic, and a method for making the same. The cosmetic of the present invention is characterized by comprising an amino acid oil gelling agent and a polyamide resin, thereby a cosmetic product having excellent usability and sufficient storage stability in combination can be realized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition and to a pharmaceutical composition that comprise several agents of topical use and optionally sunscreens. This composition comprises an aqueous medium containing at least one highly polar substance without, however, having the inconveniences noticed in similar compositions of the prior art. These compositions combine the benefits from water-soluble active with the properties of softness and texture that are typical of products that comprise oily-alcoholic, oily or oily-waxy base. Further, the present invention relates to a process for preparing said cosmetic composition and pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The current invention is drawn to a series of citrate esters having alkyl groups and a silicone groups esterified onto citric acid. This results an outstanding skin feel, making outstanding waterproofing and emollient properties when applied to skin. A required critical element of the invention is that both the silicone and the alkyl material be mono functional with regard to hydroxyl functionality. If either group has more than mono functionality, they will react with the citric acid (which has three carboxyl groups) to give undesired polymers. The ability to vary the ratio of alkyl to silicone results an ability to alter skin feel and consequently provide the cosmetic formulator with more latitude in choosing ingredients for incorporation into formulations.

Abstract: Benzylidene substituted 2,4-pentanedione compounds without having phenolic hydroxyl group(s) are found to provide photostability to otherwise photosensitive compounds and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of organomodified siloxane block copolymers as care active ingredient for the care of human or animal body parts.

Abstract: The invention provides polymer conjugates of opioid antagonists comprising a polymer, such as poly(ethylene glycol), covalently attached to an opioid antagonist. The linkage between the polymer and the opioid antagonist is preferably hydrolytically stable. The invention also includes a method of treating one or more side effects associated with the use of opioid analgesics, such as constipation, nausea, or pruritus, by administering a polymer conjugate of the invention.