Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for physical plant treatment by means of electrostatic charge, wherein a transfer of the electrostatic charge takes place via water treated by way of an influence process, wherein the water comprises water clusters having an electron deficit due to the treatment by means of an influence process, wherein the water treated by means of an influence process can be obtained by the following process steps: Introducing the water to be treated into a galvanic element, Aligning the charges and free electrons in the electric field, Separating the charges by motion and by the influence resulting therefrom and Collecting and discharging the de-electronised positively-charged fraction. The method for physical plant treatment allows comprehensive and effective control of fungal diseases, simultaneously avoiding toxicological impact on the environment.

Abstract: A compound of formula (III), or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof for use in a method of combating and/or detecting a pathogen and/or tumour cells; wherein X is selected from O, S and Se; each of R2, R3 and R4 is independently selected from hydrogen or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or aryl group; and R1 is selected from halogen, sulfo, acyl, sulfoxy, mercapto, nitro, amino, hydroxy or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, amine or alkoxy group; wherein R1 is not methyl or hydrogen when each of R3 and R4 is methyl or hydrogen.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided assembling an analyte sensor with an analyte sensor insertion device, packaging the assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device in a substantially airtight seal, and irradiating the packaged assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device at a predetermined dose using one or more electron beam accelerators.

Abstract: A writing instrument sterilization device having an automatic dispensing delivery mechanism for recycling multiple writing instruments and automatically delivering a single sterilized writing instrument on demand. The writing instrument sterilizer is comprised of a housing having a collection aperture for receiving at least one writing instrument and a discharge aperture for dispensing the writing instrument. The writing instrument is conveyed on track that is disposed within the housing and extends between the collection aperture and the discharge aperture. A UV illumination source sterilizes the writing instrument by emitting radiation to the surface of the writing instrument. An automatic dispensing delivery mechanism is provided to move an ejector member from a first writing instrument receiving position to a second writing instrument dispensing position.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating bioaerosol with high concentrations of bacterial, viral, spore and other airborne microorganisms or biologic contaminants, in flight at high flow rates. A plasma screen created across the flow of air contaminated with airborne biologic agents renders contaminants non-culturable within millisecond. The technology may cooperate with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. It may be particularly beneficial in preventing bioterrorism and the spread of toxic or infectious agents, containing airborne pandemic threats such as avian flu, sterilizing spaces such as hospitals, pharmaceutical plants and manufacturing facilities, treating exhaust ventilation streams, minimizing biological environmental pollutants in industrial settings, improving general air quality, and preventing sick building syndrome.

Abstract: Even in a case where a spark is generated in an electron beam irradiation device 28, all the vessels 2 being conveyed are sterilized by the irradiation with the electron beam. The electron beam is emitted by heating filaments 42 arranged in a vacuum chamber 40 and the vessels 2 are irradiated with the electron beam taken out into the atmosphere through a window foil 48 of an irradiation window 46 formed to an irradiation section 44. The vessels 2 are conveyed in a state of being held by vessel holding portions 36A and 36B of a vessel conveying device 24 and pass in front of the irradiation window 46. Although the electron beam irradiation is temporarily interrupted when a spark is generated, a length of the irradiation window 46 in a vessel conveying direction X is made larger than a vessel conveying distance in an interruption time.

Abstract: A vacuum packaged product and method for reducing tensile strength loss associated with sterilization of polyolefin-based products by gamma radiation, and reducing odors commonly produced by such sterilization.

Abstract: A composition used to develop a reagent for investigating Ubl-modifications in cellular functions and in the treatment of cancer is provided. The composition comprises gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-ligand conjugates that include at least two components: gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and modified ubiquitin- or ubiquitin-like interacting motif (UIM or ULIM) mimetics. In one embodiment, the modified ULM mimetic is a modified SUMO interaction motif (SIM) mimetic. According to the embodiments described herein, the compound inhibits ubiquitin- or ubiquitin-like protein (Ubl)-mediated protein-protein interactions and sensitizes cells to ionizing radiation. The modified UIM and ULIM mimetics may be conjugated to the AuNP such that each AuNP is conjugated to a plurality of modified UIM or ULIM mimetics. The modified ULIM mimetics may be conjugated to the AuNP via a thiol group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing skin removed from a human donor, removal of cellular components and sterilizing the decellularized skin. The process comprises the following steps: (1) decellularizing the skin including soaking the tissue in a detergent and rinsing same with sterile water; (2) sterilizing the skin with electronic beam irradiation, gamma irradiation or ultraviolet light for a time period to achieve a concentration to maximize sterilization; and (3) processing the tissue by cutting the tissue to a designated size.

Abstract: The present invention provides multifunctional popcorn-shaped gold nanomaterial for sensing, treatment and for a unique way of monitoring treatment effectiveness during therapy process of different human cancer cells and pathogenic bacteria. It consists of the following steps 1) Synthesis of popcorn-shaped gold nanoparticles of different sizes. 2) Design of multifunctional popcorn-shaped gold nanoparticle for targeted sensing, therapy and monitoring therapy effectiveness for different human cancer cells (liver, breast, skin and prostate) and drug resistance bacteria. 3) Design of portable SERS sensor for cancer detection, treatment and for monitoring treatment effectiveness using the same instrument. and 4) Application of our approach to detect and kill MDRB from food sample.

Abstract: Tissue matrices having anti-microbial properties are provided. In certain embodiments, the tissue matrices include cationic anti-microbial agents that form a stable bond with the tissue matrices without adversely affecting the biologic properties of the tissue matrices.

Abstract: A method of radiation sterilizing a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies includes positioning a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies on a fixture, each of the stent catheter assemblies being arranged in a planar configuration and disposed in corresponding planar packages supported on the fixture, wherein the packages are stacked horizontally on the fixture, and wherein the stents of the assemblies are positioned at a position in each package such that the stents are exposed to the same or substantially the same radiation; and exposing the packages to an incoming radiation beam, the radiation beam being at an acute angle to the planes of the planar configuration of the assemblies, wherein the packages are arranged such that a front end of the stack faces the radiation beam and a back end of the stack faces away from the radiation beam.

Abstract: A processes of sterilizing a contact lens, that is immersed in an aqueous liquid and hermetically in a container, using at least 284 mJ/cm2 of UV radiation in the range of 240-280 nm is disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are a germicidal system and method for deactivating pathogens on the surface of a bodily extremity protected by a prophylactic covering substantially opaque to UV-C radiation. The device includes an enclosure having one or more openings through which the extremity can be inserted. The enclosure contains a radiation source configured to produce germicidal radiation having a wavelength of about 253.7 nm. The openings are configured relative to the radiation source such that the inserted extremity is in close proximity to the radiation source. The prophylactic covered extremity is preferably a gloved hand thereby sanitizing the surface of the glove. The extremity inserted is preferably exposed for a predetermined period of time to ensure a desired level of sanitization. Optionally, the device can include detectors to determine the position of the hand, the spread of the fingers, and whether the hand is covered by a glove.

Abstract: A method to prevent contamination of feed line(s) and nutrient feed reservoir(s) is disclosed. In this method a heated zone is established in the feed line close to the location where the feed line connects to the bioreactor. The heated zone prevents back growth of cells from the bioreactor back into the feed line and further into the feed reservoir.

Abstract: Sterilization of medical devices can be performed by stacking packages containing the medical devices. The packages are arranged in a partially-overlapping orientation which is at an oblique angle to the direction of irradiation. The partially-overlapping orientation and oblique angle are predetermined for high sterilization throughput and tight control of irradiation. Instead arranging the packages directly on a sterilization platform at a sterilization facility, the packages can be stacked in the partially-overlapping orientation into a transport container at a location remote from the sterilization facility. The transport container maintains the orientation of the packages. Thereafter, the transport container is placed on the sterilization platform, which results in greater uniformity in radiation exposure while maintaining a high level of sterilization throughput.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing packaging means (10) and, in particular, plastics material pre-forms (10), wherein the packaging means (10) are conveyed with a conveying device (2) and wherein at least one area of the packaging means (10) is acted upon with a flowable medium by a stressing device (4). According to the invention the medium applied to the area is subjected to irradiation with electromagnetic radiation in order to produce singlet oxygen, wherein this singlet oxygen is used to sterilize the packaging means (10).

Abstract: A method and system are described to treat ammonia-containing wastewater or process waters. Sewage containing human or animal waste and certain process liquids, typically water, contains high levels of nitrogen in the form of ammonia. An electro-chemical method to extract the ammonia from the wastewater is also described. The system described is one implementation of this method. One or more electrolysis cells convert ammonium to ammonia where the generated ammonia gas can readily be extracted for disposal or reuse. Such a system can involve electrolysis cells of numerous types as described herein.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating ozone inside packaged articles comprises an electrode assembly in which coplanar electrodes are supported along a contact surface. The electrodes are solid state conductive electrodes. These electrodes may be interdigitated and/or arranged with uniform spacing therebetween along a portion of their length. Where the electrodes are straight they may be parallel, but other shapes can also be evenly spaced. In some examples the electrodes are partially insulated and partially exposed. In some examples the electrodes are embedded/potted in an insulator to exclude air spaces from around the electrodes.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and making quantitative determinations of different deposits on a portion thereof, determining that the deposit is a contaminant and decontaminating at least the portion of the system is disclosed. The system comprises a controller, a sensing portion and a decontamination portion. The controller contains information about at least one noncontaminant. The sensing portion communicates with at least the controller and the portion of the system and is adapted to detect the deposit. The decontaminating portion communicates with at least the controller and is adapted to decontaminate the portion of the system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reduced temperature radiation sterilization of stents are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting device for use in the control of a plant disease, which has a light source capable of emitting light containing ultraviolet ray. The light source can emit both of UV-B having a wavelength component with a wavelength of about 280 to 340 um and UV-C in which a wavelength component with a wavelength of about 255 nm or less is cut off from wavelength components with wavelengths of about 100 to 280 nm to plant in a superimposed manner. The irradiation of a plant with the UV-C and the UV-B ensures to further inhibit the spore formation or the hypha growth of a filamentous fungus that causes a disease or the like, and to induce a resistance against a disease in the plant.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selection radiation exposure in sterilization of medical devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for use in the irradiation of fluids. The apparatus has an elongate conduit (312) having a central axis (334) and two or more elongate ultraviolet radiation sources (114) extending along the interior of the conduit for irradiation of the fluid within the conduit. An array of static mixer elements (300) is located within the conduit, and the two or more elongate ultraviolet radiation sources (114) are arranged to extend through apertures in deflection surfaces of the static mixer elements making up the array (300). The apparatus and method allows for reliable and uniform ultraviolet irradiation of fluids of low UV transmissivity, such as turbid fluids, particularly for ultraviolet disinfection of such fluids. Wipers may be fitted to the static mixer elements to enable relative movement between the static mixer elements and the surfaces of the elongate ultraviolet radiation sources to clean the surfaces of the sources without need to dismantle the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for sterilizing containers (10), comprising a treatment head (5) which has an exit window (8) through which charge carriers can pass, comprising a charge carrier generation source which generates charge carriers, and comprising an acceleration device (6) which accelerates the charge carriers in the direction of the exit window (8). According to the invention, the cross section of the treatment head (5) is dimensioned such that the treatment head (5) can be guided through the mouth of the container (10), and the acceleration device (6) accelerates the charge carriers in such a way that the charge carriers exiting from the exit window (8) can be aimed preferably directly onto an inner wall (15) of the container (10).

Abstract: Improved electron beam sterilization apparatus and shielding techniques for use in are provided. A controller modulates an electron beam when sterilizing an interior to an object to ensure that adequate dose is received. Sterilization carousels are configured with input/discharge feeds to reduce the possibility of humans being exposed to dangerous levels of radiation. The system reduces the amount of shielding required to thereby lower cost of installation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photosensitizer compounds based on functionalized fullerenes useful in targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT), and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Methods of making tissue fillers are provided. In certain embodiments, the tissue is flake-like and has regenerative properties.

Abstract: Antimicrobial molecular conjugates for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms in human and animals are provided. The key to these conjugates is connecting dihydroxychlorins or ?-functionalized chlorins to carbohydrate moieties. These conjugates are found to be very effective in combating bacterial infections caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including their resistant strains. Significantly, they are also effective in complex environments, including blood, serum, and other body fluids which are present in patient's body. A method of use to control pathogenic microorganisms in human and animals is also provided.

Abstract: A bottle, a system and a method sterilize a liquid. The bottle has an interior to hold the liquid and an ultraviolet light emitting lamp that extends into the interior. A cord may be attached to the bottle so that pulling the cord may power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp and/or charge a battery used to power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp. The bottle may have a status light that indicates that the ultraviolet light emitting lamp may have an amount of power equal to or greater than a threshold value, such as, for example, an amount of power necessary for the ultraviolet light emitting lamp to operate for ninety seconds. The bottle may have a removable lid located opposite to the ultraviolet light emitting lamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a terminal sterilization process for biodegradable PEG-based insoluble hydrogels using irradiation. The presence of a protective solvent ensures that the hydrogel remains intact with functionally preserved three-dimensional and physicochemical properties.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sterilizing objects, such as animal cages, are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a sterilizing chamber for the objects. The apparatus includes a first air inlet in fluid communication with the sterilizing chamber, and a first air outlet in fluid communication with the sterilizing chamber. The first air inlet and the first air outlet are structured to be placed in fluid communication with a source of dry heat. A second air inlet is in fluid communication with the sterilizing chamber and a source of filtered air. A second air outlet in fluid communication with the sterilizing chamber and an exterior space outside of the sterilizing chamber. Dry heat flows in the first air inlet, over the objects in the sterilizing chamber, and out the first air outlet. Dampers are then closed to seal off the first air inlet and the first air outlet.

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is shone within an area and detected. The detected ultraviolet radiation is monitored over a period of time to determine a set of biological activity dynamics for the area. Ultraviolet radiation detected during a calibration period can be used to provide a baseline with which analysis of subsequently detected ultraviolet radiation is compared and analyzed. When the presence of biological activity is determined within the area, ultraviolet radiation and/or one or more other approaches can be utilized to suppress the biological activity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sterilizing one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas are described. In some embodiments, the methods and systems can be used to sterilize one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas through use of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, the methods and systems can be utilized so that objects, such as humans, that are within one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas are not substantially irradiated with sterilizing radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates an apparatus that reduces and/or eliminates germs and/or bacteria from the soles of a person's footwear, and an associated method of use. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a person can step onto and stand on the exemplary apparatus to have germs and/or bacteria reduced and/or eliminated from the soles of his or her footwear through the use of anti-germicidal and/or antimicrobial radiation and/or light. An exemplary apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be configured so that when a person stands on a top portion, the person's footwear sinks to a bottom portion that is substantially transparent, displacing substantially opaque gel so that at least one of the soles of the person's footwear is exposed to the anti-germicidal and/or antimicrobial radiation and/or light source.

Abstract: In an irradiation region A in which an electron beam irradiator emits an electron beam through an irradiating surface 12a of the electron beam irradiator, a resin bottle 8 is conveyed with a distance between the irradiating surface 12a and the resin bottle 8 being maintained constant. Grippers 6 are arranged to an outer peripheral portion of a rotary body 14 in a circumferential direction thereof at an equal interval, and the resin bottles 8 are conveyed with neck portions 8a thereof being held. Rotating means (52, 58, 62) for rotating the grippers 6 with respect to the rotary body 14 and forward/rearward moving means (18, 50) keeping constant a distance from the irradiating surface 12a of the electron beam irradiator are provided.

Abstract: A fluid feed stream is flowed, subject to electromagnetic pulses, to a filter element via an input feed conduit for the filter element. A coil assembly is disposed about the input feed conduit and an AC power source is connected with the coil assembly. The AC power source has a period including first and second half-cycles of opposing polarities. A switch in series with the coil assembly forms a series connected circuit. A second switch connected with the coil assembly forms a second circuit. A control means closes the first switch and opens the second switch during a first half-cycle of the AC power source. During a second half-cycle, the control means closes and then opens the second switch to produce a first large ringing pulse in the coil assembly. A subsequent pulse may be produced either before or after the first pulse substantially decays.

Abstract: A component separating device includes a flow channel, an acoustic wave generator for generating an acoustic wave in the flow channel, a first inlet channel for introducing a fist solution containing solid particles into the flow channel, a second inlet channel for introducing a second solution, and outlet channels for discharging a solution from the flow channel. A density grade generator is provided at the first inlet channel for forming a density grade of the solid particles. This component separating device extracts the solid particles into a high-purity solution at a high collecting rate.

Abstract: A lamp mounting assembly that mounts a UV lamp within a flow control structure includes a mount assembly that mounts at an end of the flow control structure. The mount assembly includes a conductor housing receiving opening extending therethrough. A socket base structure includes a socket base and a conductor housing extending outwardly from the socket base. The conductor housing is sized to be received by the conductor housing receiving opening of the mount assembly. A lamp socket is connected to the conductor housing to allow an electrical connection between the lamp socket and a power source. The lamp socket has a lamp engaging surface arranged offset from vertical when mounted to the flow control structure.

Abstract: Object of the present invention is to provide visible light-responsive photocatalyst coating material which can form a coating film exhibiting superior allergen inactivation property through irradiation of visible light. The visible light-responsive photocatalyst coating material comprises: photocatalyst material having visible light-activity composed of metal oxide particle with divalent copper salt supported on the surface thereof, said metal oxide particle having optical semiconductor-characteristics and potential of valence band of said metal oxide particle being 3[V] or more (vs. SHE, pH=0); binder component including component having siloxane bond or component forming siloxane bond through reaction; and chloride ionic compound. When visible light is irradiated to the coating film, the metal oxide particle exhibits photocatalyst activity in the presence of the copper-divalent ion and chloride ion, thereby significantly high allergen inactivation property is exhibited.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating the interior of containers includes a chamber for holding a container and provides precursor materials via an annulus formed by coaxially arranged electrodes at which plasma is created upon application of voltage and the container is treated.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing containers by means of an electron gun, the method comprising the steps of inserting the gun into an opening of the container and of applying electron bombardment, and also the step of orienting the container so that it has its opening directed downwards prior to inserting the gun therein. The invention also provides an installation for implementing the method.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating a freight container comprising the steps of: a) placing a freight container on a support; b) using an enclosure to substantially enclose the container on the support; and c) applying heat so that hot air moves within the enclosure around at least upright ends, sides and a roof of the container to kill or substantially weaken undesired life forms on or immediately adjacent to the exterior of the container.

Abstract: An electron beam emitter including a vacuum chamber having a width. An electron generator can be positioned within the vacuum chamber for generating electrons. An elongate nozzle can extend from the vacuum chamber along a longitudinal axis and have an exit window at a distal end of the nozzle. The nozzle can have a width that is less than the width of the vacuum chamber. The electron generator can be shaped and dimensioned, and positioned with the vacuum chamber to form and direct a narrow electron beam that enters and travels through the nozzle, and exits out the exit window.

Abstract: Superior hydroxyls are provided which have effects on organic and inorganic compounds and/or pollutants over substantial periods of time and/or at substantial distances from where the superior hydroxyls are generated. Also provided is a hydroxyl generator, in which UV-lamps are positioned such that the coronas which they produce when emitting UV-radiation fill substantially all of the interior space of the hydroxyl generator. The coronas overlap each other by a maximum amount of between 5% and 25% of the radius of each corona.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing containers, wherein the containers are conveyed along a pre-set conveying path by a conveying device, and wherein an irradiation device is introduced by a relative movement between the container and the irradiation device in a longitudinal direction of the container into the interior of the container to be sterilized and emits a charge carrier irradiation to sterilize the inner wall of the container by the charge carrier irradiation, wherein an aperture region situated on the outside of the container is also sterilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for applying oscillating magnetic fields, particularly for treating liquid, pasty, semi-solid or granular products, to a method of use of such apparatus, and to a system incorporating it. The apparatus comprises at least one pipe of an electrically insulating material for conveying the products to be treated, at least one plurality of electrodes around the periphery of the pipe, and means for generating one high frequency oscillating electric voltage. Each of the electrodes has a substantially annular shape, with an inner surface having a minimum radial distance from the outer cylindrical surface of the at least one pipe, which is sufficient to prevent electric currents from passing to the product to be treated. The inner surface has at least one substantially conical edge with a predetermined conicity angle to allow use of relatively high voltages with no risk of discharges to air.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided assembling an analyte sensor with an analyte sensor insertion device, packaging the assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device in a substantially airtight seal, and irradiating the packaged assembled analyte sensor and sensor insertion device at a predetermined dose using one or more electron beam accelerators.

Abstract: A plasma generating apparatus comprises a first, powered electrode and a second electrode structure located in front of the first electrode. An insulating layer is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode structure. The second electrode structure has a plurality of second electrode portions defining gap portions therebetween. The width of the gap portions is w. The second electrode portions each have a forward surface and the gap portions each having a forward surface, the height difference between the forward surface of each second electrode portion and the forward surfaces of the adjacent gap portions being h, and wherein h is at most 1 mm and the ratio w/h is at least 1. Thus, the forward surfaces of the second electrode portions and the forward surfaces of the gap portions together provide a smooth topography. The plasma generated by the apparatus (in air or other oxygen-containing gas) forms ozone, which can be used to treat foodstuffs, for example.

Abstract: A method of radiation sterilizing a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies includes positioning a plurality of stent-catheter assemblies on a fixture, each of the stent catheter assemblies being arranged in a planar configuration and disposed in corresponding planar packages supported on the fixture, wherein the packages are stacked horizontally on the fixture, and wherein the stents of the assemblies are positioned at a position in each package such that the stents are exposed to the same or substantially the same radiation; and exposing the packages to an incoming radiation beam, the radiation beam being at an acute angle to the planes of the planar configuration of the assemblies, wherein the packages are arranged such that a front end of the stack faces the radiation beam and a back end of the stack faces away from the radiation beam.