Abstract: Organophilic particles of a metal oxide chosen from alumina Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, silica SiO.sub.2, transition metal oxides, especially titanium oxide TiO.sub.2, and rare-earth metal oxides, especially cerium oxide CeO.sub.2, are prepared by reacting an aqueous-alcoholic suspension (a) of metal Oxide particles which have no pores less than 5 nm in di-meter at their surface with an anhydrous alcoholic solution (b) comprising at least one alkoxysilane of formula (1)Si(OR).sub.x R'.sub.4-x (1)in which R represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R' represents a hydrocarbon group chosen from alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups containing at least one carbon atom and x is an integer from 1 to 3, the said alcohols, which may be identical or different, containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The growth of microorganisms on catheters and other medical devices is inhibited by slime-inhibiting compounds. Slime-inhibiting compounds include salicylic acid and other NSAID.

Abstract: A method for producing a canted electric field for an electrical twisting ball display device made up of electrically and optically anisotropic spheroidal balls rotatably disposed in a substrate. The display has an array of addressable elements, each array element including at least one spheroidal ball. According to the method, an array element is selected. A preferred direction of orientation is selected for balls of the selected array element, the direction of orientation forming an angle with a vector normal to a planar portion of the substrate surface in a vicinity of the selected array element, the angle being greater than 0 degree and less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A novel, improved process for forming a thin, adherent coating of a perfluorocarbon ionomer on a polymeric substrate which is typically in powdered form, fibrous form, or a mixture of powdered and fibrous forms, from a colloidal dispersion of the perfluorocarbon ionomer in a liquid medium which consists essentially of water and is substantially free of organic solvents, comprising adding a) the colloidal dispersion and b) a salt or a strongly ionizing acid to a vessel containing the polymeric substrate, and subjecting the dispersion, salt or acid and polymeric material to high shear conditions whereby a thin, durable coating of the perfluorocarbon ionomer is formed on the polymeric substrate.

Abstract: A method for coating ceramic fibers such as Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 fibers includes immersing the Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 fibers in a polyelectrolyte solution. After the polyelectrolyte is allowed to adsorb on the fibers, the unabsorbed polyelectrolyte is washed from the fibers with a distilled water. The fibers are then deposited in an oxide solution such as SnO.sub.2. The SnO.sub.2 is allowed to adsorb on the fibers, and then the unabsorbed SnO.sub.2 is washed from the fibers with the distilled water. The fibers are then sintered at a temperature ranging from 400.degree. C. to 1200.degree. C.

Abstract: A multisegmented ball for an electrical twisting ball display device made up of spheroidal balls rotatably disposed in an elastomer substrate. The ball is composed of segments arrayed substantially parallel to one another, each segment being adjacent to at least one other segment and to no more than two other segments, adjacent segments being adjoined to one another at substantially planar interfaces. The segments include a first segment having a first thickness and a first optical modulation characteristic, a second segment having a second thickness and a second optical modulation characteristic, and a third segment having a thickness different from at least one of the first and second thicknesses and an optical modulation characteristic different from at least one of the first and second optical modulation characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for large scale production of a product of in vivo medicine carriers which are medicine coated crosslinked protein microspheres for medicine administration. The reagents are prepared in solution and contained in respective bags. A series pumps and mixing chambers are connected to the reagent bags. The pumps are set at pre-determined rates and activated in a predetermined sequence within respective pre-determined delay periods, to achieve instantaneous component mixing and controlled sequential mixing characteristics.

Abstract: A multisegmented ball for an electrical twisting ball display device made up of spheroidal balls rotatably disposed in an elastomer substrate. The ball is composed of segments arrayed substantially parallel to one another. Each segment is adjacent to at least one other segment and to no more than two other segments, adjacent segments being adjoined to one another at substantially planar interfaces. Each segment has an optical modulation characteristic, the optical modulation characteristics of adjacent segments being different from one another. The segments of the ball include a first exterior segment, a second exterior segment, and a transparent interior segment.

Abstract: A method of modifying the triboelectric charging propensity electrostatographic developer carrier particles, comprising the steps of:(A) providing a carrier particles that is uncoated or polymer coated;(B) mixing the carrier particles with either (i) an aqueous basic solution or (ii) an aqueous solution containing from 0.1 to 5.0 weight percent of a soluble acidic metal salt, based on the weight of the carrier particles to form a mixture; and(C) contacting the mixture with the solution, (i) or (ii), not used in step (B) thereby causing a precipitate of an insoluble salt to deposit on the carrier particles wherein the insoluble salt is(a) strontium carbonate;(b) insoluble metal hydroxides;(c) insoluble metal hydrated oxides; or(d) a mixture of two or more of (a), (b) and (c);provided that when a soluble strontium metal acid salt is used in step (B) (ii) and the carrier coating is other than a polyfluorocarbon, a reagent that provides a source of carbonate ions is also used in step (B).

Abstract: It comprises: (1) preparing an aqueous phase containing surface active suspensor agents and, optionally, a chemically or biologically active chemical substance; (2) preparing an organic phase containing a biocompatible polymer or monomer and, optionally, a lipid or chemically or biologically active chemical substance; (3) mixing both phases in a continuous manner in a constant average phase-volume ratio, continuously removing a recently formed colloidal suspension; (4) continuously eliminating the solvent from the colloidal suspension; and (5) completely eliminating the organic solvent and part or all of the water in order to obtain the desired concentration of nanospheres or dry product.Application in biomedicine, pharmacy, medicine, cosmetics, chemical industry, agriculture, veterinary science, etc.

Abstract: Thermoplastic materials which comprise a copolymer of(A) 16 to 40 wt % of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid;(B) 30 to 80 wt % of methyl acrylate; and(C) 0 to 40 wt % of another alkyl ester of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid and perhaps conventional auxiliaries for drug coatings are suitable for the production of drug coatings which are soluble in intestinal juices, such as tablet coatings, dies, films, capsules, or multipart dosage units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for increasing the alertness of an individual through the administration of a stimulant such as xanthine or an xanthine derivative and preferably caffeine. A particular composition has one or more layers containing the stimulant arranged about the cores of microparticles. This allows the composition to release a significant portion of the stimulant within about two hours after administration so that a level of alertness can be readily achieved. Thereafter, the balance of the composition is released within about 6 to 10 hours, so that the stimulant can provide alertness during that time, but then can dissipate to levels which would not affect the individual's ability to sleep. Also, the formulation is carefully designed so that the stimulant does not accumulate in the individual's system.

Abstract: Improved alumina-coated inorganic pigments having a first coating of boehmite alumina, a second coating of amorphous alumina, and a third coating of boehmite alumina which exhibit good durability, dispersibility, and optical properties in plastic compositions are disclosed. Also disclosed is a process whereby an aqueous slurry of an alumina-containing inorganic pigment is milled to achieve a particular particle size distribution, a first coating of boehmite alumina is precipitated onto the pigment material within a first pH range, a second amount of an alumina coating agent is added to the aqueous slurry within a second pH range to obtain a second coating of amorphous alumina over the first boehmite alumina coating, and then the pH of the slurry is adjusted to a third pH range thus forming a third boehmite alumina coating over the second amorphous alumina coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to color-stable tablets for the therapeutic drug oxcarbazepine, which tablets are provided with a hydrophilic, permeable layer containing white pigments and a hydrophilic, permeable outer layer containing white pigments in combination with iron(II) oxide pigments.

Abstract: An interference pigment comprising a platelet-shaped substrate coated with titanium dioxide and additionally oxidic compounds of copper and manganese, whereby the pigment powder color is dark gray.

Abstract: Stabilized microspherical particles having hydrophobic liquid cores prepared as oil-in-water microemulsions. The particles are stabilized by a surface layer comprising an amphiphilic compound and may be functionalized to allow covalent coupling of a ligand to the surface of the particle. When used as tracers in assays, a water insoluble dye may be incorporated in the core liquid of the microparticles.

Abstract: A polymeric resin composition comprising a polymeric resin in particulate form coated with an additive agent adhered to the surfaces of the resin particles by a coating of thermoplastic adhesive binder between the particles and the agent.

Abstract: A method of making a pharmaceutical composition is disclosed. The method includes the steps of contacting at least one pharmaceutical ingredient with a mixture consisting essentially of gelatin and lecithin to increase the dissolution rate of water-insoluble pharmaceutical ingredients. A pharmaceutical excipient coating for increasing the dissolution rate of water-insoluble pharmaceutical ingredients is also disclosed. The coating consists essentially of gelatin and lecithin.

Abstract: Methods for preparing abrasive articles and novel methods of making abrasive articles are presented. One method includes inserting a fibrous material adjacent an interior surface of a drum. A composition comprising an organic binder precursor material is then placed in the drum, and the drum is rotated such that centrifugal forces distribute the composition, including the organic binder precursor material, uniformly about the fibrous material. The composition is exposed to conditions sufficient to solidify the organic binder precursor material such that an endless, flexible, seamless substrate is formed having an outer surface formed adjacent the interior surface of the drum, an inner surface opposite the outer surface and the fibrous material embedded therein. Coated abrasives formed by this method, as well as other methods, are provided wherein an effective amount of a fibrous reinforcing material is engulfed within an organic polymeric binder material.

Abstract: A mass of ferromagnetic particles encapsulated in a polymeric shell having a plurality of denuded organic lubricant particles adhering to the surface of the shell so as to stand in relief from said surface unimpaired by the polymer or any other binder.

Abstract: A method for making an intravascular stent by applying to the body of a stent a solution which includes a solvent, a polymer dissolved in the solvent and a therapeutic substance dispersed in the solvent and then evaporating the solvent. The inclusion of a polymer in intimate contact with a drug on the stent allows the drug to be retained on the stent during expansion of the stent and also controls the administration of drug following implantation. The adhesion of the coating and the rate at which the drug is delivered can be controlled by the selection of an appropriate bioabsorbable or biostable polymer and the ratio of drug to polymer in the solution. By this method, drugs such as dexamethasone can be applied to a stent, retained on a stent during expansion of the stent and elute at a controlled rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dipping products, such as tablets, into coating material and for spreading and setting the coating immediately after dipping is provided. Carrier plates having a plurality of tablet holders are transported from a tablet loading station to a dipping station along a transport guide. At the dipping station, a carrier plate is mounted to a vacuum chamber. A set of vacuum tubes in the vacuum chamber are extended through the tablet holders to contact and lift the tablets off of the holders and secure the tablets to the tubes. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum chamber is rotated 180.degree. and a second carrier plate is mounted onto the housing and a second set of tubes secure the tablets to the plate. The carrier plates are alternately dipped and returned to the guide means where new plates with uncoated tablets replace the plates with coated tablets. Immediately after dipping the carrier plates enter a rotating station where the plate is rotated 360.degree.

Abstract: Biodegradable, protein microspheres for in vivo release of a biologically active agent, as well as agricultural and environmental applications. The microspheres can be administered orally, intravenously, or subcutaneously for subsequent release. By selecting particular size ranges and the specific protein used to form the microsphere, it is possible to target the microspheres to a cell types such as macrophages, or to effect localized absorption of the microspheres to regions such as the mucosal membranes of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, or urogenital areas. Larger forms of the microspheres can also be made using standard techniques of the desirable degradation properties.

Abstract: A wax polish composition for coating pharmaceutical tablets and food/confectionery items to impart gloss thereto, comprises wax, water, and an emulsifier, the emulsifier comprising a combination of polyoxyethylene 80 sorbitan monolaurate and acetylated monoglyeride, the emulsifier being in a range of about 9.46% to 9.60% by weight of the composition, and the emulsifier having an HLB value of about 9.45.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device has a semiconductor layer; electrodes and a surface protection layer adjacent to the light incident side. Granules of a material different from those of the surface protection layer are disposed in the surface protection layer. The granules in the surface protection layer have an average grain size of 0.001-20 microns, a surface density S from 0.2 to 0.9 and/or a density per volume from 0.001 to 0.5.To produce a surface protecting layer for a photovoltaic device in which the surface protecting layer has granules at a light incident side the surface of a photovoltaic device is painted with a liquid resin containing the granules.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method of manufacturing a lyophilized suppository composition wherein said suppository is made in situ in an applicator cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition for, and a method of, delivering an active agent at a controlled rate. The composition of the invention is a hollow ceramic or inorganic microtubule, where the active agent is contained within the lumen of the microtubules. Typically, the agent is adsorbed onto an inner surface of the microtubule. The method of the invention is disposing this novel composition in a use environment. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a microtubule is a tubule having an inner diameter of less than 0.2 .mu.m, and microtubules are tubules having an average inner diameter less than 0.2 .mu.m. In a preferred embodiment, the hollow ceramic or inorganic microtubule is a mineral microtubule, such as halloysite, cylindrite, boulangerite, or imogolite. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the mineral microtubule has a biodegradable polymeric carrier disposed in its lumen. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner diameter of the microtubules varies from about 0.20 .

Abstract: The disclosure describes a process for producing Co-coated acicular magnetite particles each comprising:acicular magnetite particle as the core particle;a lower coating layer of Co-containing spinel ferrite having a spinel structure, which is formed on the surface of said acicular magnetite particle; andan upper coating layer of Co- and Mg-containing spinel ferrite having a spinel structure, which is formed on said lower coating layer.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing coated particles, and in particular, particles in which the coating is uniform, contiguous and of minimal thickness is described, together with an apparatus for conducting the coating process in which a plurality of coating cells connected in series are provided wherein the particles are pneumatically conveys during the coating application and in which controlled recirculation of particles occurs within each cell and a controlled spray is applied to the particles in order to produce a substantially uniform distribution of coating.

Abstract: Magnetically responsive microparticles and a method for their production are described. Oppositely charged core particles and magnetite are heterocoagulated, redispersed and optionally coated. The microparticles are colloidally stable and have negligible retentivity.Having now fully described the invention, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of microencapsulated flakes or powders by drying aqueous mixtures containing (a) one or more water-emulsifiable, non-thermoplastic compounds which have a higher boiling point than water and (b) at least one water-soluble, film-forming polymer, in which the content of component (a) is up to about 95% by weight, based on the dry weight of components (a) and (b), with the proviso that the water-soluble, film-forming polymer has a flocculation point of from 20.degree. to 98.degree. C. or the flocculation point is adjusted to from 20.degree. to 98.degree. C. with the aid of additives, and drying is carried out by thin-layer drying in a temperature range above the flocculation point.

Abstract: A method for coating pharmaceutical tablets is disclosed in which polymeric coating ingredients are combined with saccharides in a melt spinning operation to form composite particulates. The particulates are then dispersed in water to form an aqueous polymer coating solution, followed by application to pharmaceutical tablets by such methods as spray coating. The particulates dissolve extremely rapidly in water to form a dispersion of the polymer coating ingredients. Such rapid dissolution allows for increased processing rates and avoids disadvantages of the prior art such as the requirement of high shear rate mixing for long times.

Abstract: An aqueous colloidal dispersion for diagnostic or immunodiagnostic tests, comprising non-polymer nuclei surrounded by a hydrophilic copolymer that contains functional groups, a method for the detection of a specifically binding substance or immunochemically active component in a test fluid, and test kit containing the aqueous colloidal dispersion.

Abstract: Methods for making a conformable cube corner retroreflective sheeting having a plurality of discrete cube corner segments that are conformably bonded together. Each cube corner segment includes at least one cube corner retroreflective element.

Abstract: Prolamine fractions of grain proteins, applied as a single coating in weight ratios of 5 to 100% relative to the active substance being coated, result in the production of a liquid suspension which effectively masks the taste of orally administered drugs which often are extremely bitter. The taste masking is stable over prolonged periods of storage time of the suspension. The prolamine coating does not restrict the immediate bioavailability of the active substance. Prolamine coating is effective in masking the taste of antibiotics, vitamins, dietary fiber, analgesics, enzymes and hormones. Zein, gliadin or a mixture thereof, particularly in combination with between 2.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for coating a substrate with a fluid, having a nozzle system which is provided with at least one two-substance nozzle for the intermittent discharge of the fluid and the discharge of a gas. The two-substance nozzle, in order to attain, respectively obtain, a rotating gas flow, has an inside nozzle and a ring chamber which coaxially encompasses the inside nozzle, with at least one gas inlet nozzle which runs into the lateral surface of this ring chamber and the longitudinal axis of the gas inlet nozzles not intersecting the longitudinal axis of the inside nozzle, and that the ring chamber has an outlet opening which encompasses the outlet opening of the inside nozzle, with a device being provided with which the lubricant can be intermittently supplied to the inside nozzle and another device being provided with which the gas can be continuously supplied to the gas inlet nozzle.

Abstract: Recognizing substances, including epidermal growth factor, gelatin, collagen and hyaluronic acid, have been covalently bound to liposomal surfaces and utilized to attach liposomes onto a cellular or an extracellular matrix (ECM) target site. These "bioadhesive" liposomes offer several advantages including the mutual protection of both the drug and biological environment; an increase in drug bioavailability and retention at the target site; and improved adherence or adhesion to the designated target site.

Abstract: A method of making solid oral dosage form for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical suitable for the treatment of gastric disorders selected from the group consisting of cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, diphenoxylate, loperamide, loperamide-N-oxide, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and combinations thereof; and a therapeutically effective amount of simethicone wherein the pharmaceutical and simethicone are separated by a barrier. The barrier is formed by coating with a polymer impermeable to simethicone.

Abstract: Stable suspensions of coated magnetic particles, preferably resuspendable bioactive particles particularly useful in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, are produced by disrupting, what are presumed to be, crystalline agglomerates of a parent particulate magnetic starting material in the presence of a coating material, such that coating can take place during the disruption. The particles are generally coated in suspension yielding a stable suspension of subdivided particles. With the proper selection of a coating material, preferably a protein or other biochemically or biologically active polymer such as an antibody, a resuspendable (colloidal) bioactive product is obtained.

Abstract: Purple colors based on colloidal gold on stovable substrates and the use thereof for the production of purple decoration on glass, ceramics and porcelain are known. The production of such purple colors is elaborate.Agents according to the invention should be viewed as pigment precursors, wherein the pigment is formed during firing of the decoration. The agents contain a gold compound, with the exception of gold oxide, which may be decomposed to colloidal gold on firing of the decoration and a finely divided glass flux in a weight ratio of gold to glass flux of between 1:10 and 1:2,000. Preferred agents contain HAuCl.sub.4, Au.sub.2 S.sub.3, AuCN or KAu(CN).sub.2 as the gold compound and a lead-free glass frit as the glass flux.The agents may be obtained by grinding the glass flux with a gold compound.Purple decoration is obtained by applying the agent to the substrate to be decorated and storing at 400.degree. to 1,050.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of producing easily densified high bulk fibers that have adhered particulates. The high bulk fibers have hydrogen bonding or coordinate covalent bonding functionalities, and a binder is applied to the fibers to bind the particles to the fibers. The binder has a functional group that forms a hydrogen bond or a coordinate covalent bond with the particles, and a functional group that forms a hydrogen bond with the fibers. A substantial portion of the particles that are adhered to the fibers are adhered in particulate form by hydrogen bonds or coordinate covalent bonds to the binder, and the binder is in turn adhered to the fibers by hydrogen bonds. Fibers containing particles bound by this method are easily densified.

Abstract: Magnetite particles suitable for injection into the blood stream of patients having enhanced resistance against agglomeration and uptake by the RES of the liver and spleen. The particles essentially consist of an iron oxide core and a phosphoric acid mono alkyl or alkenyl ester or glycerophospholipid/surfactant three dimensional shell surrounding the core. The core and the monoester or a micellar glycerophospholipid form an urchin-like structure which is further interlaced or intertwined with a non-ionic surfactant to produce a protective three dimensional shell which renders particles almost undetectable by the macrophages. Particles prepared according to the invention are kept in the blood circulation for long periods and represent excellent long lasting blood pool agents. Key components in the shell are (a) a polybasic mineral-organic species such as glycero phosphatidic acid in micellar form and (b) a block copolymer having successive hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mechanisms for preventing undesirable oxidation (i.e., oxidation protection mechanisms) of reinforcement materials in composite bodies. The oxidation protection mechanisms include getterer materials which are added to the composite body which gather or scavenge undesirable oxidants which may enter the composite body. The getterer materials may be placed into at least a portion of the composite body such that any undesirable oxidant approaching, for example, a fiber reinforcement, would be scavenged by (e.g., reacted with) the getterer. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the getterer material(s) form at least one compound (e.g., at least one glassy material) which acts as a crack sealant, thereby further enhancing the oxidation protection of the composite body. One or more ceramic filler materials which serve as reinforcements may have a plurality of superimposed coatings thereon, at least one of which coatings may function as a getterer.

Abstract: A soil top dressing is comprised of a mixture of sand, clay, a plasticizer material, water, and a coloring pigment, if desired. The components of the soil composition are preferably present in the following proportions by weight: sand 50-70%; clay 10-40%; plasticizer 0.5-5.0%; water 5-20%; coloring pigment 1-5%; all coated with kelp meal granules (5-20%). The method of making the invention involves continuously mixing a portion of the sand and the plasticizer in an agitation mixer. The sand becomes coated with the plasticizer, whereupon a quantity of clay is then added, followed by an additional portion of the plasticizing material. It is particularly important that the sand particles become coated with the plasticizing compound and clay. The coloring pigments are added and mixed thereafter. The foregoing particles are thereupon coated with particles of kelp meal. As soon as complete mixing takes place, material can be immediately transferred from the mixer to suitable packaging.

Abstract: Stabilized microspherical particles having hydrophobic liquid cores prepared as oil-in-water microemulsions. The particles are stabilized by a surface layer comprising an amphiphilic compound and may be functionalized to allow covalent coupling of a ligand to the surface of the particle. When used as tracers in assays, a water insoluble dye may be incorporated in the core liquid of the microparticles.

Abstract: Water soluble macromers are modified by addition of free radical polymerizable groups, such as those containing a carbon-carbon double or triple bond, which can be polymerized under mild conditions to encapsulate tissues, cells, or biologically active materials. The polymeric materials are particularly useful as tissue adhesives, coatings for tissue lumens including blood vessels, coatings for cells such as islets of Langerhans, coatings, plugs, supports or substrates for contact with biological materials such as the body, and as drug delivery devices for biologically active molecules.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a flat administration form with a dosable portion of drugs or of a flat-shaped device for the dosable release of volatile substances, such as aromatic substances, to the ambient air by using high-volatile or thermolabile dosing media in liquid or semisolid state as the ingredients of the administration form or of the device by means of printing processes. A free-flowing preparation of the ingredients is knife-coated in a measured amount into at least one volumetrically defined cavity of a flat printing block. A substrate to be charged with the ingredients or dosing media, respectively, is gradually led as web-shaped material under web tension over the cavity of the printing block and pressed into the filled cavity by means of a mechanical pressure device whereby the substrate takes up the ingredient from the printing block in a dosed amount.

Abstract: A polymeric coating material is provided for coating powdered materials, and more particularly, for coating powdered metals which are compression molded to form magnetic cores. The preferred polymeric materials are polybenzimidazole, an aromatic polyamide such as polyphthalamide, and appropriate polyimides which, when properly applied to metal particles to form a magnetic core, are characterized as having a sufficiently high heat deflection temperature of at least about 270.degree. C., so as to prevent the degradation of the mechanical and magnetic properties of the magnetic core at exposure at elevated temperatures. Each of these preferred coating materials is characterized by excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance and dielectric characteristics within this temperature range.

Abstract: The invention provides phospholipid coated particles capable of specifically binding antiphospholipid antibodies and a method for preparing such particles. Methods are also provided for determining antiphospholipid antibodies in a serum or plasma. Also provided are methods for isolating antiphospholipid antibodies from a fluid and for raising specific antiphospholipid antibodies.

Abstract: Preparation of an encapsulated slow-release particulate fertilizer. A particulate fertilizer starting material is pretreated for increasing its capacity of holding powderous material by adhesion. The resulting first intermediary product is coated with a powderous waterproofing material which fuses below the phase transition temperature of the fertilizer. A second intermediary product obtained in this way is heated to a temperature below the phase transition temperature to fuse the waterproofing material.