Abstract: Described herein is a continuous process for modifying the properties of polyester and polyester based fibers, such as a poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) fiber, comprising subjecting the PBT fiber to alkaline hydrolysis, and optionally further comprising functionalizing the PBT fiber by solution grafting such as fluorination. The alkaline hydrolysis and optionally subsequent functionalization such as fluorination process can be continuous, following the melt blowing/spinning or spun-bonding process. Also described is a nonwoven PBT fiber mat obtained by the surface modification process. Further described is a filtration device comprising the nonwoven PBT fiber mat.

Abstract: An ankle-foot prosthesis includes a foot plate, an ankle frame attached to the foot plate, a yoke pivotally connected to the ankle frame and including a member for attaching to a leg, a damper having a first end connected to the yoke and a second end connected to the ankle frame, and a control mechanism for switching the damper between low and high settings.

Abstract: Thermochemical ablation techniques may provide ablation of bodily tissue using chemical reaction energy.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods and materials to decellularize an organ or portion thereof and to recellularize such a decellularized organ or portion thereof to thereby generate an organ or portion thereof.

Abstract: Positive contrast localization of magnetic (e.g. superparamagnetic) particles in vivo or in vitro by means of SWIFT-MRI using the imaginary component of MR image data in combination with an anatomic reference image derived from the real or magnitude component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to endodermal progenitor cells and methods of isolation, culture, differentiation and use thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen from ethanol or other alcohols. The alcohol, optionally in combination with water, is contacted with a catalyst comprising rhodium. The overall process is preferably carried out under autothermal conditions.

Abstract: Included in the present invention are methods of inhibiting sperm capacitation, inhibiting the phosphorylation of a protein at tyrosine residues, inhibiting an acrosomal reaction, and inhibiting fertilization of an egg by sperm with the administration of a CRISP polypeptide.

Abstract: A method for the synthesis of bis-tetrahydrofranyl Annonaceous acetogenins, including the natural products and analogs thereof, is provided which proceeds by the Pd-mediated coupling of a bis-tetrahydrofuranyl-subunit comprising a terminal alkyne, with a (C4)-hydroxybutenolide subunit comprising a terminal vinyl iodide, followed by selective reduction of the resulting enyne.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing heart rejection is disclosed. Heart rejection is diagnosed based on the pattern of interbeat intervals. The interbeat intervals of the heart are measured shortly after transplant to establish a baseline pattern. The patterns of interbeat intervals from subsequent measurements are compared to the baseline to detect changes from the baseline indicating rejection. The apparatus of the invention measures the interbeat intervals using a Schmidt trigger that detects the upstroke of the QRS and produces a corresponding pulse. The intervals between pulses are timed to produce a series of interbeat interval measurements that are stored and analyzed. Software provides for automated pattern analysis.

Abstract: A composition which can bind heparin and promote cellular adhesion is provided which consists essentially of a polypeptide of the formula:met-phe-lys-lys-pro-thr-pro-ser-thr-leu-lys-ala-gly-glu-leu-arg,thr-ala-gly-ser-cys-leu-arg-lys-phe-ser-thr-met,asn-pro-leu-cys-pro-pro-gly-thr-lys-ile-leu,or mixtures thereof.Medical devices such as prosthetic implants, percutaneous devices, bandages and cell culture substrates coated with the polypeptide composition are also provided.