Abstract: Optical detection techniques for the assessment of the physiological state, health and/or viability of biological materials are provided. Biological materials which may be examined using such techniques include cells, tissues, organs and subcellular components. The inventive techniques may be employed in high throughput screening of potential diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A method of applying a layer-form active ingredient depot with delayed release of active ingredients to plants or plant parts, having at least one pressure-sensitively adhering matrix layer (A) which comprises active ingredient and is in two-dimensional contact with the plant surface, and one back layer (B) which is essentially free from and impermeable to active ingredient and is on the side remote from the plant is characterized in that the layer (A) is produced by painting in the desired two-dimensional pattern at the site of application on the plant from a spreadable, pressure-sensitively adhering, polymer-based composition which comprises active ingredient and then on the said layer (A) the layer (B) is produced by painting or spraying.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preserving living biological materials by lyophilization that enable cells and tissues to be stored for extended periods of time with minimal loss of biological activity. In one embodiment, the inventive methods comprise contacting a biological material with a preservative solution comprising trimethyl amine oxide, sodium citrate and sodium chloride, reducing the temperature of the biological material to less than 0.degree. C., and drying the biological material to provide a freeze-dried material. The preservative solutions employed in the inventive methods are preferably isotonic with the material to be preserved and substantially free of iodide, dihydrogen phosphate, bicarbonate, nitrate and bisulfate.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of transdermal therapeutic patches, wherein a laminate of an auxiliary layer (3) siliconized at least on one side, an active substance-containing, pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (4), and a supporting layer (9) is prepared as a strip-shaped web (1) first, and the active substance-containing sections (4') obtained by punching said layers (3) and (4) across the web direction are intermittently transferred onto a second web (2), the punching procedure taking place in the rest phase between the cycles and the transfer procedure onto the second web (2) being carried out preferably at equal distances by means of a transfer device (11, 12), is characterized by the fact that the supporting layer (9) is stripped from the active substance-containing sections (4') during the transfer first, and that then the sections (3') of the auxiliary layer are removed with the aid of a process layer (5) which has been rendered pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preserving living biological materials by lyophilization that enable cells and tissues to be stored for extended periods of time with minimal loss of biological activity. In one embodiment, the inventive methods comprise contacting a biological material with a preservative solution comprising either betaine or trimethyl amine oxide, together with sodium citrate and sodium chloride, reducing the temperature of the biological material to less than 0.degree. C., and drying the biological material to provide a freeze-dried material. The preservative solutions employed in the inventive methods are preferably isotonic with the material to be preserved and substantially free of iodide, dihydrogen phosphate, bicarbonate, nitrate and bisulfate.

Abstract: The present invention provides solutions and methods for preserving living biological materials that enable organs, tissues and cells to be stored for extended periods of time with minimal loss of biological activity. The inventive solutions are substantially isotonic with the biological material to be preserved and are substantially free of dihydrogen phosphate, bicarbonate, nitrate, bisulfate and iodide. In one embodiment preferred for the preservation of platelets, the solutions comprise betaine, sodium chloride and sodium citrate. For the preservation of many living biological materials, the inventive solutions preferably contain a calcium salt selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate and calcium chloride.

Abstract: An electrically powered hoisting system is operated by seating a line attached to the load to be hoisted in a groove formed between two sheave components and activating the electrical drive motor to rotate the sheave assembly. Voltage for the electrical drive motor is provided by an on-board 12 volt battery and voltage to the drive motor is controlled by means of a switch device. The groove formed by the sheave components has a resilient gripping surface that provides a firm line gripping action and hands-free and self-tailing operation. A davit, davit mounting brackets, and a flexible mounting assembly for mounting the powerhead assembly to a support are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lens assembly is provided that modifies the visual correction provided by a pair of base eyeglasses, in some fashion, when it is quickly, conveniently and detachably mounted to the base eyeglasses. The lens assembly uses a clip-on, magnetic or other detachable mounting arrangement. The lens assembly may incorporate corrective lenses provided in various placements for applications such as specialized occupational applications.

Abstract: The present invention comprises homeopathic dilutions of growth factors and methods for their use. Disorders which may be effectively treated with the compositions of the present invention include chronic viral disorders, such as HIV, AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome and Epstein-Barr viral infections, cancer, diabetes and depression. Homeopathic dilutions of growth factors are preferably administered orally. In an alternative embodiment, patients are treated with radio frequency signals corresponding to homeopathic dilutions of growth factors.

Abstract: A high performance yo-yo incorporates an axle ball bearing comprising non-metallic inner and outer races mounted on the central axle. A full complement axle bearing including non-metallic inner and outer races with matching grooves for retaining a plurality of balls between the bearing races is disclosed. Applicants have found, unexpectedly, that this type of bearing has highly desirable low friction characteristics that provide a long spin time, yet permit retrieval of the yo-yo upon command by a simple flick of the wrist. The central axle mounted in one of the yo-yo components is removably engageable in a sleeve mounted in the other yo-yo component to provide a yo-yo that is easily and conveniently assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic portion of a M. vaccae soluble protein and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, together with methods for their use in the diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infection. Methods for enhancing the immune response to an antigen including administration of M. vaccae culture filtrate or delipidated M. vaccae cells are also provided.

Abstract: A microwave electronics package has a microwave waveguide window assembly hermetically sealed to the electronics package using an intermediate bimetallic bushing. The metallic components of the bimetallic bushing have thermal properties similar to the thermal properties of the housing and waveguide window frame, respectively, permitting the use of fusion welding techniques such as laser welding to hermetically seal the waveguide assembly in the housing and to preserve the integrity of the waveguide window during fusion welding and during thermal cycling of the electronics package. A microwave grounding element is also provided in the assembled electronics package to provide a continuous microwave ground path.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic portion of a M. vaccae protein and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, together with methods for their use in the diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infection. Methods for enhancing the immune response to an antigen including administration of M. vaccae culture filtrate or delipidated M. vaccae cells are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions derived from Gymnema sylvestre leaf materials are disclosed. Methods for isolating such compositions are also disclosed. The compositions may be administered orally, intravenously, subcutaneously or transdermally and are useful for treating patients having diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, and various conditions associated with or symptoms of diabetes. Additionally, the compositions reduce polydipsia, polyuria and polyphagia, regenerate the pancreatic islets of Langerhans, including beta cells, increase endogenous insulin, lipase and amylase levels, increase production of proinsulin and c-peptide, and lower blood lipids and triglycerides and free fatty acids.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for screening drug candidate compounds for anti-epileptic activity, a method for screening drug candidate compounds for activity to prevent or treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, and a method for determining cell viability and health of living cells inside polymeric tissue implants.

Abstract: An improved footwear closure system and composite liner are provided. The composite liner includes a first component that conforms closely to the upper in the area of the heel, toe and side portions of the upper, and a second, stretchable component that extends across and underneath the area between the split of the upper. The second, stretchable component may form an enlarged fold aligned generally with the centerline of the split of the upper. Both components of the composite liner are preferably constructed from a water-repellant or water-proof, breathable material. The composite liner cooperates with an improved closure system having two complementary strips mounted between the split of the upper and underlying the fasteners. When the closure system is drawn tight, any excess portion of stretchable component is collected between and outside the complementary strips, leaving a smooth surface on the inside of the upper in the area of the split and adjacent the instep.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of skin disorders, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, alopecia areata and skin cancers are provided, such methods comprising administering multiple doses of a composition having antigenic and/or adjuvant properties. Compositions which may be usefully employed in the inventive methods include inactivated M. vaccae cells, delipidated and deglycolipidated M. vaccae cells, M. vaccae culture filtrate and compounds present in or derived therefrom, together with combinations of such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides solutions and methods for preserving living biological materials that enable organs, tissues and cells to be stored for extended periods of time with minimal loss of biological activity. The inventive solutions are substantially isotonic with the biological material to be preserved and are substantially free of dihydrogen phosphate, bicarbonate, nitrate bisulfate and iodide. In one embodiment, the solutions comprise a first neutral solute having a molecular weight of at least about 335 and a solubility in water of at least about 0.3 M, a second neutral solute having a molecular weight of less than about 200 and having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties, with the first neutral solute preferably being selected from the group consisting of raffinose and trehalose and the second neutral solute preferably being selected from the group consisting of trimethyl amine oxide and betaine.

Abstract: Novel isolated DNA sequences associated with the lignin biosynthetic pathway are provided, together with DNA constructs including such sequences. Methods for the modulation of lignin content in plants are also disclosed, the methods comprising incorporating one or more of the inventive DNA sequences or a sequence complementary to an inventive DNA sequence into the genome of a plant.

Abstract: Methods for treating non-insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM), or Type II Diabetes, by administering a combination of treatment agents exhibiting glucocorticoid receptor type I agonist activity and glucocorticoid receptor type II antagonist activity are disclosed. Treatment agents having both glucocorticoid receptor type I agonist activity and glucocorticoid receptor type II antagonist activity are also disclosed. Screening methods for identifying compounds having both glucocorticoid receptor type I agonist activity and glucocorticoid receptor type II antagonist activity are disclosed.