Abstract: Methods are providing for characterizing multiple sclerosis disease activity in a subject. In the subject methods, a sample is obtained from a subject suspected of having or known to have multiple sclerosis. The sample is then assayed for the presence of both high and low molecular proteins having RNAse L activity and a ratio of these two proteins is derived. The resultant ratio is then used to characterize the MS disease activity in the subject, e.g. to confirm an initial MS diagnosis, to determine the stage of the disease, to monitor disease progression, to predict disease attacks, and the like. Also provided by the subject invention are kits for practicing the methods.

Abstract: Two component, storage stable apatitic cement compositions, as well as methods for their production, are provided. The dry component of subject apatitic cements comprises basic calcium source particles at least partially coated with a partially neutralized acidic calcium phosphate. The dry component of subject compositions is prepared by combining basic calcium source particles with dissolved acidic phosphate in at least a partially aqueous medium, whereby the basic calcium source particles become partially coated with a partially neutralized acidic calcium phosphate. The reaction is terminated prior to completion of the reaction between the acidic phosphate and the basic calcium source by removing the available water from the reaction mixture. In a first mode, the subject cement may be produced by mechanically mixing an acidic phosphate source with basic calcium source particles in the presence of an aqueous solvent and stopping the reaction between the acid and base prior to completion.

Abstract: Sulfated disaccharides characterized by the ability to inhibit the binding of selectin to its physiologically-relevant ligand are disclosed. Included are efficient and inexpensive methods for producing the sulfated disaccharides, and methods for their therapeutic use and in in vivo and in vitro assays.

Abstract: Heteromultimeric fluorophores are provided for binding to DNA, which allow for the detection of DNA in electrical separations and preparation of probes having high-fluorescent efficiencies and large Stokes shifts. In addition, by appropriate choice of fluorescent molecules, one can use a single narrow wavelength band excitation light source, while obtaining fluorescent emissions having sufficient separation to be readily discriminated.

Abstract: A pressure control valve unit for a hydraulic brake device is provided which is highly effective in reducing noise, vibration, and harshness.The pressure control valve unit comprises a normally-open inlet valve and a switching valve sequentially located in the main brake line in a housing cavity between the master cylinder and the wheel cylinder(s). During brake pressure control, the difference in pressure acting on the master cylinder side and that on the wheel cylinder side causes the switching valve to switch to a constricted channel, thereby noticeably reducing the amount of noise, vibration, and harshness.