Abstract: A two-ply bandage for treatment of skin while providing orthopedic support having a first layer of gel for contacting the skin and a second layer of an elastic and supportive loop portion of a hook and loop fastener. The product is economically manufactured in the form of long rolls or as a sheet and is easily cut to any desired shape.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive methods also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the production of linear and branched procyanidin oligomers having “n” procyanidin monomeric units where n is 2 to 18. The processes include coupling protected, activated monomers with an unprotected monomer to produce a partially protected (4?8) dimer. The dimer is optionally blocked, coupled with an activated protected monomer to produce a partially protected, optionally blocked trimer, and deprotected. The steps can be repeated to produce higher oligomers. Processes are also provided for producing (8?8), (8?6), and (6?6) dimers and doubly branched oligomers. Crystalline 8-bromo tetra-O-benzyl (?)-epicatechin is produced under certain conditions.

Abstract: Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind senescent cell derived inhibitor protein (SDI-1), cell lines that produce such monoclonal antibodies, and the use of such antibodies are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cocoa extracts such as polyphenols or procyanidins, methods for preparing such extracts, as well as uses for them, especially as antineoplastic agents and antioxidants. Disclosed and claimed are antineoplastic compositions containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins and methods for treating patients employing the compositions. Additionally disclosed and claimed is a kit for treating a patient in need of treatment with an antineoplastic agent containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins as well as a lyophilized antineoplastic composition containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins. Further, disclosed and claimed is the use of the invention in antioxidant, preservative and topiosomerase-inhibiting compositions and methods.

Abstract: Cocoa oils containing phytosterols and tocols are prepared by extracting the cocoa hulls from dried unfermented or fermented cocoa beans, micronized cocoa beans, or roasted beans with a solvent such as petroleum ether and then removing the solvent. The cocoa oils are useful in foods, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive method also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.

Abstract: Oligomeric procyanidins containing 4&agr;-linked epicatechin units are rare in nature and have hitherto not been accessible through stereoselective synthesis. Provided herein is the preparation of the prototypical dimer, epicatechin-4&agr;,8-epicatechin, by reaction of the protected 4-ketones with aryllithium reagents derived by halogen/metal exchange from the aryl bromides. Removal of the 4-hydroxyl group from the resulting tertiary benzylic alcohols is effected by tri-n-butyltin hydride and trifluoroacetic acid in a completely stereoselective manner, resulting in hydride delivery exclusively from the &bgr; face.

Abstract: A device for increasing the incident energy of an ion for coating a disc in an ion beam deposition process. The ion beam deposition process is performed in a chamber with the disc to be coated disposed therein. An ion source, having a voltage level, is introduced into the chamber for generating an ion beam for depositing ions on the disc. A bias contact is coupled to the disc and a power supply is coupled to the bias contact. The power supply applies a voltage level to the bias contact that is less than the voltage level of the ion source thereby creating a negative bias voltage between the disc and the ion source. This negative bias voltage causes the incident energy of the ion to increase. As a result, the optimal incident energy can be achieved using a lower original energy.

Abstract: A high velocity oxygen fuel thermal spray powder comprising a superalloy having the formula MCrAlY—X, wherein M is at least one metal taken from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, and iron; X is at least one reactive element taken from the group consisting of hafnium, rhenium, lanthanum, and tantalum; and yttrium is present in levels greater than 1% by weight of the total composition and up to about 6% by weight of the total composition. In addition, the powder may be blended with an agglomeration of M′CrAlY and a ceramic, wherein M′ is at least one metal taken from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, and iron. The invention offers improved high temperature oxidation, corrosion and creep resistance.

Abstract: A method for providing telecommunications services in a telecommunications network. A telecommunications service provider monitors data relating to communications initiation criteria for at least two communicants in the telecommunications network and initiates communications between the at least two communicants if, by processing the data, it is determined that the criteria have been met.