Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives, in particular multiple, e.g. double cross-linked hyaluronic acid derivatives. The invention also provides novel cross-linked HA derivatives, products containing them and their uses in medical and pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: A process, comprising: a) reacting a an alkoxysilane, an (epoxy)alkoxysilane, and a fluorinated alkoxysilane to form a fluorinated sol-gel polymer; and b) reacting a nonlinear optical chromophore comprising a donor, a ?-bridge, an acceptor, and at least one alkoxysilyl group with the fluorinated sol-gel polymer to form a nonlinear optical fluorinated sol-gel polymer.

Abstract: Methods for screening for altered focal proliferation states in non-pregnant patients, which include detecting levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) are described. Methods for identifying agents that alter the protease activity of PAPP-A, and pharmaceutical compositions and medical devices that include such agents are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides hemostatic compositions useful to promote hemostasis at active bleeding wound sites. The hemostatic compositions typically include an article containing cellulose, e.g., cotton gauze, and a polysaccharide covalently linked to the cellulose, or a polysaccharide ionically cross-linked and in association with the article. Methods of making and using the hemostatic compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that generates a data source representation using at least one data source. The system includes a set of services that synchronize the data source representation with the data source, or sources, from which the data source representation is generated. The system also includes a set of services that operate on a data source representation to access and manage information stored in a data source, or sources, from which the data source representation is generated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel treatment for senile dementia (Alzheimer's Type), comprising administering an anti-complement protein to a patient in need of such treatment in an amount sufficient to inhibit the complement cascade and thereby inhibit the production or enlargement of amyloid plaques in the brain of the patient. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising anti-complement protein, or derivatives thereof, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in a variety of unique pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to detect mecA-containing Staphylococcus spp. in biological samples using real-time PCR. Primers and probes for the detection of S. aureus are provided by the invention. Articles of manufacture containing such primers and probes for detecting mecA-containing Staphylococcus spp. are further provided by the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to detect vancomycin-resistant enterococci in biological samples using real-time PCR. Primers and probes for the detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci are provided by the invention. Articles of manufacture containing such primers and probes for detecting vancomycin-resistant enterococci are further provided by the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to regulatory sequences of the mouse villin gene that efficiently drive transgenic expression in immature and differentiated epithelial cells of the intestine and uro-genital tracts. The invention also relates to recombinant constructs comprising said regulatory sequences, for the control of the targeted expression of determined nucleic acid sequences so-called (heterologous sequences or also transgenes), in cells or tissues originating from the intestinal mucosa. A further object of the invention is to provide cells, tissues or organisms including animals, expressing said determined nucleic acid sequences in a targeted manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contrast agents for diagnostic imaging with prolonged blood retention. In particular, this invention relates to novel compounds that are characterized by an image enhancing moiety (IEM); a protein plasma binding moiety (PPBM); and a blood half-life extending moiety (BHEM). This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to methods of using the compounds and compositions for blood half-life extension and contrast enhancement of diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for identifying nucleotide fragments that contain an open reading frame are provided. Compositions comprise a nucleotide sequence that encodes, in each of the three possible reading frames, an ATG start codon and a histidine tag, and vectors comprising such a nucleotide sequence. The vectors may be provided with cloning sites for insertion of nucleotide sequences of interest 5? or 3? to the 3-frame His-tag DNA sequence. Vectors also are provided with cloning sites for inserting nucleotide sequences of interest 3? of the ATG start codon and 5? of the 3-frame His-tag DNA sequence.

Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.

Abstract: Isolated sulfotransferase nucleic acid molecules that include a nucleotide sequence variant and nucleotides flanking the sequence variant are described, as well as sulfotransferase allozymes. Methods for determining if a mammal is predisposed to a heart condition or cancer also are described.

Abstract: A molecule capable of potentiating immune responses is described, as well as methods for using the molecule to enhance immune responses and enhance dendritic cell function. Also described are compositions containing the molecule and methods for using the compositions to treat or immunize individuals.

Abstract: Molding techniques and apparatus wherein at least one adjustable edge component can be used to alter the dimensions of the mold cavity between molding operations. Also disclosed are techniques for incorporating reinforcing composite elements into molded plastic parts. Most preferably, a rotomolding technique is used to fabricate a substantially homogenous composite panel for use as a partition or bulkhead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of natural or purified lipids or fats extracted from the fruit of a palm tree of the genus Astrocaryum, for increasing dermic and/or capillary hydration. The palm fats of the present invention may be used in hygiene products, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. The invention also includes compositions containing the palm fats obtained according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for reducing the recurrence of a resectable malignant tumor includes administering an immunostimulatory dosage of an ?-interferon composition, then surgically resecting the malignant tumor. A method for treating a human patient having a non-resectable malignant tumor includes administering an immunostimulatory dosage of an ?-interferon composition to the patient and treating the patient with effective non-surgical medical methodologies to diminish the tumor. An article of manufacture combines an ?-interferon composition within a packaging material and a package label or insert indicating that administration of an immunostimulatory dosage of an ?-interferon composition followed by surgical resection of a malignant tumor can be effective for treating a human patient having the malignant tumor.

Abstract: A process comprising: a) reacting a diphenol monomer A with a monomer B having two locations for reaction with A to form arylene ether monomer C and b) reacting arylene ether monomer C with a diphenol monomer D to form a polymer, where monomer A is HX1—Q1—X1H;??(II) monomer B is arylene ether monomer C is and monomer D is wherein: Q1 comprises at least one aryl or heteroaryl group; Q2 comprises at least one aryl or heteroaryl group; X1 is O bonded directly to an aryl carbon of Q1; X2 is O bonded directly to an aryl carbon of Q2; Z is a linker comprising at least one —C(R2)2)— group; Y is a single bond or linker group (e.g., comprising up to about 50 carbons); R1 is independently at each occurrence H, a halogen, an alkyl group, a heteroalkyl group, an aryl group, or a heteroaryl group; R2 is independently at each occurrence H, an alkyl group, or a heteroalkyl group; and R3 is H or a crosslinkable group.

Abstract: Nucleic acids are disclosed that encode fatty acid ?-keto acyl synthases from plants. Such synthases are effective for producing very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA), e.g., C22 to C26, preferentially saturated but also monounsaturated. Also disclosed are polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acids. Transgenic plants expressing these polypeptides exhibit altered levels of VLCFA in one or more tissues, such as seeds of leaves.