Abstract: An alloy for use in jewelry applications is provided that has a composition comprising about 45 to about 55 platinum by weight and about 55 to about 45 percent palladium by weight. The alloy possesses favorable characteristics as compared to pure platinum and pure palladium. Due to these characteristics, the alloy is attractive for use in jewelry applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode LIM mineralization protein, or LMP. The invention further provides vectors comprising splice variants of nucleotide sequences that encode LMP, as well as host cells comprising those vectors. Moreover, the present invention relates to methods of inducing bone formation by transfecting osteogenic precursor cells with an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding splice variants of LIM mineralization protein. The transfection may occur ex vivo or in vivo by direct injection of virus or naked plasmid DNA. In a particular embodiment, the invention provides a method of fusing a spine by transfecting osteogenic precursor cells with an isolated nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding LIM mineralization protein, admixing the transfected osteogenic precursor cells with a matrix and contacting the matrix with the spine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the methods and compositions for the treatment of subjects having compromised bone conditions. Specifically, the invention relates to combinatorial therapeutic strategies including small molecules and peptide mimics of LIM mineralization proteins, particularly LMP-1, to overcome the dose-related translational barriers for BMP-2 therapeutics.

Abstract: An information ring for use with a catheter is disclosed. The information ring includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body has a first body face extending between the first end and the second end, and a second, generally convex face extending between the first end and the second end. The body has an opening extending therethrough between the first body face and the second face. A first indicia portion is located at the first end. The first indicia portion has a first indicia face sized to allow indicia to be printed on the first indicia face.

Abstract: A method of producing chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is described which employs Urea as a reducing agent to reduce alkaline chlorate (NaClO3 or KClO3) in a mineral acid medium. The method of the invention can, for example, by means of a very high transfer rate, be used to reduce over 90% of the reactant, alkaline chlorate, to the product, chlorine dioxide. Furthermore, ClO2 product purity is accomplished, for example, over 95%. The mother solution of the reaction can then be processed, for example, to produce other useful inorganic salts, including potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, and the like, and/or compound fertilizer resulting in useful chemical products rather than toxic waste. Accordingly, the method of the invention provides for efficient, cost effective, and safe production of ClO2 as well as inorganic salts and/or compound fertilizer.