Abstract: Admisistration of sphingosine-1-phosphate to retard apoptosis in degenerative diseases as neurodegenerative disease, ischemic stroke and aging is disclosed wherein slowing of the process of programmed cell death is useful as a means to slow the degenerative process in patients suffering from these diseases.

Abstract: The invention requires a brush having a passage through which water forced under pressure is supplied to the brush area and having a passage attached to a vacuum. The water supply passage and the passage under vacuum must be so aligned that the cleaning solution is removed from the area to be cleaned along with debris without allowing the contaminated solution to collect on the surface of the skin. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, no moving parts are required for the brush. The brush may be made of any soft material that is easily cleaned. However, a brush made of soft plastic bristles such as those used for surgical scrub brushes is preferred. The invention does not require formation of a foam as a cleansing agent.

Abstract: A method of processing color photographs to render the final image such that it will portray to an individual of normal color vision the image as it actually appears to the individual with color-deficient vision is described.

Abstract: By controlling basicity of the reaction, it is possible to alkylate preferentially the secondary hydroxyls of cyclodextrins. These hydroxyls surround the principal, wide, entry into the cyclodextrin cavity and, thus, their substitution by suitably chosen substituents can improve the formation of inclusion complexes. By methods of the invention, cyclodextrin derivatives substituted with fused 1,4-dioxane ring(s) can be obtained. If a reagent with one alkylating moiety is used, a mixture of ethers of cyclodextrin is formed. Using methods of this invention, up to 96% of the substitution can be directed to the secondary hydroxyls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a dosage from containing 0.2 to 30 mg of 5-androstene 3 .beta.,17.beta. diol in a pharmaceutical carrier, and a method of preventing cells from adhering to one another by exposing the cells to an adhering-inhibiting amount of 5-androstene 3.beta.,17.beta. diol or 5-androstene 3.beta.,7.beta.,17.beta. triol.

Abstract: A transfer-pad printing composition comprising either a latex or solution coating composition comprising a coating vehicle and a monomeric or polymeric hydroxylated and/or carboxylated surface active wetting agent that is coating compatible with the pad surface such that the coating composition, provided in the shape of a pattern, is precisely imprinted on its surface and the pad can precisely transfer the design to another surface that is receptive to the coating. The process of transfer-pad printing with the composition. Also, articles made by such transfer printing.

Abstract: Masks are produced which disguise or counteract strong odors that would ordinarily make the environment unpleasant. Masks are treated with a fixate carrier and at least one odor-masking or counteracting agent in a volatile solvent. In a preferred embodiment, both the inner and outer mask surfaces are essentially a continuous, homogeneous layer.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies specific for an immunogen of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae can protect from lethal effects of infection with E. rhusiopathiae. The antibodies also are useful for evaluating the potency of vaccines against the pathogenic effects of that organism.

Abstract: Rapid temperature rises which characterize carbohydrate-nitric acid oxidation reactions used to form carbohydrate-derived acids may be moderated and temperature control readily maintained by blowing a gas such as air, oxygen, nitrogen or the like into the reaction mixture as needed to control the temperature of the reaction. The more moderate reaction conditions afford higher yield of the desired product with a concomitant reduction of byproducts which may be difficult to remove and usually are unwanted as well. Upon completion the oxidation mixture is made basic (e.g. with an alkali metal base hydroxide or carbonate, ammonia or an amine) to a pH at which the the carboxyl group or groups of the product carbohydrate-derived acid are entirely in the salt form. The aqueous solution is then passed through an ion retardation resin column to recover the carbohydrate-derived salt, using water as the eluent.

Abstract: The addition of DMSO to herbicidal compositions makes it possible to decrease the amount of active herbicidal agent required for desired activity without loss of effectiveness against target plants. The most preferred compositions for application to the plates contain 1-2.5% DMSO. However, in some instances, it may be advisable to use as much as 3% DMSO. The addition of the DMSO also results in increased stability to the composition.

Abstract: Androsta-5,7-diene-3.beta.,17.beta.-diol, its esters and ethers and related compounds wherein ring opening of the steroid ring system between carbons 9 and 10 has occurred are active as regulators of immune response and cell proliferation and differentiation.

Abstract: This invention is a protective cover for a keyboard or other control panel with attachment means, using different options as preferred for specific equipment. The cover can be separately obtained and secured to the housing or chassis of various equipment. The purpose of the cover is to allow owners of equipment with control panels and keyboards, including touch pads, to separately purchase a protective cover that can be secured to the equipment. The cover is for protection against inadvertent key or button depression, settling of dust, spattering of liquid, and other adverse effects.The invention consists of (1) a lid, also referred to as a plate in this disclosure, and (2) a frame that is attachable to the housing of keyboards by adhesive regions on the bottom of the frame or other means as described in this patent. Adhesive regions can consist of peel-off adhesive, suction cups, stick-on VELCRO regions, snaps, and the like. Other means include spring-loaded clamps that fit snugly onto the chassis.

Abstract: This invention is a delivery system to deliver biologics such as vaccines or chemicals such as chemosterilants, repellents, or toxicants to free-roaming or wild animals such as raccoons, dogs, or foxes, without capture or physical restraint. The biologic or chemical is placed in a water-proof ampule or capsule which is imbedded in a synthetic bait comprising attractants and other additives on a polymeric support. The product will stimulate the target species to chew sufficiently that the active agent will be expelled in the oralpharyngeal cavity, particularly against the buccal mucosa. The specific adaptations of the invention depend on the eating habits of the animal species targeted.

Abstract: The invention requires a brush having a passage through which water forced under pressure is supplied to the brush area and having a passage attached to a vacuum. The water supply passage and the passage under vacuum must be so aligned that the cleaning solution is removed from the area to be cleaned along with debris without allowing the contaminated solution to collect on the surface of the skin. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, no moving parts are required for the brush. The brush may be made of any soft material that is easily cleaned. However, a brush made of soft plastic bristles such as those used for surgical scrub brushes is preferred. The invention does not require formation of a foam as a cleansing agent.

Abstract: An 80 kDa metaloproteinase is found in hormone-dependent human breast cancer cells. The enzyme is active in the presence of calcium, manganese, or magnesium ions. The 80 kDa proteinase is useful for evaluating therapeutic progress and in formulating plans for treatment.

Abstract: The nitrogen in amides of aldonic and aldaric acids having 5 or 6 carbon atoms in the carbohydrate residue is available to support plant growth, i.e. the materials act as nitrogen fertilizers.

Abstract: 3.beta.,7.beta.,17.beta.-androstenetriol (".beta.AET") may be used to increase production of IL-2 in cell culture and in the intact animal. Increase in IL-2 under stimulating effect of .beta.AET provides benefits associated with IL-2 administration without the untoward effects such as increased cortisol production.

Abstract: Novel monomers are described which contain a glucaric acid unit linked through an amide bond formed between a carbonyl carbon of a D-glucaric acid and one of the amino nitrogens of a primary diamine as well as their alkali metal salts. These N-aminohydrocarbylene (or N-aminoheterohydrocarbylene)-D-glucaramidates may then be polymerized to form polyhydroxypolyamides and in particular stereoregular polyhydroxypolyamides.

Abstract: The invention is a device for use as a prop to hold the mouth open which consists essentially of a bite block with an elongated portion that is deflected to provide a turn of about 180.degree. so that the elongated portion extends around the outside of the cheek with the end of the extension pointing backward from the mouth to form a handle by which the bite block is held in position.

Abstract: A method of evaluating salt sensitivity in a hypertensive patient comprises evaluating customary salt intake and deleting from the diet any substance other than salt that might influence blood pressure, feeding the patient a diet without restriction of salt and measuring blood pressure until blood pressure becomes stabilized at the hypertensive level or, if hypertension is not seen, for about 90 days, thereafter restricting the salt intake in the diet, and gradually increasing the salt intake and measuring blood pressure to determine when the blood pressure begins to rise during the period of increasing salt intake to determine salt sensitivity that gives rise to hypertension.