Abstract: The present invention provides a molecular marker for the identification of pluripotent pre-mesenchymal, pre-hematopoietic stem cells. The invention further provides primitive progenitor cells identified by the molecular marker. Such cells have the potential to differentiate into both mesenchymal and hematopoietic phenotypes, as determined by a proliferative response to inductive growth factors and cytokines, and by their morphologic and cytochemical features.

Abstract: The invention features a business method that takes advantage of the ability to convert unorganized information in the form of paper documents, document images, and electronic documents and converts the information to an organized electronic form referred to as Knowledge Objects. The invention further encompasses forming electronic Business Objects, such as documents and data sets, useful for business decision making and information exchange. The methods of the invention may utilize computerized storage and computerized decision-making systems to enable making more rapid critical business decisions.

Abstract: A steerable endoscope has an elongated body with a selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled proximal portion. The endoscope body is inserted into a patient and the selectively steerable distal portion is used to select a desired path within the patient's body. When the endoscope body is advanced, an electronic motion controller operates the automatically controlled proximal portion to assume the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. Another desired path is selected with the selectively steerable distal portion and the endoscope body is advanced again. As the endoscope body is further advanced, the selected curves propagate proximally along the endoscope body, and when the endoscope body is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves propagate distally along the endoscope body. This creates a serpentine motion in the endoscope body that allows it to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through, around, and between organs within the body.

Abstract: A steerable, tendon-driven endoscope is described herein. The endoscope has an elongated body with a manually or selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled, segmented proximal portion. The steerable distal portion and the segment of the controllable portion are actuated by at least two tendons. As the endoscope is advanced, the user maneuvers the distal portion, and a motion controller actuates tendons in the segmented proximal portion so that the proximal portion assumes the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. By this method the selected curves are propagated along the endoscope body so that the endoscope largely conforms to the pathway selected. When the endoscope is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves can propagate distally along the endoscope body. This allows the endoscope to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through or around and between organs within the body.

Abstract: In an optoelectronic module (1) comprising a plastics material package (2) accommodating a base (8) fixed to the package (2) and supporting an optical component (9) coupled by an optical fiber (5) to an optical connector (4) of the package (2), fiber displacements associated with thermal stresses are avoided by mounting the base so that it floats on the package (2) and possibly the connector (4). The floating mounting of the base (8) is obtained by using for fixing the base one or more adhesives (13, 14) having a greater elasticity than the adhesives used to fix each of the two ends (6, 7) of the fiber (5) to the base (8) and the connector (4), respectively.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: taking polyoxyethylated castor oil which if diluted 1:10 in water has a pH greater than 5 and aging the polyoxyethylated castor oil by exposing the polyoxyethylated castor oil to a gas comprising oxygen for a period of time, the exposure to the gas over the period of time causing an acidity of the polyoxyethylated castor oil to increase; and forming a pharmaceutical composition comprising the aged polyoxyethylated castor oil and a pharmaceutically active agent such as paclitaxel; wherein at least 80% of the potency of the pharmaceutically active agent is retained by the pharmaceutical composition after the pharmaceutical composition is stored for at least 7 days at 40° C.

Abstract: An amplifier system includes: (i) a distributed Raman fiber amplifier and; (ii) a discrete Raman fiber amplifier that includes dispersion compensated fiber. The discrete Raman fiber amplifier is operatively connected to the distributed Raman fiber amplifier and amplifies signals received from the distributed Raman fiber amplifier. In one embodiment, at least one source of pump signal is coupled to the distributed and to the discrete Raman fiber amplifier. The distributed Raman fiber amplifier and the discrete Raman fiber amplifier in this embodiment share optical pump power provided by the shared pump. In one embodiment of the present invention an Erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is operatively connected to a discrete Raman fiber amplifier and the Erbium dope fiber amplifier amplifies signals received from the discrete Raman fiber amplifier.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for treating diseases associated with abnormal cell proliferation such as cancer by storing inherent tumor-suppressing functions of neoplastic cells through DNA hypomethylation. The method comprises: delivering to a patient suffering from cancer a therapeutically effective amount of a DNA methylation inhibitor such as decitabine, in combination with an effective amount of an anti-neoplastic agent whose activity as an anti-neoplastic agent in vivo is adversely affected by aberrant DNA methylation. The anti-neoplastic agent can be an alkylating agent, an antibiotic agent, an antimetabolic agent, a retinoid, a hormonal agent, a plant-derived agent, an anti-angiogenesis agent and a biologic agent such as monoclonal antibody and interferon.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation is provided for delivering paclitaxel in vivo comprising: paclitaxel, a water-miscible amide and a pharmaceutically-acceptable, water-miscible solubilizer selected from the group consisting of solubilizers having the general structures R1COOR2, R1CONR2, and R1COR2, wherein R1 is a hydrophobic C3-C50 alkane, alkene or alkyne and R2 is a hydrophilic moiety.

Abstract: Substituted derivatives of 1,2,5-thiadiazolidin-3-one 1,1-dioxides, oligomers containing them, and methods of using them.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions including an adenosine analog, wherein the composition comprises a dosage form suitable for oral (co)administration. Also disclosed are compositions including adenosine analogs, wherein the composition is in a dosage form including a pill, capsule, lozenge, or tablet, and compositions including adenosine analogs, wherein the composition is in a dosage form comprising a liquid. Additionally disclosed are methods of administering the inventive composition, and kits including the inventive compositions.