Abstract: Block copolymers based on poly(ortho esters) containing amine groups. These block copolymers have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks. They form micelles in aqueous solution, making them suitable for encapsulation or solubilization of hydrophobic or water-insoluble materials; and they also form bioerodible matrices for the sustained release of active agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: NGF microencapsulation compositions having controlled release characteristics, preferably with increased stability, for the NGF component, particularly human recombinant NGF (“rhNGF”) are provided that yield enhanced stability of NGF for use in promoting nerve cell growth, repair, survival, differentiation, maturation or function. Methods for making and using such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and kits that use nucleotide analogs to confer increased accuracy and improved resolution in the analysis and sequencing of oligonucleotide mixtures are provided.

Abstract: Domestic appliances are provided with a catalytic deodorizing coating, prepared by applying a coating material containing a polycondensate of at least one hydrolysable organosilane, optionally one or more compounds of glass-forming elements, and particles of one or more catalytically active transition metal oxides, and then heat-treating the applied coating material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel process for the preparation of glycoproteins by mammalian cell culture wherein the sialic acid content of the glycoprotein produced is controlled over a broad range of values by manipulating the cell culture environment. The invention provides for processes in which the sialic acid content of the glycoprotein is modified by changes in cell culture parameters which affect cell specific productivity. Preferred embodiments of the invention include cell culture processes in the osmolality of the cell culture is controlled as well as the concentration of a transcription enhancer during the production phase of the cell culture. The invention further provides for novel preparations of soluble type 1 tumor necrosis factor immunoglobulin G1 and their uses in the treatment of inflammatory or immune related disorders.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and devices are provided for inducing or enhancing the growth, proliferation, regeneration of inner ear tissue, particularly inner ear hair cells. In addition, provided are compositions and methods for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of a mammal afflicted with an inner ear disorder or condition, particularly for hearing impairments involving hair cell damage, loss, or degeneration, by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of IGF-1 or FGF-2, or their agonists, alone or in combination.

Abstract: Methods for treating conditions associated with hyperglycemia, especially Type II diabetes, with novel naphthylsulfonic acids and related compounds. These compounds, as single stereoisomers or mixtures of stereoisomers, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, are useful in methods of stimulating the kinase activity of the insulin receptor, enhancing the activation of the insulin receptor by insulin, and stimulating the uptake of glucose into cells. A variety of antidiabetic compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antidiabetic compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hemostatic sponge based on collagen and an activator or proactivator of blood coagulation homogeneously distributed therein, which is dried and contains a water content of at least 2%, preferably in the range of 2 to 25%, more preferred 10 to 20%, and a method for producing this sponge.

Abstract: Substrates provided with a microstructured surface have a surface layer which (a) comprises a composition comprising condensates of one or more hydrolysable compounds of at least one element M from main groups III to V and/or transition groups II to IV of the Periodic Table of the Elements, at least some of these compounds containing not only hydrolysable groups A but also non-hydrolysable, carbon-containing groups B and the total molar ratio of groups A to groups B in the parent monomeric starting compounds being from 10:1 to 1:2, from 0.1 to 100 mol % of the groups B being groups B′ containing on average from 5 to 30 fluorine atoms which are attached to one or more aliphatic carbon atoms distanced from M by at least two atoms, and (b) has a microstructuring of such kind that the contact angle with respect to water or hexadecane is at least 5° higher than the contact angle of a corresponding smooth surface.

Abstract: Compounds are provided that inhibit the interaction of an IGF with any one of its binding proteins and not to a human IGF receptor. These IGF agonist compounds, which include peptides, are useful to increase serum and tissue levels of active IGFs in a mammal.

Abstract: Compounds and pharmaceutical compositions useful as plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) antagonists are provided. In particular, methods of antagonizing PAI with substituted and unsubstituted aryl and heteroaryl ethers and thioethers are provided.

Abstract: A photochromic coating composition contains a silicon-containing precondensate derived from a hydrolysable silane containing a polymerizable functional group on a hydrolysis-stable radical, a photochromic dye, a stabilizer, and nanoscale particles. The coating composition, when applied to transparent plastic and glass substrates and cured, gives a coating having high light stability and good scratch resistance.

Abstract: An eyecup shield for use during ocular examinations. The eyecup shield is formed from a cylindrical member having a proximal end with an opening, a distal end with an opening, and a wall. The wall is substantially rigid and has one or more access ports which are sized to receive a finger.

Abstract: Compounds are provided that inhibit the interaction of an IGF with any one of its binding proteins and not to a human IGF receptor. These IGF agonist compounds, which includes peptides, are useful to increase serum and tissue levels of active IGFs in a mammal.

Abstract: Using nonvolatile, releasable, mass-labels, the present invention provides for the synthesis and use of mass-labeled compounds to specifically interact with biomolecular targets. Following binding of the mass-labeled compounds to the target molecule, the unique mass-label can be analyzed using mass spectrometry to identify and characterize the target molecule. In one embodiment of the invention, a mass-labeled oligonucleotide probe is used to identify a specific gene sequence. A myriad of mass-labeled compounds may be produced for use in a wide variety of interactions such as oligonucleotide-oligonucleotide hybridization, polynucleotide-polynucleotide interactions, enzyme-substrate or substrate analog/intermediate interactions, polypeptide-nucleic acid interactions, protein-ligand interactions, receptor-ligand interactions, polypeptide-metal interactions, nucleic acid-metal interactions or antigen-antibody interactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to nasal or oral administration of a compound containing inactivated influenza virus antigen and aluminum as adjuvant for the prophylaxis of influenza virus infections. Said vaccine is especially suitable for inducing a mucosal IgA immune response and systemic IgG immune response.

Abstract: Novel fusions of a GPI signal domain and a polypeptide heterologous to the GPI signal domain donor polypeptide are provided for industrial use. Therapeutic administration of the GPI-linked product of the fusions enables the targeting of biological activity to cell membrane surfaces.

Abstract: The invention concerns HER2-transgenic non-human mammals, animal models for screening drug candidates for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with the overexpression of HER2. In particular, the invention concerns animal models designed to test drug candidates for the treatment of HER2-overexpressing cancers, including breast cancer, that are not responding or poorly responding to current treatments.

Abstract: Compounds are provided that inhibit the interaction of an IGF with any one of its binding proteins and not to a human IGF receptor. These IGF agonist compounds, which include peptides, are useful to increase serum and tissue levels of active IGFs in a mammal.