Abstract: Unsaturated nitrogenous compounds are used as electron donors in conjunction with catalytic polymerization of addition polymerizable monomers such as olefins, using supported Ziegler-Natta catalysts. The electron donors may be used in the preparation of catalyst systems, thus serving as “internal” electron donors, or they may be added during or just prior to polymerization, as an “external” electron donor.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a biologically active molecule having an increased serum half-life. The method involves conjugating a polymer such as polyethylene glycol to the biologically active molecule. Also provided are polypeptide drugs having an increased serum half-life, e.g., human urokinase plasminogen activator (human “uPA” or “hUPA”) or a fragment or derivative thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions containing such molecules and methods of using them to treat uPA-mediated and uPA receptor-mediated disorders are also provided.

Abstract: A sacrificial plastic mold having an electroplatable backing is provided. One embodiment consists of the infusion of a softened or molten thermoplastic through a porous metal substrate (sheet, screen, mesh or foam) and into the features of a micro-scale molding tool contacting the porous metal substrate. Upon demolding, the porous metal substrate will be embedded within the thermoplastic and will project a plastic structure with features determined by the mold tool. This plastic structure, in turn, provides a sacrificial plastic mold mechanically bonded to the porous metal substrate which provides a conducting support suitable for electroplating either contiguous or non-contiguous metal replicates. After electroplating and lapping, the sacrificial plastic can be dissolved to leave the desired metal structure bonded to the porous metal substrate. Optionally, the electroplated structures may be debonded from the porous substrate by selective dissolution of the porous substrate or a coating thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for the acoustic ejection of fluid droplets from fluid-containing reservoirs using focusing means having an F-number greater than approximately 2. The droplets are ejected toward designated sites on a substrate surface for deposition thereon. In one embodiment, the device is comprised of: a plurality of reservoirs each adapted to contain a fluid; an ejector comprising a means for generating acoustic radiation and a large F-numbered means for focusing the acoustic radiation at a focal point near the fluid surface in each of the reservoirs; and a means for positioning the ejector in acoustically coupled relationship to each of the reservoirs. The invention is useful in a number of contexts, particularly in the preparation of biomolecular arrays.

Abstract: A method is provided for preventing or treating skin conditions, disorders or diseases, such as may be associated with or caused by inflammation, sun damage or natural aging. The method involves administration, preferably topical administration, of an active agent selected from the group consisting of resveratrol, pharmacologically acceptable salts, esters, amides, prodrugs and analogs thereof, and combinations of any of the foregoing. Pharmaceutical formulations for use in conjunction with the aforementioned method are provided as well.

Abstract: A process is provided for use in the epoxidation of olefins, having particular utility in the epoxidation of propylene to form propylene oxide, using a lanthanide-promoted, supported, silver catalyst prepared via precipitation. A preferred embodiment uses silver nitrate and lanthanum nitrate to form the catalyst on a BaCO3 support.

Abstract: Methods, formulations and kits are described for resuscitating a patient suffering from cardiac arrest, for enhancing the efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, for treating post-resuscitation hypotension, and for reducing the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and myocardial dysfunction in a patient following cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Prior methods and agents often cause inotropic or chronotropic effects, which can lead to undesirable post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction. The invention comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of an &agr;2-receptor agonist that does not cross the blood-brain barrier, such as &agr;-methylnorepinephrine, to enhance cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Abstract: Stabilized bupropion hydrochloride pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed that are free of acid additives and provide for a sustained release of the bupropion hydrochloride. The particulate bupropion hydrochloride may be coated with a membrane coating and large-size particles may also be used. Methods for treating individuals using the stabilized bupropion hydrochloride pharmaceutical compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Acid addition salts of imidazolidinones are provided as catalysts for transforming a functional group within a first reactant by reaction with a second reactant. Exemplary first reactants are &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated carbonyl compounds such as &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated ketones and &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated aldehydes. Chiral imidazolidinone salts can be used to catalyze enantioselective reactions, such that a chiral product is obtained from a chiral or achiral starting material in enantiomerically pure form.

Abstract: The present invention features novel methods and compositions for coating textile substrates, wherein the coating compositions are composed of a coating agent selected from one of (a) an azetidinium polymer, (b) a guanidine polymer, (c) a mixture of an azetidinium polymer and a guanidine polymer, and (d) a copolymer of an azetidinium monomer and a guanidine monomer. Textile substrates coated with the compositions provide high quality printed images when printed with an ink containing a reactive dye having ionizable and/or nucleophilic groups capable of reacting with the coating agent in the textile coating composition. Images printed on a textile substrate coated with a coating composition of the invention are bleed-resistant, water-resistant (e.g., water-fast), detergent-resistant (e.g., detergent-fast), and/or are characterized by an enhanced chroma and hue.

Abstract: Hydrolytically degradable olefin copolymers, such as ethylene copolymers, contain a hydrolyzable component in the backbone that allows the copolymer to be broken down into dispersable fragments upon exposure to aqueous conditions. The copolymers are prepared by transition metal-catalyzed polymerization.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided for the oral administration of an NSAlD and a prostaglandin. The composition is a solid dosage form wherein the NSAID is enterically coated and the prostaglandin is present along with an effective stabilizing amount of a prostaglandin stabilizing agent such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or polyvinylpyrrolidone. Exemplary dosage forms are bilayer tablets in which the prostaglandin is misoprostol and the NSAID is diclofenac, piroxicam, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Methods for using the composition to treat NSAID-responsive conditions, disorders and diseases are provided as well.

Abstract: Methods are provided for substantially reducing background signals encountered in nucleic acid hybridization assays. The method is premised on the elimination or significant reduction of the phenomenon of nonspecific hybridization, so as to provide a detectable signal which is produced only in the presence the target polynucleotide of interest. In addition, a novel method for the chemical synthesis of isoguanosine or 2′-deoxy-isoguanosine is provided. The invention also has applications in antisense and aptamer therapeutics and drug discovery.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided for the oral administration of an NSAID and a prostaglandin. The composition is a solid dosage form wherein the NSAID is enterically coated and the prostaglandin is present along with an effective stabilizing amount of a prostaglandin stabilizing agent such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or polyvinylpyrrolidone. Exemplary dosage forms are bilayer tablets in which the prostaglandin is misoprostol and the NSAID is diclofenac, piroxicam, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Methods for using the composition to treat NSAID-responsive conditions, disorders and diseases are provided as well.

Abstract: A method is provided for delaying the onset of ejaculation in an individual. The method involves administration of a 5-HT.sub.3 receptor antagonist within the context of an effective dosing regimen. The preferred mode of administration is transurethral; however, the selected inhibitor may also be delivered via intracavernosal injection or using alternative routes.