Abstract: Novel imides are inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor &agr; and can be used to combat cachexia, endotoxic shock, and retrovirus replication. A typical embodiment is 2-Phthalimido-3-(3′,4′-dimethoxyphenyl)propane.

Abstract: The present invention is related with an improved syringe having a novel piston design. The syringe comprises an outer tube or cylinder made of, for example, plastic material, narrowed at its outlet for fitting a detachable hollow needle. Inside the outer tube the novel piston is slidable fitted including at its forward end a coupling defined by a coupling bolt and a retaining head which form part of the piston body. To the coupling a rubber bulb is rotatably fitted including a longitudinal hole for allowing fluids flow from tube to the needle and from the piston to the tube. The forward end of the piston includes an orifice defining fluid communication between the inner volume of the hollow piston and the inner volume of the tube. During the operation the piston can be rotated so as to align the hole of said rubber bulb and said orifice of the piston forward end for defining a fluid channel from the syringe to the hollow needle.

Abstract: In the purification of an easily polymerizable compound such as (meth)acrylic acid by the use of a purification column adapted to withdraw a liquid from the middle portion of the column, a novel liquid withdrawing tray adapted to prevent the compound from polymerization effectively and permit the purification to be stably performed for a long time, a purification column using this tray, and a method for purifications using this purification column are provided. The liquid withdrawing tray for the purification column is composed of a liquid receiving plate and a liquid withdrawing tube for withdrawing the liquid from the liquid receiving plate.

Abstract: A method for the production of an esterified product which can prevent the occurrence of a gel-like substance during the separation and removal of the water formed by the reaction in the esterification reaction or during the expulsion of a dehydrating solvent by distillation after the esterification reaction by causing an antigelling agent to act on the distillate and consequently permits efficient production of the esterified product of high quality, and an apparatus therefor are to be provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for intramuscular administration of polynucleotides, such as RNA, DNA, or derivatives thereof comprising polynucleotides and block copolymers of alkylethers. The invention also provides compositions and methods for stabilizing polynucleic acids and increasing the ability of polynucleic acids to cross cell membranes and act in the interior of a cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for automatically controlling exhaust flow to a ventilated rack of animal cages when an air inlet system, such as an air supply blower, to the rack is not operating. Accordingly, the device can be used in a system that assures that the ventilation system is balanced when one or more of the ventilated racks are removed from their respective air supplies. The device includes a damper housing that is adapted to be connected between an exhaust outlet of the ventilated rack and an exhaust system. A movable damper is positioned within the damper housing and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the device creates a partial obstruction to air flow in the connection.

Abstract: Apparatus to assist a person in controlling an animal, e.g. a dog, on a leash (2) attaches the leash to a loop (26) in the middle of a length of elasticised cord (“shock cord”), the ends (28) of which are attached just above the hocks of the rear legs of the dog. The shock cord runs freely through a central ring (16) on the back of the animal and then through guide rings (14) on each side of the body, these guide means being held in place by a harness (4) having straps (8, 10) around the body and chest of the animal. When the dog pulls on the leash a reactive tensile force is set up in the cord (6) which has the effect of resisting rearward movement of the hind legs and may even result in the dog sitting.

Abstract: Disclosed is polyoxypropylenepolyoxyethylene vitamin E, represented by formula (I). It is prepared by subjecting vitamin E to polyethoxylation and then, to polypropoxylation to a proper extent. The vitamin E is of superior anti-oxidation activity with water solubility. The bent chain of the polyoxypropylenepolyoxyethylene vitamin E increases the cross-sectional area of the whole molecule, making it difficult for the molecule to penetrate into the skin. It is very safe to apply to the skin. The polyoxypropylenepolyoxyethylene vitamin E has superb surface activity by forming close bilayer vesicle structures, like phospholipids or dialkyl surfactants, so it can be advantageously used in the cosmetic industry, the food industry and the medical industry. In said formula, R1 is —(OCH2CH2)m— wherein m is an integer of 0 to 150; R2 is (a) wherein n is an integer of 1 to 200; A is (b) or (c); B is —CH3 at the 5-, 7- or 8-position of vitamin E; and p is an integer of 1 or 3.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions for stabilizing polynucleic acids and increasing the ability of polynucleic acids to cross cell membranes and act in the interior of a cell. In one aspect, the invention provides a polynucleotide complex between a polynucleotide and certain polyether block copolymers. Preferably, the polynucleotide complex will further include a polycationic polymer. The compositions can further include suitable targeting molecules and surfactants. In another aspect, the invention provides a polynucleotide complex between a polynucleotide and a block copolymer comprising a polyether block and a polycation block. In yet another aspect, the invention provides polynucleotides 10 that have been covalently modified at their 5′ or 3′ end to attach a polyether polymer segment.

Abstract: A recombinant baculovirus, which produces a recombinant polyhedra made up of a baculovirus polyhedrin (PH), a Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein (CP) and jellyfish Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein (GFP), is constructed by introducing a transfer vector carrying a fusion gene encoding a fusion protein in which the PH, the CP and the GFP are directly linked from N-terminal to C-terminal, in sequence, and a wild-type baculovirus into an insect cell, simultaneously, and culturing the cell. This baculovirus transfer vector pColorBtrus is constructed by synthesizing the GFP-coding DNA fragment from plasmid pGFP, the PH gene from wild-type Autographa californica Nucleopolyhedrovirus, and a Cry1Ac gene from plasmid pPN6.

Abstract: Substituted 1,3-dioxo-2-(2,6-dioxopiperidin-3-yl)isoindolines and 1-oxo-2-(2,6-dioxo-piperidin-3-yl)isoindolines reduce the levels of TNF&agr; in a mammal and are useful in treating oncogenic conditions, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. Typical embodiments are 1-oxo-2-(2,6-dioxo-3-methylpiperidin-3-yl)-4,5,6,7-tetrafluoroiso-indoline and 1,3-dioxo-2-(2,6-dioxo-3-methylpiperidin-3-yl)-4-aminoisoindoline.

Abstract: Copolymer networks having at least one cross-linked polyamine polymer fragment and at least one nonionic water-soluble polymer fragment, and compositions thereof, having at least one suitable biological agent.

Abstract: The invention embraces a formulation to be combined with a resin and a hardener to produce a paint mixture useful for coating concrete and metal surfaces, such as aluminum, zinc, stainless steel, and steel. With the inventive formulation, the pot-life of the paint mixture may be extended to up to about eight hours, allowing for a much greater time period during which the paint, after mixing, can be applied to a surface being coated. The formulation comprises a mixture of a defoamer; titanium dioxide (TiO2); at least one of barite (BaSO4) or calcite (CaCO3); at least one of 1,2-propyleneglycol (propane-1,2-diol), a corrosive-inhibitor, such as L-4, and a retarder such as LOXANOL™; and a thickener. Other contemplated ingredients include slate, water, colorants, and dispersing additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual bladed mascara application system having a dual bladed mascara applicator which is received in a cylindrical product container. A bottom blade has a channel formed adjacent a front edge thereof for receiving mascara. A top blade has a deflector rib positioned opposite the channel. The bottom blade can include teeth on the front edge. A wiper has a disc shape with two apertures to accept the applicator blades. A wiper housing receives the wiper and is rotatable in the product container. After use, the wiper housing can be locked to the product container.

Abstract: Substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole compounds reduce the levels of TNF&agr; in a mammal. Typical embodiments are 2-[1-(3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)ethyl]-5-methylisoindoline-1,3-dione and 2-[1-(3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)ethyl]isoindoline-1,3-dione.