Abstract: A sprung vehicle seat has a base member and a top member, and a scissor support assembly operatively disposed therebetween. The scissor support assembly comprises first and second pivotably interconnected scissor levers. Secured to the first scissor levers is a sliding guide in the form of a plate member which is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the seat. A spring member bears against the sliding guide and the top member and is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the seat for the purposes of weight adjustment of the seat.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which binds to baboon and human CD2, and in particular LO-CD2b antibody. The antibody may be employed to prevent and inhibit an immune response in human patients, such as when the immune response is mediated by the activation and proliferation of T-cells or natural killer cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for augmenting bone formation by administering isolated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with a ceramic material or matrix or by administering hMSCs; fresh, whole marrow; or combinations thereof in a resorbable biopolymer which supports their differentiation into the osteogenic lineage. Contemplated is the delivery of (i) isolated, culture-expanded, human mesenchymal stem cells; (ii) freshly aspirated bone marrow; or (iii) their combination in a carrier material or matrix.

Abstract: A sealing means for sealing a filter envelope of a filter apparatus which includes at least one clip for sealing the filter envelope, and at least one connecting means extending from the filter apparatus to the at least one clip. Such a sealing means prevents the accidental discarding of clips for sealing filter envelopes.

Abstract: In an arrangement for displacement of a displacement member along a stationary base by means of a reciprocatable elongate actuating member, the displacement member has at least one linear tooth arrangement. Two axially spaced ratchet members are pivotably mounted on the actuating member at at least one longitudinal edge thereof. The ratchet members diverge away from each other and have ratchet teeth which are operable to engage with the linear tooth arrangement. The ratchet members are urged towards the linear tooth arrangement by springs. Operatively disposed between the at least one linear tooth arrangement and the actuating member, for disengagement of the corresponding ratchet member out of the linear tooth arrangement, is a disengagement member determining the linear stepping advance movement performed by the displacement member.

Abstract: The operation of fluid catalytic converter (FCC) units can be stabilized through use of tests wherein a first catalyst and a second catalyst are introduced into the FCC unit in at least two different ratios, at two different times, in order to establish the effect of these catalyst ratios on a given operating parameter. This information is used to establish a unit response curve (or unit response envelope) for the catalyst ratios versus the operating parameter. This unit response curve (or envelope) is thereafter used to control the operation of the FCC unit.

Abstract: A multilayer skin equivalent is formed having a scaffold layer containing dermis-forming cells, and a keratinocyte layer. The dermis-forming cells and keratinocytes are preferably autologous, and the dermis-forming cells can be human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), dermal fibroblasts (e.g., papillary or reticular dermal fibroblasts) or mixtures thereof. The scaffold is preferably type I collagen alone, or types I and II collagen in combination. Also formed is a multilayer skin equivalent having a scaffold layer containing a layer of extracellular matrix component containing papillary dermal fibroblasts in laminar relationship with a layer of extracellular matrix component containing reticular dermal fibroblasts, and a keratinocyte layer. A multilayer dermal equivalent is provided having a layer of extracellular matrix component containing papillary dermis-forming cells and a layer of extracellular matrix component containing reticular dermis-forming cells.

Abstract: A filter for removing undesired materials from a fluid, such as used cooking oil, for example, includes a filter envelope including first and second panels. The first panel has a permeability which is greater than that of the second panel. The first panel of the filter envelope may be formed from a filter pad and the second panel from a filter paper, and may enclose a metal spacer grid. When the filter is connected to a pump for drawing the oil through the filter, the flow of the oil is directed selectively through the filter pad, whereby undesired materials are removed from the oil. The filter provides for efficient flow of the oil to be filtered while removing undesired materials therefrom.

Abstract: Anionic clay compounds such as hydrotalcite-like compounds can be made by a process wherein a non-hydrotalcite-like compound (or a hydrotalcite-like compound) are heat treated and then hydrated to form hydrotalcite-like compounds having properties (e.g.., increased hardness and/or density) that differ from those of hydrotalcite-like compounds made by prior art methods wherein non-hydrotalcite-like compounds (or hydrotalcite-like compounds) are not similarly heat treated and hydrated to form such hydrotalcite-like compounds.

Abstract: A reusable skid for receiving stacked sheets which includes a pair of spaced-apart, longitudinal rails and a pair of spaced-apart, transverse members which extend over the rails. The transverse members are not fastened to the rails, and thus the skids may be assembled and disassembled easily.

Abstract: A probe element with helical grooves is dimensioned to be inserted into the ear canal and stop short of the ear drum, the element being made of soft compressed cotton. A bulbous flexible plastic handle has an interior rod and a clutch for releasably receiving the element. Depressing the handle at the rod location forming an ejection button displaces the rod and an interior-coupling member for ejecting the probe element. The rigid smooth handle is rotated a quarter turn to remove wax from the ear canal. The element extends from the handle a predetermined length to not engage the eardrum, the handle having a blunt tip acting as a stop for the element during insertion.

Abstract: A process for selectively oxidizing an organic molecule by reacting said organic molecule and oxygen in the presence of a selective oxidation catalyst supported on a mesh-like structure.

Abstract: Transgenic swine in which the normal expression of &agr;(1, 3) galactosyltransferase is prevented in at least one organ of tissue type. The absence or inactivation of this enzyme prevents the production of carbohydrate moieties having the distinctive terminal Gal&agr;1-3Gal&bgr;1-4GlcNAc epitope that is a significant factor in xenogeneic, particularly human, transplant rejection of swine grafts.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides coding for the mature Lmb streptococcal adhesion mediator polypeptides. The polynucleotides were obtained from a genomic library obtained from Group B Streptococcus strain R268.

Abstract: A process of selectively hydrogenating an impurity in a feed containing hydrocarbons, such as, for example, an impurity selected from the group consisting of acetylene compounds, dienes, and mixtures thereof in a feed containing at least one monoolefin and the impurity wherein the impurity is hydrogenated selectively in the presence of a selective hydrogenation catalyst supported on a particulate support. The supported catalyst is supported on a mesh-like structure.

Abstract: Human mesenchymal stem cells having the phenotype SH3+, CD45+ can be isolated. These precursor mesenchymal item cells are useful for treatment of patients in need of mensenchymal stem cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing cardiomyocytes in vivo by administering to the heart of an individual a cardiomyocyte producing amount of mesenchymal stem cells. These cells can be administered as a liquid injectible or as a preparation of cells in a matrix which is or becomes solid or semi-solid. The cells can be genetically modified to enhance myocardial differentiation and integration. Also disclosed is a method for replacing cells ex vivo in a heart valve for implantation.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising lactitol and one or more amphetamine salts in a rapid release formulation.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for accelerating the differentiation of human MSCs into the osteogenic lineage with resultant enhanced de novo bone formation. This makes possible improved methods for bone defect repair. Thus, one aspect of the invention is a method for accelerating the differentiation of ALCAM-bearing hMSCs into the osteogenic lineage by contacting such hMSCs with a ligand that binds to activated leukocyte-cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) on a single hMSC. Preferably, the ligand is a Fab fragment of a monoclonal antibody expressed by the hybridoma of ATCC Accession No. NB 11789.

Abstract: A process for treating used cooking oil or fat by passing the used cooking oil or fat from a used cooking oil or fat source to a holding vessel, and contacting the used cooking oil or fat with a predetermined amount of purifying material upon accumulation of a first predetermined amount of the oil or fat in the holding vessel. The used cooking oil or fat and the purifying material then are passed from the holding vessel to a filter apparatus upon accumulation of a second predetermined amount of the oil or fat in the holding vessel. The second predetermined amount of oil or fat is greater than the first predetermined amount. Upon passing of the used cooking oil or fat and the purifying material from the holding vessel to the filter apparatus, the purifying material becomes entrained in the filter apparatus. The used cooking oil or fat then is passed from the filter apparatus to the source.