Abstract: The present invention relates to novel fatty acid analogues of the general formula (I): CH3—[CH2]m—[xi—CH2]n—COOR, as defined in the specification, which can be used for the treatment and/or prevention of diabetes. Further, the invention relates to a nutritional composition comprising such fatty acid analogues.

Abstract: A photoresist binder composition comprising a homogeneous blend of (i) a hydroxystyrene copolymer comprising a first monomer that is optionally substituted hydroxystyrene and a second monomer containing an acid labile group, preferably pendant to the polymer backbone, and (ii) and a phenolic polymer, that is optionally partially or wholly protected, such as polyhydroxystyrene, poly(hydroxystyrene-co-styrene), poly(hydroxystyrene-co-styrene-co-t-butyl acrylate), novolac, and the like. Also provided is a lithographic resist composition comprising the homogeneous blend of the photoresist binder composition, and a radiation-sensitive acid generator which generates an acid upon exposure to radiation, and a process for using the resist composition to generate resist images on a substrate, such as in the manufacture of integrated circuits or the like.

Abstract: A novel Claisen rearrangement reaction is provided. An allylic reactant such as an allylic amine, an allylic ether or an allylic thioether is reacted with an acid chloride in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst composition composed of a Lewis acid and a base selected from the group consisting of tertiary amines and non-nitrogenous bases. The stereochemistry of the reaction product is readily controlled by the positioning and size of substituents on the allylic reactant. The reaction may be carried out on a solid support, i.e., on the surface of a substrate suitable for conducting solid phase chemical reactions.

Abstract: Multifunctional electroactive copolymers are provided. The copolymers may be A-B-A triblock copolymers, brush-type graft copolymers, or variations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the copolymers are “dual use” in that they comprise both a light emitting segment and a charge transport segment. Methods of synthesizing the novel electroactive copolymers are provided as well, as are opto-electronic devices, particularly LEDs, fabricated with the novel copolymers.

Abstract: A tube for fuel transportation according to the present invention includes an innermost layer comprising one selected from the group consisting of fluorine type resins and polyamide type resins, a middle layer comprising a polyalkylene naphthalate resin, an outer layer comprising a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer, and an adhesive layer formed between the innermost layer and the middle layer. Polybutylene naphthalate may be used as the polyalkylene naphthalate resin. The tube for fuel transportation according to the present invention has excellent barrier action against fuels and is highly kink-proof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means to substantially decrease the pH bias that is commonly observed with pH data obtained using ion selective electrode (ISE) containing instruments that have a solvent polymeric membrane based ISE pH electrode. The pH bias is reduced by utilizing the discovery that the presence of protein in a liquid sample induces an apparent interference with the pH value.

Abstract: Novel compounds are provided which are useful as catalysts, particularly in the polymerization of addition polymerizable monomers such as olefinic or vinyl monomers. The compounds are complexes of a mid-transition metal coordinated to at least two ligands, at least one of which is an unsaturated nitrogenous ligand. Depending on ligand substitution, stereospecific catalysts can be provided, including isospecific catalysts and syndiospecific catalysts. Catalyst systems containing the novel compounds in combination with a catalyst activator are provided as well, as are methods of using the novel compounds in the preparation of polyolefins.

Abstract: A microdevice having interior cavity with high aspect ratio features and ultrasmooth surfaces, and associated method of manufacture and use is described. An LIGA-produced shaped bit is used to contour polish the surface of a sacrificial mandrel. The contoured sacrificial mandrel is subsequently coated with a structural material and the mandrel removed to produce microdevices having micrometer-sized surface features and sub-micrometer RMS surface roughness.

Abstract: A novel dielectric composition is provided that is useful in the manufacture of electronic devices such as integrated circuit devices and integrated circuit packaging devices. The dielectric composition is prepared by crosslinking a thermally decomposable porogen to a host polymer via a coupling agent, followed by heating to a temperature suitable to decompose the porogen. The porous materials that result have dielectric constants less than about 3.0, with some materials having dielectric constants less than about 2.5. Integrated circuit devices, integrated circuit packaging devices, and methods of manufacture are provided as well.

Abstract: A novel dielectric composition is provided that is useful in the manufacture of integrated circuit devices and integrated circuit packaging devices. The dielectric composition is prepared by imidizing and curing an oligomeric precursor compound comprised of a central polybenzoxazole, polybenzothiazole, polyamic acid or polyamic acid ester segment end-capped at each terminus with an aryl-substituted acetylene moiety such as an ortho-bis(arylethynyl)aryl group, e.g., 3,4-bis(phenylethynyl)phenyl. Integrated circuit devices, integrated circuit packaging devices, and methods of synthesis and manufacture are provided as well.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutical dosage forms provide for pulsatile delivery of methylphenidate, i.e., release encapsulated drug in spaced apart “pulses.” The dosage forms are comprised of first, second and optionally third dosage units, with each dosage unit having a different drug release profile. The dosage forms may comprise capsules housing compressed tablets or drug-containing beads or particles, or may comprise a single tablet with the first, second and optionally third dosage units each representing an integral and discrete segment thereof. Methods of treatment using the pharmaceutical dosage forms are provided as well.

Abstract: A method for producing a multi-domain alignment layer, as well as multi-domain alignment layers produced thereby and liquid crystal displays comprising the same, are provided. In the subject method, an alignment layer is produced on an alignment surface by directing an ion beam or ion beams at the surface at an angle not equal to 90°, so that the ions contact the surface at non-normal incidence. The substrate may be rotated or the ion beam(s) re-directed or the ion beam source moved so that the surface may be bombarded from different directions in different regions resulting in multiple alignment layer domains with differing alignment. In an alternative embodiment, two ion beams with different angles of incidence may be directed at the surface simultaneously or sequentially, thereby creating multiple alignment layer domains without need for rotation of the substrate. The resultant multi-domain alignment layers find use in liquid crystal display devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical systems, and methods for enhanced absorption of hydrophilic therapeutic agents. Compositions and systems of the present invention include an absorption enhancing carrier, where the carrier is formed from a combination of at least two surfactants, at least one of which is hydrophilic. A hydrophilic therapeutic agent can be incorporated into the composition, or can be co-administered with the composition as part of a pharmaceutical system. The invention also provides methods of treatment with hydrophilic therapeutic agents using these compositions and systems.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for treating female sexual dysfunction are provided. A pharmaceutical composition formulated so as to contain a selected vasoactive agent is administered to the vagina, vulvar area or urethra of the individual undergoing treatment. Suitable vasoactive agents are vasodilators, including naturally occurring prostaglandins, synthetic prostaglandin derivatives, endothelial-derived relaxation factors, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide agonists, smooth muscle relaxants, leukotriene inhibitors, and others. The formulations are also useful for preventing the occurrence of yeast infections, improving vaginal muscle tone and tissue health, enhancing vaginal lubrication, and minimizing excess collagen deposition. A clitoral drug delivery device is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for transporting drugs and macromolecules across biological membranes are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention includes a method for enhancing transport of a selected compound across a biological membrane, wherein a biological membrane is contacted with a conjugate containing a biologically active agent that is covalently attached to a transport polymer. In one embodiment, the polymer consists of from 6 to 25 subunits, at least 50% of which contain a guanidino or amidino sidechain moiety. The polymer is effective to impart to the attached agent a rate of trans-membrane transport across a biological membrane that is greater than the rate of trans-membrane transport of the agent in nonconjugated form.

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: Novel compounds are provided that modulate the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), particularly the mammalian nAChR (m-nAChR). The compounds are substituted pyridine derivatives such as analogs of 1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-2-imidazolidine and 1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-2-iminothiazole. Methods of using the novel m-nAChR modulators are also provided, including methods of using the compounds as m-nAChR probes and as therapeutic agents to treat mammalian individuals suffering from conditions, disorders or diseases that are responsive to administration of an m-nAChR modulator.

Abstract: Novel compounds are provided in the form of nucleoside pyrophosphate and triphosphate analogs. In these analogs, the pyrophosphate or triphosphate group is replaced with a moiety that is isosterically and electronically identical thereto, but is hydrolytically and enzymatically more stable. The compounds are useful as therapeutic agents, e.g., as antiviral agents, anticancer agents, metabolic moderators and the like. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of the invention as an active agent, and in addition provides methods of treating disease, including viral infections, cancer, bacterial infections, inflammatory and/or autoimmune diseases, and the like, by administering a compound of the invention to a patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for treating female sexual dysfunction are provided. A pharmaceutical composition formulated so as to contain a selected vasoactive agent is administered to the vagina, vulvar area or urethra of the individual undergoing treatment. Suitable vasoactive agents are vasodilators, including naturally occurring prostaglandins, synthetic prostaglandin derivatives, endothelial-derived relaxation factors, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide agonists, smooth muscle relaxants, leukotriene inhibitors, and others. The formulations are also useful for preventing the occurrence of yeast infections, improving vaginal muscle tone and tissue health, enhancing vaginal lubrication, and minimizing excess collagen deposition. A clitoral drug delivery device is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to triglyceride-free pharmaceutical compositions for delivery of hydrophobic therapeutic agents. Compositions of the present invention include a hydrophobic therapeutic agent and a carrier, where the carrier is formed from a combination of a hydrophilic surfactant and a hydrophobic surfactant. Upon dilution with an aqueous solvent, the composition forms a clear, aqueous dispersion of the surfactants containing the therapeutic agent. The invention also provides methods of treatment with hydrophobic therapeutic agents using these compositions.