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: 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: 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: Novel pharmaceutical formulations for treating a cellular proliferative disease are provided comprising: a therapeutically effective amount of a Golgi apparatus disturbing agent; a biocompatible carrier; and a solvent. In preferred formulations, the Golgi apparatus disturbing agent is brefeldin A (BFA) and the biocompatible carrier is a polymer such as chitin or chitosan. Methods of treating cellular proliferative diseases using the pharmaceutical formulations are also described.

Abstract: A simple and compact buccal dosage unit is provided for administering a pharmacologically active agent to a mammalian individual. The buccal dosage unit comprises the active agent to be administered, a polymeric carrier that bioerodes and provides for delivery of the androgenic agent over a predetermined time period, and, preferably, a lubricant such as magnesium stearate. The dosage units are ideal for administering drugs that have low oral bioavailability but are nevertheless potent and can thus be administered in small quantities, i.e., at low dosages, using the compact systems. Methods for administering active agents using the dosage units are provided as well.

Abstract: Novel anti-estrogenic compounds are provided which are useful to treat a variety of disorders, particularly estrogen-dependent disorders. Preferred compounds have a 1,3,5(10)-estratriene nucleus, and are substituted at the C-17 or C-11 position with a molecular moiety which renders the compounds effective to competitively block the binding of estrogen to its receptor. Particularly preferred compounds are 17-desoxy-1,3,5(10)-estratrienes. Therapeutic methods and pharmaceutical compositions are provided as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for improved solubilization of triglycerides and improved delivery of therapeutic agents. Compositions of the present invention include a triglyceride and a carrier, where the carrier is formed from a combination of at least two surfactants, at least one of which is hydrophilic. Upon dilution with an aqueous solvent, the composition forms a clear, aqueous dispersion of the triglyceride and surfactants. An optional therapeutic agent can be incorporated into the composition, or can be co-administered with the composition. The invention also provides methods of enhancing triglyceride solubility and methods of treatment with therapeutic agents using these compositions.

Abstract: Phosphorylated saccharide of the present invention includes at least one phosphate group in its molecule, selected from the group consisting of glucan, mannan, dextran, agar, cyclodextrin, fucoidan, gellan gum, Locust bean gum, guar gum, tamarind gum, and xanthan gum.

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, polybezothiazole 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(phenylethynly)phenyl. Integrated circuit devices, integrated circuit packaging devices, and methods of synthesis and manufacture are provided as well.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for assessing impairment of blood circulation in a patient, such as that in perfusion failure, by measurement of blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract or upper respiratory/digestive tract of the patient. The method comprises introducing a blood-flow sensor into the gastrointestinal tract or the upper respiratory/digestive tract of a patient, placing the sensor adjacent a mucosal surface therein, and measuring blood flow in adjacent tissue to determine blood flow in that tissue. The method may also involve measurement of PCO2 and/or pH in combination with the blood flow determination. The invention affords rapid measurement and detection of perfusion failure.

Abstract: Novel compounds are provided having the structural formula R[—N(NO2)—L—R1]n wherein R, L, R1 and n are defined herein. The compounds are useful in a variety of contexts, but are primarily to be used as high energy oxidizing agents in explosive compositions, propellant formulations, gas-generating compositions and the like. The compounds are also useful as pharmaceutical agents. Compositions containing the compounds are also provided, including energetic compositions, as are methods for using the novel compounds and compositions.

Abstract: Provided is an optical sensor including a support and a detection layer, wherein the detection layer includes: (a) a luminescent material wherein the luminescence intensity of the luminescent material varies as the amount of an analyte varies; (b) a reflective material having a highly efficient reflectance of the wavelengths of excitation and of emission of the luminescent material; and (c) a polymeric binder to support and hold together the luminescent material and the reflective material. Such an optical sensor can be advantageously used in the detection of gaseous, ionic, and nonionic analytes in highly scattering samples. Also provided are methods for the manufacture of such optical sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides solid pharmaceutical compositions for improved delivery of a wide variety of pharmaceutical active ingredients contained therein or separately administered. In one embodiment, the solid pharmaceutical composition includes a solid carrier, the solid carrier including a substrate and an encapsulation coat on the substrate. The encapsulation coat can include different combinations of pharmaceutical active ingredients, hydrophilic surfactant, lipophilic surfactants and triglycerides. In another embodiment, the solid pharmaceutical composition includes a solid carrier, the solid carrier being formed of different combinations of pharmaceutical active ingredients, hydrophilic surfactants, lipophilic surfactants and triglycerides. The compositions of the present invention can be used for improved delivery of hydrophilic or hydrophobic pharmaceutical active ingredients, such as drugs, nutrionals, cosmeceuticals and diagnostic agents.

Abstract: Boron heterocycle steroid mimics are provided that are useful as pharmaceutical agents, particularly in the treatment of estrogen-dependent disorders such as estrogen-dependent cancers. The compounds are also useful in diagnostic techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), in boron neutron capture therapy, and in fluorescence emission-based modalities. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of using the novel compounds are provided as well.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating ceramic microstructures, i.e., microcomponents of micron or submicron dimensions. A polymer composition is prepared containing a polymer, typically a thermally or chemically curable polymer, and nanometer size (1 to 1000 nm in diameter) ceramic particles. A mold, such as a lithographically patterned mold, preferably a LIGA mold, is filled with the polymer composition and the polymer is then cured or otherwise hardened. The elevated segments of the mold are then removed. The surface-attached ceramic microstructures so provided may then be removed from the substrate and, if desired, pyrolyzed and sintered.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods for improving the quality of images printed on a substrate. The novel image-enhancing compositions contain an image-enhancing agent comprising a mixture of a polyacid and a polybase. When applied to a substrate, the compositions provide for high quality printed images when the treated substrate is printed on with an ink containing a reactive dye having ionizable and/or nucleophilic groups capable of reacting with the image-enhancing agent. Images printed on a substrate treated with the image-enhancing compositions of the invention are bleed-resistant, water-resistant (e.g., water-fast), and/or are characterized by enhanced chroma and hue.

Abstract: A buccal dosage unit is provided for administering a combination of steroidal active agents to a female individual. The novel buccal drug delivery systems may be used in female hormone replacement therapy, in female contraception, to treat female sexual dysfunction, and to treat or prevent a variety of conditions and disorders which are responsive to the active agents discussed herein. The buccal dosage unit comprises a progestin, an estrogen and optionally an androgenic agent, as well as a polymeric carrier that bioerodes and provides for delivery of the active agents throughout a predetermined drug delivery period.

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: The present invention features methods for preparing stabilized &agr;-AlH3 and &agr;′-AlH3, compositions containing these alane polymorphs, e.g., energetic compositions such as rocket propellants, and methods for using the novel polymorphs as chemical reducing agents, polymerization catalysts, and as a hydrogen source in fuel cells and batteries. The method produces stabilized alane by treating &agr;-AlH3 with an acidic solution that optionally contains a stabilizing agent such as an electron donor, an electron acceptor, or a compound which coordinates the Al3+ ion.

Abstract: A method is provided for delaying the onset of ejaculation in an individual. The method preferably involves administration of an antidepressant drug, a serotonin agonist or antagonist, an adrenergic agonist or antagonist, an adrenergic neurone blocker, or a derivative analog thereof, within the context of an effective dosing regimen. The preferred mode of administration is transurethral; however, the selected active agent may also be delivered via intracavernosal injection or using alternative routes. Pharmaceutical formulations and kits are provided as well.