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: Novel pharmaceutical dosage forms provide for pulsatile delivery of d-threo-methylphenidate and a second CNS stimulant, i.e., release encapsulated drug in spaced apart “pulses.” The second CNS stimulant may be an analeptic agent or a psychostimulant, with analeptic agents preferred. The dosage forms may comprise capsules housing compressed tablets or drug-containing beads or particles, or may comprise a 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 is described for preparing opto-electronic devices such as organic light-emitting diodes. The method is a thermal dye transfer process in which a dye pattern is transferred from a dye transfer plate into a receiving layer of a substrate by bringing the dye transfer plate into contact with the receiving layer and heating to a relatively low temperature, preferably below the vaporization or sublimation temperature of the dye. The pattern of the dye is maintained upon transfer and diffusion. Preferably, the method is repeated to provide a three-color pattern in the receiving layer. The invention also encompasses an opto-electronic device comprising a receiving layer as prepared by the aforementioned method wherein the receiving layer is sandwiched between two electrodes, one of which is transparent. Optionally, a hole-transporting or electron-transporting layer can be deposited between each electrode and the receiving layer.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for assessing impairment of blood circulation in a patient, such as that in perfusion failure, by measurement of pCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) in the upper digestive and/or respiratory tract of the patient. The method comprises introducing a carbon dioxide sensor into the upper digestive and/or respiratory tract of a patient, without passing the sensor down through or beyond the patient's epiglottis. Specifically, a carbon dioxide sensor is placed adjacent a mucosal surface within the upper digestive and/or respiratory tract, preferably within the patient's mouth or inside the patient's nose. By avoiding passage through the mouth into the throat and esophagus, discomfort is substantially avoided and the potential for injury minimized.

Abstract: A method for preventing or treating restenosis and for preventing the recurrence or progression of coronary heart disease is provided. The method involves administration of a selected active agent to a patient following coronary intervention, e.g., coronary artery bypass surgery, endarterectomy, heart transplantation, heart balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, laser ablation or endovascular stenting. The active agent comprises cis-resveratrol, trans-resveratrol, a mixture thereof, or a pharmacologically acceptable salt, ester, amide, prodrug or analog thereof. Administration may be oral, parenteral, or the like. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in conjunction with the therapeutic method are also provided.

Abstract: A liquid permeable metallic coating is utilized in conjunction with a fluorescence based optical sensor. The metallic coating is deposited directly on, and is in physical contact with, the sensing membrane. The metallic coating does not require an intervening substrate layer or other components. When light from a light source is shone through the substantially light transmissive substrate onto the sensing membrane, the metallic overcoating reflects back the excitation light as well as the fluorescence light generated by the sensor such that substantially no light reaches the sample where the light may be scattered and/or absorbed by the sample. Accordingly, the accuracy and repeatability of the sensor is improved while the cost and production times associated with manufacturing the sensor are minimized.

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: The present invention features coating compositions and methods for improving the quality of images printed on a paper substrate. The novel coating compositions contain a coating agent comprising a mixture of a polyacid and a polybase. When applied to a sized paper substrate, the coating compositions provide a coated paper substrate that provides 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. Images printed on a paper substrate coated with the coating composition of the invention are bleed-resistant, water-resistant (e.g., water-fast), and/or are characterized by an enhanced chroma and hue.

Abstract: The present invention features coating compositions and methods for improving the quality of images printed on a paper substrate. The novel coating compositions contain 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. When applied to a sized paper substrate, the coating compositions provide a coated paper substrate that provides 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. Images printed on a paper substrate coated with the coating composition of the invention are bleed-resistant, water-resistant (e.g., water-fast), and/or are characterized by an enhanced chroma and hue.

Abstract: Optical sensor formulations comprising polymeric sensing formulations and methods of predictably making optical sensor formulations, for, e.g., measuring O2 levels in patient blood samples. These formulations may be, e.g., deposited as a membrane on light-transmissive substrates. In an embodiment, O2-sensing formulations may be made by a process including selecting a first homopolymer comprised of first monomeric units, the first homopolymer having a first PermO2 value; selecting a second homopolymer comprised of second monomeric units, the second homopolymer having a second PermO2 value that is different from the first PermO2 value; and copolymerizing the first and second monomeric units to obtain a copolymer having an intermediate PermO2 value, i.e., between the two PermO2 values, the intermediate PermO2 providing the desired PermO2 for the desired oxygen sensing formulation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of measuring the relative populations of first and second variants of a target nucleotide sequence of a target genome in a sample utilizing an amplification step, followed by probing with first and second variant probes and a control probe. Specific embodiments include an assay to monitor the conversion of codon 215 for HIV-1 reverse transcriptase from wild type to mutant form.

Abstract: A sample cell for use in spectroscopy includes two cell portions that are mutually adjustable to enable a user to vary the cross sectional geometry of sample cell flow path thereof between at least two discrete configurations or positions. In a first position, the flow path may be provided with a relatively small cross-sectional area to provide a relatively small pathlength and generate high velocity fluid flow therethrough. The small pathlength enables use of relatively small sample volumes and facilitates optical measurement of samples, such as blood, which have relatively high optical density, absorbance or light scattering properties. In a second position, the flow path provides a larger cross-section adapted to permit larger agglomerations or clots to pass through the flow path to facilitate cleaning of the sample cell.

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 buccal dosage unit is provided for administering a contraceptive composition to fertile mammalian males. The buccal dosage unit comprises a an androgenic agent and a progestin in a polymeric carrier that bioerodes and provides for delivery of the active agents throughout a predetermined drug delivery period that is preferably in the range of approximately 8 to 24 hours.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the sizing of paper, to enhance the quality of images printed thereon. The novel sizing compositions contain as a sizing agent a mixture of a polyacid and a polybase. When applied to a paper substrate, such as in an internal or external sizing process, the sizing compositions result in a sized paper substrate that provides high quality printed images when printed with an ink containing a reactive dye having ionizable and/or nucleophilic groups capable of reacting with the sizing agent. Images printed on a paper substrate coated with the sizing compositions of the invention are bleed-resistant, water-resistant (e.g., water-fast), and/or are characterized by an enhanced chroma and hue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymeric, radiation-sensitive resist composition comprising (i) iodonium sulfonate radiation sensitive acid generator; (ii) a polymer; and (iii) an acid labile compound.

Abstract: A novel radiation-sensitive lithographic photoresist composition is provided which has improved sensitivity and resolution. The composition comprises a photosensitive acid generator and an acrylate or methacrylate copolymer. The copolymer contains first monomeric units having polar pendant groups and second monomeric units containing photoacid-cleavable ester groups. The polar pendant groups preferably comprise C.sub.6 -C.sub.12 alicyclic substituents containing a polar moiety R*, wherein the alicyclic substituents are bound through a linker moiety to the polymer backbone. Other monomeric units may be included as well. A process for using the composition to generate resist images on a substrate, i.e., in the manufacture of integrated circuits or the like.

Abstract: A method for making a optical sensor for measuring the pH of a fluid includes the steps of applying a solution containing (a) a cellulose acrylamide, (b) an acrylamide, and (c) a copolymerizable monomeric fluorescent indicator species to the distal end of an optical fiber and polymerizing the solution to form a pH sensor means.

Abstract: A method for making a fiber optic sensor includes the steps of applying an adhesive composition to the distal end of an optical fiber, and applying a solution containing a copolymer of (a) a cellulose acrylamide, (b) an acrylamide, and (c) a copolymerizable monomeric fluorescent indicator species thereto to form a sensing layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating erectile dysfunction, e.g., vasculogenic erectile dysfunction such as vasculogenic impotence. The method involves the administration of a Type III phosphodiesterase inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, amide or derivative thereof, wherein administration is transurethral, topical or transdermal. A preferred mode of administration is transurethral. Pharmaceutical formulations and kits are provided as well.