Abstract: A blend of a multiply branched lactic acid polymer of one steric configuration with a linear lactic acid polymer of the opposite steric configuration has different and more useful properties than either component alone.

Abstract: A device comprises a stimulus generator comprising an instruction processor. The stimulus generator is configured to deliver stimuli to a biological tissue. The device also comprises a non-volatile memory for storing instructions directly executable by the instruction processor, the instructions controlling, at least in part, the operation of the device. The instruction processor generates an erase control signal to erase at least a segment of the non-volatile memory and a write control signal to write one or more new instructions to at least a segment of the non-volatile memory, thereby modifying the operation of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new structural class of amphiphilic molecules which incorporate a hydrophilic material or polymer attached, at spatially distinct sites, to at least two hydrophobic residues. Certain of the amphiphilic molecules comprise a plurality of hydrophobic moieties. All such amphiphilic molecules have a common structural motif and, in contact with water, display surface activity and self-assemble into multimolecular aggregates and liquid crystalline phases. Also disclosed are enhanced stability liposomes that incorporate such amphiphilic molecules via unique interactions, and methods of using such formulations in a variety of applications including drug delivery, nutrition, bio-diagnostics, cosmetics, blood products and related applications.

Abstract: A method for initializing process controllers based on tool event data includes providing a tool having a process controller adapted to employ a control model to control an operating recipe of the tool; receiving a tool event notification; and initializing the control model in response to receiving the tool event notification. A manufacturing system includes a tool and a process controller. The tool is adapted to process wafers in accordance with an operating recipe. The process controller is adapted to employ a control model to control the operating recipe in accordance with a control algorithm. The process controller is further adapted to receive a tool event notification and initialize the control model in response to receiving the tool event notification.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved SRAM cell design. The SRAM cell includes a first active area on oxide in a first conductive well located on a first vertical side of the SRAM cell, a second active area on oxide in a second conductive well located on the first vertical side of the SRAM cell, a third active area on oxide in the first conductive well located on a second vertical side of the SRAM cell, a fourth active area on oxide in the second conductive well located on the second vertical side of the SRAM cell, a first gate located on the first vertical side of the SRAM cell, a second gate located on the second vertical side of the SRAM cell, a first local interconnect connecting the first active area, the second active area, and the second gate via a second EC contact located on the second gate, and a second local interconnect connecting the third active area, the fourth active area, and the first gate via a first EC contact located on the first gate.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibodies that specifically inhibit VEGF binding to only one (VEGFR2) of the two VEGF receptors. The antibodies effectively inhibit angiogenesis and induce tumor regression, and yet have improved safety due to their specificity. The present invention thus provides new antibody-based compositions, methods and combined protocols for treating cancer and other angiogenic diseases. Advantageous immunoconjugate and prodrug compositions and methods using the new VEGF-specific antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is the surprising discovery that aminophospholipids, such as phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine, are specific, accessible and stable markers of the luminal surface of tumor blood vessels. The present invention thus provides aminophospholipid-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic constructs for use in tumor intervention. Antibody-therapeutic agent conjugates and constructs that bind to aminophospholipids are particularly provided, as are methods of specifically delivering therapeutic agents, including toxins and coagulants, to the stably-expressed aminophospholipids of tumor blood vessels, thereby inducing thrombosis, necrosis and tumor regression.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel nucleic acid and peptide compositions comprising latent TGF&bgr; binding proteins (LTBPs). Also disclosed are methods of using LTBP-2 and LTBP-3 peptides and the DNA segments which encode them.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described herein for use in packaging having improved moisture vapor barrier properties. In certain embodiments of the present invention, packaging articles can be made having improved oxygen barrier properties as well. Compositions of the present invention can comprise a low molecular weight hydrogenated aliphatic resin and either a high density polyethylene or a branched or linear low density polyethylene. The low molecular weight hydrogenated aliphatic resin has a weight-average molecular weight of less than about 2000 g/mol. Preferably, the low molecular weight hydrogenated aliphatic resin comprises hydrogenated poly (dicyclopentadiene) or the product of hydrogenating a polymer produced by polymerizing a reaction mixture comprising dicyclopentadiene.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved compositions and methods for use in gene delivery and expression. A range of surprisingly effective cross-linking agents and peptides are provided, as are peptide-DNA carrier compositions and condensed particles with reduced toxicity and increased stability. Advantageous methods of using such compositions in gene delivery and gene expression are further disclosed, which may be used in combination with biocompatible matrices, carriers and/or targeting agents.

Abstract: Disclosed are advantageous methods for patterning and/or mineralizing biomaterial surfaces. The techniques described are particularly useful for generating three-dimensional or contoured bioimplant materials with patterned surfaces or patterned, mineralized surfaces. Also provided are various methods of using the mineralized and/or patterned biomaterials in tissue engineering, such as bone tissue engineering, providing more control over ongoing biological processes, such as mineralization, growth factor release, cellular attachment and tissue growth.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for synthesis of organic compounds, and in particular to compounds useful as protecting and linking groups for use in the synthesis of peptides, oligosaccharides, glycopeptides and glycolipids. The invention provides protecting and linking groups that are useful in both solid phase and solution synthesis, and are particularly applicable to combinatorial synthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve having an elastomeric stent with an annular base and a plurality of apertures or holes circumferentially spaced around the base for receiving a suture. Flexible polymeric leaflets are molded over the stent. Polymeric material surrounds the apertures, leaving a central opening in each aperture. The base may be a frustro-conical ring. A sewing ring is mounted on the heart valve by suturing the ring through the apertures. Apertures or holes may also be provided by extending an area covered by woven material around all or part of the circumference of the base.

Abstract: Disclosed are various compositions and methods for use in achieving specific blood coagulation. This is exemplified by the specific in vivo coagulation of tumor vasculature, causing tumor regression, through the site-specific delivery of a coagulant using a bispecific antibody.

Abstract: This invention relates to inositolphospholipids, particularly to synthetic phosphatidyl-myo-inositols (PtdIns), ceramide-phosphoinositols (CerPhosIns) and their structural and stereochemical analogues. The invention specifically provides a novel approach to synthesis of inositolphospholipids which is suitable for laboratory scale preparation as well as for large scale industrial production. The synthetic approach is applicable equally well for the preparation of inositolphospholipids carrying saturated lipid chains, unsaturated lipid chains with one or more double or triple bonds, chains with hydroxyl, amino and other functional groups, or combinations of these. In addition, it provides novel high purity diastereomer molecular species of inositolphospholipids that have unequivocally defined structure and absolute stereochemistry in both the myo-inositol and the glycerol residues and are obtainable only by the present new approach.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for solid-phase synthesis of oligosaccharides, based on the discovery that a 2-substituted-1,3-dioxocycloalkyl linker group of general formula (I) can be used to couple saccharide groups of both the O-glycoside and N-glycoside type to a polymer support. The invention provides reagents, reagent kits and methods for solid-phase oligosaccharide synthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed is the surprising discovery that CXC chemokines function to induce rapid hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration after injury. The invention thus provides a range of compositions and methods for use in treating liver injury, including those suitable for treating acetaminophen overdose outside the therapeutic window for N-acetyl-cysteine treatment, and those that limit the hepatotoxic side-effects of gene therapy regimens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic valve and a sewing cuff assembly for attaching the prosthetic valve in a patient's heart. The suture cuff generally includes at least one lock ring and sewing cuff material disposed at least partially around the lock ring. The valve body includes a peripheral groove for receiving the lock ring therein and securing the lock ring thereto. A stiffening ring may be coupled to the peripheral groove or otherwise provided on the valve body.

Abstract: Disclosed are new outer membrane proteins and nucleic acids from Acinetobacter and related biological compositions and methods. The biological materials provided are useful in diagnostic, immunological and therapeutic applications, particularly those connected with peptic ulcers and cancers, respiratory diseases, sepsis and a variety of other conditions.

Abstract: Provided are agents that can bind to copper, and form a tripartite complex with protein, and the use of these agents in the prevention and treatment of diseases with a vascular component, such as solid tumors. Compositions and methods for combination therapy of these diseases, including cancer, as well as therapeutic kits, are also provided.