Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical tool for performing surgery on a bone, particularly for reinforcing the bone in a miniinvasive manner, comprising: a first and a second element (10, 20), wherein the two elements (10, 20) each comprise a shell (100, 200) defining a hollow space (101, 201) of the respective element (10, 20), wherein the second element (20) is designed to be inserted into the hollow space (101) of the first element (10), a guiding element (30), wherein the guiding element (30) comprises a first free end (31), and wherein the guiding element (30) is designed to be inserted into the hollow space (201) of the second element (20) with said first free end (31) of the guiding element (30) ahead, and wherein the guiding element (30) is designed to be drilled into said bone with its first free end (31) ahead so as to anchor said guiding element (31) in said bone, and a drill (40), which drill (40) is designed to be put over the guiding element (30) in a drilling state, in which drilling state the fir

Abstract: A repeat protein from a collection of repeat proteins, wherein each repeat protein of said collection comprises a repeat domain, which comprises a set of consecutive repeat modules, wherein the repeat modules have the same fold and stack tightly to create a superhelical structure having a joint hydrophobic core, wherein each of the repeat modules is derived from one or more repeat units and wherein the repeat units comprise framework residues, which contribute to the folding topology of the repeat unit or contribute to an interaction with a neighboring repeat unit, and target interaction residues, which contribute to an interaction with a target substance, wherein the repeat proteins of the collection differ from other repeat proteins in the collection in at least one amino acid position of the repeat modules is described as are related pharmaceuticals and nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula (I) wherein Z is a template-fixed chain of 12, 14 or 18 ?-amino acid residues which, depending on their positions in the chain (counted starting from the N-terminal amino acid), are Gly, NMeGly, Pro or Pip, or of certain types which, as the remaining symbols in the above formula, are defined in the description and the claims, and salts thereof, have CXCR4 antagonizing properties These ?-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by a process which is based on a mixed solid- and solution phase synthetic strategy.

Abstract: In a method for determining charge and/or size of an object (15) suspended in a fluid, the object (15) is introduced, together with the fluid, into an electrostatic trap (1) defining an electrostatic confining potential. The thermal motion of the object (15) in the fluid is observed under influence of the confining potential, and charge and/or size are determined from the observed thermal motion. In particular, the viscous drag on the object yields a measure of its size, while the stiffness of its confinement can be compared with a potential model to reveal the total charge it carries. Also disclosed are an apparatus and software for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed, which comprises a functional unit (C) for permanent or temporary placement in the urogenital tract of a human or animal body. The functional unit has at least one electrically conducting portion. A power source (G) supplies a current to the electrically conducting portion after placement of the functional unit in the urogenital tract. In this manner, the growth of bacteria on the functional unit can be reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination medicament for treatment of malignant neoplastic disease. The combination medicament comprises an IL-12 polypeptide having a biological activity of IL-12 or a nucleic acid expression vector comprising a sequence encoding such IL-12 polypeptide, and a non-agonist CTLA-4 ligand or non-agonist PD-1 ligand, particularly an anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1 immunoglobulin G.

Abstract: The template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics Cyclo(-Tyr-His-X-Cys-Ser-Ala-DPro-Dab-Arg-Tyr-Cys-Tyr-Gln-Lys-DPro-Pro), disulfide bond between Cys4 and Gys11, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, with X being Ala or Tyr, have CXCR4 antagonizing properties and can be used for preventing HIV infections in healthy individuals or for slowing and halting viral progression in infected patients; or where Cancer is mediated or resulting from CXCR4 receptor activity; or where immunological diseases are mediated or resulting from CXCR4 receptor activity; or for treating immuno suppression; or, in particular, for stem cell mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells and/or mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and/or other stem cells which retention depend on the CXCR4-receptor. These ?-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by a process which is based on a mixed solid- and Solution phase synthetic strategy, using methods which are well known to those adequately skilled in peptide chemistry.

Abstract: A luminescence concentrator (LK) may concentrate both incident direct and diffuse light by way of frequency shift and total internal reflection. It differs fundamentally from geometric concentrators. With sufficient geometric expansion of the collector plate, nearly arbitrarily high concentration can be achieved in the LK. A luminescence disperser is an apparatus which holds both directional and nondirectional incident light captive in a transparent body by way of frequency shift and total internal reflection and emits it diffusely or directionally uniformly distributed across an area by way of luminescence emission. The object of the invention is a method for the technical implementation of the LK and luminescence disperser, using zeolite crystals having a nanotube structure, into which the luminescent dyes are embedded such that they have antenna properties. Using the resulting novel structures, problems can be solved which made the technical use of LK impossible or at least considerably limited it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for isolating a polypeptide reactive to influenza A hemagglutinin, comprising the steps of preparing a library of nucleic acid sequences, wherein each member of said library is attached to a polypeptide sequence encoded thereby, selecting members of said library by contacting the members with a panning antigen, wherein the panning antigen comprises a hemagglutinin stem region polypeptide sequence, subsequently removing members unreactive to the panning antigen, and selecting a member of said library by determining its binding to at least 5 influenza A hemagglutinin subtypes of subtype group 1 and 2. The invention further relates to polypeptides, particularly antibodies, obtainable by this method, that neutralize at least five influenza A subtypes of subtype group 1 and 2, to vaccines and uses thereof.

Abstract: Devices for the in vitro aggregation of cells. The devices are characterized by containing special ground cavities allowing cluster formation to take place when a cell suspension is seeded onto the device. Further, the present invention relates to a method for aggregating cells and the use of the devices of the present invention for the aggregation of cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of vaccination or immunization, in particular therapeutic vaccination, and diagnosis. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits capable of eliciting a protective immune response against polyoma virus JC (JCV) are disclosed, which may be used e.g., for therapy or for prevention of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and/or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (PML-IRIS). Individuals in danger of such PML or PML-IRIS may, e.g., be immuno-compromised or immunosuppressed patients or patients having an autoimmune disease eligible for immunosuppressive treatment. The invention also relates to compositions comprising at least one CD4+ epitope of a JCV protein and to therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic uses thereof.

Abstract: ?-Hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula Cyclo(-Xaa1-Xaa2-Xaa3-Xaa4-Xaa5-Xaa6-Xaa7-Xaa8-Xaa9-Xaa10-Xaa11-Xaa12-Xaa13-Xaa14-), enantiomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, with Xaa1-Xaa14 being amino acid residues of certain types which are defined in the description and the claims, have anti-infective activity, e.g. to selectively inhibit the growth of or to kill microorganisms such as Bacillus subtilis and/or Shigella boydii. They can be used as medicaments to treat or prevent infections or as disinfectants for foodstuffs, cosmetics, medicaments or other nutrient-containing materials. These peptidomimetics can be manufactured by a process which is based on a mixed solid- and solution phase synthetic strategy.

Abstract: Template-fixed ?-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula (I) wherein Z is a template-fixed chain of 12, 14 or 18 ?-amino acid residues which, depending on their positions in the chain (counted starting from the N-terminal amino acid), are Gly, NMeGly, Pro or Pip, or of certain types which, as the remaining symbols in the above formula, are defined in the description and the claims, and salts thereof, have CXCR4 antagonizing properties. These ?-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by a process which is based on a mixed solid- and solution phase synthetic strategy.

Abstract: Biomaterials containing a three-dimensional polymeric network formed from the reaction of a composition containing at least a first synthetic precursor molecule having n nucleophilic groups and a second precursor molecule having m electrophilic groups wherein the sum of n+m is at least five and wherein the sum of the weights of the first and second precursor molecules is in a range from about 8 to about 16% b weight of the composition, preferably from about 10 to about 15%, more preferably from about 12 to about 14.5% by weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the first and second precursor molecules are polyethylene glycols functionalized with nucleophilic and electrophilic groups, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the nucleophilic groups are amino and/or thiol groups and the electrophilic groups are conjugated, unsaturated groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photoarray (1), comprising: a plurality of cells (10), wherein each of said cells (10) comprises a means (20)that is configured to generate a photocurrent (I) being proportional to the intensity (L) of the light impinging on the respective cell (10), and wherein each of said cells (10) comprises a change detection circuit (100) connected to the respective means (20) for generating the photocurrent (I), which change detection circuit (100) is configured to generate an output signal merely in case a change event occurs at which said intensity (L) changes by a threshold amount (T, T?) since the preceding change event from the respective cell (10). According to the invention said means (20) for generating said photocurrent (I) is additionally also used to estimate the magnitude of the said photocurrent (I) being a measure of the brightness of the light at the respective cell (10).

Abstract: A dye loaded zeolite composite material comprises a plurality of zeolite crystals each having a plurality of straight through uniform channels extending between the proximal face and the distal face and having a channel axis parallel to and a channel width transverse to a longitudinal crystal axis A. Each channel contains a substantially linear arrangement of dye molecules comprising first and second dye molecules having an elongated shape with a longitudinal extension exceeding said channel width and a lateral extension not exceeding said channel width.

Abstract: A device for repair surgery of cylindrical organs, particularly ruptured tendons, is configured as a tubular sheath (T) made of a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. The tubular sheath comprises an elastic fiber mesh formed by electrospinning of said polymer and has an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface substantially parallel thereto. One of said wall surfaces is comparatively rough (WR) and the other one of said wall surfaces is comparatively smooth (WS), with the tubular sheath having a Young elasticity modulus of about 2 to about 5 MPa and an elongation at break of about 50 to about 1,000%. Preferably, the polymer is a biodegradable polyester urethane block copolymer with poly-hydroxy-butyrate as a hard 10 segment and ?-caprolactone as a soft segment.

Abstract: Disclosed are virtual reality systems, in particular immersive virtual reality systems, their parts, construction and use. The systems and/or parts thereof may be used by adults or children, and may be adapted to support, often within a single device, a large range of users of different sizes and medical condition. Users with physical disabilities have difficulties using existing immersive technologies such as those using accessories like head-mounted displays and data gloves. Such users are provided with immersive virtual reality outputs that allow them to see virtual representations of their body parts which appear in a correct spatial position relative to the users' viewpoint.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to Nogo-A antagonists useful for the control of blood glucose or blood insulin levels in a subject and related use and formulation thereof. In particular, the invention is directed to Nogo-A antagonists useful for the prevention, repression or treatment insulin secretion deficiency and related methods and pharmaceutical formulations. In particular, the invention relates to Nogo-A antagonists useful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: A method of screening for template-fixed ?-hairpin mimetics and libraries including a plurality of these mimetics is provided. The template-fixed ?-hairpin mimetics are of the following general formula: R1-Cys-Z-Cys-R2??I wherein the two cysteine residues are bridged by a disulfide bond, thereby forming a cyclic peptide; R1 and R2 are di- or tripeptide moieties of certain types, as defined herein; and Z is a chain of n amino acid residues with n being an integer from 4 to 20 and with each of these n amino acid residues being, independently, derived from any naturally occurring L-?-amino acid.