Abstract: N-acyl-N,N'-dilysogangliosides, wherein the acyl groups are derived from unsubstituted aliphatic acids having from 1 to 11 carbon atoms, and N'-acyl-N,N'-dilysogangliosides and N,N'-di-acyl-N,N'-dilysogangliosides, in which the acyl groups are derived from unsubstituted aliphatic acids having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms (with the exception of certain acetyl and diacetyl derivatives). The compounds of the invention exhibit an inhibiting action on protein kinase C activation and, thus, can be utilized in therapies for various pathologies of the nervous system. Pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic utilities for the lysoganglioside derivatives are also disclosed.

Abstract: An assay for activated factor VII (factor VIIa) has been developed using truncated tissue factor (tTF), a soluble mutant form of (tTF) that retains the cofactor function of TF toward factor VIIa. Unlike full-length TF, however, tTF appears not to support the conversion of factor VII to VIIa. As a result, the tTF assay for factor VIIa is free from interference from factor VII in the plasma and is therefore specific for factor VIIa. The assay is much simpler than existing assays, because it is a single-stage clotting assay performed almost identically to a prothrombin time assay. It is also considerably more sensitive than current assays for factor VIIa in plasma. Since the tTF assay is calibrated against a factor VIIa standard, it yields an absolute concentration of factor VIIa in ng/ml.

Abstract: P-selectin has been demonstrated to bind primarily to a single major glycoprotein ligand on neutrophils and HL-60 cells, when assessed by blotting assays and by affinity chromatography of [.sup.3 H]glucosamine-labeled HL-60 cell extracts on immobilized P-selectin. This molecule was characterized and distinguished from other well-characterized neutrophil membrane proteins with similar apparent molecular mass. The purified ligand, or fragments thereof (including both the carbohydrate and protein components), or antibodies to the ligand, or fragments thereof, can be used as inhibitors of binding of P-selectin to cells.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel materials and methods for the detection, treatment, and prevention of human osteoarthritis. Specifically, the cleavage site where aggrecanase cleaves aggrecan has been identified. Identification of this site, as well as the nature of the enzyme, facilitates specific treatments which block or diminish the activity of the enzyme. A further aspect of the invention concerns methods for detecting evidence of osteoarthritis.

Abstract: The invention provides an anti-MRSA prophylactic/therapeutic composition containing as an active ingredient at least one nucleic acid component selected from among inosine, guanosine n'-monophosphate (GMP) (n'=2', 3'or 5'), uridine and thymidine.

Abstract: Substrates with surfaces comprising compounds with thiol functional groups protected with a photoremovable protecting group can be used to construct arrays of immobilized anti-ligands, such as oligonucleotide probes or other biological polymers. The arrays can be used in assays to detect the presence of complementary nucleic acids in a sample. Spatially addressed irradiation of predefined regions on the surface permits immobilization of oligonucleotides and other biological polymers at the activated regions on the surface. Cycles of irradiation on different regions of the surface and immobilization of different anti-ligands allow formation of an immobilized matrix of anti-ligands at defined sites on the surface. The immobilized matrix of anti-ligands permits simultaneous screenings of a liquid sample for ligands having high affinities for certain anti-ligands of the matrix.

Abstract: Novel stable, non-hygroscopic 2'-deoxy-2'-methylidenecytidine dihydrate and its methods for production, and compositions with improved solubility containing same and saccharide(s).

Abstract: A phytohormone for inducing root hair curling and root nodulation in the roots of leguminous plants particularly in the absence of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The phytohormone comprises a pentasaccharide having a fatty acid condensed on the non-reducing end. A method for treating the roots of leguminous plants for inducing root hair curling and root nodulation is also disclosed.

Abstract: Composition obtained from a rice bran, which comprises a filtrate of lactic fermented and aged material of the rice bran, the filtrate being an odorless pale yellow solution, having a salty taste, and solubility with water and alcohols, or a powderized substance of the filtrate, a process for the preparation of the composition, and use of the composition as a deodorant.

Abstract: A 1',6,6'-trimethylacryloyl-2,3,3',4,4'-penta-O-methylsucrose compound is disclosed. This compound is prepared by treating 2,3,3',4,4'-penta-O-methylsucrose with methacryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine and tetrahydrofuran. This compound is used as a crosslinking agent in the preparation of polymers.

Abstract: A method is provided for treatment of methadone and/or alcohol dependent subjects comprising the step of orally administering to such subjects during the period of drug withdrawal an herbal composition comprising Radix angelica sinesis, Herba pogostemi, Cyperus rotundus and Squama manitis pentadactylae.

Abstract: Liposoluble salts of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) with acyl derivatives of taurine having the formula:SAM.sup.n [R--CO--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --SO.sup.-.sub.3 ].sub.nin which R--CO is a member selected from C.sub.12 -C.sub.26 saturated and unsaturated, linear and branched acyl, and C.sub.2 -C.sub.26 cycloalkyl-substituted acyl, and n is from 3 to 6 according to the SAM charge, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the salts.