Abstract: Synthetic methods are provided for production of compounds of the formula: where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13 and R14 are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for modulating apoptosis by regulating the activity of endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78).

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for selective expression of a heterologous nucleic acid sequence in a targeted tissue, and more particularly to the glucose regulated protein 78 (grp78) stress-responsive promoter and its use in gene therapy and the production of transgenic animals.

Abstract: A prophylactic system or kit that prevents the transmission of disease-producing microorganisms and spermatozoa by acting as a sexual barrier and sexual aid. The invention comprises an undergarment that allows sex acts while the garment is worn and that absorbs the fluids associated with the sex act, at least one pocket, sexual aids, and safer-sex information.

Abstract: Self-crosslinking aqueous coating compositions are disclosed comprising a water-dispersible alkyd having both sulfonate and acetoacetate functionality, a suitable bi- or poly-functional primary amine, and a monofunctional primary or cycloaliphatic secondary amine. The crosslinking of the composition includes oxidative curing via the fatty acid segments of the alkyd, and crosslinking via reaction between the acetoacetate groups of the alkyd and the primary amine groups of the polyfunctional amine. The aqueous alkyd systems disclosed do not require the presence of amines for the purpose of dispersing the alkyds, while exhibiting superior tack-free and through-dry times when used in coating compositions. Performance levels are achieved that heretofore had required increases in molecular weight and Tg, with a concomitant increase in VOC levels. Also disclosed are methods of making the inventive compositions.

Abstract: A prophylactic system or kit that prevents the transmission of disease-producing microorganisms and spermatozoa by acting as a sexual barrier and sexual aid. The invention comprises an undergarment that allows sex acts while the garment is worn and that absorbs the fluids associated with the sex act, at least one pocket, sexual aids, and safer-sex information.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a cursor control device which includes a ball housing for accommodating therein a ball, a grid wheel device driven by the ball for intermittently passing therethrough a light to control a movement of a cursor, a wheel shaft device engaged with the grid wheel device and driven by the ball for transmitting the grid wheel, and an urging device engaged with the wheel shaft device for urging the wheel shaft device against the ball to assure that the grid wheel device can rotate synchronously with the ball. The present invention utilizes the urging device to exert a force on the wheel shaft device so that the transmission roller device can be urged against the ball to facilitate the close contact between the transmission roller device and the ball rather than be passively contacted by the ball.