Abstract: A method of managing information comprises generating a categorized document base. Generating the document base comprises providing a pre-existing classification of things other than documents, providing a source collection of documents, and automatically assessing the documents using Information Retrieval techniques to assign at least some of the documents to one or more taxa of the classification. For each taxon in the classification one or more numerical scores are assigned, based at least in part on a composition, makeup or constitution of the documents assigned to the taxon of the categorized document base.

Abstract: A method of managing information comprises generating a categorized document base. Generating the document base comprises providing a pre-existing classification of things other than documents, providing a source collection of documents, and automatically assessing the documents using Information Retrieval techniques to assign at least some of the documents to one or more taxa of the classification. For each taxon in the classification one or more numerical scores are assigned, based at least in part on a composition, makeup or constitution of the documents assigned to the taxon of the categorized document base.

Abstract: An angiogenic factor comprising a mixture of proteins derived from bone. The angiogenic protein mixture is produced by a series of steps that allow the proteins to be kept in solution. The angiogenic mixture of bone proteins is produced by a multi-step process that includes at least one ultrafiltration step, an anion exchange chromatography step, a cation exchange chromatography step and a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification step.

Abstract: A protein mixture that is useful in the treatment of wounds, where the mixture is isolated from bone or is produced from recombinant proteins and may include two or more of BMP-2, BMP-3, BMP-4, BMP-5, BMP-6, BMP-7, TGF-?1, TGF-?2, TGF-?3, and FGF-1.

Abstract: Soldering methods and compositions are disclosed to provide electrical connections between surfaces with reduced likelihood of short circuits or solder-starved joints. Two component solder compositions are employed to preferably form “metallic foam” joints upon heating. In one embodiment, bimetallic particles are disclosed which fuse together rapidly reducing the likelihood of reflow-related solder joint faults. The methods and compositions of the present invention can also reduce the potential for thermal fatigue and other solder joint failures in electronic devices following fabrication because the porous solder joints relieve plastic constraints and lower the average tensile joint stress. In one preferred embodiment, solder compositions are employed which are composed of particles of a first metal coated with a second metal. Alternatively, the compositions can include particles of a first metal surrounded by a salt solution or suspension of a second metal.

Abstract: An angiogenic factor comprising a mixture of proteins derived from bone. The angiogenic protein mixture is produced by a series of steps that allow the proteins to be kept in solution. The angiogenic mixture of bone proteins is produced by a multi-step process that includes at least one ultrafiltration step, an anion exchange chromatography step, a cation exchange chromatography step and a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification step.

Abstract: A composite graft for a fluid-carrying vessel in a living body, comprising: an inner vessel comprising a biologic collagenic material that has been stabilized, an outer member surrounding at least a segment of the inner vessel and defining an annulus between the inner vessel and the sleeve, the outer member comprising a polymeric fabric, and a bioactive compound in said annulus, said bioactive compound being carried on a time-release vehicle. The bioactive compound is preferably an occlusion-preventing agent. Alternatively, the sleeve includes the bioactive compound, either on its inner surface or integrally as part of its fibers.

Abstract: A bioartificial extracellular matrix for use in tissue regeneration or replacement is provided by derivatizing a three-dimensional hydrogel matrix with a cell adhesive extracellular matrix protein or cell adhesive peptide fragment of the protein. Preferably, derivatizing is by covalent immobilization of a cell adhesive peptide fragment having the amino acid sequence, ArgGlyAsp, TyrIleGlySerArg or IleLysValAlaVal. Cartilage or tendon can be regenerated by implanting a matrix containing an adhesive peptide fragment that favors chondrocyte invasion. The matrix can be pre-seeded with cells, and tissue can be reconstituted in vitro and then implanted. A cell-seeded matrix can be encapsulated in a semi-permeable membrane to form a bioartificial organ. An agarose hydrogel matrix having an agarose concentration of 0.5-1.25% (w/v) and an average pore radius between 120 nm and 290 nm is preferred.

Abstract: A bioartificial three-dimensional hydrogel extracellular matrix derivatized with a cell adhesive peptide fragment is provided for use in tissue regeneration or replacement. The choice of adhesive peptide fragment depends on the desired target cell type. Cartilage or tendon can be regenerated by implanting a matrix containing adhesive peptide fragments that favor chondrocyte invasion. The matrix can be pre-seeded with cells, and tissue can be reconstituted in vitro and then implanted. A cell-seeded matrix can be encapsulated in a semi-permeable membrane to form a bioartificial organ. An agarose hydrogel matrix having an agarose concentration of 0.5-1.25% (w/v) and an average gel pore radius between 120 nm and 290 nm is preferred. The peptide fragment preferably contains the sequence, ArgGlyAsp or TyrIleGlySerArg or IleLysValAlaVal, and is covalently immobilized to the matrix.