Abstract: Wax-based compositions for making barrier layers used in oral treatment devices are thermally stable when formed into a flat sheet or three-dimensional article to a temperature of at least 45° C. and are plastically deformable at room temperature (25° C.). The wax-based compositions include a wax fraction homogeneously blended with a polymer fraction. The wax fraction includes at least one wax and the polymer fraction includes at least one polymer selected such that, when the at least one wax and at least one polymer are homogeneously blended together, they yield a wax-based composition having the desired properties of thermal stability and plastic deformability. Barrier layers and oral treatment devices made from such wax-based compositions are dimensionally stable to a temperature of at least 40° C. without external support and can be plastically deformed in a user's mouth to become at least partially customized to the size and shape of user's unique dentition.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of molecular layer-by-layer deposition processes and more specifically to the synthesis of a polymer layer relevant to a separation membrane using molecular layer-by-layer deposition of highly cross-linked polyamide films to promote consistent layer growth consistent for the formation of membrane layers having a uniform chemical composition and thickness.

Abstract: Drum stick weights are described that include weighted material that may be releasably attached to drum sticks. The weighted material may optionally be placed in separate means used to secure the weighted material to the drum sticks. The drum stick weights are compact and easy to manufacture. The drum stick weights can be used to increase drummers' drum playing skills and flexibility.

Abstract: Methods for detecting and isolating acrosome-reacted sperm and complement receptor-bearing oocytes using the complement component C3, fragments, or variants thereof, antibodies to a complement receptor, or antibodies to C3, are disclosed. These methods have application in the assessment of fertility, in the preparation of sperm or oocytes for in vitro fertilization or for gamete intrafallopian tube transfer, in promoting or inhibiting fertilization in vitro and in vivo, and in diagnosing and treating infertility.

Abstract: Methods for detecting and isolating acrosome-reacted sperm and complement receptor-bearing oocytes using the complement component C3, fragments, or variants thereof, antibodies to a complement receptor, or antibodies to C3, are disclosed. These methods have application in the assessment of fertility, in the preparation of sperm or oocytes for in vitro fertilization or for gamete intrafallopian tube transfer, in promoting or inhibiting fertilization in vitro and in vivo, and in diagnosing and treating infertility.

Abstract: This invention relates to a material for use in preventing recurrent spontaneous abortions in women, comprising material selected from isolated syncytiotrophoblast microvillous plasma membrane and protein- and glycoprotein-containing fractions derived therefrom.The invention also relates to a method for preventing recurrent spontaneous abortions in women, the method comprising administering to a woman a material comprising material selected from isolated syncytiotrophoblast microvillous plasma membrane and protein- and glycoprotein-containing fractions derived therefrom.