Abstract: The use of PSG for the in vitro maturation of mammalian oocytes is described. The in vitro matured oocytes may be used for in vitro fertilization protocols.

Abstract: The use of IL-17 for the in vitro maturation of mammalian oocytes is described. The in vitro matured oocytes may be used for in vitro fertilization protocols.

Abstract: A mask restraining system used with a bag mask resuscitator for securely seating a mask on a patient's face is disclosed. The mask restraining system may include a retainer defining upper and lower slots adapted to engage first and second cords, respectively. The bag mask resuscitator may include hollow, flexible tubing having a distal end in communication with a resuscitation bag for forcing air through the flexible tubing and a proximal end in communication with a valve assembly that is rotatably engaged with the mask. The mask includes a port adapted to engage an aperture defined by the retainer in order to engage the mask to the retainer. The first and second cords may be engaged to the upper slots and lower slots, respectively, in order to securely seat the mask on the patient' face when the first and second cords are tightened relative to the retainer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing ovulation in a female host comprising the administration of a non-polypeptide cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level modulator to the female host. In another aspect, the invention provides for specific administration of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor prior to the luteal phase of the host's ovulatory cycle. Preferred non-polypeptide cAMP level modulators include phosphodiesterase inhibitors, particularly inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4 isoforms.

Abstract: An integrated article of footwear including a waterproofing membrane direct attached to an upper of the footwear. An outsole is further secured to the membrane and/or the upper. In one embodiment, the membrane includes a visible aesthetic bead in the footwear forefoot region, but not the heel region. The membrane may be of greater thickness in the forefoot region to provide added rigidity. A heel cradle is positioned in the footwear heel region between the upper and the outsole. The footwear provides the durability of a direct attach construction in the forefoot and the comfort and cushion of an athletic construction in the heel of the shoe. A method for constructing the footwear includes direct attaching the membrane to an upper of the shoe. Optionally, a heel cradle is disposed in the heel region of the shoe, and the outsole is secured to the heel cradle and/or upper there.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of increasing oocyte production in a mammal. More specifically, the specification describes methods and compositions for inducing follicular maturation using a PDE inhibitor. The inhibitor may be used alone at high doses. Alternatively, the follicular maturation is achieved by combining a low dose of FSH with the PDE inhibitor treatment.

Abstract: A small light source for internally illuminating live flowers and other products is formed in the shape of a pin with a battery case operatively connected to the light source. A sharp penetrating tip surrounds the light source and is fixed to a rigid tube for manipulating the device to insert the light source within the structure of the plant. The device is of such a size that it can be supported by a plant without deformation of the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing ovulation in a female host comprising the administration of a non-polypeptide cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level modulator to the female host. In another aspect, the invention provides for specific administration of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor prior to the luteal phase of the host's ovulatory cycle. Preferred non-polypeptide cAMP level modulators include phosphodiesterase inhibitors, particularly inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4 isoforms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing ovulation in a female host comprising the administration of a non-polypeptide cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level modulator to the female host. In another aspect, the invention provides for specific administration of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor prior to the luteal phase of the host's ovulatory cycle. Preferred non-polypeptide cAMP level modulators include phosphodiesterase inhibitors, particularly inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4 isoforms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing ovulation in a female host comprising the administration of a non-polypeptide cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level modulator to the female host. In another aspect, the invention provides for specific administration of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor prior to the luteal phase of the host's ovulatory cycle. Preferred non-polypeptide cAMP level modulator include phosphodiesterase inhibitors, particularly inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 4.

Abstract: A liquid crystal optical shutter is disclosed that possesses an aperture window (124) comprising of first and second electrode patterns (112; 212) arranged on respective planar substrates. The first and second substrates are provided at a predetermined mutual distance. The electrode patterns each comprises a series of row electrodes, wherein the series of row electrodes of the first electrode pattern are aligned at an angle of less than 45 degrees with the series of row electrodes of the second electrode pattern so as to create a high internal electrical resistance in series with any point in the liquid crystal optical shutter. It is thereby provided a high internal electrical resistance in series with any point in the liquid crystal optical shutter whilst the overall external resistance of the optical shutter is maintained at a low level, significantly reducing the occurrence of electrical sparking.

Abstract: The thixotropic composition of the instant invention may be cured to a more or less rigid form without the use of a mold. The shaped thixotropic composition includes one of the two components which when combined result in chemiluminescent light. The cured solid is useful in a variety of environments and will emit chemiluminescent light upon addition of a second chemiluminescent component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a simple, hand-held, disposable device and a kit used to decorate and enhance the presentation of food. The device creates decorative shavings of food items of a desired thickness and curl. Particularly, the device creates decorative shavings of food items of a uniform, aesthetically pleasing design in a safe, effective and economical manner while being able to retain and store any unshaved portion of the food item therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing ovulation in a female host comprising the administration of a non-polypeptide cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level modulator to female host. In another aspect, the invention provides for specific administration of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor prior to the luteal phase of the host's ovulatory cycle. Preferred non-polypeptide cAMP level modulator include phosphodiesterase inhibitors, particularly inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4 isoforms.

Abstract: The use of certain IL-6-type cytokines for the in vitro maturation of mammalian oocytes is described. The in vitro matured oocytes may be used in in vitro fertilization protocols.

Abstract: An integrated article of footwear including a waterproofing membrane direct attached to an upper of the footwear. An outsole is further secured to the membrane and/or the upper. In one embodiment, the membrane includes a visible aesthetic bead in the footwear forefoot region, but not the heel region. The membrane may be of greater thickness in the forefoot region to provide added rigidity. A heel cradle is positioned in the footwear heel region between the upper and the outsole. The footwear provides the durability of a direct attach construction in the forefoot and the comfort and cushion of an athletic construction in the heel of the shoe. A method for constructing the footwear includes direct attaching the membrane to an upper of the shoe. Optionally, a heel cradle is disposed in the heel region of the shoe, and the outsole is secured to the heel cradle and/or upper there.

Abstract: An integrated article of footwear including a waterproofing membrane direct attached to an upper of the footwear. An outsole is further secured to the membrane and/or the upper. In one embodiment, the membrane includes a visible aesthetic bead in the footwear forefoot region, but not the heel region. The membrane may be of greater thickness in the forefoot region to provide added rigidity. A heel cradle is positioned in the footwear heel region between the upper and the outsole. The footwear provides the durability of a direct attach construction in the forefoot and the comfort and cushion of an athletic construction in the heel of the shoe. A method for constructing the footwear includes direct attaching the membrane to an upper of the shoe. Optionally, a heel cradle is disposed in the heel region of the shoe, and the outsole is secured to the heel cradle and/or upper there.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing ovulation in a female host comprising the administration of a non-polypeptide cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level modulator to the female host. In another aspect, the invention provides for specific administration of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor prior to the luteal phase of the host's ovulatory cycle. Preferred non-polypeptide cAMP level modulator include phosphodiesterase inhibitors, particularly inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4 isoforms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing ovulation in a female host comprising the administration of a non-polypeptide cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level modulator to the female host. In another aspect, the invention provides for specific administration of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor prior to the luteal phase of the host's ovulatory cycle. Preferred non-polypeptide cAMP level modulator include phosphodiesterase inhibitors, particularly inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4 isoforms.

Abstract: A liquid crystal shutter construction, suitable for glass shields and automatically darkening welding glass filters, which shutter construction is switchable between a first state with high transmission of light and a second state with low transmission of light, and vice versa, in response to an electric control signal, the shutter construction having a nematic type liquid crystal cell disposed between transparent plates having electrodes for providing an electric field in response to the control signal, said plates having mutually facing surfaces, each of which is provided with alignment means for defining a respective molecule alignment direction for molecules in the proximity of said alignment means in the absence of said electric field, said liquid crystal cell being mounted between polarisers, wherein a retardation film is disposed between the polarisers in order to reduce remaining retardation in the liquid crystal cell when in an electrically activated state, said retardation film being arranged such t