Abstract: A molding composition comprising thermoplastic polyurethane is disclosed. The polyurethane is characterized in having ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation at break (EAB) values after hot storage which are, each, at least 60% of the corresponding value before hot storage, glass transition temperature equal to or lower than −50° C., UTS and EAB values after hydrolytic storage which are, each, at least 80% of the corresponding value before hydrolytic storage, and Shore A hardness of 70 to 95. The polyurethane is a product of a reaction comprising an aliphatic diisocyanate, a mixture of polyols and a chain extender and contains a UV stabilizer, an antioxidant and an optional anti-hydrolysis agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to 2,7-substituted-9-substituted fluorenes and 9-substituted fluorene oligomers and polymers. The fluorenes, oligomers and polymers are substituted at the 9-position with two hydrocarbyl moieties which may optionally contain one or more of sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous or silicon heteroatoms; a C5-20 ring structure formed with the 9-carbon on the fluorene ring or a C4-20 ring structure formed with the 9-carbon containing one or more heteroatoms of sulfur, nitrogen or oxygen; or a hydrocarbylidene moiety. In one embodiment, the fluorenes are substituted at the 2- and 7-positions with aryl moieties which may further be substituted with moieties which are capable of crosslinking or chain extension or a trialkylsiloxy moiety. The fluorene polymers and oligomers may be substituted at the 2- and 7′-positions. The monomer units of the fluorene oligomers and polymers are bound to one another at the 2- and 7′-positions.

Abstract: The invention provides novel conjugated polymers comprised of arylamine-substituted poly(arylene vinylenes).

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the kinase peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the kinase peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the kinase peptides.

Abstract: Compound having the structure 1

Abstract: The invention is related to a preparation method of arbutin intermediate (chemical formula I). It is characterized by the glycosylation of hydroquinone or mono-protectected hydroquinone (chemical formula II) with pentaacetyl-&bgr;-D-glucose (chemical formula III) in the presence of Lewis acid and base as catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention provides several methods for biological production of para-hydroxycinnamic acid (PHCA). The invention is also directed to the discovery of new fungi and bacteria that possess the ability to convert cinnamate to PHCA. The invention relates to developing of a new biocatalyst for conversion of glucose to PHCA by incorporation of the wild type PAL from the yeast Rhodotorula glutinis into E. coli underlining the ability of the wildtype PAL to convert tyrosine to PHCA. The invention is also directed to developing a new biocatalyst for conversion of glucose to PHCA by incorporation of the wildtype PAL from the yeast Rhodotorula glutinis plus the plant cytochrome P-450 and the cytochrome P-450 reductase into E. coli. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides for the developing of a new biocatalyst through mutagenesis of the wild type yeast PAL which possesses enhanced tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL) activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides hetero-oligomers of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as novel drug targets, cells expressing endogenous hetero-oligomers of GPCRs, and cells transfected with GPCRs that express GPCRs capable of forming hetero-oligomers of GPCRs. These cells are useful for evaluating the activity of known and putative receptor ligands including but not limited to drugs, hormones, neurotransmitters, cytokines and related agonists and antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the high throughput analysis of polymorphisms of a family of genes associated with addiction and alcohol dependence. Included are probes prepared by a variety of techniques, a sample plate that may utilize DNA chip-type technology. The invention is adapted to identify both physiological and genetic conditions of subjects so tested, and should provide a rapid and inexpensive means for accomplishing the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel 2-(5-halopyridyl) and 2-(5-halopyrimidinyl) magnesium halides, processes of making and their use in the efficient synthesis in their respective 5-halo-2-substituted pyridines and pyrimidines.

Abstract: Para-alkynyl phenyl heteroaromatic amides which are active as glucokinase activators to increase insulin secretion which makes them useful for treating type II diabetes.

Abstract: A process for preparing alkyl- or aryloxyacetaldehydes of the formula 1

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel alkanoic acid derivatives thereof, their synthesis, and their use as &agr;v integrin receptor antagonists. More particularly, the compounds of the present invention are antagonists of the integrin receptors &agr;v&bgr;3 and/or &agr;v&bgr;5 and are useful for inhibiting bone resorption, treating and preventing osteoporosis, and inhibiting vascular restenosis, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, inflammatory arthritis, cancer, and metastatic tumor growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to 4-thiomethylpyrazole compounds of formula (I): 1

Abstract: Compounds of the invention having general formula (I) 1

Abstract: The invention refers to new liposoluble and photostable silicon-bearing derivatives of benz-x-azole having an excellent absorption power in the UV radiation spectrum. The invention also refers to compositions, particularly cosmetic ones, containing these new derivatives as well as the use of these derivatives as sunscreens effective in the UV radiation spectrum.

Abstract: The synthesis of taxol and other tricyclic and tetracyclic taxanes.

Abstract: This invention relates in part to processes for producing one or more substituted or unsubstituted epsilon caprolactones and/or hydrates and/or esters thereof which comprise subjecting one or more substituted or unsubstituted penten-1-ols to carbonylation in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst, e.g., a metal-organophosphorus ligand complex catalyst, to produce said one or more substituted or unsubstituted epsilon caprolactones and/or hydrates and/or esters thereof. The substituted and unsubstituted epsilon caprolactones and/or hydrates and/or esters thereof produced by the processes of this invention can undergo further reaction(s) to afford desired derivatives thereof, e.g., epsilon caprolactam. This invention also relates in part to reaction mixtures containing one or more substituted or unsubstituted epsilon caprolactones and/or hydrates and/or esters thereof as principal product(s) of reaction.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing Simvastatin is provided comprising reacting lovastatin with an organic boronic acid to produce a derivative of lovastatin with a hemiboronate group attached to the C-4 carbon of the pyranyl group, methylating the 2-methylbutyryloxy group on the lovastatin derivative to form a 2,2-dimethylbutyryloxy group on the lovastatin derivative and thereafter removing the hemiboronate group to produce simvastatin.

Abstract: A process for the transesterification of fat and/or oil of biological origin by means of alcoholysis comprises the following steps:

Abstract: A halopropyldimethylchlorosilane is prepared by reacting dimethylchlorosilane with an allyl halide in the presence of an iridium catalyst. The reaction is effected in the presence of an internal olefin compound, typically 1,5-cyclooctadiene. The internal olefin compound suppresses deactivation of the iridium catalyst during reaction. Using a smaller amount of the iridium catalyst, the process produces the halopropyldimethylchlorosilane in high yields.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of arylpiperidine carbinol intermediates and derivatives is disclosed.

Abstract: Allylated amide compounds are formulated into curable compositions with a free radical curing agent, and optionally, one or more fillers, for use as adhesives in the manufacture of microelectronic devices.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling the reaction rate and/or reactivity of a hydrocarbon to an intermediate oxidation product, such as an acid, within predetermined limits, are disclosed. Control of the reaction rate and/or reactivity within predetermined limits is achieved by monitoring and controlling the oxidant consumption rate. According to the present invention, examples of ways to determine the oxidant consumption rate include, but are not limited to, monitoring the flow rates of incoming and outgoing oxidant, monitoring pressure differentials after temporarily ceasing entry and exit of gases, and monitoring the flow rates of incoming and outgoing gases, and monitoring the rates of incoming and outgoing hydrocarbon.

Abstract: In a process for preparing formaldehyde from methanol by dehydrogenation in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst at a temperature in the range from 300 to 1000° C., a carrier gas stream which has a temperature above the dehydrogenation temperature is fed to the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of polyether polyols by the reaction of alkylene oxides and compounds containing active hydrogens, in the presence of specific Lewis acid metal compounds as catalysts, novel bis(perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid) compounds of Group 13 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, and to a process for the preparation thereof and the use thereof as catalysts for ring-opening polymerization of cyclic ethers.

Abstract: Process for isomerization of a feedstock that contains aromatic compounds with eight carbon atoms characterized in that it comprises at least one isomerization stage a) that is carried out in the presence of a catalyst that contains at least one metal of group VIII and that is activated according to an activation process that comprises at least one sulfurization stage and at least one stage for passivation with ammonia, and at least one dehydrogenation stage b).

Abstract: A C4+naphtha hydrocarbon feed is converted to light olefins and aromatics, by contacting the feed with a catalyst containing ZSM-5 and/or ZSM-11, a substantially inert matrix material such as silica and/or clay, having less than about 20 wt % active matrix material based on total catalyst composition, and phosphorus.

Abstract: A method for safely treating and disposing of infectious biomedical waste and other hazardous materials is disclosed. The method involves alkaline hydrolysis of infectious agents contained in regulated medical waste or hazardous waste solutions. The infectious waste is immersed into a highly basic solvent (>130° C., >2.79 atm) until the hydrolyzable matter is fully digested, thereby forming a sterile solution and sterile solid waste. The sterile solution and solid waste may then be disposed of through standard means, such as in a sanitary sewage system or local landfill facility. The method also provides for the treatment of lipid soluble hazardous material contained in the regulated medical waste.

Abstract: A modular device for implanting radioactive seeds in an animal body through needles implanted in the body. Trains of radioactive seeds and non-radioactive spacers are assembled in an assembly unit. The assembly unit comprises means for determining activity of the seeds with an accuracy that allows distinguishing between different activities within tolerance ranges of specified nominal activities for the seeds. After implantation of the seeds in the body a pre-plan may be recalculated taking into consideration actual activities of seeds implanted. Not correctly comprosed trains may be disposed of. A post-plan may be determined based upon actually measured activities of implanted seeds.

Abstract: A system for enhancing a patient's hearing using electrically driven sound transducer, i.e., a speaker, implanted in the patient's middle ear cavity. More particularly, the speaker is implanted in the middle ear cavity inward of the tympanic membrane and oriented to direct sound energy toward the ossicles or the round window. In a first arrangement, the speaker functions to vibrate the ossicles and thus, via the oval window, actuate the perilymph in the cochlea. In an alternative arrangement, the speaker functions to actuate the cochlea via sound injected into the round window.

Abstract: A hearing aid comprised of conventional cochlear implant electronics implanted in the middle ear and coupled to an actuator configured to mechanically vibrate the middle ear ossicles. The implant electronics, typically used for driving an electrode array implanted in the cochlea, is used instead to supply electric drive signals to the actuator for mechanically vibrating the ossicles.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for ophthalmologic microsurgery for improving the drainage of the aqueous humor in the eye of a living being, wherein the device has an endoscope connected to a monitor screen and includes a tube-shaped probe adapted for insertion into an eye, and one or more channels co-axially disposed therein and provided with optical elements for focusing and transmitting images from the viewing field in the eye, and wherein the probe houses a surgical tool which is movable in axial direction and about the longitudinal axis so that by means of the oscillating and/or vibrating tool a passageway can be opened in the tissue of the trabecular meshwork for connecting the anterior chamber with the Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope shaft comprising a movable distal end portion and an operating device which is operatively connected through the endoscope shaft with the distal end portion for the operation thereof. The distal end portion comprises a plurality of longitudinally stacked swelling bodies, two of which at a time are located diametrically with respect to each other and form a layer and two longitudinally directly adjacent pairs of bodies of which at a time are phase-shifted by 90°.

Abstract: A system and method for providing computerized, knowledge-based medical diagnostic advice. The medical advice is provided to the general public over a network, such as a telephone network with the use of a telephone or the Internet with the use of an Internet access device. Alternatively, the medical advice can be provided to a patient in a stand-alone mode by use of a computer. The invention utilizes a list-based processing method of generating and executing diagnostic scripts. For the purpose of diagnosing a health problem of a patient, medical knowledge is organized into a list of the diseases to be considered. Each disease on the disease list includes a list of symptoms that is checked in a patient. Each symptom on the symptom list is then further described as a response to a list of one or more questions asked of the patient about the symptom. This triply-nested list structure is converted by suitable data structure transformations into a script that is stored.

Abstract: An article for the identification of the premature rupture of a membrane during pregnancy is disclosed. In its preferred embodiment, the article comprises a pad having an upper outer layer, a lower outer layer, and an intermediate pH-responsive component. A double-sided adhesive strip is attached to the lower outer layer. The upper outer layer is composed of a liquid permeable material. Intermediate of the upper out layer and the inner outer layer is a pH-sensitive component. This intermediate layer is a pH-sensitive material and may be one of a variety of such materials, although a preferred material is nitrazine paper. In the presence of an alkaline fluid, such as amniotic fluid, the pH-sensitive material responds by turning to a purple-blue color. The change in color acts as a visual indicator to the wearer of the possible presence of amniotic fluid outside of the amniotic sac.

Abstract: In a method for operating a magnetic resonance apparatus with a gradient coil system and an active shim system, shim currents of the active shim system and/or offset currents of the gradient coil system are adjusted corresponding to at least one subject-specific parameter of an examination subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a restraining assembly used in neuroimaging of animals in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. The body of the animal under study is secured within a tube with a head holder to reduce motion artifacts, particularly when the animal is awake. The tube is placed in the bore of the MRI system to conduct imaging procedures with a radio frequency coil adjacent to the animal's head.

Abstract: A surgical alignment device is shown that is controlled remotely through the use of an actuator, where the actuator in turn controls at least one local adjustment device. The alignment device is suited for neurosurgery, although it is not exclusively limited to neurosurgery. The alignment device includes an insertion guide that is coupled to the local adjustment device, the insertion guide being used to guide a device such as a catheter into a patient. The alignment device may also be coupled to a control module such as a microcomputer that controls the orientation of the insertion guide in response to inputs from the surgeon as to a location of interest within the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus that can be used for compressing breast tissue during diagnostic procedures. The apparatus maintains a flat rigid surface against breast tissue during imaging but contains a removable element that allows access to the breast for performing a biopsy without repositioning the breast.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a system and a method for the automatic evaluation of the indexes of volemic status (Systolic Pressure Variation or SPV) in patients submitted to mechanic ventilation, starting form the analysis of the variations of the values of blood pressure.

Abstract: A thermal sensing catheter finds particular utility in detecting and isolating unstable arterial plaque. Miniaturized temperature sensors, preferably in the form of microthermistors, are embedded into expandable presentation elements disposed at the distal end of a catheter. The sensors may then be deployed to measure the surface temperature of the inner wall of coronary arteries or other vessels at multiple sites to identify sites of elevated temperature indicative of unstable plaque. The presentation elements may assume a “hand” type design or an alternate basket-type structure. A plurality of thermal sensors are embedded into the sides of polymeric or metallic sensing elements which expand out from the centerline of a catheter toward the inner vessel walls.

Abstract: This health indicator measuring device includes an arithmetical operation means for computing data of a lean body per body height or a data of a body fat per body height on the basis of the respective data of body weight, body fat and body height. The health indicator measuring device has the capability of measuring a qualitative aspect or a quantitative aspect of muscle of a person to be measured and outputting indicators of a health year equivalent and an advice data on practical fitness for health related to the function of the body measured.

Abstract: A pelvic sling device is provided for reducing a fractured pelvis. The device includes a belt member and a buckle component that automatically locks at an optimal predetermined tension level to provide distributed hoop-like compression and reduction for a fractured pelvis.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problems associated with lead migration, patient movement or position, histological changes, neural plasticity or disease progression. The present invention discloses techniques for implanting a lead having therapy delivery elements, such as electrodes or drug delivery ports, within a vertebral or cranial bone so as to maintain these elements in a fixed position relative to a desired treatment site. The therapy delivery elements may thereafter be adjusted in situ with a position control mechanism and/or a position controller to improve the desired treatment therapy. The present invention also discloses techniques for non-invasively positioning and re-positioning therapy delivery elements after implant to provide electrical stimulation and/or drug infusion to a precise target. A position control mechanism and/or a position controller are provided for adjusting in situ the position of the therapy delivery elements relative to the targeted tissue of interest.

Abstract: A retracting needle assembly for use with a syringe barrel having a cylindrical collar and a plunger having a release element with a sharp distal end includes an outer hub having a passageway therethrough and an inner hub having a proximal end, a distal end and a conduit therethrough. The proximal end of the inner hub has an inner portion and a dissociable outer portion connected to the inner portion. The dissociable outer portion is further connected to the outer hub. The distal end of the inner hub is smaller than the W o passageway of the outer hub at the distal end of the outer hub and projects distally outwardly therefrom. A needle cannula having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen therethrough is connected to the inner hub so that the lumen is in fluid communication with the conduit. An energized spring is contained between the inner and outer hub. Structure is provided for connecting the outer hub to the collar of the syringe barrel.

Abstract: An infusion pump includes a plurality of projections configured so that they enter the subcutaneous region of the patients skin and provides a painless means of creating a breach in the stratum corneum which is sealed against leakage by the skin surrounding each projection and provides a flow path for either a basal and bolus injection of medication. The pump includes a drug reservoir containing a drug. The pump includes a microactuator and includes a housing having a foundation or lid which opens and closes so that the medication container can be inserted and supported in a delivery mode position. A micro actuator is used to advance either a roller or a piston in communication with the medication container. Attached to the micro-actuator is a device that is mounted for movement along the access of the medication container. The device indexes along the medication container that is used to dispense the medication.

Abstract: The present invention involves a device for tissue, especially hard tissue, penetration device which incorporated a novel paddle-shaped needle for low friction rotatory penetration of hard tissue and a controlled delivery or extraction system for transfer of material from to device into a tissue site or transfer of material from the tissue site to the device. The delivery system or extraction system includes at least on solenoid or other similar device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter head including a cannula housing, a needle holder connectable to the cannula housing and a guide sleeve associated with the needle holder for positioning and guiding a connecting needle, and for being narrowly slide-guided over a portion of said cannula housing.

Abstract: An elastically deformable indwelling catheter formed as a hollow spring having a coiled portion positioned between a first and a second substantially straight portion. The catheter may be straightened for insertion into a patient, wherein the catheter is allowed to resume its coiled shape. A flexible connector extending at least partially through the catheter is used to lock” the catheter into its coiled shape. The flexible connector extends through the first substantially straight portion and the coiled portion and penetrates through the wall of the second substantially straight portion. The flexible connector is anchored in the first substantially straight portion and extends through the helically coiled portion, penetrates through the catheter wall of the second substantially straight portion and returns to the exterior of the first substantially straight portion. The flexible connector may be secured relative the catheter to prevent further elastic deformation of the spring portion.