Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting and localizing light originating from a mammal are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for targeting light emission to selected regions, as well as for tracking entities within the mammal. In addition, animal models for disease states are disclosed, as are methods for localizing and tracking the progression of disease or a pathogen within the animal, and for screening putative therapeutic compounds effective to inhibit the disease or pathogen.

Abstract: A detectably labeled porphyrin compound for identifying a sentinel lymph node in patients, particularly those with cancer. A method of identifying a sentinel lymph node, comprising the steps of: injecting the detectably labeled porphyrin compound into a tumor, wherein the porphyrin compound is detectably labeled with a radiolabel which is a ?-emitting radioactive metal; and detecting radioactive emission or a color so as to detect and thereby identify the sentinel lymph node. A method of identifying a sentinel lymph node, comprising the steps of injecting the detectably labeled porphyrin compound into tissue surrounding a tumor, wherein the porphyrin compound is detectably labeled with a non-radioactive metal; and taking a series of magnetic resonance images to identify the sentinel lymph node by viewing the images showing the injected detectably labeled porphyrin compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to metal complex compounds, contrast agents for MRI and in vivo NMR markers for NMR spectroscopy comprising said metal complex compounds and methods for in vivo determination of physiological parameters, e.g. enzyme activity or pH using said metal complex compounds.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the contrast of an image of a sample, comprises forming an image of a mixture, by exposing the mixture to electromagnetic radiation. The mixture comprises the sample and microparticles. The enhancement is particularly suitable for optical coherence tomography.

Abstract: Cyanine dye bioconjugates useful for diagnostic imaging and therapy are disclosed. The conjugates include several cyanine dyes with a variety of bis- and tetrakis (carboxylic acid) homologs. The compounds may be conjugated to bioactive peptides, carbohydrates, hormones, drugs, or other bioactive agents. The small size of the compounds allows more favorable delivery to tumor cells as compared to larger molecular weight imaging agents. The various dyes are useful over the range of 350 to 1300 nm, the exact range being dependent upon the particular dye. The use of dimethylsulfoxide helps to maintain the fluorescence of the compounds. The inventive compounds are useful for diagnostic imaging and therapy, in endoscopic applications for the detection of tumors and other abnormalities, for localized therapy, for photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy, and for sonofluoresence tumor imaging, detection and therapy.

Abstract: New liquid compositions are described for the relief of the xerostomia and the treatment of associated disorders, in which the compositions contain: a) saline saliva substitute agents selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, monobasic potassium phosphate, and dibasic phosphate potassium; b) saliva production stimulation agents selected from the group consisting of citric acid or its alkali metal salts and malic acid or its alkali metal salts; c) oral antiseptics selected from the group consisting of triclosan, chlorhexidine and its salts, benzalkonium and its salts, and cetylpyridinium chloride; d) anticariogenic agents selected from the group consisting of fluoride sodium, sodium monofluorophosphate, and xylitol; and e) oral mucosa protective agents selected from the group consisting of vitamin E acetate, panthenol, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate and extracts of aloe vera.

Abstract: A plurality of sheet-like substrates infused by an aqueous self-tanning position is enclosed in a dispensing enclosure, from which they may be removed one at a time. The self-tanning composition adheres to each substrate while in the container, and transfers from the substrate when applied to the skin of a user. The aqueous self-tanning composition comprises 45% to 65% by weight of aqueous extract of Japanese green tea, 5% to 15% dihydroxyacetone, 5% to 25% ethylethoxydyglycol, 3% to 10% PPG-12-Buteth-16, 1% to 13% of a humectant, 0.05% to 0.5% of minerals, and other trace constituents such as an exfoliator, moisturizer, colorant, anti-oxidant, tanning accelerator, preservative, and sunscreen. The substrates are infused by being placed in a vacuum chamber in which they can be agitated and tumbled, and the ingredients are added in a specific order at specific temperatures, with tumbling and agitation following each step for a specific period of time.

Abstract: Chimeric proteins constructed from the fusion of the naturally occurring form of the soluble IL-6 receptor and IL-6 which are useful for treatment of cancer and liver disorders, enhancement of bone marrow transplantation, and treatment of other IL-6 related conditions are provided.

Abstract: A method for efficiently searching novel physiologically active substances under a certain predictability. This searching method comprises, among receptors of cells producing an antagonist to a substance in vivo or receptors of cells producing an antagonist to the cells per se, finding a receptor having amino acid sequences of two or more sizes by comparing the cDNA sequences of the receptor, and then examining which region in the longer receptor is missed in the shorter receptor by comparing the above cDNA sequences. By using this method, remedies for diabetes comprising a peptide having the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1 or 5, insulin production regulators comprising a peptide having the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:2, and gastric secretion inhibitors comprising a peptide having the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:3 or 4 are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of sensitizing neoplastic cells to irradiation by using oncolytic viruses, particularly reoviruses. Also provided are methods of treating or ameliorating a tumor with a combination of oncolytic viruses and radiotherapy.

Abstract: Retroviral vector production systems for producing lentivirus-based vector particles which are capable of infecting and transducing non-dividing target cells, wherein one or more of the auxiliary genes such as vpr, vif, tat, and nef in the case of HIV-1 are absent from the system. The systems and resulting retrovirus vector particles have improved safety over existing systems and vectors.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the treatment of uremic toxins in vivo using uremic toxin-treating enzymes, and/or cells capable of producing uremic toxin-treating enzymes or otherwise reacting with uremic toxins. Non-limiting examples of cases where the treatment of uremic toxins is desired include renal disease or dysfunction, gout, subjects receiving chemotherapy, or the like. In one aspect, the treatment includes an oral delivery composition able to reduce the blood concentration of one or more non-protein nitrogen compounds in vivo. The composition, in some cases, may comprise one, two, or more uremic toxin-treating enzymes, such as urease, uricase or creatininase. The oral delivery composition may be able to deliver the uremic toxin-treating enzymes, substantially undigested, to the intestines, where the enzymes can interact with uremic toxins transported to the intestines from the bloodstream.

Abstract: Reducing or preventing adhesions which would form in a patient during or after surgery by administering to the wound surface of a patient a fibrinogen solution in an amount of about 0.025 ml fibrinogen/cm2 to about 0.25 ml fibrinogen/cm2 of the surface being at risk for developing adhesions. User of fibrinogen in a preparation comprising fibrinogen at a concentration of 20 to 80 mg/ml for the reduction or prevention of post-surgical adhesion formation.

Abstract: A method for killing unwanted target cells in a cell population comprising nucleated cells harvested from peripheral blood, or CD-34+ or similar early progenitor cells selected from the above nucleated cells or from bone marrow aspirates, in which method the cell population is in vitro or in vivo exposed to two or more immunotoxins selectively killing the malignant cells, is described. Furthermore the invention relates to the mixture of immunotixins, the use of the mixture and a kit for performing the method.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods comprising administering anti-CD26 antibodies for the prevention and treatment of cancers and immune diseases associated with expressing CD26 are provided. The invention describes various types of anti-CD26 antibodies and modes of administration.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating interleukin-21 (IL-21)/IL-21 receptor (MU-1) activity using agonists or antagonists of IL-21 or IL-21 receptor (“IL-21R” or “MU-1”), are disclosed. IL-21/IL-21R antagonists can be used to induce immune suppression in vivo, e.g., for treating or preventing immune cell-associated pathologies (e.g., pathologies associated with aberrant activity of one or more of mature T cells (mature CD8+, mature CD4+ T cells), mature NK cells, B cells, macrophages and megakaryocytes, including transplant rejection and autoimmune disorders). IL-21/IL-21R agonists can be used by themselves or in combination with an antigen, e.g., as an adjuvant (e.g., a vaccine adjuvant), to up-regulate an immune response in vivo, e.g., for example, for use in treating cancer and infectious disorders.

Abstract: Growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) is disclosed along with its polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the GDF-5 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The invention presents vaccine formulations comprising highly antigenic epitopes identified within the semi-conserved loop-I of domain III that are capable of eliciting parasite growth inhibitory antibodies. The cyclized or linear peptides can be applied by known adjuvants or be encapsulated by or attached onto the surface of liposomes or virosomes (IRIVs) which serve as human compatible antigen delivery systems. Both cyclized and linear versions of the peptide antigens are surprisingly effective in eliciting immune responses that are cross-reactive with parasite-expressed AMA-1.

Abstract: An alphavirus vector system comprising nucleic acid of a human papilloma virus origin is disclosed. A method of treating or preventing cervical cancer is also disclosed. The method includes administering the alphavirus vector system and/or a cell comprising nucleic acid derived from human papilloma virus (HPV) to a subject. The alphavirus vector system or the cell may be administered as a vaccine.

Abstract: This invention pertains to BIV constructs encompassing BIV combination vectors, BIV vectors and BIV packaging vectors and particularly the invention pertains to a three vector system comprising: a) a BIV vector construct including a DNA segment from a BIV genome, a packaging sequence to package RNA into virions; a promoter operably linked to the DNA segment; and a transgene operably linked to a second promoter; b) a BIV packaging vector construct comprising a BIV DNA sequence fragment comprising at least a gag gene or pol gene of BIV; a promoter operably linked to the BIV DNA fragment; and a polyadenylation sequence located downstream of the BIV DNA fragment; and c) an expression vector construct comprising a gene encoding a viral surface protein. Also provided is a method for transferring a gene of interest into a mammalian cell.

Abstract: A topical formulation for treating toenails and fingernails is provided. This formulation includes a mixture of calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, an antifungal agent, and an applicating agent. The formulation is topically applied to a patient's fingernail or toenail to treat a fungal infection, to remove discoloration, and/or to thin an overly thick nail.

Abstract: Disclosed are in vitro methods for evaluating the in vivo redispersibility of dosage forms of poorly water-soluble active agents. The methods utilize media representative of in vivo human physiological conditions.

Abstract: Parenteral pharmaceutical formulations containing an echinocandin antifungal compound and an aqueous solvent are provided, wherein the formulation includes ethanol, for example about 20% w/v ethanol. The parenteral pharmaceutical formulation may further include one or more additives, such as a stabilizing agent, buffer or tonicity agent. The parenteral pharmaceutical formulations are useful in extending the shelf life and improving the solubility of the echinocandin antifungal compound.

Abstract: A water-free process for converting initially non-larvicidal evaporation suppressant powder into a larvicidal variant possessing utility both for abatement of use by mosquitoes of an open water catchment as a successful breeding site, and for conserving water by suppressing the evaporation of water from the same catchment. Lauryl alcohol is used as a blending agent to facilitate even distribution of mosquito-specific entomopathogens, eg., spores of Bacillus thuringiensis variety Israelensis or Bacillus sphaericus, into the initially non-larvicidal evaporation suppressant powder. Cetyl alcohol and/or stearyl alcohol are the preferred monolayer-formers upon which effective evaporation suppression relies. For a variant larvicidal powder that lacks an effective evaporation suppression property, the same preferred monolayer-formers may be omitted from a blend of mosquito-specific pathogens, lauryl alcohol, and hydrated lime or, alternatively, acidified gypsum.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides methods for promoting endothelial morphogenesis. The methods of this aspect of the invention include the step of providing to one or more endothelial cells an amount of an osteoprotegerin sufficient to promote endothelial morphogenesis. The methods of this aspect of the invention can be practiced in vivo or in vitro. In another aspect, the present invention provides implantable medical devices that each include: (a) a device body; and (b) a layer attached to a surface of the device body, the layer comprising a molecule selected from the group consisting of osteoprotegerin and a nucleic acid molecule encoding osteoprotegerin, wherein the device is adapted to be completely or partially implanted into an animal body. The implanted medical device thus promotes the growth of blood vessels in the surrounding tissue, thereby reducing or preventing the formation of a collagenous capsule around the implanted medical device.

Abstract: A biologically resorbable nerve guide rail with a microporous guide tube of polymers of hydroxycarboxylic acids, where the porosity allows a metabolism through the tube wall, but prevents the passage of cells, and optionally several monofilaments of polymers of hydroxycarboxylic acids located in the guide tube, is characterized in that the inner surface of the tube and/or the surface of the monofilaments have an orientation aid for longitudinally oriented colonization with Schwann's cells.

Abstract: Non-aerosol spray-on skin patch compositions as described comprising at least one substantially water insoluble film forming agent, at least one film plasticizer agent, at least one water soluble compound, and at least one organic solvent, the composition forming a flexible, porous and physiologically compatible skin patch when sprayed on to skin and allowed to dry. Also described are methods of improving wound healing by administering a physiologically active ingredient to a patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to formulations for transdermal or transmucosal administration of an active agent. The invention is a substantially malodorous-free and irritation free transdermal formulation which is substantially free of long chain fatty alcohols, long-chain fatty acids, and long-chain fatty esters.

Abstract: A tablet, obtainable by direct comprising the active ingredient 4-amino-1-hydroxybutylidene-1,1-bis-phosphonic (alendronic) acid or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts in an amount of 5 to 140 mg, based on the pure acid, a dry binder, a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, the tablet comprising, as the diluent, a combination of at least two diluents except lactose.

Abstract: Medicinal preparations containing a drug 2-amino-3-cyano-5-2(2-fluorophenyl) -4-methylpyrrole wherein the QOL and compliance of patients taking this drug can be improved and an unnecessary increase in the drug concentration in the plasma can be prevented by sustaining the release speed of the drug in vivo and lowering the administration frequency of the drug. That is, sustained release oral preparations containing 2-amino-3-cyano-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-4-methylpyrrole as the active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a crude drug composition essentially comprising herbs of Sinapis Semen Alba, Ginseng Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma Siccus, Amomi Fructus, Myristicae Semen, Saussureae Radix, Cyperi Rhizoma, Magnoliae Cortex, Arecae Semen, Crataegi Fructus, Atractylodes Rhizoma Alba, Agastachis Herba, Glycyrrhiza Radix and additionally comprising at least one herb selected from group consisting of Polygonati Rhizoma, Artemisiae Argyi Folium, Forsythiae Fructus, Caryophylli Flos, Raphani Semen, Menthae Herba according to the need for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal dyskinetic diseases and methods of using the above crude drug composition and pharmaceutical composition as prokinetic agent.

Abstract: Humic acid salts are produced, with a high output of useful products, by a liquid-phase oxidation of the mixture of an alkaline agent with a lignin-containing plant raw material having the total content of dry substances of 12–20 %, said oxidation being carried out in two stages. In a first stage, pre-oxidation is carried out at a temperature of 50–190 DEG C. and a pressure of 0.5–3 MPa associated with simultaneous treatment with an oxygen-containing gas until a pH of 10.5–12 is reached. The second stage, i.e. oxidation is carried out in the similar conditions at a temperature of 170–200 DEG C. until a pH of 8.5–10 is reached. The by-product of cellulose production by a sulphite process, i.e. concentrated solutions of lignosulphonate or lignin is used as a lignin-containing plant raw material, said lignin being a by-product of hydrolysis production being continuously oxidised by air oxygen in two stages.

Abstract: The present invention describes a composition for preventing pruritis or inflammation that includes field pussy-toes plant extract, and methods of using and manufacturing the same. The compositions of this invention have been found to be especially useful in preventing and treating lesions from poison ivy, chicken pox, and cold sores.

Abstract: Compositions for the treatment of acne have an active ingredient in an amount sufficient to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes and, optionally, at least one inactive ingredient, where the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of green tea extract, grape seed extract, cranberry extract, and mixtures thereof. The compositions may be substantially free of skin-irritating materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selectively extracting acidic and/or non-acidic compounds from natural material such as plant tissue.

Abstract: A method for removing entrained gases from wine by applying ultrasonic radiation to a solution containing wine ingredients at a frequency causing cavitation, optimizing the application of ultrasonic radiation to cause cavitation throughout the solution, and continuing the application of the ultrasonic radiation for a duration sufficient for the cavitation to remove entrained gases.

Abstract: The present invention provides yeast belonging to the genus Saccharomyces which generates, in dough containing 5% sugar, carbon dioxide gas in an amount of not less than 2.0 ml per g of the dough and not less than 1.20 ml per ml of volume expansion of the dough at 38° C. in 60 minutes; a method of screening for the yeast; bread dough containing the yeast; a process for making bread using the yeast; and bread having an anti-mold effect which is obtained by the process.

Abstract: The invention discloses compositions for the preservation of fruits, vegetables, partially processed products, other produce and followers. The compositions comprise at least one phospholipase D inhibitor, at least one compound comprising an isoprene subunit, at least one component of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway in a suitable medium. The composition of the present invention may additionally comprise one or more plant growth regulators of the cytokinin type, one or more antioxidants, a membrane stabilizing agent, a surfactant, or any combination thereof. The composition may be applied to produce as a spray, drench, dip, or a vapour and at either the pre-harvest stage or post-harvest stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to confectionery of long shelf-life in the form of a soft, creamy, foamed mass of stable form, comprising milk components, edible fats, sugar and/or artificial sweeteners and water, whereby at least part of the edible fat is in crystalline form at room temperature. The confectionery contains no lactose crystals which may be detected by the consumer, the milk protein content is 6 to 20 wt. %, the fat-free milk dry mass is in the range of 16 to 55 wt. % and the denaturation level of the milk protein is ?20%.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for manipulation of small amounts of liquid on surfaces, preferably on chip surfaces. According to the present invention, a quantity of liquid held together by its surface tension is applied on an area of a surface with at least one intermediate region, which borders at least in one lateral direction on a guide strip. According to the present invention, the guide strips have different surface characteristics relative to the intermediate region, such that they are more strongly wetted by a liquid, or the intermediate region is raised relative to the guide strips, whereby the height of the step is small relative to the height of the quantity of liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a composition including a solvent and a functional material is prepared. The solvent includes at least one heterocyclic compound having one or more substituents and containing an oxygen atom as a constituent atom. The functional material is selected from a group including organic EL materials, conductive materials, insulative materials and semiconductive materials. Functional films and functional elements are prepared by using the composition.

Abstract: Tantalum precursors useful in depositing tantalum nitride or tantalum oxides materials on substrates, by processes such as chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition. The precursors are useful in forming tantalum-based diffusion barrier layers on microelectronic device structures featuring copper metallization and/or ferroelectric thin films.

Abstract: A droplet ejection patterning method of ejecting a dispersion formed by dispersing a convectable dispersoid in a dispersion medium onto a substrate including a lyophilic region and a lyophobic region. Due to a concentration difference of the dispersion, the dispersoid convects within the dispersion medium toward the edges of the dispersion to form narrow lines of the dispersoid without using photolithography.

Abstract: A process for producing a magnetic recording medium having at least one magnetic layer formed above a support is provided. The process includes a step of providing, on at least one side of the support, a smoothing coating layer having a thickness of 0.10 to 1 ?m, a surface roughness of at most 5 nm, a number of projections having a height of 20 nm or higher measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) of at most 20 projections/900 ?m2, and an amount of residual solvent of less than 10 mg/m2, and a step of forming at least one magnetic layer on or above the smoothing coating layer without winding up.

Abstract: A magnetoresistance sensor is fabricated using a sensor structure including a free layer deposited upon a lower layered structure and depositing an oxide structure overlying the free layer. The depositing of the oxide structure includes the steps of depositing a buffer layer overlying the free layer, wherein the buffer layer is a buffer-layer metal when deposited, depositing an overlayer overlying and contacting the buffer layer, the overlayer being an overlayer metallic oxide of an overlayer metal, and oxidizing the buffer layer to form a buffer layer metallic oxide.

Abstract: A substrate supporting frame, a substrate supporting frame assembly including the frame, a method of framing a substrate using the frame, a method of fabricating a donor substrate using the substrate supporting frame assembly, and a method of fabricating an Organic Light Emitting Display (OLED) using the donor substrate each include a substrate supporting frame having a main body having an opening, a plurality of pins protruding from at least two sides of a top surface of the main body, and outer pressing units for respectively pressing the plurality of pins outward from the main body.

Abstract: A process depositing a carbon- and transition metal-containing thin film on a substrate involves placing a substrate within a reaction space and sequentially pulsing into the reaction space a transition metal chemical and an organometallic chemical. Following each chemical pulse, the reaction space is purged, and the pulse and purge sequence is repeated until a desired film thickness is obtained. A preferred deposition process uses atomic layer deposition techniques and may result in an electrically conductive thin carbide film having uniform thickness over a large substrate area and excellent adhesion and step coverage properties.

Abstract: In this method of manufacturing a device, when discharging the liquid drops upon the substrate, a bit map made up from a plurality of pixels against which liquid drops are discharged is established upon the substrate. When establishing the pixels, when the interval of the discharge nozzles of the liquid drop discharge head 1 is taken as “a”, and the size in the Y axis direction of the pixels is taken as by, the pixels are established so that the condition by=a/n is satisfied, where n is a positive integer.

Abstract: A method of applying a silicone caulking compound. A first step involves applying a bead of silicone caulking compound to a seam or surface. A second step involves spraying a surfactant on the bead of silicone caulking compound. A third step involves wiping excess silicone caulking compound from the surface. The surfactant applied to the surface “lubricates” the surface to prevent adhesion of the silicone caulking compound to the surface when excess material is wiped away, thereby preventing smearing.

Abstract: A siloxane-based resin having germanium and an interlayer insulating film for a semiconductor device formed using the same. The siloxane-based resins have a low dielectric constant in addition to excellent mechanical properties so that they are useful materials for an insulating film between interconnecting layers of a semiconductor device.