Abstract: Methods and compositions for regulating immunity are disclosed. For enhancing an immune response, agents that inhibit OX-2 are administered. Such methods are useful in treating cancer. For suppressing an immune response, an OX-2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding an OX-2 protein is administered. Such methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, fetal loss, autoimmune disease, allergies and in inducing tumor cell growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies that bind to antigens, such as antigens associated with hyperproliferating cells, and methods of treating hyperproliferative disorders. The invention antibodies are useful for treating hyperproliferative disorders, such as neoplasia.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies and humanized antibodies which react specifically with a human interleukin-5 receptor ? chain. The invention also provides hybridomas and transformants which produce the antibodies, the monoclonal antibodies and humanized antibodies, a method for detecting an interleukin-5 receptor ? chain immunologically by means of these antibodies, as well as a method for diagnosing and treating diseases such as chronic bronchial asthma by means of the monoclonal antibodies and humanized antibodies. The present invention is useful for diagnosis or treatment of diseases such as chronic bronchial asthma.

Abstract: A coated material and a process for producing the coated material which includes providing a coating agent comprising yeast cell wall fractions, as a primary constituent, consisting of cell residue of yeast which has been treated with enzymes, optionally subsequently with acidic solution, and water to remove internal soluble cell constituents; and coating a solid material with the coating agent to provide a coating thereon.

Abstract: The current invention relates to HCV envelope proteins or parts thereof which are the product of expression in eukaryotic cells. More particularly said HCV envelope proteins are characterized in that on average up to 80% of their N-glycosylation sites are core-glycosylated. Of these N-glycosylated sites more than 70% are glycosylated with an oligomannose having a structure defined by Man(8 to 10)-GlcNAc(2). Furthermore, the ratio of the oligomannose with structure Man(7)-GlcNAc(2) over the oligomannose with structure Man(8)-GlcNAc(2) is less than or equal to 0.45. Less than 10% of the oligomannoses is terminated with an ?1,3 linked mannose. The HCV envelope proteins of the invention are particularly suited for diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic purposes. A suitable eukaryotic cell for production of the HCV envelope proteins of the invention is a Hansenula cell.

Abstract: Methods for treating peptic ulcers and methods for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease by oral administration of a botulinum toxin.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for inducing protective immunity against tuberculosis are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one immunogenic portion of one or more M. tuberculosis proteins and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides. Such compounds may be formulated into vaccines and/or pharmaceutical compositions for immunization against M. tuberculosis infection, or may be used for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a PPE family antigenic protein Rv2430c of SEQ ID No. 1; a set of three high antigenic index peptides of SEQ ID Nos. 2 to 4; an antigenic ORF Rv2430c of SEQ ID No. 5 and lastly a method of inducing immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising step of: introducing PPE antigenic protein Rv2430c of SEQ ID No. 1 into the subject and inducing immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the persistent modification of cell membranes with exogenous proteins so as to alter the function of the cell to achieve effects similar to those of gene therapy, without the introduction of exogenous DNA. DNA sequences, the proteins and polypeptides embodying these sequences are disclosed for modulating the immune system. The modulations include down-regulation, up-regulation and apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides prodrug and multi-prodrug complexes comprising drugs specifically bound to synthetic receptors in such a manner that active drug becomes available only in the presence of a targeted pathophysiologic receptor. Methods for preparation and use of these prodrug complexes in drug delivery systems are also provided.

Abstract: Fungicidal mixtures, comprising A) the compound of the formula I B) a biphenylamide of the formula II, in which Z is a pyridyl ring or a five-membered heteroaryl ring which, in addition to carbon atoms, contains one or two nitrogen atoms or one nitrogen atom and one oxygen or sulfur atom, where Z carries one to three identical or different substituents from the group consisting of halogen, methyl and trifluoromethyl, and X is halogen, in a synergistically effective amount, methods for controlling harmful fungi using mixtures of the compounds I and II and the use of the compounds I and II for preparing such mixtures are described.

Abstract: The incorporation of one or more therapeutic agents on metallic and non-metallic medical prostheses is provided. The therapeutic agent can be used, for example, to prevent, treat, or reduce bacterial and fungal infections associated with these implants. Additionally, the therapeutic agents can be used to effect other therapeutic benefits. Specifically, a bilayer therapeutic coating is applied in two steps. Additionally, non-antimicrobial therapeutic agents may be incorporated in this coating to treat, prevent, modify, or stimulate certain clinical bioactivities.

Abstract: An improved barrier or drug delivery system which is highly adherent to the surface to which it is applied is disclosed, along with methods for making the barrier. In the preferred embodiment, the system is compliant, in that it is capable of conforming to the three dimensional structure of a tissue surface as the tissue bends and deforms during healing processes. The barrier or drug delivery systems is formed as a polymeric coating on tissue surfaces by applied a polymerizable monomer to the surface, and then polymerizing the monomer. The polymerized compliant coating preferably is biodegradable and biocompatible, and can be designed with selected properties of compliancy and elasticity for different surgical and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides formulations which greatly improve the physical and chemical stability of pesticides such as insect growth regulators, in liquid feeds, and liquid feed supplements. The present invention prevents or reduces stratification in liquid feeds and liquid feed supplements.

Abstract: This invention provides an aqueous/t-butanol solvent-system, facile reconstitute, submicron-reconsitiute preliposome-lyophilaye and method of its preparation and use. In one embodiment this entails a modified method for the preparation of a submicron and stable liposome formulation of the non-cross-resistant anthracycline Annamycin is described. The optimal lipid composition was DMPC:DMPG at a 7:3 molar ratio and the optimal lipid:drug weight ratio 50:1. The selected formulation is a preliposome lyophilized powder that contains the phospholipids, Annamycin, and 1.7 mg Tween 20 per mg of Annamycin. The liposome suspension is obtained on the day of use by adding normal saline at 37° C. (1 ml per mg Annamycin) and hand-shaking for one minute. The presence of Tween 20 is essential in shortening the reconstitution step (from >2 hours to 1 minute), avoiding the early formation of free drug crystals, and reducing the median particle size (from 1.5 ?m to 0.15-0.20 ?m) without destruction of the liposome vesicles.

Abstract: This invention relates to encapsulation of drugs and other agents into liposomes.

Abstract: A conjugate comprised of a hydrophilic polymer covalently yet reversibly linked to a amine-, hydroxy- or carboxyl-containing ligand is described. The resulting conjugate is capable of releasing the parent amine, hydroxy, or carboxyl-containing compound via thiol-mediated cleavage. The system allows for delivery of various amino-, hydroxy-, or carboxy-containing drugs in the form of their thiolytically cleavable macromolecular conjugates.

Abstract: Angiogenic endothelial cells are selectively targeted with lipid/DNA complexes or cationic liposomes containing a substance which affects the targeted cells by inhibiting or promoting their growth. A site of angiogenesis can be precisely located by administering cationic liposomes containing a detectable label. The complexes may comprise nucleotide constructs which are comprised of promoters which are selectively and exclusively activated in the environment of an angiogenic endothelial cell.

Abstract: A method and composition for stimulating skin function to prevent and reverse the effects of photoaging, without removal of the protective stratum corneum. The composition of the invention is a mixture of coarse pumice and an aqueous surfactant emulsion.

Abstract: The invention provides proteinoid microsphere made up of a mixture of thermally condensed amino acids that are crosslinked with a bis dithiol crosslinker reagent. The proteinoid microspheres of the invention may be used to encapsulate a material or a compound and to provide slow, sustained or timed release of the material or compound. The proteinoid microspheres are stable in solution until exposed to a reducing agent. However, the in vivo environment provides a sufficient reduction potential to provide slow, sustained release of materials contained therein from the proteinoid microspheres of the present invention.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns methods for inhibition of STAT biological functions using platinum complexes.

Abstract: A nutritional supplement is provided that is designed to provide nutritional benefits as well as to assist the body with detoxification. By providing a supplement that serves both of these functions, the present invention may enable persons to improve their overall wellness.

Abstract: Endothelial cells have the natural property of releasing soluble factors into the fluid surrounding them, said factors altering the behavior of immune cells. In cell systems containing at least endothelial cells, the release of this type of factor, which promotes the proliferation of resting and weakly activated lymphocytes and at the same time inhibits the proliferation of highly activated lymphocytes and transformed lymphoblasts without impairing their other vital functions, is induced by administration of pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids but inhibited by the concurrent administration of tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition of matter for producing hair growth and preventing hair loss in humans and the method for using said composition. The composition comprises four complexes and a carrier liquid, mixed together and added to any topical treatment or produced as an ingestible dietary supplement. Complexes 1, 2, and 3 are comprised of substances that prevent hair loss while Complex 4 promotes hair growth. Complex 1 is comprised of octyl butyrate and glutaminpeptides. Complex 2 comprises a mixture of minerals, plant extracts, vitamin B6, and linolenic acid. Complex 3 comprises a mixture of Ginkgo biloba extract, emu oil, a source of silicon, and a blend of amino acids. Complex 4 comprises a mixture of several plant extracts. The product should be used by the consumer at regular intervals, preferably 5 to 7 times per week in the form of a serum.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing and treating disease are provided. The compositions are extracts of black tea that include a mixture of theaflavin-3-gallate and theaflavin-3?-gallate.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of at least an oil derived from the seeds of the gourd family selected from the group consisting of Lagenaria, Luffa and Momordica, for preparing a composition designed to inhibit 5?-reductase activity, and the use of said oil for preparing a composition for treating prostatic hypertrophy, prostatic adenoma, acne, hyperseborrhea, alopecia, and hirsutism. The invention also concerns cosmetic treatment methods, in particular for greasy skin. The invention further concerns the use of at least an oil derived from seeds of the gourd family in a nutritional food composition for humans and/or animals as additive for inhibiting 5? reductase activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to phytase variants derived from a parent phytase which is homologous to a Peniophora lycii phytase and comprises at least one substitution in at least one of a number of positions corresponding to a position in the Peniophora lycii phytase. The variants are of improved properties, in particular of a higher specific activity and/or more thermostable than the parent phytase, e.g. of a Tm of up to 82° C. at pH 5.5, as determined by DSC, and/or of a doubled specific activity. The invention also relates to DNA encoding the phytase variants, methods of their production, as well as the use thereof, e.g. in animal feed and animal feed additives.

Abstract: A process for selectively extracting bioactive components from a raw material extract derived from vegetable matter, including the steps of: (a) passing said raw material extract through a passageway containing an adsorbent whereby at least some of the components to be extracted are adsorbed onto the said adsorbent; (b) subsequently passing through said passageway an eluent mixture substantially containing water and alcohol whereby the concentration of alcohol in the eluent is increased at a substantially constant rate from 15 vol percent to 95 vol percent during at least those periods when the components are being eluted; (c) sequentially collecting an eluate in fractions corresponding to the presence of the extracted components.

Abstract: A water-like fluid containing safe water and a significant quantity of soluble dietary fiber. The resulting solution is generally optically clear and has physical properties similar to potable water. The fluid is intended as a replacement for bottled, or other water, as a means to ensure proper hydration. Depending on the soluble fiber used the fluid is either non-caloric or extremely low in calories. The amount of soluble fiber is adjusted to a specific amount of water so that consumption of an adequate amount of fluid ensures hydration (e.g., eight 8 oz. glasses per day) will also providing an optimal amount of dietary fiber. This is particularly valuable in stressed situations where the diet may not provide adequate fiber without supplementation. The constant metered supply of fiber provided throughout the day is preferable to, and more convenient than, “bolus” administration of fiber through laxatives, etc.

Abstract: A method of infrared heat-processing of nuts (e.g., almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts and mixtures thereof) in order to reduce the microorganism level thereof is provided wherein the nuts are sequentially moisturized by application of water and then subjected to infrared radiation, preferably through a series of treatment cycles. Nut treatment apparatus (10) includes opposed banks of infrared heaters (38,40), with plural water application stations (48,50,52) along the length of the heater banks (38,40).

Abstract: A method and system for diagnosing the effectiveness of a treatment on a porous material. For example, the porous material can include a porous low dielectric constant material. In particular, the method can utilize FTIR spectroscopy to characterize the porosity of materials, and assess the effectiveness of sealing pores in the material.

Abstract: A method of forming a compacted pellet of organic materials adaptable for making an organic layer on a structure which will form part of an OLED display, includes providing a sublimable organic material in a powder form; providing a thermally insulating and non-sublimable inorganic material in a powder form; forming a mixture of the sublimable organic powder and thermally insulating and non-sublimable inorganic powder; placing such mixture into a die and using two punches, a lower and an upper punch, to apply sufficient pressure to the mixture to cause the mixture of powders to consolidate into a solid pellet; applying heat to the die during or prior to applying pressure by the opposing punches to aid in causing the mixture of powders to consolidate into a solid compacted pellet, and removing the pellet from the die.

Abstract: Proposed are a substrate that comprises an easily producible soft magnetic backing film and can reduce spike noise from the soft magnetic backing film, and a method for producing the substrate. More specifically, provided are a substrate for a perpendicular magnetic recording hard disk medium, comprising an Si single crystal substrate (1) having a diameter of 65 mm or less, a thickness of 1 mm or less and an average surface roughness (Rms) of 1 nm or more and 1000 nm or less; an under-plated layer (2) formed on the substrate, the layer (2) comprising one or more metals selected from a group consisting of Ni, Cu and Ag and having a thickness of 1 nm to 300 nm; and a plated soft magnetic layer (3) formed on the under-plated layer, the layer (3) having a thickness of 50 nm or more and less than 1000 nm, a coercivity of 20 Oe(oersteds) or less and a saturation magnetization of 1T or more, wherein the average surface roughness (Rms) of the plated soft magnetic layer is 0.1 nm or more and 5 nm or less.

Abstract: A disk for a hard disk drive. The disk includes a S1 layer of magnetic material located over a substrate, and a layer of ruthenium located over the S1 layer. The disk further includes a top layer of magnetic material and a layer of chromium located adjacent to the top magnetic layer. The chromium diffuses into the top layer of magnetic material to magnetically decouple the grains of the magnetic material. Decoupling the grains of the magnetic material reduces the magnetic noise of the disk and improves the signal to noise ratio of the hard disk drive.

Abstract: A method is provided to manufacture a coated substrate, such as an optical fiber, without undesirable point lumps. The method filters a coating composition while controlling the filtering temperature, pressure drop across a filtering assembly, and filter pore size to achieve a resulting filtration factor not greater than 250,000 s?1. The filtration factor is a function of filtering temperature and pressure drop across the filtering assembly. Typically, the coating composition is filtered by passing the coating composition through one or more filters of the filtering assembly, having an absolute pore size rating in the range from approximately 0.05 to approximately 5 microns, at a temperature less than approximately 105° F. (40° C.), and at a pressure drop ?P across the filtering assembly of at most approximately 80 psig, wherein the ratio of pressure drop (mPa) to viscosity (mPa·s), which is dependent upon filtering temperature, minimizes the filtration factor to ?250,000 s?1.

Abstract: Hydrophobic inorganic fine particles characterized by being a mixture of at least small-particle-diameter inorganic fine particles having an average primary particle diameter of 5 to 25 nm and having a maximum peak particle diameter of 20 nm or less and large-particle-diameter inorganic fine particles having an average primary particle diameter which is 1.5 to 100 times the average primary particle diameter of the small-particle-diameter inorganic fine particles; the mixture being a mixture having been treated in the same treating tank to subject both the small-particle-diameter inorganic fine particles and large-particle-diameter inorganic fine particles simultaneously to hydrophobic treatment.

Abstract: A composition for forming a ferroelectric thin film includes: a PZT sol-gel solution including at least one of: a whole or partial hydrolysate of a lead precursor and a whole or partial hydrolyzed and polycondensated product thereof; a whole or partial hydrolysate of a zirconium precursor, a whole or partial hydrolyzed and polycondensated product thereof, and a zirconium complex having at least one hydroxy ion and at least one non-hydrolyzable ligand; and a whole or partial hydrolysate of a titanium precursor, a whole or partial hydrolyzed and polycondensated product thereof, and a titanium complex having at least one hydroxyl ion and at least one non-hydrolyzable ligand; and a Bi2SiO5 sol-gel solution including at least one of: a whole or partial hydrolysate of a silicon precursor and a whole or partial hydrolyzed and polycondensated product thereof, and a resultant obtained by refluxing triphenyl bismuth as a bismuth precursor.

Abstract: A method for vaporizing organic materials onto a surface, to form a film includes providing a quantity of organic material in a fluidized powdered form; metering the powdered organic material and directing a stream of such fluidized powder onto a first member; heating the first member so that as the stream of fluidized powder is vaporized; collecting the vaporized organic material in a manifold; and providing a second member formed with at least one aperture in communication with the manifold that permits the vaporized organic material to be directed onto the surface to form a film.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is a coating precursor comprising a silicone resin and a mineral filler capable of chemically reacting so as to produce a solid layer on a substrate and a cohesive refractory layer after a calcination operation. The precursor may also include an additive capable of reducing its viscosity. Another purpose of the invention is a method for coating a given surface of a substrate with at least one refractory layer containing silicon in which the substrate is coated with a coating precursor according to the invention so as to form a green layer and a heat treatment is carried out to calcine the said green layer and to form a cohesive refractory layer. The invention is a means of obtaining a protective coating capable of resisting oxidising environments, liquid metal and a solid or molten salt.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel stack of siding, comprising: first and second coated siding pieces comprising an outer topcoat layer, an inner decorative coating layer and a fiberboard cement substrate layer; and a liner positioned between the first and second coated siding pieces. The siding, during normal transportation and installation, retains an acceptable appearance that is substantially free of viewable scratches or mars. In more preferred embodiments, the outer topcoat layer of the siding has a thickness of at least 8 microns and comprises a polyurethane dispersion. The present invention also provides novel methods of pre-finishing a fiberboard cement siding product, comprising the steps of: providing a fiberboard cement substrate layer; coating a first major surface of the fiberboard cement substrate with a decorative coating; coating the exposed surface of the decorative coating with a topcoat layer; and curing the topcoat layer to provide an abrasion resistant siding.

Abstract: A swinging link mechanism, provided on a conveyance truck, for raising and lowering a vehicle body held on a supporting member includes a first arm having a fixed end section which is attached to the conveyance truck in a vertically rotatable manner by means of a horizontally oriented support axle, a second arm having a fixed end section supported rotatably on the free end section of the first arm and having a supporting member provided on the free end section thereof, and a third arm coupled rotatably between the conveyance truck and a prescribed position on the second arm. Third arm is caused to rotate the second arm in the opposite direction to the first arm in response to rotation of the first arm, thereby to make the lower movement path of the supporting member to extend substantially vertically.

Abstract: A method for depositing a silicon carbide layer onto a substrate comprises providing a silicon and carbon source gas and an inert gas into a reaction zone. The reaction zone contains the substrate. The method further comprises producing an electric field in the reaction zone. The electric field is generated using low and high frequency RF energy produced by an RF power supply. The RF power supply generates power at an electrode surface used for plasma discharge in the reaction zone. The method further comprises reacting the silicon and carbon source gas to deposit a silicon carbide film on the substrate. The RF power supply generates high energy RF power and low energy RF power during a processing period.

Abstract: In a powder coating apparatus a pulse signal S2 of a low voltage generated by a pulse signal generation circuit (7) is boosted to a high voltage by means of a high voltage impression circuit (8), so that it is impressed upon corona electrodes (5). As a result, a corona discharge is intermittently generated from the corona electrodes (5) toward an object to be coated, whereby powder coating material sprayed from a nozzle opening of a gun main body in a forward direction is charged with negative ions developed by the corona discharge, whereafter it is directed toward the object to be coated, and is deposited on a surface of the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to method of coating the surface of an inorganic substrate of glass, silicon dioxide, ceramics or carbon, which method comprises a step of cleaning the surface of the substrate by subjecting the surface to a reducing gas plasma, a step of activating the surface by generating radicals on the surface of the substrate by subjecting the surface to a reducing gas plasma and forming a first layer on the substrate surface using a plasma enhanced polymerization process employing one or more monomers comprising monomers with a sufficient low molecular weight for them to be in their gaseous state in the gas plasma, selected from the group consisting of C1-C16 alkanes, C2-C16 alkanes, C2-C16 alkynes, C2-C16 alkynes, styrene, aromatic monomers of styrene compounds, monomers of vinyl- and acrylate-compounds.

Abstract: Methods for vitrescent marking of substrates, likes bricks, are described that include placing the substrate to be marked and at least one marking material in reactive contact with each other and vitrifying the substrate and the marking material to form a marking below the outer surface of the substrate. The vitrification may be accomplished by irradiating the marking material and the substrate with a radiant energy beam that has a wavelength and an energy level sufficient to vitrify the marking material and the substrate for form a vitrescent marking that is below the outer surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A cholesteric display is provided including a bistable liquid crystalline mixture contained between a first substrate and a second substrate of a liquid crystal cell, and a polymer network orthogonally oriented with respect to the substrates, thereby defining liquid crystal domains, with a dipolar dopant dissolved in the liquid crystalline mixture. A process for producing a cholesteric display is also provided.

Abstract: An antenna bird includes an ornamental element having the form of an aircraft which is capable of being secured to the antenna of the vehicle. The ornamental element includes at least one fuselage, a plurality of wings extending from the center line of the fuselage, at least one elevator and at least one rudder connected to the posterior end of the fuselage and an engine compartment at the anterior end of the fuselage. On ornaments depicting multi-engine aircraft or spacecraft, the engine compartments could be located on the wings, or near the tail section of the fuselage. Attachment to the vehicle antenna is accomplished through the incorporation of a plurality of support shafts each having a spherical object securely attached to one end. These spherical objects engage a concave compartment containing a slotted channel within the wings toward the leading edge.

Abstract: An ink jet recording medium and its manufacturing method are disclosed, the medium comprising a substrate and provided thereon, plural ink absorption layers including an upper layer containing inorganic pigment and thermoplastic particles, wherein the content by weight of the inorganic pigment is greater than that of the thermoplastic particles.

Abstract: A pipe for transporting hydrocarbons including textile tape of fibers or fiber windings having a thicker central section and thinner longitudinal edge regions, the tape being wound in a helical winding.

Abstract: A multi-layer optically clear laminate suited for attachment to window glass to provide a glazing element which has reduced spall and lacerative consequences on fracture impact of the window glass is provided by the invention. The laminate is comprised of at least two films of nonadhesive polymeric material directly adhered together by pressure sensitive adhesive and includes an exposed surface covered with a hard coat composition and an opposite surface covered with an ambient temperature attachable pressure sensitive adhesive. A glazing element comprised of the laminate attached to glass is also provided.