Abstract: The present invention concerns a recently discovered macrophage specific receptor, STIgMA, and its use in the treatment of complement-associated disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating a disease or condition, wherein expression or activity of soluble CLCA1 is up-regulated, by administering inhibitors of soluble CLCA1. The invention also relates to methods of isolating soluble CLCA1 from a bodily fluid.

Abstract: Certain monoclonal antibodies are able to detect urinary trypsin inhibitors (UTIs) that are characteristic of disease in humans. In particular, the UTIs include AMBK, Bikunin, Uristatin, Uristatin-1, Uristatin-2, as defined herein, also including the fragments and aggregates thereof.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of treating an intraocular disorder in a mammal, the method comprising administering to the mammal a Very Late Antigen-4 (VLA-4) antagonist for the treatment of selected ocular disorders.

Abstract: A lactoferrin hydrolysate mixture or lactoferrin partial peptide that can be obtained by hydrolyzing lactoferrin with a hydrolytic enzyme and has an action of enhancing cytotoxic activity of an antibody drug in an antibody therapy of cancer is used as an active ingredient of a drug for enhancing cytotoxic activity of an antibody drug in an antibody therapy of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccines and methods for making the vaccines that actively or passively protect an equid or other animal against Sarcocystis neurona. In particular, the present invention provides vaccines that provide active immunity which comprise a polypeptide or DNA vaccine that contains or expresses at least one epitope of an antigen that has an amino acid sequence substantially similar to a unique 16 (±4) kDa antigen and/or 30 (±4) kDa antigen of Sarcocystis neurona. The present invention further provides a vaccine that provides passive immunity to Sarcocystis neurona comprising polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies against at least one epitope of an antigen substantially similar to a unique 16 (±4) kDa antigen and/or 30 (±4) kDa antigen of Sarcocystis neurona.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of peptide epitopes common to a plurality of antigens of the same multigene family, said epitopes containing at least one common pentapeptide sequence preceded by three amino acids at the N-terminal end and optionally followed by one or two amino acids at the C-terminal end. The invention also relates to polynucleotides coding for said epitopes. Said peptides and polynucleotides can be especially used in anti-tumour immunotherapy.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating inflammatory cell infiltration in a tissue of a mammalian subject are provided. The method involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of SERP-1/immunosuppressant combination admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a subject in need of such treatment. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for treating numerous inflammatory based diseases and injuries.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antigenic composition, the composition comprising at least one recombinant protein. The recombinant protein comprises at least one epitope. The epitope is reactive with an antibody which is reactive with a polypeptide having the sequence set out in SEQ. ID. NO. 3 or SEQ. ID. NO. 5. The invention also provides methods and compositions for the production of the recombinant protein. Also provided are methods for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of P. gingivalis infection.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a series of genes are identified in Group B Streptococcus, the products of which may be associated with the outer surface of the organism. The genes, or functional fragments thereof, may be useful in the preparation of therapeutics, e.g. vaccines to immunize a patient against microbial infection.

Abstract: Antiviral agents containing sea lettuce or an organic solvent extraction fraction thereof as an active component, and feeds containing the antiviral agents are disclosed. In addition, a process for preparing the antiviral agents is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising a population of alphavirus replicon particles comprising alphavirus replicon RNAs, wherein a first replicon RNA comprises nucleic acid encoding cytomegalovirus pp65 and IE1 protein or immunogenic fragments thereof, and a second replicon RNA comprises nucleic acid encoding cytomegalovirus gB protein or an immunogenic fragment thereof, and wherein each of the two replicon RNAs is contained within a separate alphavirus replicon particle.

Abstract: Methods for treating peritoneal adhesions by local administration of a Clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum toxin, to a patient with a peritoneal adhesion.

Abstract: Compositions comprising activatable recombinant neurotoxins and polypeptides derived therefrom. The invention also comprises nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, and methods of making such polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: A treatment device may comprise a cover defining a cavity, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a part of a body. The cover may comprise at least one sheet having a composite structure. The composite structure may comprise at least two layers and at least one adhesive matrix situated between the two layers. At least one of the two layers may be permeable to a solvent, and the two layers may be permanently bonded to the adhesive matrix. The adhesive matrix may contain at least one active agent that is soluble in the solvent. When the active agent is dissolved in the solvent, the active agent may be released from at least one side of the cover.

Abstract: A drug and drug delivery system may be utilized in the treatment of vascular disease. A local delivery system is coated with rapamycin or other suitable drug, agent or compound and delivered intraluminally for the treatment and prevention of neointimal hyperplasia following percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography. The local delivery of the drugs or agents provides for increased effectiveness and lower systemic toxicity.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a scaffold whereby a bone and a metallic material can three dimensionally form together a stereoscopic binding layer. Thus, a geometric space sufficient for cell actions is provided. As a result, the time required for the formation of a stereoscopic bond can be shortened and, moreover, a bond can be self-repaired owning to cell actions even in the case where a pair of the bond is injured by a wound, etc. As a material for designing a scaffold, titanium fibers of less than 100 ?m in size and having an aspect ratio of 20 or more are selected. Then these fibers are entangled together to form a layer which is integrally fixed by vacuum sintering to a periphery surface of the various implant bodies, and coated with apatite. The fact that the layer contains spaces of an excellent ability to induce a biological hard tissue and fix the same is proved by the material, in which the layer is fixed to the periphery of an implant.

Abstract: Compositions useful in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and for bone and fracture repair. Slow-releasing calcium phosphate-based materials are disclosed, incorporating Mg, Zn, F and carbonate, which will promote bone formation and inhibit bone resorption and thus be agents for the cited uses.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the drug release rate from a composite material. The composite material includes a synthetic, bioabsorbable polymer matrix and a drug particle phase dispersed therein. The release rate of the drug from the polymer matrix is enhanced by orienting the composite material. The drug release rate of the oriented composite material is greater than the drug release rate from an otherwise comparable non-oriented composite material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pelleted poultry feed containing plasma, and methods of making and using pelleted poultry feed containing plasma.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting or preventing toxicity and other unwanted effects (a) caused by solvents for pharmaceuticals which solvents or emulsifier which contain amphiphilic molecules such as polyethoxylated oils or a derivative thereof, or (b) caused by a drug in a vehicle containing amphiphilic molecules such as phopholipids or derivative thereof, emptying a complement inhibitor. Drug compositions containing amphiphilic molecules, or derivatives thereof and a complement inhibitor, and pharmaceutical compositions including a drug, solvent or carrier containing amphiphilic molecules or derivatives thereof, and a complement inhibitor are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing oral osmotic drug delivery devices including the use of a mathematical model in deriving relationships between parameters used in manufacturing the devices for a desired release rate of the active drug substance contained therein. The derived relationship is then used to control the parameters so that the active substance within the device is delivered at a desired rate. Methods of administering the oral osmotic drug delivery devices are also provided. Use of a mathematical model in deriving relationships between parameters used in the drug granulation process for a desired range of percentage fines of the drug granulation substance. The derived relationship is then used to control the parameters in the drug granulation process so that the desired percentage fines are obtained in the drug granulation substance.

Abstract: Solid dosage forms containing at least one polymer binder, at least one active ingredient and, where appropriate, conventional additives, wherein a physiologically tolerated, water-swellable graft copolymer or a mixture of graft copolymers is employed as polymeric binder.

Abstract: The invention is directed in part to oral dosage forms comprising a combination of an orally analgesically effective amount of an opioid agonist and an orally active opioid antagonist, the opioid antagonist being included in a ratio to the opioid agonist to provide a combination product which is analgesically effective when the combination is administered orally, but which is aversive in a physically dependent subject. Preferably, the amount of opioid antagonist included in the combination product provides at least a mildly negative, “aversive” experience in physically dependent addicts (e.g., precipitated abstinence syndrome).

Abstract: A delivery vehicle for a silver ion source such as silver nitrate and the like, suitable for use in the treatment of menorrhagia, comprises a plurality of physiologically inert beads bearing a tissue cauterizing amount of a silver ion source. Preferably the beads are made of a physiologically inert polymer, ceramic or stainless steel. The silver ion source preferably is silver nitrate and can be substantially pure silver nitrate, or can comprise silver nitrate in combination with a physiologically tolerable binder or a diluent. Suitable binders include physiologically tolerable synthetic polymeric binders, polysaccharide binders, and the like. Diluents can include other salt materials such as potassium nitrate. The beads are useful in treating menorrhagia of a mammalian uterus. The beads can be delivered to the uterus via a catheter, and are distributed throughout the uterine cavity by uterine massage or like expedient. Silver ions are delivered to the endometrium and cause necrosis of the endometrial tissue.

Abstract: A method for tinting, for coloring skin, or for increasing the tanned appearance of skin comprising the use of an extract of a plant from the family of Compositae or Asteraceae, preferably an extract of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), and a method of screening a plant for the manufacture of a cosmetic composition for coloring, particularly for tinting, at least one part of skin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to plant based formulations for improving liver health by protecting the liver from alcohol and chemical insults and/or by inducing phase II enzymes. Formulations according to the present invention include wasabi root fiber powder, artichoke leaf extract, asparagus dehydrate, kudzu root extract, oregano extract, schisandra berry extract, notoginseng (ethanol extract of Panax notoginseng root), sanchi (water extracts from Panax notoginseng root), Gegen root extract (Pueraria omeiensis), spinach dehydrate, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for enhancing proliferation of bone marrow cells or spleen cells with an alcohol-insoluble extract of a Dioscorea plant tuber obtained by stepwise treatment of an aqueous extract of Dioscorea plant tuber with aqueous-alcohol solvents.

Abstract: A food supplement formulation, comprises L-methionine; L-arginine; zinc; selenium; Echinacea; cranberry; ginkgo; and usnea barbata.

Abstract: Typical known methods for producing large quantities of concentrated extracts from solid raw materials such as ground, roasted coffee are not ideally suited to producing high quality coffee extracts that are rich in flavor and fragrance, and which maintain the varietal characteristics of the roasted coffee from which they are produced. The current invention provides filtration methods for producing such high quality concentrated extracts from more dilute extracts via solvent removal. The invention provides methods that have sufficient flexibility and scalability to be used for a wide variety of applications, including for producing industrial-scale quantities of extracts for the food and beverage industry. The invention provides methods and apparatus that can produce highly concentrated, “gourmet quality” extracts for use as flavoring agents, beverage concentrates, and fragrances.

Abstract: Included are beverage compositions containing green tea catechins and polyvalent mineral cations, wherein the beverage compositions exhibit a relatively low turbidity. Also included is a process for avoiding the turbidity issues associated with inclusion of calcium and green tea catechins.

Abstract: A process for producing an ultrafine-milled whole-grain wheat flour which has the full nutritional value of wheat kernels, while retaining the texture of refined wheat flour and an appearance similar to refined wheat flour, and the products which can be made from the ultrafine-milled whole-grain wheat flour. The process can be used for producing an ultrafine-milled coarse fraction. Further, using the process with a variety of other grains is discussed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soy protein containing composition for use in formulating confectionary food bars. In particular, the soy protein containing composition is formed of two types of protein materials, a structural protein material and a binding protein material. The protein composition provides a soft, palatable texture to confectionary food bars in which it is incorporated. The present invention is also directed to soft confectionary food bar compositions containing a structural soy protein material and a binding soy protein material, and processes for making such food bar compositions.

Abstract: A method for making an intravascular stent by applying to the body of a stent a solution which includes a solvent, a polymer dissolved in the solvent and a therapeutic substance dispersed in the solvent and then evaporating the solvent. The inclusion of a polymer in intimate contact with a drug on the stent allows the drug to be retained on the stent during expansion of the stent and also controls the administration of drug following implantation. The adhesion of the coating and the rate at which the drug is delivered can be controlled by the selection of an appropriate bioabsorbable or biostable polymer and the ratio of drug to polymer in the solution. By this method, drugs such as dexamethasone can be applied to a stent, retained on a stent during expansion of the stent and elute at a controlled rate.

Abstract: Bismuth salt and metal alkoxide are reacted with each other under an acidic condition, and a Bi12MO20 precursor solution (where M is at least one of Ge, Si and Ti) is obtained. The obtained Bi12MO20 precursor solution is concentrated to be formed into gel, and the gel Bi12MO20 precursor is fired to be formed into powder. The powder is mixed with a binder and coated on a support, and so on. In such a way, a photoconductive layer, which is formed of a bismuth oxide-series complex oxide with a high collection effect of charges generated and small electric noise, is manufactured.

Abstract: Ti, Zr Hf and La precursors for use in MOCVD techniques have a ligand of the general formula OCR1(R2)CH2X, wherein R1 is H or an alkyl group, R2 is an optionally substituted alkyl group and X is selected from OR and NR2, wherein R is an alkyl group or a substituted alkyl group.

Abstract: The present invention is a CVD process for forming a thin film which includes a step of recovering an organometallic compound component from an exhaust gas which has been conventionally discarded, and a purifying step of purifying the recovered organometallic compound to thereby eliminate a by-product formed in a film forming step by CVD. According to this process, the organometallic compound is recycled. As a recovering technique, any of the followings is employed: a technique in which the exhaust gas is cooled and is recovered as a recovered content; a technique in which the exhaust gas is brought into contact with a solvent to dissolve the organometallic compound in the solvent; and a technique in which the exhaust gas is brought into contact with an adsorbent to thereby adsorb the organometallic compound.

Abstract: Carbon-ceramic brake discs, the remaining porosity in which, after infiltration with a carbide-forming element and reaction of this element with at least part of the carbon in the preliminary body of the carbon-ceramic brake disc to form carbides, is at least partly filled with particles whose average diameter is in the range from 0.5 nm to 20 nm, and a process for producing carbon-ceramic brake discs with reduced porosity, wherein carbon-ceramic brake discs are treated with a solution of organic compounds of boron, zirconium, titanium, silicon or aluminum or mixtures of such compounds, the cited organic compounds being present as sols in an organic solvent, after removal from the sol bath the brake discs treated in this way are dried in an oven at a heating rate of between 30 K/h and 300 K/h under air or protective gas and are then tempered at a final temperature of between 350° C. and 800° C.

Abstract: A method to create a low resistivity P+in-situ doped polysilicon film at low temperature from SiH4 and BCl3 with no anneal required. At conventional dopant concentrations using these source gases, as deposition temperature decreases below about 550 degrees C., deposition rate decreases and sheet resistance increases, making production of a high-quality film impossible. By flowing very high amounts of BCl3, however, such that the concentration of boron atoms in the resultant film is about 7×1020 or higher, the deposition rate and sheet resistance are improved, and a high-quality film is produced.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate on a ceramic substrate heater in a process chamber. The method includes forming a protective coating on the ceramic substrate heater in the process chamber and processing a substrate on the coated substrate heater. The processing can include providing a substrate to be processed on the coated ceramic substrate heater, performing a process on the substrate by exposing the substrate to a process gas, and removing the processed substrate from the process chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides heat-curable thixotropic mixtures containing carbamate and/or allophanate groups, including at least one oligomer and/or polymer containing at least one of carbamate and allophanate groups, and at least one thixotropic agent that is a urea derivative preparable by reacting at least one amine and/or water with at least one isocyanate in the presence of at least one amino resin. The invention further provides processes for preparing the mixtures and coating materials, adhesives and sealing compounds prepared from the mixtures.

Abstract: The invention is a coating and a method for applying coatings to fiber reinforced composite materials. A first polymeric layer, free of fibers and particulate, coats a fiber reinforced polymer substrate. The first layer joins the fiber reinforced polymer substrate to a second polymeric layer. The second polymeric layer contains a polymeric matrix and a particulate within the polymeric matrix. Finally, at least one thermally sprayed material coats the second polymeric layer to form an adherent multi-layer coating attached to the fiber reinforced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds, characterized in that it comprises one or more compounds of the formula I in which R1, L1 and L2 are as defined in claim 1, and to the use thereof for electro-optical purposes, in particular TN monitor applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid crystalline mixture comprising a) 1-25% by weight of at least one compound of the formula I b) 5-80% by weight of at least one compound of the formula II c) and optionally 1-20% by weight of at least one chiral compound with a HTP of ?20 ?m, wherein R11, A11, Z11, A12, Z12, L11, L12, L13, L14, Z13, A13, Z14, A14, X11, a, b, c, d, R12, A1, Z1, A2, Z2, A3, L1, L2, X12, m and n have the meanings given in claim 1 and their use in TFT, TN, IPS applications and expecially for devices utilizing electro-optical effects in an optically isotropic state.

Abstract: A coating composition for the formation of a low refractive index layer, comprising: a fluorine-containing olefin-based polymer that has a polysiloxane segment represented by formula 1 in its main chain, has a fluorine content of 30 mass % or more, and contains a plurality of ethylenically unsaturated groups; and a hollow silica fine particle having an average particle diameter of 5 to 200 nm and a refractive index of 1.17 to 1.40: Formula 1: [wherein R1 and R2, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkyl halide group or an aryl group].

Abstract: The present invention relates to a release sheet and an adhesive tape which display excellent releasability from an adhesive layer, excellent printing and print recordability for thermal transfer systems using an ink ribbon or the like, little susceptibility to slipping when release agent layers are placed together, little susceptibility to blocking, and no ink soiling.

Abstract: Coatings are provided in which surfaces may be activated by covalently bonding a silane derivative to the metal surface, covalently bonding a lactone polymer to the silane derivative by in situ ring opening polymerization, and depositing at least one layer of a polyester on the bonded lactone. Biologically active agents may be deposited with the polyester layers. Such coated surfaces may be useful in medical devices, in particular stents.

Abstract: An optical disk and a method of producing it, particularly a stamper for molding a semiconductor disk base capable of forming an optical disk sufficiently compatible with commercially available CD (Compact Disk) players, a method of producing a stamper, a method of producing an optical disk base, a method of producing an optical disk, and an optical disk base and optical disk are disclosed. The present invention improves both of transferability and tact of an optical disk base molding cycle, allows a fine pattern to be formed in a transfer surface, and makes it needless to change existing molding equipment. In addition, when guide grooves formed in the optical disk are filled with a pigment by spin coating, the guide grooves have a substantially uniform configuration in the radial direction of the disk. The optical disk is sufficiently compatible with various CD players available on the market.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an Ag alloy film. Particularly, it is preferably used as a reflective film or semi-transmissive reflective film for an optical information recording medium having high thermal conductivity/high reflectance/high durability in the field of optical information recording media, an electromagnetic-shielding film excellent in Ag aggregation resistance, and an optical reflective film on the back of a reflection type liquid crystal display device, or the like. The Ag alloy film of the present invention comprises an Ag base alloy containing Bi and/or Sb in a total amount of 0.005 to 10% (in terms of at %). Further, the present invention relates to a sputtering target used for the deposition of such an Ag alloy film.

Abstract: The invention describes a composite component based on a sandwich structure, composed of: (a) at least two outer layers which independently of each other comprised at least one film, sheet, fiber mat and/or foam made from metal, plastic, glass, natural material and/or carbon, and (b) a core positioned between the outer layers, made from metal, plastic, natural material and/or paper having a large number of cavities, in which a casting resin system at least partially penetrates the outer layers and the core and the outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. The composite component is characterised in that in at least one area of the sandwich structure the outer layers are pressed together and the compressed area of the sandwich structure is encapsulated with thermoplastic polymer. Composite base on a sandwich structure are obtained by encapsulating at least one area of the two outer layers. The encapsulating area is that area of the two outer layers have been pressed together.