Abstract:
Method and preparations for enhancing bone marrow engraftment in an individual by administering (i) a culturally expanded mesenchymal stem cell preparation and (ii) a bone marrow graft. The mesenchymal stem cells are administered in an amount effective to promote engraftment of the bone marrow.
Abstract:
Micromotors are fabricated with utilitarian features (21) on their rotors (23). In some embodiments, the features are formed by the molded addition of material on top of a rotor surface. In other embodiments, the features are formed by the provision of an additional layer on top of the rotor, and the selective removal of material therefrom. In yet other embodiments, the features are defined by the selective removal of material from the rotor itself. The disclosure is particularly illustrated with reference to the fabrication of polygon (nickel) mirror (21) on a polysilicon, electrostatic micromotor rotor (23) for use in scanning applications. However, the principles of the invention can likewise be applied to fabrication of a variety of other features, such as optical gratings, shutters, mechanical actuators, pump impellers and fins, and to a variety of different micrometer constructions.
Abstract:
This invention is an implant (1) for repair of a tissue defect which implant (1) comprises a strand or suture material (2) and a gel matrix (4) containing reparative cells (6) which has been contracted around central portion (8) of suture (2). Suture (2) has free ends (10 and 12) which are used to rejoin the tissue adjacent the defect. Free ends (10 and 12) can be sewn into the body of the tissue thereby holding the ends of the tendon in place and also holding gel matrix (4) in position in the defect.
Abstract:
A novel growth arrest homeobox gene has been discovered and the nucleotide sequences have been determined in both the rat and the human. The expression of the novel homeobox gene inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell growth. The growth arrest homeobox gene hereinafter referred to as the "Gax gene" and its corresponding proteins are useful in the study of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and in the treatment of blood vessel diseases that result from excessive smooth muscle cell proliferation, particularly after balloon angioplasty.
Abstract:
Episomal plasmids containing a papovavirus origin of replication and a papovavirus large T antigen mutant form are shown to replicate episomally in human cells, and yield levels of gene expression proportional to their episomal copy number. In conjunction with liposomal or receptor-mediated delivery systems, papovavirus-derived episomal plasmids provide an alternative vector for gene therapy, particularly when utilizing strategies requiring high levels of gene expression.
Abstract:
A laparoscopic vacuum delivery device (100) is used for placing an epimysial electrode (96) at the phrenic nerve motor point. The vacuum delivery device is adapted to hold the epimysial electrode while the electrode is introduced through a port into the abdomen during a laparoscopic procedure. The electrode is forcibly held against the diaphragm muscle surface (118) for test stimulation using a suction port (112) through the delivery device. Multiple test sites may be explored by controlling the suction to and the position of the delivery device. The electrode is secured at an optimal location on the diaphragm muscle using an endoscopic stapler.
Abstract:
Oxide thin films are deposited onto functionalized self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) which are bonded to various surfaces. The resulting oxide thin films have ordered, uniform densely packed crystalline structures.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to composite fibers having a diamond surface which can be produced using a substrate such as graphite, or other non-diamond inorganic fiber. These substrates produced in the manner described, give rise to improved diamond deposits producing composite fibers having properties not heretofore available.
Abstract:
A sheet (30) of polymeric material defines a cuff portion (A), a contact portion (B), and an interconnecting elongated lead portion (C). Using physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), or other thin film deposition techniques, a plurality of electrodes (12), contact pads (16), and interconnecting leads (14) are deposited on the base layer. An elastomer covering layer (18) is laminated to the base layer. The elastomeric covering layer is stretched along direction (24) before lamination, such that at least the cuff portion is elastomerically biased to curl into a spiral. Windows (20) are defined in the elastomeric portion to provide for electrical conduction between the electrodes (12) and nerve tissue about which the cuff electrode is wrapped. The electrodes are arced (Figure 6) such that they are more recessed adjacent sides of the window than adjacent the center in order to provide a substantially uniform flux density across the electrode surface.
Abstract:
This invention is a method for the controlled growth of single-crystal semiconductor-device-quality films of SiC polytypes on vicinal (0001) SiC wafers with low tilt angles. Both homoepitaxial and heteroepitaxial SiC films can be produced on the same wafer. In particular, 3C-SiC and 6H-SiC films can be produced within selected areas of the same 6H-SiC wafer.