Abstract:
Disclosed are multi-stage systems (10) for high flux transformation of solar energy allowing for uniform solar intensification by a factor of 60,000 suns or more. Preferred systems employ a focusing mirror (20) as a primary concentrative device and a non-imaging concentrator (30) as a secondary concentrative device with concentrative capabilities of primary and secondary stages (20, 30) selected to provide for net solar flux intensification of greater than 2000 over 95 percent of the concentration area. Systems of the invention are readily applied as energy sources for layer pumping and in other photothermal energy utilization processes.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to sebum formation in culture. More particularly, it relates to methods for the identification of compounds that stimulate and inhibit sebum formation in sebocyte culture. Further, it discloses methods for the treatment of conditions relating to excess or deficient sebum formation.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the signalling pathways connecting DNA damage, such as that induced by ionizing radiation or alkylating agents, phosphorylation by tyrosine kinases and the c-Abl gene and gene product. More particularly, the invention involves the use of antisense molecules to selectively inhibit the expression of the c-Abl gene product following exposure of cells to DNA damaging agents, such as mitomycin C or ionizing radiation.
Abstract:
Methods for reestablishing normal noctural growth hormone secretion in adults with low slow-wave (deep) sleep are provided. In particular, methods are disclosed where gamma -hydroxybutyrate is orally administered to subjects just prior to retiring.
Abstract:
Disclosed are novel classes of antiandrogenic compounds including saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, catechin gallates, their derivatives, and synthetic analogs, and their use in treating disorders associated with androgenic activities. Also disclosed is the use of compositions not previously known for their antiandrogenic activity in treating disorders related to androgenic activities and cancers. Methods are disclosed for the treatment of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and other tumors using compositions comprising testosterone compositions in combination with 5 alpha -reductase inhibitors such as fatty acids and catechin compositions. Compositions and methods are also disclosed for use in reducing lipid production in an animal, reducing organ and body weight, treating hair loss, benign prostatic hyperplasia, reducing sebum production, and other related disorders.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods and compositions for use in specifically targetting tumor vasculature endothelial cells, thereby delivering selected therapeutic and diagnostic agents to the tumor vasculature. The invention requires the induction of the molecule E-selectin in tumor vasculature endothelial cells, as may be achieved using ionizing radiation, which then allows the selecting to be targeted using specific binding compositions and selected agents. The invention therefore provides methods for delivering a selected agent to the vasculature of an animal or human subject comprising inducing E-selecting expression in vascular endothelial cells and administering to the animal a composition comprising an E-selectin targetting component operatively associated with or attached to a selected agent. The currently preferred methods involve E-selectin induction.
Abstract:
A semi-constrained prosthetic knee (10) for surgical replacement of a dysfunctional knee includes a tibial platform (22), a movable bearing element (16), and a femoral component (12). The femoral and tibial components are typically constructed of a cobalt/chromium alloy and each includes an extension for securing the component to the bone. The femoral component includes a polycentric convex bearing which slidably engages a movable bearing, typically constructed of high molecular weight polyethylene. The superior surface of the bearing element is designed to congruently slidably engage the inferior surface of the bearing portion of the femoral component throughout the flexion/extension range of the knee. The inferior surface of the femoral component is generally convex with two or more offset portions of varying radii of curvature matching complementary superior surfaces of the bearing element. The superior surface of the tibial platform is generally flat and includes at least one protrusion for controlling the movement of the bearing element.
Abstract:
Disclosed are various methods, compositions and screening assays connected with telomerase, including genes encoding the template RNA of S. cerevisiae telomerase and various telomerase-associated polypeptides.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for obtaining an image from an object by acquiring training signal measurements which represent images of a plurality of training objects having at least one predetermined feature in common with the object and derive, from the training signal measurements, a set of basis functions that provide a convergent series expansion of the images. The method and apparatus determine a signal measurement prescription for the object based on the basis functions. A signal measurement acquiring device is controlled to acquire signal measurements of the object as determined by the signal measurement prescription. A truncated basis function expansion of the image is generated from the acquired signal measurements. Estimates of additional signal measurements are carried out based on the truncated basis function expansion. The image is reconstructed using the obtained signal measurements and the estimated additional signal measurements. The training signals may also be generated synthetically without the use of training objects.
Abstract:
This invention pertains to a method for controlling wound scar production by administering a calcium antagonist, alone or in a combination with or followed by a steroid, to the wound site. The method can be used to minimize wound scars, such as hypertrophic wound healing disorders, keloids and burn scar contractures in humans or other mammals, particularly those individually prone to excessive scarring. Calcium antagonist treatment can also be used to control diseases associated with excessive scarring, such as cirrhosis of the liver, constructive pericarditis, Dupuytren's disease of the hand, plantar fibrosis of the foot, and various other fibromatoses.