Abstract: A self-evolving generic index for storing marketplace information for multiple types of items allows users to add new parameters, values and possibly new classifications for use in describing items. The new parameters/values/classifications can then be selected by other users for use in describing their own items. It is especially contemplated that the system can display information relating to the usage with which parameters/values/classifications have historically been employed in describing different types of items. This encourages users to be consistent in selecting parameters/values/classifications for both entering and searching data, while still allowing great flexibility.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides are provided which are effective in inhibiting the growth, metastasis and/or angiogenesis of tumors, including particularly melanoma and/or lung cancer. Methods are also provided for use of these oligonucleotides in the treatment of diseases.

Abstract: Neoplastic cells which over-express CD44, including especially non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma cancer cells, are treated with antisense oligonucleotides to control CD44 expression. Test results show that the claimed oligonucleotides significantly decreases cell growth in a CD44 sequence specific manner of lung cancer or melanoma cells, or both, but are largely non-toxic to normal cells. Examples of dosing in a clinical setting are provided.

Abstract: Hair growth is affected by topical application of a boron containing compounds/complexes in which a central tetrahedral boron atom is covalently bound to four ligands. At least one of the ligands preferably includes an oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, or sulfur atom, and preferably all four ligands include at least one such atom. Preferred ligands are saccharides and amino acids, including fructose, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, sorbose, serine and threonine. Especially preferred ligands have a conformation with at least two hydroxyl groups, or one hydroxyl group and one amino group in a 1,2- and a 1,3- position relative to each other, providing a high association constant in the range of about 3,000 and about 20,000. The compounds/complexes are preferably provided in formulations which provide good transdermal delivery, including appropriate solvent systems, microemulsions, liposomes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided in which a coating is deposited onto a substrate by a process which includes the following steps: depositing a precursor onto the substrate in a desired pattern; depositing an appropriate ligand onto the substrate; and applying sufficient energy to transfer electrons from the ligand to the precursor, thereby decomposing the precursor to form a precipitate. In one aspect of preferred embodiments, the precursor comprises a metallic salt, and the precipitate comprises a metal. Especially preferred salts are carboxylates, halides, nitrates, and pseudo halides. In another aspect of preferred embodiments, the ligand comprises an amine, an amide, a phosphine, a sulfide, or any other ligand containing nitrogen, phosphorous, sulphur or other donor atoms. In another aspect of preferred embodiments, the energy is supplied at least partially as radiant heat.

Abstract: A semi-permeable membrane based purification system expresses permeate through a membrane, and uses an air lift pump to raise the permeate. In particularly preferred embodiments, a plurality of membranes are positioned at least several hundred feet below the surface of the each, and are used to desalinate salty or brackish water. Ozone may be used to further purify the water and help maintain the integrity of the membranes.

Abstract: Novel compositions and methods are provided for use in the stepwise, layer by layer fabrication of three-dimensional objects, in which a build material contains a metal having a covalent bond to a non-metal, and the layers are processed to produce the three-dimensional object at least in part through a chemical reaction which alters the covalent bond of the metal. In a first aspect of the invention the build material includes a metal that is covalently bound to a polymeric precursor. In another aspect of the invention, the build material includes a metal, Me, that is covalently bound to a first ligand, L.sub.1. Following deposition of the build material, the first ligand undergoes a redox reaction with a second ligand, L.sub.2, thereby breaking the covalent bond of the metal. In more preferred embodiments of this class, L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 react to form a gas, and the metal reacts to form an oxide such as MeSO.sub.x, MeNO.sub.x, MeCO.sub.x and so forth.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for a water craft, for use on a body of water, having a bottom, and an inflatable keel, coupled to the bottom, wherein the keel contacts the surface of the water during operation of the craft, the keel comprising an inflatable bladder wherein inflating the bladder results in the keel at least partially transitioning from a collapsed state to an inflated state.

Abstract: Complexes of boron with sugars or/or sugar alcohols are utilized as nutritional supplements, with the carbohydrate portion being selected to provide a relatively high boron-sugar association constant of at least 250, and preferably 500 or more. In one class of preferred embodiments, boron is complexed with a saccharide having co-planar cis-OH groups capable of forming five or six membered rings through ester bonding with boric acid. Such complexes may advantageously comprise fructose, mannose, xylose or sorbose. In another aspect of the invention, a carbohydrate-boric acid complex may be charge neutralized with calcium, magnesium or other cation(s). A particularly preferred form is calcium fructoborate. In yet another aspect of preferred embodiments, the boron supplement can be included in a food, especially in a high magnesium food, and more especially in a snack food such as a snack containing chocolate and/or nuts.

Abstract: A ratcheting, open-end wrench concurrently engages more than half the corners of a nub during torquing. In preferred embodiments a wrench has a contacting cavity for receiving and torquing a nut, bolt head or other angularized nub. A chain carries a plurality of teeth about the inner perimeter of the cavity, and the chain is ratcheted so that the teeth move readily in one direction, but can be blocked from moving in the opposite direction. The teeth are arranged on the chain such that the cavity changes shape from an open configuration in which the nub can be received into the cavity, and a closed configuration in which the nub is locked into the cavity.

Abstract: Herbal combinations which reduce serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels comprise (1) herbs having substantial recognized activity in enhancing circulatory function (ECF herbs) and (2) herbs having substantial recognized effects in promoting bowel motility (PBM herbs). Preferred combinations have a combined total of at least 16% (dry weight basis) of at least two ECS herbs in combination with a combined total of at least 16% (dry weight basis) of at least two PBM herbs. Particularly preferred combinations are selected from the following herbs: Crataegus, Ho Shou Wu, Chrysanthemum, Lotus Leaf, Alisma and Hu-Zhang, Cassia Seed, and Rhubarb.

Abstract: A golf practice apparatus comprises a plurality of slope control cylinders which are hinged on corresponding cylinder supports adjacent to a central portion of a base frame with one end of each of the slope control cylinders and are swivelly connected on a lower surface of each corner of the platform with another end of each of the slope control cylinders, and a swiveller provided at the other end of the slope control cylinder; the swiveller comprising a bracket mounted on the lower surface of the platform, a barrel type drum rotatably assembled with a bracket by a through pin, and an eye end formed at the other end of the slope control cylinders and as a bearing encompassing said barrel surface of the drum.

Abstract: A paint spinner uses a Yankee screwdriver or other mechanism having a driving rod with some combination of an unusually tight winding or gearing, an overlength rod, gearing of the drive shaft, a slip clutch and a flywheel to rotate a small diameter roller cover at speeds in excess of 800 revolutions per minute which are sufficient to clean the roller cover.

Abstract: Electrodes are cured through application of modulated electrical signals. In preferred embodiments the signal comprises pulsed currents, and in particularly preferred embodiments the signal comprises a train of both forward and reversed pulses, with modulation of the duty cycle by pulse width modulation during the curing process.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment of immune system-mediated diseases. The compositions of the invention have the property of reducing the expression of CD28 in cells of interest so as to moderate the pathogenic effects on the immune system in an immune system-mediated disease. The compositions of the invention include one or more different oligomers capable of reducing the expression of CD28. One aspect of the invention provides oligomers capable of reducing the expression of CD28 by interfering with its expression. The oligomers may be DNA, RNA, or various analogs thereof, and may include 14-50 base phosphorothioates having at least two sequences of GGGG separated by 3 to 5 bases. Other aspects of the invention provide genetic engineering vectors for the intracellular expression of oligomers of the invention in cells of interest, and formulations comprising one or more different oligomers of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are directed to positioning proximate cooling units in novel ways in refrigerated food service and display units. Preferred embodiments include one or more of the following: (1) positioning the top of a side-pan cooling element above the top of an adjacent food pan; (2) positioning at least a portion of a side-pan cooling element above a portion of the opening of a food pan; (3) positioning multiple side-pan cooling elements between adjacent food pans; (4) movably positioning a side-pan cooling element relative to an adjacent food pan; (5) positioning a plate type side-pan cooling element as a non-linear divider among adjacent food pans, and (6) providing a pan cooler with a low capacity fan which allows cooled air to be recirculated about the food pans substantially independently of air circulation within any storage area of the refrigeration unit. In most preferred embodiments, the pan cooler has a finless sub-pan cooling element.

Abstract: Novel procedures for obtaining ribo-C-nucleosides, including especially 2-.beta.-D-ribofuranosylthiazole-4-carboxylamide (tiazofirin) and 2-.beta.-D-ribofuranosylselenazole-4-carboxylamide (sylenazofurin) and synthesis intermediates thereof. The novel procedures involve introducing a cyano group at the 1' position of a ribose, directly or indirectly converting the cyano group to HN.dbd.C--OR.sub.1 or thicarboxylamide wherein R.sub.1 is a lower alkyl, forming the group which substituted for the cyano group into a heterocyclic ring containing an ester, and converting the ester into an amide.

Abstract: A refuse receptacle designed to hold in place a recycled plastic bag as an inner liner via a molded plastic container which is specially dimensioned to securely fit a recycled plastic bag and specially designed side handles with recessed ends which, when the handles of a recycled plastic bag are hooked underneath, act to securely hold the recycled plastic bag in place as an inner liner for the receptacle.