Abstract: A method and system to induce bone growth by locally delivering bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) to the target location for a prolonged period without invasive procedures are disclosed. The new bone growth is induced by delivering cells producing BMPs from transduced viral vectors to the target cite. In various embodiments, the cells are encapsulated in hydrogel microspheres that are non-degradable or degradable by enzymes produced during the bone formation process. Various embodiments may be used to induce spinal fusion or repair critical bone defects.

Abstract: A method and system to induce bone growth by locally delivering bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) to the target location for a prolonged period without invasive procedures are disclosed. The new bone growth is induced by delivering cells producing BMPs from transduced viral vectors to the target cite. In various embodiments, the cells are encapsulated in hydrogel microspheres that are non-degradable or degradable by enzymes produced during the bone formation process. Various embodiments may be used to induce spinal fusion or repair critical bone defects.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated population of perineurium derived adult stem cells and cells derived thereof. The cells of the invention are obtained from the perineurium of peripheral nerves and demonstrate the ability to expand and differentiate in response to BMP2. The invention also provides methods of using the cells of the invention, for example in methods to promote neuroregeneration and bone formation.

Abstract: A method and system to induce bone growth by locally delivering bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) to the target location for a prolonged period without invasive procedures are disclosed. The new bone growth is induced by delivering cells producing BMPs from transduced viral vectors to the target cite. In various embodiments, the cells are encapsulated in hydrogel microspheres that are non-degradable or degradable by enzymes produced during the bone formation process. Various embodiments may be used to induce spinal fusion or repair critical bone defects.

Abstract: The present invention includes embodiments for methods and compositions that identify the presence of or risk for developing heterotopic ossification, particularly prior to mineralization of the bone. In particular embodiments, MMP-9 and/or MMP-2 agents comprising dual imaging moieties are used to identify patterns of MMP-9 and/or MMP-2 localization, respectively, that is then predictive of heterotopic ossification.

Abstract: A method and system to induce bone growth by locally delivering bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) to the target location for a prolonged period without invasive procedures are disclosed. The new bone growth is induced by delivering cells producing BMPs from transduced viral vectors to the target cite. In various embodiments, the cells are encapsulated in hydrogel microspheres that are non-degradable or degradable by enzymes produced during the bone formation process. Various embodiments may be used to induce spinal fusion or repair critical bone defects.

Abstract: A transmission main shaft centering device is provided for use between a transmission input shaft and the main shaft. The centering device includes an axially moveable support member having an axis that is substantially coaxial with an axis of the input shaft. The support member is biased into engagement with one of the input shaft and the main shaft to maintain the main shaft substantially coaxial with the input shaft. The support member may include a first engaging component and one of the input shaft and the main shaft may include a second engaging component. The first and second engaging components mate to maintain the main shaft substantially coaxial with the input shaft.

Abstract: A transmission main shaft centering device is provided for use between a transmission input shaft and the main shaft. The centering device includes an axially moveable support member having an axis that is substantially coaxial with an axis of the input shaft. The support member is biased into engagement with one of the input shaft and the main shaft to maintain the main shaft substantially coaxial with the input shaft. The support member may include a first engaging component and one of the input shaft and the main shaft may include a second engaging component. The first and second engaging components mate to maintain the main shaft substantially coaxial with the input shaft.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of protecting a primate from an infectious organism by stimulating the production of antibodies or cell mediated immunity to the infectious organism which comprises administering to said primate intranasally, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously, live recombinant adenoviruses in which the virion structural protein is unchanged from that in the native adenovirus from which the recombinant adenovirus is produced, and which contain the gene coding for the antigen corresponding to said antibodies or inducing said cell mediated immunity. Preferably, the infectious organism is HIV and the primate is a human.

Abstract: A transmission main shaft centering device is provided for use between a transmission input shaft and the main shaft. The centering device includes an axially moveable support member having an axis that is substantially coaxial with an axis of the input shaft. The support member is biased into engagement with one of the input shaft and the main shaft to maintain the main shaft substantially coaxial with the input shaft. The support member may include a first engaging component and one of the input shaft and the main shaft may include a second engaging component. The first and second engaging components mate to maintain the main shaft substantially coaxial with the input shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions regarding delivery of adenoviral DNA in a liposomal formulation for disease treatment. In specific embodiments, the adenoviral DNA is circular and the liposomal formulation is comprised of DOTAP. In other specific embodiments, the disease being treated is cancer, such as lung cancer.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of protecting a primate from an infectious organism by stimulating the production of antibodies or cell mediated immunity to the infectious organism which comprises administering to said primate intranasally, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously, live recombinant adenoviruses in which the virion structural protein is unchanged from that in the native adenovirus from which the recombinant adenovirus is produced, and which contain the gene coding for the antigen corresponding to said antibodies or inducing said cell mediated immunity. Preferably, the infectious organism is HIV and the primate is a human.

Abstract: A method/system for controlling upshifting in an automated mechanical transmission system (10) utilized on a vehicle preferably having an ECU (28) operated friction upshift brake (26). To prevent thermal damage to the upshift brake, a predicted brake temperature (TEMPp) at completion of an aided upshift is determined and compared to an allowable maximum (TEMPMAX). If predicted brake temperature exceeds the maximum (TEMPp>TEMPMAX) using the upshift brake for the upshift is prohibited.

Abstract: The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract disease in infants and children throughout the world. RSV is a major cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants under one year of age, and is a major cause of fatal respiratory tract disease in these infants. The treatment and prevention of RSV infection has been problematic. However, the present invention addresses some of these concerns by providing attenuated RSV strains that are suitable for inclusion in immunizing compositions. Specifically, the present invention is directed toward the introduction of growth restriction mutations into incompletely attenuated host range-restricted cold-passaged respiratory syncytial virus (cpRSV) strains by further passage of the strains at increasingly reduced temperatures to produce derivative strains which are more satisfactorily attenuated.

Abstract: In a transmission inertia brake a ball ramp mechanism is used to load a clutch pack to slow a rotating transmission shaft where the clutch pack is carried on a one piece drive assembly having a gear section for meshing with a transmission gear, an extension section for engaging a thrust plate in an isolator assembly, a clutch section for engaging plurality of driven clutch plates in the clutch pack and a bearing section for rotational support within a brake housing. An armature having an angled peripheral surface engages a mating friction surface formed in an end plate to form a core clutch, the armature being magnetically pulled upon energization of an electrical coil. The armature is nonrotatably connected to the control ring of the ball ramp mechanism through at least one connecting pin. Belleville washers are used to apply an axial load on the ball ramp mechanism. A gerotor oil pump provides a cooling lubricant through the clutch pack in the ball ramp mechanism.

Abstract: A control system/method for controlling inertia brake (19) operation in an automated mechanical transmission system (10) shifted without disengaging the master clutch (16). A value representing inertia brake temperature (T.sub.SIM) is simulated and compared to reference values to determine if inertia brake operation is allowable.

Abstract: An improved control system/method for controlling input shaft retarding device (28/32) assisted upshifting in an at least partially automated vehicular mechanical transmission system (10). The input shaft (18) deceleration (dIS/dt) during an upshift is varied as a function of sensed gear ratio and/or throttle pedal position (THL).

Abstract: A control for controlling splitter clutch (88) engagement for compound shifts in a controller (48) assisted manually shifted splitter-type vehicular transmission system (10). The controller has logic rule for sensing an attempted compound shift of the splitter-type transmission (16) and will retain the splitter clutch in a disengaged condition (N) until engagement of a main transmission section (16A) ratio from main transmission section neutral is sensed.

Abstract: A control method/system for controlling the operation of an electric motor (32, 42) actuated shifting mechanism (28) is provided, which includes a procedure for periodically relieving trapped frictional forces in the shifting mechanism and associated linkages (30, 38, 40). At initiation of a shifting operation (60), or periodically (66) during a shifting operation, the level of energization of the electric motor is reduced from the full target energization level thereof (68) to a minimal level (70) for a relatively short period of time (72) and then returned to the target energization level thereof. Preferably, the level of energization is returned in a 2-step process comprising stepping the level of energization to an intermediate level (76) and then ramping the level of energization from the intermediate value to the level of full target energization thereof in a ramped fashion.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccine compositions of attenuated respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). More particularly, the attenuated virus may be a derivative of RSV which has been incompletely attenuated by cold-passage or introduction of mutations which produce virus having a temperature sensitive (ts) or cold adapted (ca) phenotype. The invention also provides methods for stimulating the immune system of an individual to induce protection against respiratory syncytial virus by administration of attenuated RSV. The invention also provides pure cultures of attenuated RS virus, wherein the virus has been more completely attenuated by the further derivatization of previously identified incompletely attenuated ts or cp mutants.