Abstract: Disclosed herein are therapeutic regimens for treating or ameliorating a visual disorder associate with an endogenous retinoid deficiency in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising a synthetic retinal derivative according to the therapeutic regimen which leads to local recovery of visual functions such as visual fields, visual acuity and retinal sensitivity, among others.

Abstract: The invention relates to the selection and treatment of subjects afflicted with occult choroidal neovascular lesions, including subjects with age-related macular degeneration, by use of photo dynamic therapy (PDT).

Abstract: An optical fiber sensor system and method for monitoring a condition of a linear structure such as a pipeline is provided which is capable of providing continuous monitoring in the event of a break in the sensing optical fiber or fibers. The system includes at least one sensing fiber provided along the length of the linear structure, and first and second interrogation and laser pumping sub-systems disposed at opposite ends of the sensing fiber, each of which includes a reflectometer. The reflectometer of the first interrogation and laser pumping sub-system is connected to one end of the sensing fiber. The reflectometer of the second interrogation and laser pumping sub-system is coupled to either (i) an end of a second sensing fiber provided along the length of the linear structure which is opposite from the one end of the first sensing fiber, or (ii) the opposite end of the first sensing fiber.

Abstract: A technique facilitates the monitoring of elongate structures. An elongate structure is combined with an optical fiber deployed along the structure. An interrogation system is operatively joined with the optical fiber to input and monitor optical signals to determine any changes in parameters related to the structure.

Abstract: A method of installing a cable for the distributed measurement of a physical parameter, includes providing a cable adapted to measure a physical parameter at a plurality of points along the carrier tube, inserting the cable through a carrier tube, injecting a hardenable fluid into the carrier tube, and hardening the hardenable fluid material to be in a substantially solid state.

Abstract: A leak detection system and method is provided for a structure having a first barrier to a first fluid and a second barrier to a second fluid, the first barrier and the second barrier defining a space therebetween. The system includes at least one sensor, such as a fiber optic sensor, placed in the space and configured to detect presence of the first fluid or the second fluid in the space due to a fluid leak in the first barrier or the second barrier. The fiber optic sensor may further be configured to measure one or more characteristics of an acoustic emission caused by the leak, and the system and method may be able to estimate the orifice diameter of the fluid leak based on the measured one or more characteristics, and to calculate a leak rate based on the estimated orifice diameter.

Abstract: Pramlintide, a peptide having the 37 amino acid sequence KCNTATCATQRLANFLVHSSNNFGPILPPT-NVGSNTY-NH2 is prepared via a convergent three-fragment synthesis strategy from the fragments comprising the amino acid residues 1-12, 13-24 and 25-37, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of reduced fluency rate PDT to treat neovasculature, particularly choroidal neovasculature (CNV). Reduced fluency rate PDT decreases the likelihood of molecular oxygen being the limiting factor in the photodynamic reaction so that the concentration of either photons (light intensity) or photosensitizer in the target tissue controls the photodynamic reaction.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system for monitoring a premises includes at least one optical cable that houses at least one optical fiber and extends about the premises. Optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) means is operably coupled to opposite first and second ends of the at least one optical fiber. The OTDR means includes first signal processing circuitry that analyzes the backscatter signal received via the first end of the at least one optical fiber in order to detect an intrusion of the premises, and second signal processing circuitry that analyzes the backscatter signal received via the second end of the at least one optical fiber in order to detect an intrusion of the premises. The redundancy of intrusions decisions made by the first and second signal processing circuitry can be verified.

Abstract: An improved method and system of deploying a pipeline for fiber optic sensing applications. A plurality of pipe sections (11) are provided each having an internal pipe (13) surrounded by material layer(s). Opposed ends (17A) of each pipe section have a portion of the surrounding layer(s) removed or omitted. A tubular member (19) extends lengthwise along each pipe section within the surrounding layer(s) and has free ends (19A) that extend from respective terminal walls (20A) of the surrounding layer(s). Adjacent pipe sections are joined together. The tubular members of adjacent pipe sections are joined together to form a conduit that extends along the pipeline. The conduit is adapted to carry one or more fiber optic waveguides therein. At least one second layer of material is applied to the area between the joined pipe sections. The surrounding layer and the at least one second layer provide for insulation and/or protection of the internal pipes of the pipeline.

Abstract: A technique facilitates the monitoring of elongate structures. An elongate structure is combined with an optical fiber deployed along the structure. An interrogation system is operatively joined with the optical fiber to input and monitor optical signals to determine any changes in parameters related to the structure.

Abstract: An improved method to treat conditions of the eye characterized by ocular neovascularization is provided in which patients are given and initial photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment to destroy the neovasculature, and then are re-evaluated at least twice during the following 6 months, and retreated as necessary. Preferably, three retreatments are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat macular edemas, including DME, CRVO and BRVO. It provides an alternative to photocoagulation and the disadvantages associated therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of reduced fluence rate PDT to treat neovasculature, particularly choroidal neovasculature (CNV). Reduced fluence rate PDT decreases the likelihood of molecular oxygen being the limiting factor in the photodynamic reaction so that the concentration of either photons (light intensity) or photosensitizer in the target tissue controls the photodynamic reaction.

Abstract: Labeled synthetic chemokine molecules are provided which are characterized by improved biological activity and methods for their production and use in detection of chemokine receptors.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of reduced fluence rate PDT to treat neovasculature, particularly choroidal neovasculature (CNV). Reduced fluence rate PDT decreases the likelihood of molecular oxygen being the limiting factor in the photodynamic reaction so that the concentration of either photons (light intensity) or photosensitizer in the target tissue controls the photodynamic reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat macular edemas, including DME, CRVO and BRVO. It provides an alternative to photocoagulation and the disadvantages associated therewith.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy of conditions of the eye, especially those conditions characterized by unwanted neovasculature, such as age-related macular degeneration, results in enhanced visual acuity for treated subjects.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat macular edemas, including DME, CRVO and BRVO. It provides an alternative to photocoagulation and the disadvantages associated therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat macular edemas, including DME, CRVO and BRVO. It provides an alternative to photocoagulation and the disadvantages associated therewith.