Abstract: The present invention provides methods of modulating angiogenesis in an individual, as well as methods of identifying a candidate agent that modulates angiogenesis, where such methods involve modulating and identifying agents that modulate expression of gene products of a subset of genes concordantly-regulated by agonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), bFGF receptor, and VEGF receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of ?-2-microglobulin (B2M or ?2M) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as biomarkers of peripheral artery disease and/or atherosclerosis.

Abstract: This invention provides biomarkers whose concentrations in blood plasma are associated with the presence or absence of PAD in the patient from whom the plasma sample is taken. The invention also provides biomarkers for distinguishing between PAD patients who are long claudicators and PAD patients who are not. In addition, the invention provides methods for identifying additional biomarkers, methods for detecting the biomarkers in patients, and methods for identifying agents, including pharmaceutical agents, which interact with the biomarkers and are useful for preventing or treating PAD in patients.

Abstract: This invention provides biomarkers whose concentrations in blood plasma are associated with the presence or absence of PAD in the patient from whom the plasma sample is taken. The invention also provides biomarkers for distinguishing between PAD patients who are long claudicators and PAD patients who are not. In addition, the invention provides methods for identifying additional biomarkers, methods for detecting the biomarkers in patients, and methods for identifying agents, including pharmaceutical agents, which interact with the biomarkers and are useful for preventing or treating PAD in patients.

Abstract: Cardiovascular cell proliferation in a blood vessel subjected to trauma, such as angioplasty, vascular graft, anastomosis, or organ transplant, can be inhibited by contacting the vessel with a polymer consisting of from 6 to about 30 amino acid subunits, where at least 50% of the subunits are arginine, and the polymer contains at least six contiguous arginine subunits. Exemplary polymers for this purpose include arginine homopolymers 7 to 15 subunits in length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of ?-2-microglobulin (B2M or ?2M) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as biomarkers of peripheral artery disease and/or atherosclerosis.

Abstract: Endothelial nitric oxide production is enhanced by administration of arginine or lysine as a dietary supplement. Enhanced nitric oxide production from arginine supplementation improves vascular function and structure. Additional compounds may be administered with arginine or lysine to further enhance nitric oxide activity, including calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin B, coenzyme Q, carotene, or glutathione.

Abstract: A pneumatic braking method and system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a brake cylinder, a reservoir, a latching exhaust valve (LEV) movable between an open position and closed position and fluidly connected between the reservoir and the brake cylinder. The LEV includes a first solenoid having a first pilot fluidly connected to the reservoir and a second solenoid having a second pilot fluidly connected to the reservoir wherein the pilots are configured to be controlled electronically and pneumatically, and are selectable between electronic and pneumatic control based on vehicle operating requirements. The solenoids are configured to be piloted with pneumatic pressure from the reservoir and an electronic controller that includes a release on failure circuit. The release on failure circuit is configured to control the LEV during at least one of a loss of power to the braking system and a failure of the electronic controller.

Abstract: Vascular function and structure is maintained or improved by long term administration of physiologically acceptable compounds which enhance the level of endogenous nitric oxide or other intermediates in the NO induced relaxation pathway in the host.

Abstract: Cardiovascular cell proliferation in a blood vessel subjected to trauma, such as angioplasty, vascular graft, anastomosis, or organ transplant, can be inhibited by contacting the vessel with a polymer consisting of from 6 to about 30 amino acid subunits, where at least 50% of the subunits are arginine, and the polymer contains at least six contiguous arginine subunits. Exemplary polymers for this purpose include arginine homopolymers 7 to 15 subunits in length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mutant protein comprising at least a fragment of a mutant dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) enzyme, wherein the fragment possesses an affinity for asymmetric N,N-dimethyl arginine (ADMA) and/or L,N-monomethylarginine (LNMMA), which exists at lower plasma levels than ADMA, and is deficient in hydrolyzing ADMA or LNMMA to citrulline, releasing citrulline, or both.

Abstract: A pneumatic braking method and system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a brake cylinder, a reservoir, a latching exhaust valve (LEV) movable between an open position and closed position and fluidly connected between the reservoir and the brake cylinder. The LEV includes a first solenoid having a first pilot fluidly connected to the reservoir and a second solenoid having a second pilot fluidly connected to the reservoir wherein the pilots are configured to be controlled electronically and pneumatically, said selectable between electronic and pneumatic control based on the vehicle operating requirements. The solenoids are configured to be piloted with pneumatic pressure from the reservoir and an electronic controller that includes a release on failure circuit. The release on failure circuit is configured to control the LEV during at least one of a loss of power to the braking system and a failure of the electronic controller.

Abstract: Vascular function and structure is maintained or improved by long term administration of physiologically acceptable compounds which enhance the level of endogenous nitric oxide or other intermediates in the NO induced relaxation pathway in the host. Alternatively, or in combination, other compounds may be administered which provide for short term enhancement of nitric oxide, either directly or by physiological processes.

Abstract: Vascular function and structure is maintained or improved by long term administration of physiologically acceptable compounds which enhance the level of endogenous nitric oxide or other intermediates in the NO induced relaxation pathway in the host. Alternatively, or in combination, other compounds may be administered which provide for short term enhancement of nitric oxide, either directly or by physiological processes.

Abstract: Cardiovascular cell proliferation in a blood vessel subjected to trauma, such as angioplasty, vascular graft, anastomosis, or organ transplant, can be inhibited by contacting the vessel with a polymer consisting of from 6 to about 30 amino acid subunits, where at least 50% of the subunits are arginine, and the polymer contains at least six contiguous arginine subunits. Exemplary polymers for this purpose include arginine homopolymers 7 to 15 subunits in length.

Abstract: Vascular function and structure is maintained or improved by long term administration of physiologically acceptable compounds, namely L-arginine, L-lysine, physiologically acceptable salts thereof, and polypeptide precursors thereof, which enhance the level of endogenous nitric oxide or other intermediates in the NO induced relaxation pathway in the host. In or in combination, other compounds, such as B.sub.6, folate, B.sub.12, or an antioxidant, which provide for short term enhancement of nitric oxide, either directly or by physiological processes may be employed.

Abstract: Vascular function and structure is maintained or improved by long term administration of physiologically acceptable compounds which enhance the level of endogenous nitric oxide or other intermediates in the NO induced relaxation pathway in the host. Alternatively, or in combination, other compounds may be administered which provide for short term enhancement of nitric oxide, either directly or by physiological processes.

Abstract: ADMA is determined in a physiological sample by first removing interfering components: proteins by precipitation; and amines and citrulline, by means of a cation exchange column, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis of the ADMA to citrulline with DDAH. The citrulline is then determined spectrophotometrically.

Abstract: Vascular function and structure is maintained or improved by long term administration of physiologically acceptable compounds which enhance the level of endogenous nitric oxide or other intermediates in the NO induced relaxation pathway in the host.

Abstract: Vascular function and structure is maintained or improved by long term administration of physiologically acceptable compounds which enhance the level of endogenous nitric oxide or other intermediates in the NO induced relaxation pathway in the host.