Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a three-dimensional composite structure and a method for producing the mold for the three-dimensional composite structure. The mold is formed of at least one rigid die member and a second thermoplastic die member. The second thermoplastic die member is formed by coupling a rubber flexible pattern to a surface of the first die member. Vacuum or pressure is applied to a heated thermoplastic sheet to cause the heated thermoplastic sheet to deform about the flexible pattern, thereby forming the second die. Strips of reinforced polymer thermoset pre-preg material are then positioned within the cavities formed by the flexible pattern and are allowed to cure. Optionally, heat, pressure, and vacuum may be applied to the mold construction to facilitate the curing of the thermoset materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the responsiveness of cancer to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the presence of at least one variance in the kinase domain of the erbB1 gene confers sensitivity to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Thus, a diagnostic assay for these mutations will allow for the administration of gefitinib, erlotinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors to those patients most likely to respond to the drug.

Abstract: A brace for a patient appendage. The brace can include a first member and a second member. The first member is positioned proximate a first side of the patient appendage and includes a main body portion extending in a longitudinal direction. The first member additionally includes a circumferentially extending portion at least partially extending about the patient appendage. The second member is positioned proximate a second side of the patient appendage and includes a first end having an outer convexly curved portion.

Abstract: A castless system and method for sizing a medical device for use with limbs, joints, appendages, and other body members of a human or animal subject. The system uses at least two digital images to create a body member profile and extract measurements for the selection of a model template. The model template is used to manufacture a custom made orthosis, such as a brace.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the responsiveness of cancer to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the presence of at least one variance in the kinase domain of the erbB1 gene confers sensitivity to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Thus, a diagnostic assay for these mutations will allow for the administration of gefitinib, erlotinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors to those patients most likely to respond to the drug.

Abstract: 1N substituted pyrazino[2,3-c]-1,2,6-thiadiazine 2,2-dioxides of formula I ##STR1## where: R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, which may be the same or different, are members of the group formed by hydrogen, straight or branched chain alkyl, aryl, trifluoromethyl, halogen, oxo, amino, carboxamido and alkoxycarbonyl;R.sub.3 is a member of the group formed by straight or branched chain alkyl, dialkylaminoethyl, aralkyl, alkoxycarbonylmethyl, carboxymethyl and hydroxyethyl; andR.sub.4 and R.sub.5, which may be the same or different, are members of the group formed by hydrogen, straight or branched chain alkyl and aralkyl, hydroxyalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl; and a process for the preparation thereof.