Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and means for making and using Angptl3 polypeptides. The invention specifically concerns the use of Angptl3 polypeptides in inducing liver regeneration and angiogenesis. Further methods include the use of Angptl3 polypeptides in the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease. Also provided herein are antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The harness system for identification purposes has several harnesses (101, 111), which are provided with complementary parts (102, 112), which are connected with electrically conducting cables (105, 115), of connecting buttons in order to mechanically connect the harnesses with each other and simultaneously to provide electrical connections via the cables between detectors fastened on the harness system and other electronic components. The connecting buttons are preferably snap fasteners having respectively one head part (102) and one hollow part (112).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for modulating angiogenesis and/or apoptosis comprising modulating the activity of at least one VEGF-modulated gene polypeptide. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions for modulating angiogenesis and apoptosis for the prevention or treatment of diseases associated with VEGF-modulated genes expression. The invention also provides diagnostic assays that use VEGF-modulated gene polynucleotides that hybridize with naturally occurring sequences encoding VEGF-modulated genes and antibodies that specifically bind to the protein.

Abstract: A soldier (A) carries a weapon, on which a laser device (1) is mounted, which is used for illuminating a harness device (6) on the body of another soldier (B). The laser device and the target device each include a microprocessor as well as an ultrasound unit and/or a radio unit (72, 71) such that, if the laser device does not receive a response from the target device within a period of time Ta following the transmission of a bundled, coded laser beam, it transmits another laser beam with different coding, which causes the ultrasound unit and/or the radio unit of the target device to transmit an acknowledgement which can be received by the ultrasound unit and/or the radio unit of the laser device.

Abstract: A soldier carries a weapon on which a laser device (1) is mounted, which is used for illuminating a harness device (6) on the body of another soldier. This harness device is provided with sensors (61, 62, 63, . . . ), which perform detection tasks for several applications in connection with arbitrary simulation scenarios in the course of exercises and battles. The laser device (1) has a laser target illumination element which is designed for transmitting tightly bundled laser beams (11), as well as chopper means for transmitting laser beams which are not only coded, but also chopped at a predeterminable frequency. The sensors contain tuning means for obtaining an alternating electrical signal from the received chopped laser beams, which is supplied to a pre-amplifier connected upstream of a discriminator. A very sensitive laser identification system results due to the fact that the electrical signal obtained in this manner can be very strongly amplified.

Abstract: The simulation system is used in the course of firing exercises, in particular with a laser beam, for simulating conditions which would arise if actual ammunition were used. For identifying a responder device (2), an interrogation device (1) transmits a coded radiation, which is detected in the responder device and is converted into electrical signals, which are supplied to a central unit (25) on the receiving end for transmitting identification messages back to the transmitting device in accordance with decisions made by this central unit (25). The interrogation device generates laser radiation or electromagnetic pulses or pulse bursts containing information which is coded in such a way that the response pulses being sent back by the responder device to the interrogation device additionally enable a central unit (15) on the transmitting end to calculate the distance between the interrogation device and the responder device.

Abstract: A soldier carries a weapon on which a laser device (1) is mounted, which is used for illuminating a harness device (6) on the body of another soldier. This harness device is provided with sensors (61, 62, 63, . . . ), which perform detection tasks for several applications in connection with arbitrary simulation scenarios in the course of exercises and battles. The laser device (1) has a laser target illumination element which is designed for transmitting tightly bundled laser beams (11), as well as chopper means for transmitting laser beams which are not only coded, but also chopped at a predeterminable frequency. The sensors contain tuning means for obtaining an alternating electrical signal from the received chopped laser beams, which is supplied to a pre-amplifier connected upstream of a discriminator. A very sensitive laser identification system results due to the fact that the electrical signal obtained in this manner can be very strongly amplified.

Abstract: The combat communication system is used for "identification friend or foe", firing simulation during practice, and/or combat aiming for live night shooting. Each participant wears a harness comprising light detectors and control units, as well as a laser assembly mounted to a weapon. For firing simulation or identification, a participant aims his weapon at a potential target and sends a laser signal. When the target is another participant wearing a harness, his harness answers via a radio, ultrasonic or light signal. The carrier frequency of the response signal can be determined and transmitted by the querying unit over the laser beam.

Abstract: An improved battlefield simulation system based upon continuous wave lasers. The system uses continuous wave lasers and high-power light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to simulate weapons. A continuous wave laser energy beam is coded using pulse-code modulation (PCM) and pulse-pause modulation (PPM) so that the agent is uniquely identified, as well as the type of weapon responsible for the light beam. The present system provides improved eye safety, improved sensitivity, improved realism, and improved data transfer.

Abstract: The harness comprises a plurality of elements, such as light detectors, a laser emitter and a master control unit. The elements are communicating by means of ultrasonic signals. Such signals provide a secure communication over a short distance while being impossible to detect from larger distances. Upon initialization of the harness, the master control unit initializes all elements to respond to a common identification code, which identification code can be updated automatically during later operation.

Abstract: An improved eye safety protection system for laser systems. The present invention measures energy returned along the optical axis itself. A beam splitter is installed in the optical axis and intercepts reflected energy back along the optical axis and passes the reflected energy to a photodetector which is used to measure the light scattered or reflected back along the emitting axis from the beam splitter. The output from the detector is passed to a comparator and regulation unit which adjusts the power level in the primary energy beam. Outgoing power can also be monitored.

Abstract: A laser optics device comprises a semiconductor laser and a lens system spaced in a defined distance from each other. The semiconductor laser and the lens system are aligned along an optical axis. To keep the laser and lens system fixed and adjusted with the optical axis in spite of thermal expansions, the semiconductor and the lens system are supported within a sleeve having axial slots. The slots extend along a substantial part of the length of the sleeve. Compressible rings are provided for radial elastic compression of the sleeve in the area of the slots. The lens system and the semiconductor laser thereby are clamped elastically in a centered position within the sleeve which is mounted within the cylindric bore of a housing member.

Abstract: A light source aiming device comprising a case for a light source having an optical axis. An adjusting device adjustably positions the light source within the case along x and y axes both perpendicular to said optical axis. The adjusting device includes a bracket for supporting the light source and two adjustment elements each of which provides an adjustment along a respective one of the x and y axes. Each of the adjustment elements is received in a groove in the bracket along the respective axis so that it holds the element stationary along the respective axis while it is slidable in the groove along the direction of the other axis.