Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and positioning a surface such that the optical and/or cylinder axis of the surface is precisely aligned with a fixture for the purpose of assembly or further mechanical operations such as machining and polishing. According to another aspect of the invention, a lens apex is located and precisely positioned a constant distance from a reference point. In order to implement the above, a method and apparatus is disclosed for optically aligning and positioning surfaces using a precision laser displacement measurement device, an X-Y-Z micron stage, and a microprocessor (or computer) capable of performing curvature analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and positioning a surface such that the optical and/or cylinder axis of the surface is precisely aligned with a fixture for the purpose of assembly or further mechanical operations such as machining and polishing. According to another aspect of the invention, a lens apex is located and precisely positioned a constant distance from a reference point. In order to implement the above, a method and apparatus is disclosed for optically aligning and positioning surfaces using a precision laser displacement measurement device, an X-Y-Z micron stage, and a microprocessor (or computer) capable of performing curvature analysis.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for treating a patient with cardiac hypertrophy by providing the patient with an effective amount of a Calmodulin kinase kinase inhibitor that is sufficient to treat cardiac hypertrophy.

Abstract: Transgene constructs for generating transgenic animals, wherein the transgene encodes a gene product which modulates transcription of a hypertrophy-sensitive gene, are provided. Further provided are recombinant vectors comprising the transgenes of the invention. Further provided are transgenic animals generated using the transgene constructs. Further provided are enzyme-based, cell-based, and whole-animal-based assays for detecting substances having therapeutic activity toward cardiac hypertrophy. Further provided are compositions comprising substances which modulate levels of active product of a hypertrophy-sensitive gene. Further provided are methods of treating cardiac hypertrophy.

Abstract: Transgene constructs for generating transgenic animals, wherein the transgene encodes a gene product which modulates transcription of a hypertrophy-sensitive gene, are provided. Further provided are recombinant vectors comprising the transgenes of the invention. Further provided are transgenic animals generated using the transgene constructs. Further provided are enzyme-based, cell-based, and whole-animal-based assays for detecting substances having therapeutic activity toward cardiac hypertrophy. Further provided are compositions comprising substances which modulate levels of active product of a hypertrophy-sensitive gene. Further provided are methods of treating cardiac hypertrophy.

Abstract: Transgene constructs for generating transgenic animals, wherein the transgene encodes a gene product which modulates transcription of a hypertrophy-sensitive gene, are provided. Further provided are recombinant vectors comprising the transgenes of the invention. Further provided are transgenic animals generated using the transgene constructs. Further provided are enzyme-based, cell-based, and whole-animal-based assays for detecting substances having therapeutic activity toward cardiac hypertrophy. Further provided are compositions comprising substances which modulate levels of active product of a hypertrophy-sensitive gene. Further provided are methods of treating cardiac hypertrophy.

Abstract: Transgene constructs for generating transgenic animals, wherein the transgene encodes a gene product which modulates transcription of a hypertrophy-sensitive gene, are provided. Further provided are recombinant vectors comprising the transgenes of the invention. Further provided are transgenic animals generated using the transgene constructs. Further provided are enzyme-based, cell-based, and whole-animal-based assays for detecting substances having therapeutic activity toward cardiac hypertrophy. Further provided are compositions comprising substances which modulate levels of active product of a hypertrophy-sensitive gene. Further provided are methods of treating cardiac hypertrophy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and positioning a lens such that the optical and/or cylinder axis of the lens is precisely aligned with a fixture for the purpose of assembly or further mechanical operations such as machining and polishing. According to another aspect of the invention, the lens apex is precisely positioned a constant distance from a reference point. In order to implement the above, a method and apparatus is disclosed for optically aligning and positioning lenses using digitzed video imaging, an X-Y-Z micron stage and a microprocessor (or computer) capable of performing image analysis.