Abstract: A multi-leaflet valve adapted to serve as a prosthesis for diseased native valve of a mammal is incorporated in self-expandable or inflatable endovascular stents or stents to form a combination which is introduced on a catheter with a guide wire into the circulatory system of the mammal to replace the diseased native valve. Once the combination is at the desired location the stent is caused to expand and affix itself to the patient's vessel wall. The prosthetic valve has the shape of a truncated cone that has an inflow and an outflow orifice with leaflets forming the outflow orifice and forming a plurality of commissures. A first flexible circular support is affixed in a substantially circular fashion around the truncated cone in proximity of the inflow orifice, and a second flexible circular support is affixed at the location of the commissures to form a circle around the truncated cone in proximity of the outflow orifice.

Abstract: Compounds having the formula wherein the symbols have the meaning described in the specification are hydroxamic acid derivatives of 3-phenyl-propionic acid and capable of inhibiting the lethal effects of infection by anthrax bacteria and are useful in the treatment of poisoning by anthrax.

Abstract: A barbecue kit includes a threaded rod having a bore in its interior along its longitudinal axis. An elongated stake having a sharp and a blunt end loosely fits into the interior bore of the threaded rod. The combination of rod and stake include a functional mechanism for allowing the threaded rod to act as a slide hammer to drive the stake into the ground without allowing the rod to fall along the entire length of the stake. A grill having a handle includes a plate with a substantially circular cut-out. The distance and configuration of the cut-out and handle are dimensioned in such a way that the grill can be hung at any place on the threaded rod with the circular cut-out engaging the threads. A pan suitable for holding items to be cooked, or charcoal, or like fuel suitable for cooking, has a like handle which is nevertheless removable and reversibly mountable on the pan. The pan can be similarly hung on the rod either with its hollow or with its substantially flat side up on the threaded rod.

Abstract: A stave press assembly for holding a wooden stave or other work piece while the stave is fabricated into a bow or other operations are performed on the work piece, has an immovable pressure plate disposed nominally horizontally when the press is attached to a support surface, and a movable pressure plate which can grip an irregularly shaped wooden stave or other work piece by moving it in a downwardly direction toward the immovable pressure plate. The movable pressure plate is pivotable to a limited extent in order to provide a gripping surface for irregularly shaped items and each pressure plate is lined with resilient high friction material.

Abstract: Two different strains of Cordyceps sinensis are placed at two different locations in a medium containing purified rattle snake venom and the two strains are allowed to grow until they meet in a boundary zone where a hybrid strain is formed due to exchange of genetic material. The hybrid strain is allowed to grow and is harvested and can be analyzed for the presence and quantity of desired medicinal substances. The amount of N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine in a Cordyceps sinensis strain or product sample is a reliable indicator of the overall health benefiting qualities of the strain or sample. Strains of Cordyceps sinensis, are grown in a substrate at 20 to 22° C. at sea level atmospheric pressure for 28 to 30 days in diffuse light, and thereafter in an atmosphere containing approximately 50% of oxygen of the sea level atmosphere, at approximately 3° C.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula where the variables are defined in the specification have cytochrome P450RAI-1 and P450RAI-2 inhibitory activity, and are suitable for treatment of mammals with conditions which are treatable with retinoids, or which are controlled by or responsive to the organism's native retinoic acid. Formulations containing the compounds of the invention can also be co-administered with retinoids and/or Vitamin A to enhance or prolong the effects of medications containing retinoids, Vitamin A, or of the organism's native retinoic acid.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula 1 where X is S and the variables have the meaning defined in the specification are specific or selective to alpha2B and/or alpha2C adrenergic receptors in preference over alpha2A adrenergic receptors, and as such have no or only minimal cardivascular and/or sedatory activity. These compounds of Formula 1 are useful as medicaments in mammals, including humans, for treatment of diseases and or alleviations of conditions which are responsive to treatment by agonists of alpha2B adrenergic receptors. Compounds of Formula 1 where X is O also have the advantageous property that they have no or only minimal cardivascular and/or sedatory activity and are useful for treating pain and other conditions with no or only minimal cardivascular and/or sedatory activity.

Abstract: Synthetic methods for preparing isomerically pure N-arylsulfonyl derivatives of proton pump inhibitors which include a substituted benzimidazole nucleus are shown by the synthetic schemes and experimental description.

Abstract: The compound of the formula wherein the * indicates an asymmetric carbon, is specific to alpha2B adrenergic receptors in preference over alpha2A and alpha2C adrenergic receptors, and as such has no or only minimal cardivascular and/or sedatory activity. The compound is useful as medicament in mammals, including humans, for treatment of diseases and or alleviations of conditions which are responsive to treatment by agonists of alpha2B adrenergic receptors.

Abstract: Novel food, dietary supplement and nutraceutical products containing phenol/protein complexes derived from vegetable sources have high antioxidant activity and very high levels of protein. The products provide novel means for administering high levels of plant antioxidants to human and mammals in the form of a protein concentrate. Due to their high antioxidant capacity these novel products are useful as aids in the prevention and treatment of many diseases.

Abstract: A thermally stable polysiloxane composition is a cross-linked product of a Part A composition, of a Part B composition and a catalyst, the Part A composition being a polysiloxane having 60 to 75 percent by weight phenyl groups, the Part B composition being a polysiloxane having 50 to 80 percent by weight phenyl groups. The composition has the properties of optical clarity as measured by 90% or greater transmission of light of 400 nm wavelength in a 1.0 centimeter path, a refractive index at 589 nm of 1.545 or greater and still has 90% or greater transmission of light of 400 nm wavelength in a 1.0 centimeter path after exposure to 150° C. for 6 hours. The composition is well suited for application as an optically transmissive cover or lens for light emitting diodes and for use in other optical and related devices.

Abstract: A multi-leaflet valve adapted to serve as a prosthesis for diseased native valve of a mammal is constructed of biologic membrane or of biocompatible synthetic membrane. The valve has the shape of a truncated cone that has an inflow and an outflow orifice with leaflets forming the outflow orifice and forming a plurality of commissures. A first flexible stent is removably affixed in a substantially circular fashion around the truncated cone in proximity of the inflow orifice, and a second flexible stent is removably affixed at the location of the commissures to form a circle around the truncated cone in proximity of the outflow orifice. The stents maintain the shape of the valve during the surgical implantation procedure. Each stent independently can be left in the valve or can be removed during the implantation procedure based upon the judgement of the cardiac surgeon performing the implantation procedure.

Abstract: A multi-leaflet valve adapted to serve as a prosthesis for diseased native valve of a mammal is incorporated in self-expandable or inflatable endovascular stents or stents to form a combination which is introduced on a catheter with a guide wire into the circulatory system of the mammal to replace the diseased native valve. Once the combination is at the desired location the stent is caused to expand and affix itself to the patient's vessel wall. The prosthetic valve has the shape of a truncated cone that has an inflow and an outflow orifice with leaflets forming the outflow orifice and forming a plurality of commissures. A first flexible circular support is affixed in a substantially circular fashion around the truncated cone in proximity of the inflow orifice, and a second flexible circular support is affixed at the location of the commissures to form a circle around the truncated cone in proximity of the outflow orifice.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula 1 where X is S and the variables have the meaning defined in the specification are specific or selective to alpha2B and/or alpha2C adrenergic receptors in preference over alpha2A adrenergic receptors, and as such have no or only minimal cardivascular and/or sedatory activity. These compounds of Formula 1 are useful as medicaments in mammals, including humans, for treatment of diseases and or alleviations of conditions which are responsive to treatment by agonists of alpha2B adrenergic receptors. Compounds of Formula 1 where X is O also have the advantageous property that they have no or only minimal cardivascular and/or sedatory activity and are useful for treating pain and other conditions with no or only minimal cardivascular and/or sedatory activity.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula where the symbols are as defined in the specification, have retinoid agonist, antagonist or negative hormone-like biological activity.

Abstract: Diabetic mammals are treated with compounds that are significantly more efficacious as agonists of RXR? retinoid receptors than as agonists of RXR? or RXR? retinoid receptors. The treatment reduces serum glucose and triglyceride levels of the mammals without the undesirable side effects of reducing serum thyroxine levels and a transient increase in serum triglyceride levels Compounds suitable for use in the methods of treatments of the present invention are selected by testing and identifying compounds of selective or specific efficacy as agonists of RXR? retinoid receptors in preference over RXR? and/or RXR? retinoid receptors. Novel compounds used in the methods of the invention have Formula 1 where the variables are defined as disclosed in the specification.

Abstract: The hull of a boat includes an opening which is closed by a door attached to the hull with a hinge and capable of limited pivoting motion on the hinge with a substantially horizontal axis of the pivot. In its upright first extreme position the door comprises a part of the hull. In a second folded down extreme position the door is substantially parallel with the water surface and can act as a loading platform and also as a stabilizer against wave action in rough waters.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: where the variables have the meaning defined in the specification are capable of reducing serum glucose levels in diabetic mammals without the undesirable side effects of reducing serum thyroxine levels and transiently increasing triglyceride levels.

Abstract: A remotely activated electro mechanical device is mounted in the dual chamber brake system of a vehicle or trailer. The device includes a solenoid valve and a receiver decoder which controls the valve in response to a coded signal ideally available only to law enforcement to vent pressure in the emergency chamber of a dual chamber brake system to automatically apply the brakes thereby bringing a moving vehicle to a stop. The device is also responsive to a second, different coded signal, available only to authorized users to vent pressure in the emergency chamber and to lock the brakes by preventing pressurized air from being supplied to the dual chamber brake system of a stopped or parked vehicle. The device is also responsive to coded signals which reverse the above-noted actions.

Abstract: A self-retracting step assembly is attached to a swimming platform provided on the rear of the hull of a boat. The self-retracting step assembly includes a ladder comprising a series of telescoping tubes which enable its extension and retraction. The step assembly including the ladder assembly are attached to the swimming platform in a position in which the ladder is capable of extending into the water wherein the watercraft or boat floats. The telescoping ladder assembly can be extended and placed from a normally horizontal position into an inclined position wherein at least the last step of the ladder reaches the water. The energy for extending the ladder is supplied by a human user. The step assembly includes a motor or mechanical means for storing the energy used for extending the ladder. The ladder assembly is locked into the extended and inclined position by an improved mechanism that is located within the assembly attached to the swimming platform.