Abstract: The invention described herein encompasses a methods and compositions of treating cancer or solid tumors comprising the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of catechins, a group of polyphenols found in green tea, to a mammal in need of such therapy. Compositions of catechins include but not limited to, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), epicatechin (EC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC). The unique compositions of the invention contain various combinations of the catechins, alone or in combination with each other or other therapeutic agents and are used to treat primary and metastatic cancers in humans. The invention also encompasses the varying modes of administration of the therapeutic compounds.

Abstract: An amplifier comprising a transformer and a plurality of FETs, for example, three FETs. An input terminal, which receives a signal from an FM antenna, is connected to one end of the primary winding of the transformer. A power-supply voltage is applied to one end of the secondary winding of the transformer. A given middle part of the secondary winding is connected to an output terminal. The transistors have their source connected in parallel to the other end of the primary winding of the transformer, their drains connected in parallel to the other end of the secondary winding, and their gates connected to the ground.

Abstract: A grip element having a soft, compressible and deformable outer layer supported by an underlying support structure sufficiently rigid to maintain a receiving channel of the grip element in an open configuration. The support structure facilitates manipulation of the grip element and assembly of the grip element onto a hand-held article without having the outer layer collapse on itself as would occur without the support structure as a result of the soft, deformable nature of the outer layer. The grip element may be formed separately from the hand-held article on which it is to be assembled, and then positioned thereon such that the hand-held article is sold with the grip element pre-assembled thereon. If desired, the grip element may be provided separate from the hand-held article, the outer layer providing a readily compressible and deformable soft cushioning surface and the support structure facilitating insertion of the outer layer over at least a portion of a hand-held article.

Abstract: A polymer composition for use in forming a stent is described. The composition includes a monomer of an aliphatic ester of acrylic acid which has a glass transition temperature less than 25° C. and a second monomer that copolymerizes with the first monomer and which has a glass transition temperature greater than 25° C. The components in the composition are mixed in amounts suitable to give a copolymer having a glass transition temperature less than 25° C., or in case of block copolymers, having at least one glass transition temperature less than 25° C. A stent including polymer members formed from the described composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Highly luminous, thermally stable and moisture-resistant light-emitting material derived from quadridentate ONNO-type ligands and a Group 10 metal were employed as emissive dopants in organic light-emitting devices. The dopants have molecular structures represented by the formula I and II: wherein M represents Group 10 metal (including platinum) and R1-R14 are each independantly selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; alkyl; substituted alkyl; aryl; substituted aryl, with substitutents selected from the group consisting of halogen, lower alkyl and recognized donor and acceptor groups.

Abstract: The medical devices of the invention have a portion with a porous surface for release of at least one biologically active agent therefrom. The porous surface is made of a material such as a polymer having a plurality of voids. To load the porous surface with a biologically active agent or drug, an electrophoresis method is employed. In this method, a device having a porous surface is placed into a drug solution or suspension, along with an electrode. An electric current is applied to the device and electrode. Under such a current, the drug, which has a positive or negative charge, will be loaded into the pores or voids of the porous surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for modifying the genome of an animal cell which typically comprise the steps of: constructing a DNA molecule in which desired sequence modifications are contained in a segment of DNA (a “targeting DNA”) that is substantially isogenic with a DNA in the cell genome (a “target DNA”); introducing the targeting DNA construct into the cell (e.g., by microinjection, electroporation, transfection, or calcium phosphate precipitation); and selecting cells in which the desired sequence modifications have been introduced into the genome via homologous recombination.

Abstract: An electronic camera comprises a flash unit. When the electric camera takes a picture using the flash unit, the electronic camera determines a first optimum flash exposure for a central area of the object to be taken and a second optimum flash exposure for a background area of the object to be taken. Further, the camera produces first image data corresponding to a picture taken under the first optimum flash exposure and second image data corresponding to a picture taken under the second optimum flash exposure. The central area of the first image data is cut out from the first image data and written over the second image data.

Abstract: In a navigation system using a bird's-eye view display mode, map data on a plan view map are subjected to a perspective projection conversion to obtain drawing data on a bird's-eye view map. In this case, an input of the position of a view point is accepted, and a projection plane for a bird's-eye view is determined on the basis of the coordinates of a current position and a destination and the position of the view point so that the display positions of the two points which have been subjected to perspective-projection conversion are coincident with predetermined positions. Alternatively, an input of a scale is accepted, and the position of the view point and the projection plane are determined on the basis of the coordinates of the two points and the scale so that the display positions of the two points after the perspective projection conversion are coincident with predetermined positions and the drawing scale is coincident with the input scale.

Abstract: Peptide-based compounds containing four invariant cysteine residues which have been optionally oxidized to contain two intramolecular disulfide bonds, or modified forms where the cysteines are replaced are useful as preservatives and in preventing, treating, or ameliorating viral or microbial infection in animals and plants, and in inactivating endotoxin.

Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle comprises: a radiator and a water pump. The water pump comprises: a housing that forms a main body of the water pump and is mounted on an engine cylinder block that is provided with a plurality of coolant passageways; a pulley that is transfers turning force from an engine crankshaft to the water pump; a first impeller that forces coolant to circulate through an engine; a pump shaft that is rotatably mounted to the housing, one end of which is fixedly connected to the pulley, the other end of which is fixedly connected to the first impeller; a second impeller that forces coolant to circulate through the engine and the radiator; and a second impeller rotating means that selectively rotates the second impeller according to a coolant temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to antiviral drug susceptibility and resistance tests to be used in identifying effective drug regimens for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and further relates to the means and methods of monitoring the clinical progression of HIV infection and its response to antiretroviral therapy, particularly nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy using phenotypic susceptibility assays or genotypic assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions based on hydrated lipidic lamellar phases or liposomal compositions, prepared by combining different lipid molecules, synthetic and/or from natural sources, said compositions comprising at least one of a) labd-13-ene-8&agr;, 15-diol and/or derivatives thereof; b) labd-14-ene-8, 13-diol or derivatives thereof; c) 3&bgr;-hydroxy-labd-14-ene-8, 13-epoxy and/or derivatives thereof, d) a plant extract containing the aforementioned labdenes or derivatives thereof. The compositions of the invention exhibit cytotoxicity against cancerous cells and are utilized for the treatment of tumors and leukemias.

Abstract: Selectively demineralized bone-derived implants are provided. In one embodiment, a bone sheet for implantation includes a demineralized field surrounding mineralized regions. In another embodiment, a bone defect filler includes a demineralized cancellous bone section in a first geometry. The first geometry is compressible and dryable to a second geometry smaller than the first geometry, and the second geometry is expandable and rehydratable to a third geometry larger than the second geometry.

Abstract: A vehicle door connector structure, in which the connector structure is easily and firmly coupled to a vehicle body to secure a tight sealing and prevent water leakage between the vehicle body and the connector structure. The connector structure also prevents vibration and noise, improves assembly efficiency and maintenance of associated components. Furthermore, the connector structure reduces the possibility of door wires being exposed to any sharp structural objects causing a short circuit.

Abstract: A stent having at least one smooth end is disclosed. The stent may include a coating or coatings on one or both end portions to provide a smooth finish to reduce possible damage to body passages when the stent is deployed and delivered. The stent may also contain drugs or surgical adhesives or a combination thereof in or on the coated portion of the stent. The stent may also be of the type where the materials of the stent may be treated to have a smooth flexible end or ends. The stent may also be of a configuration such that at least one end is more flexible than the middle portion of the stent.

Abstract: A circuit for translating a configuration file used to configure a programmable logic device includes a first register to serially receive configuration data. A second register receives, in parallel, configuration data from the first register. A translation address memory translates an original address for a selected configuration bit of the configuration data to a translated address. A translation memory stores the selected configuration bit at the translated address. Control logic selectively downloads configuration data from the translation memory to a programmable logic device core.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for influencing the p53 binding to a target gene, wherein the conformations of p53 and the target gene are coordinated especially by means of conformation modulators and the binding of p53 can be directly or indirectly detected.

Abstract: The solvent accessible reduced carbon atoms in a molecule of interest are labeled with heavy hydrogen. The carbon atoms are labeled under anaerobic, aqueous conditions by exposing the molecule of interest to a hydrogen atom abstractor in the presence of a heavy hydrogen source and a heavy hydrogen donor. If the hydrogen atom abstractor is hydroxyl radical, an electron scavenger source is provided. Optionally, an internal reference is provided to facilitate experimental reproducibility.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for protecting a power supply from electrical faults. The present invention operates substantially independently of the current drawn by the load. In addition, the present invention includes a time delay circuitry for preventing false detection of ground faults when the power source is connecting to the load. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a control circuitry for connecting the power supply to the load. The apparatus also preferably includes a sensor circuitry for detecting electrical faults, including ground, transient, and arc faults, and triggering the control circuitry to disconnect the power source from the electrical faults when electrical faults are detected. Thus, the present invention can protect wiring and load connections from improper operation and fire hazards that may be caused by electrical faults.