Abstract: A method is provided for the improvement of implantation rates and/or pregnancy rates in a female mammal, comprising administering to a female mammal in whom pregnancy is desired an effective amount of(a) a nitric oxide synthase substrate, a nitric oxide donor, or both, optionally in combination with(b) a progestin, and,(c) optionally, in further combination with an estrogen.A method is also provided for fertility control for a female mammal, comprising administering to a female mammal in whom pregnancy is not desired and at risk for becoming pregnant an effective amount of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor in combination with an antiprogestin. Pharmaceutical compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A psoriasis susceptibility locus defined as among linked members within a family has been identified. The locus is linked to an intron of the interleukin enhancer binding factor gene in some families, while being linked to an interleukin 8 gene in other families demonstrating a familial linked form of psoriasis. The locus identified may be further defined as being located distal to genetic maker D17S784 of human chromosome 17q. This locus does not demonstrate linkage with DNA markers within flanking the HLA cluster of genes. A psoriasis susceptibility locus has also been observed close to the centromere of human chromosome 4. Both identified regions provide positive LOD scores with markers on chromosomes 17q and particularly 2 regions close to the ILF gene or the interleukin 8 gene. Methods of screening a family for psoriasis susceptibility using a defined familial psoriasis susceptibility locus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Sodium and borate ions are separated in supercritical water by addition of dissolved CO.sub.2 to cause precipitation of carbonates and the formation of boric acid. Carbonates and boric acid are then recovered as separate products.

Abstract: A mold useful for injection molding, comprising: a porous network of metal and oxidized metal and a cured epoxy resin dispersed in the porous network. The mold can be prepared by a process comprising the sequential steps of (a) forming a mixture of a metal powder and a polymer binder; (b) heating the mixture at a temperature in the range from about 100.degree. C. to about 300.degree. C. to remove a majority of the polymer binder from the mixture; (c) heating the mixture resulting from step (b) at a temperature greater than about 300.degree. C. and less than the melting point of the metal in the presence of oxygen to oxidize at least a portion of the metal to form a self-adhering porous network of metal and oxidized metal; (d) contacting the self-adhering porous network with an epoxy resin to fill at least a portion of the porous network with epoxy resin; and (e) curing the body resulting from step (d) to form the mold. The shape of the mold can be performed by selective laser sintering of the mixture.

Abstract: A biodegradable implant for placement in nonunion bone fractures as a substitute for bone graft material is provided which is a flat plate or disk having a thickness of between about 1 mm and about 15% of the length of the bone, interconnected micropores, and canals substantially equivalent in size and spacing to naturally-occurring Haversian canals. The implant may additionally comprise additives such as growth factors, including bone morphogenic protein. In a preferred embodiment the implant is formed from a biodegradable polymer such as a polylactic acid-polyglycolic acid copolymer by a gel casting technique followed by solvent extraction to precipitate the implant as a microporous solid.

Abstract: Arthritis and related diseases are diagnosed by recording sound from a joint moving against a predefined resistance or a controlled velocity, and correlating the acoustic amplitude and instantaneous frequency with the joint angle.

Abstract: A switch for use in an inductive energy store transfer circuit utilizes a quantity of electrically conductive liquid bidirectionally flowable between a position that establishes electrical connection between electrodes and a position that opens electrical connection between the electrodes. High pressure gas biases the liquid to a position that establishes electrical connection between the electrodes, and yieldably resists movement of the liquid toward the position that opens electrical connection between the electrodes. Current through the switch electrodes produces a magnetic force that acts on the liquid and urges it toward the position that opens electrical connection between the electrodes. Switching action occurs upon a predetermined magnitude of current being attained.