Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-1 genetic signaling pathway and caloric restriction in conjunction extend lifespan and delay the onset of age-related diseases.

Abstract: An apparatus for depicting contour lines on the surfaces of a model, the apparatus comprising a bed for supporting the model, and at least one laser for projecting a plane of light at a predetermine height from the bed. A method of depicting contour lines on surfaces of a model, the method comprising projecting a plurality of planes of light in spaced relation over the surface of a support to illuminate contour lines on objects on the surface that break the planes of light.

Abstract: A method of electrochemically hydrogenating an oil, the method comprising reacting unsaturated fatty acids in the oil with hydrogen in the presence of a formate electrocatalyst.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for inhibiting expression of either iNOS or COX-2, or both in mammals using flavone compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The present invention is also directed to a method of activating K+ channels in mammals; as well as methods for treating septic shock, for inhibiting expression of angiotensin converting enzyme, for treating or preventing aneurysms and for reducing inflammation and related pathological changes using these compounds. Presently preferred compounds are oroxylin A (5,7-dihydroxy-6-methoxy flavone) and wogonin (5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxy flavone).

Abstract: Methods of preventing or treating ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, alopecia, gastrointestinal disorder, and reduced survival in patients who have been exposed to toxic levels of radiation are provided. These methods comprise administering an effective amount of a protective agent comprising a methionine or a methionine-like moiety to said patient prior to, simultaneously with, or subsequently to exposure to radiation. Combinations of these time periods can also be employed.

Abstract: Methods of preventing or reducing ototoxicity in patients undergoing treatment with therapeutically effective amounts of platinum-containing chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin or aminoglycoside antibiotics are provided. The methods comprise administering an effective amount of an otoprotective agent comprising methionine or a methionine-like moiety to said patient prior to, simultaneously with, or subsequently to administration of the platinum-containing chemotherapeutic agent or aminoglycoside antibiotic. Combinations of these time periods can also be employed.

Abstract: An improved method for the aerobic thermophilic treatment of organic material of the type in which air is passed through organic matter contained in a reactor, in which at least a portion of the air that has passed through the organic matter in the reactor being captured and again passed through the organic matter.

Abstract: An oxidation resistant carbon composite material comprises nanocrystalline silicon carbide regions distributed throughout a carbon matrix. The composite is prepared by intermixing in a solvent a silicon carbide precursor and a carbon precursor and forming a solution that is free of solids. After removing the solvent from the mixture, the remaining material is pyrolyzed and forms the characteristic nanocrystalline silicon carbide in a carbon matrix. A composite made by the subject method and a part made from the composite are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating or preventing certain medical conditions with isoflavones. More specifically, the invention provides a method of treating or preventing one or more of the following medical conditions: hepatic steatosis, steatohepatitis, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, syndrome X, abnormal platelet function, or abnormal vascular reactivity, with compositions containing isoflavones.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating or preventing certain medical conditions with isoflavones. More specifically, the invention provides a method of treating or preventing one or more of the following medical conditions: hepatic steatosis, steatohepatitis, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, syndrome X, abnormal platelet function, or abnormal vascular reactivity, with compositions containing isoflavones.

Abstract: A fill material mix that includes coal processing wastes, at least one coal combustion by-product and a neutralizing/stabilizing by-product that may be the same as or different than the coal combustion by-product is mixed with water to form a mortar. The mortar can be placed in abandoned mines and other appropriate underground or surface locations as a fill material that is environmentally more benign that the individual components of the mix. The mortar cures rapidly to provide a surface that can support heavy equipment.

Abstract: Methods of improving memory and learning in humans and animals by vagus nerve stimulation are provided. These methods comprise selecting an appropriate human or animal subject and applying to the subject's vagus nerve an electrical stimulation signal having parameter values effective in modulating the electrical activity of the vagus nerve in a manner so as to modulate the activity of preselected portions of the brain.

Abstract: A method to improve neural cell viability in brain or spinal cord tissue after brain or spinal cord injury or surgery is provided. This method comprises applying a sterile liquid medium to the brain or spinal cord tissue, wherein the sterile aqueous liquid medium comprises 0 to about 3000 &mgr;M CaCl2, about 0.1 to about 1.2 &mgr;M Fe(NO3)3, about 2500 to about 10000 &mgr;M KCl, 0 to about 4000 &mgr;M MgCl2, about 30000 to about 150000 &mgr;M NaCl, about 100 to about 30000 &mgr;M NaHCO3, about 250 to about 4000 &mgr;M NaH2PO4, about 0.01 to about 0.4 &mgr;M sodium selenite, about 0.

Abstract: A method for conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol comprises contacting formate dehydrogenase enzymes, formaldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes and additional dehydrogenase enzymes selected from the group consisting of alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes and methanol dehydrogenase enzymes with the carbon dioxide in the presence of a terminal electron donor to produce the methanol. The intermediate reduction reactions are assisted by retaining the enzymes in a microporous matrix.

Abstract: An oxidation resistant carbon composite material comprises nanocrystalline silicon carbide regions distributed throughout a carbon matrix. The composite is prepared by intermixing in a solvent a silicon carbide precursor and a carbon precursor and forming a solution that is free of solids. After removing the solvent from the mixture, the remaining material is pyrolyzed and forms the characteristic nanocrystalline silicon carbide in a carbon matrix. A composite made by the subject method and a part made from the composite are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of improving memory and learning in humans and animals by vagus nerve stimulation are provided. These methods comprise selecting an appropriate human or animal subject and applying to the subject's vagus nerve an electrical stimulation signal having parameter values effective in modulating the electrical activity of the vagus nerve in a manner so as to modulate the activity of preselected portions of the brain.

Abstract: Methods of treating persistent impairment of consciousness in humans and animals by vagus nerve stimulation are provided. These methods comprise selecting an appropriate human or animal subject and applying to the subject's vagus nerve an electrical stimulation signal having parameter values effective in modulating the electrical activity of the vagus nerve in a manner so as to modulate the activity of preselected portions of the brain.

Abstract: Methods of modulating brain neural plasticity, improving memory and learning, improving recovery from traumatic brain injury, preventing epilepsy, treating memory disorders and chronic memory impairment, and treating persistent impairment of consciousness in humans and animals by vagus nerve stimulation are provided. These methods comprise selecting an appropriate human or animal subject and applying to the subject's vagus nerve an electrical stimulation signal having parameter values effective in modulating the electrical activity of the vagus nerve in a manner so as to modulate the activity of preselected portions of the brain.

Abstract: Plant nitrogen metabolism in corn and tobacco has been altered by transformation with a highly active assimilatory glutamate dehydrogenase gene. Plants containing the gdhA gene are resistant to phosphinothricin herbicides (PPT) which can include glufosinate herbicides. Additionally, these transformed plants evidence higher levels of tolerance to PPT when combined with another PPT resistant gene. This invention also includes the method of improving plant growth in a field of crops encoding for GDH due to a gdhA transgene.

Abstract: Mortar mixes comprising as a major part, Class F fly ash and fluidized bed combustion ash in amounts and proportions sufficient to reduce the negative effects of the presence of unburned carbon in the Class F fly ash and the presence of sulfate in the fluidized bed combustion ash and which mortar mixes also include, as a minor part, a cementitious material. The mortar produced by mixing the mortar mix with water can include a density reduction material and can be formed into support members for use in mines.