Abstract: Methods for detecting if a subject with tumor cells is at increased risk of developing tumor progression. The method involves determining the frequency of endoapoptosis in a sample of tumor tissue taken from the subject. The frequency of endoapoptosis in the tissue sample indicates whether the subject is at increased risk of developing tumor progression. Method for screening chemical agents for anti-tumor effects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved system and method for target motion tracking, that reduces the computational resources required, by providing for the dynamic control of the activation of targets. The present invention is comprised of a system for use in dynamically tracking the movement of a subject. A plurality of active targets are located on the subject at positions of movement of the subject. At least one camera is arranged for viewing the subject, wherein each of the at least one camera outputs a video signal. A computer receives the video signal of each and processes each video signal by means of an algorithm program to produce a control signal.

Abstract: When administered locally, tricyclic, second generation and third generation antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and desipramine, have been shown to produce analgesia in a subject having a site of local discomfort. The analgesic effect of such antidepressants, when administered locally is equal to that achieved by systemic administration and lasts longer. The invention provides compositions containing tricyclic, second generation, and third generation antidepressants for local administration, such as those formulated for topical application, or for injection in slow release delivery vehicles, and methods for their use for producing local analgesia.

Abstract: A method of removing ammonium ions or amines from contaminated water includes treating the water with sodium tetraphenylborate under acidic conditions. Advantageously, the tetraphenylborate is immobilized on polymer beads and the water is contacted with the beads or passed through a bed of the beads.

Abstract: A compression algorithm for the compression of ECG recordings uses the Karhunen-Loeve Transform (KLT) to transform a set of N sampled ECG beats from a matrix of N.times.M samples into a new form, from which a selected subset can be retained for storage, transmission, or analysis. In order to reduce computation time and storage space, a multirate downsampling operation may be applied, which retains the appropriate spectral information in each block. The downsampled beats are then padded to make them of uniform size, and a Karhunen-Loeve Transform is applied to the sample set. Coefficients from the Karhunen-Loeve Transform of the sample set are retained for reconstruction according to one of two criteria. The average variance of the reconstructed sample set may be controlled, or different numbers of coefficients may be retained for each beat. The KLT compressed data may be reconstituted by reverse KLT transforming the data.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for the treatment of chronic renal insufficiencies and related chronic indications in mammals, employing IGF-I as the active agent. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it has been discovered that IGF-I is an effective agent for enhancing kidney development in mammals suffering from chronic organ injury. In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, it has been discovered that IGF-I is an effective agent for protecting prepubescent subjects, such as prepubescent mammals and neonates, from the ongoing toxicity of treatment with steroid hormones. In accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention, it has been discovered that IGF-I is an effective agent for maintaining substantially normal growth in neonates and pre-pubescent mammals exposed to high dose steroid hormone therapy.

Abstract: The method of the present invention fabricates a plurality of composite structures so as to permit the reliable recovery of leads embedded within respective ones of the composite or smart structures. In this regard, the method of the present invention permits a plurality of composite structures to be fabricated, such as by means of a continuous pultrusion process, while enabling the leads to be recovered without interrupting the pultrusion process and without damaging the resulting composite structures. Correspondingly, a composite structure is provided according to the present invention which has a protective sleeve surrounding the portion of the lead which extends through the end of the composite body. As such, the protective sleeve protects the lead during the fabrication process by protecting the lead during the separation of the composite structures and the recovery of the embedded lead.

Abstract: A structure is provided that includes a structural element and a composite carrier assembly associated with the structural element, such as by being embedded therein, wherein the compatible carrier assembly includes a composite carrier and a sensor disposed with the composite carrier. By embedding the composite carrier assembly within a structural element, the sensor, such as a fiber optic sensor, will measure the conditions, such as the strain, temperature or the like, to which at least a portion of the structural element is subjected in a manner which averages the measurements over a distance greater than the predetermined dimensions of the sensor element. In addition, the thermal, mechanical and electrical characteristics of the composite carrier can be precisely tailored, such as to match those characteristics of the structural element in which the composite carrier is to be embedded, so that the composite carrier will be compatible with the host material of the structural element.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that monocyte conditioned medium (MCM) obtained from patients with liver disease stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts. Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) has also been found to stimulate fibroproliferation of fibroblasts, and to be at least partially responsible for the fibroproliferative effect of the MCM. Further in accordance with the present invention, the effect of MCM and PDGF on the expression of c-fos and c-jun has been investigated, because c-fos and c-jun form AP-1 complexes which can stimulate genes involved in proliferation. It has recently been reported that pentoxifylline inhibits platelet derived growth factor-stimulated proliferation. Studies were conducted to determine whether pentoxifylline altered the expression of c-fos and c-jun.

Abstract: This invention relates to transgenic fish containing a humanized insulin gene which has been altered to secrete human insulin and its use in the treatment of diabetes. In the transgenic fish of the present invention, the fish insulin gene has been modified to code for human insulin gene while leaving the regulatory sequences of fish insulin gene intact. Islet transplantation may provide the meticulous glycemia control required in the treatment of diabetes. The islet tissue of the present invention offers an inexpensive and a nearly unlimited supply of human insulin-producing tissue and therefore, may be useful in the treatment of diabetes. In this regard, an improved method of mass isolation of islet tissue is provided by the present invention. The present invention also provides the use of the humanized insulin gene to promote growth in fish.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel fiber reinforced building material formulations, comprised of an inorganic binding agent and synthetic fibers. The fibrous material employed in invention formulations is capable of undergoing progressive fibrillation upon agitation. As a result, fibers of lower initial aspect ratios, and higher addition rates than previously possible are disclosed, herein. Formulations containing Portland cement-based compositions and fibrillating synthetic fibers are also contemplated. In addition, there are provided methods of producing fiber reinforced building materials, including Portland cement-based compositions, and articles produced therefrom.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that monocyte conditioned medium (MCM) obtained from patients with liver disease stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts. Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) has also been found to stimulate fibroproliferation of fibroblasts, and to be at least partially responsible for the fibroproliferative effect of the MCM. Further in accordance with the present invention, the effect of MCM and PDGF on the expression of c-fos and c-jun has been investigated, because c-fos and c-jun form AP-1 complexes which can stimulate genes involved in proliferation. It has recently been reported that pentoxifylline inhibits platelet derived growth factor-stimulated proliferation. The mechanism of this action of pentoxifylline is unclear. Thus, in the course of the work undertaken as part of the present invention, studies were conducted to determine whether pentoxifylline altered the expression of c-fos and c-jun.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for the treatment of polycystic kidney disease and related indications in mammals, employing IGF-I as the active agent. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, it has been discovered that IGF-I is an effective agent for the treatment of renal dysplasias and/or renal hypoplasias in mammals. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, it has been discovered that IGF-I is an effective agent for enhancing glomerular development in mammals. In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, it has been discovered that IGF-I is an effective agent for enhancing kidney development in mammals suffering from chronic organ injury.

Abstract: This invention relates to an analog video merging system, and more particularly to a system that can take the output of a plurality of video cameras and form a combined video signal which can be fed to a computer having only a single frame grabber card. This system is used to track targets using multiple video cameras. The present invention is comprised of an analog video merging apparatus for merging N video signals from N video cameras. The apparatus is comprised of N video processors, each of the N processors is connected to the N video cameras in a one-to-one correspondence, wherein each of the N video processors compares the video signal associated with one of the N video cameras with a dynamic predetermined threshold level and produces a binary output signal having a low level and a high level, the low level being output if the associated video signal is below the predetermined threshold, and high level being output if the associated video signal is above the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A compound composition and method of treating a retrovirus infection are disclosed. In particular, isolated triterpenes have been shown to have significant inhibitory activity against HIV-1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining radiation absorbed dose using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) in dental enamel. The invention is based on the determination that OSL can be induced in dental enamel and can be used for determining absorbed radiation dose, for example during unmonitored x-rays, or accidental exposures to ionizing radiation. In particular, it has been discovered that there is a dose dependent OSL in dental enamel. The present invention makes possible a non-invasive, sensitive, reliable and portable method and apparatus for in vivo human radiation dosimetry.

Abstract: A vaccine for the immunocontraception of mammals is described. The vaccine consists of zona pellucida antigens and an adjuvant encapsulated in a liposome delivery system. The liposome delivery system allows for the slow release of antigen resulting in a prolonged immune response. In particular, after a single injection of the vaccine, levels of anti-zona pellucida antibodies were detected for up to 22 months in seals. Thus, the vaccine according to the present invention is effective after a single dose and is therefore very useful in immunocontraceptive protocols.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the concentration of a sample gas in an oxygen-containing carrier gas by continuously flowing the oxygen-containing carrier gas which also contains the sample gas whose concentration is to be measured, into and through a central, solid electrolyte inner detector tube, having a particular configuration to eliminate back-diffusion of air thereinto, the inner detector tube having an internal electrode, provided with a first, electrically-conductive output lead, in contact with its interior surface, and an external electrode, provided with a second, electrically-conductive output lead, in contact with its external surface. This bathes a first interface comprising the internal electrode and the interior of the inner detector tube with only the continuously flowing oxygen-containing carrier gas, at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for aiding healing or preventing the onset of intestinal wounds or ulcers in a patient. In addition, the present invention provides a method for reducing, or preventing, the gastrointestinal side effects associated with the administration of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Pursuant to the present invention, the composition includes a protein source, a carbohydrate source, a fat source, and a specialized vitamin and mineral profile.

Abstract: A vaccine for the immunocontraception of mammals is described. The vaccine consists of zona pellucida antigens and an adjuvant encapsulated in a liposome delivery system. The liposome delivery system allows for the slow release of antigen resulting in a prolonged immune response. In particular, after a single injection of the vaccine, levels of anti-zona pellucida antibodies were detected for up to 22 months in seals. Thus, the vaccine according to the present invention is effective after a single dose and is therefore very useful in immunocontraceptive protocols.