Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of non-primate mammalian cell lines having substantially no endogenous retroviral sequences as producer and packaging lines for preparation of human serum-resistant retroviral vector particles with improved safety for use in gene therapy applications. In a preferred embodiment, the cell line used in the present invention is the &agr;-galactosyl (&agr;Gal)-positive cell ferret brain cell line designated as Mpf or a cell line having those identifying characteristics of the Mpf cell line suitable for the practice of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of inducing proliferation and migration of endothelial cells in a subject comprising administering an amount of scatter factor effective to induce the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of determining the presence of angiogenesis in a subject comprising detecting the presence of scatter factor in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of inhibiting angiogenesis in a subject by blocking the ability of endogenous scatter factor to promote angiogenesis in the subject. The endogenous scatter factor may be blocked by using an inhibitor to scatter factor, such as an antibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of enhancing transplanted tissue in a subject comprising administering an amount of scatter factor effective to promote angiogenesis and enhance tissue transplantation in the subject.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of promoting angiogenesis utilizing scatter factor, either alone or in combination with a growth factor.

Abstract: It has been discovered that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a polymeric carrier implanted into a cartilage and/or bone defect will differentiate to form cartilage and/or bone, as appropriate. Suitable polymeric carriers include porous meshes or sponges formed of synthetic or natural polymers, as well as polymer solutions. A presently preferred material is a polyglycolic acid mesh.

Abstract: Periosteal cells have been grown in cell culture and have been shown to have an osteoblastic phenotype, with production of osteocalcin and glycosaminoglycan. When seeded into polymeric implants, repair of critical size cranial defects was demonstrated and was confirmed by histology, biochemical assays, and radiodensitometry.

Abstract: An RF coil construction for MRI apparatus and comprising, preferably, three butterfly coils extending in a longitudinal direction and overlapping with three single loop coils. Each of the three butterfly coils have flexible wings which can be wrapped over the body of a patient. The signals from two of the butterfly coils and two of the single loop coils are simultaneously processed in a phased array manner. The resultant RF coil construction provides in-depth imaging over a large FOV with a high SNR and good homogeniety, and is well suited for imaging the lower extremities of a patient without moving the patient or the coils. Further, the butterfly coils receive signals in the horizontal direction, and the single loop coils receive signals in the vertical direction. The combining of such signals realizes quadrature operation and improves the SNR. Also described is a mesh coil that can be operated to function as the equivalent of one butterfly coil and one single loop coil.

Abstract: The growth of microorganisms on catheters and other medical devices is inhibited by slime-inhibiting compounds. Slime-inhibiting compounds include salicylic acid and other NSAID.

Abstract: A miniaturized microwave applicator comprises a thin-wall metal dielectric-filled waveguide having a thermocouple preferably disposed in a groove in the surface of the dielectric radiating aperture of the waveguide when the aperture is placed in contact with a spot on the outer surface of the conjunctiva or sclera overlying the type of given internal tissue of the eye, such as the ciliary body or chorioretinal tissue, which has a relatively high water content compared to conjunctival or scleral eye tissue. This permits cyclodestruction of the ciliary body, as a treatment for glaucoma, by heat generated by absorbed microwave energy radiated thereto during a given time. It also permits microwave heating to repair a detached retina by chorioretinal scar formation.