Abstract: A system is provided having a clamping apparatus with first and second members, which are spaced apart from each other. An attachment mechanism is connected to the first member for attaching the apparatus to a confocal imaging system. This attachment mechanism has a surface with a window facing the tissue to be examined. Opposing this surface is a third member connected to the second member. A clamping mechanism includes the first and second members for clamping the tissue between the surface of the attachment mechanism and the surface of the third member, thereby stabilizing the tissue to the confocal imaging system. The window of the attachment mechanism presents the clamped tissue to the confocal imaging system.

Abstract: A scanning ophthalmoscope scans an object plane in the interior of the eye by employing a first spatial light modulator to generate a time-varying first modulation pattern. A second spatial light modulator receives the illumination field generated by the interaction of the first modulation pattern with the interior of the eye. The second spatial light modulator generates a second modulation pattern corresponding to the first modulation pattern and transmits this second modulation pattern to an image detector, thereby forming an image of the object plane in the interior of the eye. The first and second spatial light modulators are linked by a function or mapping such that a modulation pattern generated by the first spatial light modulator maps to a particular modulation pattern generated by the second spatial light modulator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for characterizing bone mineral characteristics using differential cross polarization magnetic resonance methods are disclosed. According to one embodiment the method includes a step of producing a static magnetic field in a sample that includes first and second spin species where the second spin species has an unknown property. The method also includes a step of producing a state of dipolar order in spins of the first species in the sample. In addition, the method includes providing an RF field in the sample that is resonant with spins of the second species and then shifting the RF field by 180.degree.. Then a signal representative of the unknown property of the second species in the sample may be acquired. Apparatus for performing the above method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is provided having a clamping apparatus with first and second members, which are spaced apart from each other. An attachment mechanism is connected to the first member for attaching the apparatus to a confocal imaging system. This attachment mechanism has a surface with a window facing the tissue to be examined. Opposing this surface is a third member connected to the second member. A clamping mechanism includes the first and second members for clamping the tissue between the surface of the attachment mechanism and the surface of the third member, thereby stabilizing the tissue to the confocal imaging system. The window of the attachment mechanism presents the clamped tissue to the confocal imaging system.

Abstract: A confocal microscope for generating an image of a sample includes a first scanning element for scanning a light beam along a first axis, and a second scanning element for scanning the light beam at a predetermined amplitude along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A third scanning element scans the light beam at a predetermined amplitude along a third axis perpendicular to an imaging plane defined by the first and second axes. The second and third scanning element are synchronized to scan at the same frequency. The second and third predetermined amplitudes are percentages of their maximum amplitudes. A selector determines the second and third predetermined amplitudes such that the sum of the percentages is equal to one-hundred percent.

Abstract: A scanning ophthalmoscope scans an object plane in the interior of the eye by employing a first spatial light modulator to generate a time-varying first modulation pattern. A second spatial light modulator receives the illumination field generated by the interaction of the first modulation pattern with the interior of the eye. The second spatial light modulator generates a second modulation pattern corresponding to the first modulation pattern and transmits this second modulation pattern to an image detector, thereby forming an image of the object plane in the interior of the eye. The first and second spatial light modulators are linked by a function or mapping such that a modulation pattern generated by the first spatial light modulator maps to a particular modulation pattern generated by the second spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A vaccine capable of protecting a recipient from infection caused by group B Streptococcus. The vaccine provides polysaccharide-protein moieties and contain (a) a group B Streptococcus polysaccharide conjugated to (b) a functional derivative of a group B Streptococcus C protein alpha antigen that retains the ability to elicit protective antibodies against group B Streptococcus. The vaccine may contain only one type of such polysaccharide-protein unit or may contain a mixture of more than one type of unit.

Abstract: A vaccine capable of protecting a recipient from infection caused by group B Streptococcus. The vaccine provides polysaccharide-protein moieties and contain (a) a group B Streptococcus polysaccharide conjugated to (b)) a functional derivative of a group B Streptococcus C protein alpha antigen that retains the ability to elicit protective antibodies against group B Streptococcus. The vaccine may contain only one type of such polysaccharide-protein unit or may contain a mixture of more than one type of unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a 68 kD recombinant hybrid protein comprising an enzymatically active Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase ("SOD-1") moiety and a tetanus toxin fragment C ("TTC") moiety, wherein the TTC moiety selectively delivers the hybrid protein into neurons, and the SOD-1 moiety retains substantial enzymatic activity, following neuronal uptake. Also disclosed are a DNA expression vector encoding the hybrid protein.

Abstract: Hyaluronan associated proteins, in particular calreticulin, promote the accelerated and relatively scarless healing of wounds. Methods for treating wounds using such proteins, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such proteins, are provided.

Abstract: Fusion proteins are obtained in high yields if a mixed oligonucleotide is constructed which codes for the ballast constituent of the fusion protein. The oligonucleotide mixture is introduced in a vector in such a manner that it is functionally linked to a regulatory region and to the structural gene for the desired protein. Appropriate host cells are transformed with the plasmid population obtained in this manner and the clones producing a high yield of coded fusion protein are selected.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fracturing hard deposits such as urinary and biliary stones and atherosclerotic plaque in the human body. A flexible guide having a hard mass capping an end is adapted for insertion through a fluid passage in a living body. An energy source creates a rapid vapor expansion adjacent to the cap causing it to undergo a pulse like movement, imparting a high-velocity impulse to an adjacent deposit, thereby fracturing it. The energy source may be a laser with a fiber optic delivery system in the guide terminating adjacent to the cap to cause vaporization of the mass cap to create the vapor expansion. The energy source may be a spark generator with a conductor associated with the guide to deliver a fluid vaporizing spark adjacent to the mass cap. Other forms of rapid energy delivery such as chemical detonations or ballistic impact may also be applicable.