Abstract: This invention relates to the identification of a novel class of therapeutic agents which selectively target and kill tumor cells and certain other types of diseased cells, and to compositions comprising lipoic acid derivatives which poison the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex specifically in such cells. This invention also provides for methods of using therapeutically effective amounts of the lipoic acid derivatives for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. The lipoic acid derivatives described herein have a wide range of preventive and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a three-dimensional visualization image of an object such as an organ using volume visualization techniques and exploring the image using a guided navigation system which allows the operator to travel along a flight path and to adjust the view to a particular portion of the image of interest in order, for example, to identify polyps, cysts or other abnormal features in the visualized organ. An electronic biopsy can also be performed on an identified growth or mass in the visualized object. Virtual colonoscopy can be enhanced by electronically removing residual stool, fluid and non-colonic tissue from the image of the colon, by employing bowel preparation followed by image segmentation operations. Methods are also employed for virtually expanding regions of colon collapse using image segmentation results.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel surface modified biodegradable polyesters having fluorocarbon chains at the terminal end of the polyesters. The compounds of the present invention are obtained by the addition of fluorocarbon chains at the surface of the polyester. Any commonly used polyester material can be used in the present invention; however, polyglycolic or polylactic acids or co-polymers thereof are preferred.

Abstract: A pelvic compression splint for splinting support and compression of the pelvis. The pelvic compression splint includes: right and left plates to be positioned on the right and left sides, respectively, of the pelvis; right and left inner shells positioned between the right and left plates, respectively, and the right and left side of the pelvis; and a support member for supporting the right and left plates and right and left inner shells compressively against the right and left sides of the pelvis.

Abstract: An energy dissipation apparatus for installation in structural frames to mitigate seismic effects comprises a scissor-jack system of braces with an energy dissipation device such as a viscous, viscoelastic, or hysteretic damper, or an active or semi-active device, connected between opposing pivot joints of the scissor-scissor jack system. The scissor jack system magnifies displacement so that energy is dissipated more effectively by the damper. Open bay, diagonal, and alternative installation arrangements with respect a structural frame are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the synthesis of a novel crosslinker having the following structure: R1 is C(R8) (R9) wherein (R8) is H, or an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms, and (R9) is H, or an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms. R2 is H, or an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms. R3 is H or an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms. R4 is an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms. R5 is H or an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms. R6 is H or an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms. R7 is C(R10) (R11) wherein (R10) is H, or an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms, and (R11) is H, or an alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms. The crosslinker is stable in a basic environment, but decomposable in an acidic environment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a transgenic mouse comprised of germ cells and somatic cells which contain a recombinant CD36 gene operatively linked to a muscle creatine kinase promoter. Overexpression of the reconbinant CD36 gene in muscle tissue promotes localized (tissue-specific) and systemic changes in fatty acid metabolism, overall body fat and weight gain in the animal.

Abstract: A method for optimizing an actual motion to perform a desired task by a performer wherein the performer has joints connected to body parts, the joints being actuated by muscle forces resulting in body part motion and the actual motion occurring as a result of generated muscle forces which torque the joints, resulting in the actual motion of connective body parts and/or an implement connected thereto. The joints, body parts, implements and their physical characteristics making a dynamic system. The method comprises the steps of deriving dynamics equations relating muscle forces to the dynamic behavior of the dynamic system; and computing the optimal motion for performing the desired task by minimizing the higher harmonic content of the muscle forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro cell culture device which includes a vessel comprising an inner surface, a layer of cartilage disposed on at least a portion of said inner surface, the layer of cartilage including a plurality of chondrocytes in an extracellular matrix, and a growth medium in the vessel, the layer of cartilage being bathed in the growth medium. Also disclosed is a composite cell culture prepared from the in vitro cell culture device, the composite cell culture includes a first layer including chondrocytes in an extracellular matrix, a second layer disposed on the first layer and including type I collagen, and a third layer disposed on the second layer and including cells at least partially covering the second layer.

Abstract: Provided is a method of stimulating a class I-restricted immune response to a protein of interest or antigenic portion thereof in a host, as well as a protein delivery vehicle for use in the method. A nucleic acid molecule encoding the protein of interest or antigenic portion thereof is introduced into an avirulent Salmonella spp., such that the resulting Salmonella encodes a chimeric protein comprising the protein of interest or antigenic portion thereof and an injectable protein which is a target of a type III secretion system or an injectable portion thereof. This resulting Salmonella can be introduced into a host, in which the Salmonella will inject the chimeric protein into the cytosol of the cells of the host. The injection of the chimeric protein results in the stimulation of a class I-restricted immune response to the protein of interest or antigenic portion thereof in the host.

Abstract: Methods for generating a three-dimensional visualization image of an object, such as an internal organ, using volume visualization techniques are provided. The techniques include a multi-scan imaging method; a multi-resolution imaging method; and a method for generating a skeleton of a complex three dimension object. The applications include virtual cystoscopy, virtual laryngoscopy, virtual angiography, among others.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for temperature and concentration measurement at liquid surfaces using reflectance. The apparatus includes a light source which produces a measurement light beam, and also includes a detector. The measurement light beam has a measurement light beam intensity and impinges on the surface of the liquid specimen. It reflects back as a reflected light beam with a reflected light beam intensity which is related to the reflectivity R of the liquid surface and to the measurement light beam intensity. The detector receives the reflected light beam and determines the reflected light beam intensity. Either the temperature or concentration of the liquid specimen can then be determined based on the reflected light beam intensity. The light source can be a coherent light source, such as a laser. A beam splitter can be provided to split the light beam from the light source into a reference light beam and the measurement light beam.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of Augmentative Communication Technology. The invention addresses the problem of providing a communication device for producing message output reflecting a user's intended message which minimizes the amount of user input required to produce a message. The invention pertains to an augmentative communication system in which user input may specify attributes of a predefined subject of desired communication. Responsive to such input, a system in accordance with the invention may provide to the user a set of predefined messages which are pertinent to the specified subject. From this set of messages the user may specify a message to be produced as output for purposes of communication. Alternatively, the user may alter the specified attributes and receive a different set of predefined messages based on the revised specifications.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus and method for vascular interventions for acquiring very high resolution radiographic images over a small region of interest (ROI). The apparatus and associated method employs digital solid state x-ray image detectors for the medical imaging application of angiography. A mechanical arrangement, for example an arm attached to an existing large area x-ray detector, allows the small area ROI digital detector to be temporarily positioned over a region located by the standard large area imager so that additional very high resolution digital images may be obtained over the ROI.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to tetrahydronaphthalene derivatives of &agr;-conindendrin, &bgr;-conindendrin, sikkimotoxin, and podophyllotoxin having at least one methyleneoxy bridge wherein the oxygen atom extends to the benzhydrylic carbon atom.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and test kits for diagnosis of periodontal disease activity in mammals, especially in human. The methods of the invention provide for rapid chair-side diagnosis of periodontitis, peri-implantitis and HIV (+)-infection/AIDS-disease related periodontal diseases. Especially, the methods of the invention provide for rapid chair-side diagnosis of the loss of bone density associated with periodontal diseases.

Abstract: The invention is a method of inhibiting the activity of membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase (MT-MMP) in biological systems. Accordingly, the invention permits the treatment of medical conditions in mammals that are characterized by MT-MMP activity, and especially those conditions characterized by excessive MT-MMP activity. The method employs a tetracycline compound, preferably a non-antimicrobial tetracycline, and more preferably 6-demethyl-6-deoxy-4-de(dimethylamino)tetracycline (CMT-3) or 6-&agr;-deoxy-5-hydroxy-4-de(dimethylamino)tetracycline (CMT-8) to inhibit the MT-MMP activity.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant keratinocyte having nucleic acid encoding a human &bgr;3 integrin subunit introduced therein. This recombinant keratinocyte is able to adhere to fibrin/fibrinogen, and therefore when used in a graft procedure the recombinant keratinocyte is able to adhere to fibrin/fibrinogen present in any fibrin clot in the wound. The invention thus further provides a method of enhancing wound healing in a graft procedure by using the recombinant keratinocytes.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of Augmentative Communication Technology. The invention addresses the problem of providing a communication device for producing message output reflecting a user's intended message which minimizes the amount of user input required to produce a message. The invention pertains to an augmentative communication system in which user input may specify attributes of a predefined subject of desired communication. Responsive to such input, a system in accordance with the invention may provide to the user a set of predefined messages which are pertinent to the specified subject. From this set of messages the user may specify a message to be produced as output for purposes of communication. Alternatively, the user may alter the specified attributes and receive a different set of predefined messages based on the revised specifications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-pathogenic, oncolytic, recombinant polioviruses for the treatment of various forms of malignant tumors. The recombinant polioviruses of the invention are those in which the internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) of the wild type poliovirus was exchanged with the IRES of other picornaviruses, and optionally P1, P3 or the 3′NTR thereof was exchanged with that of poliovirus Sabin type. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the administration of the non-pathogenic, oncolytic, recombinant poliovirus to the tumor directly, intrathecally or intravenously to cause tumor necrosis. The method of the present invention is particularly useful for the treatment of malignant tumors in various organs, such as: breast, colon, bronchial passage, epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal, upper respiratory and genito-urinary tracts, liver, prostate and the brain.