Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for stimulating the growth and repair of bone and cartilage using synthetic triterpenoids and tricyclic-bis-enones. Examples of suitable triterpenoids include CDDO, CDDO-Me, CDDO-Im, and CDDO-Ethylamide. Examples of tricyclic-bis-enones include TBE-31 and TBE-34.

Abstract: Compounds and methods useful for chemopreventative treatment of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Systems, methods and sensors detect changes in incident optical radiation. Current is driven through one or more active areas of a detector while the incident optical radiation illuminates the active areas. Voltage is sensed across one or more of the active areas, a change in the voltage being indicative of the changes in incident optical radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for enhancing the amplification of PrPSc for use in increasing the sensitivity of identifying the presence of PrPSc in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunostimulatory combinations. Generally, the immunostimulatory combinations include a TLR agonist and a TNF/R agonist. Certain immunostimulatory combinations also may include an antigen.

Abstract: A microwave thermokeratoplasty system uses an applicator having embedded sensors that provide feedback signals to a controller. The controller interprets these feedback signals to dynamically adjust or cease a keratoplasty operation. The system uses a microwave applicator that is specially adapted for direct application of energy to an eye in the course of treatment. The applicator is formed of discrete zones or sectors that are selectively controlled in an individual manner.

Abstract: A thermal treatment system with acoustic monitoring applies substantially constant electromagnetic energy superposed with pulsed electromagnetic energy to targeted tissue. The pulsed electromagnetic energy reacts with tissue to create an acoustic pressure wave within the tissue. The acoustic pressure wave is sensed by an acoustic sensor, and a sensor signal indicative of the acoustic pressure wave is generated and processed to determine changes in tissue composition.

Abstract: A method for promoting prostate health in a subject comprising administering a dose of calcium to the subject. Particularly provided is a method for reducing the risk of prostate carcinomas, comprising administering a dose of elemental calcium effective to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In an example, 1200 mg of elemental calcium (supplied in 3000 mg of calcium carbonate) administered twice daily resulted in decreased risk of prostate cancer.

Abstract: A test fixture couples with a test instrument to measure impedance of a device. An upper layer of the test fixture has (a) a first and a second solder pad for electrical connection to the device, (b) a first, second, third and fourth multi-solder pad for electrical connection to four connectors, (c) a first conductor track for connecting the first solder pad to a signal solder pad of the first multi-solder pad, (d) a second conductor track for connecting the first solder pad to a signal solder pad of the second multi-solder pad, (e) a third conductor track for connecting the second solder pad to a signal solder pad of the third multi-solder pad, and (f) a fourth conductor track for connecting the second solder pad to a signal solder pad of the fourth multi-solder pad. Each multi-solder pad has at least one return path solder pad. A lower layer of the test fixture has conductor tracks connected to the return path solder pad of each multi-solder pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting intracellular cholesterol. The method provides contacting a permeabilized cell with labeled c? complex. Methods of using this detection method to identify agents which modulate cholesterol accumulation in a cell are also provided.

Abstract: A novel sarR gene and sarR gene product which down regulates the expression of sarA and the resulting virulence determinants in Staphylococcus aureus is provided. Methods for modulating the expression of sarA and virulence determinants are also provided. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides structural information relating to the gene product and enables the identification and formulation of lead compounds and reducements for treating and preventing infections by S. aureus and related bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel molecular markers for diagnosis and classification of human breast cancer and lung cancer.

Abstract: Recombinant plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) isoforms which lack the reactive center loop and contain the complete heparin-binding domain or lack at least a portion of the heparin-binding domain are described. The rPAI-1 isoforms disclosed herein may be used to modulate angiogenesis through blocking release of VEGF from a VEGF-heparin complex. Furthermore, the rPAI-1 proteins may be used to inhibit cell proliferation and migration, induce apoptosis, and produce proteolytic fragments corresponding to angiostatin kringles 1-3 and kringles 1-4. A truncated proteolytic plasmin protein of 34 kDa is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for encrypting a program for execution on a remote host computer on a network, such that correct execution by the remote host computer is ensured, and such that the remote host computer remains unaware of the computations or data associated with execution. Results from the computations at the remote host computer are transmitted to a control computer, on the network, which decodes the results to useful data representative as output from the program. In a first step of the method, the program is encoded as a unitary matrix multiplication, Uij, of i dimensions by j dimensions. Un is the set of unitary matrices of size n, forms a non-commutative group under matrix multiplication, and has a unique group-invariant Haar measure probability distribution; Uij is thus an element of Un. In a second step, an input data string to the program is encoded as a vector bj of n dimensions. The first and second steps can be performed in either order.

Abstract: Compounds and methods useful for chemopreventative treatment of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating pain. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) antibodies or binding fragments thereof are used to prevent or reduce behavioral hypersensitivity associated with pain.

Abstract: The infection of a mammalian host by a microorganism can be prevented or treated through the alteration of the C. albicans homologue of the high affinity phosphodiesterase, PDE2, gene and/or the adenylate cyclase-associated protein gene. These methods may be used in the identification, prevention or treatment of microbial infection of mammalian hosts such as immunocompromised or immunosuppressed humans, for example, those having AIDS or undergoing transplantation or anti-cancer therapy.

Abstract: A novel sarR gene and sarR gene product which down regulates the expression of sarA and the resulting virulence determinants in Staphylococcus aureus is provided. Methods for modulating the expression of sarA and virulence determinants are also provided. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides structural information relating to the gene product and enables the identification and formulation of lead compounds and reducements for treating and preventing infections by S. aureus and related bacteria.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence which regulates the autolytic activity of bacteria is provided. Methods for identifying and using agents which interact with the gene to inhibit bacterial growth and infectivity also are provided.

Abstract: Recombinant plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) isoforms which lack the reactive center loop and contain the complete heparin-binding domain or lack at least a portion of the heparin-binding domain are described. The rPAI-1 isoforms disclosed herein may be used to modulate angiogenesis through blocking release of VEGF from a VEGF-heparin complex. Furthermore the rPAI-1 proteins may be used to inhibit cell proliferation and migration, induce apoptosis, and produce proteolytic fragments corresponding to angiostatin kringles 1–3 and kringles 1–4.