Abstract: An insertion kit for positioning a plurality of filaments into muscle includes at least one holder that is configured for being attached to an end portion of the muscle. The holder is coupled with a guide, such as on a frame. The guide conforms the muscle to a desired shape. An inserter, used in conjunction with a plurality of needles, inserts a plurality of filaments into the muscle.

Abstract: A novel polymorphic site in the 5? leader cistron of the ?2-adrenergic receptor (?2AR) gene is disclosed. The polymorphisms present at this site result in different levels of inhibition of translation of ?2AR mRNA. Compositions and methods for genotyping this polymorphic site as disclosed. In addition, methods for using this genotype information are disclosed, including predicting genetic predisposition to a disease modified by ?2AR expression and predicting a patient's bronchodilating response to ?2-agonists.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing Bloom's syndrome (BS) as well as determining whether a subject is a carrier of a mutated BLM gene. The present invention also provides one or more single-stranded nucleic acid probes and antibodies which may be formulated in kits, and used for diagnosing BS or determining whether a human subject is a carrier of a mutated BLM gene. In addition, the present invention provides a method for treating or preventing the onset of BS in a subject in need of such treatment or prevention, as well as vectors and stem cells useful for such treatment or prevention. The present invention also provides a purified and isolated nucleic acid encoding an enzymatically active BLM protein, a vector comprising this nucleic acid, a cell stably transformed with this vector, as well as a method for producing recombinant, enzymatically active BLM protein. A purified, enzymatically active BLM protein is also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A method of treating a metal surface by application of a solution containing at least one vinyl silane and at least one bis-silyl aminosilane. A solution composition having at least one vinyl silane and at least one bis-silyl aminosilane is also provided, along with a silane coated metal surface.

Abstract: The present invention involves techniques for evaluating in vivo cytokine production through the in vivo capture of secreting cytokines by labeled cytokine-binding reagents, followed by in vitro measurement of serum levels of captured cytokine. The methods of the present invention make use of the ability of a neutralizing antibody to a cytokine, when injected into a person or expierimental animal, to bind that cytokine and prevent its catabolism, excretion, or binding to a cytokine receptor. This causes the cytokine, which may normally have a very short in vivo half life, to accumulate in vivo as a cytokine/anti-cytokine antibody complex. If the anti-cytokine antibody is either labeled with a molecule that can be bound by another molecule (e.g.; biotin, which is bound by avidin or streptavidin), or is itself capable of being bound by another molecule (e.g.

Abstract: Multi-color light-emissive displays in which the constituent light-emissive devices providing the multiple colors are laterally integrated on the surface of a substrate. The light-emissive devices, typically emitting light by electroluminescence, are arranged such that adjacent devices emit light of a differing wavelength or color. The semiconductor phosphor material forming the active element of each light-emissive device is laterally defined by a lift-off technique in which a patterned layer of a sacrificial material is formed on the substrate, a layer of the semiconductor phosphor material is deposited, and the sacrificial layer is removed to leave semiconductor phosphor material on the substrate in selected locations defined by the pattern. The lift-off technique is iterated to successively fabricate active elements for light-emissive devices of each differing wavelength constituting the multi-color display.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to dipeptides and tripeptides and to methods for pharmaceutical treatment of mammals using analogs of such dipeptides and tripeptides. More specifically, the invention relates to tripeptides and their analogs, to pharmaceutical compositions containing such dipeptides and tripeptides and to methods of treatment of mammals using such dipeptides and tripeptides. In addition, the invention relates to methods of treatment of mammals using such dipeptides and tripeptides for control of appetite, blood pressure, cardiovascular response, libido, and circadian rhythm.

Abstract: Patients having several neurological diseases have been shown to have elevated levels of axonally-derived proteins (i.e. tau and neurofilament proteins) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in brain tissue. Three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) recognizing CSF tau proteins were developed. The Mabs were found to label a ladder of 30 kD to 50 kD tau proteins in CSF from patients with disease states producing axonal damage such as head trauma or CNS tumor but not in CSF from controls. High levels of tau protein in CSF were shown to be diagnostic of axonal degeneration in head trauma. An ELISA assay was developed with these MAbs to aid in the diagnosis of patients with axonal damage.

Abstract: A method for predicting an individual's response to the &bgr;-agonists salmeterol, albuterol, metaproterenol, terbutaline and formoterol is disclosed. Individuals expressing the Ile164 &bgr;2AR variant are likely to exhibit a reduced response as compared to individuals expressing the Thr164 &bgr;2AR variant. The method is useful for making treatment decisions for patients suffering from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

Abstract: A method of treating a metal substrate by applying a coating of a silane composition having at least one substantially unhydrolyzed aminosilane having one or more secondary or tertiary amino groups. Methods of adhering a polymer (such as rubber) to a metal substrate are also provided.

Abstract: Light-emitting devices having a semiconductor phosphor layer formed by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The semiconductor phosphor layer may be any Group III nitride semiconductor compound that is in-situ doped during MOCVD deposition with one or more dopants effective to act as luminescent centers. The MOCVD deposition conditions required for the formation of these extrinsic luminescent films differ significantly from the MOCVD deposition conditions utilized to deposit intrinsic GaN luminescent films.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to dipeptides and tripeptides and to methods for pharmaceutical treatment of mammals using analogs of such dipeptides and tripeptides. More specifically, the invention relates to tripeptides and their analogs, to pharmaceutical compositions containing such dipeptides and tripeptides and to methods of treatment of mammals using such dipeptides and tripeptides. In addition, the invention relates to methods of treatment of mammals using such dipeptides and tripeptides for control of appetite, blood pressure, cardiovascular response, libido, and circadian rhythm.

Abstract: Chemical compositions are provided, for use as topical anesthetics or skin refrigerants. These compositions do not cause the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer and are non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and less flammable than ethyl chloride. Also these chemical compositions match the skin temperature versus time profile needed in the management of myofascial pain syndromes, for effectively freezing skin prior to minor skin surgery and for effectively freezing skin prior to giving painless injections.

Abstract: An insertion kit for positioning a plurality of filaments into muscle includes at least one holder that is configured for being attached to an end portion of the muscle. The holder is coupled with a guide, such as on a frame. The guide conforms the muscle to a desired shape. An inserter, used in conjunction with a plurality of needles, inserts a plurality of filaments into the muscle.

Abstract: An actuation system for assisting the operation of a natural heart that includes a dome structure configured for being coupled with a ventricular portion of the heart. The dome structure has at least one opening formed therein. The dome structure, proximate the opening, is configured to interface with at least one of an atrial chamber and a great vessel of the heart. A stabilizing element or an actuating element may be anchored to the dome structure for engaging a portion of the heart.

Abstract: An actuation system for assisting the operation of the natural heart includes an actuator element adapted to be positioned proximate a portion of a heart wall. The actuator element is operable for acting on the heart wall portion to effect a change in the shape of the heart. A shape-limiting element is configured for being positioned proximate a heart wall. The shape-limiting element is operable for flexing to assume a curvature no greater than a predetermined curvature when the heart wall is acted upon and maintaining that predetermined curvature to control the shape of the actuated heart.

Abstract: An actuation system for assisting the operation of the natural heart comprises a framework for interfacing with a natural heart, through the wall of the heart, which includes an internal framework element configured to be positioned within the interior volume of a heart and an external framework element configured to be positioned proximate an exterior surface of the heart. The internal framework is flexibly suspended with respect to the external frame. An actuator system is coupled to the framework and configured to engage an exterior surface of the heart. The actuator system comprises an actuator band extending along a portion of a heart wall exterior surface. The actuator band is selectively movable between an actuated state and a relaxed state and is operable, when in the actuated state, to assume a predetermined shape and thereby indent a portion of the heart wall to effect a reduction in the volume of the heart.

Abstract: An actuation system for assisting the operation of the natural heart includes a framework for interfacing with a natural heart and which is coupled with tissue of the heart. An actuator element is adapted to be coupled to the framework and is configured for extending along a portion of a heart wall exterior surface. The actuator element is operable for deforming the portion of the heart wall to effect a reduction in the volume of the heart. A protective sheath is configured to extend along the heart wall between the actuator element and the heart wall portion for protecting the heart wall portion from damage by the actuator element. The protective sheath is flexible and operable to transmit, to the heart wall portion, a force thereon by the actuator element for indenting the heart wall portion.

Abstract: An actuation system for assisting the operation of a natural heart is disclosed. The actuation system includes a framework for interfacing with the natural heart and an actuator mechanism that can be coupled to the framework. The framework includes internal framework and external framework elements. The actuator mechanism is operable for deforming at least one framework element for varying the shape of the heart. The framework includes a set of interconnected, passive, intracardiac and extracardiac elements and their interconnections that deform, bend and/or twist in response to movements induced by the actuation system. Some or all of these elements, and the connections between them, are specifically intended to be flexible, in that they may be bent or twisted by means of motion induced by an associated mechanical actuation system.

Abstract: An actuation system for assisting the operation of a natural heart is disclosed. The actuation system includes a framework for interfacing with the natural heart and a power system that can be coupled to the framework. The framework includes an internal framework element and an external framework element. The power system is configured to engage an exterior surface of the heart wall, and includes an actuator mechanism for exerting force on the heart wall, a driving mechanism for actuating the actuator mechanism, a transmission mechanism coupled between the actuator mechanism and the driving mechanism for transmitting power to the actuator mechanism, and a carrier device coupled between the actuator mechanism and the driving mechanism and configured for housing the transmission mechanism. The modular power system is configured for being freely exchanged and replaced in the actuation system while leaving the framework elements in place and generally undisturbed.