Abstract: Methods for treating diseases associated with toxicity of Apolipoprotein E (“apoE”). Specifically, the present invention relates to new methods for treating a mammal having a condition associated with toxicity of apolipoprotein E cleavage fragments containing residues 130-169, comprising administering to said mammal a pharmacologically effective amount of compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable sale, derivative or fragment thereof to interfere with generation of toxic fragments of apolipoprotein E or with the receptor-binding site associated with residues 130-169 of the apolipoprotein E molecule in said mammal.

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: A geometric reconfiguration assembly for the natural heart having a collar configured for surrounding the natural heart. The collar can include a plurality of bands, such as thin bands of about 0.2 mm in thickness, in a spaced relationship to each other, and a connector bar intersecting the plurality of bands and configured for maintaining the spaced relationship of the bands to each other. The collar may include a plurality of bands, such as from about 2 to about 10 bands, that are positioned parallel to each other. The bands can each be made of a biomedical material, such as polyacetal or a metal, such as titanium or steel. The connector bar of the present invention can be positioned tangential to the plurality of bands, and may have a plurality of grooves configured to receive the thickness of each of the plurality of bands. The grooves also may be beveled to allow for the bands to flex as the heart beats.

Abstract: The present invention involves the synthesis of a series of amylose (starch) derivatives with various degrees of substitution and amylose/amylopectin ratios. These chains are chemically crosslinked and then mechanically deformed (stretched) to produce a biodegradable and mechanically superior material. Specifically, the process consists of chemically modifying starch into starch derivatives such as starch ethers, starch esters and starch carbamates. The polymers have a percentage degree of substitution of from about 35% to about 95% (degree of substitution is from about 1.05 to about 2.85) and preferably have a percentage degree of substitution of from about 65% to about 90% (degree of substitution is from about 1.95 to about 2.70). The starch derivatives are crosslinked to obtain crosslinked chains and processed into sheets, films, fibers, threads or other articles as known in the art.

Abstract: A prosthetic linkage for use with skeletal muscle. The linkage includes a plurality of longitudinally extending filaments forming a strand. The strand has a first portion that includes a core portion wherein the filaments extend generally parallel to each other, and an exterior portion wherein the filaments are braided along its longitudinal axis around the core portion. The strand also includes a second portion wherein the filaments are generally randomly oriented and sized for integration into skeletal muscle.

Abstract: A two stage method is described for the removal of NOx and SOx from flue gas. The first stage removes all NOx by sodium sulfite sorbent injection. The second stage removes SOx by sodium bicarbonate injection. The sodium sulfite product formed in the second stage is transferred to the first stage for injection.

Abstract: An improved immunomodulatory therapy for enhancement of depressed host defense mechanisms and improving allograft survival rates comprising the use of omega-9 unsaturated fatty acids to alter the immune response associated with organ transplantation. It is administered optionally in conjunction with an immunomodulatory diet comprising arginine and its salts, or metabolic precursors of arginine, together with an immuno-suppressive treatment comprising the administration of cyclosporine or other immuno-suppressants and optionally, with or without a donor specific transfusion. An especially preferred source of the omega-9 unsaturated fatty acids is canola oil.

Abstract: An improved fluxing method for the galvanization of steel, particularly batch galvanization, is disclosed. In this process, a metallic element is deposited (for example, by electroless plating) on the surface of the steel sheet or other article prior to its being dipped in the galvanization bath. Preferred metals for use in this fluxing process are tin, copper, nickel, with tin being more preferred, and mixtures of copper and tin being most preferred. This metallic film layer has a thickness between about 5 and about 50 nm. The process of the present invention provides a number of benefits when compared to conventional fluxing processes: for example, it is compatible with the inclusion of aluminum in the galvanization bath; it permits a greater time delay between the fluxing and galvanization operations; and it eliminates the formation of hydrogen chloride or other toxic fumes when the fluxed article is dipped in the molten zinc galvanization bath.

Abstract: A static device for use with the heart that has a plurality of members configured to be positioned adjacent the epicardial surface of the heart. The members are joined by at least one connector wherein the members are fixed in a spatial or spaced relationship relative to each other such that a portion of the heart wall is displaced inwardly. The member(s) can be configured in a rectangular shape, and preferably includes an inner surface having a curved configuration. In one embodiment, the device can have first and second member that are positioned in a spaced relationship relative to each other about 180 degrees apart. The first member is configured to be positioned adjacent the anterolateral surface of the chamber, and the second member configured to be positioned adjacent the posteromedial surface of the chamber.

Abstract: An orally administrable therapeutic protein is provided by combining the therapeutic protein with a stabilizing agent in an aqueous solution. The solution is coated onto nonpareils and microencapsulated with a water emulsifiable enteric coating composition. The microcapsules are orally administered. The coating protects the protein as it passes through the stomach. Upon reaching the small intestines, the basic pH of the intestinal juices will dissolve the coating, allowing the protein to be released and induce antigen specific immune response which has the specificity of the native molecule. The stabilizing agent protects the therapeutic protein from denaturation during the encapsulation process. In addition to being immunogenic, when administered orally, encapsulated allergen has a therapeutic effect in the treatment of human allergies.

Abstract: A method of treatment using immune system suppressor cells and immune system stimulator cells comprises providing stem cells; combining the stem cells with lymphoid-derived cells to produce a co-culture; adding lipopolysaccharide and a factor selected from the group consisting of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, macrophage colony stimulating factor, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and mixtures thereof to the co-culture; obtaining immune system suppressor cells and immune system stimulator cells from the co-culture; and introducing and the cells into a host.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for increasing the permeability of epithelial cells to a chloride ion in a subject comprising administering a permeability enhancing amount of a composition comprising a specifically-defined nontoxic, benzimidazole or benzimidazole derivative. The invention also relates to a method of treating cystic fibrosis comprising administering an epithelial cell chloride permeability enhancing amount of a composition comprising a specifically-defined nontoxic, benzimidazole or benzimidazole derivative. The benzimidazole compound having chloride channel activation activity for use in this invention includes a 2-[(pyridyl)-methylsulfinyl or -methylthio]benzimidazole derivatives and salts thereof, for instance. Specifically, these include the compounds omeprazole, lansoprazole, thimoprazole and pantoprazole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions useful in the treatment of benign proliferative disorder neurofibromatosis comprising a farnesyl protein transferase inhibitor. Further contained in this invention are methods of treating benign proliferative disorder neurofibromatosis in a mammal, which methods comprise administering to said mammal, a farnesyl protein transferase inhibitor.

Abstract: Thixotropic, lubricious coatings are provided on the web or surface area surrounding a valve slit or the like in medical, needleless coupling sites. The coating comprises a combination of fluorinated polyalkyl ether and a thixotropic agent such as fumed silica.

Abstract: A microactuated device and method of making the same in which an electromagnetic driver, overlapping a magnetically permeable diaphragm, is utilized to drive the microactuated device. Through the use of an electromagnetic driver to provide the motive force for a microactuated device, exceptional performance may be realized, e.g., with a substantially reduced drive voltage for micropumps, microvalves, and the like, and with stronger and more precise sensory outputs for microactuated sensors and the like. Moreover, by overlapping the electromagnetic driver over a diaphragm, a number of batch processing techniques, each of which is well suited for mass production, may be used in the fabrication of extremely compact and cost effective integrated devices.

Abstract: Pervaporation membranes are used for removing volatile organic compounds from wastewaters. These pervaporation membranes are prepared by dispersing at least one hydrophobic adsorbent such as activated carbon uniformly into a polymer matrix.

Abstract: An improved string arrangement for coupling one or more of strings to a sound radiating member, such as a soundboard, is provided having a bridge structure with a rib with a bridge face and a bearing point edge. Associated with each string and disposed at least tangent to the bearing point edge and substantially perpendicular to the bridge face is a first bridge pin. A second and/or third bridge pin may also be provided axially behind the first bridge pin for retaining each string against the bridge face. This invention provides enhanced tone quality by improving sustain and amplitude of fundamental frequencies in a convenient and simple structural arrangement for pianos and other stringed devices.

Abstract: A silica coated substrate comprises a substrate having a zinc containing surface. A plasma polymerized coating is adhered to the surface. The coating consists essentially of silicon and oxygen and contains minimal amounts of carbon.

Abstract: Novel transgenic nonhuman animals, such as transgenic mice, for detecting and characterizing mutations in vivo are disclosed. When detecting reverse mutations, such as mutations of the APRT gene, the transgenic nonhuman animal now afford the unique advantage of detecting and characterizing mutations in vivo without having to sacrifice the animals as required heretofore. Moreover, since the transgenic nonhuman animals do not need to be sacrificed, they provide the unique opportunity to correlate the incidence and location of tumors (carcinogenesis) with the incidence and location of mutagenesis. Also disclosed are novel constructs, cell lines and chimeric animals for producing the novel transgenic animals. Novel methods for detecting and characterizing the mutations in vivo and producing animals for use in accordance with the methods of the instant invention are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides analogs of PYY. The invention also provides compositions and methods useful for controlling biological activities such as cell proliferation, nutrient transport, lipolysis, and intestinal water and electrolyte secretion.