Abstract: An exercise system comprising a rocking chair and a footstool. The rocking chair comprises a seat, a back support, a base, and rocking means. Rocking resistance means are provided for requiring that an additional force be applied to the rocking chair to maintain a rocking motion. The footstool comprises a foot rest positionable with respect to the rocking chair such that the feet of a user are supported on a foot support surface of the foot rest when the user is seated upon the rocking chair. Means for adjusting the height and angle of the foot rest are also provided. A method for selectively exercising specific muscle groups in a user's legs with the exercise system is also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to an expression vector wherein said expression vector comprises a polynucleotide promoter sequence, a polynucleotide encoding a signal sequence, a polynucleotide encoding an antigen protein or peptide, a polynucleotide encoding a cell binding element, and a polynucleotide polyadenylation sequence all operatively linked. More particularly, it relates to the method of eliciting an immune response directed against an antigen in a mammal comprising the steps of introducing the expression vector into a cell, expressing the vector to produce an antigen under conditions wherein the antigen is secreted from the cell, endocytosing the secreted antigen into the cell, processing the antigen, and presenting fragments to a receptor to elicit a T-cell response. In addition, this invention relates to a vaccine and a method of use. The invention also relates to the method of identifying MHC-II restricted epitopes.

Abstract: This invention relates to an expression vector wherein said expression vector comprises a polynucleotide promoter sequence, a polynucleotide encoding a signal sequence, a polynucleotide encoding an antigen protein or peptide, a polynucleotide encoding a cell binding element, and a polynucleotide polyadenylation sequence all operatively linked. More particularly, it relates to the method of eliciting an immune response directed against an antigen in a mammal comprising the steps of introducing the expression vector into a cell, expressing the vector to produce an antigen under conditions wherein the antigen is secreted from the cell, endocytosing the secreted antigen into the cell, processing the antigen, and presenting fragments to a receptor to elicit a T-cell response. In addition, this invention relates to a vaccine and a method of use. The invention also relates to the method of identifying MHC-II restricted epitopes.

Abstract: Adapters configured to engage with conventional oral inhalers or inhalers with valved-holding chambers for laryngectomized subjects can sealably engage with the mouthpiece of same. The adapter can be configured and sized to slide onto conventional devices. The adapter is configured to enter the opening in the neck of a user a sufficient operative depth to facilitate delivery of the inhalant into the air passage and generally downwardly toward the pulmonary region or lower airway.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for effecting interactive, three-dimensional renderings of selected body organs for purposes of medical observation and diagnosis. A series of CT images of the selected body organs are acquired. The series of CT images is stacked to form a three-dimensional volume file. To facilitate interactive three-dimensional rendering, the three-dimensional volume file may be subjected to an optional dataset reduction procedure to reduce pixel resolution and/or to divide the three-dimensional volume file into selected subvolumes. From a selected volume or subvolume, the image of a selected body organ is segmented or isolated. A wireframe model of the segmented organ image is then generated to enable interactive, three-dimensional rendering of the selected organ.

Abstract: A method of potentiating radiation therapy in a subject in need thereof comprises administering a potentiating agent such as caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) or an analog thereof to the subject in an amount effective to potentiate radiation therapy in the subject.

Abstract: Detectably-labeled compounds of formula (I) wherein A,B,C,D,E,F,R,X,Y and Z have any of the meanings given in the specification, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, are useful in competitive assays to assay for the presence of 2 receptors. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing such a compound of formula (I), methods for their use and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds of formula (I).

Abstract: A passive movement deivce for exercising a patient's joint is provided. The device includes a resilient foam section and a casing enclosing the foam section within a sealed chamber. The patient's joint is held in position relative to the sealed chamber by a suitable retainer. A vacuum pump is operatively connected with the sealed chamber to selectively provide application and non-application of a reduced pressure, i.e. below atmospheric, to the sealed chamber. The application of the reduced pressure causes the foam section to collapse thereby exerting a force on the joint which causes the joint to move or bend from a predetermined position. The non-application of the reduced pressure to the sealed chamber causes the foam section to expand thereby exerting a force on the joint which causes the joint to move or bend toward the predetermined position.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel sigma-2 ligands (labeled and unlabeled) and the use of the compounds in medical therapy or diagnosis.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods useful for treatment of a virus infection in a mammal by double-targeting the virus (i.e. targeting the virus at more than one stage of the virus life cycle) and thereby inhibiting virus replication. The compositions of the invention include compounds which comprise a phosphocholine moiety covalently conjugated with one or more antiviral agents (e.g. nucleoside analogue, protease inhibitor, etc.) to a lipid backbone. The invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions and kits for use in treatment of a virus infection in mammals. The methods of the invention comprise administering a compound of the invention, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the invention, in an amount effective to treat the infection, to a mammal infected with a virus. Additionally, the invention includes compositions and methods useful for combating a cancer in a mammal and for facilitating delivery of a therapeutic agent to a mammalian cell.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes the genomic sequence encoding a human 3′-5′ exonuclease. A human exonuclease independent of DNA polymerase is produced in host cells from recombinant vectors. Methods of use include inhibition of exonuclease activity to increase incorporation of nucleotide analogs into DNA in rapidly dividing cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to an expression vector wherein said expression vector comprises a polynucleotide promoter sequence, a polynucleotide encoding a signal sequence, a polynucleotide encoding an antigen protein or peptide, a polynucleotide encoding a cell binding element, and a polynucleotide polyadenylation sequence all operatively linked. More particularly, it relates to the method of eliciting an immune response directed against an antigen in a mammal comprising the steps of introducing the expression vector into a cell, expressing the vector to produce an antigen under conditions wherein the antigen is secreted from the cell, endocytosing the secreted antigen into the cell, processing the antigen, and presenting fragments to a receptor to elicit a T-cell response. In addition, this invention relates to a vaccine and a method of use. The invention also relates to the method of identifying MHC-II restricted epitopes.

Abstract: The invention relates to detection of MAP-2 (microtubule associated protein-2) as a marker to determine the metastatic potential of a tumor, including tumors derived from the neural crest such as melanomas, gliomas, Schwanomas, chromocytomas and small cell lung cancer. In one aspect, the invention comprises a method for determining the metastatic potential of a tumor sample, wherein decreased levels of MAP-2 expression in a test sample relative to controls indicates that the sample has increased metastatic potential as compared to the control. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method to prevent tumor progression in metastatic melanoma by increasing levels of MAP-2 protein in cells.

Abstract: A family of hexadentate Fe(II) chelators having marked antiproliferative activity against tumor cells is disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable, intraluminal tubular stent is provided for insertion and expansion within the lumen of a vessel. The stent includes a plurality of longitudinal struts. A series of arcuate or V-shaped end links are connected between the ends of the longitudinal struts. A series of deformable cross-links are circumferentially connected between adjacent longitudinal struts at a center portion of the longitudinal struts to permit the stent to be expanded from a first smaller diameter into a second larger diameter upon insertion into the vessel.

Abstract: Diels-Alder adducts of dienophiles such as epoxybutene with dienes such as cyclopentadiene and cyclohexadiene are produced by carrying out the Diels-Alder reaction thereof at an elevated pressure. Addional dienophiles disclosed include 2,5-dihydrofuran and derivatives thereof; Additional dienes include isoprene and butadiene. Compounds produced from such reactions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for producing three-dimensional representations of an object. A first series of projected images of the selected object is recorded in a first projection plane and a second series of projected images of the selected object is recorded in a second projection plane. The first and the second series of projected images are rendered at a common magnification. The first set of projected images is then integrated into a first three-dimensional volume and the second set of projected images is integrated into a second three-dimensional volume. The three-dimensional representation of the object is then produced by combining one projected image from the first set of projected images with one projected image from the second set of projected images. Alternatively, the three-dimensional representation is produced by merging the first three-dimensional volume with the second three-dimensional volume.

Abstract: A composition for improving memory and concentration in mammals with disorders associated with memory impairment. The composition comprises a combination of at least one phytoestrogen and at least one acetylcholinesterase inhibitor such as Huperzine A, or any derivative, analog, metabolite or combination thereof. The composition may further include at least one mammalian estrogen. The method of the invention comprises the co-administration of at least one phytoestrogen and at least one acetylcholinesterase inhibitor in a therapeutically effective amount. Additionally, a mammalian estrogen may be co-administered.

Abstract: This invention relates to an expression vector wherein said expression vector comprises a polynucleotide promoter sequence, a polynucleotide encoding a signal sequence, a polynucleotide encoding an antigen protein or peptide, a polynucleotide encoding a cell binding element, and a polynucleotide polyadenylation sequence all operatively linked. More particularly, it relates to the method of eliciting an immune response directed against an antigen in a mammal comprising the steps of introducing the expression vector into a cell, expressing the vector to produce an antigen under conditions wherein the antigen is secreted from the cell, endocytosing the secreted antigen into the cell, processing the antigen, and presenting fragments to a receptor to elicit a T-cell response. In addition, this invention relates to a vaccine and a method of use. The invention also relates to the method of identifying MHC-II restricted epitopes.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting or reducing cell proliferation in a human or mammal is disclosed. This method involves administering to a human or mammal an effective amount of CoA-independent transacylase inhibiting amount of a compound of the formula disclosed in the specification.