Abstract: Methods of treating presbyopia or cataract in a subject in need thereof are provided. The methods require administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising a compound that inhibits the formation of high molecular weight aggregates of human ?-A-crystallin. Compositions containing certain compounds are believed to be also effective in the treatment of transthyretin (TTR)-associated amyloidosis and Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Methods of treating presbyopia or cataract in a subject in need thereof are provided. The methods require administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising a compound that inhibits the formation of high molecular weight aggregates of human ?-A-crystallin. Compositions containing certain compounds are believed to be also effective in the treatment of transthyretin (TTR)-associated amyloidosis and Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly and reliably detecting compounds of interest using mass spectra. For the apparatus, an ion mobility spectrometer is connected to an electron ionization cell which, in turn, is connected to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. For the method, mass spectra for a compound of interest are pre-selected and then averaged over a plurality of ion, mobility spectrometer scans to create a mass spectrum which is matched against the fingerprint of the compound of interest produced by fragmenting the ions in the electron ionization cell. Additionally, a feedback mechanism is disclosed for optimizing the maximum allowable extraction frequency in the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acaricidal composition for decontaminating bees parasitized by Varroa jacobsoni, and a device containing said composition suitable for installation in the hive. The composition according to the invention comprises an acaricide, a substance having properties attractive to bees and a neutral vehicle. It is applied using a semirigid support facilitating installation in the hive. The invention is applicable to the field of beekeeping.

Abstract: The proper utilization of that portion of the millimeter wave spectrum that is particularly highly absorbed by the atmosphere is shown in conserve frequency spectrum while permitting a high density of users operating in relatively close proximity.

Abstract: A bearing member, for incorporating in a fluid rotary bearing intended for use at speeds in excess of the "half-speed whirl" speed of a solidly mounted bearing, is a solid or composite substantially annular body made of or including material of which the tensile modulus and the specific gravity lie within defined ranges such that while remaining structurally stiff and dimensionally accurate the body is capable of absorbing energy and thus reducing or eliminating vibration and "whirl" in the bearing. The annular member may have radially projecting abutments to serve as sealing means, and these may be resiliently deformable, and may be axially spaced to define a zone communicating with the bearing face of the bearing member thereby to serve as a plenum chamber.

Abstract: A particularly important factor limiting the reliability of diode lasers is the catastrophic mirror damage which occurs when the radiated output exceeds a critical value. Experience has shown that this occurs as a result of fluctuations in the drive current, especially in high efficiency diodes. To avoid such damage, a portion of the output radiation from a diode laser, located in the collector circuit of a common emitter drive transistor, is coupled back to a photodetector, located in the base-emitter circuit of the transistor. The resulting negative feedback tends to stabilize the overall operation of the device and maintain the maximum radiated power within safe limits.