Abstract: A hardened solar thermal energy collector (STEC) system that is adapted to withstand a nuclear detonation or other powerful explosion in the vicinity. The STEC system comprises a plurality of collector tubes arranged side by side in an array that carry and circulate a working fluid, each of the plurality of collecting tubes having an upper radiation collection surface having a diffractive optical structure and a bottom surface, a supporting tray upon which each of the collector tubes is securely mounted, an insulated housing set beneath a ground surface level enclosing the plurality of collector rubes and supporting trays, and a secured underground geothermal storage unit fluidly coupled to the array of collector tubes. The housing, the plurality of collector tubes, and the tray are positioned such that topmost portions thereof are at the ground surface level or below.

Abstract: A hardened solar thermal energy collector (STEC) system that is adapted to withstand a nuclear detonation or other powerful explosion in the vicinity. The STEC system comprises a plurality of collector tubes arranged side by side in an array that carry and circulate a working fluid, each of the plurality of collecting tubes having an upper radiation collection surface having a diffractive optical structure and a bottom surface, a supporting tray upon which each of the collector tubes is securely mounted, an insulated housing set beneath a ground surface level enclosing the plurality of collector rubes and supporting trays, and a secured underground geothermal storage unit fluidly coupled to the array of collector tubes. The housing, the plurality of collector tubes, and the tray are positioned such that topmost portions thereof are at the ground surface level or below.

Abstract: Administration of an HNO/NO? donating compound, such as Angeli's salt, increases myocardial contractility while concomitantly lowering left ventricular preload in subjects experiencing heart failure. Moreover, administration of the HNO/NO? donating compound isopropylamine (IPA)/NO(Na(CH3)2CHNHN(O)NO) surprisingly exhibited positive inotropic effects in subjects experiencing heart failure that were superior to those caused by the HNO/NO? donating compound Angeli's salt. Additionally, in contrast to the effects observed with NO+ donors, administration of an HNO/NO? donor in combination with a positive inotropic agent did not impair the positive inotropic effect of the positive inotropic agent. Further, HNO/NO? exerts its positive inotropic effect independent of the adrenergic system, increasing contractility even in subjects receiving beta-antagonist therapy.

Abstract: Nitroxyl is used to inhibit COX-2 activity and particularly to selectively inhibit COX-2 activity. Nitroxyl also is used to treat conditions that respond favorably to inhibition of COX-2 activity in subjects having such conditions. In some cases nitroxyl is used to treat conditions that respond favorably to inhibition of COX-2 activity in subjects having such conditions and who also have at least one other condition for which inhibition of COX-1 activity is disadvantageous. Nitroxyl can be provided directly, but typically is provided with the use of a nitroxyl donor. Nitroxyl donors include any agent or compound (or combination thereof) that donates HNO or NO?. Diazeniumdiolates are used in some cases as nitroxyl donors. In particular instances, diazeniumdiolates having a primary amine group are used as nitroxyl donors. Nitroxyl-donating compounds also are screened for selective COX-2 inhibition for identification as therapeutic agents.