Abstract: A joint assembly thermally isolates a warm structure, such as a payload, from a cold structure, such as a cryogenic fuel tank, in a space vehicle while maintaining structural interconnection within the joint assembly. The joint assembly includes a primary joint that is capable of separating, and a secondary joint connected to and adjacent to the primary joint. The secondary joint includes an inflatable annulus structure and one or more restraining members, where separation of the primary joint causes the inflatable annulus structure to be in compression and the one or more restraining members to be in tension.

Abstract: Treatment of cancer is disclosed through administration of proteins or specific peptides that are uptaken by dendritic cells, wherein said dendritic cells as subsequently activated and administered, in vivo, in a matter eliciting monocyte or dendritic cell migration in order to allow uptake of said administrated proteins or peptides, followed by administration of a maturation signal in vivo. Alternatively said immature dendritic cells are grown ex vivo in an autologous or semiallogenenic manner derived utilizing conventional means and pulsed with tumor peptides disclosed herein and subsequently administered. In some embodiments of the invention said dendritic cells are treated with epigenetic modifiers to enhance antigen presentation. The invention provides for treatment of cancer through induction of anticancer immunity and/or immunity towards tumor associated blood vessels.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a joint assembly that thermally isolates a warm structure, such as a payload, from a cold structure, such as a cryogenic fuel tank, in a space vehicle while maintaining structural interconnection within the joint assembly. The joint assembly includes a primary joint that is capable of separating, and a secondary joint connected to and adjacent to the primary joint. The secondary joint includes an inflatable annulus structure and one or more restraining members, where separation of the primary joint causes the inflatable annulus structure to be in compression and the one or more restraining members to be in tension.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides populations and compositions of mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells derived from adult tissues that are subjected to a process or processes designed to enhance a biological mechanism prior to implantation of the cells for therapeutic use. The processes involve preconditioning of said mesenchymal stem cells with a physiological stressor in vitro, so as to enhance therapeutically significant biological properties. Specific embodiments of the invention include stimulation of angiogenic and immune modulatory properties by preconditioning with interferon-gamma, as well as other physiologically-relevant stressors such as activation of toll like receptors. Immunologically-relevant properties of preconditioned cells including the treatment of cytokine storm associated with sepsis, or viral infection. In the angiogenic embodiment of the invention, cells are used for the treatment of peripheral artery disease, its advanced form, critical limb ischemia, or ischemic heart failure.

Abstract: Compositions, methods of use, and pharmaceutical preparations useful for modulation of immune responses are disclosed herein. In one embodiment a composition is extracted from immune organs or leukocytes derived from members of the chondrichthyes family through dialysis. Said immune modulator is useful for treatment of conditions requiring stimulations or regulation of immunity. In one embodiment, said immunomodulator controls T cell activation by modulation of cytokine production.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of disorders or diseases mediated by LFA-1/ICAM-1 molecular interaction. This is based on the use of novel chemical compounds capable of inhibiting said interaction, and more particularly, to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of disorders or diseases mediated by LFA-1/ICAM-1 molecular interaction. This is based on the use of novel chemical compounds capable of inhibiting said interaction, and more particularly, to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds.