Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating a subject having a muscle disorder by identifying a subject having a muscle disorder in need of treatment; injecting human myogenic precursor cells in an amount capable of forming mature muscle tissue into a portion of a limb of the subject; subjecting a nerve of the limb to therapeutic stimulation configured to enhance engraftment of the human myogenic precursor cells; and creating a graft of the human myogenic precursor cells to promote generation of mature muscle tissue, wherein the generation of mature muscle tissue improves muscle function. Preferably, the subject is a mammal, such as a human or a non-human mammal. In some embodiments, the non-human mammal is immunocompromised and the limb is irradiated. The engraftment can be promoted by a means other than therapeutic electrical stimulation (preferably intermittent neuromuscular electrical stimulation), for example by exercise.

Abstract: Studies of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying human myopathies and muscular dystrophies often require animal models, but models of some human diseases are not yet available. The present invention provides methods to promote the engraftment and development of myogenic cells from individuals with such diseases into mature muscle tissue in mice to treat muscle diseases, muscle injury and reduced muscle function. Immortalized human myogenic precursor cells (hMPCs) form mature human myofibers following implantation into the hindlimbs of immunodeficient mice. The engraftment of the cells and their development into mature muscle myofibers is promoted by intermittent neuromuscular electrical stimulation (iNMES) of the peroneal nerve of the engrafted limb. The human myofibers that form are innervated, their contractile apparatus is fully differentiated, and they are comprised of human myonuclei, with minimal contamination by murine myonuclei.

Abstract: Studies of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying human myopathies and muscular dystrophies often require animal models, but models of some human diseases are not yet available. The present invention provides methods to promote the engraftment and development of myogenic cells from individuals with such diseases into mature muscle tissue in mice to treat muscle diseases, muscle injury and reduced muscle function. Immortalized human myogenic precursor cells (hMPCs) form mature human myofibers following implantation into the hindlimbs of immunodeficient mice. The engraftment of the cells and their development into mature muscle myofibers is promoted by intermittent neuromuscular electrical stimulation (iNMES) of the peroneal nerve of the engrafted limb. The human myofibers that form are innervated, their contractile apparatus is fully differentiated, and they are comprised of human myonuclei, with minimal contamination by murine myonuclei.

Abstract: The invention relates to a molding element for a mold for a tire comprising a tread provided with a plurality of blocks. Each block comprises a contact surface intended to come into contact with a road surface during running. The molding element also comprises a molding surface for molding the contact surfaces of the blocks. The molding surface comprises a plurality of ribs intended to mold fine grooves in the blocks. These ribs have a height of between 0.005 and 1 mm, a width of between 0.01 mm and 0.3 mm and the pitch (P) of the ribs is between 0.1 and 2 mm. The molding surface comprises at least one rib-free measurement zone able to accept measurement means. This measurement zone has the overall shape of a disc the diameter of which is greater than 3 mm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a moulding element for a mould for a tyre comprising a tread provided with a plurality of blocks. Each block comprises a contact surface intended to come into contact with a road surface during running. The moulding element also comprises a moulding surface for moulding the contact surfaces of the blocks. The moulding surface comprises a plurality of ribs intended to mould fine grooves in the blocks. These ribs have a height of between 0.005 and 1 mm, a width of between 0.01 mm and 0.3 mm and the pitch (P) of the ribs is between 0.1 and 2 mm. The moulding surface comprises at least one rib-free measurement zone able to accept measurement means. This measurement zone has the overall shape of a disc the diameter of which is greater than 3 mm.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for measuring contractile torque of skeletal muscles, performing muscle training programs, and inducing contraction-induced injury. The system is versatile and precise to measure contractile torque, train muscles, and perform contraction-induced injury protocols on living rodents. The system also allows for repeated studies of the same animal over time, thus resembling longitudinal human studies, minimizing the effect of animal-to-animal variability, and reducing the total number of animals that need to be studied.

Abstract: An apparatus (500) can be comprised of a light source interface (503), an animate object detector (502), and a controller circuit (501) that couples to the light source interface and the animate object detector. This controller circuit is configured and arranged to, upon detecting (101) an animate object via the animate object detector, cause (103) energy as is provided via the light source interface to be only temporarily temporally intermittent in order to cause a light source that is energized by the light source interface to flash and thereby draw attention to the animate object.

Abstract: A circuit for operating a plurality of electrical devices at a plurality of varying power levels includes a plurality of motion sensor circuits for detecting motion relative thereto and having an a plurality of outputs conditioned upon motion detection. Additionally, a photocell sensor circuit for detecting a low ambient illumination level has an output command conditioned upon the detection of a predetermined illumination level that is electrically coupled to the control circuit having a plurality of inputs.

Abstract: A circuit for operating a plurality of electrical devices such as lamps for outdoor illumination includes a plurality of motion sensor circuits for detecting motion relative thereto and a plurality of outputs conditioned upon motion detection. Additionally, a photocell sensor circuit for detecting a low ambient illumination level has an output command conditioned upon the detection of a predetermined illumination level that is electrically coupled to the control circuit for illumination of lamps at low ambient lighting levels. The present invention enables the activation of lamps by a plurality of motion sensors having differing fields of view.

Abstract: A circuit for operating a plurality of electrical devices such as lamps for outdoor illumination includes a plurality of motion sensor circuits for detecting motion relative thereto and a plurality of outputs conditioned upon motion detection. Additionally, a photocell sensor circuit for detecting a low ambient illumination level has an output command conditioned upon the detection of a predetermined illumination level that is electrically coupled to the control circuit for illumination of lamps at low ambient lighting levels. The present invention enables the activation of lamps by a plurality of motion sensors having differing fields of view.