Abstract: Using gene array technology, we observed that an increase of the ?4 chain-containing Laminin-8 correlated with poor prognosis for patients with brain gliomas. We established that inhibition of Laminin-8 expression by a new generation of highly specific and stable antisense oligonucleotides (Morpholino™) against chains of Laminin-8 could slow or stop the spread of glioma. This was demonstrated in an in vitro model using human glioblastoma multiforme cell lines M059K and U-87MG co-cultured with normal human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVEC). Using Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, we con-firmed that antisense treatment effectively blocked laminin-8 protein synthesis. Antisense oligonucleotides against both ?4 and ?1 chains of laminin-8 blocked significantly the invasion of co-cultures through Matrigel.

Abstract: A method of forming flame-retardant nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Treatment with a flame-retardant binder enhances the integrity of the fabric, permitting the nonwoven to exhibit desired physical characteristics, including strength, durability, softness, and drapeability. The treated nonwoven may then be dyed by means applicable to conventional wovens.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of cancer, and particularly to the treatment of cancers of the central nervous system, such as glioblastoma multiforme. A dual therapeutic approach is provided, including the administration of a dendritic cell-based cancer vaccine and a regimen of chemotherapy. The two therapies may be administered concurrently with one another and/or with an initial vaccination preceding chemotherapy. In various embodiments, the dendritic cell-based cancer vaccine includes either primed or unprimed dendritic cells; for instance, the dendritic cells may be autologous tumor antigen-presented dendritic cells. The dual therapeutic approach of the instant invention beneficially influences the chemosensitivity of a mammal with cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of inducing apoptosis of a malignant cell, which employs a calcium-activated potassium channel (KCa) activator and is useful for treating a malignant tumor in a human subject. Also disclosed are methods of selectively inhibiting the proliferation of malignant cells compared to non-malignant cells in a mixed population of malignant and non-malignant cells and of inhibiting the growth of a malignant tumor, such as a glial tumor, in a mammalian subject. A kit for inducing apoptosis of malignant cells is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tailored blank having a pair of sheet metal constituent parts each having a pair of oppositely directed major surfaces. The first constituent part has an aperture while the second constituent part has an embossment to fit the aperture. The first and second constituent parts are then secured to one another to form the tailored blank. The blank may then be subsequently formed into a component of varying material characteristics.

Abstract: Engine loader and transporter apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an engine handling assembly includes a motorized drive assembly engageable with a floor surface, and an engagement unit positioned proximate the drive assembly and partially surrounding a working space. The engagement unit includes a pair of coupling assemblies positioned on opposing lateral sides of the working space that are adapted to be selectively coupleable to the aircraft engine assembly when the aircraft engine assembly is positioned at least partially within the working space. A lifting assembly is operatively coupled to the drive assembly and to the engagement unit and is operable to selectively raise and lower the engagement unit and the aircraft engine assembly with respect to the floor surface.

Abstract: A method of forming flame-retardant nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Treatment with a flame-retardant binder enhances the integrity of the fabric, permitting the nonwoven to exhibit desired physical characteristics, including strength, durability, softness, and drapeability. The treated nonwoven may then be dyed by means applicable to conventional wovens.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of selectively delivering a medicant to an abnormal brain region and/or to a malignant tumor in a mammalian subject, including a human. A medicant is administered simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with a potassium channel activator (other than bradykinin or a bradykinin analog), such as an activator of soluble guanylyl cyclase (e.g., nitric oxide or a nitric oxide donor) or an activator of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase, whereby the medicant is delivered selectively to the cells of the abnormal brain region and/or to the tumor, compared to normal tissues. Thus, among the disclosures is a method of treating a malignant tumor in a human subject. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that combine a potassium channel activator together with a medicant and a kit for enhancing the delivery of a medicant to an abnormal brain region and/or to a malignant tumor.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method. Herein is disclosed a method of forming an imaged textile laminate or composite compound fabric, the fabric having a first textile fabric layer comprising a plurality of interwoven warp and weft yarns and at least one other textile fabric layer, the lamination of the fabric layers and imaging of the construct occurring on a three-dimensional image transfer device. The image transfer device has a foraminous, image-forming surface comprising a regular pattern of three-dimensional surface elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of selectively delivering a medicant to an abnormal brain region and/or to a malignant tumor In a mammalian subject, including a human. A medicant is administered simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with a potassium channel agonist (other than bradykinin or a bradykinin analog), such as NS-1619,1-EBIO, a guanylyl cyclase activator, a guanylyl cyclase activating protein, minoxidil, pinacidil, cromakalim, or levcromakalim, whereby the medicant is delivered selectively to the cells of the abnormal brain region and/or to the tumor, compared to normal tissues. Thus, among the disclosures is a method of treating a malignant tumor in a human subject. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that combine a potassium channel agonist together with a medicant and a kit for enhancing the delivery of a medicant to an abnormal brain region and/or to a malignant tumor.

Abstract: This invention includes pharmaceutical compositions, methods and kits for the treatment or diagnosis of a malignant tumors, including brain tumors, and diseases or disorders characterized by abnormal brain tissue.

Abstract: Methods included herein describe the treatment of a tumor by administering dendritic cells either directly into the same or into its surrounding tissue. Further methods describe the induction of immune cell infiltration into tumors and the treatment of tumors with unprimed dendritic cells by administering dendritic cells in a similar fashion. The methods of the present invention are particularly advantageous in the treatment of brain tumors and other solid tumors disposed throughout the body of a mammal that are difficult or impossible to treat by conventional surgical means. Dendritic cell-based compositions effective in the treatment of such tumors are also described.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method. Herein is disclosed a method of forming an imaged textile laminate or composite compound fabric, the fabric having a first textile fabric layer comprising a plurality of interwoven warp and weft yarns and at least one other textile fabric layer, the lamination of the fabric layers and imaging of the construct occurring on a three-dimensional image transfer device. The image transfer device has a foraminous, image-forming surface comprising a regular pattern of three-dimensional surface elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tailored blank having a pair of sheet metal constituent parts each having a pair of oppositely directed major surfaces. The first constituent part has an aperture while the second constituent part has an embossment to fit the aperture. The first and second constituent parts are then secured to one another to form the tailored blank. The blank may then be subsequently formed into a component of varying material characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method.

Abstract: A method of forming flame-retardant nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Treatment with a flame-retardant binder enhances the integrity of the fabric, permitting the nonwoven to exhibit desired physical characteristics, including strength, durability, softness, and drapeability. The treated nonwoven may then be dyed by means applicable to conventional wovens.

Abstract: An improved securities analysis system includes a data conversion device for converting both technical and fundamental data about a security into a unified format for analysis by an analysis process engine. The analysis process engine processes the disparate data in accordance with a set of rules and the results are forwarded to a display for viewing or used in further analysis.

Abstract: The self-draining sanitary control valve includes a body having an inlet and an outlet and a fluid control port forming a valve seat between the inlet and the outlet. A bonnet is detachably secured to the body having a stem receiving bore aligned on a common central axis with the control port. Clamping rings are provided for securably clamping the body and bonnet together and for securing the valve body to adjacent fluid lines. The clamping rings are readily detachable for permitting the valve to be cleaned and the interior surfaces of the valve are closed to provide for self-draining of the fluid contained therein. The valve includes a stem slidably mounted in the bore with a valve plug at one end having a predetermined outer surface profile movable toward and away from the port and a flexible diaphragm is secured to a central portion of the plug for engaging the valve seat. An outer portion of the diaphragm is clamped between the body and the bonnet when the clamp ring is locked in place.

Abstract: A fluid pressure regulating valve apparatus for controlling either upstream or downstream fluid pressure includes a lower housing including a lower interior space and an upper housing including an upper interior space which is separated from the lower space by a deformable diaphragm. The diaphragm and lower space together define a substantially smooth, generally void free fluid receiving cavity with which first and second conduits are connected. The first conduit includes a constriction and the second conduit is angled relative to the first conduit. A valve is provided including a valve closure member movable between flow-permitting and flow-preventing positions. An upper stem element is connected to the diaphragm and extends through the upper interior space to an upper and disposed exterior of the upper housing such that pressure regulation and regulator adjustment may both be carried out from outside the lower housing.