Abstract: A Savonius three bladed vertical axis wind turbine rotor has operational characteristics superior to those of conventional three bladed rotors. The blades have high curvature and a high skew factor, for example a curvature of greater than about 7:1 (preferably at least 5.5:1, e. g. 2:1-5:1), and a skew factor of greater than about 0.6 (preferably at least 0.7, e. g. about 0.75-0.9). Preferably the rotor also includes at least one substantially vertical shaft, the blades operatively connected to the shaft. The rotor typically has an aspect ratio of at least about 0.8:1, preferably at least about 2:1 (with the aspect ratio of each blade about twice that of the rotor). The blades desirably comprise a plurality of substantially aligned spokes axially spaced along the shaft each spoke comprising three generally radially extending ribs arcuately spaced from each other approximately 120 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the finding that sigma receptor ligands can modulate endothelial cell proliferation and/or survival, and hence control angiogenesis, and in particular that sigma receptor ligand antagonists can be used to inhibit angiogenesis aid so treat conditions such as psoriasis, diabetic retinopathy and cancer. Exemplary compounds include IPAG and rimcazole.