Abstract: A diagnostic method for determining MIF protein content in a sample using a direct or an indirect detection technique and wherein MIF is a human MIF protein having a molecular weight of approximately 12.5 kDa.

Abstract: A vented riser assembly, having a vented riser incorporated into a main riser, to protect and passively cool power conductors housed therein. The riser assembly is vertically attached to an utility pole and operates in chimney-like fashion to cool warmer air within the main riser, that had become heated due to electrical resistance in the power conductor, by drawing cooler ambient air through apertures in the vented riser while passively exhausting warmer air through the top of the main riser. The affect of reducing temperature within the riser system is to increase amperage, which is adversely affected by an increase in temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the release and/or biological activity of migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In particular, the invention relates to the uses of such compositions and methods for the treatment of various conditions #involving cytokine-mediated toxicity, which include, but are not limited to shock, inflammation, graft versus host disease, and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cancer malignancy diagnostic assay comprising obtaining a sample of a body fluid or tissue, performing a sequence identity assay to look for the presence of iPFK-2 specific sequences; an anticancer pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific antisense oligonucleotide to the inventive isolated iPFK-2 sequence and a pharmaceutically acceptable oligonucleotide carrier; and a method for finding therapeutically active anti-cancer compounds comprising screening compounds for activity to inhibit iPFK-2, preferably kinase activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the release and/or biological activity of migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In particular, the invention relates to the uses of such compositions and methods for the treatment of various conditions involving cytokine-mediated toxicity, which include, but are not limited to shock, inflammation, graft versus host disease, and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cancer malignancy diagnostic assay comprising obtaining a sample of a body fluid or tissue, performing a sequence identity assay to look for the presence of iPFK-2 specific sequences; an anticancer pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific antisense oligonucleotide to the inventive isolated iPFK-2 sequence and a pharmaceutically acceptable oligonucleotide carrier; and a method for finding therapeutically active anti-cancer compounds comprising screening compounds for activity to inhibit iPFK-2, preferably kinase activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the release and/or biological activity of migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In particular, the invention relates to the uses of such compositions and methods for the treatment of various conditions #involving cytokine-mediated toxicity, which include, but are not limited to shock, inflammation, graft versus host disease, and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods of use and pharmaceutical compositions for two related genera of low molecular weight compounds comprising optionally substituted iminoquinone or orthoquinone ring systems. The compounds have MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) antagonist activity and find utility as such. For example, the compounds are useful for treating a variety of diseases involving inflammatory activity or pro-inflammatory cytokine responses, such as autoimmune diseases (including rheumatiod arthritis, insulin-dependent diabetes, multiple sclerosis, graft versus host disease, lupus syndromes), asthma, arthritis, EAE, ARDS, psoriasis, interleukin-2 toxicity, proliferative vascular disease, and various forms of sepsis and septic shock, and other conditions characterized by underlying MIF responses including, for instance, tumor growth and neovascularization (angiogenesis).

Abstract: There is disclosed a cancer malignancy diagnostic assay comprising obtaining a sample of a body fluid or tissue, performing a sequence identity assay to look for the presence of PFK-2 specific sequences; an anticancer pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific antisense oligonucleotide to the inventive isolated PFK-2 sequence and a pharmaceutically acceptable oligonucleotide carrier; and a method for finding therapeutically active anti-cancer compounds comprising screening compounds for activity to inhibit PFK-2 but not PFK.

Abstract: An improved optical correlator using a coherent light beam employs a method of adaptive alignment. A test pattern modulates an input spatial light modulator. The modulated beam propagates through passive transforming optical elements to a filter spatial light modulator, which is simultaneously modulated with an independently transformed frequency domain reference. The resulting correlation or coincidence of the optically transformed pattern with the independently transformed reference is processed to yield a feedback signal indicative of any optical misalignment of the optical correlator. The feedback signal drives a beam deflector to compensate by adjusting the path of the coherent beam, thereby improving and maintaining optical alignment of the correlator.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cancer malignancy diagnostic assay comprising obtaining a sample of a body fluid or tissue, performing a sequence identity assay to look for the presence of iPFK-2 specific sequences; an anticancer pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific antisense oligonucleotide to the inventive isolated iPFK-2 sequence and a pharmaceutically acceptable oligonucleotide carrier; and a method for finding therapeutically active anti-cancer compounds comprising screening compounds for activity to inhibit iPFK-2, preferably kinase activity.

Abstract: An adjustable work table for use with scaffolding comprises a substantially rectangular table top having a first pair of downwardly extending rails at one end which slidably mount on scaffolding. The rails are elongated generally U-shaped members which include an intermediate semicircular portion extending outwardly and having a spring loaded lock pin mounted therein to engage the scaffold through an aperture in the rail locking the table in place. A second pair of U-shaped elongated rails extend outwardly at a right angle to the first pair of rails beneath the ends of the table and a supporting member extends between the lower portion of the first pair of rails and an intermediate portion of the second pair of rails for support purposes. A drawer may be mounted at the open end beneath the table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the release and/or biological activity of migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In particular, the invention relates to the uses of such compositions and methods for the treatment of various conditions involving cytokine-mediated toxicity, which include, but are not limited to shock, inflammation, graft versus host disease, and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating an individual having a disease caused by cytokine-mediated toxicity comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of (a) an antibody that binds to an MIF polypeptide, wherein the MIF polypeptide has a molecular weight of about 12.5 kDa in combination with (b) anti-TNF.alpha., anti-IL1, anti-IFN-.gamma., IL-1RA, a steroid, a glucocorticoid, or IL-10.

Abstract: Based upon the equation, BIAS.sub.G .alpha. (I.sub.DE -I.sub.COIL).multidot.(V.sub.DE -V.sub.OFF), where BIAS.sub.G is the bias of a multi-oscillator ring-laser gyroscope (14) as induced by gain medium dispersion effects, I.sub.DE is the proper operating coil current, I.sub.COIL is the actual coil current, V.sub.DE is the proper path length control operating voltage and V.sub.OFF is the actual offset voltage, V.sub.DE is matched by path length control offset voltage and/or I.sub.DE is matched by proper coil current, to produce a zero induced BIAS.sub.G. Matching, through dispersion equalization (DE), is effected by use of clockwise (C) and anticlockwise (A) (or counterclockwise) beams traversing paths with a frame (12). The beams are directed to photodetectors (52, 54) and power meters (56, 58).

Abstract: At least one coil (32) is located on an exterior side face (30) of a frame (12) of a ring laser gyroscope (10) such that a significant component of the magnetic field generated by the coil is colinear with the plasma discharge of the gyroscope, and by which dispersion equalization of the gyroscope can be effected. The coil may be supported by a magnetically permeable annular bobbin (40), which is set about a mirror (26) on side face (30) and which may be partly set within grooves in the side face, to reduce the current necessary to effect dispersion equalization and to provide shielding of the mirror from the effects of tangential and transverse fields, and to increase the shielding effects for the mirror, both from Faraday rotator magnets (16) and from external magnetic fields. For those mirrors where no coils are present, the annular bobbins are used solely for their shielding properties.

Abstract: A ring laser gyroscope output optics detection system, including a rotational sensing system and cavity length control system for a multioscillator ring laser gyroscope, is disclosed herein that can operate with a simple upright symmetric optics mechanism, where the required signal separation is performed fully electronically. In a preferred embodiment, signal separation circuitry is provided which performs a 90.degree. or .pi./2 radians phase shift to one of a set of heterodyned signals in order to extract the sagnac effect modulated Faraday frequency signals W.sub.A and W.sub.B. In order to deal with the inherent problems of crosstalk present in a Faraday biased system, alternative signal separation schemes suggest the use of a 45.degree. or .pi./4 radians phase shift, as well as a 60.degree. or .pi./3 radians phase shift. Complementary cavity length control schemes are presented in both fixed component and digitally controlled formats.

Abstract: The conduit system includes a connector fitting joining adjacent ends of a pair of the corrugated plastic conduits in end-to-end relationship, a junction box inlet connector joining one end portion of the corrugated plastic conduit in an opening in one wall of a junction box, and a switch box inlet fitting joining one end portion of the corrugated plastic conduit in an inlet opening in one wall of a switch box. Both the connector fitting and the switch box inlet fitting include a pair of hingedly connected semicircular clamping elements each including integrally molded rib members and including locking means on the opposite side from the hinge member with both the locking means and the hinge member being embedded in opposite sides of the clamping elements so that they do not extend outwardly from opposite sides thereof. Both ends of the connector fitting are identical while one end of the switch box inlet fitting has concentric interior and exterior surfaces for adhesively securing the same in the switch box.

Abstract: Apparatus for insulating window openings through walls and the like includes a thermal shutter, a rail for mounting the shutter adjacent to the window opening and a coupling for connecting the shutter to the rail. The thermal shutter includes an insulated panel adhered to frame members which surround the periphery of the panel. The frame members include a hard portion for providing the frame and a soft portion for providing a seal with that portion of the wall adjacent to the periphery of the opening. The coupling means is preferably integral with the attachment rail.According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling means includes a continuous hinge of reduced thickness. The thermal shutter can be permanently attached, hinged, bi-folded, or sliding with respect to the window and wall. A distribution method is to market the apparatus in "kit" form.