Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment of neurological conditions with novel cyclic peptidic and peptidomimetic compounds which have the ability to modulate the activity of C5a receptors. The compounds preferably act as antagonists of the C5a receptor, and are active against C5a receptors on polymorphonuclear leukocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes and/or macrophages. In a preferred form of the invention the neurological conditions are neurodegenerative diseases, neuroimmunological disorders, diseases arising from dysfunction of the blood brain barrier, and stroke.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for reducing energy consumption by heaters on refrigerator doors and frames. A control unit is set so that the heater is on prior to the formation of condensation. The preferred embodiment provides for preset heater stop and start times entered by a system user. The heater may also be turned on when condensation is sensed by a sensor, and the sensor reading may be used to override the preset times. A programmer provides individual identification of each connected control unit and is used to read, measure and adjust one or more control units' settings. A communications host is used to enable remote monitoring and control. In addition, a quick-disconnect power connector provides for easily setting the system to a heater-on state.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel cyclic compounds which have the ability to modulate the activity of G protein-coupled receptors. The compounds preferably act as antagonists. In preferred embodiments, the invention provides cyclic peptidic and peptidomimetic antagonists of C5a receptors, which are active against C5a receptors on polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages. The compounds of the invention are both potent and selective, and are useful in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: A medical device coated with one or more antibodies and one or more layers of a matrix is disclosed. The antibodies or fragments thereof react with an endothelial cell surface antigen. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for producing the medical device. The matrix coating the medical device may be composed of a synthetic material, such as a fullerene, or a naturally occurring material. The fullerenes range from about C60 to about C100. The medical device may be a stent or a synthetic graft. The antibodies promote the adherence of cells captured in vivo on the medical device. The antibodies may be mixed with the matrix or covalently tethered through a linker molecule to the matrix. Following adherence to the medical device, the cells differentiate and proliferate on the medical device. The antibodies may be different types of monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: An improved integrated circuit and a related system apparatus and method. The integrated circuit includes a plurality of logic area or user logic areas; and an actively switchable network capable of selectively connecting at least one logic area with another logic area. In particular, the plurality of logic areas include an array of logic-gates or logic-blocks or custom logic which form functional blocks. The integrated circuit can provide a chip-architecture where the functional blocks are specific hardware functional blocks, hardware functional blocks that are parameterized, and/or programmable functional blocks including programmable processors.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for producing a medical device coated with a matrix and an antibody which reacts with an endothelial cell antigen. The matrix coating the medical device may be composed of synthetic material, such as polyurethane, poly-L-lactic acid, cellulose ester or polyethylene glycol. In another embodiment, the matrix is composed of naturally occurring materials, such as collagen, fibrin, elastin, amorphous carbon. In a third embodiment, the matrix may be composed of fullerenes. The fullerenes range from about C60 to about C100. The medical device may be a stent or a synthetic graft. The antibodies promote adherence of endothelial cells on the medical device. The antibodies may be mixed with the matrix or covalently tethered through a linker molecule to the matrix. Following adherence to the medical device, the endothelial cells differentiate and proliferate on the medical device. The antibodies may be different types of monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of phospholipases A2 inhibitors in compositions and in methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of dysmenorrhoea, menstrual migraine and menorrhagia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cyclic or constrained acyclic compounds which modulate the activity of G protein-coupled receptors and are useful in the treatment of conditions mediated by G protein-coupled receptors, for example, inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: An improved integrated circuit and a related system apparatus and method. The integrated circuit includes a plurality of logic area or user logic areas; and an actively switchable network capable of selectively connecting at least one logic area with another logic area. In particular, the plurality of logic areas include an array of logic-gates or logic-blocks or custom logic which form functional blocks. The integrated circuit can provide a chip-architecture where the functional blocks are specific hardware functional blocks, hardware functional blocks that are parameterized, and/or programmable functional blocks including programmable processors.

Abstract: A drug eluting medical device is provided for implanting into vessels or luminal structures within the body of a patient. The coated medical device, such as a stent, vascular, or synthetic graft comprises a coating consisting of a controlled-release matrix of a bioabsorbable, biocompatible, bioerodible, biodegradable, nontoxic material, such as a Poly(DL-Lactide-co-Glycolide) polymer, and at least one pharmaceutical substance, or bioactive agent incorporated within the matrix or layered within layers of matrix. In particular, the drug eluting medical device when implanted into a patient, delivers the drugs or bioactive agents within the matrix to adjacent tissues in a controlled and desired rate depending on the drug and site of implantation.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for producing a medical device coated with a matrix and an antibody which reacts with an endothelial cell antigen. The matrix coating the medical device may be composed of synthetic material, such as polyurethane, poly-L-lactic acid, cellulose ester or polyethylene glycol. In another embodiment, the matrix is composed of naturally occurring materials, such as collagen, fibrin, elastin, amorphous carbon. In a third embodiment, the matrix may be composed of fullerenes. The fullerenes range from about C60 to about C100. The medical device may be a stent or a synthetic graft. The antibodies promote adherence of endothelial cells on the medical device. The antibodies may be mixed with the matrix or covalently tethered through a linker molecule to the matrix. Following adherence to the medical device, the endothelial cells differentiate and proliferate on the medical device. The antibodies may be different types of monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: A needle tipped with a plating of radioactive metal and covered with additional layers of plating to prevent subsequent rubbing off of radioactive material, decreases local or systemic reactions to the plating materials, and prevents decomposition of the underlying plating materials. The radioactive tipped needle can be used in conjunction with nuclear medicine imaging techniques to identify and localize abnormalities that may not be seen using other radiographic techniques. A method for producing the needle is also described.

Abstract: A golf game is disclosed in which each player uses a standard golf putter for striking a golf ball towards a designated one of three scoring holes provided near one end of a playing surface simulating part of a golf course. Hazard holes which are non-scoring are also provided. Switch contacts are provided in each hole to detect reception of a golf ball. A ball issuing device re-issues the ball when it is detected in one of the holes and the number of balls issued is counted. The designated hole is changed as soon as a player sinks a ball in it or after a predetermined number of balls have been used. A number is assigned to each designated hole and this number is incremented for each player when the player has sunk the ball in the designated hole or when the predetermined number of balls have been used. Scoring is provided for each player which decrements an initial score by predetermined values which vary inversely according to the number of issued balls counted for an assigned hole.