Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of therapeutic methods, compositions and uses thereof, that affect, directly or indirectly, the behavior of LRP receptors. These compositions and methods result in the treatment of inflammatory, immunological and metabolic conditions. More particularly, the methods and compositions of the invention are directed to the identification of small molecules, drugs and/or pharmacological agents that affect the Wnt pathway by affecting normal complex formation among various signaling receptors, the LRP5 and LRP6 receptor, and related ligands.

Abstract: An electronic flameless candle including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a cavity defined by the top surface, the bottom surface and the sidewall, the body configured in shape and size to simulate a true flame candle. The candle may also include a light source operably connected to the body, the light source electrically operated to illuminate in a way that simulates a natural flicker of a real candle flame. The candle may also include a scent component, operably connected to the body, the scent component configured to emit a scent when heated and/or a sensor component, operably connected to the body, the sensor component configured to sense an environmental condition and affect a mode of the light source upon the sensing of the environmental condition.

Abstract: An electronic lighting device may comprise an enclosure, a flame sheet and an electrically powered driving mechanism. The flame sheet may be movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, and may comprise a first portion which is of a flame-like shape. The first portion may be exposed above the top of the enclosure. Light from a light-emitting element may intersect with the surface of the first portion so that the light projects onto the surface of the first portion. The electrically powered driving mechanism may be disposed adjacent the flame sheet and can apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flame sheet to sway or swing. By the present application, a visual experience of true fire can be achieved and an interestedness and appreciation can be improved.

Abstract: An electronic flameless candle including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a cavity defined by the top surface, the bottom surface and the sidewall, the body configured in shape and size to simulate a true flame candle. The candle may also include a light source operably connected to the body, the light source electrically operated to illuminate in a way that simulates a natural flicker of a real candle flame. The candle may also include a scent component, operably connected to the body, the scent component configured to emit a scent when heated and/or a sensor component, operably connected to the body, the sensor component configured to sense an environmental condition and affect a mode of the light source upon the sensing of the environmental condition.

Abstract: An electronic lighting device may comprise an enclosure, a light-emitting element, a flame sheet and a swing mechanism. The flame sheet is movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, and may comprise an upper sheet which is of a flame-like shape. The upper sheet is configured to be exposed above the top of the enclosure. Light from the light-emitting element intersects with the surface of the upper sheet so that the light projects onto the surface of the upper sheet. The swing mechanism is disposed beneath the flame sheet and can apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flame sheet to sway or swing. By the present application, a visual experience of true fire can be achieved and an interestedness and appreciation can be improved. A method for manufacturing the same is disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic flameless candle including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a cavity defined by the top surface, the bottom surface and the sidewall, the body configured in shape and size to simulate a true flame candle. The candle may also include a light source operably connected to the body, the light source electrically operated to illuminate in a way that simulates a natural flicker of a real candle flame. The candle may also include a scent component, operably connected to the body, the scent component configured to emit a scent when heated and/or a sensor component, operably connected to the body, the sensor component configured to sense an environmental condition and affect a mode of the light source upon the sensing of the environmental condition.

Abstract: An electronic flameless candle including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a cavity defined by the top surface, the bottom surface and the sidewall, the body configured in shape and size to simulate a true flame candle. The candle may also include a light source operably connected to the body, the light source electrically operated to illuminate in a way that simulates a natural flicker of a real candle flame. The candle may also include a scent component, operably connected to the body, the scent component configured to emit a scent when heated and/or a sensor component, operably connected to the body, the sensor component configured to sense an environmental condition and affect a mode of the light source upon the sensing of the environmental condition.

Abstract: An electronic lighting device may comprise an enclosure, a light-emitting element, a flame sheet and a swing mechanism. The flame sheet is movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, and may comprise an upper sheet which is of a flame-like shape. The upper sheet is configured to be exposed above the top of the enclosure. Light from the light-emitting element intersects with the surface of the upper sheet so that the light projects onto the surface of the upper sheet. The swing mechanism is disposed beneath the flame sheet and can apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flame sheet to sway or swing. By the present application, a visual experience of true fire can be achieved and an interestedness and appreciation can be improved. A method for manufacturing the same is disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic lighting device may comprise an enclosure, a light-emitting element, a flame sheet and a swing mechanism. The flame sheet is movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, and may comprise an upper sheet which is of a flame-like shape. The upper sheet is configured to be exposed above the top of the enclosure. Light from the light-emitting element intersects with the surface of the upper sheet so that the light projects onto the surface of the upper sheet. The swing mechanism is disposed beneath the flame sheet and can apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flame sheet to sway or swing. By the present application, a visual experience of true fire can be achieved and an interestedness and appreciation can be improved. A method for manufacturing the same is disclosed.

Abstract: A keypad comprises a keypad frame and a metal spacer disposed on a backside thereof. At least one metal fret having a plurality of metal standoffs is disposed amongst the corresponding keycaps. These metal standoffs connect to the metal spacer (for example, via laser welding). The keypad frame can include a plurality of registration components and the metal spacer can include corresponding registration component-receiving openings disposed therein.

Abstract: An apparatus (such as a keyboard) has a plurality of keycaps and a corresponding light guide film disposed on the underside of those keycaps. The light guide film has a periphery, and at least portions of that periphery are thicker than in an interior portion of the light guide film. So configured, more light can be made available for backlighting purposes in the thicker portions than at the thinner portions. These teachings include determining the various (different) thicknesses to employ for the light guide film based upon desired backlighting of one or more of the plurality of keycaps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds which inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and are useful for the prevention or treatment of diabetes, especially type II diabetes, as well as hyperglycemia, Syndrome X, hyperinsulinemia, obesity, atherosclerosis, and various immunomodulatory diseases.

Abstract: The mechanism by which the high bone mass (HBM) mutation (G171V) of the Wnt coreceptor LRP5 regulates the canonical Wnt signaling was investigated. The mutation was previously shown to reduce Dkk protein-1-mediated antagonism, suggesting that the first YWTD repeat domain where G171 is located may be responsible for Dkk protein-mediated antagonism. However, we found that the third YWTD repeat, but not the first repeat domain, is required for DKK1-mediated antagonism. Instead, we found that the G171V mutation disrupted the interaction of LRP5 with Mesd, a chaperon protein for LRP5/6 that is required for the coreceptors' transport to cell surfaces, resulting in less LRP5 molecules on the cell surface. Although the reduction in the level of cell surface LRP5 molecules led to a reduction in Wnt signaling in a paracrine paradigm, the mutation did not appear to affect the activity of coexpressed Wnt in an autocrine paradigm.

Abstract: The loss of the SOST gene product sclerostin leads to sclerosteosis characterized by high bone mass (HBM). In this report, we found that sclerostin could antagonize canonical Wnt signaling in human embryonic kidney A293 cells and mouse osteoblastic MC3T3 cells. This sclerostin-mediated antagonism could be reversed by over-expression of Wnt coreceptor LRP5. In addition, we found that sclerostin bound to LRP5 as well as LRP6 and identified the first two YWTD-EGF repeat domains of LRP5 as being responsible for the binding. Although these two repeat domains are required for transducing canonical Wnt signals, canonical Wnt did not appear to compete with sclerostin for binding to LRP5. Examination of the expression of sclerostin and Wnt7b, an autocrine canonical Wnt, during primary calvarial osteoblast differentiation revealed that sclerostin is expressed at the late stages of osteoblast differentiation coinciding with the expression of osteogenic marker osteocalcin and trailing after the expression of Wnt7b.

Abstract: The loss of the SOST gene product sclerostin leads to sclerosteosis characterized by high bone mass (HBM). In this report, we found that sclerostin could antagonize canonical Wnt signaling in human embryonic kidney A293 cells and mouse osteoblastic MC3T3 cells. This sclerostin-mediated antagonism could be reversed by over-expression of Wnt coreceptor LRP5. In addition, we found that sclerostin bound to LRP5 as well as LRP6 and identified the first two YWTD-EGF repeat domains of LRP5 as being responsible for the binding. Although these two repeat domains are required for transducing canonical Wnt signals, canonical Wnt did not appear to compete with sclerostin for binding to LRP5. Examination of the expression of sclerostin and Wnt7b, an autocrine canonical Wnt, during primary calvarial osteoblast differentiation revealed that sclerostin is expressed at the late stages of osteoblast differentiation coinciding with the expression of osteogenic marker osteocalcin and trailing after the expression of Wnt7b.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds which inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and are useful for the prevention or treatment of diabetes, especially type II diabetes, as well as hyperglycemia, Syndrome X, hyperinsulinemia, obesity, atherosclerosis, and various immunomodulatory diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds that are vitamin D receptor activators, compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds and compositions, processes for preparing such compounds, and intermediates obtained during such processes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of bone diseases, bone fractures, bone injuries and other bone abnormalities involving the use of Dkk protein, a Wnt antagonist, a Wnt inhibitor, or any other related protein for the stimulation or enhancement of mineralization and for stimulating the renewal of cells. One Dkk protein, Dickkopf-2 (Dkk-2), acts to stimulate bone formation independently of Wnt proteins which may be inhibited and/or antagonized by Dkk-2. Dkk-2 displayed enhanced specific targeting ability and enhanced biological activity in stimulating or enhancing mineralization. Dkk-2 also played a role in the differentiation and self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells, particularly in osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis.