Abstract:
The invention provides a vector, preferably a herpes simplex virus (HSV) vector, comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) protein. The invention also provides a stock of such vectors and a pharmaceutical composition comprising such vectors. The invention further provides a method of treating pain, such as spinal cord injury pain, in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal a vector comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) protein in an amount effective to treat spinal cord injury pain.
Abstract:
Anti-microbial wound dressings, methods of making anti-microbial wound dressings and methods of treating wounds with an anti-microbial wound dressing are provided. The anti-microbial wound dressings can include a water-soluble film-forming polymeric carrier material and a water-soluble glass-encapsulated anti-microbial agent, which is embedded within the carrier and/or coated on a surface thereof. Additional active agents useful in wound care can also be embedded in and/or coated on a surface of the carrier and/or water-soluble glass.
Abstract:
The invention provides an expression cassette comprising a DNA sequence encoding amino acids 1-99 of human preproenkephalin, a DNA sequence encoding a precursor of a carboxy-amidated peptide flanked by dibasic cleavage sites and optionally a DNA sequence encoding a marker protein (such as Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)) all in operable linkage and under control of a promoter. Where the encoded precursor of a carboxy-amidated peptide is an agonist for an opioid receptor, the invention further provides a method of treating neuropathic pain by administering the gene transfer vector comprising such an expression cassette to a patient. The invention also provides a method for detecting a peptide having a desired effect comprising introducing a library of DNA sequences encoding one or more precursors of carboxy-amidated peptides into host cells; expressing the carboxy-amidated peptides encoded in the library to provide expression products; and screening from the polypeptide expression products for the desired effect.
Abstract:
A secure access system for controlling access to a plurality of items. The system includes a first IC card reader adapted to receive a first IC card which includes first control information, a second IC card reader adapted to receive a second IC card which includes second control information, and a control integrator receiving the first control information and the second control information and allowing access to a first one of the plurality of items based, at least in part, on both the first control information and said second control information, and to a second one of the plurality of items based, at least in part, on the first control information, without regard to the second control information.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to an interactive video game whereby players sit opposite each other and view the game and each other through a semi-transparent image generated in real-time through the use of a first-surface reflection. The present invention uses opposing Heads-Up Displays (HUDs). Using opposing HUDs, an image can be apparently suspended between two players. The surface on which the image is displayed has sufficient transparency to allow each player to see the other player along with the image. Thus, the players can interact during play allowing for a more enhanced reward in the experience. The effect could be further enhanced by the use of stereo glasses and a stereo-pair of images on the display such that the players see 3-D images on the playing "surface." To further enhance the interactive experience, the virtual images are substantially coincident so that when one player looks up from the action in the game to see the opponent, the opponent's eyes are looking at roughly the same spot in space where the first player perceives the action to be. Thus, the present invention yields more direct communication between players, as well as an enhanced experience. The present invention yields additional applications such as where each player sees any number of images which correspond to the image of the "opponent," or "electronic painting" applications. Other games can take advantage of the fact that the image is superimposed on the opponent such as trying new facial features or clothing.
Abstract:
Novel 5-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolines and related compounds, intermediates and processes for the preparation thereof, and methods for relieving memory dysfunction utilizing compounds or compositions thereof are disclosed.
Abstract:
A process of spinning a pitch having less than 40% by weight mesophase into a pitch fiber having at least 70% by weight mesophase is described.
Abstract:
Point-ahead laser pointer-tracker systems with stabilization and wavefront correction in both transmit and receive directions provide arrangements for sensing the wavefront correction required in two different directions, one in the received target image direction for good image quality in the tracker and the other in the point-ahead direction for good beam quality on the target. In the several embodiments, a marker beam is aligned with the target image. Wavefront aberration correction signals are produced by an output wave sensor that senses the wavefront of the marker beam in the received target image direction and the wavefront of the source laser beam in the point-ahead transmit direction. The alignment is maintained by use of the output wave sensor signals together with signals from the tracker of the target and current aimpoint positions. These signals, compared in selected pairs, control mirrors in various legs of the optical system to put the current aimpoint on the desired aimpoint and to align the marker beam along the received target image direction.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a coated cell comprising a therapeutic cell and a plurality of targeting complexes coating the therapeutic cell and each of said targeting complexes comprising a homing molecule, a lipid moiety, and a spacer having from about 1 to about 10 amino acids and covalently linking the homing molecule to the lipid moiety and wherein the lipid moiety is non-covalently attached to the therapeutic cell. In some embodiments, the therapeutic cell is a stem cell. Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of coating a therapeutic cell. Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of treating diseases of the vasculature.