Abstract: The present invention relates to polyphenol-like compounds that are useful for inhibiting VCAM-1 expression, MCP-1 expression and/or SMC proliferation in a mammal. The disclosed compounds are useful for regulating markers of inflammatory conditions, including vascular inflammation, and for treatment and prevention of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases and related disease states.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods to assess the state of a reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). In one aspect of the invention provides methods, compositions and kits for diagnosing a subject with deficient reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of identifying responders to RCT treatment. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a subject with RCT deficiency. Also provided by the present invention is a method for drug screening and/or assessing risk of toxicity associated with RCT treatments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyphenol-like compounds that are useful for inhibiting VCAM-1 expression, MCP-1 expression and/or SMC proliferation in a mammal. The disclosed compounds are useful for regulating markers of inflammatory conditions, including vascular inflammation, and for treatment and prevention of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases and related disease states.

Abstract: An electrode for electric arc processes composed of a water-cooled holder (1) into which is fitted a case hardened of diffusion coated insert of zirconium or hafnium. The diffusion zone (5) consists of carbide, nitride, boride or silicide, compounds with very high melting points that will supress reactions between the holder and the insert that cause deterioration of the electrode.

Abstract: The invention is a tube clamp which is used to connect a first pipe to another pipe. The invention can be used, for example, to add a pipe extension to the exhaust pipe used on a car. The tube clamp is made from a plate having a first and second flat portion, each having a hole wherein said holes are equal. The holes are connected by a slot and the plate has first and second flanges surrounding and remote from the hole in the first and second portions of the plate. The plate is transversely bent between the first and second flat portion to a degree to form a connector passage, the plate being bent so that the first and second flat portions are in contact with each other and said holes are substantially coaxial with the first and second flanges directed away from each other. Connector means selected from the group of rivets or welds connects the first and second flat portions. A connector means going through a connector passage connects the pipe flange.