Abstract: Synthetic pulmonary surfactant compositions comprising dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, and essentially neutral lipid, and having essentially no 1-palmitoyl 2-oleoyl phosphatidylglycerol and essentially no palmitic acid are provided. Methods for treating respiratory disease are also provided comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a synthetic pulmonary surfactant comprising dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, and essentially neutral lipid, and having essentially no 1-palmitoyl 2-oleoyl phosphatidylglycerol and essentially no palmitic acid.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel means of predicting plant phenotypes that incorporates previously unusable dense marker data derived from historical pedigrees. The method operates by collecting information from a population pertaining to one or more loci, which is used to build one or more matrices by calculating, for the alleles present at the measured loci, the probability that the alleles are identical by descent. These matrices are then used to develop a second set of one or more matrices in which each value represents the probability that a certain individual in the population descended from a certain ancestral (founder) genotype. This set of second matrices can then be used as part of a breeding program for selecting and breeding individuals from the population or can be used to better classify the individuals in the population, leading to improved plant phenotypes.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding polypeptides that comprise the biosynthetic pathway for phenylpropanoids and flavonoids in the coffee plant are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for using these polynucleotides and polypeptides for the manipulation of flavor, aroma, and other features of coffee beans, as well as the manipulation resistance to pathogen, herbivore, and insect attack in the coffee plant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nucleic acid molecules isolated from coffee (Coffea spp.) comprising sequences that encodes various sucrose metabolizing enzymes, along with their encoded proteins. Specifically, three types of invertase and four invertase inhibitors and their encoding polynucleotides from coffee are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for using these polynucleotides for gene regulation and manipulation of the sugar profile of coffee plants, to influence flavor, aroma, and other features of coffee beans.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding polypeptides that comprise the biosynthetic pathway for carotenoids and apocarotenoids in the coffee plant are disclosed. Also disclosed are a promoter sequence from a coffee carotenoid gene, and methods for using these polynucleotides, polypeptides, and promoter sequences for gene regulation and the manipulation of flavor, aroma, and other features of coffee beans, as well as the manipulation of photosynthesis in the coffee plant.

Abstract: This invention relates to film used to manufacture pouches and bags for containing flowable material. The film is made of low density polyethylene and can be formed into a monofilm or a multi-layer film that can be used to produce packages that exhibit improved flex crack resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fitment, for use on a flexible container, comprising a spout member having a first end and a second end and defining a passageway between the two and a plug member which is sized to be received in the passageway. The plug member also has a leading end that lies in sealing engagement with the first end of the spout member when the plug member is received in the passageway.

Abstract: A tamper evident fitment assembly for use with a container for flowable material, the closure comprising a cap and a spout secured to the container, the cap having a frangible tamper evident band, the cap having an annular recess for frictionally engaging a top portion of the spout, the cap and spout having cooperating detent and locking elements so that the assembly in a first position where the cap is removably sealed to the spout and the tamper evident band is not broken when the cap is removed for filling may move to a second position when the cap is removably sealed to the spout and the tamper evident band is broken upon removal of the cap. An important feature of the present invention is that the cap frictionally engages a top portion of the spout. No screw threads or similar securing means are required to retain the cap on the spout.

Abstract: Edible compositions useful for weight management in male animals are disclosed. The compositions comprise one or more isoflavones or isoflavone metabolites and are particularly useful for reducing or preventing the accumulation of body fat. Also disclosed are methods useful for weight management in an animal utilizing compositions comprising one or more isoflavones. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for the reduction or prevention of body fat accumulation during periods of excess caloric intake, and preferably have a sparing effect on lean body mass.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to enhance mucus clearance and to treat pulmonary lung disorders such as cystic fibrosis are disclosed. The methods utilize compositions including synthetic pulmonary surfactants having one or more phospholipids and a synthetic polypeptide, administered alone or combined with hyperosmotic agents, to patients in an amount effective to enhance mucus clearance.

Abstract: A transdermal hormone delivery system (THDS) is disclosed. The THDS is useful for control of fertility and as therapy for a variety of diseases and conditions treatable by robust delivery of progestin and estrogen hormones, particularly the progestin, levonorgestrel. The THDS comprises a backing layer, an adjoining adhesive polymer matrix comprising an effective amount of at least a progestin hormone, delivery of which is enhanced by one or more skin permeation enhancing agents present in pre-determined amounts. The THDS is capable of providing effective daily doses of progestin and estrogen hormones from a small surface area in contact with the skin, e.g., less than 20 square centimeters. Methods of fertility control and various types of hormone replacement therapy utilizing the THDS are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transdermal hormone delivery system (THDS) is disclosed. The THDS is useful for control of fertility and as therapy for a variety of diseases and conditions treatable by robust delivery of progestin and estrogen hormones, particularly the progestin, levonorgestrel. The THDS comprises a backing layer, an adjoining adhesive polymer matrix comprising an effective amount of at least a progestin hormone, delivery of which is enhanced by one or more skin permeation enhancing agents present in pre-determined amounts. The THDS is capable of providing effective daily doses of progestin and estrogen hormones from a small surface area in contact with the skin, e.g., less than 20 square centimeters. Methods of fertility control and various types of hormone replacement therapy utilizing the THDS are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nucleic acid molecules isolated from coffee (Coffea spp.) comprising sequences that encode mannan synthase or galactomannan galactosyltransferase. Also disclosed are methods for using these polynucleotides for gene regulation and manipulation of the polysaccharide molecules of coffee plants, to influence extraction characteristics and other features of coffee beans.

Abstract: A collar for a dispensing connector and a fitment assembly are disclosed. The connector collar engages a valved fitment for a container for holding and dispensing fluid. The fitment includes a spout connected to the container and a sliding internal valve body and an external valve body securely positioned within the spout. The connector collar has a fitment end mateable with the fitment so as to compress the top edge of the external valve body so as to form a seal between the external valve body and the dispensing connector.

Abstract: Compositions useful for weight management in an animal are disclosed. The compositions comprise one or more isoflavones or isoflavone metabolites, and in some embodiments include conjugated linoleic acid, and/or L-carnitine. Also disclosed are methods useful for weight management in an animal utilizing compositions comprising one or more isoflavones, conjugated linoleic acid, and/or L-carnitine. Preferably, the compositions and methods employ a combination of one or more isoflavones, or a combination of one or more isoflavones in conjunction with conjugated linoleic acid, and L-carnitine.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding polypeptides that comprise the biosynthetic pathway for lignins in the coffee plant are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for using these polynucleotides and polypeptides for the manipulation of flavor, aroma, and other features of coffee beans, as well as the manipulation resistance to pathogen, herbivore, and insect attack in the coffee plant.