Abstract: The present invention provides a fusogenic liposome comprising a lipid capable of adopting a non-lamellar phase, yet capable of assuming a bilayer structure in the presence of a bilayer stabilizing component; and a bilayer stabilizing component reversibly associated with the lipid to stabilize the lipid in a bilayer structure. Such fusogenic liposomes are extremely advantageous because the rate at which they become fusogenic can be not only predetermined, but varied as required over a time scale ranging from minutes to days. Control of liposome fusion can be achieved by modulating the chemical stability and/or exchangeability of the bilayer stabilizing component(s). The fusogenic liposomes of the present invention can be used to deliver drugs, peptide, proteins, RNA, DNA or other bioactive molecules to the target cells of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fusogenic liposome comprising a lipid capable of adopting a non-lamellar phase, yet capable of assuming a bilayer structure in the presence of a bilayer stabilizing component; and a bilayer stabilizing component reversibly associated with the lipid to stabilize the lipid in a bilayer structure. Such fusogenic liposomes are extremely advantageous because the rate at which they become fusogenic can be not only predetermined, but varied as required over a time scale ranging from minutes to days. Control of liposome fusion can be achieved by modulating the chemical stability and/or exchangeability of the bilayer stabilizing component(s). The fusogenic liposomes of the present invention can be used to deliver drugs, peptide, proteins, RNA, DNA or other bioactive molecules to the target cells of interest.

Abstract: A coiled fiber optic cable comprises an optical fiber of glass or plastic that is disposed loosely within a buffer tube. The buffer tube in turn is surrounded with a plastic strength member that is then jacketed in a thermoplastic cover. The assembled cable is wound on a mandrel in a closed helix and is heated to set the helical shape in the plastic member. After cooling, the spiral may be reverse wound to set the coiled configuration. The optical fiber may be single-mode or multimode and it may be graded-index clad or step-index clad. The coiled cable can be terminated to interconnect optical components. If the optical fiber is a single-mode fiber that is not treated to reduce internal reflections when it is bent, then the attenuation of the optical signal will be found to be an inverse function of the extension of the coiled cable.

Abstract: A one-piece cardboard house for an animal or pet, comprising a bottom panel constituting the floor, front and rear panels, and two side panels, each of the latter four panels being integral with the bottom panel, and forming the four walls of the house. A pair of roof panels forms a peaked roof, and the panels are also integral with one another and with one of the side walls of the house. The free edge of that roof panel which is opposite the integral side wall is joined to the other side wall by a unique releasable fastener arrangement. The front panel has a large notch at its top edge portion which partially defines an entrance passage to the house, with other parts of the entrance passage being defined by the edge portions of the two roof panels. The arrangement is such that the house can be stored or shipped in a flat or collapsed condition, and thereafter readily assembled by the consumer.