Abstract: Regulatory DNA sequences that silence and enhance transcription of coding portions of the CD95 gene, which is instrumental in apoptosis, are disclosed. Proteinaceous transcription factors that bind to the silencer and enhancer regulatory sequences are also disclosed and are useful for modulating the expression of CD95 or other proteins. Methods for regulating apoptosis have therapeutic and prophylactic applications for a variety of disorders, including cancer, viral and retroviral infections, neurodegenerative disorders, immune system dysfunction, and other disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides solutions and methods for preserving biological material that enable organs, tissues and cells to be stored for extended periods of time with minimal loss of biological activity. The inventive solutions are substantially isotonic with the biological material to be preserved and are substantially free of univalent oxyanions and of iodide. The solutions comprise a first neutral solute having a molecular weight of at least about 335 and a solubility in water of at least about 0.3M, and a second neutral solute having a molecular weight of less than about 200 and having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties. The inventive solutions preferably contain CaSO.sub.4, together with combinations of anions and cations from the protein-stabilizing ends of the Hofmeister series, such as K.sub.2 SO.sub.4. Solutions with raffinose or trehalose in combination with trimethyl amine oxide or betaine are particularly preferred.

Abstract: The invention is an improved boiler for generating vapor at low pressure from liquid in reservoirs that are not pressurized. Liquid from a reservoir is fed through a supply wick by capillary action to a boiler wick in which the liquid is heated and boiled to a vapor. The heat for vaporization is transmitted by a porous hot seat which sits atop and is in contact with the boiler wick. The boiler wick and hot seat are contained within an insulating cylindrical shroud, which forms a tight seal with the edges of the boiler wick. If the liquid to be vaporized is a fuel for a burner, then combustion heat can be used to supply the heat to the boiler. A resistive heat source can also be used to heat the hot seat and boiler wick.

Abstract: Novel isolated DNA sequences associated with the lignin biosynthetic pathway are provided, together with DNA constructs including such sequences. Methods for the modulation of lignin content in plants are also disclosed, the methods comprising incorporating one or more of the inventive DNA sequences or a sequence complementary to an inventive DNA sequence into the genome of a plant.

Abstract: Methods for optically imaging blood flow changes, blood flow characteristics and changes in the oxygenation of blood in an area of interest are disclosed. The area of interest is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation(emr) in the visible or infrared regions of the spectrum, and a control image representative of the emr absorption of the area of interest is acquired. A subsequent image representative of the emr absorption is compared to the control image to detect changes in the emr absorption that are indicative of changes in blood flow, changes in blood flow characteristics, or changes in blood oxygenation in the area of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides solutions and methods for preserving biological material that enable organs, tissues and cells to be stored for extended periods of time with minimal loss of biological activity. The inventive solutions are substantially isotonic with the biological material to be preserved and are substantially free of univalent oxyanions and of iodide. The solutions comprise a first neutral solute having a molecular weight of at least about 335 and a solubility in water of at least about 0.3M, and a second neutral solute having a molecular weight of less than about 200 and having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties. The inventive solutions preferably contain CaSO.sub.4, together with combinations of anions and cations from the protein-stabilizing ends of the Hofmeister series, such as K.sub.2 SO.sub.4.

Abstract: Illumination fixtures for use in treating light deficiency and mood disorders, as well as color therapy, are disclosed. The fixtures employ an illumination gas having a high neon gas content. Fixtures in which the glass tubing is bent and convoluted in a three dimensional arrangement provide a high level of illumination in a compact device and substantially reduce glare. Fixtures employing multiple color tubing, dimmer(s) and/or timer(s) may be used to simulate natural lighting conditions, such as sunrise, neon illumination sources may also be used in combination with an as a source for fiber optic cables.

Abstract: Expression vectors and methods for cloning amino-terminal signal sequences are disclosed. These vectors and methods are useful tools for cloning, identifying and isolating previously unknown signal sequences. In turn, an orphan signal sequence can be used to clone, identify and isolate the corresponding orphan proteins that the orphan signal sequence directs to the surface of a cell. Using these expression vectors and methods, an orphan protein can be cloned in the absence of a functional assay that detects such protein.

Abstract: A compound that is useful for inhibiting FXIIIa catalysis of fibrin cross-linking, and related pharmaceutical compositions and methods, are disclosed. The compound and compositions may be advantageously used to enhance fibrinolysis and resolution of blood clots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the presence of solid tumor tissue, for identifying and mapping the margins of solid tumors during surgical or diagnostic procedures, and for grading and characterizing tumor tissue by detecting changes in the optical properties of an area of interest suspected to contain tumor tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated DNA molecules comprising a DNA segment encoding a novel human amyloid protein precursor homologue and novel Kunitz-type inhibitors. Also provided are DNA constructs comprising a first DNA segment encoding a novel human amyloid protein precursor homologue or a novel Kunitz-type inhibitor wherein said first DNA segment is operably linked to additional DNA segments required for the expression for the first DNA segment, as well as host cells containing such DNA constructs and methods for producing proteins from the host cells.

Abstract: The present invention comprises homeopathic dilutions of growth factors and methods for their use. Disorders which may be effectively treated with the compositions of the present invention include chronic viral disorders, such as HIV, AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome and Epstein-Barr viral infections, cancer and diabetes. Homeopathic dilutions of growth factors are preferably administered orally. In an alternative embodiment, patients are treated with radio frequency signals corresponding to homeopathic dilutions of growth factors.

Abstract: The present invention comprises homeopathic dilutions of growth factors and methods for their use. Disorders which may be effectively treated with the compositions of the present invention include chronic viral disorders, such as HIV, AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome and Epstein-Barr viral infections, cancer and diabetes. Homeopathic dilutions of growth factors are preferably administered orally. In an alternative embodiment, patients are treated with electromagnetic signals, preferably radiofrequency signals, corresponding to homeopathic dilutions of growth factors.

Abstract: Reactive ink compositions of the present invention utilize at least two reactive components, a base ink component and a curing component, that are applied to a receiving substrate separately. The base ink component includes an ink carrier, a compatible colorant, and a cross-linkable constituent, and the curing component is a cross-linking agent. Upon exposure of the base ink component to the curing component, at least a portion of the ink is cross-linked to provide a printed image that is durable and abrasion-resistant.

Abstract: A print drum and associated clamping assembly is provided for use in printing or similar operations. The print drum is characterized by uniform thermal characteristics and is constructed from a material having thermal diffusivity of greater than about 1.3.times.10.sup.-5 m.sup.2 /sec. The print drum may moreover have a highly reflective surface that permits optical sensors to distinguish between the drum and substrate surfaces. Clamping sections of a substrate clamp assembly project through slots provided in the print drum and are raised and lowered to release and clamp a substrate respectively. Other constituents of the clamp assembly are mounted in the hollow interior of the print drum. The print drum and associated clamping mechanism is especially suitable for use in ink jet printing apparatus utilizing thermal phase change inks.

Abstract: A color processing system is provided that specifies color in a standardized, perceptually uniform color space and resolves color differences between input and/or output devices. The color processing system utilizes a color mapping techniques to adjust the results of color mapping to fit the color gamut of the output device. The color processing system may be implemented as a color rendering dictionary in a PostScript.RTM. Level 2 interpreter. An additional feature involves adaptation of PostScript.RTM. Level 1 applications to take advantage of the improved color processing system and PostScript.RTM. Level 2 flexibility.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stable, high performance system for driving one or more masses in precise incremental movements. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and system for deriving and implementing motion profiles that govern the movement of one or more masses, such as a printer drum as it is indexed along a rotational path by a stepper motor.

Abstract: A triggerable ink transfer system that simultaneously transfers ink from a plurality of ink preload chambers to corresponding load chambers and ink reservoirs is disclosed. The delivery system permits an untrained operator to safely load ink without inadvertently interchanging different types (e.g. colors) of ink, and without inadvertently overfilling any of the ink reservoirs. A processing unit that coordinates ink delivery system monitoring and control features is in communication with an operator interface unit that provides ink loading instructions to the operator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing printed substrates having a phase change ink layer of non-uniform thickness are disclosed. Application of a combination of heat and pressure reorients the printed ink layer to provide a layer having a substantially uniform thickness and flat surface conformation, at least in the area of each discrete color. A release surface (55) is positioned adjacent the printed ink layer during processing. A resilient contact surface (56) is also provided to facilitate reorientation of the printed ink layer. Mechanical buffing of the processed, printed substrate improves image quality. Application of a light transmissive, protective coating that overlays the printed ink layer also improves image quality.

Abstract: A fixing and developing apparatus in which sheet material to be treated is passed through a high pressure nip defined by a pair of rollers. At least one of the rollers may have a composite construction. The composite roller includes an elongated tubular shell with a pressure applying external surface, an elongated core positioned within the tubular shell, and an elastomeric material disposed between the core and shell to support the shell on the core. The core may be of a number of configurations and may increase in transverse cross-sectional dimension from the respective ends of the core toward the center of the core. The core may taper continuously or in discrete steps from its center toward its first and second ends. In addition, the core may have a longitudinal cross-section with a crown in the shape of a beam deflection curve for a simply supported, uniformly constant cross-section beam. The shell may be similarly configured along its interior surface.