Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming microarrays of biological samples on a support are disclosed. The method involves dispensing a known volume of a reagent at each selected array position, by tapping a capillary dispenser on the support under conditions effective to draw a defined volume of liquid onto the support. The apparatus is designed to produce a microarray of such regions in an automated fashion.

Abstract: A control system for preventing the occurrence of unsafe operating conditions on an appliance load comprises first and second switch elements coupled to said appliance load; first controller means coupled to said first switch element for detecting a first predetermined fault condition and producing a first fault detection signal in response to said detection of said predetermined fault condition, said first fault detection signal deactivating said first switch element and de-energizing said load; and second controller means coupled to said second switch element for detecting a second predetermined fault condition and producing a second fault detection signal in response to said detection of said predetermined fault condition, said second fault detection signal deactivating said second switch element and de-energizing said load.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptide-based compositions and methods for inhibiting and modulating the actions of CXC intercrine molecules. The antileukinate peptides described inhibit IL-8, GRO and MIP2.beta. binding to neutrophils and neutrophil activation. The peptides are particularly advantageous as they inhibit IL-8-induced enzyme release at a 25 fold lower concentration than is required to inhibit chemotaxis, which makes them ideal for treating various inflammatory diseases and disorders including, amongst others, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis. The invention further includes methods for inhibiting tumor cell growth by employing selected members of the disclosed group of peptides to inhibit .alpha.-chemokine binding to the tumor cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides viral vectors that have been engineered to contain a synthetic promoter that controls at least one essential gene. The synthetic promoter is induced by a specific gene product not normally produced in the cells in which the viral vector is to be transferred. The vectors are propagated in producer or helper cells that express the inducing factor, thereby permitting the virus to replicate to high titer. The lack of the inducing factor in the target cells precludes viral replication, however, meaning that no vector toxicity or immunogenicity arises. Where the virus carries a gene of interest, this should provide for higher level expression for longer periods of time than with current vectors. Methods for making the vectors, helper cells, and their use in protein production, vaccines and gene therapy are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel synthetically-modified B. thuringiensis chimeric crystal proteins having improved insecticidal activity against coleopteran, dipteran and lepidopteran insects. Also disclosed are the nucleic acid segments encoding these novel peptides. Methods of making and using these genes and proteins are disclosed as well as methods for the recombinant expression, and transformation of suitable host cells. Transformed host cells and transgenic plants expressing the modified endotoxin are also aspects of the invention.

Abstract: Xanthan molecules are degraded using an xanthanase enzyme complex that is stable at temperatures above 250.degree. F., such as those temperatures found in some wellbores and process streams. The xanthanase enzyme complex is produced by a novel soil bacterium. The xanthanase enzyme complex may be used to remove xanthan based formation damage, such as drilling filter-cakes and filtrates, or to remove xanthan based filter-cakes and/or residues present in processing equipment. The xanthanase enzyme complex may also be used to reduce the viscosity of xanthan-containing fluids, such as hydraulic fracturing fluids, blocking gels, drilling muds, and process fluids. The xanthanase enzyme complex may also be used in conjunction with other well or process treatments, such as stimulations and cementing operations, to improve the effectiveness of these treatments.

Abstract: The present invention a provides methods for production of heterologous polypeptides, for example amylin, using recombinantly engineered cell lines. Also described are methods engineering cells for high level expression, methods of large scale heterologous protein production, methods for treatment of disease in vivo using viral delivery systems and recombinant cell lines, and methods for isolating novel amylin receptors.

Abstract: A soluble form of adenylyl cyclase and methods of its use in screening for stimulators and inhibitors of adenylyl cyclase activity are disclosed. In one embodiment, a chimera of type I and type II adenylyl cyclases is provided. This chimera lacks transmembrane domains characteristic of adenylyl cyclases, rendering the recombinant product soluble, while retaining adenylyl cyclase function.

Abstract: A drug carrier composition comprising a drug complexed with dermatan sulfate is disclosed. The drug is preferably an anti tumor drug and may be taxol, a peptide onco-agent or vincristine. The most preferred antitumor drug is doxorubicin. The dermatan sulfate is essentially purified dermatan sulfate with a sulfur content of up to 9% (w/w) and with selective oligosaccharide oversulfation.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a mixture of peptides that bind to molecules involved in Bcr-Abl oncoprotein function are disclosed. In addition, expression of functional BCR protein (p160 BCR) or amino terminal fragments thereof (159, 221 and 413 amino terminal residues) by way of retrovirus vectors will oppose the biological function of Bcr-Abl (p160 BCR) or inactivate Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase function or its signal transduction function. Bcr and Abl peptides, either tyrosine phosphorylated or unphosphorylated, that bind to a region near the amino terminus of Bcr to prevent formation of tetramer Bcr-Abl molecules, that bind to the SH2 domain of Grb2, to sites on tyrosine phosphorylated Shc protein, to sites of Crkl, and to an SH2 domain of Ras Gap comprise particular peptide preparations of the invention.

Abstract: A sample preparation method is disclosed for volatilization and mass spectrometric analysis of nonvolatile high molecular weight molecules. Photoabsorbing molecules having significant sublimation rates at room temperature under vacuum, and preferably containing hydroxy functionalities, are disclosed for use as matrices in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. The samples are typically cooled in the mass spectrometer to temperatures significantly below room temperature.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed which prevent the intrusion of insects onto wood structures by using a controlled release device capable of releasing insecticide. In the disclosed method, the device maintains a minimal effective level of insecticide for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided an inbred corn plant designated 01DHD16. This invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the inbred corn plant 01DHD16, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing the inbred corn plant 01DHD16 with itself or with another corn plant, such as another inbred. This invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred plant 01DHD16 with another corn plant, such as another inbred, and to crosses with related species. This invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of the inbred corn plant 01DHD16, and also to the RFLP and genetic isozyme typing profiles of inbred corn plant 01DHD16.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions of and methods for using polynucleotides encoding kappa opioid receptors. In addition to such polynucleotides themselves, the invention relates to expression vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding kappa opioid receptors, recombinant host cells comprising such polynucleotides, and processes for preparing kappa opioid receptor polypeptides.

Abstract: The synthesis of tamoxifen derivatives, most particularly halo, halo alkyl, hydroxy, and amino tamoxifen derivatives is disclosed. The native tamoxifen molecule includes a substituted chemical group positioned on the aliphatic chain of the tamoxifen molecule. Particular tamoxifen derivatives of the invention include chloro, bromo, iodo, fluoro, amino and DTPA tamoxifen derivatives, and corresponding lower alkyl halogenated forms. The halogenated tamoxifen derivatives possess superior binding affinities for estrogen receptor rich tissues, such as uterine tissue and breast tissue, relative to unsubstituted native tamoxifen. Radiolabeled forms of the tamoxifen derivatives may be used as highly specific imaging agents for estrogen receptor rich tissues. The fluoro and bromo tamoxifen derivatives are particularly useful for imaging estrogen receptors by PET whereas the iodinated tamoxifens are particularly useful in imaging estrogen receptors by SPECT.

Abstract: The system for controlling oxygen flow in a gasification process of the instant invention comprises a suction control valve located between the oxygen source and the oxygen compressor. The suction control valve is adapted in order to open to deliver oxygen from the source to the compressor through the first pipe and to move to a reduced flow position to prevent excess delivery of oxygen from the source to the compressor. The system also comprises a second pipe which operably connects the oxygen compressor to a port of a gasifier. The system comprises a normally closed vent valve located between the oxygen compressor and the port of a gasifier. The system comprises a means located in the gasifier or in the gasifier effluent for detecting when it is necessary to change the oxygen flow to the gasifier and to actuate the suction control valve sufficient to change the oxygen flow.

Abstract: Disclosed are various compositions and methods for use in achieving specific blood coagulation. This is exemplified by the specific in vivo coagulation of tumor vasculature, causing tumor regression, through the site-specific delivery of a coagulant using a bispecific antibody.

Abstract: Disclosed is a smooth muscle cell specific promoter, the SM22.alpha. gene promoter as well as the murine cDNA and genomic SM22.alpha. nucleic acid sequences. Also disclosed are methods of preventing restenosis following balloon angioplasty and methods of treating asthma based on inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation by expressing cell cycle control genes, or contraction inhibiting peptides in smooth muscle cells, under the control of the SM22.alpha. promoter.

Abstract: Methods for the biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate homopolymers and copolymers are described. In a preferred embodiment, the polymers have a single mode molecular weight distribution, and more preferably have a distribution of between about 2 and about 4, and most preferably about 2.1 or 2.5.

Abstract: The invention relates to plant embryos having an increased electrolyte content as compared to embryos germinated in tap water, as well as to a method of producing these plant embryos, wherein germinative seeds are germinated in an electrolyte solution.