Abstract: Releasable tag reagents for use in the detection and analysis of target molecules, particular in mass spectrometric analyses are provided. Also provided are methods of detection that employ releasable tag reagents.

Abstract: A fixed parallel plate micro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based sensor is fabricated to allow a dissolved dielectric to flow through a porous top plate, coming to rest on a bottom plate. A post-deposition bake ensures further purity and uniformity of the dielectric layer. In one embodiment, the dielectric is a polymer. In one embodiment, a support layer is deposited onto the top plate for strengthening the sensor. In another embodiment, the bottom plate is dual-layered for a narrowed gap. Integrated circuit arrays of such sensors can be made, having multiple devices separated from each other by a physical barrier, such as a polycrystalline containment rim or trough, for preventing polymer material from one sensor from interfering with that of another.

Abstract: Compounds are described and claimed comprising general formula: The compounds have substituents as described herein and are useful, e.g., for their ability to bind nucleic acids and thereby effect purifications, probing techniques and gene inhibition.

Abstract: Sport ball training devices and methods for releasably holding a tennis ball or other sport ball at an appropriate height for the practice of striking the ball, either directly or indirectly with a racket or the like. An embodiment may have a support device with a base and an adjustable vertical tubular assembly for the support of a transverse arm from which a ball sling is suspended. A retainer member of the ball sling circumferentially holds a sport ball. An embodiment of the retainer member may be made from an elastometric material that lightly squeezes the ball with sufficient force to restrain it, but releases easily when the ball is hit so that the trajectory of the ball is not affected by the presence of the retainer member nor is the racquet significantly affected by the presence of the ball sling generally.

Abstract: Interleukin-5 receptor (IL-5R) ligands comprising amino sequences of formula TGGGDGYVX3VE X4 ARCPTCK, EGYVX3VE X4 ARCPTCK, EGYVX3VE X4 ARCPTCR, GYVX3VE X4 ARCPTCG, EGYVX3VE X4 ARCPTCG, GYVX3VE X4 ARCPTCR, and EGYVX3VE X4 AACPTCR, and methods of using the same, are described and claimed.

Abstract: Provided herein are mass spectrometric methods for detecting a mutation in a target nucleic acid. In an embodiment, provided is a method which comprises digesting a target nucleic acid molecule; capturing digested fragments on a solid support that comprises oligonucleotides complementary thereto; and detecting hybrids and the molecular weights of captured fragments by mass spectrometry, thereby identifying mutations in the target nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: A method for delivery of an agent to a cell using electroporation is disclosed. The method includes positioning a first electrode and a second electrode such that an electrical signal passed between the first electrode and the second electrode passes through the cell. The method also includes passing an electrical signal between the first electrode and the second electrode, the electrical signal having a frequency greater than about 10 kHz. In one embodiment of the method, the electrical signal has a bipolar waveform. In another embodiment of the method, the electrodes are positioned at a treatment site, e.g., a tumor, for in vivo delivery of an agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for the identification and isolation of antigen-specific T cells using a novel class of artificial antigen presenting cells. The resulting T cells may be used to produce expanded T cell populations as well as for modulating T cell responses. In general, the artificial antigen presenting cells useful in such methods are liposomes that contain MHC:peptide complexes presented on the outer surface of the liposome. Such artificial antigen presenting cells may also include accessory molecules, co-stimulatory molecules, adhesion molecules, and other molecules irrelevant to T cell binding or modulation that are used in the binding of artificial antigen presenting cells to solid support systems that may be used in the retrieval and identification of antigen-specific T cells.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the presence of an analyte is disclosed comprising a reactive layer disposed between a base plate and a movable plate. The reactive layer is configured to interact with an analyte effecting a change in capacitance between the base plate and movable plate. When the analyte has a polarity or overall Hildebrand solubility parameter that is similar to the reactive layer, the change in capacitance is caused by a swelling of the reactive layer as analyte is absorbed into the reactive layer. This results in a decrease in capacitance. When the analyte has a solubility parameter not near the reactive layer, the absorbed analyte causes the reactive layer's total polarity to increase, an effect that dominates swelling. This causes an increase in capacitance. A capacitive sensing circuit is included for measuring the change in capacitance which is indicative of the analyte exposed to the sensor.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for delivering molecules such as pharmaceutical drugs and nucleic acids into skeletal muscle in vivo. The molecule is first injected into the muscle at one or multiple sites. Immediately or shortly after injection, electrodes are placed flanking the injection site and a specific amount of electrical current is passed through the muscle. The electrical current makes the muscle permeable, thus allowing the molecule to enter the cell. In the case where nucleic acid is injected, the efficiency of transfer permits expression of protein encoded by the nucleic acid in an amount that exhibits systemic biological activity and which generates a robust immune response.

Abstract: Polymorphic A-kinase anchor proteins (AKAPs) and nucleic acids encoding the proteins are provided herein. Methods of detecting polymorphic AKAPs and nucleic acids encoding the AKAPs, and kits for use in the detection methods are also provided. Further provided herein are methods of identifying subjects having or at risk of developing disorders of signal transduction. Methods of determining susceptibility to morbidity and/or increased or early mortality are also provided.

Abstract: A method for the identification and treatment of pathogenic microorganism infections by inhibiting one or more enzymes in a metabolic pathway by inhibiting the conversion of substrate to produce the penultimate or ultimate product particularly by inhibiting the activity of one or more of the enzymes in the pathway

Abstract: The present invention provides modified oligonucleotide primers designed to incorporate a cleavable moiety so that a 3? portion of the primer (linked to an extension product) can be released from an upstream 5? portion of the primer. Upon selective cleavage of the cleavable site, primer extension products that contain about five or fewer base pairs of the primer sequence are released, to provide more useful sizing and sequence information per fragment than extension products containing the entire primer.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the development of a method for cosmetic delivery of L-ascorbic acid-containing compositions to the layer of the skin wherein collagen formation takes place to enhance production of collagen and thereby combat some of the effects of aging and oxy-radical damage on skin. Sufficient electric pulses applied to a region of skin surface temporarily create new pathways through the lipid skin barrier, thereby delivering an L-ascorbic acid-containing composition through the lipid skin barrier and enhancing production of collagen in the region of the skin so treated. A handheld electrical pulser apparatus, optionally table-top adaptable, and methods of use for cosmetic treatment of degenerative skin conditions are provided by the invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed that are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular and cardiac diseases and disorders, or damage resulting from surgical or medical procedures that may cause ischemic or ischemic/reperfusion damage in humans; and cardiovascular trauma. The beneficial effects of the compositions and methods are achieved through the use of pharmaceutical compositions that include agents that interfere with the production and/or biological activities of sphingolipids and their metabolites, particularly sphingosine (SPH) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S-1-P). Also disclosed are methods for identifying and isolating therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for inducing or increasing the vasodilation of a vessel. The invention further provides methods for inducing or increasing the flow of fluid through a vessel. An electrical impulse is applied to the vessel in order to induce or increase vessel vasodilation or to induce or increase the flow of fluid through the vessel. In a particular embodiment, a novel double-balloon catheter system incorporating electroporation technology has been designed and is used to apply the electrical impulse endoluminally.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the presence of an analyte is disclosed comprising a reactive layer disposed between a base plate and a movable plate. The reactive layer is configured to interact with an analyte effecting a change in capacitance between the base plate and movable plate. When the analyte has a polarity or overall Hildebrand solubility parameter that is similar to the reactive layer, the change in capacitance is caused by a swelling of the reactive layer as analyte is absorbed into the reactive layer. This results in a decrease in capacitance. When the analyte has a solubility parameter not near the reactive layer, the absorbed analyte causes the reactive layer's total polarity to increase, an effect that dominates swelling. This causes an increase in capacitance. A capacitive sensing circuit is included for measuring the change in capacitance which is indicative of the analyte exposed to the sensor.

Abstract: A method and pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting infections of pathogenic microorganisms by inhibiting the production of ADP-glucose, particularly by inhibiting the activity of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase or glycogen synthase.

Abstract: Peptides that are useful as transfection agents are described. The peptides can facilitate the efficient cellular internalization of a broad range and size of compounds that when non-covalently complexed therewith are efficiently internalized into a cell. Advantages include but are not limited to excellent transfection efficiency, relatively low toxicity, internalization by a broad host cell spectrum, and the simplicity and cost-effectiveness that arise from not having to covalently complex the peptide with a specific molecule to be delivered. Applications include but are not limited to the delivery of diagnostics and therapeutics, as well as drug discovery, gene discovery, and the analysis and/or manipulation of other cellular and molecular biological functions. Claims are made for transfection agents, compositions of matter, including pharmaceutical compositions, reagent kits, methods of delivery, and methods of identification of additional peptides for performing and/or including in the same.

Abstract: A method is provided for introducing nucleic acid into a cell, by contacting the cell with a nucleic acid and applying a low electrical field impulse for a long pulse length. A method is provided for introducing a polypeptide into a cell, by contacting the cell with the polypeptide and applying a low electrical field impulse for a long pulse length.