Abstract: A novel strategy for monitoring the expression of a transgene in a patient is disclosed. A marker peptide is genetically fused to either the N-terminus or C-terminus of the product of a transgene through a linker peptide which bears the recognition sequence of a host cell protease. Expression of the transgene results in release of the marker peptide into extracellular body fluid of the patient in proportion to the amount of transgene product. The level of the released marker peptide serves as an indicator of the level of transgene expression. The system is particularly useful for monitoring the expression of therapeutic transgenes and production of the therapeutic gene product.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and materials for improving or maintaining hair care. Such hair care compositions can contain a grape skin extract, a benzophenone, and/or an aryl benzotriazole. In addition, the hair care methods and materials can provide protection against sun exposure (e.g., exposure to ultraviolet radiation) and repeated chemical treatment.

Abstract: Methods and kits for determining prostate cancer prognosis in a subject are described. The hybridization pattern of a set of chromosomal probes is correlated with prostate cancer prognosis in the subject.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a dielectric fluid for use in electrical equipment comprising a vegetable oil or vegetable oil blend. In another aspect the invention provides devices for generating and distributing electrical energy that incorporate a dielectric fluid comprising a vegetable oil or vegetable oil blend. Methods of retrofilling electrical equipment with vegetable oil based dielectric fluids also are provided.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for generating temperature gradients is described. The apparatus includes a semiconductive wafer and electrical connectors attached to, preferably, one of the edges of the wafer. Methods for transferring the temperature gradients to strata are described. The temperature gradients on the strata can be used for analyses of molecules, particularly biological macromolecules. The present invention also includes improved methods for determining the thermal stability of binding complexes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for ameliorating the clinical signs of an avian pneumovirus infection in a bird are disclosed. The compositions include immunologically effective amounts of an attenuated or inactivated avian pneumovirus. Methods for preparing an attenuated avian pneumovirus composition are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to detect Group A Streptococcus (GAS) in biological samples using real-time PCR. Primers and probes for the detection of GAS are provided by the invention. Articles of manufacture containing such primers and probes for detecting GAS are further provided by the invention.

Abstract: A novel strategy for monitoring the location of a transgene in a mammal is disclosed. A sodium iodide symporter is genetically fused to either the N-terminus or C-terminus of the product of a transgene through a linker peptide which bears the recognition sequence of a host cell protease. Expression of the transgene confers the activity of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) to a host cell which expresses the transgene. Subsequent administration of labeled iodine results in transport of the labeled iodine into the cell bearing the NIS, which can then be localized and measured using standard imaging techniques. The system is particularly useful for monitoring the location of therapeutic transgenes and tissue-specific distribution of the therapeutic gene product.

Abstract: Fat compositions that contain a vegetable oil and a plant-derived wax component are described. Food and cosmetic products containing such fat compositions also are described.

Abstract: An endogenous oil extracted from Brassica seeds is disclosed that contains, after crushing and extraction, greater than 86% oleic acid and less than 2.5% &agr;-linolenic acid. The oil also contains less than 7% linoleic acid. The Brassica seeds are produced by plants that contain seed-specific inhibition of microsomal oleate desaturase and microsomal linoleate desaturase gene expression. Such inhibition can be created by cosuppression or antisense technology. Such an oil has a very high oxidative stability in the absence of added antioxidants.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting vulnerable plaque within a blood vessel are disclosed. An elongate medical device in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A substrate is fixed to the elongate shaft proximate the distal end thereof, and a plurality of sensors are disposed on the substrate. Each sensor is preferably coupled to a switching device. The switching devices are preferably disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: A coil element with no solder joints is made of a continuous conductive strip includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a conductive path between the first terminal and the second terminal. The conductive path has curved regions and foldable hinge regions shaped such that the coil element may be folded into single or multi-turn coils for use in transformers and other electronic devices.

Abstract: An adjustable tethering device for various objects, including horses and other animals, includes a tie arm attachment structure, an elongated tie arm, a brace and a support structure which includes a bearing surface. The tie arm has one end pivotally attached to the tie arm attachment structure. The other end of the tie arm has an attachment point to which a lead of the object being restrained, such as a horse, may be attached. One end of the brace is pivotally attached to the tie arm between the tie arm attachment structure and the attachment point. The opposite end of the brace is supported by the bearing surface of the support structure when the tie arm is in an elevated position. In one embodiment, the tie arm attachment structure and the support structure comprise a single C channel. When used on a structure such as a trailer the adjustable tethering device may be adjusted between a travel position and one or more elevated positions.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that efficiently resupplies radioactive seeds to a brachytherapy applicator. A seed-holding system includes a holder and a transfer device. The holder, which may be disposable, stores the radioactive seeds and the transfer device, which may be reusable, helps shield and dispense the seeds. The holder is coupled to the transfer device, and the apparatus is mated to an applicator. After seeds have been dispensed, the apparatus may be disconnected from the applicator and the empty holder may be ejected from the transfer device, and replaced with a full holder.

Abstract: A catheter delivery system for delivering a treatment substance to an occlusion in a lumen of a tubular vessel includes a tubular catheter and a treatment substance. The tubular catheter includes a central lumen passing between a proximal end and a distal end adjacent to an inflatable balloon. The treatment substance is in a form that is configured to be deliverable through the central lumen of the catheter into the lumen of the tubular vessel and to solidify in the vessel.

Abstract: Novel synthases and the corresponding nucleic acids encoding such synthases are disclosed herein. Such synthases possess an active site pocket that includes key amino acid residues that are modified to generate desired terpenoid reaction intermediates and products. Synthase modifications are designed based on, e.g., the three-dimensional coordinates of tobacco 5-epi-aristolochene synthase, with or without a substrate bound in the active site.

Abstract: A canola line has been stabilized to produce seeds having an &agr;-linolenic acid content of less than that of generic canola oil, more preferably less than or equal to about 7% &agr;-linolenic acid relative to total fatty acid content of said seed and a total glucosinolate content of less than 18 &mgr;mol/g of defatted meal, more preferably less than or equal to about 15 &mgr;mol/g of defatted meal. This canola line has reduced sulfur content of less than or equal to 3.0 ppm, improved sensory characteristics and increased oxidative stability.

Abstract: A variable offset amplifier circuit includes two differential transistor pairs and a variable current generator coupled to each differential pair to control tail current. Each differential transistor pair has a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistors are for coupling to first and second loads. A current mirror and shunt is coupled to shunt a portion of current flowing through one of the first transistors from flowing through a correspondingly coupled load. The shunt current is mirrored from one of the second transistors to provide either positive current feedback or negative current feedback. The amplifier circuit has applications in a comparator circuit that also has a regenerative latch circuit, and as a sense amplifier in a receiver of a communications system.

Abstract: Methods for identifying differentially expressed mRNA molecules are described, as well as methods for amplifying nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: Novel synthases and the corresponding nucleic acids encoding such synthases are disclosed herein. Such synthases possess an active site pocket that includes key amino acid residues that are modified to generate desired terpenoid reaction intermediates and products. Synthase modifications are designed based on, e.g., the three-dimensional coordinates of tobacco 5-epi-aristolochene synthase, with or without a substrate bound in the active site.