Abstract: The invention provides a novel amino acid, neo-tryptophan, as well as polypeptides containing this novel amino acid such as neurotensin analogs. In addition, the invention provides neo-tryptophan derivatives, serotonin-like neo-tryptophan derivatives, and polypeptides containing such derivatives. The invention also provides methods for making neo-tryptophan, neo-tryptophan derivatives, serotonin-like neo-tryptophan derivatives, and compositions containing these compounds. Further, the invention provides methods for inducing a neurotensin response in a mammal as well as methods for treating a mammal having a serotonin recognition molecule.

Abstract: The invention provides vitamin k-dependent polypeptides with enhanced membrane binding affinity. These polypeptides can be used to modulate clot formation in mammals. Methods of modulating clot formation in mammals are also described.

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 matched in size, as are the second transistors. The bias terminals of the first and second transistors serve as inputs to the amplifier circuit. The output of the amplifier circuit is associated with the differential pair output nodes of only similarly sized transistors, such that loads at the output of the amplifier circuit are sourced with current only from similarly sized transistors of the transistor pairs. The variable current generators may be adjusted to create offset in the output of amplifier circuit. 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: A fixation plate kit for fixation of a distal radius facture includes a fixation plate and a member. The fixation plate includes an elongated plate having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion includes a first surface, a second surface extending from and forming an angle with the first surface, and at least one first opening in the first surface. The proximal portion has a length and a width and is generally curved across its width over its length. The member is configured to be mounted in the first opening, extend from the first opening, and be inserted into a radius. The member may be integrally mounted in the first opening or may be an articulating member that extends from the distal portion over multiple angles and orientations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel isolated and purified fungus Hirsutella minnesotensis. The present invention also provides a pesticidal composition of an effective amount of an isolated and purified fungal strain of Hirsutella rhossiliensis or Hirsutella minnesotensis that is capable of controlling nematode infestation and a carrier. Further, the present invention provides methods of controlling nematode infestation.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising a recombinant nucleic acid vector including a nucleotide sequence encoding a syncytium-inducing polypeptide expressible on a eukaryotic cell surface, and a host cell containing the recombinant vector and expressing the syncytium inducing polypeptide on its cell surface, the vectors and resultant host cells expressing the syncytium inducing polypeptide being useful for selective elimination of unwanted cells.

Abstract: A nonlinear optical chromophore having the formula D-&pgr;-A, wherein &pgr; is a &pgr; bridge including a thiophene ring having oxygen atoms bonded directly to the 3 and 4 positions of the thiophene ring, D is a donor, and A is an acceptor.

Abstract: The invention provides vitamin K-dependent polypeptides with enhanced membrane binding affinity. These polypeptides can be used to modulate clot formation in mammals. Methods of modulating clot formation in mammals are also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making complex carbohydrates in a bacterial production cell are disclosed. The complex carbohydrates that can be made include oligosaccharides and polysaccharides of bacterial or mammalian origin.

Abstract: The invention involves methods and materials for extracellularly administering PNA oligomers to living cells. Specifically, the invention provides methods of treating living cells with PNA oligomers such that the oligomers cross biological barriers and engender a biological response in a sequence specific manner. In addition, the invention provides methods and materials for orally administering PNA oligomers to animals such that the oligomers cross biological barriers and engender a biological response in a sequence specific manner. This invention also provides methods of screening potential PNA oligomers for the ability to engender a sequence specific biological response. Further, this invention provides methods of identifying the function of polypeptides and of determining the relative turnover rate of functional polypeptides.

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

Abstract: An optical optical waveguide channel is formed in an intermediate layer of a printed circuit board (PCB) so that opto-electronic components on integrated circuit (IC) chips mounted on the PCB may be optically interconnected. At each end of the optical waveguide channel is an optical waveguide path perpendicularly extending from the end of the channel to a surface of the printed circuit board. An IC chip mounted on the PCB may include a die flip-mounted on a substrate. An optically transducing surface of the opto-electronic component is directed downward toward the substrate. Optical waveguide paths extend perpendicularly through the substrate, coupling with the optically transducing surfaces. The IC chips are mounted on the PCB, aligning the optical waveguide paths in the substrates with the optical waveguide paths in the PCB.

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: Methods for killing bone cancer cells and for treating bone cancer are described.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a mixture of hydrocarbons having a well-defined chemical composition that is suitable for use as a dielectric coolant in electrical equipment in general, and specifically in transformers. The dielectric coolants of the present invention are particularly suited for use in sealed, non-vented transformers, and have improved performance characteristics, including decreased degradation of the paper insulating layers, as well as a greater degree of safety and environmental acceptability. The present dielectric coolants comprise relatively pure blends of compounds selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbons, polyalphaolefins, polyol esters, and natural vegetable oils, along with additives to improve pour point, increase stability and reduce oxidation rate.

Abstract: A class of novel compounds is described for use in affecting lymphatic absorption of cholesterol. Compounds of particular interest are defined by Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: Materials and methods for transferring nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide for treating a disease or disorder into populations of quiescent cells such as haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), using retroviral packaging cell lines and retroviral particles expressing and display a growth factor such as stem cell factor (SCF) on the cell surface or as a fusion with a viral envelope protein. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising the retroviral packaging cell lines and retroviral particles, and their use in methods of medical treatment, in vivo and ex vivo.

Abstract: Plants are disclosed that contain a recombinant nucleic acid construct comprising a nucleic acid encoding a cytosolic acetyl coA-carboxylase (ACCase) operably linked to a promoter. Seeds produced from such plants exhibit statistically significantly increased oil content as compared to seeds produced by a corresponding plant lacking the nucleic acid encoding the ACCase. Methods of producing seeds exhibiting statistically significantly increased oil content are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention involves methods and materials for extracellularly administering PNA oligomers to living cells. Specifically, the invention provides methods and materials of treating living cells with PNA oligomers such that the oligomers cross biological barriers and engender a biological response in a sequence specific manner. In addition, the invention provides methods and materials for orally administering PNA oligomers to animals such that the oligomers cross biological barriers and engender a biological response in a sequence specific manner. The invention also provides sense and antisense PNA oligomers that modulate transcription and translation, respectively. The invention also provides mismatch PNA oligomers that modulate the degree of an engendered biological response. In addition, the invention provides methods and materials for detecting PNA oligomers within a biological sample collected from an animal.

Abstract: Biopolymers and biopolymer blends, including block copolymers, prepared via enzyme-mediated catalysis preferably in a microorganism host in which the reaction conditions are selected to produce biopolymers and biopolymer blends having particular chemical compositions and microstructures.