Abstract: Double stranded DNAs, expression vectors and methods for their use are provided in which the intracellular expression of the double stranded DNAs is used to alter the phenotype of a target cell so that the function of a target nucleic acid that includes a nucleotide sequence encoding a motif of interest can be determined using a combinatorial ribozyme library. The members of the library are catalytic RNAs that disrupt the expression of the transcription product of the target nucleic acid. Disruption of transcription product expression results in an altered cell phenotype which is used to determine the function of the target nucleic acid. The specific phenotype or response may be associated with normal cellular processes, or it may contribute to the generation of pathogenesis involved in disease development. The compositions find use in high-throughput screens to assign gene functions.

Abstract: Reagents and methods are provided for crosslinking and immobilizing biomolecules, drugs and synthetic polymers. The reagents possess (i) a thiol or amino reactive group; and (ii) a hydrazino or oxyamino moiety. Conjugates and immobilized biomolecules are also provided.

Abstract: Modifications in the sequence of Aequorea wild-type GFP provide products having markedly different excitation and emission spectra from corresponding products from wild-type GFP. In one class of modifications, the product derived from the modified GFP exhibits an alteration in the ratio of two main excitation peaks observed with the product derived from wild-type GFP. In another class, the product derived from the modified GFP fluoresces at a shorter wavelength than the corresponding product from wild-type GFP. In yet another class of modifications, the product derived from the modified GFP exhibits only a single excitation peak and enhanced emission relative to the product derived from wild-type GFP.

Abstract: A cylinder sleeve for an internal combustion engine having an engine block and a cylinder head. The cylinder sleeve includes a cylindrical section having a top portion and a bottom portion, and configured to receive a cylinder piston that reciprocates in the block. The top portion is configured to mate with the cylinder head. The cylinder sleeve also includes a flange section adjacent to the top portion of the cylindrical section. The flange section is configured with a coolant groove and at least one coolant hole to provide a passageway for coolant to pass into the coolant groove of the flange section.

Abstract: A scalable, distributed, highly available, load balancing server system having multiple machines is provided that functions as a front server layer between a network (such as the Internet) and a back-end server layer having multiple machines functioning as Web file servers, FTP servers, or other application servers. The front layer machines comprise a server cluster that performs fail-over and dynamic load balancing for both server layers. The operation of the servers on both layers is monitored, and when a server failure at either layer is detected, the system automatically shifts network traffic from the failed machine to one or more operational machines, reconfiguring front-layer servers as needed without interrupting operation of the server system. The server system automatically accommodates additional machines in the server cluster, without service interruption. The system operates with a dynamic reconfiguration protocol that permits reassignment of network addresses to the front layer machines.

Abstract: A variable optical gain equalizer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention comprises a variable branching ratio beam splitter having a variable polarization rotator, the variable branching ratio beam splitter branching an input light beam into two light beams at an arbitrary power ratio, through control of the rotation angle of the polarization direction by the variable polarization rotator; an optical filter presenting different filter characteristics to the two branched output light beams; and a polarization coupler for polarization coupling the two light beams that have passed through the optical filter, wherein the rotation angle of the polarization direction is controlled by the variable polarization rotator so as to vary the spectra of the output light beams.

Abstract: A polypeptide comprising a portion of the sequence of the general formula (I): CNPGSGGRKVFELVGEPSIYCTSNDDQVGIWSG, of 6-23 amino acids in length and comprising sequence a) and/or b): a) GGRKVF, b) FELVGEPSIY multimeric and chimeric derivatives, pharmaceutiocal compositions containing them and their use in therapy.

Abstract: A unitary header/base/shorting bar holder for a micro gas generator; and a micro gas generator containing it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vertebrate intestinal protein which absorbs cholesterol. It was possible to identify the protein by means of high-affinity crosslinking compounds. The invention further relates to this use of the protein for carrying out a method for identifying a compound which inhibits cholesterol absorption in the intestine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydantoins of formula I, in which R is the residue of an amino carboxylic acid or of an amino carboxylic acid derivative, which is obtained formally by removing an NH2 group from an amino carboxylic acid or an amino carboxylic acid derivative, to the preparation thereof and to the use thereof as intermediates, in particular for preparing pharmaceutically active ingredients.

Abstract: A semi-solid delivery vehicle contains a polyorthoester and an excipient, and a semi-solid pharmaceutical composition contains an active agent and the delivery vehicle. The pharmaceutical composition may be a topical, syringable, or injectable formulation; and is suitable for local delivery of the active agent. Methods of treatment are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for manufacturing MTJ cell of MRAM wherein two annealing process with different magnitudes of applied magnetic fields are performed. In accordance with the method, the formation process of second pinned magnetic layer comprises a first annealing process and a second annealing process, wherein a magnitude of a magnetic field applied during the first annealing process being larger than that of a magnetic field applied during the second annealing process.

Abstract: A medical prosthesis for use within a body which is formed of radiation treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having substantially no detectable free radial. Preferred prosthesis exhibits reduced production of particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, and are substantially oxidation resistant. Methods of manufacturing wear resistant medical prosthesis and materials used therein are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved method for treating diabetes and or its associated complications by modulating the activity of protein tryosin phosphatase 1B (“PTP-1B”). The inventive compounds modulate the activity PTP-1B by binding to a novel binding site referred herein as the PTP-1B exosite that is distal to the active site of PTP-1B. The present invention also relates to a new and improved method of treating immune system disorders by modulating the activity of T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (“TC-PTP”). The inventive compound modulate the activity of TC-PTP by binding to a novel binding site referred herein as the TC-PTP exosite that is distal to the active site of PTP-1B.

Abstract: A production operation is controlled by electronically scanning and reading printed information at intervals along a component tape. The printed information is continuously scanned and read from the carrier tape portion or the cover tape portion of the component tape as components are removed from the component tape during a production operation. In a production facility, the data from many component tapes is transmitted simultaneously to a production control system where all data is processed. The processed data is used to automatically control a production operation by using the printed information to control resources of the production operation, resources including component inventory, equipment, and facilities.

Abstract: Semiconductor materials having a porous texture are modified with a recognition element and produce a photoluminescent response on exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The recognition elements, which can be selected from biomolecular, organic and inorganic moieties, interact with a target analyte to produce a modulated photoluminescent response, as compared with that of semiconductor materials modified with a recognition element only.

Abstract: NTNR&agr;, NTNR&agr; extracellular domain (ECD), NTNR&agr; variants, chimeric NTNR&agr; (e.g., NTNR&agr; immunoadhesion), and antibodies which bind thereto (including agonist and neutralizing antibodies) are disclosed. Various uses for these molecules are described, including methods to modulate cell activity and survival by response to NTNR&agr;-ligands, for example NTN, by providing NTNR&agr; to the cell.

Abstract: A towel dispensing device provides a device for warming towels prior to the towels being removed from the dispensing device. The dispensing device includes an electrically powered heating member, the degree of heat being controllable by the user, for warming the space of a warming chamber containing the towels to be dispensed. The towels to be dispensed can be pre-moistened by water or other fluids as required by the user. The dispensing device can also be presented as a serialized group of warming chambers; each individual chamber being able to contain towels pre-moistened with different fluids and warmed to different temperatures prior to being dispensed.

Abstract: Stable pharmaceutical preparations containing blood coagulation Factor VII is disclosed. The pharmaceutical preparations containing blood coagulation Factor VII are free of coagulation inhibitors and are stable over a wide range of environmental conditions. Also provided are blood coagulation Factor VII preparations having a minimum activity of 50 Units/mg of protein that contain less than 5% activated blood coagulation Factor VII (Factor VIIa). The blood coagulation Factor VII containing preparations may also contain other blood coagulation factors and are free from detectable transmissible human pathogens.

Abstract: Methods of treatment of cyanide-containing waste are provided. In particular, methods for treatment of spent potliner prior to landfill disposal are provided. These methods, which involve treatment of the waste with a mixture containing an aqueous oxidizing solution containing an agent, such as a metal chloride, that increases the oxidation potential of the solution, can be performed at ambient temperature and pressure.