Abstract: Disclosed are modified red blood cells which function as deployment platforms for important biomolecules. Such modified red blood cells can confer, for example, in vivo protection against exposure to an otherwise lethal nerve agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a single use syringe. A tube, open at both ends, is provided. A plurality of needles fixed to a tether in spaced-apart relation are also provided, each needle having a proximal and a distal end. The tether and plurality of fixed needles are then deployed by introducing a first end of the tether into a first end of the tube and translating the first end of the tether to the second end of the tube thereby deploying the needles in spaced-apart relation along the length of the tube. A predetermined fluid volume is introduced into the tube and the tube is sealed at spaced-apart intervals to create a web comprising individual single use syringes, each single use syringe comprising a single needle and a fluid volume.

Abstract: Golf shots lose both distance and directional accuracy when the ball is struck at a clubface location not aligned with (i.e. directly in front of) the clubhead center of gravity (a “mishit”). High moment of inertia clubhead designs (i.e., extreme toe heel weighting) only partially reduce mishit distance loss and are limited by practical clubhead size and weight. The subject invention reduces, or totally eliminates mishit distance loss regardless of clubhead moment of inertia via designs which absorb more ball impact energy for on-center hits versus mishits thus equalizing distance. The invention allows for the use of integral or attached metal or plastic faceplates without impeding the function of such variable energy absorbing mishit corrective devices, thereby greatly improving clubhead durability, feel, and practicality, especially for irons and putters.

Abstract: The present invention provides an MHC class II antigen presentation enhancing hybrid polypeptide. The hybrid has an N-terminus comprising the mammalian Ii key peptide LRMKLPKPPKPVSKMR (SEQ ID NO: 1) and modifications thereof which retain antigen presentation enhancing activity, a C-terminus comprising an antigenic epitope in the form of a polypeptide or peptidomimetic structure which binds to the antigenic peptide binding site of an MHC class II molecule, and an intervening chemical structure covalently linking the N-terminal and C-terminal components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lens of gradient dielectric constant and methods for the production of same. The lens includes an inner core comprising a cured or fused substantially homogenous blend of glass spheres, curable or fusible binder and, as needed to increase dielectric constant, a low-loss dielectric material. The inner core preferably has a dielectric constant of about 2.0, and an interstitial void volume (representing trapped air space between elements of the cured or fused material) of from about 30% to about 50%. The lens also includes an outer shell layer comprising a cured or fused substantially homogenous blend of hollow glass spheres and curable or fusible resin. The outer shell layer preferably has a dielectric constant of about 1.0, and an interstitial void volume of from about 30% to about 50%. In addition, the lens includes a minimum of one, and preferably two or more intermediate layers, the intermediate layers having a dielectric constant falling between 1 and 2.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a ladder in a parallel orientation relative to a surface, such as a roof. The device is comprised of a flexible U-shaped internal element having an inner side, an outer side and a lower side. A slot formed between these three sides is shaped and sized to frictionally engage a ladder rail. A flexible external covering fitted to the internal element is also provided. The flexible external covering includes attachment apparatus for securing the device to the ladder rail.

Abstract: Disclosed is a toothpaste binder composition comprising semi-refined carrageenan. Examples of semi-refined carrageenan suitable for incorporation into a toothpaste binder are semi-refined kappa carrageenan and semi-refined iota carrageenan. Such a toothpaste binder may comprise, for example, semi-refined kappa carrageenan, semi-refined iota carrageenan, or a combination of both semi-refined kappa and iota carrageenan. Such a formulation is preferably comprised of about 10% to about 20% refined kappa-2/lambda carrageenan; about 35% to about 50% refined iota carrageenan; about 20% to about 30% semi-refined kappa and/or semi-refined iota carrageenan; and about 5% to about 20% standardizing agent; by dry weight. Specific formulations incorporating semi-refined carrageenan are described. Properties and characteristics exhibited by a toothpaste which incorporates the specific binder formulations are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for diagnosing the tumorigenic grade of a malignant tissue. The method entails determining the amount of dystroglycan protein of the malignant tissue relative to a standard. Suitable methods for determining the amount of dystroglycan protein of the tissue are provided, and include measuring the amount of mRNA transcripts which encode dystroglycan, and also performing western blot analysis or immunofluorescence analysis on the tissue components to detect &agr;-dystroglycan or &bgr;-dystroglycan. An antibody probe which binds specifically to the C-terminus of &bgr;-dystroglycan, is provided. This method is applicable to human malignant tissue, especially adenocarcinoma, and preferably prostate or mammary adenocarcinoma. This method can also be applied to the detection of a cancerous disease state in a tissue of a patient, with a decreased level of dystroglycan protein being indicative of the presence of cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a specific regulator of Ii protein expression or immunoregulatory function. Specifically disclosed are several forms of the specific regulator of Ii, including those which function through the formation of a duplex molecule with an RNA molecule encoding mammalian Ii protein to inhibit Ii protein synthesis at the translation level. This class includes copolymers comprised of nucleotide bases which hybridize specifically to the RNA molecule encoding mammalian Ii protein, and also expressible reverse gene constructs. In other aspects, the disclosure relates to MHC class II-positive antigen presenting cells containing a specific regulator of Ii expression. Such cells are useful, for example, in the display of autodeterminant peptides in association with MHC class II proteins. Compositions of the invention find application in methods for treating diseases, for example malignancies and autoimmune disorders, in a patient by enhancing immunological attack on undesired cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are mammalian nucleic acid sequences encoding a neuronal-specific subunit of a voltage-gated calcium channel. Specifically disclosed are &ggr;2, &ggr;3 and &ggr;4 subunits. In other aspects, the disclosure relates to expression vectors which encode neuronal-specific subunits, as well as cells containing such vectors. In other aspects, the disclosure relates to antigenic fusion proteins comprising at least a portion of a mammalian neuronal-specific subunit of a voltage-gated calcium channel. Such fusion proteins are useful, for example, in the production of antibodies specifically reactive with the subunits of the invention. The nucleic acid sequences of the invention find application, for example, in screening for compounds which modulate the activity of neuronal voltage-gated calcium channels and also in diagnostic methods for diagnosing the autoimmune disease Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, as well as diagnosing defects in &ggr; subunit genes of a patient with a neuronal disease such as epilepsy.

Abstract: The present invention is a receiver for supporting the lug end of a detachable barrel of a gun in a position that reduces the likelihood of the barrel being damaged during storage. The receiver is designed to be installed in a gun cabinet or gun safe and support a barrel by the pins at the lug end. The barrel is maintained in a vertical position above the floor of the gun cabinet or safe. By storing the barrel in a secured vertical position it is less likely that the barrel will be jarred thus knocking a gun sight out of alignment. In addition, by suspending the barrel above the floor of the gun cabinet or safe, a heavy object can not fall on the barrel causing damage. The receiver is a blank manufactured out of metal, wood, plastic, or ceramic that has a slot that provides non-friction support for the detachable barrel of a gun. The slot can either be open or, in an alternate embodiment, closed thus forming an aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bandage for closing a wound or incision, and methods for the use of same. The bandage comprises a first flat flexible component having adhesive on a lower surface and a plurality of first elongated connectors extending from one edge thereof in a first direction. The bandage further comprises a second flat flexible component having adhesive on a lower surface and one or more second elongated connectors extending from one edge thereof in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction. Pulling elements are joined to the first and second elongated connectors. Means are provided for attaching the first elongated connectors to the second flat flexible component and the second elongated connectors to the first flat flexible component.

Abstract: Disclosed are epitope-containing heat shock fusion proteins, DNA constructs encoding such fusion proteins, and methods of use. More specifically, disclosed are ubiquitin fusion proteins comprising ubiquitin fused to a plurality of identical or non-identical epitopes at specified locations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf club head, preferably a putterhead, comprising a striking face with an intended strikepoint, and a variable energy absorbing means incorporated such that maximum energy is absorbed when a golf ball is struck on the intended strikepoint and progressively less energy is absorbed as the ball is struck on the striking face at distances incrementally remote from the intended strikepoint along a horizontal axis. In preferred embodiments, the energy absorbing elements are comprised of a plurality of adjacent viscoelastic elements of predetermined and varying energy absorption. The adjacent viscoelastic elements are arranged such that energy absorption is greatest at the intended strikepoint, the plurality of adjacent viscoelastic elements cooperating to reduce the variance of, and optimally to equalize, the distance a golf ball travels when struck at the intended strikepoint, or points on the striking face remote from the intended strikepoint, with an otherwise identical stroke.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an anterior cruciate ligament ex vivo. The method comprises seeding pluripotent stem cells in a three dimensional matrix, anchoring the seeded matrix by attachment to two anchors, and culturing the cells within the matrix under conditions appropriate for cell growth and regeneration, while subjecting the matrix to one or more mechanical forces via movement of one or both of the attached anchors. Bone marrow stromal cells are preferably used as the pluripotent cells in the method. Suitable matrix materials are materials to which cells can adhere, such as a gel made from collagen type I. Suitable anchor materials are materials to which the matrix can attach, such as Goinopra coral and also demineralized bone. Optimally, the mechanical forces to which the matrix is subjected mimic mechanical stimuli experienced by an anterior cruciate ligament in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a non-Julian calendar for informing a child in determining daily intervals preceding a date of significance. A preferred multilayer embodiment comprises a lower layer having a first top surface; an upper layer disposed above said lower layer and having a second top surface; a plurality of polygonal tabs formed in said upper layer, said tabs having a front surface and a back surface, said tabs being movable from a closed to an open position; a printed artistic design or image disposed on said second top surface; a plurality of printed unique designators disposed on said second top surface, one unique designator being located on the front surface of each tab, the printed unique designators functioning to define the order in which the tabs are to be opened; and a plurality of printed message/activity areas, one printed message/activity area being revealed by the movement of a tab from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a testing device and methods for the identification of an analyte of interest in a sample. In a preferred embodiment, the testing device includes a front panel having at least one sample application aperture; a rear panel having at least one solvent application aperture; a sample collection matrix disposed between the rear panel and the front panel, the sample collection matrix being in communication with the sample and solvent application apertures of the front and rear panels; and an insertable test strip containing a reagent enabling detection of the analyte of interest.

Abstract: Cellular physiology workstations for automated data acquisition and perfusion control are described. The cellular physiology workstation may be used for physiological and electrophysiological experiments. Methods for employing such cellular physiology workstations in physiological and electrophysiological experiments are also disclosed. The cellular physiology workstations comprise one or more recording chambers each for holding one or more cells to be measured. One or more cells are place in each recording chamber. Perfusions means, such as an automatic perfusion system is connected to the recording chamber to perfuse the cells with a plurality of solutions containing different concentration of one or more agents to be tested. Biosensors, such as patch clamps, electrodes, or microscopes are positioned to detect a response from the cell. The cellular physiology workstation may optionally comprise injecting means for introducing an injection solution into the cell before and during analysis.

Abstract: The invention is a method of detecting nucleic acids in a sample using oligonucleotide probes which are noncovalently bound to solid supports for rapid, sensitive, hybridization assays. The method involves coating the support surface with a polynucleotide and then hybridizing a specific capture probe for each analyte to the polynucleotide by way of a short tail of the complementary polynucleotide. The immobilized probes are used to capture nucleic acid targets out of complex specimens for nonisotopic detection without the need for prior cell culture or purification of the target nucleic acids. A panel of tests can be run on each specimen simultaneously, a format that conserves precious samples. The assay can be readily automated, and can be conveniently run in a manual fashion on large numbers of samples in two to three hours.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating a patient suffering from the disease sarcoglycan-deficient limb-girdle muscular dystrophy by gene replacement therapy. Sarcoglycan gene replacement therapy produces extensive long-term expression of the sarcoglycan species which restores the entire sarcoglycan complex, results in the stable association of alph&agr;-dystroglycan with the sarcolemma, and eliminates the morphological markers of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for determining a specific defective sarcoglycan species in the tissue of a patient. The method involves culture of muscle cells obtained from the patient, and the independent introduction of expression vectors encoding each of the sarcoglycan species, &agr;, &bgr;, &ggr;, and &dgr;, into the cultured cells with subsequent assaying for restoration of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex.