Abstract: In a method for controlling sample introduction in microcolumn separation techniques, more particularly in capillary electrophoresis (CRE), where a sample is injected as a sample plug into a sampling device which comprises at least a channel for the electrolyte buffer and a supply and drain channel for the sample. The supply and drain channels discharge into the electrolyte channel at respective supply and drain ports. The distance between the supply port and the drain port geometrically defines a sample volume. The injection of the sample plug into the electrolyte channel is accomplished electrokinetically by applying an electric field across the supply and drain channels for a time at least long enough that the sample component having the lowest electrophoretic mobility is contained within the geometrically defined volume. The supply and drain channels each are inclined to the electrolyte channel. Means are provided for electrokinetically injecting the sample into the sample volume.

Abstract: In a method for controlling sample introduction in microcolumn separation techniques, more particularly in capillary electrophoresis (CE), where a sample is injected as a sample plug into a sampling device which comprises at least a channel for the electrolyte buffer and a supply and drain channel for the sample. The supply and drain channels discharge into the electrolyte channel at respective supply and drain ports. The distance between the supply port and the drain port geometrically defines a sample volume. The injection of the sample plug into the electrolyte channel is accomplished electrokinetically by applying an electric field across the supply and drain channels for a time at least long enough that the sample component having the lowest electrophoretic mobility is contained within the geometrically defined volume. The supply and drain channels each are inclined to the electrolyte channel. Means are provided for electrokinetically injecting the sample into the sample volume.

Abstract: In a method for controlling sample introduction in microcolumn separation techniques, more particularly in capillary electrophoresis (CE), where a sample is injected as a sample plug into a sampling device which comprises at least a channel for the electrolyte buffer and a supply and drain channel for the sample. The supply and drain channels discharge into the electrolyte channel at respective supply and drain ports. The distance between the supply port and the drain port geometrically defines a sample volume. The injection of the sample plug into the electrolyte channel is accomplished electrokinetically by applying an electric field across the supply and drain channels for a time at least long enough that the sample component having the lowest electrophoretic mobility is contained within the geometrically defined volume. The supply and drain channels each are inclined to the electrolyte channel. Means are provided for electrokinetically injecting the sample into the sample volume.

Abstract: In a method for controlling sample introduction in microcolumn separation techniques, more particularly in capillary electrophoresis (CE), where a sample is injected as a sample plug into a sampling device which comprises at least a channel for the electrolyte buffer and a supply and drain channel for the sample. The supply and drain channels discharge into the electolyte channel at respective supply and drain ports. The distance between the supply port and the drain port geometrically defines a sample volume. The injection of the sample plug into the electrolyte channel is accomplished electrokinetically by applying an electric field across the supply and drain channels for a time at least long enough that the sample component having the lowest electrophoretic mobility is contained within the geometrically defined volume. The supply and drain channels each are inclined to the electrolyte channel. Means are provided for electrokinetically injecting the sample into the sample volume.

Abstract: Disclosed are invertebrate and vertebrate synaptic vesicle amino acid transporter compositions which define a novel family of transporter proteins, recombinant vectors and cells comprising nucleic acid sequences encoding vertebrate synaptic vesicle amino acid transporter proteins and antibodies directed against such proteins. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such compositions in screening assays and treatment regimens.

Abstract: A method for phase shifting the circadian pacemaker or treating seasonal affective disorder in a subject is disclosed. The method includes exposing the subject's eye region to a given-intensity light flash having a flash duration of between about 1-500 msec, at a periodicity of at least about one flash per minute, over a selected time period effective, were the subject exposed to a continuous light pulse of the same intensity for this period, to phase shift the circadian pacemaker or treat the seasonal affective disorder in the subject. Also disclosed is a device for practicing the method.

Abstract: Substantially-isolated polynucleotides encoding human polypeptides having immunomodulatory activity; human homologs of yeast RAD50, Drosophila Septin-2 and rat Acyl-CoA Synthetase compositions and methods; method for detecting the presence of activated T-cells.

Abstract: A stent graft assembly for use in placing a stent graft in a vessel of a patient comprising a balloon delivery catheter having a distal extremity and having an inflatable balloon on the distal extremity. A stent graft disposed over the inflatable balloon. The stent graft comprises a stent and a graft in the form of a polymeric sleeve extending over at least a portion of the graft. The graft has first and second ends. First and second expandable security rings are disposed over the first and second ends of the graft and serve to secure the first and second ends of the graft to the stent to prevent inadvertent displacement of the graft with respect to the stent during deployment of the stent graft into the vessel of the patient.

Abstract: In a method for controlling sample introduction in microcolumn separation techniques, more particularly in capillary electrophoresis (CE), where a sample is injected as a sample plug into a sampling device which comprises at least a channel for the electrolyte buffer and a supply and drain channel for the sample. The supply and drain channels discharge into the electolyte channel at respective supply and drain ports. The distance between the supply port and the drain port geometrically defines a sample volume. The injection of the sample plug into the electrolyte channel is accomplished electrokinetically by applying an electric field across the supply and drain channels for a time at least long enough that the sample component having the lowest electrophoretic mobility is contained within the geometrically defined volume. The supply and drain channels each are inclined to the electrolyte channel. Means are provided for electrokinetically injecting the sample into the sample volume.

Abstract: A biosensor apparatus for detecting a binding event between a ligand and receptor. The apparatus includes a biosensor surface and surface-bound two-subunit heterodimer complexes composed of first and second, preferably oppositely charged peptides that together form an &agr;-helical coiled-coil heterodimer. The first peptide is attached to the biosensor surface, and the second peptide carries the ligand, accessible for binding by a ligand-binding agent. Binding of anti-ligand binding agent to the surface-bound ligand is detected by a suitable detector. A ligand-specific biosensor surface can be readily prepared from a universal template containing the first charged peptide, by addition of a selected ligand attached to the second peptide.

Abstract: A biosensor apparatus for detecting a binding event between a ligand and receptor. The apparatus includes a biosensor surface and surface-bound two-subunit heterodimer complexes composed of first and second, preferably oppositely charged peptides that together form an &agr;-helical coiled-coil heterodimer. The-first peptide is attached to the biosensor surface, and the second peptide carries the ligand, accessible for binding by a ligand-binding agent. Binding of anti-ligand binding agent to the surface-bound ligand is detected by a suitable detector. A ligand-specific biosensor surface can be readily prepared from a universal template containing the first charged peptide, by addition of a selected ligand attached to the second peptide.

Abstract: A stent graft for implantation in a vessel in a human body comprising inner and outer concentric coaxial tubular sleeves formed of a flexible material compatible for use in the human body and each having first and second ends. A plurality of separate expandable metallic rings disposed axially within and between the inner and outer sleeves. Bands of a flexible material compatible with the flexible material utilized for the inner and outer sleeves disposed between the rings and within and between the inner and outer sleeves.

Abstract: The invention provides an olive-derived dietary supplement comprising hydroxytyrosol and oleoeuropein in specific weight ratios.

Abstract: The present invention defines a DNA: protein-binding assay useful for screening libraries of synthetic or biological compounds for their ability to bind DNA test sequences. The assay is versatile in that any number of test sequences can be tested by placing the test sequence adjacent to a defined protein binding screening sequence. Binding of molecules to these test sequence changes the binding characteristics of the protein molecule to its cognate binding sequence. When such a molecule binds the test sequence the equilibrium of the DNA:protein complexes is disturbed, generating changes in the concentration of free DNA probe. Numerous exemplary target test sequences (SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:600) are set forth. The assay of the present invention is also useful to characterize the preferred binding sequences of any selected DNA-binding molecule.

Abstract: Viral proteins derived from an enterically transmitted non-A/non-B viral hepatitis agent (HEV) are disclosed. In one embodiment, the protein is immunologically reactive with antibodies present in individuals infected with the viral hepatitis agent. This protein is useful in a diagnostic method for detecting infection by the enterically transmitted agent. Specific epitopes have been identified that are reactive with sera of individual infected with different strains of HEV. Also disclosed are DNA probes derived from a cloned sequence of the viral agent. These probes are useful for identifying and sequencing the entire viral agent and for assaying the presence of the viral agent in an infected sample, by using probe-specific amplification of virus-derived DNA fragments.

Abstract: A composite expandable device for delivery into a vessel carrying blood comprising an expandable support frame having first and second end portions. An impervious polymer sleeve having inner and outer surfaces extending over the support frame. A coating is disposed on at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the polymer sleeve for enhancing endothelial cell growth on the device and polymer sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention concerns devices, apparatus and methods for transferring liquids. One aspect of the present invention is a device comprising a plate having a plurality of transfer elements. Each of the transfer elements comprises an aperture in the plate where the aperture is capable of being electrically activated. The plate has one of more attaching elements for attaching the plate to a multiwell plate to form a sealed system except for the apertures of the transfer elements. Usually, the device is adapted for sealing attachment to a multiwell plate. In a method in accordance with the present invention a quantity of liquid is disposed to a second side of a plate having a plurality of apertures in the plate. The apertures are capable of being electrically activated. The liquid is present in a closed well except for the apertures in the plate. To simultaneously expel liquid from the apertures, the apertures are electrically activated.

Abstract: Viral proteins derived from an enterically transmitted non-A/non-B viral hepatitis agent (HEV) are disclosed. In one embodiment, the protein is immunologically reactive with antibodies present in individuals infected with the viral hepatitis agent. This protein is useful in a diagnostic method for detecting infection by the enterically transmitted agent. Specific epitopes have been identified that are reactive with sera of individual infected with different strains of HEV. Also disclosed are DNA probes derived from a cloned sequence of the viral agent. These probes are useful for identifying and sequencing the entire viral agent and for assaying the presence of the viral agent in an infected sample, by using probe-specific amplification of virus-derived DNA fragments.