Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for promoting plant growth. The compounds are cyclopropyl-, cyclobutyl-, and cyclopentyl-substituted brassinosteroids having high growth promoting ability. They may be used alone or in combination with other plant growth regulating agents.

Abstract: A method is provided for assessing the toxicity of a compound in a test organism by measuring gene expression profiles of selected tissues. Gene expression profiles are measured by massively parallel signature sequencing of cDNA libraries constructed from mRNA extracted from the selected tissues. Gene expression profiles provide extensive information on the effects of administering a compound to a test organism in both acute toxicity tests and in prolonged and chronic toxicity tests.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus, system, and method for two dimensional electrophoresis of analytes of interest, particularly polypeptides. The apparatus includes a sample separation cavity comprising (1) an electrophoresis region located along an upper portion of the cavity for performing charge and/or size-based electrophoresis in a first dimension along the upper portion, and (2) below the electrophoresis region, a second electrophoresis region for performing electrophoresis in a second dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first dimension. In one preferred embodiment, the second electrophoresis region contains an isoelectric focusing region containing a continuous pKa gradient immobilized on at least one of the major opposing surfaces of the cavity.

Abstract: Effective corrosion inhibitors having minimal organic content, particularly suitable for use in municipal drinking water systems, are described. The preferred corrosion inhibiting additive is an aqueous solution of a stannous halide, preferably stannous chloride.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided lipid-conjugated polyamide compounds and related compositions and methods thereof. Lipid-conjugated polyamide compounds of the present invention are particularly useful as vehicles for delivering biologically active agents to a target site. In particular, the invention compounds are effective at facilitating the delivery of polynucleotides to cells. The present invention also provides a method for producing stable formulations of polynucleotides complexed with a delivery vehicle.

Abstract: An improvement in adaptor-based sequence analysis is provided that addresses the problems created by self-ligation of target polynucleotides that have complementary ends. The improvement includes preparation of target polynucleotides with dephosphorylated 5′ strands and the use of adaptors having a 3′ blocking group. In a preferred embodiment, adaptors are ligated to target polynucleotides by a single strand, 3′ blocking groups are removed, the adjacent 5′ hydroxyl of the target polynucleotide is phosphorylated, and the ligation of the adaptor is completed by treatment with a ligase.

Abstract: The invention provides 1,4-naphthoquinone compounds and a method for inhibiting tumor cell growth in a subject by administering such compounds. The compounds are represented by the structures: where R1 is lower alkyl, halogenated lower alkyl, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, or —(CH2)mCOOX, where m is 2 or 3 and X is H, methyl, or ethyl; R2 is halo or NHY, where Y is hydrogen, loweralkyl, halogenated lower alkyl, hydroxylated lower alkyl, lower dialkylaminoalkyl, phenyl, benzyl, or phenethyl; R3 is lower alkyl, halogenated lower alkyl, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, or —(CH2)mCOOX, where m and X are as defined for R1 above; and R4 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower aminoalkyl, halogenated lower alkyl, phenyl, benzyl, or phenethyl.

Abstract: Modified oligonucleotides 3′-NHP(O)(O−)O-5′ phosphoramidates were synthesized on a solid phase support. The phosphoramidate analogs were found to have significantly increased resistance toward phosphodiesterase digestion. Thermal dissociation experiments demonstrated that these compounds form more stable duplexes than phosphodiesters with complementary DNA and particularly RNA strands. Further, the phosphoramidate analogs can also form stable triplexes with double-stranded DNA target, where under similar conditions parent phosphodiester compounds failed to do so.

Abstract: Ether-linked phospholipids, derivatized at the polar head group with polyethylene glycol chains having molecular weights greater than 2,000 daltons, are disclosed. Lipid bilayers containing these phospholipids show high oxidative stability. Also disclosed is the use of PEG-derivatized ether-linked lipids in moisturizing and radiation-protective cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: Liposomal bupivacaine compositions are prepared using an ammonium sulfate gradient loading procedure, at a pH which prevents precipitation of the drug from the loading solution. Also described are liposome suspensions comprising `GMV` (giant multivesicular) liposomes and methods for their preparation. The liposomal compositions are characterized by high drug-to-lipid ratios and provide long term analgesia.

Abstract: A novel class of peptides selectively block class E voltage-gated calcium channels. The class is exemplified by HG peptides such as HG-1, which is isolated from the venom-producing cells of the tarantula Hysterocrates gigas. Also disclosed are methods of producing blocking class E channels using the peptides. HG peptides have utility, for example, in inhibiting oxytocin release and for use as anticonvulsants.

Abstract: Compounds useful in immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory treatment are described. The compounds are hydrolyzable triptolide analogs with improved water solubility and generally lower toxicity than the parent compound.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus which permits the efficient purging of leaked process gas at the component-panel interface in an integrated gas panel system. The apparatus provides conduit structure for directing a flow of purging gas through a surface interface whereat a gas-manifold panel meets gas-manifold components. A further aspect of the invention provides a method for efficiently purging process gas which might leak out at the component-panel interface in an integrated gas panel system. The method includes the step of simultaneously directing a stream of purging gas along a pathway extending over the surface interface and along a pathway which intersects and passes through the surface interface.

Abstract: Bax-.omega. polynucleotides and polypeptides, and compositions effective to hybridize to Bax-.omega. polynucleotides are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for altering apoptosis in cells, for promoting cell survival and for identifying compounds capable of affecting the binding of Bax-.omega. to other proteins involved in apoptosis.

Abstract: A thermocycling apparatus comprising a plurality of capillaries for moving DNA-containing samples between two or more discrete zones maintained at selected elevated temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new and improved pharmaceutical composition and method for delivery of therapeutic agents. The methods and composition of the invention can be used with several therapeutic agents and can achieve site specific delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic substance. This can allow for lower doses and for improved efficacy with drugs which traditionally reach targeted sites and can result in improved utility for agents such as oligonucleotides and polynucleotides which are plagued with problems with biodistribution.

Abstract: A data-driven electrochemical grinding apparatus and method produces series of finished-cut, burr-free tube sections of precisely defined lengths. The data-driven process automatically inputs desired tube lengths, tracks the cut tube sections during the process, and produces recorded output of tube and process parameters. Such tube sections are particularly suitable for use in ultrahigh purity gas cabinets used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a detergent powder containing enzymes where the enzymes are extracted from a fermentation broth with a salt and surfactant mixture and directly agglomerated with detergent paste and dried to form the detergent powder. The process results in a two phase system where the enzyme is extracted into the surfactant rich phase and the second phase is salt rich. The process is especially useful for whole or clarified fermentation broths.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a family of unique antimycotic lipopeptide compounds produced by Pseudomonas viridiflava. The lipopeptides are effective against both human and plant fungal pathogens, and are typically characterized by their ability to inhibit growth of Candida albicans. Representative lipopeptides of the invention have molecular weights of 1137, 1153, 1164 and 1181 daltons.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for rapidly detecting or isolating a target nucleic acid sequence in a polynucleotide-containing sample. The sample is exposed to a rapid pairing reagent, which contains a rapid capture component, effective to rapidly and non-selectively bind polynucleotides, and a target specific probe, effective to selectively bind the target nucleic acid sequence. Selectively disrupting the binding between the capture component and polynucleotides leaves only target sequence bound to the rapid pairing reagent.