Abstract: The present invention relates to intracellular signalling molecules, in particular the Nod2 protein and nucleic acids encoding the Nod2 protein. The present invention provides isolated nucleotide sequence encoding Nod2, isolated Nod2 peptides, antibodies that specifically bind Nod2, methods for the detection of Nod2, and methods for screening compounds for the ability to alter Nod2 associated signal transduction. The present invention also provides Nod2 variant alleles. The present invention further provides methods of identifying individuals at increased risk of developing Crohn's disease.

Abstract: Fiberless optical sensors (plasticized PVC, acrylamide or gold particles) are described having a size ranging from between approximately 1 micrometer and 1 nanometer in diameter. The sensors comprise ionophores useful for the detection of intracellular analytes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the sequential separation of whey proteins using radial-flow chromatography. Different buffer systems adjusted to suitable pH and ionic strength are utilized in the separation process. The method separates at least five different proteins from whey. Infant feeding formulas, and other food formulations are also disclosed incorporating therein in different proportions various proteins separated from the whey.

Abstract: Novel retroviral vectors were constructed by making modifications to the Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) long terminal repeat (LTR). A portion of the U3 region of the MoMLV LTR was replaced with a hybrid regulatory element consisting of the human cytomegalovirus immediate-early enhancer/promoter (CMV-IE) together with the human immunodeficiency virus transactivation response element (HIV-TAR). Transfection of chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter constructs into a variety of human cell lines showed that the CMV-IE/HIV-TAR enhancer/promoter chimeric MoMLV LTR exhibited basal expression levels which were 10- to 50-fold higher than those obtained from the wild-type MoMLV LTR enhancer/promoter. Expression from the recombinant LTR was further increased in the presence of the HIV-1 Tat protein.

Abstract: An in vivo diagnostic method for differentiating normal from diseased tissue is described, using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Differences in molecular diffusion between viable and necrotic tissue, and normal and diseased tissue, are measured using diffusion-weighted MRI techniques to evaluate the success of a medical treatment regimen.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for the preparation of ribonucleic acid (RNA) samples. This method utilizes heat and guanidinium thiocyanate treatment of samples followed by alcohol precipitation and centrifugation to prepare RNA samples with a high degree of sensitivity, reliability, and ease of use. Importantly, the prevent invention provides a method in which RNA samples may be prepared so as to conserve RNA preservation and precipitation reagents and time. The samples so prepared are readily amplifiable and may be used for other purposes as well.

Abstract: Hybridization method for discriminating between complementarity and partial complementarity of DNA base sequences. Kinetic covalent entrapment of PCR-amplified target DNA is achieved through the use of crosslinkable probes. A crosslinking site is introduced into the target DNA via the PCR amplification process. Problems with renaturation of target DNA in the PCR process and in the hybridization reaction are minimized.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis and the treatment of Cryptostrongylus pulmoni, a heretofore unrecognized microscopic roundworm, are described. The roundworm's unique life cycle prevents diagnosis by traditional stool analysis methods. The methods for diagnosis and treatment entail the administration of an aerosolized formulation of an anthelmintic agent. Additionally, the invention describes a new composition of thiabendazole, a known anthelmintic agent, for aerosolized administration that can be used for diagnosing and treating the infection caused by the roundworm.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for the synthesis of novel analogs of cyclosporin A, and the use of those analogs as immunostimulatory agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a much simplified method for the preparation of nucleic acid samples. This method provides many advantages over prior sample preparation methods in terms of greater sensitivity, reliability and ease of use. Importantly, the present invention provides a method in which nucleic acid samples may be prepared so as to conserve reagents and time. The samples so prepared are readily amplifiable and may be used for other purposes as well.

Abstract: Contaminants in ground water, waste water and industrial effluents are removed using a contaminant removing media packed in a radial flow column. The radial flow column includes a fluid chamber having cylindrical inner and outer screens positioned therein. A contaminant removing media is packed in a media bed between the inner and outer screens. Contaminated water is passed through the column with the water passing through the outer screen, the contaminant removing media and out the inner screen. The contaminant removing media preferably has a size in a range between 50-400 mesh and more preferably between 150-400 mesh.

Abstract: Psoralen compound compositions are synthesized which have substitutions on the 4, 4', 5', and 8 positions of the psoralen, which yet permit their binding to nucleic acid of pathogens. Reaction conditions that photoactivate these bound psoralens result in covalent crosslinking to nucleic acid, thereby inactivating the pathogen. Higher psoralen binding levels and lower mutagenicity results in safer, more efficient, and reliable inactivation of pathogens. In addition to the psoralen compositions, the invention contemplates inactivating methods using the new psoralens.

Abstract: An electromagnetic transducer for improving hearing in a hearing impaired person comprises a magnet assembly and a coil secured inside a housing which is fixed to an ossicle of a middle ear. The coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet. The magnet assembly and coil are configured such that conducting alternating electrical current through the coil creates magnetic field thereby causing the magnet assembly and coil to vibrate relative to one another. Because the coil is more rigidly secured to the housing than the magnet assembly, the vibrations of the coil cause the housing to vibrate. The vibrations are conducted to the oval window of the ear via the ossicles. In alternate embodiments, the transducer is secured to ossicular prostheses that are secured within the middle ear.

Abstract: A device and method for melting ice and snow from walkways and steps is described. The device includes a rigid block of heat-conducting plastic suitable for mounting on steps. An electrical heating element provides heat. The heat is distributed to the entire block and melts the snow or ice on the surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for custom tailoring and manufacturing apparel by using numerous try-on apparels of differing, pre-determined dimensions to make a finished product. A system is used to keep track of the number of try-on apparels and each of their dimensions. As a consumer tries on one of these try-on apparels, a device associated with the system is used to collect the consumer's responses about fit. If one try-on apparel does not fit, the system suggests a next one to try, according to pre-defined rules. When a particular try-on apparel's fit has been approved for purchase by the consumer, this is reported to a manufacturing system, where a piece of apparel corresponding to the dimensions of the approved try-on apparel is cut, stitched, treated, and shipped as a finished apparel.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for preventing and treating sepsis in humans and other animals. Surgical patients, low birth weight infants, burn and trauma victims, as well as other individuals at risk can be treated prophylactically. Methods for treating acute infections with advantages over current therapeutic approaches are provided. Conjugates and methods of making conjugates for the prevention and treatment of sepsis are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water slide which includes a device for reducing the impact felt by riders or users when they contact the slower-moving water at the bottom of an incline. Such slower moving water can be particularly injurious to a user who is traveling at relatively high speed (e.g., down a particularly long or steep slope). The device for reducing impact is a section of slide of predetermined length which includes air injection nozzles for reducing the apparent density and viscosity and increasing compressibility of the water to enable the user to slow down more gradually by transitioning from reduced density water to normal density water.

Abstract: A means for cleaving a nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner is disclosed. A cleaving enzyme having 5' nuclease activity without interfering nucleic acid synthetic ability is employed as the basis of a novel method of detection of specific nucleic acid sequences. Cleaving enzymes are produced through the use of novel DNA sequences which encode novel thermostable polymerases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and media for the isolation and presumptive identification of various bacteria. In particular, the organisms commonly associated with urinary tract infections are distinguished based on their colonial morphology and color.

Abstract: A sheet feeder includes a pneumatic picker for picking the top sheet from a stack of sheets, and a flipper for inverting upside-down sheets. The picker has a row of suction cups, supplied with vacuum through hoses, for picking up the top sheet. The lip of each suction cup is inclined to the top surface of the stack at a fixed angle. If the angle is properly chosen, exactly one sheet will be picked up as the picker is moved onto and away from the stack. The inclined suction cups are for permeable materials such as cloth. The picked sheet may be inverted by a twisted-belt flipper if needed. The flipper has four rollers with axes in a rectangular configuration, and two twisted belts. Each belt is wrapped around a pair of rollers on opposite corners of the rectangle, and the belts run closely in between the far pairs. A sheet will be flipped as it travels through, held between the two belts. To select which sheets are to be flipped, a photocell and gate work to direct sheets into or around the flipper.