Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit potent anti-viral activity. In particular, the invention relates to methods of using such peptides as inhibitory of hepatitis B virus (“HepB”) transmission to uninfected cells. The peptides used in the methods of the invention are homologs of the DP-178 and DP-107 peptides, peptides corresponding to amino acid residues 638 to 673, and to amino acid residues 558 to 595, respectively, of the HIV-1LAI transmembrane protein (TM) gp41.

Abstract: This invention relates to proteins (e.g., peptides) that are capable of facilitating transport of an active agent through a human or animal gastro-intestinal tissue, and derivatives (e.g., fragments) and analogs thereof, and nucleotide sequences coding for said proteins and derivatives. The proteins of the invention have use in facilitating transport of active agents from the lumenal side of the GIT into the systemic blood system, and/or in targeting active agents to the GIT. Thus, for example, by binding (covalently or noncovalently) a protein of the invention to an orally administered drug, the drug can be targeted to specific receptor sites or transport pathways which are known to operate in the human gastrointestinal tract, thus facilitating its absorption into the systemic system.

Abstract: A graphics data processing apparatus includes a graphics memory having pixel storage for storing up to a predetermined number of fragment values for the pixel. Each stored fragment value is associated with a fragment of an image that is visible in that pixel. When a new fragment is determined to be visible in the pixel, but all the available fragment values for the pixel are already in use, one of the previously stored fragment values is either replaced by, or combined with the fragment value for the new fragment. The resulting new fragment value is used to determine the color of the pixel. Alternately, if the new fragment is determined to be totally occluded by one or more of the other fragments, the new fragment may be discarded. Z-depth and Z gradient information is stored each fragment.

Abstract: This invention relates to antiviral drug susceptibility and resistance tests to be used in identifying effective drug regimens for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and further relates to the means and methods of monitoring the clinical progression of HIV infection and its response to antiretroviral therapy, particularly non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy using phenotypic susceptibility assays or genotypic assays.

Abstract: A method and system for evolving electronic circuits based on defined rules. A first approach uses a network of nodes having established topological and behavioral relationships amongst themselves. An A/D converter is developed using this approach. A second approach employs software agents to create signal filters. The software agents are allowed to evolve in signal parameter space so as to match a reference signal, subject to established evolutionary rules and parameter space constraints. Narrowband and a low-pass filters can be formed using such agents.

Abstract: Parainfluenza virus types 1 to 4 (PIV1 to PIV4) are important human pathogens that cause upper and lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in infants and children. The claimed invention is directed toward novel methods for the inhibition of parainfluenza virus transmission to a cell involving the administration of synthetic peptide fusion inhibitors. These inhibitors are derived from the parainfluenza virus and vary in length between 16 to 39 amino acids. The peptides were identified by screening for the presence of fusion inhibitory motifs (e.g., ALLMOTI5, 107x178x4, and PLZIP) within the parainfluenza virus genome. A number of peptides were identified and their fusion inhibitory activities ascertained. These peptides should provide useful antiviral agents.

Abstract: A moving image brightness variation compensation method for encoding digital moving images for transmission and storage, and for image processing when editing moving images, the moving image brightness variation compensation method comprising a step of compensating for overall brightness variations by correcting a luminance value x of each pixel according to the formula DC·x+DB, wherein DB is a parameter indicating a gain change and DC is a parameter indicating a contrast change, the parameters representing overall luminance changes between a reference image plane and an image plane being processed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which exhibit potent anti-retroviral activity. The peptides of the invention comprise DP178 (SEQ ID:1) peptide corresponding to amino acids 638 to 673 of the HIV-1LAI gp41 protein, and fragments, analogs and homologs of DP178. The invention further relates to the uses of such peptides as inhibitory of human and non-human retroviral, especially HIV, transmission to uninfected cells.

Abstract: A monoclinic single crystal with a lutetium pyrosilicate structure is described. The crystal is formed by crystallization from a congruent molten composition of LU2(1-x)M2xSi2O7 where LU is lutetium or a lutetium-based alloy which also includes one or more of scandium, ytterbium, indium, lanthanum, and gadolinium; where M is cerium or cerium partially substituted with one or more of the elements of the lanthanide family excluding lutetium; and where x is defined by the limiting level of LU substitution with M in a monoclinic crystal of the lutetium pyrosilicate structure. The LU alloy should contain greater than about 75 weight percent lutetium. The crystals exhibit excellent and reproducible scintillation response to gamma radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic resin composition capable for being used for skin materials of automotive interior parts comprising a base composition comprising a polypropylene resin, an olefin copolymer rubber, a processing oil, and a low-density polyethylene resin or a high-density polyethylene resin; an organic peroxide crosslinking agent; a crosslingking aid; and polytetrafluoroethylene resin.

Abstract: This application relates to dermatological agents for treating dermatological disorders. The dermatological agents include a therapeutically effective amount of at least one fruit extract in an amount sufficient to neutralize free radicals, a moisturizing agent in an amount sufficient to facilitate hydration of the skin, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferred fruit extracts include extracts from apricots, apples, peaches, pears, pineapples, papayas, pomegranates, cherries, kiwis, tangerines, grapes, and oranges. The most preferred extract is extract from pomegranate.

Abstract: A non-erasable ink composition suitable for use in writing instruments is described comprising an isocyanate five thermoplastic polyurethane resin, a colorant and an organic solvent. The ink composition may also include a second resin, plasticizers, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, lubricants, chemical dispersants, and surfactants. The inks of the present invention exhibit a smooth writing performance and non-seepage.

Abstract: A bone tissue removal and harvesting device is disclosed and includes a cutting tool with a cutting head, a longitudinal shaft attached to the cutting head and a drive element. A container is located on the end opposite the cutting head for collection of the removed bone. The shaft can be made flexible to permit torsion and/or bending around the longitudinal axis without damage to the bone. During the cutting operation, the bone tissue is simultaneously removed and suctioned through an opening of the cutting head and conveyed through an axial shaft bore for collection in the container. The container is detachably mounted to the drive element and connected to the shaft so as to avoid substantial pressure drops from the cutting head to the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plugs for filling vacancies in bone tissue. The plugs include a body and at least one end cap that are coupled together and may be formed from bone. The body of the plug may be a sleeve, and the plug may further include an insert configured and dimensioned to be received in the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and cattle manure. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.

Abstract: Isoindolin-1-one and Isoindoline-1,3-dione substituted in the 2-position with a 2,6-dioxo-3-hydroxypiperidin-5-yl group, which may be further substituted in the 5-position with alkyl or halogeno, and in the 4-position with alkyl or a nitrogen-containing group are inhibitors of, and thus useful in the treatment of disease states mediated by, TNF&agr;. A typical embodiment is 2-(2,6-dioxo-3-hydroxy-5-fluoro-piperidin-5-yl)-4-aminoisoindolin-1-one.

Abstract: The foregoing differential gloss covering comprises a backing substrate, an ink layer, and a cured top layer having a first surface portion with a first gloss and a second surface portion, made by the process comprising providing the backing substrate; depositing an ink formulation comprising a curing agent over at least a first area of a top side of the backing substrate to form said ink layer; coating the top side of the backing substrate with a radiation curable formulation to form a top curable layer; diffusing at least a portion of the curing agent into the top curable layer; curing the top curable layer to form the cured top layer and thereby forming a differential gloss covering having said first surface portion above the first area of said top of said backing substrate having the first gloss and the second surface portion having the second gloss that is different from said first gloss.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of blackberry plant named Driscoll Carmel. The new cultivar is distinguished from other blackberry cultivars by its high productivity, early season, and low chill requirement. Driscoll Carmel produces fruit with improved quality and shipping characteristics over a long fruiting period. The new cultivar is distinguished from its seed parent by having better flavored fruit; it is distinguished from its pollen parent by its larger fruit.