Abstract: An ablation apparatus includes a handpiece, an electrode extending from a handpiece distal end, a probe, a thermal sensor and an energy source. The electrode includes a distal end and a lumen, a cooling medium inlet conduit and a cooling medium exit conduit. Both conduits extend through the electrode lumen to an electrode distal end. A sidewall port, isolated from a cooling medium flowing in the inlet and outlet conduits, is formed in the electrode. The probe is at least partially positionable in the electrode lumen and configured to be advanced and retracted in and out of the sidewall aperture. The thermal sensor is supported by the probe. The electrode is coupled to an energy source.

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 frictionless transport apparatus for transporting an object from a first to a second station is disclosed. The apparatus has a frame extending between the first and second stations and a carriage mounted for movement along said frame, in a levitated condition. A substantial portion of the weight of the carriage and load is supported by biasing magnets on the frame and carriage. The carriage and load are stabilized in a levitated condition by magnetic interactions between a diamagnetic plate on the carriage and a magnetic array extending along the frame. The carriage is moved in its levitated condition by a frictionless drive system, such as an electromagnetic, electrostatic, or pneumatic drive system. Also disclosed is a method of frictionless transport of an object between first and second stations.

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

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: A liposome composition comprising small, surface-bound effector molecules is disclosed. The liposomes have a surface layer of hydrophilic polymer chains, for enhanced circulation time in the bloodstream. The effector molecules are attached to the distal ends of the polymer chains. In one embodiment, the effector is polymyxin B, for treatment of septic shock.

Abstract: A modular drug delivery system for use by cardiothoracic surgeons and interventional cardiologists for delivery of molecular and cellular therapies that target genes, molecules and peptides. The regulated drug delivery devices comprise a modular mechanically actuated drug delivery module (DDM) that can be attached to either a surgical viewing endoscope hand-piece or specialized catheter for interventional procedures. The DDM provides metering of drugs to treatment sites and allows for quick interchangeability with other component parts such as a viewing scope end portion for MIS or other surgical procedures or a flexible catheter shaft for percutaneous procedures.

Abstract: A diagnostic card device for use in detecting or quantitating an analyte present in a liquid sample, comprising a card substrate having a sample introduction region, a biosensor, and a sample-flow pathway communicating between the sample-introduction region and the biosensor, circuitry for generating an analyte-dependent electrical signal from the biosensor; and a signal-responsive element for recording such signal. In one embodiment, the biosensor includes a detection surface with surface-bound molecules of a first charged, coil-forming peptide capable of interacting with a second, oppositely charged coil-forming peptide to form a stable &agr;-helical coiled-coil heterodimer, where the binding of the second peptide to the first peptide, to form such heterodimer, is effective to measurably alter a signal generated by the biosensor. The sample-flow pathway contains diffusibly bound conjugate of the second coil-forming peptide and the analyte (or an analyte analog) and immobilized analyte-binding agent.

Abstract: Antigens are provided which are derived from the enterically transmitted non-A/non-B viral hepatitis agent, known as hepatitis E virus (HEV). The HEV antigens and in particular, a soluble 62 kDa species of the capsid protein encoded by ORF2, are immunoreactive with sera from individuals infected with HEV. The 62K antigen may be produced by a baculovirus expression vector and forms virus-like particles (VLPs). The antigens are useful as diagnostic reagents in diagnostic methods and kits for determining infection of an individual with HEV. The antigens are also useful in vaccine compositions effective in methods for preventing HEV infection.

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 surface detector array device suitable for use with a biosensor is disclosed. The device is formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. The bilayer-compatible surface regions carry on them, separated by a film of aqueous, supported fluid bilayers. The bilayers may contain selected receptors or biomolecules. A bulk aqueous phase covers the bilayers on the substrate surface.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting and localizing light originating from a mammal are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for tracking light emission to selected regions, as well as for tracking entities within the mammal. In addition, animal models for disease states are disclosed, as are methods for localizing and tracking the progression of disease or a pathogen within the animal, and for screening putative therapeutic compounds effective to inhibit the disease or pathogen.

Abstract: The invention provides olive-derived vegetation water substantially free of monophenolic compounds (e.g., tyrosol and its derivatives) from olive pits. According to one aspect of the invention, the pits or seeds are removed from the olives prior to pressing. The pitless pulp or meat is then pressed to obtain a liquid-phase mixture including olive oil, vegetation water, and solid by-products. The vegetation water is separated from the rest of the liquid-phase mixture and collected. The vegetation water is useful as a source of oleuropein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polynucleotides and the polypeptides encoded by them, each of which are specific to human prostate tumor cells. The present invention further provides chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, and antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention. Also provided herein are methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention, as are detection assays that detect the presence of tumor cells in tissue or bodily fluid samples and methods for identifying novel compositions which modulate the activity of prostate tumor antigens and the use of such compositions in diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interrogating a target having a plurality of plasmon resonant particles (PREs) distributed in the target are disclosed. In the method, a field containing the target is illuminated, and one or more spectral emission characteristics of the light-scattering particles in the field are detected. From this data, an image of positions and spectral characteristic values in the field is constructed, allowing PREs with a selected spectral signature to be discriminated from other light-scattering entities, to provide information about the field. Also disclosed are a novel PRE composition for use in practicing the method, and a variety of diagnostic applications of the method.