Abstract: Methods are provided for the evolution of proteins of industrial and pharmaceutical interest, including methods for effecting recombination and selection. Compositions produced by these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to improved methods, structures and systems for interfacing microfluidic devices with ancillary systems that are used in conjunction with such devices. These systems typically include control and monitoring systems for controlling the performance of the processes carried out within the device, e.g., controlling internal fluid transport and direction, monitoring and controlling environmental conditions and monitoring results of the processes performed, e.g., detection.

Abstract: The instrument to manipulate the tissue of a body of a patient has jaws (15a, 15b) that move away from each other in a parallel motion. The artiuclating means for the jaws comprises a scissor type linkage (24a, 24b, 25a, 25b) constrained within a support (11). Movement of the jaws (15a, 15b) is enacted through the reciprocating rod (14) acting upon one end of said scissors linkage.

Abstract: A hand-held Variable Angle Membrane (VAM) ultrasonic scanning head consisting of transmitting and receiving transducers is used to excite guided waves to detect corrosion, MIC and foreign objects in containers such as pipes. The scanning head includes transducers mounted on a fluid filled housing sealed by a membrane. This system couples ultrasound from the transducer to the pipe wall. The transducer housings are mounted in a rigid frame that holds the ultrasonic transducer housings a specific distance apart and allows each transducer housing to rotate about a pivot point. The membrane deforms to the pipe diameter to be scanned. The scanning head is adjusted to perform inspections in various container diameters and thicknesses. Once adjusted for diameter and thickness, the operator places the scanning head on the pipe and couples the rubber membranes to the pipe with a small amount of couplant.

Abstract: This invention is directed to antigen library immunization, which provides methods for obtaining antigens having improved properties for therapeutic and other uses. The methods are useful for obtaining improved antigens that can induce an immune response against pathogens, cancer, and other conditions, as well as antigens that are effective in modulating allergy, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: This invention is directed to antigen library immunization, which provides methods for obtaining antigens having improved properties for therapeutic and other uses. The methods are useful for obtaining improved antigens that can induce an immune response against pathogens, cancer, and other conditions, as well as antigens that are effective in modulating allergy, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microfluidic devices and methods that are useful for performing high-throughput screening assays. In particular, the devices and methods of the invention are useful in screening large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical, and preferably, biochemical systems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a bird feeder that is formed of two vessels with detachable connectors between. The two vessels include a reservoir that stores feeding material and a feeding vessel with openings allowing birds to feed.

Abstract: The present invention involves the discovery that synthetic thyroid hormones can be used as compositions to reduce intraocular pressure in vivo. Methods of screening synthetic thyroid hormones for effect on intraocular pressure, aqueous pressure, hydraulic conductivity, hyaluronic acid secretion, and extracellular matrix assembly are provided. Methods of treating glaucoma and treating excess intraocular pressure with synthetic thyroid hormones and compositions therefore are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with (DHEA) and a related pharmaceutical product.

Abstract: Analytical systems and methods that use a modular interface structure for providing an interface between a sample substrate and an analytical unit, where the analytical unit typically has a particular interface arrangement for implementing various analytical and control functions. Using a number of variants for each module of the modular interface structure advantageously provides cost effective and efficient ways to perform numerous tests using a particular substrate or class of substrates with a particular analytical and control systems interface arrangement. Improved optical illumination and detection system for simultaneously analyzing reactions or conditions in multiple parallel microchannels are also provided.

Abstract: Ligation-based assembly of oligonucleotides to produce molecular beacons is provided. Formation of molecular beacons is monitored to improve reaction yield and efficiency and to permit optimization of structurally similar molecular beacons. Ligation mixtures and libraries of molecular beacon components are also provided. Methods of detecting juxtaposed nucleic acids using modular molecular beacons such as intron-exon junctions are provided.

Abstract: This invention is directed to antigen library immunization, which provides methods for obtaining antigens having improved properties for therapeutic and other uses. The methods are useful for obtaining improved antigens that can induce an immune response against pathogens, cancer, and other conditions, as well as antigens that are effective in modulating allergy, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and systems for affecting the serial to parallel conversion of materials introduced into the device or system. Material or materials to be converted from a serial orientation, e.g., a single channel, into a parallel orientation, e.g., multiple channels, are introduced into an open chamber or field in which containing flows of materials maintain the cohesiveness of the sample material plugs serially introduced into the open chamber. The sample material or materials are then redirected in the chamber toward and into a plurality of parallel channels that also communicate with the chamber.

Abstract: Transmembrane potential measurement methods using cationic dyes, and anionic dyes are provided. Compositions of the cationic and anionic dyes and microfluidic systems which include the dyes and membranes are provided in conjunction with processing elements for transmembrane potential measurements.

Abstract: Diagnostic product and vaccine for Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and methods for making and using same, wherein viral polypeptide sequences from an AIDS associated retrovirus are expressed directly or as a fusion polypeptide in a prokaryotic or mammalian cell expression host to produce a diagnostic product which specifically binds complementary antibody produced by individuals afflicted with AIDS or a vaccine against AIDS which confers resistance to infection by AIDS associated retrovirus. The reverse transcriptase of an AIDS associated retrovirus is used separately or in a whole cell assay to identify compounds which selectively inhibit retroviral reverse transcriptase.

Abstract: Recombinant PB2 tryptophan variant influenza viruses, RNA, cDNA and vectors are provided. Also provided are immunogenic compositions containing the variant viruses, methods of producing such viruses and methods for the prophylactic treatment of influenza in humans.

Abstract: Methods of recombining nucleic acids, including homologous nucleic acids, are provided. Families of gene shuffling oligonucleotides and their use in recombination procedures, as well as polymerase and ligase mediated recombination methods are also provided.

Abstract: Described are methods of promoting improvement of skin condition by administering a turmeric component and glycolic acid to a patient afflicted with a skin disorder.

Abstract: A method for DNA reassembly after random fragmentation, and its application to mutagenesis of nucleic acid sequences by in vitro or in vivo recombination is described. In particular, a method for the production of nucleic acid fragments or polynucleotides encoding mutant proteins is described. The present invention also relates to a method of repeated cycles of mutagenesis, shuffling and selection which allow for the directed molecular evolution in vitro or in vivo of proteins.