Abstract: An optical assay device for the detection of an analyte of interest in a sample comprising a support containing channels, an optically functional layer positioned on the support such that the optically functional layer and the support allow for laminar flow of the sample through layers of the device, an attachment layer positioned on the optically functional layer, and an analyte specific receptive layer positioned on the attachment layer.

Abstract: In a sampled amplitude read channel for disk storage systems, a post processor is employed to correct errors in a preliminary sequence caused by the dominant error events of a trellis sequence detector. By correlating a sample error sequence with the dominant error events, error filters compute a Euclidean distance error metric between the samples sequence selected by the trellis sequence detector and the sample sequence that would have been selected if an error event did not occur. The minimum error metric is assigned to the symbols in the preliminary sequence that differ from the symbol sequence that would have been generated if the error event did not occur. After processing a predetermined number of the symbols in the preliminary sequence, the error metrics assigned, to the symbols are used to detect and correct error events in the preliminary sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus in a medical delivery device for biasing tubing having a select original cross-section which is subject to compression and relaxation to substantially its original cross-section upon relaxation. The apparatus includes a plurality of bumpers disposed lengthwise of the tubing operatively associated with the tubing to bias the tubing to its original cross-section and spaced relative to adjacent bumpers to provide for free expansion of the tubing as it is subject to compression.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of glycerol di- or triphosphate derivatives comprising coupling the phosphate group of a glycerol monophosphate derivative in which one of the phosphate hydroxyls is replaced by a leaving group, with the terminal phosphate group of a mono- or diphosphate compound or a salt thereof, in the presence of a basic catalyst, under anhydrous conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved cantilever brake for a cycle. The cantilever brake is attachable to a pair of attachment studs extending from a cycle frame. The cantilever brake includes a pair of elongate brake arms each having an integral brake arm base at its proximal end. The brake arm base forms a cylindrical cavity transverse the brake arm, the cylindrical cavity having a main portion with a diameter to receive a main body portion of the attachment stud and an enlarged diameter portion at one end of a diameter to receive an enlarged shoulder of an attachment stud. The brake arm, which is rotatable around the attachment stud, extends from the brake arm base over the enlarged diameter portion of the brake arm base cylindrical cavity. A pair of brake pad adjustment assemblies each receives one of the pair of cylindrical brake arms. The brake pad adjustment assemblies are movable lengthwise of the cylindrical brake arm and are rotatable about the cylindrical brake arm.

Abstract: Methods are described for the production of nucleic acid ligands to the HIV-1 tat protein. Motifs I, II and III in FIG. 3 are nucleic acid ligands identified by the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A bicycle brake lever (10) adjustable to very the leverage applied to a bicycle brake connected to a lever (10). The lever (10) includes a brake handle (14) having an elongated finger grip (50) and a transverse elongated mounting arm (52) joined at their proximal ends and integrally formed. The mounting arm (52) is attached to a handle mount (12) for pivotal movement about a fixed axis. A cable link (16) is attached to the mounting arm of the brake handle by a slidable attachment (44, 64) for slidable movement along the length of the mounting arm (52) toward and away from a fixed axis. The cable link (16) includes an attachment for attaching a brake cable (78) thereto. A user may fix the cable link (16) at a select position along the length of the mounting arm (52) against slidable movement.

Abstract: Methods are described for the identification and preparation of DNA ligands to the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase protein. The invention encompasses specific ssDNA ligands to HIV-1 reverse transcriptase identified by the SELEX method including ssDNA ligands that inhibit the activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.

Abstract: Methods for the identification and production of improved nucleic acid ligands are based on the SELEX process. Nucleic acid ligands to HIV-RT and HIV-1 Rev are identified according to the methods described herein.

Abstract: The oral delivery of many classes of drugs is facilitated by converting drugs having suitable functional groups to 1-O-alkyl-, 1-O-acyl-, 1-S-acyl, and 1-S-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate derivatives. The method confers the ability to be absorbed through the digestive tract to drugs that are not orally bioavailable in the non-derivatized state, and enhances the effectiveness of drugs that are poorly absorbed or rapidly eliminated. The method provides orally bioavailable lipid prodrugs of zaxol and taxol-related compounds. Potency of the lipid prodrugs is comparable to that of the corresponding nonderivatized drugs. In a preferred embodiment, taxol or substituted taxol is covalently bound to a phospholipid.

Abstract: Methods are described for the identification of nuclei acid ligand solutions to thrombin. The present invention utilizes the SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands for EXponential enrichment) method for identifying and preparing RNA ligands to thrombin. Further included in the present invention are modified nucleotide sequences based on the sequences of the RNA ligands identified. The modified RNA ligands to thrombin exhibit increased in vivo stability.

Abstract: A new class of nucleic acid compounds, referred to as nucleic acid ligands, have been shown to exist that have a specific binding affinity for three dimensional molecular targets. In a preferred embodiment the nucleic acid ligands are identified by the method of the invention referred to as the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX), wherein a candidate mixture of nucleic acids are iteratively enriched in high affinity nucleic acids and amplified for further partitioning.

Abstract: Methods for the formation of biaxially oriented thermoplastic articles having flat surfaces or sharp contours, along with the articles themselves. Such methods relate to blow forming a sheet of unoriented thermoplastic material to form biaxially oriented shaped intermediates, followed by the heat-shrinking of the biaxially oriented intermediates onto a male form to produce articles of exacting dimensions and flat surfaces or sharply defined contours. Such thermoplastic articles include autoclavable, hot fillable, heat stable, transparent PET containers.

Abstract: Methods are described for the identification and preparation of nucleic acid ligands to human neutrophil elastase. Included in the invention are specific RNA and DNA ligands to elastase identified by the SELEX method.

Abstract: Methods are described for the identification and preparation of nucleic acid ligands and ligand solutions to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Included in the invention are nucleic acid ligands to bFGF which are inhibitors of bFGF and 2'-amino-modified RNA ligands to bFGF.

Abstract: A bicycle brake lever (10) adjustable to vary the leverage applied to a bicycle brake connected to the lever (10). The lever (10) includes a brake handle (14) having an elongated finger grip (50) and a transverse elongated mounting arm (52) joined at their proximal ends and integrally formed. The mounting arm (52) is attached to a handle mount (12) for pivotal movement about a fixed axis. A cable link (16) is attached to the mounting arm of the brake handle by a slidable attachment (44, 64) for slidable movement along the length of the mounting arm (15) toward and away from a fixed axis. The cable link (16) includes an attachment for attaching a brake cable (78) thereto. A user may fix the cable link (16) at a select position along the length of the mounting arm (14) against slidable movement.

Abstract: The present invention describes, an electroconvective liquid crystal membrane (ECLCM), comprised of a fluid layer contained between two gas permeable electrodes, thereby forming a sandwich like configuration. The electrodes separate distinct regions having different concentrations of one or more diffusant species and are capable of being accessed by the diffusant species. The fluid layer is comprised of any fluid in which an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow can be induced, including liquid crystals and liquid crystal-like fluids. The present invention encompasses fluid layers comprised of liquid crystals, such as N-(4-methoxybenzylidine)-4-butylaniline (MBBA), or polar solvents such as 2-ethyl-hexanol (2EH) and diethyl phthalate (DEP). The ECLCM includes means for applying an electric field to the fluid layer such that an EHD flow is induced within the fluid layer. The EHD flow alters the passage of the diffusant species across the ECLCM.

Abstract: An improved photocatalytic method for removing organic contaminants from fluid or gas phases and a photoreactor design which allows exposure of photoreactive material to controlled periodic illumination. An improved method for improving the photoefficiency of a photocatalytic process comprising continuous illumination of the photocatalyst at a decreased light intensity.

Abstract: A fluid membrane is described, termed the electroconvective liquid crystal membrane (ECLCM), comprised of a sandwich-like configuration in which a fluid layer is contained within a structure. The structure containing the fluid layer separates distinct regions having different concentrations of one or more diffusant species and is capable of being accessed by the diffusant species. The fluid layer is comprised of any fluid in which an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow can be induced, including liquid crystals and liquid crystal-like fluids. The ECLCM includes means for applying an electric field to the fluid layer such that an EHD flow is induced within the fluid layer. The EHD flow alters the passage of the diffusant species across the ECLCM. The fluid layer may be modified by the addition of other components which act as carriers to the passage of selected diffusants.

Abstract: Derivatized molybdenum-sulfide dimers of the general formula [(C.sub.5 R.sub.5 Mo).sub.2 (.mu.-S).sub.4-x (.mu.-SR).sub.x ].sup.n are utilized in the solid state, incorporated in permselective membranes and in aqueous solution as chemical specific complexing agents in various separation processes.