Abstract: Compounds modulating CD59 mediated complement activity, compositions including these compounds, and methods of making and using the compounds are disclosed, which are based on the identification of the hu CD59 amino acid residues which serve as the binding site for CD59-C9 interactions. These residues correspond to amino acid residues 42–58, and bind to the region of C9 corresponding to human 334–418, more specifically, between amino acid residues 359 and 384. Compounds can be derived using this basic amino acid sequence and corresponding three dimensional structure within the protein using any of several techniques known to those skilled in the art, including rational drug design using computer data bases and modeling of peptide/protein-ligand binding, antibodies and anti-idiotypic antibodies generated to the proteins or peptides containing this peptide sequence, and modified peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of nucleic acid sequence differences using coupled ligase detection reaction and polymerase chain reaction. One aspect of the present invention involves use of a ligase detection reaction coupled to a polymerase chain reaction. Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a primary polymerase chain reaction coupled to a secondary polymerase chain reaction coupled to a ligase detection reaction. A third aspect of the present invention involves a primary polymerase chain reaction coupled to a secondary polymerase chain reaction. Such coupling of the ligase detection reaction and the polymerase chain reaction permits multiplex detection of nucleic acid sequence differences.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a microstructure using maskless lithography. A first layer is provided in a spaced relationship to a base layer so as to define a construction cavity therebetween. The first layer has a passageway therethrough that communicates with the construction cavity. The construction cavity is filled with material and a polymerizing agent is directed towards a portion of the material so as to polymerize the same. The polymerized material defines a channel network and the non-polymerized material is flushed from the channel network.

Abstract: A brace compliance monitor is disclosed that includes a compliance sensor, a signal processor, and a display. Compliance data is displayed on the display to provide the patient or subject with immediate compliance information on whether they have been wearing the brace for the specified period and in the specified manner. The brace compliance monitor may also include a secondary sensor such as a tilt sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a velocity sensor. The secondary sensors may provide additional compliance data to the patient and health car provider.

Abstract: Methods and compounds are disclosed for lowering serum LDL levels or serum cholesterol levels, or for reducing the transport of cholesterol from the gut to the blood or the lymph, based on the observation that a gene known as ABC1 is necessary in order for cholesterol to be transported from the intestinal lumen into the bloodstream. A mutant chicken phenotype, known as the WHAM chicken, characterized by low levels of serum LDL and reduced transport of cholesterol, facilitated the discovery of this function of the ABC1 gene. Techniques which act to inhibit ABC1 activity in the cells of the intestinal wall will result in lower serum cholesterol.

Abstract: A multi-band low noise amplifier (LNA) 105 includes an input stage having at least two inputs, a first input (103) coupled to a first input transistor for receiving signals in a first frequency band and a second input (104) coupled to a second input transistor for receiving signals in a second frequency band. The second frequency band spaced apart from the first frequency band. A bias network (218) having a band select input is coupled to the first and second input transistor, wherein a signal level applied to the band select input turns on one of the input transistors and turns off the other input transistors. The LNA (105) operates in the first frequency band when the first input transistor is on and the second frequency band when the second input transistor is on.

Abstract: Novel chemical compounds are disclosed having the general formula L{YXm}n, wherein X is selected from the Group 13 elements, Y is a halide, and L is a chelating ligand containing at least one binding atom contacting the Group 13 element, the atom being selected from the group consisting of C, N, O, and S, and m and n are integers having a value of at least 1. L may be a Schiff base type ligand, such as a salen ligand. The compositions of the present invention may be bidentate, quadridentate, or greater. The compositions may be used in dealkylation of phosphate esters or ethers. Advantageously, the methods of the present invention may be rendered catalytic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for diagnosing squamous cell carcinoma or prostate cancer in a tissue sample. The method does not involve visual examination of morphology. The method comprises providing a sample from the subject and assaying for the presence, or absence or reduced level of expression of a novel gene, hereinafter referred to as the “DESC1 gene”. The method comprises isolating RNA, preferably mRNA from tissue samples, and detecting the mRNA which encodes all or part of DESC1 protein. Preferably the detection comprises amplifying the mRNA, preferably by reverse transcriptase-PCR using primers specific to a region in the DESC1 gene; and detecting the presence or absence of the amplified product to determine whether DESC1 mRNA is present or absent in the tissue sample.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and process is provided for communicating safety-related data, over an open system, from a sender to a receiver. Safety-related components, including function blocks, flexible function blocks, resource blocks and transducer blocks, as well as, safety-related objects are provided. Also, an extended safety-related protocol provides for authenticating communications between safety-related components over an existing black channel, such as one using a fieldbus Architecture.

Abstract: An optical technique to improve the imaging of a target inside suspensions of scattering particles includes the illumination of the scattering particles with circularly polarized light. The backscattered light from the host medium preserves the helicity of incident light, while the backscattered light reflected from the target is predominated with light of opposite helicity. Based on the observed helicity difference in the emerging light that originated at the target and that backscattered from the medium, the present optical technique improves the image contrast using circular polarization. This approach makes use of polarization memory which leads to the reflected light from the target accompanied by weak diffusive backscattered light. Using the present technique, improved imaging of the artery wall is achieved and plaque composition can be assessed through a blood field associated with the artery.

Abstract: A novel protein purified from bovine colostral whey and isolated nucleotide sequences encoding the protein is identified. The isolated bovine protein is termed Bovine Lactation Associated Immunotropic (Bo-LAIT) protein. The human homologue of Bo-LAIT protein, Hu-LAIT protein, is also described. A method of activating B cells, and particularly of activating B cells in a mammal, such as a human, in need of such activation by administering LAIT protein is described. LAIT protein can be incorporated into infant formula. LAIT protein can be administered to an infant, as by feeding to the infant such formula. LAIT protein can be incorporated as part of a vaccination. LAIT protein can be administered to a patient having a T cell immune deficiency, for example, a particular T cell dysfunction in which gp39 (CD40L) is under expressed on or totally absent from the cell surface of patient T cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of antibodies or binding portions thereof, probes, ligands, or other biological agents which either recognize an extracellular domain of prostate specific membrane antigen or bind to and are internalized with prostate specific membrane antigen. These biological agents can be labeled and used for detection of cancerous tissues, particularly cancerous tissues proximate to or containing vascular endothelial cells, which express an extracellular domain of prostate specific membrane antigen. The labeled biological agents can also be used to detect normal, benign hyperplastic, and cancerous prostate epithelial cells or portions thereof. They also can be used alone or bound to a substance effective to ablate or kill such cells as a therapy for prostate or other cancers.

Abstract: An FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processor is disclosed which is a core block of an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) or DMT (Discrete Multi-tone) MODEM. The FFT processor simultaneously performs sequential input and output by applying an in-place algorithm for a mixed-radix multi-bank memory, thereby realizing continuous processing with only a 2N-word memory having 4 banks. The FFT processor minimizes its complexity while satisfying a high-speed calculation requirement.

Abstract: Applicants have produced and isolated water soluble complexes of endotoxin and MD-2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules which restore fertility to cytoplasmic male sterile plants and modify expression of toxic mitochondria proteins by the plant. The present invention also relates to methods of identifying a candidate plant suitable for breeding with a cytoplasmic male sterile plant and methods of identifying a candidate gene restoring fertility in plants by analyzing for the candidate plant and candidate gene, respectively, for the presence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Also disclosed are methods of producing hybrid plant seed, methods of directing gene expression to plant mitochondria, and method of expressing a gene preferentially in roots of a plant. Promoters and terminators from plant genes which restore fertility to cytoplasmic male sterile plants and modify expression of toxic mitochondria proteins are also disclosed. Finally, methods of producing plants with a cytoplasmic male sterile plant restoration system are disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging “MRI” method and apparatus for lengthening the usable echo-train duration and reducing the power deposition for imaging is provided. The method explicitly considers the t1 and t2 relaxation times for the tissues of interest, and permits the desired image contrast to be incorporated into the tissue signal evolutions corresponding to the long echo train. The method provides a means to shorten image acquisition times and/or increase spatial resolution for widely-used spin-echo train magnetic resonance techniques, and enables high-field imaging within the safety guidelines established by the Food and Drug Administration for power deposition in human MRI.

Abstract: An optical noninvasive vital sign monitor comprising a reflectance-type optical sensor within a pressurizable capsule retained by a headband, the capsule having an optically transparent or translucent inner wall adapted for placement against a subject's forehead. The optical sensor is mounted on the inside surface of the pressurizable capsule's inner wall, which contacts the subject's forehead during use, and includes a light source and a photodetector aimed toward the inside surface of the inner capsule wall. One embodiment of the vital sign monitor includes optical oscillometric circuit means responsive to an output signal from the optical sensor for determining systolic pressure, mean pressure and diastolic pressure during a transition in capsule pressure between a pressure greater than normal systolic pressure and a pressure less than normal diastolic pressure.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for characterizing a signal path. The system includes a system clock configured to produce a system clock signal at a sample frequency. A frequency divider is configured to divide the sample frequency of the system clock signal by a factor of N to produce a chip clock signal at a chip frequency. The system further includes a pseudo-noise (PN) sequence generator configured to produce a PN sequence at the chip frequency and couple the PN sequence to the signal path while the signal path is carrying an operational signal. A sub-chip sampler is configured to correlate the PN sequence and a reflected PN sequence which has been reflected within the signal path to form a correlated signal and to sample the correlated signal at the sample frequency of the system clock signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds and methods that are useful in treating members of the Flaviviridae family of viruses. Compounds of the present invention will have a structure according to Formulas (I)–(VI) as recited throughout the application.

Abstract: An implant for bridging a gap in a severed spinal cord or nerve and for promoting nerve regeneration has a matrix comprising a biocompatible, biodegradable, polymeric material. The matrix has a proximal end for connection to a first end of severed spinal cord and a distal end for connection to a second end of severed spinal cord. The matrix includes internal guidance channels extending between the proximal end and the distal end to facilitate rejoining of the first end and the second end of the severed spinal cord. A bioactive agent may be dispersed in the matrix, or disposed in the channels, or included within microspheres in the channels. The channels may be arranged such that guidance channels correspond to spinal cord tracts. Alternatively, guidance channels may be spaced apart at the proximal end of the matrix and converge inward toward the axis of the matrix at the distal end.