Abstract: Disclosed herein are high Tm RNA nanostructures that can be composed of one or more modules or motifs to build RNA nanostructures with or without layers. The RNA nanostructures can have a core domain and three or more double-stranded arms and formulations thereof to conjugate high copy numbers of therapeutics, pH responsive or enzyme cleavable drug cargo. Also described herein is a design strategy for generation of synthetic RNA oligonucleotides that can self assemble into highly thermostable RNA structures. Also described herein are uses of the RNA nanostructures described herein.

Abstract: Nanoporous materials can be used to enrich samples for subsequent analysis of substances contained in the sample. The method is shown to enrich the yield of species in the low molecular weight proteome, allowing detection of small peptides in the low nanomolar range.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor that incorporates lithium phosphate (Li3PO4) as an electrolyte and sensing electrode comprising a combination of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and barium carbonate (BaCO3). In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor has a reduced sensitivity to humidity due to a sensing electrode with a layered structure of lithium carbonate and barium carbonate. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors having lithium phosphate (Li3PO4) as an electrolyte and sensing electrode comprising a combination of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and barium carbonate (BaCO3).

Abstract: Analogs of 4-[(E)-2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-napthalenyl)-1-propenyl]benzoic acid and methods of manufacture and use thereof, such as for use in cancer prevention and treatment.

Abstract: Antenna assemblies and corresponding modes of operation are provided where the first antenna assembly of the system is tuned to a first frequency band ?1 and the second antenna assembly of the antenna system is tuned to a second frequency band ?2. The ground plane of the first antenna assembly is configured as a frequency selective surface that is substantially reflective of radiation in the first frequency band and substantially transparent to radiation in the second frequency band. The second ground plane may also be configured as a frequency selective surface and may be reflective of radiation in the second frequency band. Any number of additional antenna arrays may be added so long as the outer arrays are transparent to the inner arrays.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) dentin anchor is disclosed comprising a coronal portion, to which a tooth restorative material may be secured, and a dentinal portion, adapted to be received in a pre-drilled hole in tooth dentin. The dentinal portion may be adapted to chemically bond to the tooth without the use of threads and the coronal portion may be adapted to chemically bond to a tooth restoration without the use of additional adhesives. The dental anchor may includes an intermediate portion having a shape and size that is different from the shape and size of the dentinal portion and the coronal portions and be adapted to be received entirely or partially within the pre-drilled hole in the tooth dentin. The modulus of elasticity of the dentin anchor may approximate the modulus of elasticity of tooth dentin.

Abstract: Peptide enriched diets for animals, preferably aquatic animals, intended for oral administration and including a mixture of synthetic peptide molecules, wherein the synthetic peptide molecules represent about 6 to 50% by weight of the total formulation, and wherein the synthetic peptide molecules include amino acid residues of all of the indispensable (i.e., essential) amino acids.

Abstract: A method for reducing levels of JAK 1 and thereby blocking the signal transduction pathways that are employed by IFN-.alpha., IFN-.beta., and IFN-.gamma. is provided. In one embodiment the method comprises the steps of: providing a cytomegalovirus (CMV) gene product selected from the group consisting of the CMV immediate early gene (IE) products, the CMV early gene (E) products, and combinations thereof; and introducing the CMV gene product or products into cells at levels sufficient to decrease the levels of JAK 1 in the cell. In another embodiment the method comprises the steps of providing a DNA molecule that comprises a CMV IE gene, a CMV E gene, or combinations thereof; introducing the DNA molecule into the cell; and inducing the expression of CMV IE and E genes in the cell, wherein the expression of products encoded by the CMV IE and CMV E genes decreases the levels of JAK 1 in the cell.

Abstract: It has been discovered that a vaccine comprised of fimbrin, a filamentous protein derived from the bacterial surface appendages of non-typable Haemophilus influenzae is useful in studying, preventing or reducing the severity of, otitis media. The gene sequence of the DNA coding for fimbrin and the amino acid sequence of fimbrin have also been determined. Vectors containing DNA coding for fimbrin have also been developed, and transformants have been prepared which contain such vectors and which express such DNA and provide a source of pure fimbrin.

Abstract: Methods for preparing nucleotide integrases are provided. The nucleotide integrases are prepared by combining in vitro an excised, group II intron RNA, referred to hereinafter as "exogenous RNA", with a group II intron-encoded protein. The exogenous RNA is prepared by in vitro transcription of a DNA molecule which comprises a group II intron sequence. In one embodiment, the group II intron-encoded protein is made by introducing into a host cell a DNA molecule that comprises at least the open reading frame sequence of a group II intron and then expressing the open reading frame sequence in the host cell. The DNA molecule may comprise the open reading frame sequence operably linked to a promoter, preferably an inducible promoter. Thereafter, the cell is fractionated and the protein is recovered and combined in vitro with the exogenous RNA to provide RNP particles having nucleotide integrase activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for producing doxorubicin using daunomycin as a substrate. One method employs a genetically engineered host microorganism which is transformed with a vector, preferably a plasmid, which contains the doxA gene. Preferably, the doxA gene, also referred to herein as "doxA", is cloned into a plasmid which is then introduced into the host microorganism, preferably a bacterial host, more preferably Streptomyces, to provide a transformed host microorganism. The doxA gene, when present on a plasmid, confers on the transformed host the ability to convert daunomycin and 13-dihydrodaunomycin, to doxorubicin. The doxA gene encodes a P450-like enzyme which catalyzes the hydroxylation of daunomycin and 13-dihydrodaunomycin at C-14 to form doxorubicin; such enzyme is designated "daunomycin C-14 hydroxylase". Thus, the expression of doxA in the transformed host using a plasmid which contains doxA enables the transformed host to convert daunomycin to doxorubicin.

Abstract: New methods for treating patients with a traumatic contusion-type spinal cord injury are provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a patient having a contusion-type injury and administering liposomes containing dichloromethylene diphosphonate (hereinafter referred to as "Cl.sub.2 MBP") . The liposomes are preferably administered to the patient by intravenous injection. The liposomes are administered prior to the onset of infiltration of the spinal cord by the peripheral macrophages. Preferably, the liposomes are administered to the patient multiple times preferably during a period extending from 0 hours to seven days after occurrence of the injury. In a preferred embodiment, the liposomes are multilamellar phosphatidylcholine liposomes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel, halogenated psoralen compounds that are useful for inactivating vital contaminants in blood-derived products, particularly blood-derived products that contain platelets or red blood cells. The psoralen compounds of the present invention have the following formula: The side chain S which is a attached to the carbon at position 8 of the psoralen moiety contains a quartemary ammonium group which comprises a central nitrogen atom, a linking group L, and an aromatic ring structure. The linking group L joins the central nitrogen atom of the quartenary ammonium group to the psoralen moiety. The linking group L comprises a carbon chain having 2 to 12 carbon atoms and an oxygen atom which links the carbon chain to the psoralen moiety. The psoralen compounds of the present invention also comprise one or more halogens attached to the psoralen moiety. Preferably the halogens are attached to the carbon atom at position 3 or 5 of the psoralen moiety.

Abstract: The present invention provides new methods, employing a nucleotide integrase, for cleaving double-stranded and single stranded DNA substrates at specific sites and for attaching nucleic acid molecules to the cleaved DNA substrates. One method uses a nucleotide integrase to cleave one strand of a double-stranded DNA and to concomitantly attach a nucleic acid molecule to the cleaved strand. Another method uses a nucleotide integrase to cleave both strands of a double-stranded DNA substrate and to attach a nucleic acid molecule to one strand of the DNA substrate. Another method uses a nucleotide integrase to cleave both strands of a double-stranded DNA substrate and to attach an RNA molecule to one strand of the substrate and for attaching a cDNA to the other strand of the substrate. Another method cleaves single stranded DNA with the concomitant insertion of a nucleic acid molecule at the cleavage point.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for detecting the presence, or absence, or reduced level of an mRNA transcript of a novel tumor suppressor gene, hereinafter referred to as the "CATR1 gene". The method comprises isolating mRNA from tissue samples, amplifying the mRNA by reverse transcriptase-PCR using primers specific to a region in the CATR1 gene, and detecting the presence or absence of the amplified product to determine whether CATR1 mRNA is present or absent or present at reduced levels in the tissue sample. Optionally, the CATR1 mRNA when present, is also quantified. The present invention also relates to the primers which are used in the method. The present invention also relates to a segment of the CATR1 gene, hereinafter referred to as the "CATR 1.3 genetic element," which is useful for designing the primers used in the method of detecting CATR1 mRNA. The CATR 1.3 genetic element is also useful for preparing antisense nucleic acid segments which are CATR1 gene specific inhibitors.

Abstract: Novel acitretinamide compounds which are soluble and stable in water and useful in aqueous delivery systems, particularly to treat cancer, are provided. The novel acitretinamide compounds, 1-(D-glucopyranosyl)acitretinamide, 1-(D-glucopyranuronosyl)acitretinamide and the metal salts thereof, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "acitretinamide compounds". The invention also relates to novel methods of making the acitretinamide compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for: detecting and quantifying the release of chemical agents, such as anti-inflammatory drugs from the synovial cavity of a joint into the vascular system of the joint; directly measuring the effect of chemical agents on oxygen consumption and the oxygen extraction rate of the joint cells alone; directly and simultaneously measuring the effect of anti-inflammatory drugs on hemodynamic parameters of the joint, and on transsynovial parameters of the joint, such as the permeability of the synovial membrane of a joint, the production of synovial fluid by the joint, and the composition of the synovial fluid of the joint. Each of these methods is useful for evaluating the efficacy of chemical agents on joint inflammation.

Abstract: It has been discovered that a vaccine comprised of fimbrin, a filamentous protein derived from the bacterial surface appendages of non-typable Haemophilus influenzae is useful in studying, preventing or reducing the severity of, otitis media. The gene sequence of the DNA coding for fimbrin and the amino acid sequence of fimbrin have also been determined. Vectors containing DNA coding for fimbrin have also been developed, and transformants have been prepared which contain such vectors and which express such DNA and provide a source of pure fimbrin.

Abstract: A new, non-toxic pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and prevention of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis has been discovered. The new pharmaceutical composition includes a physiologically compatible carrier and an agent which inhibits the proteolytic activity of the extracellular elastolytic serine protease produced by aspergillus. The agent preferably comprises a serine protease inhibitor, more preferably a subtilisn-type inhibitor, most preferably streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor. Such pharmaceutical compositions are effective at reducing the incidence of mortality due to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and are also effective at reducing the invasion of lung tissue and the tissues surrounding the lungs by the germinating hyphae of Aspergillus.

Abstract: The present invention provides new methods, employing a nucleotide integrase, for cleaving double-stranded and single stranded DNA substrates at specific sites and for attaching nucleic acid molecules to the cleaved DNA substrates. One method uses a nucleotide integrase to cleave one strand of a double-stranded DNA and to concomitantly attach a nucleic acid molecule to the cleaved strand. Another method uses a nucleotide integrase to cleave both strands of a double-stranded DNA substrate and to attach a nucleic acid molecule to one strand of the DNA substrate. Another method uses a nucleotide integrase to cleave both strands of a double-stranded DNA substrate and to attach an RNA molecule to one strand of the substrate and for attaching a cDNA to the other strand of the substrate. Another method cleaves single stranded DNA with the concomitant insertion of a nucleic acid molecule at the cleavage point.