Abstract: Cyclen-based chelates can be used as contrast agents for multi-modal imaging of tissue cells. The cyclen-based chelates are preferably polyazamacrocyclic molecules formed from 1,4,7,10 tetraazacyclododecane (“cyclen”) having varying chelating ions, phosphoester chains, and light harvesting moieties. By changing the chelating ion, phosphoester chain length and/or the light harvesting moiety different imaging techniques, such as MRI, CT, fluorescence and absorption, x-ray and NIR, may be employed to image the tissue cells. Additionally, the cyclen-based chelates may be conjugated to provide for site-specific delivery of the cyclen-based chelate to the desired tissue cells. The cyclen-based chelates may also be delivered to the tissue cells by attaching the cyclen-based to a polymeric delivery vehicle. Although these cyclen-based chelates have a wide variety of application, the preferred use is for imaging of cancer cells, such as brain cancer, for improving resection of a cancerous tissue.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for identifying double stranded DNA molecules that bind with high affinity to metallo-?-lactamase. Methods for inhibiting the activities of the metallo-?-lactamase in bacteria by double stranded DNA molecules.

Abstract: We describe modified bacterial cells that are defective in gene expression and their use in the treatment of bacterial infections of animals and plants and the inhibition of bacterial biofilm formation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for identifying polyribonucleotides that binds with high affinity to a metallo-?-lactamase. The polyribonucleotides inhibit the activity of the metallo-?-lactamase.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of precipitants in a hydrocarbon stream, the method comprising introducing at least a portion of the hydrocarbon stream into a measurement chamber of an NMR measuring device, assaying the fluids in the chamber with proton nuclear magnetic resonance to obtain NMR signals, and processing the NMR signals to detect the formation of precipitants in the hydrocarbon stream. The method may be carried out at first and second locations, and NMR signals obtained at the two locations compared to detect precipitation of precipitant between the two locations. A method of monitoring the water content of a hydrocarbon stream in a flowline comprising introducing at least a portion of the hydrocarbon stream into an NMR measuring device, measuring a baseline NMR water signal of the hydrocarbon stream and comparing subsequent NMR water signals with the baseline NMR water signal to detect changes in the water content of the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: No effective vaccine exists for the devastating parasitic disease of Schistosomiasis. The present invention focuses on Sm-p80, a functionally important antigen of Schistosoma mansoni that plays a pivotal role in the schistosome immune evasion process. When used in a novel vaccine formulation, Sm-p80 demonstrates consistent immunogenicity, protective potential, and antifecundity effects. Two novel DNA constructs were made for immunization purposes. Sm-p80 coding sequence was cloned into VR 1020. Additionally, Sm-p80 coding sequence was cloned into pcDNA3.1 with flanking CpG motifs on each end of the Sm-p80 sequence. When used in different vaccine formulations, both of the constructs demonstrate the superior antifecundity and anti-worm effects of Sm-p80, which has great potential as an important vaccine candidate for the reduction of the morbidity associated with schistosome infection.

Abstract: A contactless system and method for estimating the mass or weight of a target object is provided. The target object is imaged and a spatial representation of the target animal is derived from the images. A virtual spatial model is provided of a characteristic object of a class of object to which the target object belongs. The virtual spatial model is reshape to optimally fit the spatial representation of the individual animal. Finally, the mass or weight of the target object is estimated as a function of shape variables characterizing the reshaped virtual object.

Abstract: A method to identify a high affinity nucleic acid ligand to inhibit the activity of a lactamase enzyme. The method comprises several steps that initially involve preparing a candidate mixture of nucleic acids. The candidate mixture of nucleic acids is then allowed to make contact with the lactamase enzyme under controlled conditions of temperature, ionic strength and pH; the combination forms a candidate-enzyme mixture. The target nucleic acids are partitioned from the remainder of the candidate mixture. The target nucleic acids that have been partitioned are amplified to yield a pool of nucleic acids enriched with target nucleic acid sequences. The enriched pool of target nucleic acids have a relatively higher affinity and specificity for binding to the lactamase, whereby nucleic acid ligand of the lactamase are identified. Nucleic acid ligands that inhibit an activity of lactamase. The lactamase includes class B, metallo-?-lactamase.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention relates generally to methods of treating at least one neurodegenerative disease by administering a medicament comprising an endothelial interrupter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding endogenous cotton chitinases and corresponding promoters, which are preferentially expressed in secondary walled cells during secondary wall deposition. The polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule, a DNA construct linking the isolated nucleic acid molecule with a promoter, the DNA construct incorporated in an expression system, a host cell, a plant, or a plant seed are also disclosed. The present invention also relates to a DNA construct linking the isolated promoters with a second DNA as well as expression systems, host cells, plants, or plant seeds containing the DNA construct. Methods of imparting resistance to insects and fungi, regulating the fiber cellulose content, and methods of expressing a gene preferentially in secondary walled cells during secondary wall deposition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method to identify a high affinity nucleic acid ligand to inhibit the activity of a lactamase enzyme. The method comprises several steps that initially involve preparing a candidate mixture of nucleic acids. The candidate mixture of nucleic acids is then allowed to make contact with the lactamase enzyme under controlled conditions of temperature, ionic strength and pH; the combination forms a candidate-enzyme mixture. The target nucleic acids are partitioned from the remainder of the candidate mixture. The target nucleic acids that have been partitioned are amplified to yield a pool of nucleic acids enriched with target nucleic acid sequences. The enriched pool of target nucleic acids have a relatively higher affinity and specificity for binding to the lactamase, whereby nucleic acid ligand of the lactamase are identified. Nucleic acid ligands that inhibit an activity of lactamase. The lactamase includes class B, metallo-?-lactamase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated DNA molecule selected from the group: a promoter-effective DNA molecule of Gossypium which is operable in embryonic seed tissues and a promoter-effective DNA molecule of Gossypium which is operable in chlorophyllous tissues. Use of the promoter-effective DNA molecules in chimeric genes, and preparation of expression systems, host cells, transgenic plants, and transgenic plant seeds containing such chimeric gene is also disclosed. Methods of expressing a heterologous mRNA molecule or protein or polypeptide in chlorophyllous tissue of plants or embryonic seed tissues are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions to ameliorate one or more symptom of hypertension through the inhibitor of an AT1 receptor by transcriptional down regulation of an angiotensin II type 1 receptor. The composition includes an effective amount of one or more tannic acids disposed in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A process for making chemical protective wipes is disclosed. A top layer is fully needlepunched (102). A bottom layer is fully needlepunched (104). Then, an adsorption layer is sandwiched between the top layer and the bottom layer (106). Then, the sandwich is fully needlepunched (108).

Abstract: A method to identify a high affinity nucleic acid ligand to inhibit the activity of a lactamase enzyme. The method comprises several steps that initially involve preparing a candidate mixture of nucleic acids. The candidate mixture of nucleic acids is then allowed to make contact with the lactamase enzyme under controlled conditions of temperature, ionic strength and pH; the combination forms a candidate-enzyme mixture. The target nucleic acids are partitioned from the remainder of the candidate mixture. The target nucleic acids that have been partitioned are amplified to yield a pool of nucleic acids enriched with target nucleic acid sequences. The enriched pool of target nucleic acids have a relatively higher affinity and specificity for binding to the lactamase, whereby nucleic acid ligand of the lactamase are identified. Nucleic acid ligands that inhibit an activity of lactamase. The lactamase includes class B, metallo-?-lactamase.

Abstract: Abscisic acid-inducible gene expression in different plant tissues is enhanced synergistically by the co-expression of a B3-domain transcription factor and various bZIP-domain transcription factors, or a different B3-domain transcription factor. Using these transcription factors in novel formulations, as shown by examples, will confer value-added traits to transgenic plants, including, but not limited to, higher levels of heterologous gene expression, drought and salt tolerance, viability and productivity under stress, and enhanced nutrient reserves and seed properties.

Abstract: Botanical extracts and derivative compositions are described for activating or inhibiting the formation and development of bacterial biofilms. Gymnemic acids and other associated saponins are isolated from botanical extractions of the Gymnema sylvestre plant and are used to modulate bacterial biofilm virulence, especially biofilms associated with Staphylococcus aureus. Gurmarin, a polypeptide isolated from botanical extractions of the Gymnema sylvestre plant are used to inhibit biofilm formation, especially biofilms associated with Staphylococcus aureus. Methods for isolating gurmarin (as well as other peptides from botanical extracts) are described using isoelectric focusing separation techniques. Various uses for both research and health care concerns are described for the biofilm activators (modulators) and for the biofilm inhibitor.

Abstract: Complexes of nucleic acid and cationic polymer, which are encapsulated in liposomes for the purpose of delivering nucleic acid and methods for producing encapsulated complexes.

Abstract: Cyclen-based chelates can be used as contrast agents for multi-modal imaging of tissue cells. The cyclen-based chelates are preferably polyazamacrocyclic molecules formed from 1,4,7,10 tetraazacyclododecane (“cyclen”) having varying chelating ions, phosphoester chains, and light harvesting moieties. By changing the chelating ion, phosphoester chain length and/or the light harvesting moiety different imaging techniques, such as MRI, CT, fluorescence and absorption, x-ray and NIR, may be employed to image the tissue cells. Additionally, the cyclen-based chelates may be conjugated to provide for site-specific delivery of the cyclen-based chelate to the desired tissue cells. The cyclen-based chelates may also be delivered to the tissue cells by attaching the cyclen-based chelates to a polymeric delivery vehicle. Although these cyclen-based chelates have a wide variety of application, the preferred use is for imaging of cancer cells, such as brain cancer, for improving resection of a cancerous tissue.

Abstract: An optical multiplexer that adjusts the wavelength response and compensates for temperature effects by using rotatable mirror. The wavelength response of the device is adjusted by aligning the mirror at a correct angle with respect to the surface terminating the optical waveguide grating. The temperature dependence of the index of refraction of the material comprising the waveguides is compensated for by rotating a reflecting surface of the mirror, the rotation based on differential thermal expansion. Some exemplary embodiments may comprise a slab waveguide on a substrate (the slab waveguide having a first and second arcuate end surfaces) attached to a submount, a mirror assembly rigidly attached to the submount (the mirror assembly comprising a first and second materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion), and an optical waveguide grating (upon the substrate attached to the submount) optically coupled between the second arcuate surface and the mirror assembly.