Abstract: RF magnetic shields which support tangential electric fields. The RF shields are particularly suited for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, but may also be used in other radio frequency applications. The RF magnetic shields may include a dielectric layer having conductive regions separated by non-conductive regions on each side thereof to form a plurality of capacitive elements. The capacitive elements are partially non-conductive at radio frequencies such that the electrical component tangent to the shield is supported and the magnetic component perpendicular to the shield is blocked. The size and shape of the non-conductive and conductive regions are selected to develop a capacitive voltage across the capacitive elements at radio frequencies, and be substantially non-conductive at frequencies other than RF. The RF magnetic shields provide an electrical field that is uniform around the entire sample volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides discrete-length polyethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol containing compounds and methods for their preparation.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids encoding the Doppel (“Dpl”) protein, Dpl peptides, and assays utilizing the Dpl nucleic acids and/or peptides. In related aspects the invention features expression vectors and host cells comprising nucleic acids that encode a human Dpl polypeptide. The present invention also relates to antibodies that bind specifically to a human Dpl polypeptide, methods for producing human Dpl polypeptides, methods for identifying cells expressing Dpl, methods for using the Dpl gene and the Dpl polypeptide to alter cellular function and prion infectivity in culture or in vivo, and identification of individuals at risk for prion disorders by detecting alteration in Dpl coding and regulatory sequences and Dpl expression levels.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions which find use, inter alia, for modulating the stabilization of actin filaments. The compositions may comprise one or more polypeptide moieties derived from a novel human diaphanous polypeptide and/or one or more nucleic acid moieties derived from a novel human diaphanous gene or gene transcript. The invention also provides agents which specifically modify the binding of a natural human diaphanous gene or gene product with a natural binding target thereof, isolated human diaphanous hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed human diaphanous genes, human diaphanous-specific binding agents such as specific antibodies, and methods of making and using the subject compositions in diagnosis, therapy and in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods for the treatment of prostate cancer are described. The methods include a gene therapy method for prostate cancer using the BRCA family of genes, including the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The BRCA family of gene products inhibit the growth and tumorigenesis of prostate cancer cells. Therapeutic methods using the BRCA family of gene products are also described.

Abstract: Template-imprinted structures 10 are provided having at least one template-imprinted surface 12 defining indentations 14 that are capable of specifically binding cells and/or molecules, such as macromolecules including proteins, peptides and nucleic acids. Presently preferred embodiments of the template-imprinted structures include medical prostheses, such as artificial joints and heart valves, having surface indentations that specifically bind proteins and/or cells that enhance the biocompatibility of the prosthesis, thereby making it less likely that the prosthesis will be rejected by the body. Methods are also provided for making the template-imprinted structures of the present invention.

Abstract: A device and method for forming ions by inductive ionization is disclosed. The device is an ion source that includes a capacitor having a pair of electrodes separated by a dielectric material. The method of the invention uses the capacitor-based ion source to form positive and negative ions including multiply-charged ions.

Abstract: Vitamin B.sub.12 receptor modulating agents capable of modulating cell surface receptors by affecting the cell surface receptor trafficking pathway are disclosed. The vitamin B.sub.12 receptor modulating agents are comprised of a covalently bound rerouting moiety and targeting moiety linked by a water-solublizing linker.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions which find use, inter alia, for modulating the stabilization of actin filaments. The compositions may comprise one or more polypeptide moieties derived from a novel human diaphanous polypeptide and/or one or more nucleic acid moieties derived from a novel human diaphanous gene or gene transcript. The invention also provides agents which specifically modify the binding of a natural human diaphanous gene or gene product with a natural binding target thereof, isolated human diaphanous hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed human diaphanous genes, human diaphanous-specific binding agents such as specific antibodies, and methods of making and using the subject compositions in diagnosis, therapy and in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for monitoring and motivating user compliance for orthodontic headgear (24) of the type using a linear spring force module (22). The spring force module (22) includes first (38) and second opposite attachment members that are interconnected to provide spring tension when moved linearly apart. A position sensor (16)(18)(19) detects liner movement between the attachment members. A microprocessor (12) receives signals from the position sensor to determine wear duration, force magnitude, and whether such movement is sufficiently variable to be biological in origin or is attempted mimicry. Multiple determinations made by the processor are recorded over time to provide an evaluation of headgear wear compliance and to provide ongoing motivation for user compliance.

Abstract: This invention relates to polynucleotides encoding Glycoprotein B from the RFHV/KSHV subfamily of gamma herpes viruses, three members of which are characterized in detail. DNA extracts were obtained from Macaque nemestrina and Macaque mulatta monkeys affected with retroperitoneal fibromatosis (RF), and human AIDS patients affected with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). The extracts were amplified using consensus-degenerate oligonucleotide probes designed from known protein and DNA sequences of gamma herpes viruses. The nucleotide sequences of a 319 base pair fragment are about 76% identical between RFHV1 and KSHV, and about 60-63% identical with the closest related gamma herpes viruses outside the RFHV/KSHV subfamily. Protein sequences encoded within these fragments are are about 91% identical between RFHV1 and KSHV, and <.about.65% identical to that of other gamma herpes viruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel purified and isolated nucleotide sequences encoding mammalian Ca.sup.2+ /calmodulin stimulated phosphodiesterases (CaM-PDEs) and cyclic-GMP-stimulated phosphodiesterases (cGS-PDEs). Also provided are the corresponding recombinant expression products of said nucleotide sequences, immunological reagents specifically reactive therewith, and procedures for identifying compounds which modulate the enzymatic activity of such expression products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel purified and isolated nucleotide sequences encoding mammalian Ca.sup.2+ /calmodulin stimulated phosphodiesterases (CaM-PDEs) and cyclic-GMP-stimulated phosphodiesterases (cGS-PDEs). Also provided are the corresponding recombinant expression products of said nucleotide sequences, immunological reagents specifically reactive therewith, and procedures for identifying compounds which modulate the enzymatic activity of such expression products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of functional human hemoglobin and other proteins in erythroid tissues of transgenic non-human animals and erythroid cell lines. It is based on the discovery that two of the five hypersensitivity sites of the .beta.-globin locus are sufficient to result in high level expression of human .alpha.- or .beta.-globin transgenes. The present invention also provides for novel recombinant nucleic acid vectors which may be used to produce .alpha.-globin as well as other proteins of interest in quantity in the red blood cells of transgenic animals or cell cultures of erythroid lineage. The vectors of the invention comprise at least one of the major DNase I hypersensitivity sites associated with the .beta.-globin locus together with a gene of interest. In a specific embodiment of the invention, a vector which comprises two DNase I hypersensitivity sites together with the human .alpha.-globin gene is used to create transgenic animals which produce human .alpha.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting a property of a matter of biological origin, such as biological fluid, containing water, in a dynamic condition where the biological fluid may be approximated to contain two compartments where one compartment has a proportionally larger or smaller amount of water than the other compartment having the property of interest. The method involves establishing a training set in the near-infrared (NIR) region with independent quantification of the property of the fluid using known techniques. The training set is mathematically analyzed according to a correlation developed by regression analysis after employment of a pre-processing technique such as a multiple derivative transformation of spectra or a ratioing of two wavelengths in the spectra. The result is a mathematical transformation equation which quantitatively relates spectral intensities at specific wavelengths to the property of interest.

Abstract: A sample introduction system for a flow cytometer allows easy change of sample containers such as test tubes and facilitates use in high pressure environments. The sample container includes a cap having a pressure supply chamber and a sample container attachment cavity. A sample container may be automatically positioned into the attachment cavity so as to sealably engage the end of the sample container as its outer surface. This positioning may be accomplished through some sample introduction mechanism. To facilitate cleaning HPLC tubing and fittings may be used in a manner which facilitates removable of the entire tubing from both the nozzle container and other sample container cap to permit its replacement to avoid contamination. The sample container support may include horizontal stops which loosely limit the movement of the sample container and thus avoid further stresses upon it.

Abstract: A method for predicting a property of a matter of biological origin, such as biological fluid, containing water, where the biological matter may be approximated to contain two compartments where one compartment has a proportionally larger or smaller amount of water than the other compartment having the property of interest. The method establishes a training set in the near-infrared (NIR) region with independent quantification of the property of the matter using known techniques. The training set is mathematically analyzed according to a correlation developed by regression analysis after employment of a ratio pre-processing technique. The result is a mathematical transformation equation which quantitatively relates spectral intensities at specific wavelengths to the property of interest. This transformation equation may be applied to unknown samples so as to predict their properties, thereby eliminating need for the reference method except for validation or recalibration.

Abstract: An elongated drill and suture guide is inserted through a posterior portal during arthroscopic surgery to repair a capsulo-labral separation. The drill and suture guide has a linear longitudinal bore for a drill pin to bore through the glenoid rim of the shoulder joint. A suture guide is inserted through the bore and through the hole in the glenoid rim and through the detached glenoid labrum. A suture is then passed through the guide and is manipulated and tied conventionally to secure the glenoid labrum in approximately the anatomically correct position.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring the linear and nonlinear response of an unknown acoustic termination uses a small probe assembly containing a sound source and microphone to determine the reflection function of the unknown acoustic termination. The probe assembly is used with a calibration tube to calculate an electrical signal that will provide a desired acoustic stimulus signal to the acoustic termination. The calibration tube is also used to characterize the signal processing properties of the sound source and microphone, as well as other associated signal processing circuits such as amplifiers, filters, and the like. The calibrated system is subsequently coupled to the unknown acoustic termination to deliver the acoustic stimulus signal. The reflection function is indicative of the power transferred to the unknown acoustic termination. The measurement of the linear transfer characteristic is applicable to any unknown acoustic termination such as a musical instrument or the auditory system.

Abstract: Conjugates with an affinity for phospholipids are disclosed. The conjugates comprise a first compound having affinity for phospholipids, with a binding constant that is not greater than about 10.sup.-7 M and a second compound that lyses thrombi or is a precursor of a compound that lyses thrombi.