Abstract: The present invention is directed to small interfering RNA molecules targeted against a gene of interest in respiratory epithelial cells, and methods of using these RNA molecules.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for administering lentiviral vectors to the respiratory system of a patient to treat a disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for diagnosing and treating macular degeneration-related disorders. The invention also related to methods for identifying genes that cause macular degeneration-related disorders.

Abstract: Trisubstituted phenol compounds and methods of using the compounds, e.g., for anesthetizing a subject, are disclosed.

Abstract: Nucleic acids containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response and to redirect a Th2 response to a Th1 response in a subject are disclosed. Methods for treating atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for creating a logic state for teleporting quantum information using a single photon is described. The method includes receiving a photon with an initial polarization and causing a first semiconductor crystal to have a first spin orientation. The photon interacts with the first semiconductor crystal for producing a resulting polarization dependent upon the first spin orientation. Causing the photon to interact with the first semiconductor crystal generates a maximally entangled state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of a series of oxidized cellulose esters suitable for use as a drug carrier in the development of biodegradable controlled and/or sustained release pharmaceutical, agricultural, and veterinary compositions, such as films, compacts, microspheres, and pellets. The esters are prepared by acylation of oxidized cellulose having at least 3% carboxyl groups. The resulting oxidized cellulose esters are soluble in aqueous alkaline solutions, water, and a variety of organic solvents.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for synthesizing nanocrystalline zeolites, the method comprising contacting starting products that comprise a solvent, a silicon source, a cation base, an organic template, and an aluminum source, or any combination thereof sufficient to produce a zeolite gel by hydrolysis, heating the zeolite gel sufficient to produce a first batch of zeolite crystals and a first clear solution, separating the first batch of zeolite crystals from the first clear solution, heating the first clear solution sufficient to produce a second batch of zeolite crystals and second clear solution and separating the second batch of zeolite crystals from the second clear solution.

Abstract: A new cellulose excipient, OCCAE, suitable for use as a binder, filler, and/or disintegrant in the development of solid dosage forms and as a bodying agent or a drug carrier in the preparation of topical formulations is described. The cellulose excipient is formed by reacting an oxidized cellulose ester with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. The invention also describes the formation of controlled release microspheres using OCCAE and/or oxidized cellulose esters that may be used to control the release of drug in a patient over a time period of several hours to several days.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel, modified polydicyclopentadienes and methods to prepare modified polydicyclopentadienes. The modified polydicyclopentadienes prepared by the methods of the invention are useful in many applications including new and useful solid phases for chromatography.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and an apparatus useful for site-isolating reagents or catalysts during chemical reactions. The methods and apparatus are useful for carrying out cascade or domino reactions.

Abstract: A fixed-bearing ankle prosthesis may include tibial and talar components whose articulating surfaces directly contact one another. The tibial component defines medial and lateral concave condylar facets separated by a convex central portion. The talar component includes medial and lateral convex condyles separated by a concave central portion. The condyles each have a single radius of curvature in a medial-lateral plane such that each condyle has a circular-arc cross-section continuously extending from the respective medial or lateral edge of the talar component to the concave central portion. The medial-lateral radii of the condyles are smaller than corresponding radii of the condylar facets.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method that includes comparing a subject color medical image to normal color medical image data; and identifying abnormal pixels from the subject color medical image. Another embodiment includes a computer readable medium comprising machine readable instructions for implementing one or more steps of that method. Another embodiment includes a device that has a field programmable gate array configured to perform one or more of the steps of that method. Another embodiment includes a device that has an application specific integrated circuit configured to perform one or more of the steps of that method.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the methods and compositions related to pseudotyped viral vectors. Embodiments of the invention include pseudotyping expression cassettes that include nucleic acid elements for enhancing the titer of pseudotyped viral particles. Embodiments of the invention include novel methods and compositions related to making high titer pseudotyped retroviral vector compositions. A heterologous envelope glycoprotein is typically incorporated into the virus during the budding or virus production process. Certain embodiments of the invention include pseudotyped retroviral vectors comprising a heterologous envelope glycoprotein derived from a Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV env). Pseudotyped viruses or viral particles may have a modified host range that is influenced by the properties of the heterologous envelope glycoprotein.

Abstract: The invention relates to Factor H gene polymorphisms and haplotypes associated with an elevated or a reduced risk of AMD. The invention provides methods and reagents for diagnosis and treatment of AMD.

Abstract: An elongate imaging fiber bundle may include a plurality of elongate optical fibers coherently arranged in the bundle, the plurality including peripheral fibers at a periphery of the bundle and deep fibers deep to the peripheral fibers, and a coating surrounding the plurality of fibers. An exposed length of the bundle, intermediate the bundle's proximal and distal ends, may be chemically etched to be denuded of the coating, and peripheral fibers are so severed as to permit injection of light into the peripheral fibers at the exposed length. A fiberscope may include a fiber bundle having an exposed length that is denuded of the coating, and peripheral fibers are so severed in the exposed length as to permit injection of light into the peripheral fibers at the exposed length, and a light source so positioned with respect to the exposed length of the bundle as to inject light into the peripheral fibers at the exposed length.

Abstract: An elongate imaging fiber bundle may include a plurality of elongate optical fibers coherently arranged in the bundle, the plurality including peripheral fibers at a periphery of the bundle and deep fibers deep to the peripheral fibers, and a coating surrounding the plurality of fibers. An exposed length of the bundle, intermediate the bundle's proximal and distal ends, may be chemically etched to be denuded of the coating, and peripheral fibers are so severed as to permit injection of light into the peripheral fibers at the exposed length. A fiberscope may include a fiber bundle having an exposed length that is denuded of the coating, and peripheral fibers are so severed in the exposed length as to permit injection of light into the peripheral fibers at the exposed length, and a light source so positioned with respect to the exposed length of the bundle as to inject light into the peripheral fibers at the exposed length.

Abstract: The invention relates to Factor H gene polymorphisms and haplotypes associated with an elevated or a reduced risk of AMD. The invention provides methods and reagents for diagnosis and treatment of AMD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of a series of oxidized cellulose esters suitable for use as a drug carrier in the development of biodegradable controlled and/or sustained release pharmaceutical, agricultural, and veterinary compositions, such as films, compacts, microspheres, and pellets. The esters are prepared by acylation of oxidized cellulose having at least 3% carboxyl groups. The resulting oxidized cellulose esters are soluble in aqueous alkaline solutions, water, and a variety of organic solvents.

Abstract: The invention provides a transgenic Mustelidae in which a gene associated with a human disease or condition comprises a targeted genetic modification, and uses thereof. Also provided is a method to cryopreserve Mustelidae embryos or cells, and to enhance the number of live offspring from cryopreserved Mustelidae embryos.