Abstract: An immobilized bimolecular construct comprises a solid support, a first oligonucleotide and a second oligonucleotide. The first oligonucleotide is labeled at one end with a fluorophore or quencher and attached at the other end to a solid support. The second oligonucleotide is labeled at one end with a fluorophore or quencher and hybridized at the other end to the first oligonucleotide. Hybridization of the second oligonucleotide with the first oligonucleotide brings the labeled end of the second oligonucleotide in close proximity or physical contact with the labeled end of the first oligonucleotide. In one embodiment the second oligonucleotide is also attached to the solid support in proximity to the first oligonucleotide. In this embodiment, the second oligonucleotide may be first attached to the solid support and then hybridized to the first oligonucleotide or, conversely, first hybridized to the first oligonucleotide and then attached to the solid support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracheal intubation device and method for placing an endotracheal tube within a patient's trachea. More particularly, the endotracheal tube includes primary and secondary cuffs, in the form of inflatable balloons. A stillette is positioned within the endotracheal tube. The tracheal intubation device includes a guiding mechanism for guiding the stillette and the endotracheal tube within a patent's body. The guiding mechanism is positioned external to a patient and sized and shaped so as to transmit a signal and to receive a signal indicating the location of the stillette in a patient's body. After the endotracheal tube is positioned in the oropharynx, inflating the secondary cuff urges the endotracheal tube toward the trachea of a patient.

Abstract: A tissue microarray imaging system autonomously images, analyzes, and stores data for samples in a tissue microarray. The system may include a tissue microarray, a robotic microscope, and an imaging workstation that executes software to automatically control operation of the microscope to capture images from the microarray and analyze image results. A low magnification may be used to register samples within the microarray and obtain coordinates for each tissue specimen. Progressively higher magnifications may be used to analyze images of each registered specimen. Where multiple dyes are used to stain specimens, color separation techniques may be applied to independently measure and analyze each staining intensity. Images and quantitative data from the images may then be stored in a relational database for subsequent review. The system may be local, or may be Web-based for distributed control and sharing of results.

Abstract: A method for treating pulmonary hypertension and other diseases involving a defect in collagen metabolism, by administration of an effective amount of a liposome encapsulated copolymer conjugate antifibrotic composition, is disclosed. The antifibrotic agent is preferably a proline analog, such as cis-4-hydroxy-L-proline (cHyp). Consistent, high loadings (>98%) of the antifibrotic agent are achieved by first forming a dipeptide with L-lysine, after which the dipeptide is copolymerized with the polymer component to form the copolymer conjugate. The polymer is preferably poly(ethylene glycol) having a weight average molecular weight of from about 500 to about 15,000. There is thus provided the efficient delivery and rateable release of the antifibrotic agent to inhibit collagen accumulation and thereby treat the diseases involved.

Abstract: A variable attenuation apparatus for use with a radiation-blocking liquid and a radiation source having an attenuation chamber capable of containing a layer of the radiation-blocking liquid and an adjustment device for selectively metering the thickness of the layer of the radiation-blocking liquid, whereby changes in the thickness of the layer alter the radiation transmitted through the attenuation chamber. In one embodiment, an adjustment device includes a reservoir for holding the radiation-blocking liquid and a siphon connection device for allowing the transfer of the radiation-blocking liquid between the reservoir and the attenuation chamber, wherein the thickness of the layer in the attenuation chamber varies in response to changes in elevation of said reservoir, so that an increase in the thickness of the layer causes a drop in the radiation transmitted through the attenuation chamber.

Abstract: A process for producing a small-sized, lipid-based cochleate is described. Cochleates are derived from liposomes which are suspended in an aqueous two-phase polymer solution, enabling the differential partitioning of polar molecule based-structure by phase separation. The liposome-containing two-phase polymer solution, treated with positively charged molecules such as Ca.sup.2+ or Zn.sup.2+, forms a cochleate precipitate of a particle size less than one micron. The process may be used to produce cochleates containing pharmaceutical agents or biologically relevant molecules. Small-sized cochleates may be administered orally or through the mucosa to obtain an effective method of treatment.

Abstract: A multicopy single-stranded DNA (msDNA) synthesizing system in E. coli is disclosed. The use of the msDNA system to synthesize cDNA in vivo is disclosed. Construction of synthetic msDNA is also disclosed. Also processes for gene amplification and for producing a stable RNA are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the translation of bacterial mRNA is disclosed, which method comprises overexpressing in a bacterium an mRNA which contains a sequence which is complementary to the anti-downstream box region of the 16S rRNA. RNA and DNA constructs for the overexpression of the mRNA of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A transgenic animal, the genome of which comprises a transgene for superoxide dismutase (SOD), erythrocyte-glutathione peroxidase (GPE), or plasma-glutathione peroxidase (GPP), is disclosed. A double transgenic animal comprising the transgenes for both SOD and GPE is also disclosed. Methods for making the transgenic animals are disclosed. Both the SOD gene and the two GP genes code for proteins which control the level of reactive oxidative species (ROS) which accumulate in cells as a result of metabolism. Cell lines from both SOD and GP transgenic animals and methods for use of the transgenic animals as models are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel hybrid molecules comprising an RNA and a DNA portion are disclosed. A method for synthesizing the molecule is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for synthesizing new and useful single-stranded DNAs which have a stem-loop configuration (ss-slDNA). The method is an in vivo or in vitro synthesis. Replicating vehicles are provided which produce these ss-slDNAs. The slDNAs can be used for introducing random mutations in a selected gene, and they lend themselves for replication by a variant of the PCR method.