Abstract: An optical filter includes an input optical fiber bundle and an output fiber bundle. Each of the bundles has one end having the fiber ends substantially two-dimensionally arrayed and another end substantially linearly arrayed. Each input fiber is configured to receive a portion of a two-dimensional input image at the two-dimensional end and transmit the image portion to the one-dimensional end. A spectrally dispersive element receives the image portions from the input fiber bundle and outputs a predetermined spectral component to the output optical fiber bundle at the one-dimensional end, transmitting the image portion to the two-dimensional end. The output fiber bundle two-dimensional ends are arrayed in corresponding fashion to the first ends of the input fibers for spatially reconstructing the input image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a genetic method for tethering polypeptides to the yeast cell wall in a form accessible for binding to macromolecules. Combining this method with fluorescence-activated cell sorting provides a means of selecting proteins with increased or decreased affinity for another molecule, altered specificity, or conditional binding. Also provided is a method for genetic fusion of the N terminus of a polypeptide of interest to the C-terminus of the yeast Aga2p cell wall protein. The outer wall of each yeast cell can display approximately 104 protein agglutinins. The native agglutinins serve as specific adhesion contacts to fuse yeast cells of opposite mating type during mating. In effect, yeast has evolved a platform for protein-protein binding without steric hindrance from cell wall components.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating the risk of an individual to develop Alzheimer's disease using cultured neural crest-derived melanocytes are described. Also described are methods of therapy for Alzheimer's disease using peptides that bind to the neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and competitively inhibit the binding of &bgr;-amyloid to the p75NTR.

Abstract: Thiacrown polymers immobilized to a polystyrene-divinylbenzene matrix react with Hg2+ under a variety of conditions to efficiently and selectively remove Hg2+ ions from acidic aqueous solutions, even in the presence of a variety of other metal ions. The mercury can be recovered and the polymer regenerated. This mercury removal method has utility in the treatment of industrial wastewater, where a selective and cost-effective removal process is required.

Abstract: Novel lipid compounds and compositions comprising carbohydrate backbones are used to make supramolecular structures such as vesicles, liposomes (single lamellar, multilamellar, and giant), micelles, hexagonal phases, microemulsions and others. The novel compositions and supramolecular structures may be combined with active agents such as contrast agents and bioactive agents (e.g., therapeutic and diagnostic agents) in delivery methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing the volume of the watertight hull of a ship in the light or no cargo condition to achieve the required ballast drafts. At least one trunk extending longitudinally from a first end at a bow of the ship to a second end at a stern of the ship. The first and second ends of the trunk connectible to the water surrounding the ship by operation of an inlet valve and an outlet valve adjacent each end. When in the light condition, or no cargo condition, the valves at each end of the trunk or trunks are moved to an opened position to reduce the volume of the watertight hull in order to achieve the desired ballast draft. While the ship is in motion, sufficient pressure differential exits between the bow and the stern of the ship to exchange the volume of water in the trunks over a period of time. Preferably, the fluid flow through the trunks exchanges the water at least approximately every hour when the ship is moving at normal speed.

Abstract: Nucleic acid, including DNA, immunization to generate a protective immune response in a host, including humans, to a major outer membrane protein of a strain of Chlamydia, preferably contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a MOMP or a MOMP fragment that generates antibodies that specifically react with MOMP and a promoter sequence operatively coupled to the first nucleotide sequence for expression of the MOMP in the host. The non-replicating vector may be formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for in vivo administration to the host.

Abstract: Antitumor compositions are disclosed, as well as methods of preparing the compositions and methods of using them to inhibit tumor growth in mammals. The invention can take advantage of intraliposomal conversion of a platinum complex having the formula where R1 is diaminocycloalkyl, and R2 and R3 each have the formula where R4, R5, and R6 are each independently hydrocarbon moieties having from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, into a complex having the formula R1—Pt—X2  (II) where X is halogen.

Abstract: An RF micro-electro-mechanical system including a first silicon wafer having a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface being opposite the bottom surface. A bore extends through the first silicon wafer. A micro-electro-mechanical device is provided and coupled to the top surface of the first silicon wafer. An electrical feed line then extends along the bottom surface of the first silicon wafer and an electrical interconnect electrically couples the micro-electro-mechanical device and the electrical feed line through the bore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing tissue of epithelial lined viscus in vivo including, for example, the endocervical canal. The method comprises illuminating an interior surface of the viscus with electromagnetic radiation wavelengths to produce a plurality of fluorescence intensity spectra, detecting a plurality of emission wavelengths from the fluorescence intensity spectra, and characterizing the epithelial viscus tissue as a function of the emission wavelengths.

Abstract: This invention provides an extraction device and a method for extracting desired particles from a sample stream containing the desired particles. The device has a sample stream inlet, an extraction stream inlet, and an extraction channel in fluid communication with the sample stream inlet and the extraction stream inlet. The extraction channel is for receiving a sample stream from the sample stream inlet in adjacent laminar flow with an extraction stream from the extraction stream inlet. A sequestering material within the extraction channel captures desired particles in the extraction stream. A by-product stream outlet in fluid communication with the extraction channel receives a by-product stream comprising at least a portion of the sample stream form which desired particles have been extracted. A product outlet in fluid communication with the extraction channel receives a product which has the sequestering material and at least a portion of the desired particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides two new HIV/SIV translocation promoting agents, Bonzo and BOB. The present invention also provides the amino acid and DNA sequences of human, African green monkey, and pigtail macaque of the receptor protein Bonzo. Mammalian cells transfected with Bonzo and/or BOB and human CD4 as well as antibodies to the receptor Bonzo are also included. Furthermore, a method of identifying other such translocation promoting agents is also disclosed. Diagnostic and therapeutic uses of the translocation promoting agents of the present invention are also provided. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods of identifying agents that can modulate the expression and/or function of Bonzo/STRL33. Such agents can be used to either treat inflamation, or alternatively, to enhance the immune response.

Abstract: An Optical Domain Signal Analyzer, having an optical filter, a dispersive element and a detector is utilized to provide high resolution spectrum analysis over a wide optical bandwidth. The optical domain signal analyzer broadly includes an optical filter for providing wavelength samples of a received optical signal, a dispersive element for receiving the samples and dispersing the samples, and a detector for receiving the dispersed signal and for providing electrical signals representative of the dispersed sample. A preferred embodiment includes a processor for receiving the electrical signal and calculating the characteristics of the spectrum.

Abstract: Methods for inducing a thermoplastic polymer, which can be non-mesogenic, to exhibit liquid crystalline properties have been developed. The method includes the steps of (a) heating the polymer from an initial temperature below its glass transition temperature (Tg) to a temperature greater than its Tg and below its melting temperature (Tm); (b) exposing the polymer to a pressure greater than about 2 metric tons/in2, preferably between about 2 and 10 metric tons/in2, preferably for at least about one minute, while maintaining the temperature greater than its Tg; and (c) cooling the polymer below the Tg while maintaining the elevated pressure. Unlike many prior art transition processes which are reversible, this process provides a liquid crystal state that can be maintained for years at ambient conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the plastics are bioerodible thermoplastic polymers, such as polyanhydrides, some polyesters, polyamides, and polyaromatics.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of determining whether test cells in a sample are cancerous or not and determining if lymphocytes are activated or not. The method measures the test cell's DNA ploidy and the cellular activity of an enzyme such as an esterase, which has altered expression in cancer cells. Esterase activity can be measured using fluorescent compounds such as fluorescein diacetate.

Abstract: This invention relates to the formula and preparation method for a multi-layer chip inductor material used in very high frequencies. The main composition of this material is planar hexagonal soft magnetic ferrite, and ingredient is low temperature sintering aid. Preparation method is a synthetic method of solid phase reaction. The sintering aid is prepared by secondary doping. By the process of ball grinding, drying, pre-calcining, ball grinding, drying, granulating, forming, sintering, and so forth, very high frequency inductor material of superior quality is obtained, realizing low temperature sintering under a temperature lower than 900° C. This invention is of low cost, high performance, suitable for multi-layer chip inductors at very high frequencies of 300M-800 MHz.

Abstract: Apparatus for commutating turns of a stator coil for a helical coil launcher. An annular brush assembly includes an annular support and a plurality of electrical contacts disposed circumferentially about the annular support for contacting the stator coil. A projectile for a helical coil launcher is also disclosed having an armature coil and a body assembly containing at least one annular brush assembly for contacting a stator coil that is slidably engaged with the projectile.

Abstract: A chimeric live, infectious, attenuated virus containing a yellow fever virus, in which the nucleotide sequence for a prM-E protein is either deleted, truncated, or mutated, so that functional prM-E protein is not expressed, and integrated into the genome of the yellow fever virus, a nucleotide sequence encoding a prM-E protein of a second, different flavivirus, so that the prM-E protein of the second flavivirus is expressed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of modulating neurotrophic factor-associated activity, especially CNTF-associated levels and activity, using aldose reductase inhibitors. These methods are especially useful in individuals suffering from, or at risk of developing, neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative disorders. The invention also provides methods of palliating neurological disorders and delaying development of neurological disorders using aldose reductase inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to contulakin-G (which is the native glycosylated peptide), a des-glycosylated contulakin-G (termed Thr10-contulakin-G), and derivatives thereof, to a cDNA clone encoding a precursor of this mature peptide and to a precursor peptide. The invention is further directed to the use of this peptide as a therapeutic for anti-seizure, anti-inflammatory, anti-shock, anti-thrombus, hypotensive, analgesia, anti-psychotic, Parkinson's disease, gastrointestinal disorders, depressive states, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, tardive dyskinesia, drug dependency, panic attack, mania, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, ulcer, GI tumors, Tourette's syndrome, Huntington's chorea, vascular leakage, anti-arteriosclerosis, vascular and vasodilation disorders, as well as neurological, neuropharmalogical and neuropsychopharmacological disorders.