Abstract: A connector is described comprising a longitudinally extending central portion, a plurality of planar walls, radially extending from the central portion, and a plurality of hammer-shaped members interposed between the walls, and radially extending from the central portion. An asymmetrical channel is defined between each of the walls and the members for retaining inserts.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and the activity of osteoclasts are disclosed. Methods of treating patients who have diseases characterized bone loss are disclosed. The present invention also provides peptides and peptide analogues designed from a binding loop of a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) superfamily. According to the methods, an amount of an inhibitor effective to inhibit osteoclastogenesis is administered to the patient. Methods of modulating dendritic cell maturation, T cell proliferation, and/or CD40 receptor systems in an individual are disclosed. The methods comprise the step of administering to the individual an amount of an inhibitor effective to modulating dendritic cell maturation, T cell proliferation, and/or CD40 receptor systems.

Abstract: cDNA molecules coding for GAD65 polypeptide are disclosed. The invention provides cDNA molecules comprising a part of the cDNA sequence of GAD65 which encode at least one epitope for autoantibodies to GAD65. The invention also provides cloning vehicles capable of replication and expression comprising cDNA molecules coding for GAD65. The invention further provides for hosts transformed with a vehicle having a cDNA molecule coding for GAD65. In another embodiment, the invention provides for the detection of autoantibodies to GAD65 using the GAD65 polypeptides coded for by the cDNA molecules of the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of inhibiting the transcription of a gene, which is activated by AP-1 or an AP-1 component, comprising binding AP-1 or the component with a nuclear receptor so as to prevent the binding of AP-1 to the gene. The nuclear receptor can be the retinoic acid receptor, glucocorticoid receptor, vitamin D3 receptor, thyroid receptor, or estrogen receptor. Also provided is a composition of matter comprising AP-1 or an AP-1 component bound to a nuclear receptor. These methods and compositions can be used to treat arthritis and cancer.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for the implementation of dynamically biased circuits. In these circuits, bias currents are varied according to signal amplitude. Benefits include reduced power dissipation, reduced noise, and increased dynamic range. The techniques can be employed in various types of circuits such as, for example, amplifiers, log-domain circuits, and filters.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for trace metal detection and analysis using bismuth-coated electrodes and electrochemical stripping analysis. Both anodic stripping voltammetry and adsorptive stripping analysis may be employed.

Abstract: Strains of Lactobacilli having the ability to reduce or block pro-inflammatory cytokines and also to induce anti-inflammatory cytokines are disclosed. These strains may be used to prepare therapeutic agents that reduce inflammation. Lactobacillus secreted proteins, carbohydrates and lipids are also disclosed. The Lactobacillus secretions, which block translocation of bacterial agents such as Gram (−) bacteria, other infectious agents, toxins, chemicals and injurious substances, may be used in the prevention and treatment of inflammation caused by bacterial translocation and injury and in treating gastrointestinal dysfunctions.

Abstract: The present planar photonic bandgap structures achieve improved control over radiation losses by employing layered dielectric structures. These structures control radiation losses incurred in connection with planar photonic bandgap structures and waveguides, waveguide bends, waveguide crossings, filters, switches and fiber-coupling structures in which such planar photonic bandgap structures are used.

Abstract: Complexes of SEQ ID NO: 12 and HLA-A2 can be used to generate CTLs. They can be supplemented with IL-6 and IL-12.

Abstract: A specific clinical protocol for use toward therapy of defective, diseased and damaged cholinergic neurons in the mammalian brain, of particular usefulness for treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. The protocol is practiced by delivering a definite concentration of recombinant neurotrophin into, or within close proximity of, identified defective, diseased or damaged brain cells. Using a viral vector, the concentration of neurotrophin delivered as part of a neurotrophic composition varies from 1010 to 1015 neurotrophin encoding viral particles/ml of composition fluid. Each delivery site receives from 2.5 &mgr;l to 25 &mgr;l of neurotrophic composition, delivered slowly, as in over a period of time ranging upwards of 10 minutes/delivery site. Each delivery site is at, or within 500 &mgr;m of, a targeted cell, and no more than about 10 mm from another delivery site. Stable in situ neurotrophin expression can be achieved for 12 months, or longer.

Abstract: A cache and TLB layout and design leverage repeater insertion to provide dynamic low-cost configurability trading off size and speed on a per application phase basis. A configuration management algorithm dynamically detects phase changes and reacts to an application's hit and miss intolerance in order to improve memory hierarchy performance while taking energy consumption into consideration.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences encoding peptide transporters, peptide transporters and methods of use thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: A periodic controlled realignment of the ring oscillator VCO in a phase locked loop is used to effect phase correction in a CMOS phase locked loop. A realignment to a buffered version of the reference signal is conducted periodically, at a time when an edge of the VCO waveform would ideally coincide with an edge in the reference signal. A preferred embodiment CMOS phase locked loop of the invention uses a ring oscillator voltage controlled oscillator. A divide by M circuit is driven by an output of the voltage controlled oscillator. A control voltage circuit accepts a reference signal and a signal from the divide by M circuit, and produces a control voltage proportional to a phase difference between the output of the voltage controlled oscillator and the reference signal to control the voltage controlled oscillator.

Abstract: A prosthesis (2) for replacing a joint between first and second articulating bones (10, 12), the prosthesis comprising first and second joint members (4, 6) and wherein: the first joint member includes a first mounting member (26) which in use is mounted in an intramedullary canal (22) of the first bone; the second joint member includes a second mounting member (28) which in use is mounted in an intramedullary canal (27) of the second bone; the first joint member has a ball (30) having a first part spherical surface and a slot (34) extending transversely through the ball; the second joint member has a socket (52) having a second part spherical surface which is complementary to first spherical surface and a guide peg (60) which projects from the second spherical surface and in use is located in said slot; and wherein the guide peg is loose fit within the slot thereby permitting biaxial rotation of the second member relative to the first member about at least first and second axes (14, 16).

Abstract: A process for forming a hafnium oxide-containing film on a substrate such as silicon that includes introducing an anhydrous hafnium nitrate-containing precursor into a reactor containing the substrate, and converting the precursor into the hafnium oxide-containing film on the substrate by chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: An epifluorescent microscope (11) is constructed with a quick changing set of filters (13,20,21). A wheel (13) containing a plurality of dichroic beamsplitter mirrors (6165) mounted equidistance from a center axis (66) of the wheel is mounted at a 45° angle within the lightpath and provides a beamsplitter function. Light from an excitation source (12) is provided as monochromatic light, so that light from the excitation source (12) is reflected by a selected one of the dichroic mirrors (6165) to the specimen (15), and Stokes shifted light from the specimen (15) is transmitted through the dichroic mirror (6165). By separately mounting the dichroic mirrors (6165), the dichroic mirrors can be quickly moved and a quicker change of sensed fluorophores is achieved. An additional advantage is that excitation (20) and emission (21) filters can be quickly changed independently of the dichroic mirror element (13).

Abstract: Methods, software, and apparatuses are described for resuscitation of shock due to trauma and/or hemorrhage. A representative embodiment involves a method of treating shock in a patient. A plurality of data elements representative of a condition of the patient are acquired, and shock in the patient is treated by following a step-by-step goal directed, data driven protocol, which references the plurality of data elements. The fixed protocol may be implemented in software or otherwise.

Abstract: Exposure of human skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun not only induces the production of enzymes (matrix metalloproteinases) that degrade collagen, but also inhibits the synthesis of new collagen by inhibiting the synthesis of procollagen. This UV-induced inhibition of the synthesis of collagen can be prevented by the topical application of a retinoid or c-JUN inhibitor to the skin prior to its exposure to UV radiation.

Abstract: A process for preparing N-acyl, N-sulfonyl and N-phosphoryl substituted isoserine esters in which a metal alkoxide is reacted with a &bgr;-lactam.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant named MN98-89-7 is provided. This new cultivar was the result of a cross between Dendranthema weyrichii and Dendranthema×grandiflora.