Abstract: Methods and compositions for screening for transdominant effector peptides and RNA molecules selected inside living cells from randomized pools are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for nucleic acid formulation for gene delivery. A new class of low molecular weight condensing agents, namely aromatic amino acid—containing peptides, are described for use in receptor-mediated and nonreceptor-mediated gene delivery, both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods and apparatus that can enhance the security of a suture knot by annealing a portion of the suture knot. Such a suture knot is less likely to fail by slippage. Advantageously, the methods and apparatus can operate in a liquid environment, such as the inside of a body. Conventional knots made from monofilament sutures exhibit an unfortunate tendency to slip or untie. A surgeon can tie a conventional monofilament suture using standard knot tying techniques and anneal the suture. The annealing can fuse the tails of the suture together, thereby preventing failure by slippage. In one embodiment, the annealing textures the surface of the monofilament tails, thereby increasing friction and resistance to slippage. In another embodiment, the annealing is applied to the last throw in the knot.

Abstract: This invention provides novel high density memory devices that are electrically addressable permitting effective reading and writing, that provide a high memory density (e.g., 1015 bits/cm3), that provide a high degree of fault tolerance, and that are amenable to efficient chemical synthesis and chip fabrication. The devices are intrinsically latchable, defect tolerant, and support destructive or non-destructive read cycles. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a fixed electrode electrically coupled to a storage medium having a multiplicity of different and distinguishable oxidation states wherein data is stored in said oxidation states by the addition or withdrawal of one or more electrons from said storage medium via the electrically coupled electrode. The storage medium typically comprises a storage molecule that is a triple-decker sandwich heterodimer. Such dimers can provide 8 or more oxidation states and permit the storage of at least 3 bits per molecule.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing the transmission of HIV, methods for prophylaxis of HIV transmission and methods for reducing the risk of HIV transmission vaginally or rectally using compositions having at least one of polyquaternium, glycerin, methylparaben or proplyparaben. The invention further provides methods for inhibiting the transmission of a sexually transmitted disease using the compositions. Additionally, the invention provides combinations of compositions and devices used with such methods.

Abstract: Highly uniform 1 nm silicon nanoparticles are provided by the invention. The nanoparticles exhibit beneficial properties. They are a source of stimulated emissions. They may be suspended in liquids, and solids. They can be formed into crystals, colloids and films. The nanoparticles of the invention are about 1 nm having about only one part in one thousand greater than 1 nm. A method for producing the silicon nanoparticle of the invention is a gradual advancing electrochemical etch of bulk silicon. Separation of nanoparticles from the surface of the silicon may also be conducted. Once separated, various methods may be employed to form plural nanoparticles into colloids, crystals, films and other desirable forms. The particles may also be coated or doped.

Abstract: The present invention provides the nucleotide sequence of the entire genome of Mycoplasma genitalium, SEQ ID NO: 1. The present invention further provides the sequence information stored on computer readable media, and computer-based systems and methods which facilitate its use. In addition to the entire genomic sequence, the present invention identifies protein encoding fragments of the genome, and identifies, by position relative to two (2) genes known to flank the origin of replication, any regulatory elements which modulate the expression of the protein encoding fragments of the Mycoplasma genitalium genome.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for use for treating, pulmonary hypertension, in particular neonatal pulmonary hypertension and early lung inflammation, are described. In a first embodiment, the composition comprises pulmonary vasodilators and mitochondrial targeted antioxidants in mixture with a lung surfactant. Preferably, the composition comprises one or more chemicals selected from the group consisting of a long-acting nitric oxide donors, antioxidants, endothelin-1 receptor antagonists, and antithromboxanes in mixture with a lung surfactant. In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a composition for treating neonatal pulmonary hypertension and early lung inflammation in mammals who do not respond to nitric oxide treatment alone. In this embodiment, the composition comprises liposomes comprising a pulmonary or lung surfactant and which contains vasodilators and chemicals which modulate development of acute inflammation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis and forming long polynucleotides. One exemplary method includes synthesizing a sense oligonucleotide; synthesizing an antisense oligonucleotide; annealing the sense and antisense oligonucleotides to form double stranded DNA (dsDNA); capping the ends of the dsDNA; cleaving the dsDNA wherein cleavage occurs at or near a Watson-Crick base pair mismatch; and digesting uncapped dsDNA. Another exemplary method includes synthesizing a first proofread double stranded DNA (dsDNA); synthesizing a second proofread dsDNA; and ligating the first proofread DNA with the second proofread DNA to form a long polynucleotide.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining images of body organs or other tissue for each of their multiple characterizing aspects, and for classifying different tissue types within the images according to their characterizing aspects, are disclosed herein. The tissue may be irradiated with an ultrasonic signal, and an interaction signal received in return. Sinogram data may be constructed from the received interaction signal, and multiple characterizing data extracted therefrom. The multiple characterizing data representing multiple characterizing aspects may then be matched to tissue type within a database containing information correlating characterizing multi-aspect data with tissue type. Images of the tissue may then be presented with identifiers associating tissue portions with their matched tissue types.

Abstract: A system for x-ray fluoroscopic imaging of bodily tissue in which a scintillation screen and a charge coupled device (CCD) is used to accurately image selected tissue. An x-ray source generates x-rays which pass through a region of a subject's body, forming an x-ray image which reaches the scintillation screen. The scintillation screen re-radiates a spatial intensity pattern corresponding to the image, the pattern being detected by the CCD sensor. In a preferred embodiment the imager uses four 8×8-cm three-side buttable CCDs coupled to a CsI:T1 scintillator by straight (non-tapering) fiberoptics and tiled to achieve a field of view (FOV) of 16×16-cm at the image plane. Larger FOVs can be achieved by tiling more CCDs in a similar manner. The imaging system can be operated in a plurality of pixel pitch modes such as 78, 156 or 234-&mgr;m pixel pitch modes. The CCD sensor may also provide multi-resolution imaging.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices are disclosed. The microfluidic devices comprise pumps and mixers in which a microrotor rotated by coupled dipoles induced by alternating electric fields moves fluids in which it is immersed.

Abstract: Nuclear matrix proteins (NMP) which are characterized by a defined expression in tissue, particularly prostate tissue, are provided. These NMPs are useful markers in diagnosing and monitoring the stage of malignancy of a cell and treating cell proliferative disorders associated with the NMP. Also provided are substantially purified polypeptides and nucleotide sequences encoding the NMPs of the invention.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a compound that modulates a cellualr response associate with Homer and mediated by a cell-surface or an intracellular receptor. A method is further provided for identifying a compound that modulates receptor activated calcium mobilization associated with Homer. A method is provided for identifying a compound that inhibits Homer protein activity based on the crystal structure coordinates of Homer protein binding domain. A method is also provided for identifying a compound that affects the formation of cell surface receptors into clusters. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding Homer proteins as well as Homer proteins, and Homer interacting proteins.

Abstract: A strain of Bifidobacterium isolated from resected and washed human gastrointestinal tract is significantly immunomodulatory following oral consumption in humans. The strain is useful in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of undesirable inflammatroy activity, especially gastrointestinal inflammatory activity such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. The inflammatory activity may also be due to cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel human and clam ubiquitin carrier polypeptides involved in the ubiquitination of cyclins A and/or B. Also disclosed are inhibitors of such polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides and inhibitors, antibodies specific for such polypeptides, and methods of their use.

Abstract: Methods for preparing an estrogenic preparation and isolating estrogenic compounds from a plant, such as an Epimedium plant, are provided. Also provided are estrogenic compounds from Epimedium plant that have been isolated and characterized, and methods for their use in modulating estrogen receptors and in treating conditions mediated by estrogen receptors, such as menopause and estrogen-dependent cancers. Also provided are preparations from Epimedium that are enriched for estrogenic compounds, and methods for their use in modulating estrogen receptors and preventing and treating conditions that are mediated by estrogen receptors.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device includes the following steps: providing a plurality of semiconductor layers; providing means for coupling signals to and/or from layers of the device; providing a layer of quantum dots disposed between adjacent layers of the device; and providing an auxiliary layer disposed in one of the adjacent layers, and spaced from the layer of quantum dots, the auxiliary layer being operative to communicate carriers with the layer of quantum dots.

Abstract: This invention provides novel peptides that ameliorate one or more symptoms of atherosclerosis. The peptides are highly stable and readily administered via an oral route.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting/monitoring tumor growth and progression in a tissue by measuring the level of antileukoprotease. Also provided is a method of treating an individual having a tumor by administering antileukoprotease to inhibit the activity of stratum corneum chymotryptic enzyme. Specifically, the tumor is an ovarian carcinoma.