Abstract: The present invention provides methods for selectively regulating survival and proliferation in a T cell by modulating the activity of certain amino acid motifs in the CD28 protein.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods according to the present invention preferably utilize electroosmotic pumps that are capable of generating high pressure and flow without moving mechanical parts and the associated generation of unacceptable electrical and acoustic noise, as well as the associated reduction in reliability. These electroosmotic pumps are preferably fabricated with materials and structures that improve performance, efficiency, and reduce weight and manufacturing cost relative to presently available micropumps. These electroosmotic pumps also preferably allow for recapture of evolved gases and deposited materials, which may provide for long-term closed-loop operation. Apparatus and methods according to the present invention also allow active regulation of the temperature of the device through electrical control of the flow through the pump and can utilize multiple cooling loops to allow independent regulation of the special and temporal characteristics of the device temperature profiles.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal of the species selected from the group consisting of avian, bovine, ovine and porcine having a transgene which results in disrupting the production of and/or activity of growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) chromosomally integrated into the germ cells of the animal is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making such animals, and methods of treating animals, including humans, with antibodies or antisense directed to GDF-11. The animals so treated are characterized by increased muscle tissue and bone tissue.

Abstract: Synthetic peptide analogs of chemokines are designed to include the N- and C-terminal portions of the corresponding naturally occurring chemokine. In particular, synthetic peptide analogs of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) are effective in inhibiting HIV-1 entry and infection via the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Each peptide comprises a peptide segment analog of the SDF-1 N-terminal region joined to a peptide segment analog of the SDF-1 C-terminal region. The peptides are useful for HIV treatment and prophylaxis.

Abstract: An organic optoelectronic device structure is provided.

Abstract: Particles have an ultrathin, conformal coating are made using atomic layer deposition methods. The base particles include ceramic and metallic materials. The coatings can also be ceramic or metal materials that can be deposited in a binary reaction sequence. The coated particles are useful as fillers for electronic packaging applications, for making ceramic or cermet parts, as supported catalysts, as well as other applications.

Abstract: Alloys of transition metal suicides that contain one or more alloying elements are fabricated by a two-stage process involving mechanical activation as the first stage and densification and field-activated reaction as the second stage. Mechanical activation, preferably performed by high-energy planetary milling, results in the incorporation of atoms of the alloying element(s) into the crystal lattice of the transition metal, while the densification and field-activated reaction, preferably performed by spark plasma sintering, result in the formation of the alloyed transition metal silicide. Among the many advantages of the process are its ability to accommodate materials that are incompatible in other alloying methods.

Abstract: A compound useful for in vivo imaging of organs and tumors is provided of formula: wherein is a cobalamin, is derived from a corrin carboxylic acid group of said cobalamin, Y is a linking group and X is a chelating group, optionally comprising a detectable radionuclide or a paramagnetic metal ion, and n is 1-3.

Abstract: The determination of base (nucleotide) composition in DNA by mass spectrometry is described. Accurate and efficient analyses of the enormous pool of DNA sequences are required for; (a) validation of DNA sequences; (b) comparison of a parent (known) sequence with a related (unknown) sequence, and (c) characterization of sequence polymorphisms in various genes especially those associated with genetically inherited human diseases. The combination of stable isotope-labeling of PCR products of target sequences with analysis of the mass shifts by mass spectrometry (MS) is shown to provide such analyses, since the mass-shift due to the labeling of a single type of nucleotide (i.e., A, T, G, or C) identifies the number of that type of nucleotide in a given DNA fragment. Accurate determinations of nucleotide compositions of DNA fragments have been achieved with an accuracy of ±0.03% with respect to their known sequences. The method has also been applied to identify a known single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).

Abstract: Polyanhydrides which link low molecular weight drugs containing a carboxylic acid group and an amine, thiol, alcohol or phenol group within their structure into polymeric drug delivery systems are provided. Also provided are methods of producing polymeric drug delivery systems via these polyanhydride linkers as well as methods of administering low molecular weight drugs to a host via the polymeric drug delivery systems.

Abstract: The present invention includes testing devices and testing systems. This invention also includes machines or electronic apparatus using these aspects of the invention. The present invention also includes methods and processes using these devices and systems. In a preferred embodiment, a testing device and method are described that utilize infrared imaging and computer analysis thereof in detecting and measuring continuity, uniformity, and presence of inhomogeneities of wire heating grids in automotive windshields. The computer is capable of autonomous decision making, and can signal industrial equipment such as robotic actuators to automatically remove faulty windshields from the assembly line.

Abstract: The invention relates to detection of MAP-2 (microtubule associated protein-2) as a marker to determine the metastatic potential of a tumor, including tumors derived from the neural crest such as melanomas, gliomas, Schwanomas, chromocytomas and small cell lung cancer. In one aspect, the invention comprises a method for determining the metastatic potential of a tumor sample, wherein decreased levels of MAP-2 expression in a test sample relative to controls indicates that the sample has increased metastatic potential as compared to the control. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method to prevent tumor progression in metastatic melanoma by increasing levels of MAP-2 protein in cells.

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of shikimic acid from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing shikimic acid from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of inhibiting the growth of tumor cells based upon the discovery that p19ARF acts as a suppressor of oncogenic transformation by binding to the MDM2 oncoprotein and blocking MDM2's ability to target associated proteins, such as p53 and Rb, for proteosomal degradation. The method provided by the present invention inhibits the growth of a tumor cell by administering to the cell an effective amount of p19ARF or a mimetic thereof, and p53 to inhibit the growth of the tumor cell. Also provided by the present invention are pharmaceutical composition comprising p19ARF or a mimetic thereof, and/or p53.

Abstract: A generally toroidal counterflow heat exchanger is the main element of a combustor that operates at a micro scale. The combustor includes a central combustion region with openings to a reactant gas channel and an exhaust gas channel. The reactant channel and exhaust channels are coiled around each other in a spiral configuration that reduces heat loss. An electric current microgenerator is similar and also includes a thermoelectric active wall composed of n-type and p-type thermoelectric elements as part of a channel wall of the microcombustor. The thermoelectric active wall includes fins configured to increase the temperature differential across the thermoelectric elements relative to the temperature difference between the thermoelectric elements and the reactant and exhaust gases. A method of monolithically fabricating such microdevices by electrodepositing multiple layers of material is also provided.

Abstract: A memory element comprising nanomagnets having a rotational symmetry selected in order to provide high remanence and a suitable coercivity. There is also a sensor element comprising nanomagnets having a rotational symmetry selected such that they are superparamagnetic and exhibit substantially zero hysteresis so that a magnetisation of the nanomagnets depends only on the current value of applied field and not on the field history.

Abstract: A method of providing papillomavirus like articles which may be used for diagnostic purposes or for incorporation in a vaccine for use in relation to infections causd by papillomavirus. The method includes an initial step of constructing one or more recombinant DNA molecules which each encode papillomavirus L1 protein or a combination of papillomavirus L1 protein and papillomavirus L2 protein followed by a further step of transfecting a suitable host cell with one or more of the recombinant DNA molecules so that virus like particles (VLPs) are produced within the cell after expression of the L1 or combination of L1 and L2 proteins. The VLPs are also claimed per se as well as vaccines incorporating the VLPs.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for ameliorating gastrointestinal inflammation, particularly chronic gastrointestinal inflammation such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in a subject. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering an immunomodulatory nucleic acid to a subject suffering from or susceptible to gastrointestinal inflammation.

Abstract: The cDNA that encodes a glycoprotein receptor from the tobacco hornworm which binds a Bacillus thuringiensis toxin has been obtained and sequenced. The availability of this cDNA permits the retrieval of DNAs encoding homologous receptors in other insects and organisms as well as the design of assays for the cytotoxicity and binding affinity of potential pesticides and the development of methods to manipulate natural and/or introduced homologous receptors and, thus, to destroy target cells, tissues and/or organisms.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant named ‘MN95-105-6’ is provided.