Abstract: Polymeric delivery agents, delivery agent compounds and compositions comprising them which are useful in the delivery of active agents are provided. Methods of administration and preparation are provided as well.

Abstract: Methods and systems of applying mass spectrometry to the analysis of peptides and amino acids, especially in the proteome setting. More particularly, the invention relates to a mass spectrometry-based method for detection of amino acid modifications, such as phosphorylation.

Abstract: A method of identifying an individual includes impinging radiation on perilimbal structures of the eye and employing acquired image information acquired from palisades and interpalisades for comparison with stored image information to determine if an identify match has been obtained. The palisades and interpalisades are not normally visible unless the eye and/or eyelids and forebrows are placed in a certain position thereby minimizing the risk of inadvertent delivery of this information. In a preferred approach a plurality of palisades and interpalisades are monitored in terms of at least one physical characteristic such as width, length, angular orientation, shape, branching pattern, curvature and spacing with the parameters being converted to binary data sequence form. Associated apparatus is provided.

Abstract: The instant disclosure identifies and synthesizes peptide residues initially isolated from a melanoma cell line. The peptides are capable of reconstituting an epitope recognized by tumor specific CTL. Some of the sequences are homologous with proteins identified as pMEL17, tyrosinase and cofilin. The present invention provides for the treatment of melanoma patients using synthetic peptides that reconstitute epitopes for melanoma specific CTL. In another embodiment the peptides are used as vaccines for imparting immunity. Alternatively, in one embodiment the peptides may be used to bind to antigen presenting cells in a method for providing specific antigenic stimulation of CTL. The instant invention provides CTL cell lines capable of recognizing reconstituted HLA-A2.1 epitopes and their use in methods of adoptive immunotherapy.

Abstract: Small particles of polymeric material are produced by expansion of a mixture of monomers and a propellant. The size and shape of the particles can be precisely tailored by materials selection and expansion conditions. Particles of 10 nanometers to 100 microns can be produced. If monomers exhibiting solid state reactivity are utilized, the particles thus formed can be polymerized at any time after formation. The particles produced by this method can be molecularly imprinted by incorporating a template into the particle prior to fully curing the particle, in a manner which allows selective extraction of the template from the cured particle after formation without deformation of the imprint site. A two step polymerization process allows the particles to be deposited on and adhered to a wide variety of substrates without additional agents.

Abstract: The invention relates in part to plant HMG2 HMGR genes and in part to the “post-harvest” production method of producing gene product of interest in plant tissues and cultures. The HMG2 promoter elements are responsive to pathogen-infection, pest-infestation, wounding, or elicitor or chemical treatments. The HMG2 elements are also active in specialized tissues of the plant including pollen and mature fruits. HMG2 promoter elements and HMG2-derived promoters can be advantageously used to drive the expression of disease and pest resistance genes, whereby transgenic plants containing such gene constructs would be resistant to the targeted disease and pest. In particular, the HMG2 gene expression system can be utilized in developing nematode resistant plants.

Abstract: A hydrogen permselective membrane, a method of forming a permselective membrane and an apparatus comprising a permselective membrane, a porous substrate and an optional intermediate layer are described. Using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at low reactant gas concentration, high permselectivities are achieved with minimal reduction in hydrogen permeance.

Abstract: A material with reduced surface defects includes a defect filter layer on an underlying material. The defect filter reduces dislocations and defects present in an underlying material. The defect filter include islands of one material formed on the underlying material and a continuous layer of a second material over the islands. The pair of layers is repeated a plurality of times to reduce the number of defects emanating from the underlying material.

Abstract: Acylcarnitine analogues having alkyl side chains of 10 to 30 carbon atoms display excellent spermicidal and anti-HIV activity, a well as being potent inhibitors of the growth of Candida albicans.

Abstract: High refractive index, melt processable polyphosphonates and methods for preparing the same are provided. These polymers are particularly useful for optical and ophthalmic parts, such as lenses. A method of preparing optical and ophthalmic lenses by injection molding the polymers of the present invention into the form of the optical or ophthalmic lenses is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a bioproduction of glutamine rich peptides. These peptides are used for rehydration and nutrition therapy in patients and for enhanced nutrition in animals. The peptides may be used as individual peptides or combined with other peptides in oligopeptides or proteins. Compositions of glutamine rich peptides and nucleic acid sequences for producing such peptides, as well as methods of production and use, are described.

Abstract: Wood is disposed in a container having at least one flexible wall, and vacuum is applied to the container. The flexible wall presses against a surface of the wood. The container and wood are them immersed in a heated bath (e.g. comprising water, air, or other fluids). The wood is heated by conduction through the flexible wall, and maintained at accurate temperature by the bath. The wood is thereby rapidly dried by heat and vacuum. The present invention is energy efficient, and provides rapid, uniform drying of the wood without checking.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a subject for medical conditions includes causing light to impinge on at least one eye of the subject, directing reflected light from such light beam to photosensors, converting the received reflected light to corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a processor. Processing the signals by effecting a comparison between stored information regarding the medical condition and the data provided by the monitoring to determine if an undesired medical condition exists and, if so, communicating such result. The cycle is repeated at predetermined intervals which may be short or prolonged. The stored information may be information relating to the specific subject or general information regarding normal and abnormal conditions of the eye representative of toxicity. The eyes may be monitored sequentially or simultaneously. Related apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A method of screening for pulmonary embolism uses gaseous phase polarized 129Xe which is injected directly into the vasculature of a subject. The gaseous 129Xe can be delivered in a controlled manner such that the gas substantially dissolves into the vasculature proximate to the injection site. Alternatively, the gas can be injected such that it remains as a gas in the bloodstream for a period of time (such as about 8-29 seconds). The injectable formulation of polarized 129Xe gas is presented in small quantities of (preferably isotopically enriched) hyperpolarized 129Xe and can provide high-quality vasculature MRI images or NMR spectroscopic signals with clinically useful signal resolution or intensity. One method injects the polarized 129Xe as a gas into a vein and also directs another quantity of polarized gas into the subject via inhalation. In this embodiment, the perfusion uptake allows arterial signal information and the injection (venous side) allows venous signal information.

Abstract: A control system for reducing cargo pendulation. The control system calculates a correction factor and adds the correction factor for the operator input motions in addition to the motion of the platform in order to provide a reference position of the suspension point of the hoisting cable. The reference position is then provided to a tracking controller so that the crane can be forced to track the needed motions for reducing the cargo pendulation.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for use in delivering a substance of interest to a targeted cell. The substance of interest is associated with a targeting fragment of a toxin molecule or a lectin that specifically binds to a cell surface receptor, such as the B subunit of an A/B type toxin molecule. The substance of interest may be a photosensitizing agent, in which case the cell (e.g. a cancer cell) may be killed by exposure to light after delivery of the agent. Alternatively, the substance of interest may be a visualizing agent that enhances visualization of the targeted cell.

Abstract: Sequestrants and inhibitors of protease are applied to the wound site through the use of wound dressing based carrier systems to which they may be optionally ionically or covalently bound for the purpose of the initiation or enhancement of healing associated with chronic non-healing wounds.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a subject for medical conditions includes causing light to impinge on at least one eye of the subject, directing reflected light from such light beam to photosensors, converting the received reflected light to corresponding electrical signals which are delivered to a processor. Processing the signals by effecting a comparison between stored information regarding the medical condition and the data provided by the monitoring to determine if an undesired medical condition exists and, if so, communicating such result. The cycle is repeated at predetermined intervals which may be short or prolonged. The method may be employed for a wide variety of medical conditions and preferably is employed with frequent cyclic monitoring for conditions such as miosis, carbon monoxide poisoning, and blood flow related conditions. A related apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A multi-lumen, multi-functional catheter system comprising a plurality of axial lumens, at least one lumen supporting a functionality other than material delivery and material removal.

Abstract: A drink-thru lid for a drinking cup including an annular mounting portion for sealingly engaging the drinking cup, wherein the annular mounting portion includes a downwardly extending annular skirt. The lid further includes a tear-back section extending from the annular skirt to a hinge portion located in a medial portion of the lid. The tear-back section includes a raised protrusion extending outwardly from an upper surface of the lid. A recess is further formed in a medial portion of the lid on the opposite side of the hinge portion from the raised protrusion, wherein the tear-back section may be torn away from the lid on its sides and pivoted about the hinge portion until the raised protrusion is received within the recess for holding said pivotal flap open. The raised protrusion and the recess are shaped such that the raised protrusion is frictionally engaged by the end walls of the recess.