Abstract: A white-light emitter is disclosed, in which a silicone sheet is laminated between a pair of optically clear plastic sheets. The silicone sheet lacks the ability to retain its shape, while the three sheets, when sealed together, can retain a shape. The silicone sheet includes at least one phosphor, with a phosphor concentration between two percent and ten percent. The silicone sheet may be produced by molding. Compared to comparable silicone parts made by extrusion, the molded parts may show less part-to-part variation in color temperature, may be run in significantly smaller batches or as one-offs, and may allow the silicone and phosphor material to be mixed by hand or with a relatively simple mixing machine. In some cases, the sheets are sealed together at their perimeters and include a margin around the phosphor sheet. In some cases, the phosphor sheet includes a mixture of different phosphors.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for generating novel nucleic acid molecules through targeted spliceosome mediated RNA trans-splicing that result in expression of a apoAI protein, an apoAI variant, the preferred embodiment referred to herein as the apoAI Milano variant, a pre-pro-apoAI or an analog of apoAI. The methods and compositions include pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with a target precursor messenger RNA molecule (target pre-mRNA) and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of a novel chimeric RNA molecule (chimeric RNA) capable of encoding apoAI, the apoAI Milano variant, or an analog of apoAI. The expression of this apoAI protein results in protection against vascular disorders resulting from plaque build up, i.e., atherosclerosis, strokes and heart attacks.

Abstract: A white-light emitter is disclosed, in which light from blue light-emitting diodes strikes an active area of a phosphor sheet. The active area absorbs a portion of the blue light and emits phosphor light in response to the absorbed blue light. The emitter includes a stretcher that controllably stretches the active area of the phosphor sheet. The white light output spectrum of the active area has a characteristic color temperature that increases as the phosphor sheet is stretched, and decreases as the phosphor sheet contracts. As the phosphor sheet is stretched, the thickness of the active area decreases, the received blue light encounters fewer phosphor particles within the active area, the absorbed portion of the blue light decreases, the emitted phosphor light decreases, and the active area has a white light output spectrum that becomes weighted more heavily toward the blue light and less heavily toward the phosphor light.

Abstract: A white-light emitter is disclosed, in which a silicone sheet is laminated between a pair of optically clear plastic sheets. The silicone sheet lacks the ability to retain its shape, while the three sheets, when sealed together, can retain a shape. The silicone sheet includes at least one phosphor, with a phosphor concentration between two percent and ten percent. The silicone sheet may be produced by molding. Compared to comparable silicone parts made by extrusion, the molded parts may show less part-to-part variation in color temperature, may be run in significantly smaller batches or as one-offs, and may allow the silicone and phosphor material to be mixed by hand or with a relatively simple mixing machine. In some cases, the sheets are sealed together at their perimeters and include a margin around the phosphor sheet. In some cases, the phosphor sheet includes a mixture of different phosphors.

Abstract: A white-light emitter is disclosed, in which light from blue light-emitting diodes strikes an active area of a phosphor sheet. The active area absorbs a portion of the blue light and emits phosphor light in response to the absorbed blue light. The emitter includes a stretcher that controllably stretches the active area of the phosphor sheet. The white light output spectrum of the active area has a characteristic color temperature that increases as the phosphor sheet is stretched, and decreases as the phosphor sheet contracts. As the phosphor sheet is stretched, the thickness of the active area decreases, the received blue light encounters fewer phosphor particles within the active area, the absorbed portion of the blue light decreases, the emitted phosphor light decreases, and the active area has a white light output spectrum that becomes weighted more heavily toward the blue light and less heavily toward the phosphor light.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for generating novel nucleic acid molecules through targeted spliceosome mediated RNA trans-splicing that result in expression of a apoAI protein, an apoAI variant, the preferred embodiment referred to herein as the apoAI Milano variant, a pre-pro-apoAI or an analogue of apoAI. The methods and compositions include pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with a target precursor messenger RNA molecule (target pre-mRNA) and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of a novel chimeric RNA molecule (chimeric RNA) capable of encoding apoAI, the apoAI Milano variant, or an analogue of apoAI. The expression of this apoAI protein results in protection against vascular disorders resulting from plaque build up, i.e., atherosclerosis, strokes and heart attacks.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for generating novel nucleic acid molecules through targeted spliceosomal mediated RNA trans-splicing. The compositions of the invention include pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with a SERPINA1 target precursor messenger RNA molecule (target pre-mRNA) and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of a novel chimeric RNA molecule (chimeric RNA). In particular, the PTMs of the present invention include those genetically engineered to interact with SERPINA1 target pre-mRNA so as to result in correction of SERPINA1 genetic defects responsible for AAT deficiency. The PTMs of the invention may also comprise sequences that are processed out of the PTM to yield duplex siRNA molecules directed specifically to mutant SERPIN A1 mRNAs. Such duplexed siRNAs are designed to reduce the accumulation of toxic AAT protein in liver cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for generating novel nucleic acid molecules through targeted spliceosome mediated RNA trans-splicing that result in expression of a apoAI protein, an apoAI variant, the preferred embodiment referred to herein as the apoAI Milano variant, a pre-pro-apoAI or an analogue of apoAI. The methods and compositions include pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with a target precursor messenger RNA molecule (target pre-mRNA) and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of a novel chimeric RNA molecule (chimeric RNA) capable of encoding apoAI, the apoAI Milano variant, or an analogue of apoAI. The expression of this apoAI protein results in protection against vascular disorders resulting from plaque build up, i.e., atherosclerosis, strokes and heart attacks.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for conferring selective death on cells expressing a specific target precursor messenger RNA (selective target pre-mRNA). The compositions of the invention include pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with a target precursor messenger RNA molecule (target pre-mRNA) expressed within a cell and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of a novel chimeric mRNA molecule (chimeric mRNA) capable of encoding a light producing protein or enzyme. Cell death is further mediated by the presence of a photosensitizer which upon photoactivation produces cytotoxicity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for conferring selective death on cells expressing a specific target precursor messenger RNA (selective target pre-mRNA). The compositions of the invention include pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with a target precursor messenger RNA molecule (target pre-mRNA) expressed within a cell and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of a novel chimeric mRNA molecule (chimeric mRNA) capable of encoding a light producing protein or enzyme. Cell death is further mediated by the presence of a photosensitizer which upon photoactivation produces cytotoxicity.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to the field of document material handling in high-speed in-line mailing systems. In particular, the present subject matter relates to a cross track divert device, system and method for diverting a suspect or invalid document from a paper pathway prior to the document entering a raceway conveyor. The cross track divert device is designed to divert and remove the suspect or invalid document without stoppage of the mailing system's operation cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for generating novel nucleic acid molecules through targeted spliceosomal mediated RNA trans-splicing. The compositions of the invention include pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with a SERPINA1 target precursor messenger RNA molecule (target pre-mRNA) and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of a novel chimeric RNA molecule (chimeric RNA). In particular, the PTMs of the present invention include those genetically engineered to interact with SERPINA1 target pre-mRNA so as to result in correction of SERPINA1 genetic defects responsible for AAT deficiency. The PTMs of the invention may also comprise sequences that are processed out of the PTM to yield duplex siRNA molecules directed specifically to mutant SERPIN A1 mRNAs. Such duplexed siRNAs are designed to reduce the accumulation of toxic AAT protein in liver cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for generating novel nucleic acid molecules through targeted spliceosome mediated RNA trans-splicing that result in expression of a apoAI protein, an apoAI variant, the preferred embodiment referred to herein as the apoAI Milano variant, a pre-pro-apoAI or an analogue of apoAI. The methods and compositions include pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with a target precursor messenger RNA molecule (target pre-mRNA) and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of a novel chimeric RNA molecule (chimeric RNA) capable of encoding apoAI, the apoAI Milano variant, or an analogue of apoAI. The expression of this apoAI protein results in protection against vascular disorders resulting from plaque build up, i.e., atherosclerosis, strokes and heart attacks.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for conferring tumor selective cell death on cancer cells expressing specific target precursor messenger RNA molecules (cancer cell selective target pre-mRNAs). The compositions of the invention include conditionally replicative adenoviruses that have been genetically engineered to express one or more pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with one or more cancer cell target pre-mRNA and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of novel chimeric RNA molecules (chimeric RNA) capable of encoding adenovirus specific protein(s). Adenovirus specific proteins include those proteins complementing an essential activity necessary for replication of a defective adenovirus. The methods and compositions of the invention may be used to target a lytic adenovirus infection to cancer cells thereby providing a method for selective destruction of cancer cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for generating novel nucleic acid molecules through targeted spliceosome mediated RNA trans-splicing that result in expression of an apoA-1 variant, the preferred embodiment referred to herein as the apoA-1 Milano variant. The compositions of the invention include pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with a target precursor messenger RNA molecule (target pre-mRNA) and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of a novel chimeric RNA molecule (chimeric RNA) capable of encoding the apoA-1 Milano variant. The expression of this variant protein results in protection against vascular disorders resulting from plaque build up, i.e., strokes and heart attacks. In particular, the PTMs of the present invention include those genetically engineered to interact with the apoA-1 target pre-mRNA so as to result in expression of the apoA-1 Milano variant.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to the filed of document material handling in high-speed in-line mailing systems. In particular, the present subject matter relates to a cross track divert device, system and method for diverting a suspect or invalid document from a paper pathway prior to the document entering a raceway conveyor. The cross track divert device is designed to divert and remove the suspect or invalid document without stoppage of the mailing system's operation cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for rapid high capacity functional screening to identify optimal pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs). The compositions of the invention include PTM expression libraries capable of encoding candidate PTMs designed to interact with a target precursor messenger RNA molecule (target pre-mRNA) and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of a novel chimeric RNA molecule (chimeric RNA). The candidate PTMs of the invention encode a portion of a first reporter molecule and may encode one or more other reporter molecules, which can be used to select for cells expressing optimal PTMs (efficient and specific). The compositions of the invention also include cells that express a target pre-mRNA encoding the remaining portion of the first reporter molecule.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for conferring selective death on cells expressing a specific target precursor messenger RNA (selective target pre-mRNA). The compositions of the invention include pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with a target precursor messenger RNA molecule (target pre-mRNA) expressed within a cell and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of a novel chimeric mRNA molecule (chimeric mRNA) capable of encoding a light producing protein or enzyme. Cell death is further mediated by the presence of a photosensitizer which upon photoactivation produces cytotoxicity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for conferring tumor selective cell death on cancer cells expressing specific target precursor messenger RNA molecules (cancer cell selective target pre-mRNAs). The compositions of the invention include conditionally replicative adenoviruses that have been genetically engineered to express one or more pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTMs) designed to interact with one or more cancer cell target pre-mRNA and mediate a trans-splicing reaction resulting in the generation of novel chimeric RNA molecules (chimeric RNA) capable of encoding adenovirus specific protein(s). Adenovirus specific proteins include those proteins complementing an essential activity necessary for replication of a defective adenovirus. The methods and compositions of the invention may be used to target a lytic adenovirus infection to cancer cells thereby providing a method for selective destruction of cancer cells.

Abstract: Stress and/or shear resistant retrovirus envelope protein polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, as well as fragments of such nucleic acids and polypeptides and compositions thereof, are provided. Retroviruses incorporating such polypeptides and methods of using stress resistant retrovirus envelope protein polypeptides and corresponding nucleic acids are also described.