Abstract: Methods and compositions for rendering nucleic acids directly responsive to an external signal utilizing modulators that themselves respond to the external signal and are associated with the nucleic acid. In response to the external signal, the modulator alters physical properties of the specific nucleic acid molecule(s) with which it is associated, thereby altering the structural and functional properties thereof. The modulator may, for example, transfer applied energy to a nucleic acid, or to a portion of the nucleic acid, thereby changing the nucleic acid structure.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for rendering proteins directly responsive to an external signal utilizing modulators that themselves respond to the external signal and are associated with the proteins. In response to the external signal, the modulator alters physical properties of the specific protein molecule(s) with which it is associated, thereby altering the structural and functional properties thereof. The modulator may, for example, transfer applied energy to a protein, or to a portion of the protein, thereby changing the protein structure and function.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel isolated nucleic acids and substantially pure protein preparations for naturally occurring and synthetic or chimeric heparan sulfate D-glicosaminyl 3-O-sulfo-transferases (3-OSTs). Also disclosed are uses for these genes and proteins, including uses for the modification and sequencing of glycosaminoglycans.

Abstract: A versatile modular peptide mediated intracellular delivery system is disclosed which may be particularly adapted to facilitate the delivery of therapeutic compounds which are large in size or complex in nature. The invention relates both to a modular peptide mediated intracellular delivery system and a method of delivering a compound into a cell using the system.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for rendering proteins directly responsive to an external signal utilizing modulators that themselves respond to the external signal and are associated with the proteins. In response to the external signal, the modulator alters physical properties of the specific protein molecule(s) with which it is associated, thereby altering the structural and functional properties thereof. The modulator may, for example, transfer applied energy to a protein, or to a portion of the protein, thereby changing the protein structure and function.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for rendering nucleic acids directly responsive to an external signal utilizing modulators that themselves respond to the external signal and are associated with the nucleic acid. In response to the external signal, the modulator alters physical properties of the specific nucleic acid molecule(s) with which it is associated, thereby altering the structural and functional properties thereof. The modulator may, for example, transfer applied energy to a nucleic acid, or to a portion of the nucleic acid, thereby changing the nucleic acid structure.

Abstract: A slide trigger for a liquid delivery system has a handle and a retractable trigger assembly. The handle has a grip portion and a barrel portion with a guide. The trigger assembly has a slide which travels freely within the guide and a trigger portion attached to the slide which activates the liquid delivery system when the trigger portion is retracted.

Abstract: A quick disconnect has a first member having an outlet with at least one passageway, an umbrella valve movably attached within the outlet for sealing the passageway, and a second member having an inlet with at least one finger which releasably engages the passageway and displaces the umbrella valve when the first and second members are removably engaged, thereby unsealing the umbrella valve from the passageway and allowing open communication from the outlet to the inlet.