Abstract: Dimer-selective RXR modulator compounds having agonist, partial agonist and/or antagonist activity in the context of an RXR homodimer and/or RXR heterodimers are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions incorporating such dimer-selective RXR modulator compounds and methods for their therapeutic use.

Abstract: Serial analysis of gene expression, SAGE, a method for the rapid quantitative and qualitative analysis of transcripts is provided. Short defined sequence tags corresponding to expressed genes are isolated and analyzed. Sequencing of over 1,000 defined tags in a short period of time (e.g., hours) reveals a gene expression pattern characteristic of the function of a cell or tissue. Moreover, SAGE is useful as a gene discovery tool for the identification and isolation of novel sequence tags corresponding to novel transcripts and genes.

Abstract: A solid unit oral pharmaceutical dosage form of amorphous nelfinavir mesylate is provided comprising amorphous nelfinavir mesylate in an amount of from about 400 mg to about 700 mg calculated as nelfinavir base, and a pharmaceutically acceptable water soluble, non-ionic synthetic block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, the copolymer having a melting point of at least about 45° C. and an HLB value at 25° C. of from about 18 to about 29, wherein the copolymer is present from about 40% to about 65% by weight of the nelfinavir mesylate. A hot melt granulation process for making the dosage form is provided.

Abstract: An optical fiber coupling assembly includes an optical fiber receiver, an optical spacer, and an optical filter such as a linear variable filter. The optical spacer can comprise either a monolithic block of optically transparent material, or an optical cavity within reflective walls. The fiber receiver can comprise either a machined attachment on an opaque lightweight block or can be a surface on the optical spacer configured to receive and adhesively bond an optical fiber. The optical spacer recirculates light that is incident on an optical filter segment that is not within the segment's designated wavelength range, thereby permitting multiple passes of the light within the assembly. A color measuring sensor device using the fiber coupling assembly can be incorporated with other components into a spectrometer device such as a portable calorimeter having a compact and rugged construction suitable for use in the field.

Abstract: Gap-fill and damascene methods are disclosed for depositing an insulating thin film of nitrofluorinated silicate glass on a substrate in a process chamber. A high-density plasma, generated from a gaseous mixture of silicon-, fluorine-, oxygen-, and nitrogen-containing gases, deposits a layer of nitrofluorinated silicate glass onto the substrate. For gap-fill applications, the substrate is biased with a bias power density between 4.8 and 11.2 W/cm2 and the ratio of flow rate for the oxygen-containing gas to the combined flow rate for all silicon-containing gases in the process chamber is between 1.0 and 1.8, preferably between 1.2 and 1.4. For damascene applications, the bias power density is less than 3.2 W/cm2, preferably 1.6 W/cm2, and the flow rate ratio is between 1.2 and 3.0. Using optimized parameters, the thin film has a lower dielectric constant and better adhesion properties than fluorosilicate glass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a promoter of the stearyl-CoA desaturase gene and functional moieties, fragments, and variants thereof, as well as nucleic acid constructs and vectors that contain such sequences, and the uses thereof.

Abstract: A film of fluorine-doped silicon glass (“FSG”) is exposed to a nitrogen-containing plasma to nitride a portion of the FSG film. In one embodiment, the FSG film is chemically-mechanically polished prior to nitriding. The nitriding process is believed to scavenge moisture and free fluorine from the FSG film. The plasma can heat the FSG film to about 400° C. for about one minute to incorporate about 0.4 atomic percent nitrogen to a depth of nearly a micron. Thus, the nitriding process can passivate the FSG film deeper than a via depth.

Abstract: Serial analysis of gene expression, SAGE, a method for the rapid quantitative and qualitative analysis of transcripts is provided. Short defined sequence tags corresponding to expressed genes are isolated and analyzed. Sequencing of over 1,000 defined tags in a short period of time (e.g., hours) reveals a gene expression pattern characteristic of the function of a cell or tissue. Moreover, SAGE is useful as a gene discovery tool for the identification and isolation of novel sequence tags corresponding to novel transcripts and genes.

Abstract: As a step towards understanding the complex differences between normal and cancer cells, gene expression patterns were examined in gastrointestinal tumors. More than 300,000 transcripts derived from at least 45,000 different genes were analyzed. Although extensive similarity was noted between the expression profiles, more than 500 transcripts that were expressed at significantly different levels in normal and neoplastic cells were identified. These data provide insights into the extent of expression differences underlying malignancy and reveal genes that are useful as diagnostic or prognostic markers.

Abstract: A film of fluorine-doped silicon glass (“FSG”) is exposed to a nitrogen-containing plasma to nitride a portion of the FSG film. In one embodiment, the FSG film is chemically-mechanically polished prior to nitriding. The nitriding process is believed to scavenge moisture and free fluorine from the FSG film. The plasma can heat the FSG film to about 400° C. for about one minute to incorporate about 0.4 atomic percent nitrogen to a depth of nearly a micron. Thus, the nitriding process can passivate the FSG film deeper than a via depth.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the introduction of polyanionic molecules, in particular, nucleic acids, into mammalian cells using certain phosphatidyl ethanolamines as helper lipids in conjunction with various cationic lipids. In particular, cationic lipid-mediated transfection of mammalian cells is improved by the use of lipid carriers comprising DLPE or DiPPE and cationic lipids.

Abstract: A method or apparatus for sub arc/tubular wire arc welding includes providing a first wire to a first welding arc and a first ac power signal to the first welding arc. The first ac power signal is a substantially constant voltage signal. A second wire may be provided to a second welding arc near the first welding arc, and a second ac power signal is then provided to the second arc. A phase relationship between the first and second ac power signals is selected from a plurality of at least three possible phase relationships. Preferably, the frequency and/or balance of at least one of the signals is selectable. Also, the output frequency is preferably controllable such that it can be more or less than the input frequency.

Abstract: Novel trienoic retinoid compounds having activity for retinoic acid receptors and retinoid X receptors are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions incorporating such compounds and methods for their use.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing temperature and/or strain in an object includes a broadband light source (1), connector means (2) in the form of an optical circulator or an optical coupler to which at least two substantially identical optical fiber Bragg gratings (4, 5) are connected. Grating (4) receives the broadband light from the connector means (2) and functions as a sensor of temperature and/or strain in an object. Light is reflected back from the grating (4) to the connector means (2) and then passed to the grating (5) which acts as a reference grating through which a light output signal is transmitted to a detector (8) which is conveniently a photodetector. Means are provided for chirping the two gratings (4, 5) at the same bandwidth and the detector (8) measures the intensity of the received light output signal, with the intensity being monotonically related to the change in temperature and/or strain sensed by the grating (4) in the object.

Abstract: Trienoic compounds having activity as antagonists for retinoic acid receptors are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions incorporating such compounds and methods for their therapeutic use.

Abstract: Cationic derivatives of biguanide are provided, which are useful in the preparation of lipid carriers for mediating transfection of mammalian cells in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: Serial analysis of gene expression, SAGE, a method for the rapid quantitative and qualitative analysis of transcripts is provided. Short defined sequence tags corresponding to expressed genes are isolated and analyzed. Sequencing of over 1,000 defined tags in a short period of time (e.g., hours) reveals a gene expression pattern characteristic of the function of a cell or tissue. Moreover, SAGE is useful as a gene discovery tool for the identification and isolation of novel sequence tags corresponding to novel transcripts and genes.

Abstract: Novel trienoic compounds having activity for retinoic acid receptors and retinoid X receptors are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions incorporating such compounds and methods for their use.

Abstract: Serial analysis of gene expression, SAGE, a method for the rapid quantitative and qualitative analysis of transcripts is provided. Short defined sequence tags corresponding to expressed genes are isolated and analyzed. Sequencing of over 1,000 defined tags in a short period of time (e.g., hours) reveals a gene expression pattern characteristic of the function of a cell or tissue. Moreover, SAGE is useful as a gene discovery tool for the identification and isolation of novel sequence tags corresponding to novel transcripts and genes.

Abstract: Compounds which are analogs of etoposide and which exhibit anti-tumor activity are disclosed. These compounds having the following structure: ##STR1## wherein R is selected from ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are each independently selected from H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5, C.sub.3 H.sub.7, i--C.sub.3 H.sub.7, C.sub.4 H.sub.9, CF.sub.3, OCH.sub.3, OC.sub.2 H.sub.5 , OC.sub.3 H.sub.7, OC.sub.4 H.sub.9, O--i--C.sub.3 H.sub.7, O--i--C.sub.4 H.sub.9, --OCH.sub.2 O--, --OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O--, CH.sub.2 OH, C.sub.2 H.sub.4 OH, CH.sub.2 Cl C.sub.2 H.sub.4 Cl, CH.sub.2 F, C.sub.2 H.sub.4 F, CH.sub.2 OCH.sub.3, COCH.sub.3, COC.sub.2 H.sub.5, CO.sub.2 CH.sub.3, CO.sub.2 C.sub.2 H.sub.5, NO.sub.2, NH.sub.2, NH.sub.2.HCl, NH.sub.2.HAc, NH.sub.2.1/2H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 , NH.sub.2.1/3H.sub.3 PO.sub.4, N(CH.sub.3).sub.2, N(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.2, OH, CN, N.sub.3, SO.sub.2 H, SO.sub.2 NH.sub.2 , SO.sub.