Abstract: Methods and compositions to enhance mucus clearance and to treat pulmonary lung disorders such as cystic fibrosis are disclosed. The methods utilize compositions including synthetic pulmonary surfactants having one or more phospholipids and a synthetic polypeptide, administered alone or combined with hyperosmotic agents, to patients in an amount effective to enhance mucus clearance.

Abstract: A fragrance sampling display for retail environments is disclosed. The sampling display may include a dock having a removable faceplate and sidewalls. The dock may include one or more receptacles and one or more scent modules, wherein each scent module is associated with and partially inserted into only one of the receptacles. The scent modules may be removably disposed in the corresponding receptacles by retractable cords. Each of the scent modules may include a different volatile active corresponding to a different fragrance product and vent holes to facilitate passive emission of the associated fragrance. The vent holes may be configured so as to be substantially sealed while the associated scent module is in its respective receptacle.

Abstract: An illumination and volatile active dispenser device and corresponding control circuits are disclosed. The device supports at least one white light source to emit illumination light, and a plurality of colored LEDs capable of providing a sequence of light patterns and ambient light. The modular control unit provides a volatile active dispenser to control volatile active emission rates. Thus, the illumination and volatile active dispenser device provides illumination light, ambient light, light shows, volatile active emission control, and combinations thereof, within a single standalone but modular device.

Abstract: A light apparatus includes one or more light pipes and/or diffusers to transfer and/or diffuse light from a few point light sources to a broader area and to other points. A hollow light pipe includes a light transmissive sidewall that encompasses an interior space, which receives and hides control circuitry for the light sources therein. A bottom end surface of the hollow light pipe is disposed adjacent to one or more light sources and transmits the light therefrom over a relatively large, uniform area. A solid core light pipe has a light receiving end and a light dispersion end having a reflective facet therein. The reflective facet includes a depression forming a reflective surface angularly displaced from a longitudinal axis of the solid core light pipe. A light diffuser surrounding a point source of light is adapted to cause the point source to look like a flame.

Abstract: An adapter device for a lamp or light fixture includes a male connector, a female socket and control circuitry. The adapter supports at least one RGB LED cluster positioned so as to emit a colored light show. The male connector is configured to be received in a conventional light socket. The adapter also includes a slot for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active insert for enabling the device to emit an active ingredient from the insert when the insert is secured in the slot. A conventional light bulb or a CFL may also be connected to the female socket as a source of illumination. Thus, a single adapter is used to combine a conventional light source/colored light show source/volatile active source.

Abstract: This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods related to the prevention and treatment of primary tumors and metastatic, malignant or spreading cancers by selectively targeting cancer associated myeloid derived cells by the targeted delivery of a bisphosphonate formulated with a non-liposomal particle carrier. In some aspects, the bisphosphonate particles have one or more properties suitable for phagocytosis by cancer associated myeloid derived cells and release of the bisphosphonate within the macrophages. Advantageously, administering the particles to a subject reduces the level and/or activity of cancer associated myeloid derived cells in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for preparing cheese with low fat content and with improved texture, color and baking properties. The compositions and methods of the invention include acidification of the cheese base and the addition of glycerides to manufacture processed or heated curd cheese with improved properties such as texture, stickiness, color and baking properties.

Abstract: A portable light device is capable of generating light that is substantially uniformly distributed at its surface. The light device includes a housing having at least a translucent portion formed of a translucent material A first light source is disposed within the housing and is adapted to generate light. A first optical structure is positioned to direct at least a portion of the light from the first light source toward the housing translucent portion, and a second optical structure is positioned between the first light source and the housing translucent portion, the second optical structure being adapted to diffuse at least a portion of the light for uniform distribution across the housing translucent portion.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to enhance mucus clearance and to treat of pulmonary lung disorders such as cystic fibrosis are disclosed. The methods utilize pulmonary surfactants, alone or combined with hyperosmotic agents, administered to patients in an amount effective to enhance mucus clearance. The compositions comprise a pulmonary surfactant combined with an osmotically active agent.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to digital data communication systems, and more particularly, the systems and methods relate to systems and methods for facilitating digital communication between a modem equipped meter and a central data acquisition system. In one example, the system has the central data acquisition system, a first telemetry device that utilizes a modem for data communication, and a second telemetry device with a processor for communicating with the first telemetry device, and a digital cellular radio for communicating with the processor. The processor relays digital meter data from the first telemetry device to the digital cellular radio and the digital cellular radio transmits the digital meter data to the central data acquisition system. This system allows the utility company to transmit the reading of utility consumption by a consumer without the use of telephone lines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, apparatus and methods for (1) detecting codes assigned to utility meters that have frequently changing codes and (2) translating codes between the central data acquisition system that contains a fixed identification code for each utility meter and utility meters that have frequently changing identification codes.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to digital data communication systems, and more particularly, the systems and methods relate to systems and methods for facilitating digital communication between a modem equipped meter and a central data acquisition system. In one example, the system has the central data acquisition system, a first telemetry device that utilizes a modem for data communication, and a second telemetry device with a processor for communicating with the first telemetry device, and a digital cellular radio for communicating with the processor. The processor relays digital meter data from the first telemetry device to the digital cellular radio and the digital cellular radio transmits the digital meter data to the central data acquisition system. This system allows the utility company to transmit the reading of utility consumption by a consumer without the use of telephone lines.

Abstract: A nucleic acid delivery system that offers, in one system, a combination of high encapsulation efficiency, rapid release kinetics and preservation of DNA in supercoiled form is provided. The nucleic acid delivery system comprises nucleic acid molecules, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), encapsulated in biodegradable microspheres, and is particularly suited for delivery of DNA vaccines. The invention further provides a method for encapsulating nucleic acid molecules in microspheres. The invention additionally provides a composition comprising nucleic acid molecules encapsulated in microspheres produced by a method of the invention, and a method for delivering a nucleic acid molecule to a subject. The invention further provides an adjuvant for modulating the immunostimulatory efficacy of microspheres encapsulating nucleic acid molecules comprising an aminoalkyl glucosaminide 4-phosphate (AGP).

Abstract: Hydrophobic ion pairing (HIP) is applied to solubilize proteins and/or adjuvants in an organic medium. A polymer is cosolubilized in the medium and microspheres encapsulating the protein and/or adjuvant can be produced by a single emulsion method. Microspheres prepared by this method exhibit low initial burst of the protein and gradual release over time, and elicit a strong and comprehensive immune response. Compositions comprising a protein and an adjuvant co-encapsulated in microspheres are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photographic element comprising a support having thereon light sensitive silver halide layers comprising at least one red light sensitive silver halide layer, at least one green light sensitive silver halide layer, and at least one blue sensitive silver halide layer, wherein the green light sensitive silver halide layer has an absorption spectra having a maximum absorption at a wavelength &lgr;max from 530 to 560 nm and a half bandwidth less than 50 nm; and the red light sensitive silver halide layer has an adsorption spectra having a maximum absorption at a wavelength &lgr;max from 610 to 640 nm, and exhibiting from 30 nm hypsochromic of the wavelength of maximum absorption and below an area less than 40% based on the total area of the red light sensitive silver halide layer adsorption spectra. It further relates to a method of processing said element using an electronic filmwriter device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a viral vector conjugated to a microparticle, wherein the viral vector comprises a polynucleotide encoding a heterologous polypeptide. Conjugation of the viral vector to the microparticle results in a dramatic increase in the efficacy of the elicited immune response. Also disclosed is a method for delivering a polynucleotide to a cell comprising contacting the cell with a viral vector of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the cell is an antigen-presenting cell, such as a dendritic cell. The invention further provides a vaccine comprising a viral vector of the invention. The invention thus provides a method for delivering a polynucleotide to a subject, a method of stimulating an immune response in a subject, a method of treating cancer in a subject, a method of inhibiting tumor growth in a subject, and a method of treating an infection in a subject.

Abstract: A mucin peptide, such as MUC-1, encapsulated in a biodegradable polymeric microsphere is disclosed. The encapsulated mucin peptide breaks tolerance of helper T cells as it elicits a stronger immune response and provides improved protection against tumor challenge than direct administration of peptide, alone or with an adjuvant. The encapsulated mucin peptide can be used in a vaccine composition, and can be used in a method for delivering a mucin peptide to a subject, as well as in a method treating or preventing a cancer associated with reduced glycosylation of MUC-1.

Abstract: A nucleic acid delivery system that offers, in one system, a combination of high encapsulation efficiency, rapid release kinetics and preservation of DNA in supercoiled form is provided. The nucleic acid delivery system comprises nucleic acid molecules, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), encapsulated in biodegradable microspheres, and is particularly suited for delivery of DNA vaccines. The invention further provides a method for encapsulating nucleic acid molecules in microspheres. The invention additionally provides a composition comprising nucleic acid molecules encapsulated in microspheres produced by a method of the invention, and a method for delivering a nucleic acid molecule to a subject. The invention further provides an adjuvant for modulating the immunostimulatory efficacy of microsphetes encapsulating nucleic acid molecules comprising an aminoalkyl glucosanide 4-phosphate (AGP).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing cheese which is simulative of pasta filata cheeses, but which does not require a mixing and/or molding step, and the cheese product produced by the method, are disclosed. The method includes the steps of pre-acidifying milk; ripening the milk with a mesophilic starter culture to yield cheese milk; coagulating the cheese milk by adding a coagulant to yield a coagulum; cutting the coagulum to yield curds and whey; separating the curds from the whey and washing the curds in water; and proceeding directly to salt, hoop, and press the curds in the absence of any milling, mixing, or molding of the curds.