Abstract: A backlight control system is provided. A modulation value register is included in memory of the system. A display backlight is included in the system, the display backlight including a light emitting diode (LED) light source configured to illuminate a liquid crystal display (LCD). Processing circuitry included in the system is configured to execute a clock timer and a temporal dither pattern generator. The temporal dither pattern generator is configured to receive a modulation value from the modulation value register, and apply a temporal dither according to a signal from the clock timer to the modulation value to generate a dithered modulation value. A modulator executed by the processing circuitry is configured to receive the dithered modulation value and modulate a power signal according to the dithered modulation value to drive the display backlight.

Abstract: A backlight control system is provided. A modulation value register is included in memory of the system. A display backlight is included in the system, the display backlight including a light emitting diode (LED) light source configured to illuminate a liquid crystal display (LCD). Processing circuitry included in the system is configured to execute a clock timer and a temporal dither pattern generator. The temporal dither pattern generator is configured to receive a modulation value from the modulation value register, and apply a temporal dither according to a signal from the clock timer to the modulation value to generate a dithered modulation value. A modulator executed by the processing circuitry is configured to receive the dithered modulation value and modulate a power signal according to the dithered modulation value to drive the display backlight.

Abstract: Methods for homologously recombining an exogenous nucleic acid into a target cell genome of a target cell are provided. In the subject methods, a targeting vector that includes a linearizing endonuclease site, e.g., a recombinase recognition site, and a homologous recombination integrating element, is contacted with the target cell(s) such that the target cell(s) take up the targeting vector. The targeting vector is originally a circular targeting vector that is linearized by a linearizing endonuclease, e.g., a recombinase, either prior to administration (e.g., in vitro treatment with an endonuclease) or upon entry into the multicellular organism by endonucleases in the extracellular or intracellular fluids that can be introduced to or already present in the muticellular organism. The integrating element homologously recombines into the target cell genome from the linearized targeting vector. Also provided are targeting vectors, systems and kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Methods of using methotrexate (MTX) active agents in which reduced host toxicity is observed are provided. In the subject methods, an effective amount of an MTX active agent is administered to the host in conjunction with the administration of an MTX toxicity reducing agent of the present invention. Also provided are compositions for use in practicing the subject methods, e.g., pharmaceutical compositions having reduced toxicity, in which the MTX active agent is combined with an MTX toxicity reducing agent that reduces the level of undesired MTX toxicity while maintaining an effective MTX anti-proliferative activity. Also provided are methods of using the subject methods and compositions in the treatment of a variety of different disease conditions.

Abstract: Non-mammalian, transgenic animals, e.g. flies, that exhibit neoplastic phenotypes, i.e. spontaneously produce metastatic tumors, are provided. Also provided are methods of using the subject transgenic non-mammalian animals to identify compounds having activity with respect to cellular proliferative, and particularly neoplastic, diseases. Finally, kits for screening compounds for anti-neoplastic activity are provided.

Abstract: Transgenic non-mammalian animals, e.g. flies, that exhibit an adult onset neurodegenerative phenotype, as well as methods for preparing the same, are provided. Also provided are methods of using the subject transgenic non-mammalian animals to identify compounds having activity with respect to adult onset neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, kits for screening compounds for anti-neurodegenerative activity are provided.

Abstract: Non-mammalian, transgenic animals, e.g. flies, that exhibit neoplastic phenotypes, i.e. spontaneously produce metastatic tumors, are provided. Also provided are methods of using the subject transgenic non-mammalian animals to identify compounds having activity with respect to cellular proliferative, and particularly neoplastic, diseases. Finally, kits for screening compounds for anti-neoplastic activity are provided.

Abstract: A pressure sensor of a process device, is characterized by applying a plurality of pressures to the process sensor. Outputs of the plurality of pressures are received. A compensation relationship is determined based upon the pressure sensor output. The characterization data is collected in a distribution which is non-uniform across the pressure range.

Abstract: Novel P element containing vectors and methods for their use to insert an exogenous nucleic acid into the genome of an animal are provided. The subject vectors have a pair of P element transposase recognized insertion sites, e.g. 31 base pair inverted repeats, flanking at least one transcriptionally active gene that is in proximity to at least one of the P element transposase recognized sites. In practicing the subject methods, a vector of the subject invention is introduced into the animal cell under conditions sufficient for transposition to occur. The subject methods find use in a variety of applications in which the insertion of an exogenous nucleic acid into the genome of an animal is desired, e.g. include research, synthesis and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A high throughput toxicology screening method is provided. In the subject method, at least 10 different compound compositions are tested simultaneously. Each compound composition is tested by contacting it with a plurality, e.g. from about 10 to 1000, of non-mammalian multi-cellular organisms and determining the effect of the compound composition on the organisms. The multi-cellular organisms employed in the subject methods are small, have differentiated tissues and organs and have a rapid generation time. The subject high throughput screening methods find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in the toxicology screening of libraries of compounds, such as libraries of combinatorially produced compounds.

Abstract: An animal integration vector and methods for its use in the insertion of an exogenous nucleic acid into the genome of a whole animal are provided. The vectors of the subject invention include a pair of transposase recognized insertion sequences, e.g., P element transposase recognized insertion sequences (such as P element derived 31 base pair inverted repeats), flanking at least one transcriptionally active gene that is located sufficienty proximal to one of the transposase recognized insertion sequences, e.g., P-feet, to provide for the desired genome integration. In practicing the subject methods, a vector as described above carrying an exogenous or endogenous nucleic acid is introduced into a target animal under conditions sufficient for entry into the animal and its cells resulting in transposition of the exogenous nucleic acid from the vector into the animal genome, i.e., in the genome of at least a portion of the cells making up the animal.

Abstract: Methods of using cisplatin active agents in which reduced host toxicity is observed are provided. In the subject methods, an effective amount of a cisplatin active agent is administered to the host in conjunction with the administration of a cisplatin toxicity reducing agent of the present invention. Also provided are compositions for use in practicing the subject methods, e.g., pharmaceutical compositions having reduced toxicity, in which the cisplatin active agent is combined with an cisplatin toxicity reducing agent that reduces the level of undesired cisplatin toxicity while maintaining an effective cisplatin anti-proliferative activity. Also provided are methods of using the subject methods and compositions in the treatment of a variety of different disease conditions.

Abstract: Methods for homologously recombining an exogenous nucleic acid into a target cell genome of a target cell are provided. In the subject methods, a targeting vector that includes a linearizing endonuclease site, e.g., a recombinase recognition site, and a homologous recombination integrating element, is contacted with the target cell(s) such that the target cell(s) take up the targeting vector. The targeting vector is originally a circular targeting vector that is linearized by a linearizing endonuclease, e.g., a recombinase, either prior to administration (e.g., in vitro treatment with an endonuclease) or upon entry into the multicellular organism by endonucleases in the extracellular or intracellular fluids that can be introduced to or already present in the muticellular organism. The integrating element homologously recombines into the target cell genome from the linearized targeting vector. Also provided are targeting vectors, systems and kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Methods for homologously recombining an exogenous nucleic acid into a target cell genome of a multicellular organism, e.g., an animal, are provided. In the subject methods, a targeting vector that includes a linearizing endonuclease site, e.g., a recombinase recognition site, and a homologous recombination integrating element, is contacted with the multicellular organism, e.g., via systemic or local administration, such that the target cell(s) of the multicellular organism takes up the targeting vector. The targeting vector is one that has been linearized by a linearizing endonuclease, e.g., a recombinase, at some point prior to the homologous recombination event, e.g., prior to or after contact with the multicellular organism. Following uptake by the target cell(s), the integrating element then homologously recombines into the target cell genome from the linearized targeting vector. Also provided are targeting vectors, systems and kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Novel P element containing vectors and methods for their use to insert an exogenous nucleic acid into the genome of an animal are provided. The subject vectors have a pair of P element transposase recognized insertion sites, e.g. 31 base pair inverted repeats, flanking at least one transcriptionally active gene that is in proximity to at least one of the P element transposase recognized sites. In practicing the subject methods, a vector of the subject invention is introduced into the animal cell under conditions sufficient for transposition to occur. The subject methods find use in a variety of applications in which the insertion of an exogenous nucleic acid into the genome of an animal is desired, e.g. include research, synthesis and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Transgenic non-mammalian animals, e.g. flies, that exhibit an adult onset neurodegenerative phenotype, as well as methods for preparing the same, are provided. Also provided are methods of using the subject transgenic non-mammalian animals to identify compounds having activity with respect to adult onset neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, kits for screening compounds for anti-neurodegenerative activity are provided.

Abstract: Transgenic non-mammalian animals, e.g. flies, that exhibit an adult onset neurodegenerative phenotype, as well as methods for preparing the same, are provided. Also provided are methods of using the subject transgenic non-mammalian animals to identify compounds having activity with respect to adult onset neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, kits for screening compounds for anti-neurodegenerative activity are provided.

Abstract: A high throughput toxicology screening method is provided. In the subject method, at least 10 different compound compositions are tested simultaneously. Each compound composition is tested by contacting it with a plurality, e.g. from about 10 to 1000, of non-mammalian multi-cellular organisms and determining the effect of the compound composition on the organisms. The multi-cellular organisms employed in the subject methods are small, have differentiated tissues and organs and have a rapid generation time. The subject high throughput screening methods find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in the toxicology screening of libraries of compounds, such as libraries of combinatorially produced compounds.

Abstract: Novel P element derived vectors and methods for their use to insert an exogenous nucleic acid into the genome of a target cell are provided. The subject vectors have a pair of P element transposase recognized insertion sites, e.g. 31 base pair inverted repeats, flanking at least two transcriptionally active genes. In practicing the subject methods, a vector of the subject invention is introduced into the target cell under conditions sufficient for transposition to occur. The subject methods find use in a variety of applications in which the insertion of an exogenous nucleic acid into the genome of a target cell is desired, e.g. include research, synthesis and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Non-mammalian, transgenic animals, e.g. flies, that exhibit neoplastic phenotypes, i.e. spontaneously produce metastatic tumors, are provided. Also provided are methods of using the subject transgenic non-mammalian animals to identify compounds having activity with respect to cellular proliferative, and particularly neoplastic, diseases. Finally, kits for screening compounds for anti-neoplastic activity are provided.