Abstract: Compounds having particular interest as labels and various novel uses in diagnostics and therapeutics are provided which have structure (1) wherein R1 is a binding partner, a linker or H; a and b are 0 or 1, provided that the total of a and b is 0 or 1; A is N or C; X is S, O, —C(O)—, NH or NCH2R6; Y is —C(O)—; Z is taken together with A to form an aryl or heteroaryl ring structure comprising 5 or 6 ring atoms wherein the heteroaryl ring comprises a single O ring heteroatom, a single N ring heteroatom, a single S ring heteroatom, a single O and a single N ring heteroatom separated by a carbon atom, a single S and a single N ring heteroatom separated by a carbon atom, 2 N ring heteroatoms separated by a carbon atom, or 3 N ring heteroatoms at least two of which are separated by a carbon atom, and wherein the aryl or heteroaryl ring carbon atoms are unsubstituted with other than H or at least 1 nonbridging ring carbon atom is substituted with R6 or ═O; R6 is

Abstract: A spinal fixation implant system for correction and fixation of the human spine to facilitate an anatomically correct fusion. The spinal fixation system may include a connector, a spinal rod, a spinal fixation component, a sleeve, and a fastener. The spinal fixation component preferably includes a fixation device such as a hook or screw for securing the spinal rod to vertebrae of the thoracic or lumbar spine. The spinal fixation component preferably includes a threaded end on its top that is adapted to receive the fastener. The fixation component may include a body having a tapered cavity for engaging the receiving end of the connector. Tightening of the fastener preferably downwardly translates the sleeve over the fixation component body to force the connector through the tapered cavity, which compresses the receiving end about the spinal rod to fixably connect the spinal rod and the spinal fixation component.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel modified oligonucleotides, the construction thereof, and their use in oligonucleotide-based therapies. More specifically, the invention is to novel oligonucleotides having modified internucleoside linkages which are resistant to nucleases, having enhanced ability to penetrate cells, and which are capable of binding target oligonucleotide sequences in vitro and in vivo. The modified oligonucleotides of the invention are particularly useful in oligonucleotide-based therapies utilizing the modified oligonucleotides to interrupt protein synthesis or transcription or to otherwise inactivate messenger RNA or double stranded DNA.

Abstract: Novel oligomers are disclosed which have enhanced ability with respect to forming duplexes or triplexes compared with oligomers containing only conventional bases. The oligomers contain the bases 5-(1-propynyl)uracil, 5-(1-propynyl)cytosine or related analogs. The oligomers of the invention are capable of (i) forming triplexes with various target sequences such as virus or oncogene sequences by coupling into the major groove of a target DNA duplex at physiological pH or (ii) forming duplexes by binding to single-stranded DNA or to RNA encoded by target genes. The oligomers of the invention can be incorporated into pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and can be constructed to have any desired sequence, provided the sequence normally includes one or more bases that is replaced with the analogs of the invention.

Abstract: A container assembly for bulk materials and a kit for assembling same are disclosed. A forming member having a plurality of sidewalls defines an internal cavity for receiving bulk materials. The sidewalls are arranged relative to one another and are locked into position so as to define a geometric volume of predetermined shape, by means of a locking assembly. The locking assembly can be integrally attached to or can be separable from the sidewalls, and can form a bottom of the container assembly. A tubular sleeve of continuous material is sized to snugly engage and overlie substantially the entire outer surface area of the sidewalls. The sleeve provides the containment strength, while the forming member provides structural shape and stability to the container assembly. Additional layers of corrugated material or woven polypropylene material or their combination may be used as inserts engaging the inner peripheral sidewall areas of the forming member to provide additional strength to the container assembly.

Abstract: A container assembly for bulk materials and a method and kit for assembling same are disclosed. A forming member having a plurality of sidewalls defines an internal cavity for receiving bulk materials. The sidewalls are arranged relative to one another and are locked into position so as to define a geometric volume of predetermined shape, by means of a locking assembly. The locking assembly can be integrally attached to or can be separable from the sidewalls, and can form a bottom of the container assembly. A tubular sleeve of continuous material is sized to snugly engage and overlie substantially the entire outer surface area of the sidewalls. The sleeve provides the containment strength, while the forming member provides structural shape and stability to the container assembly.

Abstract: An instrument may be used to move a rod attached to vertebrae to an opening of a fixation device. Positioning the rod in the opening may properly align the vertebrae with respect to the vertebra attached to the fixation element. A fixation holder may be coupled to the fixation element. The holder may include a protrusion. The protrusion may engage a guide of the instrument during use. The protrusion and the guide may ensure that the rod is properly positioned within the opening in the connector. The instrument and holder may automatically align the rod to the opening without requiring manual manipulation of the rod or the fixation element. The fixation element may include a connector. The connector may be positioned within the fixation element so that removal of the connector from the fixation element is inhibited.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel modified oligonucleotides, the construction thereof, and their use in oligonucleotide-based therapies. More specifically, the invention is to novel oligonucleotides having modified internucleoside linkages which are resistant to nucleases, having enhanced ability to penetrate cells, and which are capable of binding target oligonucleotide sequences in vitro and in vivo. The modified oligonucleotides of the invention are particularly useful in oligonucleotide-based therapies utilizing the modified oligonucleotides to interrupt protein synthesis or transcription or to otherwise inactivate messenger RNA or double stranded DNA.

Abstract: A spinal plate system and method for fixation of the human spine is provided. In an embodiment, the system includes a bone plate, a bone screw and a ring. The bone screw preferably connects the bone plate to a bone, and the ring preferably fixes the bone screw into a borehole of the bone plate such that the bone screw extends from the bone plate at a selected angle. The ring is preferably capable of swiveling within the borehole to allow the bone screw to be angulated at a plurality of angles oblique to the plate. The bone screw may have a head having a tapered, threaded surface for engaging the ring. The ring preferably has threading on its inner surface for mating with the threading on the head. The inner surface of the ring may be tapered. Movement of the head through the ring preferably expands the ring against the bone plate to fix the bone screw at a selected angle relative to the bone plate.

Abstract: Novel oligomers are disclosed which have enhanced ability with respect to forming duplexes or triplexes compared with oligomers containing only conventional bases. The oligomers contain the bases 5-(1-propynyl)uracil, 5-(1-propynyl)cytosine or related analogs. The oligomers of the invention are capable of (i) forming triplexes with various target sequences such as virus or oncogene sequences by coupling into the major groove of a target DNA duplex at physiological pH or (ii) forming duplexes by binding to single-stranded DNA or to RNA encoded by target genes. The oligomers of the invention can be incorporated into pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and can be constructed to have any desired sequence, provided the sequence normally includes one or more bases that is replaced with the analogs of the invention.

Abstract: Nucleotide analogs characterized by the presence of an amidate linked amino acid or an ester linked group which is bonded to the phosphorus atom of phosphonate nucleotide analogs are disclosed. The analogs comprise a phosphoamidate or ester bond that is hydrolyzed in vivo to yield a corresponding phosphonate nucleotide analog. Methods and intermediates for their synthesis and use are described.

Abstract: Novel oligomers are disclosed which have enhanced ability with respect to forming duplexes or triplexes compared with oligomers containing only conventional bases. The oligomers contain the base analog 5-propynyluracil, 5-propynylcytosine or related analogs. The oligomers of the invention are capable of (i) forming triplexes with various target sequences such as virus or oncogene sequences by coupling into the major groove of a target DNA duplex at physiological pH or (ii) forming duplexes by binding to single-stranded DNA or to RNA encoded by target genes. The oligomers of the invention may be constructed to have any desired sequence, provided the sequence normally includes one or more bases that is replaced with the analogs of the invention. Compositions of the invention can be used for diagnostic purposes in order to detect viruses or disease conditions.

Abstract: Nucleotide analogs characterized by the presence of an amidate linked amino acid or an ester linked group which is bonded to the phosphorus atom of phosphonate nucleotide analogs are disclosed. The analogs comprise a phosphoamidate or ester bond that is hydrolyzed in vivo to yield a corresponding phosphonate nucleotide analog. Methods and intermediates for their synthesis and use are described.

Abstract: A surgical cable system and method for securing surgical cable around a portion of a human element (e.g., bone) are described. The surgical cable system may include an eyelet. The eyelet may be configured to be positionable within a cable opening formed in a portion of the bone, such that the cable may pass through the eyelet when the cable is inserted into the cable opening. The eyelet may prevent the cable from contacting the bone portion proximate the cable opening, thus protecting the bone portion from damage due to, e.g., friction from motion of the cable against the bone portion. In an embodiment, the eyelet includes a single eyelet member. In an alternative embodiment, the eyelet includes an eyelet member and at least one endpiece connectable to the eyelet member. In an alternative embodiment, the eyelet includes two eyelet members. The two eyelet members may be configurable to form a fixable engagement.

Abstract: A surgical cable system and method for securing surgical cable around a portion of a human element (e.g., bone) is described. The surgical cable system may include a connector and a tensioner. The connector may be adapted to hold a pin, positionable within the connector, such that the pin may secure the cable within the connector. The pin may be repositioned, after securing the cable, to allow the cable to move freely through the connector. The cable may be oriented within the connector such that the ends of the cable are perpendicular or parallel with respect to each other. The tensioner is preferably adapted to vary the tension of the cable. The cable may be passed through the connector, around a portion of a human bone, and back through the connector. The cable may be tensioned by use of the tensioner and secured into position within the connector. The connector may include a locking portion for engaging a protrusion formed on the pin.

Abstract: A spinal plate system and method for fixation of the human spine is provided. In an embodiment, the spinal fixation system includes a plate, a coupling member and a locking system for substantially locking the coupling member in a desired position. The plate preferably has a borehole that allows the coupling member to couple the plate with a bone. Preferably, at least a portion of the coupling member may swivel in the hole so that a bottom end of the member extends at a plurality of angles substantially oblique to the plate. The locking system preferably locks the coupling member in desired positions relative to the plate. An assembly tool is preferably used to inhibit rotation of the coupling member during the installation of the spinal fixation system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus detects cavitation in the jawbone of human. The apparatus generates an ultrasonic pulse and passes the pulse through the jawbone of a human. The pulse is detected by an ultrasonic receiving unit. Attenuations in the amplitude of the pulse are detected and displayed on a color monitor. The color monitor allows the detection of cavitations by interpreting color codes in a 4.times.4 matrix displayed on the monitor.

Abstract: A compound having the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H or a linker group; R.sup.24 is independently halo or C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 haloalkyl;R.sup.25 is independently --SH, --OH, .dbd.S or .dbd.O;A is independently N or C; andM, taken together with the radical --A--C(--R.sup.25), completes an aryl or heteroaryl ring structure comprising 5 or 6 ring atoms wherein the heteroaryl ring comprises a single O ring heteroatom, a single N ring heteroatom, a single S ring heteroatom, a single O and a single N ring heteroatom separated by a carbon atom, a single S and a single N ring heteroatom separated by a carbon atom, 2 N ring heteroatoms separated by a carbon atom, or 3 N ring heteroatoms at least two of which are separated by a carbon atom, and wherein the aryl or heteroaryl ring carbon atoms are unsubstituted with other than H or at least 1 nonbridging ring carbon atom is substituted with R.sup.6 ;R.sup.6 is independently H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkenyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkynyl, NO.sub.

Abstract: A spinal fixation implant system for correction and fixation of the human spine to facilitate an anatomically correct fusion. The spinal fixation system may include a connector, a spinal rod, a spinal fixation component, a sleeve, and a fastener. The spinal fixation component preferably includes a fixation device such as a hook or screw for securing the spinal rod to vertebrae of the thoracic or lumbar spine. The spinal fixation component preferably includes a threaded end on its top that is adapted to receive the fastener. The fixation component may include a body having a tapered cavity for engaging the receiving end of the connector. Tightening of the fastener preferably downwardly translates the sleeve over the fixation component body to force the connector through the tapered cavity, which compresses the receiving end about the spinal rod to fixably connect the spinal rod and the spinal fixation component.

Abstract: Nucleotide phosphonate esters characterized by the presence of an ester linked group which is bonded to the phosphorus atom of phosphonate nucleotide analogs are disclosed. The analogs comprise an ester bond that is hydrolyzed in vivo to yield a corresponding phosphonate nucleotide analog. Methods and intermediates for their synthesis and use are described.