Abstract: DNA aptamers are high affinity ligands selected by genetic enrichment techniques to bind to specific protein targets. Because these represent chemically stable and reproducible molecules, they have application as affinity reagents and/or therapeutic drugs to affect the target protein's actions. NF-kB is an important mediator of the innate immune response and mediator of tissue inflammation. Although RNA and double stranded DNA aptamers have been identified to bind to the NF-kB family of proteins, the present invention represents the first identification of single stranded DNA aptamers that recognize NFkB RelA. The aptamers disclosed herein bind to several distinct regions of RelA and may be useful to antagonize the DNA binding of RelA as an inhibitor of cellular inflammation, visualize the location or amount of RelA in tissues from pathological conditions, or to quantitatively measure the activated state of RelA by affinity binding.

Abstract: An assembly is described for use in attaching accessories to a firearm having a barrel with a threaded distal end. The assembly includes a coupler with opposed, inwardly curved side plates that together form a cylindrical bore for receiving the firearm barrel attachable behind the threaded distal end, the side plates have integrally joined upper ends and lower ends that are moveable toward each other to clamp the coupler to the barrel, the coupler including a retractable pin having an extended position and a retracted position; and an adapter having a rear end with a threaded bore for receiving the barrel threaded end, and a front end with a threaded projection for attachment to a firearm accessory, the adapter including a groove to receive the retractable pin when the retractable pin is in the extended position.

Abstract: DNA aptamers are high affinity ligands selected by genetic enrichment techniques to bind to specific protein targets. Because these represent chemically stable and reproducible molecules, they have application as affinity reagents and/or therapeutic drugs to affect the target protein's actions. NF-kB is an important mediator of the innate immune response and mediator of tissue inflammation. Although RNA and double stranded DNA aptamers have been identified to bind to the NF-kB family of proteins, the present invention represents the first identification of single stranded DNA aptamers that recognize NFkB RelA. The aptamers disclosed herein bind to several distinct regions of RelA and may be useful to antagonize the DNA binding of RelA as an inhibitor of cellular inflammation, visualize the location or amount of RelA in tissues from pathological conditions, or to quantitatively measure the activated state of RelA by affinity binding.

Abstract: An assembly is described for use in attaching accessories to a firearm having a barrel with a threaded distal end. The assembly includes a coupler with opposed, inwardly curved side plates that together form a cylindrical bore for receiving the firearm barrel attachable behind the threaded distal end, the side plates have integrally joined upper ends and lower ends that are moveable toward each other to clamp the coupler to the barrel, the coupler including a retractable pin having an extended position and a retracted position; and an adapter having a rear end with a threaded bore for receiving the barrel threaded end, and a front end with a threaded projection for attachment to a firearm accessory, the adapter including a groove to receive the retractable pin when the retractable pin is in the extended position.

Abstract: DNA aptamers are high affinity ligands selected by genetic enrichment techniques to bind to specific protein targets. Because these represent chemically stable and reproducible molecules, they have application as affinity reagents and/or therapeutic drugs to affect the target protein's actions. NF-kB is an important mediator of the innate immune response and mediator of tissue inflammation. Although RNA and double stranded DNA aptamers have been identified to bind to the NF-kB family of proteins, the present invention represents the first identification of single stranded DNA aptamers that recognize NFkB RelA. The aptamers disclosed herein bind to several distinct regions of RelA and may be useful to antagonize the DNA binding of RelA as an inhibitor of cellular inflammation, visualize the location or amount of RelA in tissues from pathological conditions, or to quantitatively measure the activated state of RelA by affinity binding.

Abstract: DNA aptamers are high affinity ligands selected by genetic enrichment techniques to bind to specific protein targets. Because these represent chemically stable and reproducible molecules, they have application as affinity reagents and/or therapeutic drugs to affect the target protein's actions. NF-kB is an important mediator of the innate immune response and mediator of tissue inflammation. Although RNA and double stranded DNA aptamers have been identified to bind to the NF-kB family of proteins, the present invention represents the first identification of single stranded DNA aptamers that recognize NFkB RelA. The aptamers disclosed herein bind to several distinct regions of RelA and may be useful to antagonize the DNA binding of RelA as an inhibitor of cellular inflammation, visualize the location or amount of RelA in tissues from pathological conditions, or to quantitatively measure the activated state of RelA by affinity binding.

Abstract: Disclosed are isolated IKK??; isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding IKK??; expression vectors and cells which contain such nucleic acid molecules; oligonucleotides which are complementary to at least a portion of nucleic acid molecules encoding IKK?? but which are not complementary to any portion of nucleic acid molecules encoding wild type IKK?; antibodies which are specific for IKK??; DNA and RNA oligomers, optionally in labeled or enzymatically active form, which are capable of selectively hybridizing to nucleic acid molecules encoding IKK??; and DNA and RNA oligomers, optionally in labeled or enzymatically active form, which are capable of selectively hybridizing to nucleic acid molecules encoding IKK?? but which do not hybridize with nucleic acid molecules encoding wild type IKK?. Methods for using these materials to inhibit formation of IKK??-containing IKK, to inhibit NF-?B activation, and to treat or prevent inflammation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Synthetic milittin and related peptides derived from the sequence of human phospholipase A2-activating protein (PLAP), free from the contaminating phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and/or present when the peptides are purified from natural sources, show inhibitory activity against PLA2. Inhibition of this enzyme, responsible for the hydrolysis of arachiodonate, an important precursor of eicosanoids, should lead to a decrease in the inflammatory response. In addition to their use as anti-inflammatory therapeutics, compositions containing the synthetic peptides may also be useful therapeutic tools for diagnosing inflammatory diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis).

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for the treatment of colon cancer. The expression of gastrin by colon cancers is inhibited by the use of antisense gastrin expression. Methods are disclosed for the preparation of expression constructs and the use of such constructs to inhibit colon cancer growth.

Abstract: A sodium phosphate bowel cleansing composition which has improved taste over conventional sodium phosphate compositions. The composition comprising free flowing monobasic sodium phosphate and dibasic sodium phosphate powders or crystals which have been coated with at least one edible grade film forming polymer such as hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose or polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: An in-line fuel treatment device improves fuel efficiency and decreases the quantity of harmful gases produced as the result of combustion. The device comprises an elongate hollow tube having an inlet end and an outlet end and is adapted to be connected in-line with the fuel line proximate the apparatus fuel intake. A plurality of magnets are positioned proximate the outer surface of the tube and a non-sacrificial catalyst is positioned within the tube. In a preferred embodiment, the catalyst is a naturally occurring silica in the form of quartz crystals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses is for the treatment of colon cancer. The expression of gastrin by colon cancers is inhibited by the use of antisense gastrin expression. Methods are disclosed for the preparation of expression constructs and the use of such constructs to inhibit colon cancer growth.

Abstract: A laxative composition in powder or tablet form, having a pleasant odor and taste. The composition comprises sodium bicarbonate, monobasic sodium phosphate in stoichiometric excess, and a pineapple flavoring composition containing also Magnasweet 185 and sodium saccharin. A minor amount of citric or malic acid may be present.

Abstract: The edible baked composition delivers cholestyramine in a palatable, pleasant tasting form. Embodiments include a nutrition bar and a cookie. The composition is useful for the control of endogenous cholesterol levels in humans.

Abstract: The edible baked composition delivers cholestyramine in a palatable, pleasant tasting form. Embodiments include a nutrition bar and a cookie. The composition is useful for the control of endogenous cholesterol levels in humans.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use in detecting defects, such as pin holes, cracks and/or uneven gelatin distribution, in capsule shells. The apparatus is comprised of a light box which includes one or a plurality of light bulbs disposed within the box, one or more opaque panels which are disposed in front of each light bulb, and a plurality of openings disposed in the panels, each opening being adapted to receive a capsule body or cap which fits snugly therein and protrudes outwardly away from the light bulbs. Light shining through the capsule shells disposed in the openings indicates defects such as pin holes, cracks and/or uneven distribution of gelatin in the capsules.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use in detecting defects, such as pin holes, cracks and/or uneven gelatin distribution, in capsule shells. The apparatus is comprised of a light box which includes one or a plurality of light bulbs disposed within the box, one or more opaque panels which are disposed in front of each light bulb, and a plurality of transparent pegs carried by the panels and protruding outwardly away from the light bulbs, each peg being adapted to carry a capsule body or cap which fits snugly over the peg. Light shining through the capsule shells disposed on the pegs indicates defects such as pin holes, cracks and/or uneven distribution of gelatin in the capsules.

Abstract: A novel powdered wax is provided which is especially adapted for use as a polishing agent for tablets and as a substrate for print carried by such tablets. A method for forming such powdered wax is also provided which includes the steps of milling pieces of wax with dry ice and then allowing the dry ice to evaporate while maintaining the milled wax at cool temperatures to prevent clumping.

Abstract: A novel powdered wax is provided which is especially adapted for use as a polishing agent for tablets and as a substrate for print carried by such tablets. A method for forming such powdered wax is also provided which includes the steps of milling pieces of wax with dry ice and then allowing the dry ice to evaporate while maintaining the milled wax at cool temperatures to prevent clumping.

Abstract: An improved heating device such as a heating pad comprising a fabric base and insulated resistance wire mounted in said pad, preferably in a backward and forward sinuous pattern, at least one thermostat connected in series with the resistance wire element at both ends by means of lead wires of a low resistance metal such as copper, each thermostat being positioned intimately with a span or straight portion forming part of a sinuous loop of resistance wire, a switch connected in series with the resistance wire, and a plurality of bars of a metal such as lead mounted in the pad. In an improved embodiment the insulation on the resistance wire is formed of a plastic material able to withstand the elevated temperatures attained by the resistance wire during operation.