Abstract: The invention provides methods for overcoming glucocorticoid resistance of cancers by inhibition of CASP1. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for determining glucocorticoid resistance potential by measuring expression level or promoter methylation status of CASP1 gene and/or NLRP3 gene.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for overcoming glucocorticoid resistance of cancers by inhibition of CASP1. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for determining glucocorticoid resistance potential by measuring expression level or promoter methylation status of CASP1 gene and/or NLRP3 gene.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for overcoming glucocorticoid resistance of cancers by inhibition of CASP1. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for determining glucocorticoid resistance potential by measuring expression level or promoter methylation status of CASP1 gene and/or NLRP3 gene.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for overcoming glucocorticoid resistance of cancers by inhibition of CASP1. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for determining glucocorticoid resistance potential by measuring expression level or promoter methylation status of CASP1 gene and/or NLRP3 gene.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis and treatment of drug resistant leukemia. The invention provides a number of genes that are differentially expressed between drug resistant and drug sensitive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). These genes act as biomarkers for drug resistant leukemia, and further serve as molecular targets for drugs useful in treating drug resistant leukemia. Accordingly, the invention provides methods of diagnosing drug resistant leukemia and methods of selecting a therapy for subjects affected by drug-resistant leukemia. The invention also provides methods for screening for compounds for treating drug-resistant leukemia, and improved methods for treating drug-resistant leukemia. Compositions of the invention include arrays, computer readable media, and kits for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Mutants of thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) are described. TPMTA mutant has a point mutation at cDNA position 238 (G.sup.238 .fwdarw.C), and TPMTB involves two nucleotide transitions at cDNA positions 460 (G.sup.460 .fwdarw.A) and 719 (A.sup.719 .fwdarw.G). TPMTB is the predominant mutant allele associated with human TPMT-deficiency which can cause potentially fatal toxicity when patients are treated with mercaptopurine, azathioprine, or thioguanine. The mutant alleles as well as PCR fragments, mutant proteins and antibodies therefor, together with kits and methods for assaying the TPMT genotype of individual patients are disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly for dispensing a liquid composition in spray form including a wand section wherein fluid is transported through a capillary tube disposed within an outer tube, pressurized air being transported between the inside diameter of the outer tube and the outside diameter of the capillary tube. Both the outer tube and capillary tube connect with a common mixing chamber wherein the pressurized air and liquid is mixed, this mixture being expelled through a nozzle as an aerosol spray.

Abstract: A dry pesticide applicator is disclosed. The applicator includes a fluidizing medium secured within a housing. A blower mechanism generates a flow of air through the fluidizing medium to establish a fluidized bed within the housing. This fluidized bed is drawn into a dusting by means of a venturi to create a powdered stream. Whenever the dispensing mechanism is inoperative, the fluid flow which creates the powdered stream (by drawing the fluidized bed through a powder inlet) is directed into the housing through the powder inlet to purge any accumulation of powdered material therein.

Abstract: A link regulator is disclosed for providing a regulated voltage over a wide range of input frequencies and load currents. The frequency of an internal VCO and the input frequency are phase compared to provide a reference error signal. The unregulated DC voltage is integrated for a duration proportional to the error signal. This duration controls a series switching element to provide a constant volts/seconds. The output of the series switching element is filtered to a DC voltage that controls the frequency of the VCO. The DC voltage is proportional to the error signal, thus providing a feed forward system to regulate the DC voltage. During the period when the series switching element is not conducting, a shunt switch presents a low impedance to the input of the filter to clamp the input to ground. This allows for operation over a wide range of load currents without losing regulation.

Abstract: A synchronized switching delay circuit including an oscillator and multivibrator for generating a synchronized delay pulse. The oscillator is divided into three waveforms shifted in phase by 120.degree.. A 4-16 decoder receives the three waveforms and the delay pulse outputs a series of blanking pulses that blank a portion of the leading edge of each of the pulses in each of the three waveforms and their complements to provide a leading edge delay. The resulting delayed waveforms are input to a three phase bridge circuit comprised of three pairs of complementary switches. The delay enables one of the switches in each pair to completely turn off before the other switch turns on.

Abstract: A missing pulse detector circuit is disclosed which includes a variable frequency VCO and a digital phase comparator. The phase comparator compares the phase of the VCO reference and the phase of a driving signal that drives a synchronous motor drive package. The output of the phase comparator is input to a loop filter to provide an error signal that controls the VCO frequency and phase. A second output on the phase comparator translates a phase difference into a pulse width. The pulse width is then input to an integrator circuit to delay the leading edge thereof. This delayed pulse is then input to a Schmidt trigger which provides a switching threshold. The output of the Schmidt trigger is utilized to inhibit the operation of a synchronous motor in the motor drive package. The missing pulse detector is operable to detect rapid increases in acceleration of the driving frequency and added or deleted pulses therein.

Abstract: Visibility monitoring method and means are disclosed employing a video camera for monitoring an area which includes a low reflectance (substantially non-reflecting) target at known range from the camera and adjacent horizon sky. Window gating circuit means under control of a programmable digital computer are used to gate selected portions of the output from the video camera to integrating means for generating signals related to brightness of at least a portion of the target and adjacent horizon sky. The brightness related to signals are supplied to said digital computer for use in computing visual contrast, visibility, or the like. Preferably, a plurality of substantially non-reflecting targets at different ranges are employed for increased accuracy.

Abstract: An integral molded metal sinker has a streamlined body with a pair of wings and a keel fin projecting therefrom. The body has a bulbous, semi-spherical front end which tapers back smoothly to a relatively small rear end. A wire is embedded in the body and extends from the rear end to the front end thereof. Swivels are connected to opposite ends of the wire for attaching the sinker to a fishing line and to a leader. The rear swivel is near the central axis of the body, but the front swivel is substantially above the central axis of the body, thereby placing the center of gravity of the body substantially below the front swivel and tending to prevent rotation of the body. The leading edge portions of the wings are angled downwardly with respect to the rear portions to make the sinker tend to dive when it is drawn through the water. The downturned wing portions are substantially rectangular in shape to maximize their area for a given wing span and width.