Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing direct automated access to an online information services provider through an address embedded in a video or audio program, commercial message, or news story. The system operates with video or audio programs which are received through broadcast, cable or pre-recorded media, and which are encoded in either analog or digital formats. The address of an online information provider is encoded in a vertical blanking interval or other non-displayed portion of an electronic signal which represents the video or audio program so as not to interfere with the program as displayed or transduced on a television or audio sound system. The online information provider address is detected and decoded from the electronic signal and used in establishing a direct digital communication link to the online information provider. Upon detecting an online provider address, the system indicates to the user that more information is available.

Abstract: An auxiliary display device, capable of remotely controlling a set-top box (STB) and/or television to select a program channel, is used to navigate a web browser in the auxiliary display device to a web site associated with the selected channel. A web page associated with the selected channel is presented on a display of the auxiliary display device. When the channel is selected, current tuned channel information is transmitted by the set-top box (STB) and/or television to the auxiliary display device, irrespective of whether the auxiliary display device was used to select the channel. In an alternate embodiment, the STB and/or television forward channel information to the auxiliary display device via a cable head-end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for uniquely identifying programs included in broadcasts. One or more samples are obtained from a program and these samples are compared with corresponding samples of other programs. The samples are obtained from a descriptive stream such as the closed captioning stream of the program. The comparison of the sample(s) includes compensating the sample(s) for timing/framing offsets and also uses fuzzy comparisons to account for minor data differences. After the samples have been compared, a determination is made as to whether the sample(s) substantially match. If the sample(s) substantially match, the program has already been recorded. If the sample(s) do not match, then the program is recorded as it is likely to be unique with respect to other programs stored by the user.

Abstract: A device for and a method of decreasing the data rate of a digital return path link in a Cable Television Hybrid Fiber-Coax system (CATV system) is disclosed. At the node of the CATV system, the bandwidth of the a digital data stream representative of an analog return signal is limited to a desired frequency band. The bandwidth-limited data stream is then digitally re-sampled at a predetermined multiple of a center frequency of the frequency band. The re-sampled data stream is then separated into two data streams. Then, these separate data streams are digitally decimated to a lower data rate, interleaved and serialized for transmission to a head end of the CATV system. A reverse process reconstructs the original analog return signal's signal components within the desired frequency band at the head end.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of transmitting analog return signals in a digital return path of a cable television system (CATV) is disclosed. In one embodiment, at a node of the CATV system, an analog CATV return signal is converted to a stream of digital samples at approximately 100 MHz. Signals outside of a desired frequency band are removed with a digital filter having predetermined filter coefficients. The resulting stream of digital samples is up-sampled to generate another stream of digital samples at a rate that is four times the center frequency of a predetermined frequency band. The resulting stream is then punctured to generate yet another stream with a data rate that is lower than 100 MHz. Zero samples are removed, and the remaining digital samples are serialized and converted to optical signals for transmission via an optical medium of the CATV return path. A reverse process at a hub or head end of the CATV return system restores the signals of the desired frequency band.

Abstract: An efficient means for transmitting digitized return path signals over a cable television return path is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the cable television return path includes a node that receives an analog return signal from a subtree of the cable television system and generates a digital transport signal representative of the analog return path signal. The digital transport signal, however, is not a digitized form of the analog return signal. Rather, the digital transport signal is encoded such that fewer bits are used to represent the analog return signal without substantially impacting the accuracy and dynamic range of the signal. At the hub, the digital transport signal is decoded and converted to produce an analog signal that is a close approximation of the analog return signal.

Abstract: An optical coaxial hybrid transmission system capable of quickly achieving high-speed Internet access at low cost without making any substantial changes to a transmission path of the existing system is provided. In this system, m-channel communications signals having frequencies of f1 to fm (Hz) corresponding to micro-cells 51 are converted into optical signals having different wavelengths by communications signal optical transmitters 102. These optical signals are wavelength-multiplexed by a communications signal wavelength multiplexer 103, and then wavelength-multiplexed by a video/communications signal wavelength multiplexer 104 with an optical signal modulated with a video signal. The resultant wavelength-multiplexed optical signal is transmitted to a node 30. In the node 30, the wavelength-multiplex optical signal is demultiplexed, and the video signal and the communications signals are frequency-multiplexed for transmission to the corresponding micro-cells 51.

Abstract: An efficient means for transmitting digitized return path signals over a cable television return path is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the cable television return path includes a node that receives an analog return signal from a subtree of the cable television system and generates a digital transport signal representative of the analog return path signal. The digital transport signal, however, is not a digitized form of the analog return signal. Rather, the digital transport signal is encoded such that fewer bits are used to represent the analog return signal without substantially impacting the accuracy and dynamic range of the signal. At the hub, the digital transport signal is decoded and converted to produce an analog signal that is a close approximation of the analog return signal.

Abstract: Provided herein is a mouse that is unable to express functional alpha-4 integrin protein, and methods for assaying agents for alpha-4 integrin antagonist activity, as well genetic markers for analyzing the efficacy of VLA-4 modulators, and particularly antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention provides for transposon vectors encoding expression control region-traps and gene-traps. Also provided are dicistronic vectors. Certain embodiments of the invention contain internal ribosome entry sites.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for screening of chemical substances with potential pharmacological activity using nematode worms such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Specifically, the invention relates to methods adapted for high-throughput screening which are performed in a multi-well plate format.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, cells and nucleic acids for making transgenic animals. The methods generally comprise introducing into a genome of an animal a genetic construct comprising a transcriptional regulatory element operably linked to a heterologous marker gene encoding a marker, wherein the element drives expression of the marker across genera transgenic in the construct sufficient to visually detect the marker in photoreceptive cells or organs, and selecting for transgenesis by visually detecting the marker in a photoreceptive cell or organ of the animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruption in a CTSG. The present invention also provides methods of identifying agents that modulate CTSG expression and function, useful models, and potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating carbohydrate metabolism in a host are provided. In the subject methods, diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) activity (specifically DGAT1 activity) is modulated, e.g., reduced or enhanced, to achieve a desired insulin and/or leptin sensitivity, thereby modulating carbohydrate metabolism, e.g., increasing or decreasing blood glucose levels, glucose uptake into cells and assimilation into glycogen. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions for practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of applications, including the treatment of hosts suffering conditions associated with abnormal carbohydrate metabolism, such as obesity or diabetes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transgenic non-human mammal whose cells express a constitutively active oncogenic mutantof the kinase-domain of the Raf-1 gene or a protein coded by a corresponding normal allele or derivative of the A, B, or c-Raf-1 gene.

Abstract: A method for the creation of stem cells substantially equivalent to the embryonic stem cells or embryonic germ cells, but without legal or ethical complications. The method is illustrated in the context of the creation of a totipoent cell equivalent to a human fertilized egg by total asexual process. The present method uses somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technology by which the nucleus of an egg from a mammalian, other than human, was removed with care to avoid significant disruption of the egg plasma. Then a human somatic cell (any body cell other than germ cells) is arranged side by side with the de-nucleated egg. The de-nucleated egg and the human somatic cell are fused by chemical induced cell fusion, and mitochondria are transferred from the nucleus donor to the de-nucleated animal egg. After the fusion, the newly formed chimeric cell may be properly stimulated to start development, or stored cryogenically for later use.

Abstract: The invention provides a DNA molecule, a DNA construct, a transgenic plant and a transgenic plant part comprising a synthetic DNA sequence. The synthetic DNA sequence encodes an enzyme that degrades 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) to dichlorophenol. The synthetic DNA sequence comprises a natural microbial sequence that encodes the enzyme in which at least a plurality of the codons of the natural microbial sequence have been replaced by codons more preferred by a plant. The invention also provides a method of controlling weeds in a field containing transgenic plants according to the invention by applying an auxin herbicide, such as 2,4-D, to the field. The invention further provides methods of selecting plants and plant cells that have been transformed with a DNA construct according to the invention using an auxin herbicide.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for pest control. The subject invention provides pesticidal compositions that contain one or more compounds that interact with organic solute transporter/ligand-gated ion channel multifunction polypeptides in the pest. Upon exposure to a target pest, these compositions either compromise pest growth and/or cause the death of the pest. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions of the subject invention contain one or more amino acids and/or amino acid analogs. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the methods of the subject invention involve exposing a pest to a composition that comprises methionine or leucine, or an analog thereof.

Abstract: Chimeric insect hormone receptors and receptor cassettes are provided as well as methods for their use in regulating expression of target polypeptides in plants in the presence of appropriate chemical ligands. In particular, each receptor cassette encodes a receptor polypeptide that comprises a DNA binding domain, a hinge region, a ligand binding domain and an activation domain. According to one embodiment, the hinge and ligand binding domains are from two different insect ecdysone receptors. According to another embodiment, the receptor cassettes are chimeric in that one or more of the DNA binding or activation domains are obtained from a source heterologous with respect to the other domains present in the chimeric receptor cassette.

Abstract: Novel delta-endotoxin genes cry26Aa1 and cry28Aa1 isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. finitimus, whose expression results in novel delta-endotoxins, are disclosed herein. The invention also discloses compositions and formulations containing the toxins that are capable of controlling insect pests. The invention is further drawn to methods of making the toxins and to methods of using the genes, for example in microorganisms to control insect pests or in transgenic plants to confer insect resistance.

Abstract: Retroviral and retroviral-like polynucleotides, and vectors, proteins, and antibodies derived therefrom, that are useful for the introduction of genetic information into soybeans and other plant species.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids and proteins associated with lipid and sugar metabolism regulation are provided. In particular, lipid metabolism proteins (LMP) and encoding nucleic acids originating from Arabidopsis thaliana are provided. The nucleic acids and proteins are used in methods of producing transgenic plants and modulating levels of seed storage compounds. Preferably, the seed storage compounds are lipids, fatty acids, starches or seed storage proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genes associated with the tocopherol biosynthesis pathway. More particularly, the present invention provides and includes nucleic acid molecules, proteins, and antibodies associated with genes that encode polypeptides that have methyltransferase activity. The present invention also provides methods for utilizing such agents, for example in gene isolation, gene analysis and the production of transgenic plants. Moreover, the present invention includes transgenic plants modified to express the aforementioned polypeptides. In addition, the present invention includes methods for the production of products from the tocopherol biosynthesis pathway.

Abstract: A canola line has been stabilized to produce seeds having an &agr;-linolenic acid content of less than that of generic canola oil, more preferably less than or equal to about 7% &agr;-linolenic acid relative to total fatty acid content of said seed and a total glucosinolate content of less than 18 &mgr;mol/g of defatted meal, more preferably less than or equal to about 15 &mgr;mol/g of defatted meal. This canola line has reduced sulfur content of less than or equal to 3.0 ppm, improved sensory characteristics and increased oxidative stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid molecules, which code for proteins with the enzymatic activity of an acyl hydrolase, in particular, a triacylglyercol lipase (TAG-lipase) and method for the production of transgenic plants, which contain said nucleic acid molecules and whose acyl hydrolase content, in particular of TAG-lipase is altered in comparison to wild type plants. The invention further relates to said novel plants, the parts, products and plant cells thereof and the use of the nucleic acid molecules to influence the content of poylunsaturated fatty acids in transgenic plants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to 5′ regulatory regions of a cotton seed-specific gene, &agr;-globulin. The 5′ regulatory region, or parts thereof, when operably linked to either the coding sequence of a native gene, heterologous gene or a sequence complementary to a native plant gene, direct expression of the coding sequence or complementary sequence in a plant seed. The regulatory regions are useful in expression cassettes and expression vectors for the transformation of plants. Also provided are methods of modulating the levels of a native or heterologous gene such as a fatty acid synthesis or lipid metabolism gene by transforming a plant with the subject expression cassettes and expression vectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved transformation and regeneration system for wheat. In particular, the invention relates to enhancements in the glyphosate selection system. The transformation method is efficient and reliable for production of fertile plants with improved agronomic qualities.

Abstract: The subject application provides methods and materials useful for the transformation of eukaryotic cells, particularly plant cells. More specifically, the subject invention provides materials and methods for eliminating selectable marker genes from transformed cells. In a preferred embodiment the subject invention provides methods for removing both positive and negative selectable marker genes from plant cells after a gene of interest has been introduced into the plant cells. The methods of the subject invention are applicable to any gene of interest, in any plant species that can be transformed.

Abstract: An inbred carrot line, designated S-D813B, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred carrot line S-D813B, to the plants of inbred carrot line S-D813B and to methods for producing a carrot plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line S-D813B with itself or another carrot line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a carrot plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred carrot lines derived from the inbred S-D813B.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel palmarosa plant christened as “Vaishnavi”, said plant capable of setting seeds under selfing conditions and having high oil yield potential, and developed employing crop-burning technique as a physical mutagen.

Abstract: An inbred cucumber line, designated 8D-5079, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred cucumber line 8D-5079, to the plants of inbred cucumber line 8D-5079 and to methods for producing a cucumber plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line 8D-5079 with itself or another cucumber line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a cucumber plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred cucumber lines derived from the inbred 8D-5079.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of corn breeding, specifically relating to a dent corn inbred designated as KW4773. Inbred KW4773 is a stiff stalk family based inbred that is specifically bred by means of a pedigree selection method for the north central United States. Inbred KW4773 contributes superior grey leaf blight resistance to the F1 hybrid.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of corn breeding, specifically relating to a dent corn inbred designated as KW7648. Inbred KW7648 is a Lancaster-Mo17 family based inbred that is specifically bred by means of a pedigree selection method for the north central United States. Inbred KW7648 contributes superior root strength to the F1 hybrid.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated HOI002. This invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety HOI002, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety HOI002 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. This invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety HOI002 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line, and to crosses with related species. This invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety HOI002, and also to the SSR and isozyme typing profiles of corn variety HOI002.

Abstract: A novel rice cultivar, designated ‘Ahrent’, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of rice cultivar ‘Ahrent’, to the plants of rice ‘Ahrent’ and to methods for producing a rice plant produced by crossing the cultivar ‘Ahrent’ with itself or another rice variety. The invention further relates to hybrid rice seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar ‘Ahrent’ with another rice cultivar.

Abstract: A new and distinct rose variety of the shrub class which is particularly well suited for growing as an attractive ornamentation to the landscape, characterized by its continuous and abundant production of long-lasting brilliant orange-pink flowers, its upright, dense and bushy growth habit, its attractive glossy foliage that contrasts well with the brilliant orange-pink blooms, and its outstanding disease resistance.

Abstract: A new and distinctive variety of an apple tree, named ‘Irene,’ distinguished by an early harvest date, large fruit, typical annual double-blooming when grown in Nyssa, Oreg., and field resistance to powdery mildew and fire blight.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of plum tree (Prunus salicina). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Citation’ Rootstock (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5112) grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index reading 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) named ‘Brunswick’ characterized by its large petals, large calyx, ovoid fruit, and resistance to powdery mildew. The invention is distinct from other varieties, but most similar to ‘Cavendish’ and ‘Honeoye’.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) named ‘Cabot’ characterized by its few, small flowers, large calyx, large and light colored fruit, and resistance to red stele root. The invention is distinct from other varieties, but most similar to ‘Bounty’.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a new and distinct variety of Petunia plant having a decumbent habit and long stems. The Petunia plant has abundant branching, and great profusion of blooms, the whole plant remaining in bloom for a considerable period of time. The flowers are single and medium size, the petals having a light purplish pink ground color with a vivid reddish purple vein pattern. The bottom color of the corolla throat is brilliant purple and the outside of the corolla tube is very pale violet. The plant exhibits high resistance to rain, heat and disease.

Abstract: A new and distinct plant strain of Cymbopogon designated as Cymbopogon RLJCC1 characterized by its higher yield of oil which is rich in geraniol and geranyl acetate, which is drought tolerant, having faster regeneration and vigorous growth.