Abstract: The invention provides for the use of oligodeoxynucleotide decoys for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of diseases associated with the binding of endogenous transcription factors to genes involved in cell growth, differentiation and signalling or to viral genes. By inhibiting endogenous trans-activating factors from binding transcription regulatory regions, the decoys modulate gene expression and thereby regulating pathological processes including inflammation, intimal hyperplasia, angiogenesis, neoplasia, immune responses and viral infection. The decoys are administered in amounts and under conditions whereby binding of the endogenous transcription factor to the endogenous gene is effectively competitively inhibited without significant host toxicity. The subject compositions comprise the decoy molecules in a context which provides for pharmacokinetics sufficient for effective therapeutic use.

Abstract: The present invention is a substantially purified sortase-transamidase enzyme from Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: A semiconductor bridge (SCB) device. In one embodiment, the SCB device includes a laminate layer on top of an insulating material, wherein the laminate layer comprises a series of layers of at least two reactive materials, and wherein the laminate layer comprises two relatively large sections that substantially cover the surface area of the insulating material, and a bridge section joining the two relatively large sections. At least one conductive contact pad is coupled to at least one of the series of layers, wherein a predetermined current through the conductive contact pad causes the bridge section to initiate a reaction in which the laminate layer is involved. In one embodiment, the SCB device includes an integrated diode formed by an interface of the insulating material with another material, such as a metal.

Abstract: A combined imaging plate scanning and erasing system, comprising: (a) a housing; (b) an imaging plate cassette infeed assembly positioned within the housing, the maging plate cassette infeed assembly comprising: (i) a mechanism to pull an imaging plate cassette into the housing; (ii) a mechanism to open the imaging plate cassette; and (iii) a mechanism to remove an imaging plate from the cassette; (c) a scanner positioned within the housing; (d) a curved path erasing assembly positioned between the imaging plate infeed assembly and the scanner; and (e) an imaging plate transportation assembly to move the imaging plate back and forth in a path extending from the imaging plate cassette, past the erasing assembly and through a scan area adjacent to the scanner.

Abstract: The invention provides a linear concatamer of at least two non-identical DNA sequences which, by virtue of third base redundancy of the genetic code of the codons, each encode the same polypeptide of at least 30 amino acids; wherein the concatamer comprises or consists of a nucleic acid sequence which codes for an oligomer of said polypeptides in a continuous reading frame. A single invariant cysteine codon may be added to one DNA sequence to encode a polypeptide derivative with a unique unpaired cysteine. The concatamer may be fused to one or more sequences encoding one or more antigens. The DNA sequences in the concatamer may encode the compliment C3 fragment C3d or an analogue thereof. The invention also provides an expression vector comprising the concatamer nucleic acid sequence and regulatory or other sequences for expression of any oligomeric polypeptide encoded thereby, as well as a host cell comprising the expression vector.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the fields of genetic mapping and genetic identity detection, including forensic identification and paternity testing. This invention is more specifically directed to the use of mass spectrometry to detect length variation in DNA nucleotide sequence repeats (including variants of common alleles), such as microsatellites and short tandem repeats, and to DNA sequences provided as primers for the analysis of DNA tandem nucleotide repeat polymorphisms at specific loci on specific chromosomes.

Abstract: Immunotherapy utilizing naked anti-granulocyte antibodies provides an effective means for treating chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML). Such antibodies can be administered alone or in combination with other therapies, such as immunoconjugates or chemotherapeutics. In either format, an effective therapy for treating CML is provided, which avoids the toxic side-effects typically associated with cancer therapy. The disclosed immunotherapy also is effective for treating acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) when co-administered with inducing agents which induce expression of antigens minimally displayed on the surface of myeloblasts.

Abstract: A vertical cavity apparatus includes first and second mirrors, a substrate and at least first and second active regions positioned between the first and second mirrors. At least one of the first and second mirrors is a fiber with a grating. At least a first tunnel junction is positioned between the first and second mirrors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel imidazolidine derivatives of the formula I, in which B, E, W, Z, R, R0, R2, R3, e and h have the meanings indicated in the application. The compounds of the formula I are valuable pharmaceutical active compounds, which are suitable, for example, for the therapy and prophylaxis of inflammatory disorders, for example of rheumatoid arthritis, or of allergic disorders. The compounds of the formula I are inhibitors of the adhesion and migration of leucocytes and/or antagonists of the adhesion receptor VLA-4 belonging to the integrins group. They are generally suitable for the therapy or prophylaxis of illnesses which are caused by an undesired extent of leucocyte adhesion and/or leucocyte migration or are associated therewith, or in which cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions which are based on interactions of VLA-4 receptors with their ligands play a part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and use of peptides that act as agonists and antagonists of human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Agonists of the CEA peptide, CAP1, are disclosed and their utility in enhancing immune responses against CEA demonstrated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel composition suitable for use in the manufacture of electrophoretic display cells. The mechanical properties of the cells are significantly improved with this composition in which a rubber material is incorporated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for displaying (poly)peptides/proteins on the surface of bacteriophage particles by attaching the (poly)peptide/proteins via disulfide bonds.

Abstract: The invention provides a confectionery bar having a proteinaceous material and a carbohydrate material in a relative weight ratio higher than 1 (from 1:0 to about 1:0.999). The bar produced is very palatable and chewy and has good organoleptic properties. It may be coated (enrobed) or not as desired. The product of the invention provides a meal replacement for very low calorie diets, diet supplement or protein supplement, and may optionally have a carbohydrate material of low digestibility or indigestible nature.

Abstract: Non-crystalline, in particular amorphous, pharmaceutically acceptable atorvastatin salts, especially the calcium salt, are prepared from atorvastatin lactone or from a compound of formula (I) where A denotes a common protecting group or separate protecting groups for the two hydroxy groups, and B denotes a carboxylic acid protecting group, without the need of prior formation of atorvastatin lactone, the crystalline form of the atorvastatin salt, or a mixture of amorphous and crystalline forms of the atorvastatin salt. Pharmaceutical formulations are prepared from these salts.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus for introducing a fluid cooling media to a skin surface includes a template with a skin interface surface. An energy delivery device is coupled to the template. A fluid cooling media introduction member is coupled to the template. Resources controllably deliver energy from the energy delivery device to the skin surface. In a related embodiment, the resources are configured to controllably deliver the flowable cooling media to the introduction member. In another embodiment, a sensor is coupled to the resources and to the skin surface.

Abstract: Peptides are provided that inhibit the interaction of an IGF with any one of its binding proteins and not to a human IGF receptor. These IGF agonist peptides are useful to increase serum and tissue levels of active IGFs in a mammal.

Abstract: The invention relates to plasmids derived from pBluescript KS(+), which contains more than 1, preferably 2, 7, 14, 21 and 27, respective SK primer elements, and their use in analytical electron microscopy.

Abstract: Peptides are provided that inhibit the interaction of an IGF with any one of its binding proteins and not to a human IGF receptor. These IGF agonist peptides are useful to increase serum and tissue levels of active IGFs in a mammal.

Abstract: A porous composite matrix is formed from a hyaluronic acid derivative and hydrolyzed collagen, which are preferably in a weight ratio range of 30:70 to 99:1. A preferred hyaluronic acid derivative is an ester such as an ethyl or benzyl ester. The matrix is prepared by dissolving the hyaluronic acid derivative and hydrolyzed collagen in a first solvent, adding a pulverulent compound virtually insoluble in the first solvent, removing the first solvent, and dissolving the pulverulent compound in a second solvent. The matrix is used as a biocompatible and biodegradble composite matrix for the tissue engineering of chondral and osseous tissue and for the repair of muscoskeletal defects.