Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid construct for expressing an active substance which is activated by an enzyme which is released from mammalian cells, which construct comprises the following components: a) at least one promoter element, b) at least one DNA sequence which encodes an active compound (protein B), c) a least one DNA sequence which encodes an amino acid sequence (part structure C) which can be cleaved specifically by an enzyme which is released from a mammalian cell, and d) at least one DNA sequence which encodes a peptide or protein (part structure D) which is bound to the active compound (protein B) by way of the cleavable amino acid sequence (part structure C) and inhibits the activity of the active compound (protein B), and also to the use of the nucleic acid construct for preparing a drug for treating diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated light source having first and second optical waveguides defining a first optical coupling region for coupling light therebetween. At least one of the optical waveguides includes a gain medium configured to emit light upon irradiation. The light source also includes a first acoustic wave source to subject the first optical coupling region to acoustic waves having a longitudinal frequency &ohgr;AC1, whereby a frequency of light propagating along one of the first and second waveguides differs from a frequency of light propagating along the other waveguide by an amount by an amount &ohgr;AC1.

Abstract: Block copolymers based on poly(ortho esters) containing amine groups. These block copolymers have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks. They form micelles in aqueous solution, making them suitable for encapsulation or solubilization of hydrophobic or water-insoluble materials; and they also form bioerodible matrices for the sustained release of active agents.

Abstract: Derivatives of C2-substituted indan-1-ol compounds of the formula I: its physiologically acceptable salts, and its physiologically functional derivatives for the prophylaxis or treatment of obesity are disclosed herein. Compositions comprising the same, methods for preparing the instant compounds, and methods for reducing weight in mammals and for the prophylaxis or treatment of obesity are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imidazolidine derivatives of the formula I, in which B, E, W, Y, R, R2, R3, R30, e and h have the meanings indicated in the claims. 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 leukocytes and/or antagonists of the adhesion receptor VLA-4 belonging to the integrins group. They are generally suitable for the therapy or prophylaxis of diseases which are caused by an undesired extent of leukocyte adhesion and/or leukocyte 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: A beam shutter is provided which comprises a plane-parallel birefringent element for separation arranged to separate input light beams having orthogonal polarization directions on the same optical path; a plane-parallel birefringent element for synthesis arranged to synthesize light beams having orthogonal polarization directions on different optical paths, for output; the birefringent element for separation and the birefringent element for synthesis being disposed in a spaced apart relationship; and polarization rotating means having a variable Faraday rotator, the polarization rotating means interposed between the birefringent element for separation and the birefringent element for synthesis, for magneto-optically controlling the polarization directions; wherein transmission and interruption of output light beams are controlled by switching the polarization directions by means of the variable Faraday rotator.

Abstract: Bronchodilating compositions and methods are provided. The compositions are intended for administration as a nebulized aerosol. In certain embodiments, the compositions contain formoterol, or a derivative thereof. Methods for treatment, prevention, or amelioration of one or more symptoms of bronchoconstrictive disorders using the compositions provided herein are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the identification of nucleic acid sequences encoding members of a multimeric (poly)peptide complex by screening for polyphage particles. Furthermore, the invention relates to products and uses thereof for the identification of nucleic acid sequences in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: NGF microencapsulation compositions having controlled release characteristics, preferably with increased stability, for the NGF component, particularly human recombinant NGF (“rhNGF”) are provided that yield enhanced stability of NGF for use in promoting nerve cell growth, repair, survival, differentiation, maturation or function. Methods for making and using such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: An optically pumped laser has a gain medium positioned inside of an optical resonator cavity and disposed about a resonator optical axis. An optical pumping source is positioned outside of the optical resonator cavity. A reflective coupler with a coupler body, and an interior volume passing therethrough is positioned proximal to the optical pumping source. Light from the pumping source passes into an entrance aperture of the reflective coupler to an exit aperture of the reflective coupler positioned distal to the optical pumping source. The interior volume of the reflective coupler is bounded by a reflective surface, an entrance aperture and the exit aperture, and is substantially transparent to radiation from the optical pumping source. The reflective surface has a high reflectivity matched to radiation from the optical pumping source.

Abstract: A tunable resonator is provided. The resonator includes a housing having a cavity. A resonator body is disposed adjacent to a first surface within the cavity. A gap is formed between the resonator body and the first surface. The resonator is tuned by controlling the size of the gap.

Abstract: Methods and kits that use nucleotide analogs to confer increased accuracy and improved resolution in the analysis and sequencing of oligonucleotide mixtures are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel process for the preparation of glycoproteins by mammalian cell culture wherein the sialic acid content of the glycoprotein produced is controlled over a broad range of values by manipulating the cell culture environment. The invention provides for processes in which the sialic acid content of the glycoprotein is modified by changes in cell culture parameters which affect cell specific productivity. Preferred embodiments of the invention include cell culture processes in the osmolality of the cell culture is controlled as well as the concentration of a transcription enhancer during the production phase of the cell culture. The invention further provides for novel preparations of soluble type 1 tumor necrosis factor immunoglobulin G1 and their uses in the treatment of inflammatory or immune related disorders.

Abstract: Domestic appliances are provided with a catalytic deodorizing coating, prepared by applying a coating material containing a polycondensate of at least one hydrolysable organosilane, optionally one or more compounds of glass-forming elements, and particles of one or more catalytically active transition metal oxides, and then heat-treating the applied coating material.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an IC device on a substrate comprising MOS transistors and other IC components. Each of the transistors of the IC device comprises a raised source electrode, a raised drain electrode, dual gate electrodes and self-aligned interconnect contact windows, and is connected to other transistors and other IC components through interconnects formed on top of such self-aligned contact windows.

Abstract: Methods for treating conditions associated with hyperglycemia, especially Type II diabetes, with novel naphthylsulfonic acids and related compounds. These compounds, as single stereoisomers or mixtures of stereoisomers, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, are useful in methods of stimulating the kinase activity of the insulin receptor, enhancing the activation of the insulin receptor by insulin, and stimulating the uptake of glucose into cells. A variety of antidiabetic compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antidiabetic compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of specific binding partners binding to (poly)peptides encoded by genomic DNA fragments or ESTs. The (poly)peptides are expressed as part of fusion proteins which are forming inclusion bodies on expression in host cells. The inclusion bodies are used to generate binding partners which bind specifically to said (poly)peptides. The specific binding partners, in particular immunoglobulins or fragments thereof, are useful for analysis and functional characterization of proteins encoded by nucleic acid sequences comprising the corresponding genomic DNA fragments or ESTs. The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules, vectors and host cells to be used in the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and devices are provided for inducing or enhancing the growth, proliferation, regeneration of inner ear tissue, particularly inner ear hair cells. In addition, provided are compositions and methods for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of a mammal afflicted with an inner ear disorder or condition, particularly for hearing impairments involving hair cell damage, loss, or degeneration, by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of IGF-1 or FGF-2, or their agonists, alone or in combination.

Abstract: Substrates provided with a microstructured surface have a surface layer which (a) comprises a composition comprising condensates of one or more hydrolysable compounds of at least one element M from main groups III to V and/or transition groups II to IV of the Periodic Table of the Elements, at least some of these compounds containing not only hydrolysable groups A but also non-hydrolysable, carbon-containing groups B and the total molar ratio of groups A to groups B in the parent monomeric starting compounds being from 10:1 to 1:2, from 0.1 to 100 mol % of the groups B being groups B′ containing on average from 5 to 30 fluorine atoms which are attached to one or more aliphatic carbon atoms distanced from M by at least two atoms, and (b) has a microstructuring of such kind that the contact angle with respect to water or hexadecane is at least 5° higher than the contact angle of a corresponding smooth surface.