Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining nucleic acid sequences encoding (poly)peptides which increase the expression yields of periplasmic proteins in functional form upon co-expression of said (poly)peptides and said periplasmic proteins. The invention also provides a method for the identification of said (poly)peptides. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for increasing the expression yields of periplasmic proteins in functional form by co-expressing (poly)peptides, for example Skp, FkpA, or a homolog of Skp or FkpA, in bacteria.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluorescent protein sensors for measuring the pH of a sample, nucleic acids encoding them, and methods of use. The preferred fluorescent protein sensors are variants of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) from Aequorea victoria. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for measuring the pH of a specific region of a cell, such as the mitochondrial matrix or the Golgi lumen.

Abstract: The invention relates to stem cell compositions comprising anti-TGF-&bgr; treated stem cells which are viable for at least 14 days in culture without replication or differentiation and methods for rapid and long term in vitro hematopoiesis and in vivo hematopoietic reconstitution using such anti-TGF-&bgr; treated stem cells.

Abstract: Novel compounds that either preferentially absorb into hyperproliferative tissue and absorb light efficiently at a wavelength of between about 700 and about 850 nm or act as intermediates for such absorbing compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of displaying nascent proteins or peptides as complexes with eukaryotic ribosomes and the mRNA encoding the protein or peptide following transcription and translation in vitro, of further selecting complexes carrying a particular nascent protein or peptide by means of binding to a ligand, antigen or antibody, and of subsequently recovering the genetic information encoding the protein or peptide from the selected ribosome complex by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The RT-PCR recovery step is carried out directly on the intact ribosome complex, without prior dissociation to release the mRNA, thus contributing to maximal efficiency and sensitivity. The steps of display, selection and recovery can be repeated in consecutive cycles. The method is exemplified using single-chain antibody constructs as antibody-ribosome-mRNA complexes (ARMs).

Abstract: A process for preparing a composition for producing nanostructured mouldings and layers comprises contacting an aqueous and/or alcoholic sol of a compound of an element selected from silicon sand metals of the main groups and transition groups of the Periodic Table with species possessing hydrolysable alkoxy groups and comprising at least one organically modified alkoxysilane or a precondensate derived therefrom, under conditions which lead to (further) hydrolysis of the species, and subsequent removal of the alcohol formed and any alcohol already present originally. The process is characterized in that the alcohol is removed in an amount such that the residual alcohol content of the composition is not more than 20% by weight.

Abstract: A circuit for extending the dynamic range of an electronic circuit is provided. The circuit includes a first adjustable attenuation circuit having an input and an output and a control input. The control input is adapted to receive a control signal that adjusts the relative gain of the attenuation circuit. The circuit also includes at least one additional attenuation circuit coupled in parallel with the first adjustable attenuation circuit. The at least one additional attenuation circuit has a control input that is adapted to receive a control signal that adjusts the relative gain of the at least one additional attenuation circuit. The first and the at least one additional attenuation circuits are selectively controlled to adjust the level of signals in different frequency bands so as to extend the dynamic range of signals to be processed by the electronic circuit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a two-compartment container for receiving a flavour for the mixture thereof with a main beverage liquid in a beverage container immediately after opening the beverage container, one compartment of which comprises a small orifice for merely slow equilibration of pressure between the inside thereof and the outside of the two-compartment container, characterized in that the two compartments are separated by an interior wall which does not allow exchange of gas or liquid between the two compartments. It is intended that one of the compartments is completely filled with the flavour, e.g. a liquid or a granulate, while the other one mainly or merely contains gas.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical switch includes a transmission line having a gap disposed along it. The switch also includes at least one ground plane located proximal to the transmission line. A first bridge is configured to close the gap along the transmission line, and a second bridge is configured to connect the transmission line to the ground plane. A method of manufacturing a micro-electro-mechanical switch includes forming, on a first substrate, a transmission line and at least one ground plane, wherein the transmission line includes a gap along it. The method also includes forming, on a second substrate, a first bridge configured to close the gap disposed along the transmission line, and a second bridge configured to connect the transmission line to the ground plane. Then transferring the first and second bridges to the first substrate.

Abstract: Compounds 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 compounds, which include peptides, are useful to increase serum and tissue levels of active IGFs in a mammal.

Abstract: KCNQ5, DNA encoding KCNQ5 or a polypeptide having KCNQ5 activity, related vectors, host cells and methods and a screening assay for identification of compounds which modify activity of a potassium channel KCNQ5 are described.

Abstract: A cartridge is configured to be inserted into a medical instrument for treating patients with radioactive seeds. The cartridge includes a rotating internal barrel that is loaded with a plurality of seeds, where the internal barrel has a plurality of conduits for accepting the seeds. As the internal barrel rotates, a seed from one of the conduits is deposited into a shuttle, and then the shuttle is fully extended so as to provide the seed to the medical instrument. The shuttle is then retracted, and the barrel is rotated to the next conduit, so as to receive a seed from that next conduit. The cartridge includes a first shield and a second shield, each having slots where the slots of the first and second shields are aligned in a first verification or calibration mode, and where the slots are not aligned in a normal, seed depositing mode. The second shield also includes a plurality of numeric indicators that indicate a current number of seeds remaining in the cartridge.

Abstract: A semi-solid delivery vehicle contains a polyorthoester and an excipient, and a semi-solid pharmaceutical composition contains an active agent and the delivery vehicle. The pharmaceutical composition may be a topical, syringable, or injectable formulation; and is suitable for local delivery of the active agent. Methods of treatment are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an H. influenzae type b polysaccharide-meningococcal outer membrane protein conjugate, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and the use thereof to induce an immune response to H. influenzae in an animal.

Abstract: Biphenylsulfonamides and methods for modulating or altering the activity of the endothelin family of peptides are provided. In particular, bicyclic or tricyclic carbon or heterocyclic ring biphenylsulfonamides and methods using these sulfonamides for inhibiting the binding of an endothelin peptide to an endothelin receptor by contacting the receptor with the sulfonamide are provided. Methods for treating endothelin-mediated disorders by administering effective amounts of one or more of these sulfonamides or prodrugs thereof that inhibit or increase the activity of endothelin are also provided.

Abstract: A process for making confection compositions such as ice pops of gel consistency, in the absence of heat treatment which takes advantage of a chemical reaction between an alginate salt, other than calcium alginate, or a low methoxy pectin and free calcium provides a homogeneous gel product which can be subsequently depositing into a mold pocket and converted into a desired product such as an ice pop by traditional steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides suited for inhibiting HPV-E6 proteins, DNAs encoding them and the use of both, particularly for eliminating HPV tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of enhancing cognitive function in mammals by administering intracerebrally a homo-multimeric immunoadhesin molecule that contains the extracellular domain of AL-1, also known as ephrin-A5.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluorescent protein sensors for measuring the pH of a sample, nucleic acids encoding them, and methods of use. The preferred fluorescent protein sensors are variants of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) from Aequorea victoria. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for measuring the pH of a specific region of a cell, such as the mitochondrial matrix or the Golgi lumen.

Abstract: Compounds 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 compounds, which include peptides, are useful to increase serum and tissue levels of active IGFs in a mammal.