Abstract: Nucleic acid hybridization under steady-state conditions is described by a kinetic model in which the intermediate state is assumed to be locally single stranded. An expression was derived that relates nucleic acid secondary structure to the rate of oligonucleotide-RNA hybridization. The model allows the calculation of a rate factor that is proportional to the rate constant for hybridization between complementary nucleic acids and is generally applicable to any RNA molecule with potential utility for rapid identification of sites for antisense attack of mRNA.

Abstract: Recombinant plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) isoforms which lack the reactive center loop and contain the complete heparin-binding domain or lack at least a portion of the heparin-binding domain are described. The rPAI-1 isoforms disclosed herein may be used to modulate angiogenesis through blocking release of VEGF from a VEGF-heparin complex. Furthermore, the rPAI-1 proteins may be used to inhibit cell proliferation and migration, induce apoptosis, and produce proteolytic fragments corresponding to angiostatin kringles 1-3 and kringles 1-4. A truncated proteolytic plasmin protein of 34 kDa is also provided.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding mammalian MDM2 binding protein and polypeptide sequences for the mammalian MDM2 binding protein are provided. Also provided are vectors containing these nucleic acid sequences, host cells which express these proteins and antibodies targeted to these proteins. In addition, methods and compositions for modulating the G1 phase of the cell cycle via altering expression and/or activity of a mammalian MDM2 binding protein are provided.

Abstract: Methods of identifying, monitoring and matching patients with appropriate treatments who are at risk for developing a systemic inflammatory condition prior to development of signs and symptoms using a systemic mediator-associated physiologic test profile are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for assessing risk of prostate cancer. Specifically, it relates to utilizing both Pro108 and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in combination to determine the risk of prostate cancer. In addition, it is directed to a method for assessing risk of ovarian, colon, breast or stomach cancer utilizing Pro108 or specific antibodies to Pro108. The invention provides isolated anti-prostate, ovarian, colon, breast or stomach cancer antigen (Pro108) antibodies that bind to Pro108 on a mammalian cell in vivo. The invention also encompasses compositions comprising an anti-Pro108 antibody and a carrier. These compositions can be provided in an article of manufacture or a kit. Another aspect of the invention is an isolated nucleic acid encoding an anti-Pro108 antibody, as well as an expression vector comprising the isolated nucleic acid. Also provided are cells that produce the anti-Pro108 antibodies. The invention encompasses a method of producing the anti-Pro108 antibodies.

Abstract: Peptides and mimetics of selected domains of mammalian serum amyloid A isoform 2.1 (SAA2.1) and compounds and compositions thereof are provided that enhance the effect on macrophage cholesterol ester hydrolase activity and/or inhibit acyl CoA:cholesterol acyl transferase activity. Methods of using these compositions in the treatment and/or prevention of atherosclerosis as well as coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating pain. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) antibodies or binding fragments thereof are used to prevent or reduce behavioral hypersensitivity associated with pain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention of alloimmunization of a subject or the immunosuppression of a response elicited by alloimmunization of a subject or an autoimmune haemolytic disease for said composition comprising an immunologically effective epitope of a rhesus protein or an immunologically active analogue or derivative thereof.

Abstract: Methods of treating inflammatory skin diseases such as rosacea, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, drug eruptions, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, connective tissue diseases, autoimmune disorders, urticaria or hives, and inflammation associated with skin infections by topical or systemic administration of a nitroxide containing compound are provided.

Abstract: A novel isoform of tropomyosin is disclosed. The isoform is closely related to epithelial human tropomyosin (hTM) and more particularly to hTM5 except the last coding exon. The novel isoform, is called TC22. Northern blot analysis with TC22-specific probe revealed that normal culture cell lines and normal epithelial tissues expressed very little, if at all, TC22 message, whereas their transformed counterparts and tumor tissues including dysfunction of the alimentary canal, significantly increased the expression of TC22. Assays directed at determining the level of TC22 are useful in diagnostics and therapeutics of dysfunction of the alimentary canal. Specific antibodies and mimics for TC22 are also disclosed for use in diagnostics and therapeutics of dysfunction of the alimentary canal.

Abstract: The infection of a mammalian host by a microorganism can be prevented or treated through the alteration of the C. albicans homologue of the high affinity phosphodiesterase, PDE2, gene and/or the adenylate cyclase-associated protein gene. These methods may be used in the identification, prevention or treatment of microbial infection of mammalian hosts such as immunocompromised or immunosuppressed humans, for example, those having AIDS or undergoing transplantation or anti-cancer therapy.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the sequence of a nucleic acid sequence via incubation of a primer extended product of the nucleic acid sequence in separate pools of semi-random oligonucleotides of 5? (N)nA3?, 5? (N)nG3?, and 5? (N)nT3?, wherein N is A, C, G or T and n is selected so that the oligonucleotides will optimally anneal to all complementary sequences.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method for treating ulcerative colitis. Specifically, the method comprises orally or rectally administering to a human having ulcerative colitis a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody which binds to a tropomyosin isoform associated with ulcerative colitis. In another embodiment, the invention pertains to a method for treating ulcerative colitis in a human which comprises the steps of (a) obtaining from a human a colon epithelial cell extract containing a tropomyosin isoform associated with ulcerative colitis; (b) purifying the tropomyosin isoform until the tropomyosin isoform is substantially homogeneous; (c) developing an antibody which binds to the tropomyosin isoform; and (d) orally or rectally administering to a human having ulcerative colitis a therapeutically effective amount of the antibody to bind to the tropomyosin isoform associated with ulcerative colitis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-infectious nucleic acid (RNA and DNA) construct constructed to express a recombinant antibody or antibody fragment in a host cell. The antibody molecule confers protection to the host against a pathogen, allergen or toxin. The host may be any animal including a human or a fish. More specifically, the antibody may be against viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus.

Abstract: A process of making conductive polymeric fibers by electrospinning fibers from a blend of polymers dissolved in an organic solvent includes generating a high voltage electric field between oppositely charged polymer fluid in a glass syringe (4) with a capillary tip (5) and a metallic collection screen (2) and causing a polymer jet (3) to flow to the screen (2) as solvent evaporates and collecting fibers on the screen (2).

Abstract: A mammalian KIR 4.1 gene and gene products which are predictive of a susceptibility or predisposition to neurological disorders such as multiple epilepsy phenotypes are provided. Methods of predicting an individual's susceptibility in developing or having a neurological disorder via detection of these diagnostic markers are also provided. In addition, compositions and methods for identifying compositions for use in the treatment of neurological disorders via these genes and gene products are described.

Abstract: The present invention involves an artificial nose having an array comprising at least a first dye and a second dye in combination and having a distinct spectral response to an analyte. In one embodiment, the first and second dyes are from the group comprising chemoresponsive dyes, and the second dye is distinct from the first dye. In one embodiment, the first dye is selected from the group consisting of porphyrin, chlorin, chlorophyll, phthalocyanine, and salen, or their metal complexes. In another embodiment, the second dye is selected from the group of dyes consisting of acid-base indicator dyes and solvatochromic dyes. The present invention is particularly useful in detecting metal ligating vapors. Further, the array of the present invention can be connected to a visual display device.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence which regulates the autolytic activity of bacteria is provided. Methods for identifying and using agents which interact with the gene to inhibit bacterial growth and infectivity also are provided.

Abstract: A novel sarR gene and sarR gene product which down regulates the expression of sarA and the resulting virulence determinants in Staphylococcus aureus is provided. Methods for modulating the expression of sarA and virulence determinants are also provided. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides structural information relating to the gene product and enables the identification and formulation of lead compounds and reducements for treating and preventing infections by S. aureus and related bacteria.

Abstract: Fuel cells equipped with a self-contained gas- or air-lift which circulates fuel through the channels of the separator plate of the fuel cell via gaseous carbon dioxide produced by the reaction of the membrane electrode assembly and the fuel are provided. Also provided are exemplary self-contained gas-or air-lifts useful for production of these fuel cells.