Abstract: Composition and methods of treating pain and reducing, reversing, or preventing tolerance to opiate analgesics are disclosed. The composition and method utilize an opiate analgesic and a calcium calmodulin kinase (CaMKII) inhibitor as active agents to treat pain in mammals, including humans.

Abstract: Mutants of 2,5-diketo-D-gluconic acid reductase A, an enzyme used to produce 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, a precursor of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) are prepared by site-directed mutagenesis. These mutants have increased catalytic activity, increased expression levels, and/or enhanced temperature stability.

Abstract: A human prolactin-binding protein and compositions and methods using this protein are provided.

Abstract: Variants of the HIV-1 Tat protein exhibiting higher transcriptional activation and stronger P-TEFb binding than wild-type Tat are provided. In addition variants that can inhibit transcription activation by wild-type Tat are provided. Nucleic acid sequences encoding these variants, vectors and host cells for expression of these variants, and antibodies raised against these variants are also provided. In addition, methods for use of these variants and compositions containing these variants as research tools, as diagnostic tools and in the treatment of viral infections are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using compositions with a nuclear targeting peptide containing a nonclassical nuclear localization signal to deliver selected molecules to the nucleus of eukaryotic cells are provided. The compositions are particularly useful in gene transfer methods.

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.

Abstract: Diagnostic markers for breast cancer referred to herein breast cancer specific genes or BCSGs are provided. Also provided are methods for using BCSGs to detect, diagnose, monitor, stage, prognosticate, image and treat breast cancer. Antibodies which specifically bind BCSGs and methods of using these antibodies to image and treat breast cancer are also provided.

Abstract: A method for preparing an ?-Al2O3 nanotemplate of fully crystalline ?-Al2O3 directly on the surface of a metal alloy is provided. Also provided is a related apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides prodrug and multi-prodrug complexes comprising drugs specifically bound to synthetic receptors in such a manner that active drug becomes available only in the presence of a targeted pathophysiologic receptor. Methods for preparation and use of these prodrug complexes in drug delivery systems are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for regulating CD154 gene expression are provided that rely on the interaction of polypyrimidine tract proteins with the 3?-untranslated region of CD154.

Abstract: An immortalized hemangiosarcoma cell line of malignant canine endothelial cells which possesses surface expression characteristics and growth factor and cytokine expression profiles typical of nonmalignant activated endothelial cells is provided. In vitro and in vivo models for angiogenesis produced from this cell line as well as methods for identifying antiangiogenic agents using these models are also provided.

Abstract: In an extensive Matched Ion Polynucleotide Chromatography (MIPC) system and method, and the computer programs or software associated therewith, the system provides automated options for sample selection, mobile phase gradient selection and control, column and mobile phase temperature control, and fragment collection for a wide variety of MIPC separation processes. MIPC separation processes can be applied to effect size-based separation of DNA fragments, mutation detection, DNA fragment purification, PCR process monitoring and other novel processes. This invention is directed to the system and software which automates many of these procedures, facilitating use of the system to achieve complex separation methods. In one embodiment of the invention, a user specifies a size range of double stranded DNA fragment(s) in a mixture, the software calculates a solvent gradient to elute the fragment(s), and the system performs the chromatographic separation using the calculated gradient.

Abstract: This present invention concerns a cover layer that is impermeable to the active substances and/or a removable protective layer of a transdermal therapeutic system, comprising a thermoplastic film which either directly contains the absorbing agents and channel-forming agents or is coated with a polymer support (thermoplast) containing these substances. The polymer support can either be applied over the entire surface of the film or in patterns, directly during production. The thermoplastic film that is used and the polymer support can be made from either the same or different materials.

Abstract: Durable, stick resistant, stain resistant, dishwasher safe, and thermal shock resistant cooking utensils produced from a MAX phase and methods for their production are provided.

Abstract: The enzyme Lp-PLA2 in purified form, an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding Lp-PLA2, the use of an inhibitor of the enzyme Lp-PLA2 in therapy and a method of screening compounds to identify those compounds.

Abstract: A glial precursor cell population from mammalian central nervous system has been isolated. These A2B5+ E-NCAM? glial-restricted precursor (GRP) cells are capable of differentiating into oligodendrocytes, A2B5+ process-bearing astrocytes, and A2B5? fibroblast-like astrocytes, but not into neurons. GRP cells can be maintained by regeneration in culture. GRP cells differ from oligodendrocyte-type-2 astrocyte (O-2A) progenitor cells in growth factor requirements, morphology, and progeny. Methods of use of GRP cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various antibodies with different binding characteristics for MBL A or MBL B bound to mannan or MBL A or MBL B bound to an antibody against MBL are provided. Also provided are methods for selecting antibodies against MBL with different binding characteristics and methods and kits for using these antibodies to measure MBL capable of binding to mannan or oligomerized MBL and abnormal, poorly oligomerized MBL in a sample. The methods and kits are useful in diagnosing increased susceptibility to and exacerbation of infections and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides both a method and means for regulating angiogenesis within living cells, tissues, and organs in-situ. The regulation is performed using native PR-39 peptide or one of its shorter-length homologs, for direct interaction with the ?7 subunit of such proteasomes as one present in the cytoplasm of viable cells. The result of PR-39 peptide interaction with proteasomes is a decrease in the intracellular degradation of active peptides such as HIF-1? and a consequential stimulation of angiogenesis in-situ.

Abstract: A long-lived, myeloid-committed stem cell population is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and compositions for targeting this population with retrovirus vectors in gene therapy protocols for correcting congenital disorders of myeloid system and for potentiating immune responses to defined tumor and viral antigens.

Abstract: Isolated phosphorylated troponin I proteins useful in diagnosing and monitoring the phosphorylation state of injured muscle tissue are provided. Also provided are compounds, kits and methods for assessing the phosphorylation state of these troponin I proteins and modulating the phosphorylation state of these troponin I proteins in a subject.