Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining cellular response to stimuli. The cells to be tested, for example, may be contained in a section of taste-bud containing lingual epithelium.

Abstract: The invention provides novel pyrophosphate synthase inhibitors of formula I as well as compositions comprising such inhibitors and methods for their use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides, polynucleotides and vaccines for use against Neisseria gonorrhoeae colonization or infection and/or Neisseria meningitidis colonization or infection. The vaccines contain an immunogenic amount of a neisserial protein.

Abstract: Novel vaccines for use against ?-hemolytic Streptococcus colonization or infection are disclosed. The vaccines contain an immunogenic amount of a variant of streptococcal C5a peptidase (SCP). Also disclosed is a method of protecting a susceptible mammal against ?-hemolytic Streptococcus colonization or infection by administering such a vaccine. Enzymatically inactive SCP, and polynucleotides encoding these SCP proteins are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides, polynucleotides and vaccines for use against Neisseria gonorrhoeae colonization or infection. The vaccines contain an immunogenic amount of a neisserial protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides RNA molecules (e.g., antisense, RNAi, or siRNA) specific for MnSOD, and further provides methods of reducing expression of MnSOD in cells (e.g., cancer cells).

Abstract: The invention provides kappa receptor agonists of formula (I) and delta receptor antagonists of formula (II), wherein R1–R6 X and n have any of the meanings given in the specification, as well as compositions comprising them, methods for their use, and synthetic procedures and intermediates useful for their preparation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a noveal isolated and purified nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence that in nature directs transcription of CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltrransferase (CCT), i.e., is a novel CCT promoter, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying, isolating, and producing htrB mutants of gram-negative bacterial pathogens. The method comprises mutating the htrB gene of a gram-negative bacterial pathogen so that there is a lack of a functional HtrB protein, resulting in a mutant that lacks one or more secondary acyl chains and displays substantially reduced toxicity as compared to the wild type strain. Also, the present invention provides methods for using a vaccine formulation containing the htrB mutant, or the endotoxin isolated therefrom, to immunize an individual against infections caused by gram-negative bacterial pathogens by administering a prophylactically effective amount of the vaccine formulation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses materials and methods useful to treat sensitivity of endothelially-compromised vascular smooth muscle. In one embodiment, CLC3 blockers, particularly compounds of the Formula I are used to treat sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mutant Neisseria having extensive membrane blebbing, both an indicium and a cause of virulence in the gonococcus and meningococcus. Methods are disclosed for making and characterizing the mutant, bmrRS. Methods are disclosed for isolating bmrRS membranes for use as a vaccine. Methods are also disclosed for the use of the mutant for determining the virulence of clinical samples of N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis. Methods are also disclosed for the screening of antibiotics targeted to virulent Neisseria.

Abstract: Applicants have produced and isolated water soluble complexes of endotoxin and MD-2.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel pseudotyped retroviral vectors that can transduce human and other cells. Vectors are provided that are packaged efficiently in packaging cells and cell lines to generate high titer recombinant virus stocks expressing novel envelope glycoproteins. The present invention further relates to compositions for gene therapy.

Abstract: A fibronectin type III (Fn3) polypeptide monobody, a nucleic acid molecule encoding said monobody, and a variegated nucleic acid library encoding said monobody, are provided by the invention. Also provided are methods of preparing a Fn3 polypeptide monobody, and kits to perform said methods. Further provided is a method of identifying the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide molecule capable of binding to a specific binding partner (SBP) so as to form a polypeptide:SSP complex, and a method of identifying the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide molecule capable of catalyzing a chemical reaction with a catalyzed rate constant, kcat, and an uncatalyzed rate constant, kuncat, such that the ratio of kcat/kuncat is greater than 10.

Abstract: The present invention provides RNA molecules (e.g., antisense, RNAi, or siRNA) specific for VEGF-C, and further provides methods of reducing expression of VEGF-C in cells (e.g., cancer cells).

Abstract: Semi-permeable membranes are described that allow for the efficient processing of many liquid based feed solutions, particularly those that contain acids. The membranes of this invention are able to process such feeds with high permeate rates while maintaining excellent retention of dissolved metals, cations, and organic compounds, even in the presence of hot concentrated acids. The semi-permeable membranes of this invention are able to conduct such separations for a useful period of time due to their chemical stability towards acids and their ability to permeate acids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to map the shape or thickness of a surface. Thickness estimates across a distance are received, and Fourier analysis is performed to generate Fourier amplitude coefficients and phase values for a number of frequency components. Linear discriminant functions are used to characterize the resulting shape as normal or not. Discriminant functions are provided that aid in the diagnosis of glaucoma when the thickness measured is the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness.

Abstract: This invention relates to inhibitors of p38, and methods for producing these inhibitors. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inhibitors of the invention and methods of utilizing the inhibitors and pharmaceutical compositions in the treatment and prevention of various disorders mediated by p38.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel pseudotyped retroviral vectors that can transduce human and other cells. Vectors are provided that are packaged efficiently in packaging cells and cell lines to generate high titer recombinant virus stocks expressing novel envelope glycoproteins. The present invention further relates to compositions for gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnosing glycogen storage diseases in mammals.