Abstract: Novel adenovirus-derived viral vectors, the preparation thereof, and the use of such vectors in gene therapy, are disclosed. In particular, defective adenoviruses having a genome that includes a first recombinant DNA containing a therapeutic gene and a second recombinant DNA containing an immunoprotective gene, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gene therapy for the treatment of tumors. The invention more particularly relates to introduction of a gene encoding an anti-angiogenic factor into cells of a tumor, for example with a defective adenovirus vector, to inhibit growth or metastasis, or both, of the tumor. In a specific embodiment, delivery of a defective adenovirus that expresses the amino terminal fragment of urokinase (ATF) inhibited growth and metastasis of tumors. These effects were correlated with a remarkable inhibition of neovascularization within, and at the immediate vicinity of, the injection site. Delivery of a defective adenovirus vector that expresses kringles 1 to 3 of angiostatin inhibited tumor growth and tumorigenicity, and induced apoptosis of tumor cells. The invention further provides viral vectors for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method for combining transfer functions with predetermined key creation. In one embodiment, digital information, including a digital sample and format information, is protected by identifying and encoding a portion of the format information. Encoded digital information, including the digital sample and the encoded format information, is generated to protect the original digital information. In another embodiment, a digital signal, including digital samples in a file format having an inherent granularity, is protected by creating a predetermined key. The predetermined key is comprised of a transfer function-based mask set to manipulate data at the inherent granularity of the file format of the underlying digitized samples.

Abstract: The present Invention relates to a portable, self-contained, briefcase-sized device capable of transmitting and receiving encrypted or unencrypted video teleconferencing communications over a variety of telecommunications mediums. The system contains a liquid crystal flat panel display, a flexible gooseneck video camera, built-in microphones and speakers, a pop-up bay to receive a military or civilian encryption unit, a variety of input and output connections, a modem-codec and ancillary electronics circuitry, a remote control device, interconnecting cabling, and operating software, all contained within a portable, metal reinforced, lockable, briefcase-type enclosure. The Invention can be connected to a telecommunications link such as a LAN, an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) line provided by the local telephone company, or a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) system such as the International Maritime Satellite (INMARSAT) System.

Abstract: The implementations of digital watermarks can be optimally suited to particular transmission, distribution and storage mediums given the nature of digitally-sampled audio, video and other multimedia works. Watermark application parameters can be adapted to the individual characteristics of a given digital sample stream. Watermark information can be either carried in individual samples or in relationships between multiple samples, such as in a waveform shape. More optimal models may be obtained to design watermark systems that are tamper-resistant given the number and breadth of existent digitized sample options with different frequency and time components. The highest quality of a given content signal may be maintained as it is mastered, with the watermark suitably hidden, taking into account usage of digital filters and error correction. The quality of the underlying content signals can be used to identify and highlight advantageous locations for the insertion of digital watermarks.

Abstract: The invention discloses a new system for gene expression. The system is based in particular on the use of derived sequences of the first intron of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene having transcription enhancing properties. The system is particularly useful in the production of proteins in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo, particularly in gene therapy applications.

Abstract: A recombinant adenovirus in which the expression of a nucleic acid sequence coding for at least one homologous or heterologous gene of viral origin is placed under the control of an inducible promoter, is disclosed. The use of such recombinant adenoviruses for preparing AAVs, and a complementary cell line and preparation method therefor, are also disclosed. Furthermore, pharmaceutical compositions containing such an adenovirus are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses the preparation of DNA, in particular plasmid DNA. More particularly it concerns the production of bacterial plasmid DNA to be used in gene therapy, in the form of plasmid, minicircle supercoiled, loose or linear.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for reducing recombination phenomena among nucleic acids. It also concerns the use of said method for producing defective viruses not contaminated by replication particles. The invention further concerns novel viral constructs.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing recombinant virus. This method is based on the use of baculovirus for providing the complementary functions. It also concerns constructs used for implementing this method, the producing cells, and the resulting virus.