Abstract: A process for the polymerization of one or more alpha-olefins having at least 3 carbon atoms, which comprises contacting the monomer or monomers in a polar or non-polar solvent under polymerization conditions with a homogeneous catalyst system including (a) a cationic form of a racemic mixture of a chiral octahedral transition metal complex or of a non chiral octahedral transition metal complex, comprising 1, 2 or 3 bidentate chelating ligands and no cyclopentadienyl ligands and having C1, C2, or C3 symmetry; and (b) an anion of a Lewis acid or a Brönsted acid; and adjusting the pressure so as to obtain either a highly stereoregular polymer or copolymer or an elastomer.

Abstract: The subject invention provides R(+)-N-propargyl-1-aminoindan and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing same. The subject invention also provides methods of treating a subject afflicted with Parkinson's disease, a memory disorder, dementia, depression, hyperactive syndrome, an effective illness, a neurodegenerative disease, a neurotoxic injury, stroke, brain ischemia, a head trauma injury, a spinal trauma injury, neurotrauma, schizophrenia, an attention deficit disorder, multiple sclerosis, or withdrawal symptoms, using R(+)-N-propargyl-1-aminoindan or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the subject invention. The subject invention further provides a method of preventing nerve damage in a subject. Finally, the subject invention provides methods of preparing R(+)-N-propargyl-1-aminoindan, a salt thereof, and racemic N-propargyl-1-aminoindan.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antiproliferative compound having the structural formula wherein X is oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur; R1 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carboxylic acid, carboxylate, carboxamide, ester, thioamide, thiolacid, thiolester, saccharide, alkoxy-linked saccharide, amine, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, alcohol, ethers and nitriles; R2 is hydrogen, methyl, benzyl carboxylic acid, benzyl carboxylate, benzyl carboxamide, benzylester, saccharide and amine; R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, benzyl carboxylic acid, benzyl carboxylate, benzyl carboxamide, benzylester, saccharide and amine; R4 is of methyl, benzyl carboxylic acid, benzyl carboxylate, benzyl carboxamide, benzylester, saccharide and amine; and R5 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carboxyl, amide and ester. Also provided is a method for inducing apoptosis in a cell comprising administering a composition comprising a compound.

Abstract: A method for improving CdZnTe-based gamma-ray detectors is presented. A CdZnTe detector/crystal is exposed to acoustic waves. After exposure to acoustic waves, the CdZnTe gamma-detector gains higher resistivity and exhibits better spectral resolution and greater sensitivity. Further, when a batch of detectors is made according to the method of the present invention, the properties of the crystals are more homogenous, allowing for cheaper and more standardized detectors.

Abstract: The invention provides novel saponin mixtures and compounds which are isolated from the species Acacia victoriae and methods for their use. These compounds may contain a triterpene moiety, such as acacic or oleanolic acid, to which oligosaccharides and monoterpenoid moieties are attached. The mixtures and compounds have properties related to the regulation of apoptosis and cytotoxicity of cells and exhibit potent anti-tumor effects against a variety of tumor cells.

Abstract: There is provided a simplified and inexpensive method for the in-vitro identification, isolation and culture of human vasculogenic progenitor cells. The method and the progenitor cells isolated thereby can be used for in-vitro vascular engineering, treatment of congenital and acquired vascular and hematological abnormalities, for evaluation and development of drugs affecting vasculo- and angiogenic processes, and for further investigation into tissue differentiation and development.

Abstract: The subject invention provides R(+)-N-propargyl-1-aminoindan and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing same. The subject invention also provides methods of treating a subject afflicted with Parkinson's disease, a memory disorder, dementia, depression, hyperactive syndrome, an affective illness, a neurodegenerative disease, a neurotoxic injury, stroke, brain ischemia, a head trauma injury, a spinal trauma injury, neurotrauma, schizophrenia, an attention deficit disorder, multiple sclerosis, or withdrawal symptoms, using R(+)-N-propargyl-1-aminoindan, or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the subject invention. The subject invention further provides a method of preventing nerve damage in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the cloning, sequencing and expression of homologous immunoreactive 28-kDa protein genes, p28-1, -2, -3, -5, -6, -7, -9, from a polymorphic multiple gene family of Ehrlichia canis. Further disclosed is a multigene locus encoding all nine homologous 28-kDa protein genes of Ehrlichia canis. Recombinant Ehrlichia canis 28-kDa proteins react with convalescent phase antiserum from an E. canis-infected dog, and may be useful in the development of vaccines and serodiagnostics that are particularly effective for disease prevention and serodiagnosis.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization of one or more alpha-olefins having at least 3 carbon atoms, which comprises contacting the monomer or monomers in a polar or non-polar solvent under polymerization conditions with a homogeneous catalyst system including (a) a cationic form of a racemic mixture of a chiral octahedral transition metal complex or of a non chiral octahedral transition metal complex, comprising 1, 2 or 3 bidentate chelating ligands and no cyclopentadienyl ligands and having C1, C2, or C3 symmetry; and (b) an anion of a Lewis acid or a Brönsted acid; and adjusting the pressure so as to obtain either a highly stereoregular polymer or copolymer or an elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the applications of a novel cytokine, named THANK, for TNF homologue that activates apoptosis, NF-&kgr;B and c-jun N-terminal kinase. Such applications include using THANK inhibitors to inhibit the activation of NF-&kgr;B and to treat a pathological condition caused by the activation of NF-&kgr;B. Also provided is a method of inhibiting growth of a wide variety of tumor cells by administering THANK protein.

Abstract: The 28-kDa outer membrane proteins (P28) of Ehrlichia chaffeensis are encoded by a multigene family consisting of 21 members located in a 23-kb DNA fragment in the genome of E. chaffeensis. Fifteen of these proteins are claimed herein as novel sequences. The amino acid sequence identity of the various P28 proteins was 20-83%. Six of 10 tested p28 genes were actively transcribed in cell culture grown E. chaffeensis. RT-PCR also indicated that each of the p28 genes was monocistronic. These results suggest that the p28 genes are active genes and encode polymorphic forms of the P28 proteins. The P28s were also divergent among different isolates of E. chaffeensis. The large repertoire of the p28 genes in a single ehrlichial organism and antigenic diversity of the P28 among the isolates of E. chaffeensis suggest that the P28s may be involved in immune avoidance.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel immunotoxins and methods of treating neoplastic diseases. These immunotoxins are comprised of a conjugation of an antigen binding region exhibiting binding specificity for the CD33 protein and a cell growth modulator. The immunotoxins of the present invention specifically and selectively kill tumor cells that are characterized by the expression of CD33 antigen. Thus, the novel immunotoxins would be useful in treating human leukemias, both acute and chronic, and other myelodysplastic syndromes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the therapeutic application of TRANK, a novel cytokine. TRANK is secreted by cells and activates NF-&kgr;B, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and downstream gene products. Provided is a method of inhibiting NF-&kgr;B activation in an individual in need of such treatment, comprising the step of administering an effective dose of an anti-TRANK antibody to said individual.

Abstract: A method of repairing a long bone having a defect is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) mechanically fixating the long bone or portions thereof; and (b) filling the defect with a biodegradable scaffold impregnated with growth factors and/or osteoprogenitor cells and awaiting for osteointegration to take place.

Abstract: The 28-kDa outer membrane proteins (P28) of Ehrlichia chaffeensis are encoded by a multigene family consisting of 21 members located in a 23-kb DNA fragment in the genome of E. chaffeensis. Fifteen of these proteins are claimed herein as novel sequences. The amino acid sequence identity of the various P28 proteins was 20-83%. Six of 10 tested p28 genes were actively transcribed in cell culture grown E. chaffeensis. RT-PCR also indicated that each of the p28 genes was monocistronic. These results suggest that the p28 genes are active genes and encode polymorphic forms of the P28 proteins. The P28s were also divergent among different isolates of E. chaffeensis. The large repertoire of the p28 genes in a single ehrlichial organism and antigenic diversity of the P28 among the isolates of E. chaffeensis suggest that the P28s may be involved in immune avoidance.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel immunotoxins and methods of treating neoplastic diseases. These immunotoxins are comprised of a conjugation of an antigen binding region exhibiting binding specificity for the CD33 protein and a cell growth modulator. The immunotoxins of the present invention specifically and selectively kill tumor cells that are characterized by the expression of CD33 antigen. Thus, the novel immunotoxins would be useful in treating human leukemias, both acute and chronic, and other myelodysplastic syndromes.

Abstract: A method for improving CdZnTe-based gamma-ray detectors is presented. A CdZnTe detector/crystal is exposed to acoustic waves. After exposure to acoustic waves, the CdZnTe gamma-detector gains higher resistivity and exhibits better spectral resolution and greater sensitivity. Further, when a batch of detectors is made according to the method of the present invention, the properties of the crystals are more homogenous, allowing for cheaper and more standardized detectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutants of the Rb and p53 genes and methods utilizing these mutants therapeutically. Along with mutated Rb genes and p53 genes, the present invention provides mutated Rb and p53 proteins and plasmids containing a mutated Rb gene or a p53 gene. In addition, the present invention provides cells transfected with the plasmids of the present invention. Moreover, the present invention provides for methods of treating a variety of pathophysiological cell proliferative diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward genetically-engineered, membrane-enveloped Alphaviruses, Flaviviruses, and Bunyaviruses containing modified viral transmembrane envelope glycoproteins (e.g., E2, E1, E, and G) and bearing altered host-range phenotypes that enables the viruses to replicate efficiently in insect cells, but not mammalian cells. The strategy for production of these mutations is based on the fact that unlike mammalian cell membranes, the membranes of insect cells contain no cholesterol and are thus thinner than mammalian membranes. Many membrane-coated viruses have membrane glycoproteins on their surface which are responsible for identifying and infecting target cells. These membrane glycoproteins have hydrophobic membrane-spanning domains which anchor the proteins in the membrane bilayer. The membrane-spanning domains of these transmembrane proteins must be long enough to reach from one side of the bilayer to the other in order to hold the proteins in the membrane.

Abstract: A method for controlling access to a physical memory in a distributed shared memory system (DSM) includes selecting a page of the physical memory in which to store a plurality of data items, including at least first and second data items. The selected page of the physical memory is divided into a plurality of minipages, including at least first and second minipages containing the first and second data items, respectively. First and second virtual pages are mapped to the selected page of the physical memory, such that the first and second virtual pages are associated respectively with the first and second minipages, with first and second access permissions applied to the first and second virtual pages, respectively. A process is permitted to access the first data item subject to the first access permission and the second data item subject to the second access permission, via the respective first and second virtual pages.