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 thermodynamically stable metallic contact for binary oxide-, nitride-, carbide or phosphide-semiconductors and a method of its preparation, the contact is formed in a high temperature reaction in vacuum of a metal bi-layer with the binary semiconductor substrate. With a proper choice of the two metallic layers, each metal forms a single phase with only one of binary semiconductor elements. The resulting phases form distinct layers in a thermodynamically stable sequence.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the cloning, sequencing and expression of homologous immunoreactive 28-kDa protein genes, ECa28-1 and ECa28SA3, from a polymorphic multiple gene family of Ehrlichia canis. A complete sequence of another 28-kDa protein gene, ECaSA2, is also provided. Further disclosed is a multigene locus encoding all five 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell culture medium and methods useful for determining levels of intracellular function of glutathione or cysteine, and for providing biochemical analysis of antioxidant function in human lymphocytes. The medium of the present invention comprises: a buffered, serum-free solution containing a carbohydrate selected from the group consisting of glucose and a compound biologically capable of producing glucose in the cells, a biologically usable form of pantothenic acid, choline or a biological usable form of a substance capable of producing choline in the cells, inorganic ions comprising chloride, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and iron in a biologically utilizable form, deionized water, and a mitogen in an amount effective to stimulate the lymphocytes being assayed. In addition to the preceding ingredients, the medium effective for measuring glutathione concentration also contains L-Buthionine-[S.R.]-Sulfoximine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel approach to gene therapy of restricted areas such as tumors. The methods introduced here comprise: (a) placing a gene of interest in a plasmid vector driven by a heat or light inducible promoter; (b) modifying this vector by including a tetracycline responsive fusion protein which acts as a transcriptional activator, thus permitting regulation of gene expression by varying the levels of drug and; (c) modifying this vector by including DNA sequences that reduce or eliminate expression of genes in normal bystander cells. Also provided are a set of vectors for both sustained and regulable expression. There is also presented novel vectors for the gene therapy treatment of local and metastatic breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.

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 wavelength-selectable laser system (10) is achieved by addressing the suitable mode-locked frequency of a multi-length laser cavity formed by multiple wavelength-selective mirrors (20) such as fiber gratings. This is useful for fiber optic communication and WDM (wavelength division multiplexing) networks where there is incorporated an information encoder/modulator (22) of the light in the sending side and a detector in the receiving side, which are matched to the laser system.

Abstract: A method and an associated apparatus for imaging a target. An echo sequence image of the target is acquired and a log spectrum of at least a portion of the echo sequence image is computed. A low-resolution, shift-invariant wavelet projection of the echo sequence log spectrum is used as an estimate of the log spectrum of the point spread function. A frequency domain phase of the point spread function also is estimated. The relevant portion of the echo sequence image is deconvolved using the estimated point spread function.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expression system for producing recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) exhibiting biological activity and immunochemical properties of the native human erythropoietin (hEPO). Also provided is an improved method for purifying rhEPO from culture medium by two-step column chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liposomal aerosol composition, comprising a pharmaceutical compound, a cationic lipid, a neutral co-lipid; and tryptone. Also provided is a nebulized cationic lipid: neutral co-lipid: DNA suspension useful for lipid-DNA transfections, wherein the cationic lipid is bis(guanidinium)-tren-cholesterol and the neutral co-lipid is dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE).

Abstract: A source of intense coherent high-frequency electromagnetic radiation such as soft x-rays. A circularly polarized incident beam of coherent radiation is directed at a frequency multiplication medium that includes constituents of approximate Cn symmetry, oriented so that the symmetry axes of the constituents are parallel to the incident beam. The interaction of the incident beam and the constituents of the medium produces higher harmonics of the incident frequency, up into the x-ray band. If the Cn symmetry of the medium constituents is exact then the harmonic frequencies are multiples ln±l of the frequency of the incident beam, where l is an integer. If the Cn symmetry is only approximate, then the harmonics are centered around these multiples. Suitable medium constituents include dipolar molecules of C5v symmetry and circular rings of nanoparticles.

Abstract: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, caused by Ehrilichia canis is a potentially fatal disease of dogs that requires rapid and accurate diagnosis in order to initiate appropriate therapy leading to a favorable prognosis. In the invention described herein, a new immunoreactive E. canis surface protein gene of 1170-bp was cloned, which encodes a protein with a predicted molecular mass of 42.6 kilodaltons (P43). The P43 gene was not found in E. chaffeensis DNA by Southern blot, and antisera against recombinant P43 (rP43) did not react with E. chaffeensis by IFA. The P43 was located on the surface of E. canis by immunoelectron microscopy. Forty-two dogs exhibiting signs and/or hematologic abnormalities associated with canine ehrlichiosis were tested by IFA and by Western immunoblot. Among the 22 samples that were IFA positive for E. canis, 100% reacted with the rP43, 96% with the rP28, and 96% with the rP140. The specificity of the recombinant proteins compared to IFA was 96% for rP28, 88% for P43 and 63% for P140.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic mice deficient in corticotropin releasing factor receptor 2. Corticotropin releasing factor is a critical integrator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in response to stress. CRF and its related molecule urocortin bind CRF receptor 1 and CRFR2 with distinct affinities. CRFR2 mutant mice were hypersensitive to stress and displayed increased anxiety-like behavior. Mutant mice had normal basal feeding and weight gain, but exhibited decreased food intake following food deprivation. Intravenous UCN dramatically decreased the mean arterial pressure in the controls but had no effect in the mutants. A deficiency of CRFR2 results in a significant increase in urocortin mRNA in the rostral region of the Edinger Westphal and a significant increase in CRF mRNA in central nucleus of the amygdala. These results demonstrate that the CRFR2 mutant mice, opposed to CRFR1 mutant mice, have an increased sensitivity to stress and display anxiety-like behavior.

Abstract: The current invention relates to an active factor present in homogenized brain tissue which inhibits antigen-driven proliferation of lymphocytes in culture, but stimulates proliferation in response to most mitogens. The inhibitory activity can be destroyed by treatment with proteases or neuraminadase. The activity is in the insoluble fraction of the homogenate, but becomes soluble in 0.04 M NaOH. After gel filtration chromatography of the NaOH soluble material, the suppressive activity is in the high molecular weight fraction which elutes in the void volume of the column. This fraction contains protein and carbohydrate. The activity is not affected by neutralizing antibodies against regulatory cytokines, does not depend on Fas or FasL, and is not due to the presence of gangliosides. These data suggest that a brain glycoprotein which is either membrane-bound or part of the extracellular matrix has powerful immune regulatory effects in culture.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical optical inertial sensing device comprises a CMOS chip (3), comprising at least one integrated photodiode (6) and analog electronics; an elastically suspended proof mass (1); and a light source (4). A light beam from the light source casts a partial shadow of the proof mass over the photodiode when the proof mass is at rest. When subjected to an inertial movement, the proof mass swings causing the partial shadow to shift and modulate the illumination of the photodiode. An output current signal from the photodiode is processed by the analog electronics to generate measurement results.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using a convenient, oral administered and non-toxic immunomodulating agent to suppress transplant rejection. Such agent is a type one interferon.

Abstract: The small particle liposome or lipid complex aerosol compounds and methods of treatment of the present invention involve lipid- or water soluble anti-cancer drugs incorporated into liposomes or other lipid complexes. The liposomes and complexes are administered in aqueous dispersions from a jet nebulizer to the respiratory tract of an individual. Various anti-cancer drugs may be used, including 20-S-Camptothecin, 9-Nitro-camptothecin, 9-Amino-camptothecin, 10, 11-methylenedioxy-camptothecin and taxol or its derivatives. Administration of these drugs by inhalation provides faster and more efficient absorption of the anticancer drug than does intramuscular administration or oral administration.

Abstract: The present invention features a novel cellular injury reporter system in which a chimeric gene containing the GADD153 promoter linked to the coding region of an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene was stably integrated into the genome of carcinoma cells. Activation of the GADD153 promoter was quantified using flow cytometric measurement of EGFP expression following drug exposure. This reporter system is suitable for high. throughput in vitro and in vivo screening for agents capable of producing cytotoxicity via a wide variety of different mechanisms, and can be utilized to investigate the relative potency of structurally related DNA adducts.

Abstract: To optimize the delivery of all-trans retinoic acid to lung tissue, the potential of vehiculating this drug in liposomes and delivering it via aerosol was determined. Liposomes provide a means to prevent local irritation of lung tissue, reduce pulmonary toxicity, prolong therapeutic levels, and generate high drug concentrations at the tumor sites. Therefore, the delivery of ATRA to the lung tissue in mice was accomplished by nebulization of L-ATRA. The liposomes in the aerosol were uniform, stable, and retained the drug well. The drug was effectively delivered at high concentrations to the lungs of mice and was retained at least up to 96 h after a single exposure to L-ATRA aerosols. The aerosol-delivered ATRA was biologically active as demonstrated by its ability to induce the expression of tissue-type transglutaminase. Aerosol delivery of L-ATRA offers an effective way to deliver high levels of ATRA to the lung without apparent pulmonary toxic effects.

Abstract: This invention relates to substantially purified gelonin, toxic fragments thereof, the DNA sequences encoding gelonin and use of the DNA for producing, by recombinant technology, gelonin, toxic fragments thereof and fusion proteins. More specifically, the invention relates to the primary amino acid sequence of gelonin, and of the DNA encoding said gelonin and the production of synthetic gelonin and toxic fragments thereof.