Abstract: The present invention is directed to the induction and characterization of a humoral immune response targeting “entry-relevant” gp41 structures. In its broadest aspect, the present invention is directed to methods of raising a neutralizing antibody response to a broad spectrum of HIV strains and isolates. The present invention targets particular molecular conformations or structures that occur at the cell surface of HIV during viral entry into host cells. Such a humoral response can be generated in vivo as a prophylactic measure in individuals to reduce or inhibit the ability of HIV to infect uninfected cells in the individual's body. Such a response can also be employed to raise antibodies against “entry relevant” gp41 structures. These antibodies can be employed for therapeutic uses, and as tools for further illuminating the mechanism of HIV cell entry.

Abstract: A device for volitional swallowing with a substitute sensory system comprises a band 101 wrapped around the neck with a vibrator 102 positioned over the larynx. Upon activation by a button 103 on a spoon 104 held by an operator, such as the subject 105, the vibrator 102 moves and vibrates the larynx. The patient 105 initiates the sensory stimulation immediately prior to the patient's own initiation of a swallow by viewing on a display screen 106 a movement feedback signal 107, possibly from a piezo-electric sensor 108 also contained in the band 101 which will also be displayed on the display screen 106. The signal 109 from the switch device initiating sensory stimulation will be presented on the same display screen 106 for the patient 105 and trainer to observe when the button or switch 103 is activated for sensory stimulation in relation to the onset of the swallow.

Abstract: The invention provides a gene transfer vector and a conjugate comprising at least three contiguous amino acids of a shaft region of a subgroup C adenovirus fiber protein. The invention also provides methods of using the gene transfer vector and the conjugate to induce an immune response in a mammal, and to deliver a protein or a non-proteinaceous molecule to a specific cell type.

Abstract: Discoveries are disclosed that show particular aspects of recombinant DNA technology can be used successfully to produce hitherto unknown human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) protein free of other polypeptides. These proteins can be produced in various functional forms from spontaneously secreting cells or from DNA segments introduced into cells. These forms variously enable biochemical and functional studies of this novel protein as well as production of antibodies. Means are described for determining the level of expression of genes for the KGF protein, for example, by measuring mRNA levels in cells or by measuring antigen secreted in extracellular or body fluids.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting cancerous cell growth comprising contacting a collection of cancerous cells with a cell growth-inhibiting effective amount of a purified or isolated polypeptide comprising SE ID NO: 6 or variant thereof. The variant of SEQ ID NO: 6 comprises one, two, or three conservative or neutral amino acid substitutions, provided that amino acids 1-6 and 10-12 of SEQ ID NO: 6 remain unchanged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound of formula: wherein X is a group comprising one or more amino acid residues, Y is a spacer, and Z comprises a fluorescent molecule, and compositions and methods of identifying ?- and ?-opioid receptors.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for monitoring inflammation of the epithelium. The device consists of a head region, a handle region and an optical bundle. At least two of the optical fibers in the bundle are utilized as a source of radiation, these two fibers are at two different angles from normal. At least one of the other optical fibers is utilized as a detector for the reflected radiation, or alternatively an image guide can be used as the detector. The device of the invention can be part of an external or internal system that can include a light source, the device, a multiplexer, a spectrometer, and a computer for data analysis. The method of the invention allows for the detection and monitoring of general inflammation of the oral epithelium. The inflammation of the epithelium can be detected or monitored to diagnose diseases of the oral epithelium, monitor such diseases, monitor treatment of such diseases, or pre-screen for and monitor preventative treatments of such diseases.

Abstract: A method of measuring the angiogenic or antiangiogenic activity of a test molecule comprising (i) utilizing a modified CAM assay to assign an FVD value for a test region of interest and comparing this value to an FVD value for a control region of interest, or (ii) utilizing a modified CAM assay to determine the spectrophotometric absorbance value of a test region of interest and comparing this value to the spectrophotometric absorbance value of a control region of interest, wherein a lower value of the test region of interest as compared to the of the control region of interest is indicative of the test molecule being useful as an inhibitor of angiogenesis, and wherein a higher value of the test region of interest as compared to the value of the control region of interest is indicative of the test molecule being useful as a stimulator of angiogenesis. Furthermore, such measurements of angiogenic or antiangiogenic activity may be monitored in an animal or patient afflicted with a disease.

Abstract: Composition for the inhibition of the translation of a Mect1-MAML2 chimeric gene consisting essentially of: (a) a fragment of the nucleic acid encoding the chimeric gene, and (b) a nucleic acid complementary to the fragment, and a method of inhibiting the translation of a Mect1-MAML2 chimeric gene comprising contacting a cell expressing the chimeric gene with the composition, whereupon the translation of the chimeric gene is inhibited.

Abstract: The invention relates to the formulation of pharmaceutical compounds. More particularly, the invention provides stable, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions prepared from boronic add compounds and methods for preparing the compositions. The invention also provides novel boronate ester compounds. The invention further provides boronic add anhydride compounds useful in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drug delivery system comprising a water-insoluble drug, a water-miscible organic solvent for the water-insoluble drug, a surfactant, and water, as well as a process for preparing the same. This invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and such a drug delivery system. In addition, the present invention provides a method of delivering a drug to a host by administering to the host the drug delivery system of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for chromatography employ a vibration driven mixing device mounted inside a column. One end of the mixing device is held in place by a stopper while the other end is free to vibrate back and forth. The mixture at the free end is efficiently mixed while the mixture at the held end remains undisturbed. The undisturbed portion can then be removed. This invention is particularly applicable to centrifugal chromatography where the vibration is produced by high frequency oscillation in the centrifugal force field.