Abstract: A precise measurement of the immunological receptor diversity present in a sample is obtained by sequence analysis. Samples of interest are generally complex, comprising more than 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 1010, 1011, 1012 or more different sequences for a receptor of interest. Immunological receptors of interest include immunoglobulins, T cell antigen receptors, and major histocompatibility receptors. The specific composition of immunological receptor sequence variations in the sample can be recorded and output. The composition is useful for predictive, diagnostic and therapeutic methods relating to the immune capabilities and history of an individual. Such predictions and diagnoses are used to guide clinical decisions.

Abstract: Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) capsid proteins are provided. Methods for generating a library of recombinant adeno-associated viral capsid proteins are also provided.

Abstract: Compact laser systems are disclosed which include ultrafast laser sources in combination with nonlinear crystals or waveguides. In some implementations fiber based mid-IR sources producing very short pulses and/or mid-IR sources based on a mode locked fiber lasers are utilized. Some embodiments may include an infrared source with an amplifier system comprising, in combination, a Tm fiber amplifier and an Er fiber amplifier. A difference frequency generator receives outputs from the Er and/or Tm amplifier system, and generates an output comprising a difference frequency. Exemplary applications of the compact, high brightness mid-IR light sources include medical applications, spectroscopy, ranging, sensing and metrology.

Abstract: A method is provided for carrying out depolymerization of a polymer containing electrophilic linkages in the presence of a catalyst and a nucleophilic reagent, wherein production of undesirable byproducts resulting from polymer degradation is minimized. The reaction can be carried out at a temperature of 80° C. or less, and generally involves the use of an organic, nonmetallic catalyst, thereby ensuring that the depolymerization product(s) are substantially free of metal contaminants. In an exemplary depolymerization method, the catalyst is a carbene compound such as an N-heterocyclic carbene, or is a precursor to a carbene compound. The method provides an important alternative to current recycling techniques such as those used in the degradation of polyesters, polyamides, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for reducing viral genome amounts in a target cell are provided. In the subject methods, the activity of a miRNA is inhibited in a manner sufficient to reduce the amount of viral genome in the target cell, e.g., by introducing a miRNA inhibitory agent in the target cell. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and systems for use in practicing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of applications, including the treatment of subjects suffering from a viral mediated disease condition, e.g., an HCV mediated disease condition.

Abstract: Novel polyketides and novel methods of efficiently producing both new and known polyketides, using recombinant technology, are disclosed. In particular, a novel host-vector system is described which is used to produce polyketide synthases which in turn catalyze the production of a variety of polyketides.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for reducing viral genome amounts in a target cell are provided. In the subject methods, the activity of a miRNA is inhibited in a manner sufficient to reduce the amount of viral genome in the target cell, e.g., by introducing a miRNA inhibitory agent in the target cell. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and systems for use in practicing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of applications, including the treatment of subjects suffering from a viral mediated disease condition, e.g., an HCV mediated disease condition.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for administering a fluid to a neuronal site. The device comprises a reservoir, an aperture in fluid connection to the reservoir, and electrical means for moving to the fluid to or through the aperture. The electrical means may take the form of electroosmotic force, piezoelectric movement of a diaphragm or electrolysis of a solution. The electrical means may be external to the host, implanted in the host or may be photodiodes activated by light, particularly where the neuronal site is associated with the retina.

Abstract: A method and system for encrypting a first piece of information M to be sent by a sender [100] to a receiver [110] allows both sender and receiver to compute a secret message key using identity-based information and a bilinear map. In a one embodiment, the sender [100] computes an identity-based encryption key from an identifier ID associated with the receiver [110]. The identifier ID may include various types of information such as the receiver's e-mail address, a receiver credential, a message identifier, or a date. The sender uses a bilinear map and the encryption key to compute a secret message key gIDr, which is then used to encrypt a message M, producing ciphertext V to be sent from the sender [100] to the receiver [110] together with an element rP. An identity-based decryption key dID is computed by a private key generator [120] based on the ID associated with the receiver and a secret master key s.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of promoters for ribonucleic acid amplification and other genetic manipulations. Processes are provided wherein complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) is synthesized from a ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequence using a complementary primer linked to an RNA polymerase promoter region complement and then anti-sense RNA (aRNA) is transcribed from the cDNA by introducing an RNA polymerase capable of binding to the promoter region. Additional processes using the resulting aRNA are also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the enhanced in vitro synthesis of polypeptides. In order to improve the performance of in vitro protein synthesis reactions, metabolic inhibitors, or manipulation of a source organism, is used to diminish or avoid the action of enzymes responsible for undesirable amino acids production or depletion. A homeostatic system may be used for production of ATP, where the required high energy phosphate bonds are generated in situ, e.g. through coupling with an oxidation reaction. The homeostatic energy source will typically lack high energy phosphate bonds itself, and will therefore utilize free phosphate in the reaction mix during generation of ATP. The homeostatic energy source is provided in combination with an enzyme that catalyzes the creation of high energy phosphate bonds and with an enzyme that can use that high energy phosphate bond to regenerate ATP.

Abstract: Screening methods and methods of treatment taking advantage of the mode of action of apoptolidin and its analogs are described.

Abstract: Novel polyketides and novel methods of efficiently producing both new and known polyketides, using recombinant technology, are disclosed. In particular, a novel host-vector system is described which is used to produce polyketide synthases which in turn catalyze the production of a variety of polyketides.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for treating or preventing disease comprising the administration of immune modulatory nucleic acids having one or more immune modulatory sequences (IMSs). The invention further relates to the means and methods for the identification of the IMSs for preventing or treating disease, more particularly the treatment and prevention of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. The invention also relates to the treatment or prevention of disease comprising the administration of the immune modulatory nucleic acids alone or in combination with a polynucleotide encoding self-protein(s), -polypeptide(s) or -peptide(s). The present invention also relates to methods and compositions for treating diseases in a subject associated with one or more self-protein(s), -polypeptide(s) or -peptide(s) that are present in the subject and involved in a non-physiological state.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting and localizing light originating from a mammal are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for targeting light emission to selected regions, as well as for tracking entities within the mammal. In addition, animal models for disease states are disclosed, as are methods for localizing and tracking the progression of disease or a pathogen within the animal, and for screening putative therapeutic compounds effective to inhibit the disease or pathogen.

Abstract: A method measures a nolinearity profile of a sample with at least one sample surface and having a sample nonlinearity profile along a sample line through a predetermined point on the sample surface. The sample line is oriented perpendicularly to the sample surface. The method includes measuring a Fourier transform of the sample nonlinearity profile and obtaining a reference nonlinearity profile from a reference material. The method includes forming a first composite sample having a first composite nonlinearity profile and forming a second composite sample having a second composite nonlinearity profile inequivalent to the first composite nonlinearity profile. The method further includes measuring a Fourier transform of the first composite nonlinearity profile and measuring a Fourier transform of the second composite nonlinearity profile.

Abstract: Haemophilus adhesion and penetration proteins, nucleic acids, vaccines and monoclonal antibodies are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment of demyelinating autoimmune disease. Therapeutic doses are administered of an ordered peptide comprising a repeated motif {SEQ ID NO: 1} [1E2Y3Y4K]n, where n is from 2 to 6. Some specific peptides of interest include those having the sequence {SEQ ID NO: 4} EYYKEYYKEYYK. The peptide may consist only of the ordered repeats, or may be extended at either termini by the addition of other amino acid residues. For therapy, the peptides may be administered topically or parenterally, e.g. by injection at a particular site, including subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intravascularly, or the like or transdermally, as by electrotransport. In a preferred embodiment, subcutaneous injection is used to deliver the peptide. The subject methods are used for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes. The compositions of the invention may also contain other therapeutically active agents, e.g. immunosuppressants, &bgr;-interferon, steroids, etc.

Abstract: A synergistic combination of ligands that interact with death domain receptors, and diterpenoid triepoxides is used to increase tumor cell killing by induction of apoptosis. Ligands useful in the invention include TRAIL, TNF-&agr;, analogs thereof, stabilized multimers thereof, mimetics, etc. Of particular interest are combined therapy with the diterpenoid triepoxides triptolide and derivatives and analogs thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of promoters for ribonucleic acid amplification and other genetic manipulations. Processes are provided wherein complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) is synthesized from a ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequence using a complementary primer linked to an RNA polymerase promoter region complement and then anti-sense RNA (aRNA) is transcribed from the cDNA by introducing an RNA polymerase capable of binding to the promoter region. Additional processes using the resulting aRNA are also described.