Abstract: Described herein are dose escalation regimens for the administration of complexes comprising interleukin-15 (“IL-15”) covalently or noncovalently bound to IL-15 receptor alpha (“IL-15R?”) to patients in order to enhance IL-15-mediated immune function. In a specific aspect, the dose escalation regimens are useful in the prevention, treatment, and/or management of disorders in which enhancing IL-15-mediated function is beneficial, such as cancer, infectious diseases, immunodeficiencies and lymphopenia. In another specific aspect, the dose escalation regimens are useful for eradicating or reducing HIV in HIV-infected patients.

Abstract: Human lipoxygenases (LOXs) are a family of iron-containing enzymes involved in catalyzing the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids to provide the corresponding bioactive hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) metabolites. These eicosanoid signaling molecules are involved in a number of physiologic responses such as platelet aggregation, inflammation, and cell proliferation. Platelet-type 12-(S)-LOX (12-LOX) is of particular interest because of its demonstrated role in skin diseases, diabetes, platelet hemostasis, thrombosis, and cancer. Disclosed herein is the identification and medicinal chemistry optimization of a 4-((2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)amino)benzenesulfonamide-based scaffold. The compounds display nM potency against 12-LOX and excellent selectivity over related lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenases. In addition to possessing favorable ADME properties, the compounds also inhibit PAR-4 induced aggregation and calcium mobilization in human platelets, and reduce 12-HETE in mouse/human beta cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to deacetylase inhibitor (e.g., histone deacetylase inhibitor) therapies and demonstrates that individuals with low electrolyte levels may have increased susceptibility to certain unwanted side effects such as cardiac side effects. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods of administering DAC or DAC inhibitor therapy that includes electrolyte supplementation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and devices for the analysis of proteins utilizing a gold coated nanoporous alumina surface for dual ionization mode mass spectrometric analysis using desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) and laser desorption ionization (LDI). Combined use of DESI and LDI gives increased sequence coverage in peptide mixture analysis from a single sample preparation.

Abstract: An isolated and purified nucleic acid molecule that encodes a polypeptide comprising at least eight contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the at least eight contiguous amino acids have anti-viral activity, as well as an isolated and purified nucleic acid molecule that encodes a polypeptide comprising at least eight contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the at least eight contiguous amino acids have anti-viral activity, and, when the at least eight contiguous amino acids comprise amino acids 1-121 of SEQ ID NO: 3, the at least eight contiguous amino acids have been rendered glycosylation-resistant, a vector comprising such an isolated and purified nucleic acid molecule, a host cell comprising the nucleic acid molecule, optionally in the form of a vector, a method of producing an anti-viral polypeptide or conjugate thereof, the anti-viral polypeptide itself, a conjugate or fusion protein comprising the anti-viral polypeptide, and compositions comprising an effective amount of the anti-viral

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of an ATP binding cassette transporter and mutated sequences thereof associated with macular degeneration. Methods of detecting agents that modify ATP-binding cassette transporter comprising combining purified ATP binding cassette transporter and at least one agent suspected of modifying the ATP binding cassette transporter an observing a change in at least one characteristic associated with ATP binding cassette transporter. Methods of detecting macular degeneration is also embodied by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of sweet taste receptors comprising two heterologous G-protein coupled receptor polypeptides from the T1R family of sensory G-protein coupled receptors, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of sweet taste receptors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the sequential electroelution of biomolecules is described, the apparatus comprising a separation medium having an outlet, and a collector having at least a first receptacle and a second receptacle that can be sequentially brought into contact with the outlet of the separation medium by translating the first receptacle and the second receptacle in relation to the outlet of the separation medium, and the method comprising the steps of receiving a first substantially separated molecule in the first receptacle and translating the first receptacle and the second receptacle such that the second receptacle is brought into in contact with the outlet of the separation medium, receiving a second substantially separated molecule in the second receptacle, and repeating said steps to sequentially receive a desired number of substantially separated molecules.

Abstract: Contiguous capillaries useful for separating and electrospraying a fluid comprising analyte and electrolyte are provided. The contiguous capillaries have spray tips at one end of the capillaries and electrically conductive portions in proximity to the spray tips. Methods for making the contiguous capillaries and their use as electrospray sources are also disclosed. Apparatus and methods for conveying analyte ions from the capillaries into analytical instruments, such as a mass spectrometer, are also disclosed. The disclosed contiguous capillaries may be used to carryout electrophoresis separation and electrospray ionization of analytes. Methods for obtaining the mass spectra of macromolecular analytes at concentrations lower than previously possibly are provided using the apparatus and procedures described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-soluble drugs, compositions containing same, and, in particular, a water-soluble analogue of geldanamycin. This invention also relates to a method of producing water-soluble analogues of water-insoluble drugs through derivatization and conjugation with a polar moiety via a thiol ether bond with a heterobifunctional linking molecule.

Abstract: A method of producing an adeno-associated virus (AAV) in an insect cell comprising (i) providing at least one insect cell-compatible vector comprising a first nucleotide sequence comprising at least one AAV ITR nucleotide sequence, a second nucleotide sequence containing an open reading frame encoding AAV VP1, VP2, and VP3 capsid proteins, a third nucleotide sequence comprising a Rep52 or a Rep40 coding sequence, and a fourth nucleotide sequence comprising a Rep78 or a Rep68 coding sequence, (ii) introducing the at least one insect cell-compatible vector into an insect cell, and (iii) maintaining the insect cell under conditions such that AAV is produced. Also provided are recombinant AAV made in accordance with the method, insect cell-compatible vectors, and insect cells comprising nucleotide sequences for production of AAV in an insect cell.

Abstract: A recombinant plasmid and an RNA sequence expressed by said plasmid are described. The RNA sequence hybridize specifically with human c-fes mRNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating or preventing the inflammatory response of an inflammatory bowel disease in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an amount of a STAT-4 antisense oligonucleotide effective in treating or preventing the inflammatory response of the inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides AGT inactivating compounds such as substituted O6-benzylguanines of the formula 1

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhancing oral tolerance to an antigen associated with an autoimmune disease in a subject having the autoimmune disease comprising orally administering to the subject an antigen associated with the autoimmune disease and administering an inhibitor of interleukin-12 in amounts sufficient to enhance oral tolerance. Also provided in the present invention is a method for treating or preventing an autoimmune disease in a subject comprising orally administering to the subject an antigen associated with the autoimmune disease and administering an inhibitor of interleukin-12 in amounts sufficient to treat or prevent the autoimmune disease, thereby treating or preventing the autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Three unique control DNA sequences of the glial fibrillary acidic (gfa) protein gene have been identified upstream of its basal promoter that are capable of regulating astrocyte-specific transcription of the human gene for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). One or more of those three regions alone or together with the SV40 early promoter and SV40 enhancer control expression of endogenous or heterologous protein in astrocytes. Transgenic animals expressing amyloid protein can be prepared and used as a model for evaluating Alzheimer's disease. Many heterologous proteins can be expressed in the astrocytes so as to take advantage of the growing list of astrocyte functions. Such proteins include hormones, growth factors, and their receptors. Examples include basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), acidic FGF (aFGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1, IGF-2), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factors .beta.-1 and .beta.-2 (TGF.beta.1, TGF.beta.