Abstract: This invention relates to derivatives of hemiasterlin or Geodiamolide G having anti-mitotic activities and useful in treating cancer. These derivatives are represented by general formula I, wherein Y, n, R1, R2, R3, R6, R7, R70, R71, R72, R74, and R75 are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for selecting a clone of an ES cell containing a mutation in a gene that is expressed in a test cell comprising: (a) providing cDNA obtained by reverse transcription of mRNA of the test cell; (b) providing a collection of cultured ES cells organized into individual clones, wherein each clone is of an ES cell having a mutation in an exon in its genome, the mutation being in a different exon in cells of different clones; (c) providing an array of different single stranded polynucleotides, the polynucleotides being fragments of exons containing mutations in (b); (d) exposing the cDNA to the array under conditions permitting hybridization of polynucleotides in the array to nucleic acids; (e) detecting hybridization of cDNA to a polynucleotide on the array; and, (f) selecting a clone in the collection from which a hybridizing polynucleotide detected at (c) is an exon fragment. This invention also provides a system for testing expression of a gene in a test cell.

Abstract: An image display has a transparent front sheet with a prismatically microstructured inward surface and a rear sheet substantially parallel to and spaced from the front sheet. An electrophoretic suspension fills the space between the sheets. The suspension is formed by suspending non-light-scattering light absorptive particles in an electrophoresis medium until the particles form a substantially unitary thermodynamically stable agglomeration. Application of a voltage across the suspension establishes an electric field for controllably electrophoretically moving the particle agglomeration as a substantially unitary whole toward the front sheet's inward surface to frustrate total internal reflection at the inward surface of light rays passing through the front sheet.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric implants can provide a safe and efficient means to deliver drugs in the treatment of various diseases. Although a polymeric drug delivery system can be implanted as a solid device within a subject, it is also possible to administer such a system as an injectable liquid which solidifies in vivo. An improved formulation of a polymeric drug delivery system comprises a water insoluble copolymer that is a solid or wax at 37° C., a water soluble polymer that is a liquid at 25° C., and a hydrophobic drug. These drug delivery systems can be administered by injection, and do not require the use of a toxic curing agent or inconvenient temperature manipulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing useful materials from filament-forming ?-helical proteins or filaments made of such proteins. The method comprises allowing filament-forming ?-helical proteins to self-assemble into ?-helix containing filaments and forming fibres, films or bulk materials from the filaments. The materials are stretched to strain the filaments so that the ?-helices substantially irreversibly change to ?-sheet forms. The filament-forming ?-helical proteins can comprise intermediate filament proteins. In a specific embodiment, the filament-forming proteins comprise hagfish slime thread IF proteins.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, media and signals for identifying associated cell signaling proteins are disclosed. The method involves producing and storing a comparison value for each pair of the cell signaling proteins in response to data values representing physical properties of respective cell signaling proteins. The method further involves identifying cell signaling protein pairs having comparison values satisfying a condition indicative of an association between the cell signaling proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides cationic-polymer-lipid conjugates (CPLs) such as distal cationic-poly(ethylene glycol)-lipid conjugates which can be incorporated into conventional and stealth liposomes or other lipid-based formulation for enhancing cellular uptake. The CPLs of the present invention comprise a lipid moiety; a hydrophilic polymer; and a polycationic moiety. Method of increasing intracellular delivery of nucleic acids are also provided.

Abstract: Stent grafts are provided comprising an endoluminal stent and a graft, wherein the stent graft releases an agent which induces the in vivo adhesion of the stent graft to vessel walls, or, otherwise induces or accelerates an in vivo fibrotic reaction causing said stent graft to adhere to vessel wall. Also provided are methods for making and using such stent grafts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a refiner force sensor for refiners used in the pulp and paper industry, to a refining apparatus, and to a method of measuring force acting on a refiner bar in a refiner.

Abstract: Lipidic compositions with superior characteristics for in vivo delivery of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) can easily and efficiently be made in the form of small multilamellar vesicles. The compositions contain a population of nucleic acid-containing lipid vesicles in a liquid carrier, and at least a portion of the lipid vesicles are small multilamellar vesicles. The small multilamellar vesicles are made from a lipid component including 20-30 mol % of an ionizable amino lipid such as DODAP, and a steric barrier lipid such as PEG-CerC14; and an oligodeoxynucleotide contained in the lumen or interlamellar spaces of the small multilamellar vesicles. The ODN and lipid components are preferably present in the small multilamellar vesicles in a mole ratio of from 0.15 to 0.25.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for analyzing a stream of ions first subjects astream of ions to a first mass analysis step, to select ions having a mass-to-charge ratio in a first desired range; this enables a mass analyzer with highresolution to be used. The selected ions are then passed into a radiofrequency linear ion trap containing a gas. The trapped ions are caused to collide with the gas, either by being injected with a high axial energy or by application of external excitation to cause fragmentation. Fragment ions of a given mass-to-charge ratio can then be isolated and excited to produce fragments of fragments. This process can be repeated to give multiple steps of mass spectrometry, MSn. The fragment ions, and undissociated precursorions are then passed out of the linear ion trap and subjected to a further mass analysis step, for example in a time of flight device, to determine the mass spectrum of the ions.

Abstract: The present invention provides cationic-polymer-lipid conjugates (CPLs) such as distal cationic-poly(ethylene glycol)-lipid conjugates which can be incorporated into conventional and stealth liposomes or other lipid-based formulation for enhancing cellular uptake. The CPLs of the present invention comprise a lipid moiety; a hydrophilic polymer; and a polycationic moiety. Method of increasing intracellular delivery of nucleic acids are also provided.

Abstract: Recombinant transferrin, non-glycosylated recombinant transferrin, transferrin half-molecules and mutant transferrins having altered metal-binding or other properties are described. The recombinant transferrin molecules are expressed in functional form by stable eukaryotic cell lines such as baby hamster kidney cells transformed with an expression vector encoding the recombinant molecule. The recombinant transferrins can be used in metal chelation therapy to bind and clear excess toxic metals in patients suffering from metal overloads or as tissue culture medium supplements or replacements.

Abstract: A method for creating a volumetric data set representing a three-dimensional distribution, such as a dose distribution produced by a radiosurgery system uses a plurality of stacked sensors (12) to obtain two-dimensional cross sectional images of the distribution. The images are optically scanned in a scanner (20) to obtain digitized two-dimensional images which can be processed by software in a computer (22). Each of the sensors (12), which may be, for example, a sheet of X-ray sensitive film, is marked with a visible fiducial mark (17). The software locates images of the fiducial marks (17) in the digitized images. The locations of the fiducial marks (17) indicate the proper orientation and sequence of each image. The software populates a volumetric data structure with data from the scanned images. Interpolation may be used to increase the resolution of the data structure.

Abstract: Methods of modifying polypyrrolic macrocycles by use of a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition is described. The methods may be used to produce compounds for further derivatization to produce photosensitizing agents of interest.

Abstract: A novel class of cationic peptides having antimicrobial activity is provided. Exemplary peptides of the invention include KWKSFIKKLTSAAKKVVTTAKPLALIS (SEQ ID NO:3) and KGWGSFFKKAAHVGKHVGKAALTHYL (SEQ ID NO:15). Also provided are methods for inhibiting the growth of bacteria utilizing the peptides of the invention. Such methods are useful for the treatment of respiratory infections, such as in cystic fibrosis patients. Such methods are further useful for accelerating wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liposomal composition for treating dyslipidemias in human subjects, a method of using a liposomal composition, and devices and modes of operation of the devices and of the compositions, and kits related thereto. The invention provides for the reverse transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver in a warm blood mammal while controlling plasma atherogenic lipoprotein concentrations, including LDL concentrations. A method described above and mode of operation of the devices includes the step of administering an effective amount of a multiplicity of acceptors comprised of phospholipids substantially free of sterol. A method described above optionally includes the step of periodically assaying atherogenic lipoprotein concentrations with an assay during the treatment period to assess atherogenic lipoprotein concentrations and obtain an atherogenic lipoprotein profile, and adjusting the administration in response to the profile.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for treatment of non-cancerous angiogenesis-related diseases involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition effective to reduce the effective amount of clusterin in the individual. Preferred therapeutic compositions contain antisense oligonucleotides which reduce the effective amount of clusterin.

Abstract: Recombinant viruses comprising a heterologous DNA sequence coding for a lipase involved in lipoprotein metabolism. The invention also concerns the preparation and use in therapy of said recombinant viruses, especially for the treatment or prevention of dyslipoproteinemia-related pathologies.

Abstract: In various aspects, the present invention provides nucleic acid sequence encoding all or part of a new plant long chain fatty acid condensing enzyme (a fatty acid elongase), designated herein as KCS2 (for beta-ketoacyl-coenzyme A synthase 2). In some embodiments, KCS2 may mediate the biosynthesis of C18, C20, C22 and C24 fatty acids. The activity of the enzyme is typically characterized by two carbon (malonyl-CoA) additions to C16, C18, C20 and C22 moieties (C16-C22 acyl CoA molecules), i.e. condensation of malonyl-CoA with a C16, C18, C20 or C22 acyl-CoA. The fatty acids produced by the enzyme may for example be saturated 18:0, 20:0, 22:0 and 24:0 fatty acids. The invention includes recombinant nucleic acid molecules comprising a heterologous nucleic acid coding sequence encoding the plant long chain fatty acid condensing enzyme.