Abstract: Methods and compositions, useful in the treatment of amyloidosis and conditions and diseases associated therewith, such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD). These methods involve administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition including one or more agents which modulate APP catabolism and amyloid deposition. Accordingly, the methods and compositions are useful for inhibiting amyloidosis in disorders in which amyloid deposition occurs. The methods are based, at least in part, on modulating catabolism of APP in APP-containing cells through the use of a mobile ionophore, such as carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone, which does not substantially alter the viability of those cells.

Abstract: Donor material from a xenogeneic source is modified to enhance its survival time in a recipient by treating the donor material using low-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT). The donor material, such as an organ or cell suspension, is treated with a photosensitizer and irradiated in a low-dose protocol before transplantation into a xenogeneic recipient.

Abstract: A method of enhancing expression of MHC Class I molecules bearing endogenous peptides on the surface of a target cell expressing low or nondetectable levels of MHC Class I molecules and expressing low or nondetectable levels of TAP-1 and TAP-2 transporter proteins comprising: introducing into the target cell a nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence encoding TAP-1 or TAP-2 under control of a suitable promoter; and expressing TAP-1 or TAP-2 in the target cell under suitable conditions, thereby enhancing processing and presentation of MHC Class I molecules bearing endogenous peptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides the EspA polypeptide, which is secreted by pathogenic E coli, such as the enteropathogenic (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) E coli. Diagnosis of disease caused by such pathogenic E coli can be performed by standard techniques, such as those based upon the use of antibodies which bind to EspA to detect the protein, as well as those based on the use of nucleic acid probes for detection of nucleic acids encoding EspA protein. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding EspA, EspA polypeptide, EspA peptides, a method for producing recombinant EspA, antibodies which bind to EspA, and a kit for the detection of EspA-producing E coli. The invention also provides a method of immunizing a host with EspA to induce a protective immune response to EspA.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using &agr;-particle energy loss to measure the thickness and stoichiometry of films grown by molecular beam epitaxy and other methods. The apparatus for measuring the thickness of films grown on a substrate in a growth chamber, comprises a protective housing having an aperture opening into the growth chamber, a solid state detector disposed in the protective housing, a shutter for opening and closing the aperture, a shield disposed in the housing between the aperture and the solid state detector for shielding the detector, and a calibration source disposed between the shield and the detector for calibrating the measurements made by the detector. A second calibration source disposed between the shutter and the shield, for measuring deposition on the shield.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of polysaccharide such as dextran to improve mucus clearance. In the present invention, dextran has been shown to reduce viscoelasticity and increase mucus clearability of sputum of cystic fibrosis patients. Dextran also reduced viscoelasticity of healthy dog mucus. The present invention therefore may be used to improve mucus clearance in cystic fibrosis patients and treat other conditions associated with defect in airway mucus clearance including chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis and bronchial asthma.

Abstract: A class of cationic, polyphemusin-like peptides having antimicrobial activity is provided. Examples of such peptides include FRWCFRVCYKGRCRYKCR (SEQ ID NO:3), RRWCFRVCYKGFCRYKCR (SEQ ID NO:4), and RRWCFRVCYRGRFCYRKCR (SEQ ID NO:11). Also provided are methods for inhibiting the growth of microbes such as bacteria, yeast and viruses utilizing the peptides of the invention. The peptides are particularly useful for inhibiting endotoxemia in a subject.

Abstract: A method for the separation of benzoporphyrin derivative mono and diacid (BPD-MA, BPD-DA) enantiomers by Laser-Induced Fluorescence Capillary Electrophoresis has been developed. The limits of detection are 2.06×10−6 M, and the relative standard deviation for the separation was 2.90% to 4.64%. The BPD enantiomers can be quantitatively determined in the range of 10−2 to 10−5 mg mL−1. In comparison with HPLC, CE has better resolution and efficiency. This separation method was successfully applied to the BPD enantiomers obtained from a matrix of bovine serum and from liposomally formulated material as well as from studies with rat, dog and human microsomes.

Abstract: The present invention is particularly directed to the use of a derivative of vinblastine, 3′,4′-anhydrovinblastine (AHVB), which differs from vinblastine in that it possesses a double bond at the 3′,4′ position of the caranthine nucleus rather than the hydroxyl group that is present in the parent structure, as an anti-neoplastic agent in the therapeutic treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A process for drying antioxidant-rich berries (such as blueberries) to preserve their antioxidant action and their antioxidant compounds is disclosed. The process may conventionally dry the antioxidant-rich berries to remove 0 to 90% of the initial mass of water associated with them, but the important step is subjecting the antioxidant-rich berries to vacuum microwave drying (VMD) at an absolute pressure of 0 to 200 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) (preferably 30 to 60 mm Hg) and 0.1 to 2 watts of microwave power/gram of berries (preferably 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating atherosclerosis. The compositions comprise unilamellar liposomes having an average diameter of 100-150 nanometers. Methods for treating atherosclerosis employing the compositions of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for method of enhancing feed utilization efficiency in a ruminant animal by adding to the feed a sufficient amount of a nonionic surfactant to enhance the utilization of the feed by the animal. The methods and compositions result in enhanced weight gain and/or milk production by the animal. Preferred nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate and polyoxyethylenesorbitan trioleate at a concentration range of from about 0.01 to 1% (w/w) of the dry weight of the feed.

Abstract: The invention provides an image display for viewing images in a preferred viewing direction. The display has parallel, macroscopically planar, structured surface, non-light absorptive light deflecting and reflecting portions which are longitudinally symmetrical in mutually perpendicular directions, both of which are perpendicular to the preferred viewing direction. A liquid containing a plurality of movable members contacts the light reflecting portion. A controller applies an electromagnetic force to selectively move the members into an evanescent wave region adjacent the light reflecting portion to frustrate TIR of light rays at selected points on the light reflecting portion. The structured surfaces on the light deflecting portion deflect light rays incident in the preferred viewing direction toward the light reflecting portion by imparting to the rays a directional component in the direction of longitudinal symmetry of the light reflecting portion.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the modification of polysaccharide structures using polysaccharidase binding or catalytic domains either alone or in tandem to modify the structure of polysaccharides. These methods and compositions are exemplified by the use of cellulase binding and catalytic domains to polish cotton, and to alter dying characteristics, texture and porosity of cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A novel class of cationic peptides having antimicrobial activity is provided. Examples of such peptides include NH2-KWKSFIKKLTTAVKKVLTTGLPALIS-COOH (SEQ ID NO:1) and NH2-KWKSFIKKLTSAAKKVVTTAKPLISS-COOH (SEQ ID NO:2). Also provided are methods for inhibiting the growth of bacteria utilizing the peptides of the invention. The peptides are particularly useful for inhibiting endotoxemia in a subject.

Abstract: Novel granulatimide compounds and pharmaceutical formulations thereof are provided.

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: Pharmaceutical compositions of vanadium biguanide complexes, and methods of use, are provided for the treatment of hyperglycemia and related disorders, e.g. hypertension, obesity, and lipid disturbances. The pharmaceutically active complexes of the invention comprise a biguanide chelant, preferably a 1-substituted biguanide chelant, capable of chelating vanadium to form a six-membered unsaturated vanadium-containing ring. The vanadium of the complex is coordinated with oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen, particularly oxygen coordinated. The complexes are formulated with a physiologically acceptable carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the complexes are formulated for oral administration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of dimer alkaloid compounds, particularly those of the Catharantus (Vinca) family, from an indole unit, such as cantharanthine, and a dihydroindole unit, such as vindoline. A multi-step process is disclosed including the steps of (1) of 1,4-reduction of a first dimeric iminium intermediate to an enamine compound by reaction with a 1,4-dihydropyridine compound; (2) oxidative transformation of the resulting enamine to a second iminium intermediate under controlled aeration; (3) reduction of the second iminium intermediate to form the target dimer alkaloid compounds. The entire process can be conducted in a one-pot operation to obtain the target compounds without isolation of the intermediates.

Abstract: A light guide having a non-light emitting portion made up of multiple layers of first and second substantially non-absorptive longitudinally specular light reflector materials. The index of refraction of each layer differs from the indices of refraction of the immediately adjacent layers, such that the layers collectively have high longitudinally specular reflectivity. The light guide also has a light emitting portion made of prism light guide wall material. A substantially non-absorptive light scattering mechanism is positioned within the non-light emitting portion in opposition to the light emitting portion.