Abstract: The invention provides the nucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence for the enzyme carboxylic acid reductase isolated from bacteria. Expression cassettes, vectors, transformed cells, and variants are also provided as methods for use of recombinant biocatalytic reagents in production of synthetic, aromatic, aliphatic and alicyclic aldehydes and alcohols.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of a gene, now designated BBS4, that is involved in the genetic disease Bardet Biedl Syndrome (BBS), which is characterized by such diverse symptoms as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, mental retardation, renal cancer and other abnormalities, retinopathy and hypogonadism. The human BBS4 protein disclosed herein is 519 amino acids in length and is coded for by a gene spanning 16 exons. Homologs have been identified in mouse, rat, zebrafish. Methods of use for the gene, for example in diagnosis and therapy of BBS and in drug screening, also are described.

Abstract: The invention provides an animal model for preeclampsia that allows candidate compounds to be screened for their ability to treat preeclampsia.

Abstract: Disclosed are magnetically modified electrodes containing at least one catalyst component that mediates a subatomic particle transfer process. Also disclosed are magnetically modified electrodes containing metalloproteins (metalloenzymes).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of a series of oxidized cellulose esters suitable for use as a drug carrier in the development of biodegradable controlled and/or sustained release pharmaceutical, agricultural, and veterinary compositions, such as films, compacts, microspheres, and pellets. The esters are prepared by acylation of oxidized cellulose having at least 3% carboxyl groups. The resulting oxidized cellulose esters are soluble in aqueous alkaline solutions, water, and a variety of organic solvents.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides containing unthylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response in a subject are disclosed. Also disclosed are therapies for treating diseases associated with immune system activation that are initiated by unthylated CpG dinucleotides in a subject comprising administering to the subject oligonucleotides that do not contain unmethylated CpG sequences (i.e. methylated CpG sequences or no CpG sequence) to outcompete unmethylated CpG nucleic acids for binding. Further disclosed are methylated CpG containing dinucleotides for use antisense therapies or as in vivo hybridization probes, and immunoinhibitory oligonucleotides for use as antiviral therapeutics.

Abstract: Nucleic acids containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response and to redirect a Th2 response to a Th1 response in a subject are disclosed. Methods for treating atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating glaucoma are disclosed.

Abstract: Gene delivery vectors, such as, for example, recombinant FIV vectors, and methods of using such vectors are provided for use in treating or preventing retinal diseases of the eye and diseases of the brain associated with lysosomal storage disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed is the discovery that the transcription elongation factor termed P-TEFb has a central role in transcription elongation control. P-TEFb is herein shown to phosphorylate RNA polymerase II and to control the transition from abortive into productive elongation mode. P-TEFb has also been discovered to interact with the HIV transcriptional transactivating protein, Tat, showing that P-TEFb is the cellular factor necessary for HIV Tat to effect productive viral mRNA elongation. The invention provides genes encoding P-TEFb subunits, including human genes, and related biological components, and also provides assay methods connected with the control of transcription elongation. Particularly useful assays are those concerning the identification of substances that inhibit viral replication at the transcription elongation stage by inhibiting the binding or functional interaction of viral proteins to P-TEFb.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides that modulate an immune response including stimulating a Th1 pattern of immune activation, cytokine production, NK lytic activity, and B cell proliferation are disclosed. The sequences are also useful as a synthetic adjuvant.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for diagnosing and treating macular degeneration-related disorders. The invention also related to methods for identifying genes that cause macular degeneration-related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exercise method for the elderly, individuals with impaired joint control, and a system for individuals who are suffering from muscular paralysis and who may or may not be confined to a wheelchair by the implementation of an exercise device that can safely provide actively supported standing exercise options to persons who either have limited physical mobility or complete loss of mobility due to muscular paralysis. An embodiment of the present invention relates to a standing wheelchair that is used to passively restrain an operator. The axial and tangential loads that are exerted upon the skeletal system of the operator are derived and recorded from a force-sensing device. Further, an angle or position sensor is situated in contact with the standing wheelchair or standing exercise system in such a manner that the standing angle of an individual or the angle of the standing wheelchair can be logged and stored for long periods of time.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying, isolating, and producing htrB mutants of gram-negative bacterial pathogens. The method comprises mutating the htrB gene of a gram-negative bacterial pathogen so that there is a lack of a functional htrB protein, resulting in a mutant that lacks one or more secondary acyl chains contained in the wild type gram-negative bacterial pathogen, and displays substantially reduced toxicity as compared to the wild type strain. Also, the present invention provides methods for using a vaccine formulation containing the htrB mutant, the endotoxin isolated therefrom, or the endotoxin isolated therefrom which is then conjugated to a carrier protein, to immunize an individual against infections caused by gram-negative bacterial pathogens by administering a prophylactically effective amount of the vaccine formulation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and systems for providing education at a point of need. The invention includes creating granules of educational material, associating educational credits with the granules of educational material, receiving a request for at least one of the granules of educational material from the point of need, responding to the request by electronically delivering at least one of the granules of educational material to the point of need, and recording educational credits based on at least one of the granules of educational material delivered to the point of need.

Abstract: A novel immunostimulating delivery system is disclosed which provides for generation of a specific antibody response and specific T cell response to delivered antigens. According to the invention, the antigen or a nucleotide encoding the same is contained within, impregnated in or associated with a biocompatible collagen based carrier composition. Methods and compositions for practicing the same are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel constitutive nitric oxide synthase (NOS) that utilizes both L-arginine and arginine-rich peptides, oligopeptides or proteins, e.g., bradykinin (BK), as substrates in the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). Also provided are methods of controlling, regulating or modulating NO synthesis in a subject.

Abstract: Nucleic acids containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response and to redirect a Th2 response to a Th1 response in a subject are disclosed. Methods for treating atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, are disclosed.

Abstract: An image of an object is reconstructed in a three-dimensional coordinate system in an x-ray computed tomography system. A partial scan of the object is performed by rotating an x-ray beam having a cone beam geometry around a portion of the object or rotating the object in the cone-beam. The x-ray beam forms on a scanning trajectory through a plurality of projection lines from a plurality of successive focal point locations. The scanning trajectory may be substantially circular, helical, spiral, or spiral-like. The x-ray beam, attenuated by the object during the spiral scan, is detected to produce detector values. The detector values are integrated along straight lines on the detector plane to obtain intermediate data. Three-dimensional Radon values representing approximate plane integrals of the object are calculated from the intermediate data using a Grangeat relationship or a modified or extended version or the Grangeat relationship.

Abstract: A new cellulose excipient, UICEL-XL, suitable for use as a binder, filler, and/or disintegrant in the development of solid dosage forms is described. UICEL-XL incorporates a cross-linking agent which provides the excipient with a high degree of crystallinity, high water affinity, and a high specific surface area, thus providing good disintegration properties. UICEL-XL, however, also has the unique distinction of being an effective binder due to its high tensile strength.