Abstract: The invention provides a novel NAIP nucleic and sequences. Also provided are anti-NAIP antibodies and methods for modulating apoptosis and detecting compounds which modulate apoptosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to new basic amino acid derivatives of general formulae I, II and III, and the preparation and use thereof in treatment of pain. The compounds have histogranin-like antinociceptive, morphine potentiating and COX-2 induction modulating activities.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding mammalian IAP polypeptides; substantially pure polypeptides; and methods of using such DNA to express the IAP polypeptides in cells and animals to inhibit apoptosis. Also disclosed are conserved regions characteristic of the IAP family and primers and probes for the identification and isolation of additional IAP genes. In addition, methods for treating diseases and disorders involving apoptosis are provided.

Abstract: Clinical response to antidepressant compounds correlates with a selective down-regulation of presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors in serotonergic raphe neurons. Thus regulation of the 5-HT1A receptor gene could play a crucial role in the treatment or etiology of major depression. The promoter and repressor activities of the human 5-HT1A receptor gene have been examined. The analysis of the 5?-flanking regions of the 5-HT1A receptor gene has revealed a segment located between about ?3438 and about ?393 bp upstream from the initiator ATG that mediates cell-specific repression of the gene that is greater in cells that do not express the 5-HT1A receptor. The sequence of part of this region in patients with major depression were examined and a polymorphic C-G change located at ?1017 bp was identified, which is associated with major depression. Thus, this sequence can be used as a genetic marker for major depression and related mental illnesses. A protein that binds to the DNA at the ?1017 locus has been identified.

Abstract: The invention provides NAIP nucleic acid and sequences. Also provided are anti-NAIP antibodies and methods for modulating apoptosis and detecting compounds which modulate apoptosis.

Abstract: Clinical response to antidepressant compounds correlates with a selective down-regulation of presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors in serotonergic raphe neurons. Thus regulation of the 5-HT1A receptor gene could play a crucial role in the treatment or etiology of major depression. The promoter and repressor activities of the human 5-HT1A receptor gene have been examined. The analysis of the 5?-flanking regions of the 5-HT1A receptor gene has revealed a segment located between about ?3438 and about ?393 bp upstream from the initiator ATG that mediates cell-specific repression of the gene that is greater in cells that do not express the 5-HT1A receptor. The sequence of part of this region in patients with major depression were examined and a polymorphic C-G change located at ?1017 bp was identified, which is associated with major depression. Thus, this sequence can be used as a genetic marker for major depression and related mental illnesses. A protein that binds to the DNA at the ?1017 locus has been identified.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding mammalian IAP polypeptides; substantially pure polypeptides; and methods of using such DNA to express the IAP polypeptides in cells and animals to inhibit apoptosis. Also disclosed are conserved regions characteristic of the IAP family and primers and probes for the identification and isolation of additional IAP genes. In addition, methods for treating diseases and disorders involving apoptosis are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to new basic amino acid derivatives of general formula I and the preparation and use thereof in treatment of pain. The compounds have histogranin-like antinociceptive, morphine potentiating and COX-2 induction modulating activities.

Abstract: The invention relates to new basic amino acid derivatives of general formulae I, II and III, and the preparation and use thereof in treatment of pain. The compounds have histogranin-like antinociceptive, morphine potentiating and COX-2 induction modulating activities.

Abstract: A method of detecting feature interaction conflicts between agents in response to events in a multi-agent system comprises posting said events as tuples and event requests as anti-tuples from said agents in said multi-agent system, receiving said events and said event requests in a tuple space, generating responses to each of said agents for said events which match said event requests of said agents, wherein feature interaction conflict is detected when more than one of said agents are to exert control over an event.

Abstract: A polarization mode dispersion emulator randomly varies the birefringence of each wave-plate in a biased manner to track the dynamics of polarization mode dispersion in time and allows for different cable types to be emulated. A Gaussian probability density function is used to create the biased changes. A new wave-plate model is derived to accurately model the birefringence changes of the emulator.

Abstract: An optical transpose system has an array of multiplexing mesolenses (3) and an array of demultiplexing mesolenses (5) with a macrolens (4) positioned between them.

Abstract: The invention relates to linear and cyclic peptide and pseudopeptide compounds useful as analgesics, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, the use of the compounds and the compositions in the treatment of pain, and commercial packages containing such compounds and compositions.

Abstract: An electrophoretic method for purifying a nucleic acid sample is disclosed. According to the method, the electrophoresis is effective to substantially reduce the concentration of contaminants relative to the concentration of desired nucleic acid in the nucleic acid sample, thereby producing a purified nucleic acid. In the method, the loading and recovery wells may be the same or different, and the electric fields may be DC or alternating.

Abstract: The invention features methods and reagents useful for the treatment of excessive or insufficient apoptosis in cells, and, particularly, in germ-line cells. The invention is useful in treating testicular cancers, cancers of germ-line cells, cancers in non-germ-line cell tissues, infertility (e.g., male infertility), and for birth control (e.g., male birth control).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of the Medicine, in particular with the chemical synthesis of oligosaccharide mixtures derived of ribose-ribitol-phosphate, which are used as active principle in vaccines for the prevention of infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), as well as with the vaccines containing said oligosaccharide mixtures. The oligasaccharide mixtures obtained by chemical synthesis of the present invention, comprise repeating units of formulae (phosphate-ribosa-ribitol)n or (ribose-ribitol-phosphate)n of at least 5 compounds of structure A or B, which represent the repeating unit of the capsular polysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae type b and differ only by n, being n a value contained between 4 and 25 (n≧4 y≦25), and wherein R1 or R2 is a spacer for conjugation to a carrier, with the condition of R1=spacer if R2=H, or R2=spacer if R1=H.

Abstract: A method for simultaneous amplification and detection of multiple genetic targets is provided. Furthermore, a primer design protocol specific to the PCR reaction conditions of the present invention is also provided. The method of the present invention includes a PCR reaction mixture and primers specifically selected according to the reactions conditions provided. Multiple genetic targets are amplified simultaneously by this method, without requiring optimization of the reaction conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for flash photolysis has a light source and an optical fiber for directing light from the light source and through a sample. A laser or other such device is provided for initiating a chemical change within the sample. Additionally, a device is provided for determining the change in absorption of light by the sample during the chemical change.

Abstract: The present invention feature antisense IAP nucleic acids and other negative regulators of the IAP anti-apoptotic pathway, and methods for using them to enhance apoptosis.

Abstract: The invention provides an in vitro avascular human corneal equivalent that comprises immortalized human cell lines. As these corneal equivalents are in vitro models, they are maintained in an incubator throughout the testing period, thereby eliminating the problems and expense associated with animal care. The corneal equivalent is preferably surrounded by a matrix in which angiogenesis (formation of capillary-like structures) can occur in vitro. This surrounding matrix has the potential to play the role of a pseudo-sclera, allowing the in vitro assessment of the cornea's angiogenic reaction to any substance or injury. Furthermore, the model is capable of being produced easily, is physiologically functional and can give predictable and quantifiable results when submitted to various drugs, chemicals and/or physical trauma.