Abstract: A process is provided for converting discarded rubber, e.g., rubber crumb, into absorbent material. The process comprises extruding a mixture of discarded rubber and oxidizer(s) under progressively increasing temperature to reach a temperature above 250° C. The extrudate may undergo a secondary oxidation. The partially devulcanized granular rubber formed is useful as absorbent material for hydrocarbons, e.g., in remediation of contaminated soil and oil spills.

Abstract: Rel proteins as a novel therapeutic agent for treating bacterial threats. More specifically, a novel class of compounds of Formula (I) as disclosed herein which possess anti-bacterial activity and which inhibit RelA, RelSeq or RelSpo synthetic activity or bacterial spore formation. Also, pharmaceutical compositions of such compounds and a method of combating bacteria, or treating bacterial infections, by administering to a subject in need thereof such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding novel galectin-8 variants polypeptides are provided. Also provided are methods and kits using same for diagnosing prognosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other joint/chronic inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of 2,2,3,3 tetramethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid derivative compounds for the preparation of a medicament for treating a psychiatric disorder preferably a bipolar disorder. The invention additionally relates to the use of the compounds for the preparation of an inhibitor of MIP synthase and to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds for treating a psychiatric disorder. A method for treating a psychiatric disorder preferably a bipolar disorder and a method for inhibiting an enzyme having MIP synthase activity is provided.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding novel galectin-8 variants polypeptides are provided. Also provided are methods and kits using same for diagnosing prognosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other joint/chronic inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: SP1 and modified SP1 variant polypeptides capable of forming reversible molecular associations with substances, compositions-of-matter comprising same, and uses thereof are provided.

Abstract: A method for treating symptoms of a lipotoxicity-related phenomenon includes introducing into a patient a therapeutically effective synergistic amount of a phenomenon-inhibiting cocktail of a polyphenol (P), thiol antioxidant (To) and ascorbic acid (A) to reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or increase intracellular nitrite (NO), so that reduction of such phenomenon is at least 30% greater than the reduction of such phenomenon provided by separate administration of each of P, To and A.

Abstract: The invention provides novel pharmaceutical compositions comprising as the active ingredient 4-phenyl pinene derivatives which are specific for the peripheral cannabinoid receptors. In particular, the compounds of the invention binds efficiently to CB2 but do not bind to CB1. The compounds show no activity in behavioral tests in mice which together have been shown to be specific for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)- type activity in the central nervous system mediated by CB1 but reduce blood pressure, block intestinal motility, and elicit anti-inflammatory and peripheral analgetic activity. The invention also relates to methods of treating, preventing, or managing hypertension, inflammation, pain, gastrointestinal diseases, autoimmune diseases, and tumors with the compounds of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of 2,2,3,3 tetramethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid derivative compounds for the preparation of a medicament for treating a psychiatric disorder preferably a bipolar disorder. The invention additionally relates to the use of the compounds for the preparation of an inhibitor of MIP synthase and to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds for treating a psychiatric disorder. A method for treating a psychiatric disorder preferably a bipolar disorder and a method for inhibiting an enzyme having MIP synthase activity is provided.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system determines camera movement of a new frame relative to a sequence of frames of images containing at least one dynamic object and for which relative camera movement is assumed. From changes in color values of sets of pixels in different frames of the sequence for which respective locations of all pixels in each set are adjusted so as to neutralize the effect of camera movement between the respective frames in the sequence containing the pixels, corresponding color values of the pixels in the new frame are predicted and used to determine camera movement as a relative movement of the new frame and the predicted frame. An embodiment of the invention maintains an aligned space-time volume of frames for which camera movement is neutralized and adds each new frame to the aligned space-time volume after neutralizing camera movement in the new frame.

Abstract: A method for forming a micro- or nano-pattern of a material on a substrate is presented. The method utilizes a buffer layer assisted laser patterning (BLALP). A layered structure is formed on the substrate, this layered structure being in the form of spaced-apart regions of the substrate defined by the pattern to be formed, each region including a weakly physisorbed buffer layer and a layer of the material to be patterned on top of the buffer layer. A thermal process is then applied to the layered structure to remove the remaining buffer layer in said regions, and thus form a stable pattern of said material on the substrate resulting from the buffer layer assisted laser patterning. The method may utilize either positive or negative lithography. The patterning may be implemented using irradiation with a single uniform laser pulse via a standard mask used for optical lithography.

Abstract: Novel isoquinoline derivatives which are useful as inhibitors of protein kinases for experimental, medical, and drug design purposes are disclosed. Preferred compounds which are specific inhibitors of protein kinase B are also disclosed. Furthermore, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these protein kinase inhibitors, and methods of using such compositions for treatment and diagnosis of cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular pathologies, hemorrhagic shock, obesity, inflammatory diseases, diseases of the central nervous system, and autoimmune diseases, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides novel pharmaceutical compositions comprising as the active ingredient 4-phenyl pinene derivatives which are specific for the peripheral cannabinoid receptors. In particular, the compounds of the invention binds efficiently to CB2 but do not bind to CB1. The compounds show no activity in behavioral tests in mice which together have been shown to be specific for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-type activity in the central nervous system mediated by CB1 but reduce blood pressure, block intestinal motility, and elicit anti-inflammatory and peripheral analgetic activity. The invention also relates to methods of treating, preventing, or managing hypertension, inflammation, pain, gastrointestinal diseases, autoimmune diseases, and tumors with the compounds of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides novel pharmaceutical compositions comprising as the active ingredient 4-phenyl pinene derivatives which are specific for the peripheral cannabinoid receptors. In particular, the compounds of the invention binds efficiently to CB2 but do not bind to CB1. The compounds show no activity in behavioral tests in mice which together have been shown to be specific for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-type activity in the central nervous system mediated by CB1 but reduce blood pressure, block intestinal motility, and elicit anti-inflammatory and peripheral analgetic activity. The invention also relates to methods of treating, preventing, or managing hypertension, inflammation, pain, gastrointestinal diseases, autoimmune diseases, and tumors with the compounds of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides novel pharmaceutical compositions comprising as the active ingredient 4-phenyl pinene derivatives which are specific for the peripheral cannabinoid receptors. In particular, the compounds of the invention binds efficiently to CB2 but do not bind to CB1. The compounds show no activity in behavioral tests in mice which together have been shown to be specific for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-type activity in the central nervous system mediated by CB1 but reduce blood pressure, block intestinal motility, and elicit anti-inflammatory and peripheral analgetic activity. The invention also relates to methods of treating, preventing, or managing hypertension, inflammation, pain, gastrointestinal diseases, autoimmune diseases, and tumors with the compounds of the invention.

Abstract: Liposomal bupivacaine compositions are prepared using an ammonium sulfate gradient loading procedure, at a pH which prevents precipitation of the drug from the loading solution. Also described are liposome suspensions comprising ‘GMV’ (giant multivesicular) liposomes and methods for their preparation. The liposomal compositions are characterized by high drug-to-lipid ratios and provide long term analgesia.

Abstract: A temperature-stable droplet is provided containing a temperature-stable hydrocolloid membrane. The hydrocolloid membrane encapsulates a liquid that contains at least one enzyme, a cell, a biological agent, a pharmaceutical agent, an immunological agent, or mixtures thereof, and at least one of a locust bean gum, a natural thickening agent, a guar, polyvinylpyrrolidone, Konjac mannan, methylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, calcium gluconate, glucomannan, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the hydrocolloid membrane comprises at least one of methoxy pectin, Konjac mannan, sodium alginate, or mixtures thereof, and at least one of a locust bean gum, methylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, glucomannan, or mixtures thereof. The hydrocolloid membrane encapsulating the liquid is a thickness capable of holding the liquid without bursting through a temperature range of about −20° C. to about 90° C.

Abstract: The design and the synthesis of backbone cyclic peptide analogs which functionally mimic the nuclear localization signal (NLS) region of macromolecules is disclosed. The principles of the invention are exemplified for the NLS sequences of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 proteins MA, Vpr, Tat and NLS-like sequences of HIV-1 protein Vif. We disclose the discovery of a novel, highly potent backbone cyclic peptide, designated BCvir, which inhibits nuclear import with an IC50 value of 35 nM. This inhibitory potency is to be compared to 12 &mgr;M exhibited by the linear parent HIV-1 MA NLS peptide. BCvir also reduced HIV-1 production by 75% in infected non-dividing cultured human T-cells and was relatively resistant to tryptic digestion. These properties render backbone cyclic peptide analogs of NLS or NLS-like sequences as candidates for novel drugs based on blocking nuclear import of viral genomes.

Abstract: A method of-treating a relatively aged animal to reverse age-related changes in the lipid composition of organ and tissue cells, such as heart muscle cells, and the ability of the animal to withstand respiratory stress. A suspension of small unilamellar vesicles composed predominantly of egg phosphatidyl choline is administered parenterally to the animal, preferably over a period of several days and at a dose level of between about 0.1 and 1 grams lipid per kg body weight per day. Changes in the heart muscle cells are reflected in decreased levels of serum creatine phosphokinase. Liposome administration is continued until the serum creatine phosphokinase level drops at least about 50%. Also disclosed are liposome treatment methods for increasing longevity and male fertility.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are described for preventing TNF toxicity, comprising as active ingredient the stereospecific (+) enantiomer having 3S, 4S configuration of delta 6 tetrahydrocannabinol type compounds. The compositions are particularly effective in alleviating and even preventing neurotoxicity due to elevated levels of TNF, including septic shock, cachexia and trauma. They are also effective in the treatment of certain chronic degenerative diseases characterized by TNF production, including autoimmune diseases.