Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for the synthesis of organic carbonates, the preparation of the catalyst and the application of this catalyst in the synthesis of organic carbonates from reacting urea and hydroxyl group containing compounds. The catalyst provided in this invention is a calcinate of hydrous salt containing rare earth element at a moderate calcining temperature.

Abstract: The peptides and derivative metapeptides based upon natural antimicrobial peptides have potent and broad spectrum activity against pathogens exhibiting multiple antibiotic resistance. Specific peptides can also potentiate the antimicrobial functions of leukocytes, such as neutrophils. In addition, they exhibit lower inherent mammalian cell toxicities than conventional antimicrobial peptides, and overcome problems of toxicity, immunogenicity, and shortness of duration of effectiveness due to biodegradation, retaining activity in plasma and serum. The peptides and derivative metapeptides exhibit rapid microbicidal activities in vitro, can be used to potentiate conventional antimicrobial agents, to potentiate other antimicrobial peptides and are active against many organisms that exhibit resistance to multiple antibiotics currently in existence.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to receptor-selective variants of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-associated protein (RAP) and compositions thereof, methods of generating such variants and methods of using such receptor-selective RAP variant compositions for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to make monatin from glucose, tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-pyruvate, and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, are provided. Methods are also disclosed for producing the indole-3-pyruvate and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid intermediates. Compositions provided include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, chemical structures, and cells. Methods include in vitro and in vivo processes, and the in vitro methods include chemical reactions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to make monatin from glucose, tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-pyruvate, and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, are provided. Methods are also disclosed for producing the indole-3-pyruvate and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid intermediates. Compositions provided include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, chemical structures, and cells. Methods include in vitro and in vivo processes, and the in vitro methods include chemical reactions.

Abstract: Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a chronic process related to a progressive mineralization of the aortic root and valve cusps. We found in human AS valves a high level of expression and enzymatic activity of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1 (ENPP-1), which correlated to the degree of mineralization. In vitro, inhibition of ENPP activity with ARL 67156 significantly reduced calcification of isolated valve interstitial cells. In a rat model of cardiovascular calcification, ARL 67156 significantly reduced calcification of the aortic root and valve cusps. This is the first study to demonstrate that increased expression and activity of ENPP-1 promotes the mineralization process in AS valves. Hence, inhibition of ectonucleotidase may represent a novel target of therapy for this frequent and serious cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel isolated plasmid, wherein the plasmid is a native plasmid found in unique C. botulinum type A strains and encode either BoNT/A3 or BoNT/A4 and BoNT/B. The present invention also provides a method of obtaining a plasmid-encoded botulinum neurotoxin and botulinum neurotoxin complex comprising the step of isolating a plasmid encoding the cntA/A or cntA/B neurotoxin gene and genes encoding protein components of the toxin complex from a C. botulinum type A strain. The inventors performed comparative analyzes of representative BoNT/A subtype strains by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Southern hybridizations with probes specific for the BoNT/A and B genes, cntA/A and cntA/B. Unexpectedly, the inventors determined that the genes encoding BoNT/A3 in the A3 strain, and BoNT/A4 and BoNT/B in the A4 strain, are on plasmids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for sealing localized regions of damaged lung tissue to reduce overall lung volume. The glue compositions provide a glue featuring an adhering moiety coupled to one or more other moieties including, for example, a cross-linkable moiety and/or one other adhering moiety. The methods and compositions of the invention find use, for example, in treating pulmonary conditions, such as emphysema.

Abstract: Methods for producing a biofuel are provided. Also provided are biocatalysts that convert a feedstock to a biofuel.

Abstract: A method for selection and treatment of externally caused migraine headache, the method includes identifying a patient group having chronic migraine headache; determining the identified patient group, a specific patient with a post traumatic migraine headache; and administering to the selected patient by injection of a therapeutically effective amount of a Botulinum neurotoxin in a pharmaceutically safe form to the selected patient's head or upper neck; administration preferably being on the sites of the trigeminal cervical system, enabling axonal transport of the neurotoxin from distal to central sites; and the administration preferably comprising extramuscular injection of the neurotoxin of suitable dilution (a) over the aponeurotic fascia, or (b) intra-orally, in a foramina of the sphenopalatine ganglion, or (c) to emerging exit points of nerves including foraminal sites.

Abstract: Methods for treating conditions in an animal or human subject. The conditions may be pain, skeletal muscle conditions, smooth muscle conditions, glandular conditions and cosmetic conditions. The methods comprise the step of administering a Clostridium neurotoxin component or Clostridium neurotoxin component encoding DNA to the subject using a needleless syringe.

Abstract: Chromatographic processes and systems for purifying a botulinum toxin from an APF fermentation medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of angiogenic crystallin proteins to promote angiogenesis, wound healing and/or endothelial cell migration. Alpha A crystallin and ?B2 crystallin have particular application in these methods. The crystallins will usually be in monomeric form. Typically, truncated form(s) of ?B2 crystallin protein are utilized as can be prepared by partial hydrolysis of the protein by a protease enzyme such as elastase I. Methods for the purification of crystallin proteins from eye tissue are also described.

Abstract: A collagen material is disclosed and can include a plurality of particles. Each particle can include an elongated, thin body having one or more arcuate portions and one or more straight portions. Further, each particle can include one or more fibers extending from the body. One or more fibers of one particle can engage the one or more fibers of one or more other particles to establish a matrix of material, where a cross-linking agent may be added in the collagen material. Furthermore, an additive including a radiocontrast medium, a drug, a cellular matter, a biological factor, or a combination thereof may be added to the collagen mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are non-natural amino acids and polypeptides that include at least one non-natural amino acid, and methods for making such non-natural amino acids and polypeptides. The non-natural amino acids, by themselves or as a part of a polypeptide, can include a wide range of possible functionalities, but typical have at least one aromatic amine group. Also disclosed herein are non-natural amino acid polypeptides that are further modified post-translationally, methods for effecting such modifications, and methods for purifying such polypeptides. Typically, the modified non-natural amino acid polypeptides include at least one alkylated amine group. Further disclosed are methods for using such non-natural amino acid polypeptides and modified non-natural amino acid polypeptides, including therapeutic, diagnostic, and other biotechnology uses.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of using of the sizes and levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, the ?641 allele of the promoter of the gene encoding apolipoprotein C-3 (APOC-3), the 405 allele of the gene encoding cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), and plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), adiponectin, CETP and APOC-3, for determining and increasing an individual's likelihood of longevity and of retaining cognitive function during aging, and for determining and decreasing an individual's likelihood of developing a cardiovascular-, metabolic- or age-related disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a collagen crosslinking agent superior in biocompatibility that is free from the damage by UV irradiation and also from the problems of toxicity caused by residual monomer or unreacted functional groups. Provided is a noncovalent collagen crosslinking agent (for fibrous protein collagen), comprising a spacer of a polyvalent alcohol having two or more OH groups at the terminals and arms of collagen peptides formed of repetitions of three amino acids, the arms being bound via the OH groups to the spacer.

Abstract: A method including advancing a delivery device through a lumen of a blood vessel to a particular region in the blood vessel; and introducing a synthetic apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A-I) mimetic peptide into a wall of the blood vessel at the particular region, wherein the peptide has a property that renders the peptide effective in reverse cholesterol transport. A composition including a synthetic apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) mimetic peptide, or combination of an Apo A-I synthetic peptide and an Acyl CoA cholesterol: acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitor in a form suitable for delivery into a blood vessel, the peptide including an amino acid sequence in an order reverse to an order of an endogenous Apo A-I related peptide. A composition including an apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A-I) synthetic peptide in a form suitable for delivery into a blood vessel, the peptide including an amino acid backbone that has less amino acid residues relative to endogenous Apo A-I and a chimera of helix 1 and helix 9 of Apo A-I.

Abstract: This invention provides novel carbonic anhydrase (CAIX) nucleic acid and peptide sequences, as well as related methods and compositions, including anti-cancer immunogenic agent(s) (e.g. vaccines and chimeric molecules) that elicit an immune response specifically directed against cancer cells expressing a CAIX antigenic marker. The novel CAIX variant and related compositions are useful in a wide variety of treatment modalities including, but not limited to protein vaccination, DNA vaccination, and adoptive immunotherapy.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel fluorescent protein derived from favia favus. The present invention provides a fluorescent protein derived from favia favus having the following properties: (1) an excitation maximum wavelength is 507 nm; (2) a fluorescence maximum wavelength is 517 nm; (3) a molar absorption coefficient at 482 nm is 80,000; (4) a quantum yield is 0.68; and (5) pH sensitivity of the fluorescence maximum is stable at pH 5 to pH 11.