Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis, evaluation, and therapeutic intervention of disorders mediated by the activity of cell surface receptor VEGFR-3, which activity often is stimulated by VEGFR-3 ligands VEGF-C and VEGF-D. More particularly, the present invention identifies novel methods and compositions for the inhibition of VEGF-C/D binding to VEGFR-3. The compositions of the present invention will be useful in the inhibition of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptide ligands for prostate specific antigen (PSA) binding specifically with it and enhancing its enzyme activity, to a process for preparation of these peptides, to diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these peptides, to the use of these peptides for pharmaceutical and research preparations, to methods using these peptides in diagnostic assays for determination of the concentrations of various molecular forms of PSA, to methods for modulating the PSA enzyme activity and PSA activity dependent conditions by using these peptides either in vivo or in vitro and to the use of these peptides in procedures for biochemical isolation and purification of PSA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptide ligands for prostate specific antigen (PSA) binding specifically with it and enhancing its enzyme activity, to a process for preparation of these peptides, to diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these peptides, to the use of these peptides for pharmaceutical and research preparations, to methods using these peptides in diagnostic assays for determination of the concentrations of various molecular forms of PSA, to methods for modulating the PSA enzyme activity and PSA activity dependent conditions by using these peptides either in vivo or in vitro and to the use of these peptides in procedures for biochemical isolation and purification of PSA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thioxothiazolidinone compounds for use as pharmaceuticals, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and to the use of said small-molecule compounds for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of conditions dependent on leukocyte cell migration, such as leukaemia and inflammatory diseases. Said compounds inhibit leukaemia cell migration by stabilizing the active conformation of the ?M integrin I domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors and down-regulators, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these inhibitors/down-regulators, to the improvement of liposome targeting to cancer cells, to the use of the novel MMP inhibitors for the manufacture of pharmaceutical and research preparations, to a method for inhibiting and down-regulating MMP-dependent conditions either in vivo or in vitro, to a method for inhibiting activations and/or functions as well catalytic and non-catalytic actions of matrix metalloproteinases, and to the use of the novel MMP inhibitors and down-regulators in biochemical isolation and purification procedures of matrix metalloproteinases.

Abstract: The present invention concerns peptide compounds, which were found to bind to the ?M integrin I-domain and inhibit its complex formation with proMMP-9, thereby preventing neutrophil migration. The compounds comprise the hexapeptide motif HFDDDE. The compounds can be used in prophylaxis and treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptides which are useful as antagonists of the ?2 integrins, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these peptides, to the use of the novel peptides for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and human leukemias and for inhibiting leukocyte cell adhesion and migration in general, to a method for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of inflammatory diseases and human leukemias and to the use of the novel peptides as ?2 integrin antagonists for biochemical isolation and purification procedures in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic engineering and; in specific, to design, generation, and modification of recombinant peptides using a combination of phage display and intein-mediated protein cleavage reaction.

Abstract: This invention is directed to novel integrin binding peptides. These peptides bind to ?v- of ?5-containing integrins and can exhibit high binding affinity. They contain one of the following sequence motifs: RX1ETX2WX3 [SEQ ID NO:1] (especially RRETAWA [SEQ ID NO:8]); RGDGX [SEQ ID NO:2], in which X is an amino acid with a hydrophobic, aromatic side chain; the double cyclic CX1CRGDCX2C [SEQ ID NO:15]; and RLD. The peptides generally exhibit their highest binding affinity when they assume a conformationally stabilized configuration. This invention also provides methods of using these peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to targeted cancer therapy, and concerns specifically the use of small matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors in improving targeting of liposomes to cancer cells, and in enhancing the uptake thereof to such cells. The invention thus provides a method for treating cancer, as well as a method for improving targeting of liposomes to tumor cells, a method for enhancing the uptake of liposomes by tumor cells, and a method for selected liposomal delivery of chemotherapeutic agents into tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptides which are useful as antagonists of the &bgr;2 integrins, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these peptides, to the use of the novel peptides for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and human leukemias and for inhibiting leukocyte cell adhesion and migration in general, to a method for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of inflammatory diseases and human leukemias and to the use of the novel peptides as &bgr;2 integrin antagonists for biochemical isolation and purification procedures in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention relates to targeted cancer therapy, and concerns specifically the use of small matrix metal-loproteinase inhibitors in improving targeting of liposomes to cancer cells, and in enhancing the uptake thereof to such cells. The invention thus provides a method for treating cancer, as well as a method for improving targeting of liposomes to tumor cells, a method for enhancing the uptake of liposomes by tumor cells, and a method for selected liposomal delivery of chemotherapeutic agents into tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel peptide ligands for prostate specific antigen (PSA) binding specifically with it and enhancing its enzyme activity, to a process for preparation of these peptides, to diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these peptides, to the use of these peptides for pharmaceutical and research preparations, to methods using these peptides in diagnostic assays for determination of the concentrations of various molecular forms of PSA, to methods for modulating the PSA enzyme activity and PSA activity dependent conditions by using these peptides either in vivo or in vitro and to the use of these peptides in procedures for biochemical isolation and purification of PSA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors and down-regulators, to a process for the preparation of these inhibitors, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these inhibitors/down-regulators, to the use of the novel MMP inhibitors for the manufacture of pharmaceutical and research preparations, to a method for inhibiting and down-regulating MMP-dependent conditions either in vivo or in vitro, to a method for inhibiting formation, synthesis, expression activations, and/or functions as well as actions of matrix metalloproteinases, and to the use of the novel MMP inhibitors and down-regulators in biochemical isolation and purification procedures of matrix metalloproteinases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis, evaluation, and therapeutic intervention of disorders mediated by the activity of cell surface receptor VEGFR-3, which activity often is stimulated by VEGFR-3 ligands VEGF-C and VEGF-D. More particularly, the present invention identifies novel methods and compositions for the inhibition of VEGF-C/D binding to VEGFR-3. The compositions of the present invention will be useful in the inhibition of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.

Abstract: This invention is directed to novel integrin binding peptides. These peptides bind to &agr;v- of &agr;5-containing integrins and can exhibit high binding affinity. They contain one of the following sequence motifs: RX1ETX2WX3 [SEQ ID NO: ______] (especially RRETAWA [SEQ ID NO: ______]); RGDGX [SEQ ID NO: ______], in which X is an amino acid with a hydrophobic, aromatic side chain; the double cyclic CX1CRGDCX2C [SEQ ID NO: ______]; and RLD. The peptides generally exhibit their highest binding affinity when they assume a conformationally stabilized configuration. This invention also provides methods of using these peptides.

Abstract: A spinning wash nozzle assembly having a fluid brake pump within the rotating spinner housing. The fluid pump has a sump which is also within the rotating spinner housing such that centrifical forces acting on the fluid tend to separate the heavier fluid from any air within the sump. As a result, only the fluid is drawn into the pump as opposed to fluid and air. This avoids undesirable effects on the pump from air being drawn therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides having specificity for fibronectin-binding and vitronectin-binding integrins, and in particular for &agr;5&bgr;1 integrin. These peptides are characterized by having the ability to interfere with extracellular matrix protein binding to integrins; to block attachment of cells expressing these integrins to extracellular matrix proteins; and to promote cell attachment when coated onto a surface.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for motor vehicles comprising three interconnected planetary gear units, two rotating friction clutches and four friction brakes providing six optimized forward gear ratios and a reverse ratio, all assembled into a compact package no larger than the current four-speed automatic transmissions. This invention preferably utilizes two multi-plate rotating clutches and special friction force balanced brake bands that allows self-synchronized ratio shifts without creating any side loading of associated band drums.

Abstract: A force balanced brake system for effecting ratio changes in transmission comprising a band brake unit (10) having separate bands (12 and 13) selectively engageable with a reaction drum (5), each with a piston apply lug (16 and 18) and anchor lug (17 and 19). With equal area apply pistons (21 and 41 charged with common pressure, apply and reaction forces are equal and opposite. Side loads are eliminated so the brake drum (5) is only piloted as a rotating component. The system provides freewheeler type shifts without specific one-way devices. The brake band unit (10) provides engine braking during vehicle coast. For freewheeler type shifts, the system is staged in a one-way mode and the torque capacity of the band is regulated to vary in direct relationship with the torque band (10) also reduces to a near zero value allowing the brake drum (5) to turn freely in the direction opposite to previous reactive torque.