Abstract: An optical module is composed of three light-guide units and a holder for the units. Each of the light-guide units is made of a mirror plane used for reflecting and transmitting light installed between two prisms via the use of circularly applied glue. The holder includes three installation areas one installation area for each light-guide unit. Additionally, the holder has two frames that are arranged perpendicularly to each other and each frame is installed perpendicularly to the joining sides of two installation areas i.e. one frame is installed perpendicular to the side where installation area 1 and installation area 2 meet and the other frame is installed perpendicular to the side where installation area 2 and installation area 3 meet.

Abstract: A semiconductor package substrate is provided having a plurality of bonding pads on at least one surface thereof and covered by a conductive film. A photoresist layer formed over the conductive film has a plurality of first openings for exposing portions of the conductive film corresponding to the bonding pads. The exposed portions of the conductive film is removed to expose the bonding pads respectively via the first openings. The exposed bonding pads are plated with a metal layer respectively. Then, the photoresist layer and the remainder of the conductive film covered by the photoresist layer are removed. A solder mask having a plurality of second openings may be formed on the surface of the substrate, and allows the plated metal layer on the bonding pads respectively to be exposed via the second openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for the treatment or prevention of disease with gene therapy or vaccines comprising host optimized GM-CSF nucleic acid sequences. More particularly, the invention provides methods for codon optimized GM-CSF with enhanced expression and adjuvant activity ex vivo and in vivo. The present invention also provides for methods of optimizing homologous gene expression ex vivo and in vitro or in transgenic animals.

Abstract: Cell transfection compositions including an amphipathic compound and an enzyme inhibitor such as a histone deacetylase inhibitor for delivery of genetic material into cells are provided. The cell transfection compositions can express high levels of an encoding protein with minium cytotoxicity. Exemplary histone deacetylase inhibitors include trichostatin A (TSA), FR901464, FR901228, trapoxin A (TPX). The amphipathic compounds can be cationic compounds, neutral compounds or combinations thereof. The enzyme inhibitor can be encapsulated in a liposome formed by the amphipathic compound or the enzyme inhibitor can be mixed with a pre-formed liposome of the amphipathic compound.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this patent document relates to transmembrane receptors, more particularly to a human G protein-coupled receptor for which the endogenous ligand is unknown, and to mutated (non-endogenous) versions of the human GPCRs for evidence of constitutive activity.

Abstract: Lipids and compositions of lipids that can be used as lipid aggregates (i.e., liposomes) for the delivery of macromolecules and other compounds into cells are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding PAAD-domain containing polypeptides and functional fragments thereof, including fragments containing PAAD domains, NB-ARC domains and LRR domains, encoded polypeptides, and antibodies. Also provided are methods of identifying polypeptides and agents that associate with a PAAD-domain containing polypeptide or fragment thereof, or that alter an association of a PAAD domain-containing polypeptides. Further provided are methods of identifying agents that modulate PAAD domain-mediated inhibition of NF&kgr;B activity, or modulate an activity of an NB-ARC domain of a PAAD domain-containing polypeptide. Also provided are methods of modulating NF&kgr;B transcriptional activity in a cell, and methods of altering expression of a PAAD domain-containing polypeptide in a cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drug delivery vehicle that can improve the pharmacokinetics of pharmacological agents. The invention relates to a multifunctional carrier capable of delivering a carried material such as a pharmacological agent or genetic material to a recipient. The multifunctional carrier includes a multifunctional core and a plurality of adduct molecules bonded thereto. The molecular carrier has surface functional groups which can be associated with a carried material. The carried material can be associated with the molecular carrier through covalent interactions or ionic interactions. The polyvalent core can be ethylene-diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) or succinic acid. The invention also relates to methods for producing and using such molecules.

Abstract: A method and compositions for modulating an immune system response to an antigen in a mammal are disclosed. The method comprises administering to the mammal a conjugate comprising substantially particle-free hyaluronic acid (HA), or a polymer analogue thereof, covalently linked to a peptide that comprises a T cell epitope, or a plurality of epitopes. Typically, the epitope is defined by a sequence of at least about eight amino acids of the antigen.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this patent document relates to transmembrane receptors, more particularly to a human G protein-coupled receptor for which the endogenous ligand is unknown, and to mutated (non-endogenous) versions of the human GPCRs for evidence of constitutive activity.

Abstract: A primary circuit board is provided with an opening. A component is mounted on a secondary circuit board. The secondary circuit board is then mounted over the opening of the primary circuit board with the component disposed within the opening. An exposure height of the component over the primary circuit board is thus reduced, the exposure height being measured from a top surface of the component to a top surface of the primary circuit board.