Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery of a new bacterial compound with analgesic properties which could be used as a new tool for the treatment of pain disorders such as visceral pain. Studying the mechanisms implicated in analgesic properties of the probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN), inventors characterized, the amino fatty acids produced by EcN, which display the Ecn analgesic properties. One of these compounds inhibits the hypersensitivity to colorectal distension induced by capsaicin, which is a very powerful nociceptive compound and acts via the GABA B receptor. Furthermore, inventors demonstrate that this compound is able to cross the cellular epithelial barrier (such as the intestinal epithelium). Thus, the invention relates to a lipopetide compound, derived from gamma-aminobutyric acid. The invention also relates to a lipopeptide compound according to the invention for the treatment of treating pain disorder, such as somatic pain and visceral pain.

Abstract: Methods for removing sulfate from a battery electrode, methods for refurbishing batteries, methods of depositing a film on a battery electrode, and refurbished batteries are described. Methods for removing sulfate from a batter electrode include placing the battery electrode in a chelate solution to solubilize the sulfate and remove sulfate deposits from the battery electrode. Methods further include performing electrodeposition of a metal film on a battery electrode using chelate-metal solution resulting from the soaking process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-layer thermal insulation blanket, designed to protect the upper body, having as characteristics retaining the heat emitted by the patient and reusing it to keep the patient warm, namely to control or prevent Inadvertent Perioperative Hypothermia during surgery proceedings in the operating room.

Abstract: The adjustable foot stool comprises a platform, a pad, a plurality of lighting elements, and a pair of adjustable legs. The platform may be adapted to elevate and tilt a foot of a user. An inclination angle of the platform may be changed using the pair of adjustable legs. The pad may cushion the foot 910. The plurality of lighting elements may be adapted to provide illumination of the foot. As a non-limiting example, illumination may be provided for grooming the foot. The plurality of lighting elements may be powered by one or more batteries housed within the platform and may be turned on or off using an on/off switch located on the platform.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for making and using collagen-glycosaminoglycan three-dimensional scaffolds immobilized with biomolecules that are spatially and temporally patterned. The method comprises adding benzophenone to a collagen-glycosaminoglycan three dimensional scaffold in the dark; adding one or more biomolecules to one or more areas of the collagen-glycosaminoglycan three-dimensional scaffold (which can be done optionally in the dark or in the light); and exposing the collagen-2glycosaminoglycan three-dimensional scaffold to light at a wavelength of about 350 to about 365 nm.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for making and using collagen-glycosaminoglycan three-dimensional scaffolds immobilized with biomolecules that are spatially and temporally patterned. The method comprises adding benzophenone to a collagen-glycosaminoglycan three dimensional scaffold in the dark; adding one or more biomolecules to one or more areas of the collagen-glycosaminoglycan three-dimensional scaffold (which can be done optionally in the dark or in the light); and exposing the collagen-2glycosaminoglycan three-dimensional scaffold to light at a wavelength of about 350 to about 365 nm.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tetra-substituted cyclobutane inhibitors of Androgen Receptor Action, and methods of using such inhibitors, for the treatment of hormone-refractory cancers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tetra-substituted cyclobutane inhibitors of Androgen Receptor Action, and methods of using such inhibitors, for the treatment of hormone-refractory cancers.

Abstract: T-DNA tagging with a promoterless ?-glucuronidase (GUS) gene generated transgenic Nicotiana tabacum plants that expressed GUS activity either only in developing seed coats, or constitutively. Cloning and deletion analysis of the GUS fusion revealed that the promoter responsible for seed coat specificity was located in the plant DNA proximal to the GUS gene. Analysis of the region demonstrated that the seed coat-specificity of GUS expression in this transgenic plant resulted from T-DNA insertion next to a cryptic promoter. This promoter is useful in controlling the expression of genes to the developing seed coat in plant seeds. Similarly, cloning and characterization of the cryptic constitutive promoter revealed the occurrence of several cryptic regulatory regions. These regions include promoter, negative regulatory elements, transcriptional enhancers, core promoter regions, and translational enhancers and other regulatory elements.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a regulatory region obtained from a wheat aleurone gene LtpW1. This regulatory region, truncated derivatives, mutations, or deletions of this regulatory region, can be used to express heterologous genes of interest within aleurone cells of a plant. Furthermore, this invention is directed to a truncated LtpW1 regulatory region that exhibits constitutive activity with both monocot and dicot plants. This invention is also directed to vectors comprising these regulatory regions operatively linked with a heterologous gene of interest, as well as plant cell cultures and transgenic plants comprising these vectors. A method for the preparation of a plant using the regulatory regions of this invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An nucleotide sequence and that exhibits regulatory element activity is disclosed. The nucleotide sequence may be defined by SEQ ID NO:22, a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:22, or a compliment thereof. Also disclosed is a chimeric construct comprising the nucleotide sequence operatively linked with a coding region of interest. A method of expressing a coding region of interest within a plant by introducing the chimeric construct described above, into the plant, and expressing the coding region of interest is also provided. Also disclosed are plants, seed, or plant cells comprising the chimeric construct as defined above.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to translational regulatory elements that mediate the amount of protein produced within a host capable of expressing a construct comprising one or more translational regulatory elements in operative association with a gene of interest. These translational regulatory elements were derived from T1275 (tCUP) and exhibit a high degree of similarity with members of the RENT family of repetitive elements. Translational regulatory elements are disclosed that either increase or decrease he amount of protein produced within the host organism. These translational elements are operative in a wide range of hosts including plant, animals, yeast, fungi and bacteria. Analogs, derivatives and fragments of these translational elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: T-DNA tagging with a promoterless &bgr;-glucuronidase (GUS) gene generated transgenic Nicotiana tabacum plants that expressed GUS activity either only in developing seed coats, or constitutively. Cloning and deletion analysis of the GUS fusion revealed that the promoter responsible for seed coat specificity was located in the plant DNA proximal to the GUS gene. Analysis of the region demonstrated that the seed coat-specificity of GUS expression in this transgenic plant resulted from T-DNA insertion next to a cryptic promoter. This promoter is useful in controlling the expression of genes to the developing seed coat in plant seeds. Similarly, cloning and characterization of the cryptic constitutive promoter revealed the occurrence of several cryptic regulatory regions. These regions include promoter, negative regulatory elements, transcriptional enhancers, core promoter regions, and translational enhancers and other regulatory elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to translational regulatory elements that mediate the amount of protein produced within a host capable of expressing a construct comprising one or more translational regulatory elements in operative association with a gene of interest. These translational regulatory elements were derived from T1275 (tCUP) and exhibit a high degree of similarity with members of the RENT family of repetitive elements. Translational regulatory elements are disclosed that either increase or decrease he amount of protein produced within the host organism. These translational elements are operative in a wide range of hosts including plant, animals, yeast, fungi and bacteria. Analogs, derivatives and fragments of these translational elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase gene, tMEK2, was isolated from tomato cv. Bonny Best. By mutagenesis, a permanently-active variant, tMEK2MUT, was created. Both wild type tMEK2 and mutant tMEK2MUT were driven by a strong constitutive promoter, tCUP&Dgr;, in a tomato protoplast transient expression system. Pathogenesis-related genes, PR1b1 and PR3, and a wound-inducible gene, ER5, were activated by tMEK2MUT expression revealing the convergence of the signal transduction pathways for pathogen attack and mechanical stress at the level of MAPKK. Activation of biotic and abiotic stress response genes downstream of tMEK2 occurred through divergent pathways involving at least two classes of mitogen-activated protein kinase. This study shows that tMEK2 may play an important role in the interaction of signal transduction pathways that mediate responses to both biotic (eg disease) and abiotic (wound responsiveness) stresses.

Abstract: T-DNA tagging with a promoterless &bgr;-glucuronidase (GUS) gene generated transgenic Nicotiana tabacum plant that expressed GUS activity either only in developing seed coats, or constitutively. Cloning and deletion analysis of the GUS fusion revealed that the promoter responsible for seed coat specificity was located in the plant DNA proximal to the GUS gene. Analysis of the region demonstrated that the seed coat-specificity of GUS expression in this transgenic plant resulted from T-DNA insertion next to a cryptic promoter. This promoter is useful in controlling the expression of genes to the developing seed coat in plant seeds. Similarly, cloning and characterization of the cryptic constitutive promoter revealed the occurrence of several cryptic regulatory regions. These regions include promoter, negative regulatory elements, transcriptional enhancers, core promoter regions, and translational enhancers and other regulatory elements.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for supporting the hand and wrist of a user of a computer mouse. The apparatus comprises a support block for supporting the hand and wrist and a retainer for retaining the mouse in fixed relation with the support block. In a preferred embodiment, the support block comprises a raised central area for pressing into the palm of the user's hand, an extended wrist rest for supporting the user's wrist, and a finger support area for supporting the user's fingers. The finger support comprises two extensions from the support block which grip the mouse, forming the retainer. The apparatus also trains the user to hold his hand in proper position while operating the mouse.