Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene selectively expressed in malignant cells and associated with the development of androgen resistance in prostate cancer. Levels of the gene, termed “PAR” (for Prostate Androgen Regulated), its RNA transcript, and its protein product are all present at increased levels in malignant cells, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer cells. The present invention provides for PAR nucleic acid molecules and proteins, for antibodies that specifically bind to PAR proteins, and to methods for diagnosing and treating cancers that utilize such molecules.

Abstract: Disruption of the Reg signalling pathway permits spontaneous and therapeutic induction of pro-apoptotic signals to be more effective. Disruption can be accomplished by means of antibodies, antisense, RNA interference, small molecule inhibitors, etc. These can be used in conjunction with conventional anti-neoplastic therapies. Inhibitors can be identified by assays that monitor the disruption of the binding of Reg ligands and the Reg ligand receptor.

Abstract: The invention concerns inhibition of the production of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17) by T cells, using an antagonist of interleukin-23 (IL-23). The invention further concerns the use of IL-23 antagonists in the treatment of inflammatory diseases characterized by the presence of elevated levels of IL-17. IL-23 antagonists include, without limitation, antibodies specifically binding to a subunit or IL-17 or an IL-17 receptor. The invention additionally concerns induction of IL-7 production by using an IL-23 agonist.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating inflammatory and proliferative diseases, and wounds, using as a pharmacon a UCP and/or Fas antibody or other inhibitor, or combination thereof, and a therapeutically acceptable amount of a fatty acid metabolism inhibitor and/or a therapeutically acceptable amount of a glucose metabolism inhibitor, optionally in combination with one or more chemotherpeutic agents. In preferred embodiments, the invention combines an antibody against UCP and/or Fas antigen with an oxirane carboxylic acid, represented by etomoxir, and/or with a 2-deoxyglucose compound, represented by 2-deoxy-D-glucose. The systems and methods of the invention can be used to treat drug-resistant or multi-drug resistant cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of cancer, inflammatory diseases and disorders or deficiencies of the immune system. The methods of the invention comprise administering a CD40 binding protein that potentiates the binding of CD40 to CD40 ligand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signalling. These antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of antibodies which are specific to human B7.1 antigen (CD80) and which are capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CD28 receptor and which are not capable of inhibiting the binding of B7.1 to a CTLA-4 receptor. Two of these antibodies, 16C10 and 7C10, significantly inhibit the production of IL-2, in spite of the existence of a second activating ligand B7.2 (CD86). Blocking of the primary activation signal between CD28 and B7.1 (CD80) with these antibodies while allowing the unimpaired or coincident interaction of CTLA-4 and B7.1 and/or B7.2 represents a combined antagonistic effect on positive co-stimulation with an agonistic effect on negative signalling. These antibodies may be used as specific immunosuppressants, e.g., for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Abstract: Recombinant plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) isoforms which lack the reactive center loop and contain the complete heparin-binding domain or lack at least a portion of the heparin-binding domain are described. The rPAI-1 isoforms disclosed herein may be used to modulate angiogenesis through blocking release of VEGF from a VEGF-heparin complex. Furthermore, the rPAI-1 proteins may be used to inhibit cell proliferation and migration, induce apoptosis, and produce proteolytic fragments corresponding to angiostatin kringles 1-3 and kringles 1-4. A truncated proteolytic plasmin protein of 34 kDa is also provided.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to methods for treating a subject suffering from or susceptible to an autoimmune disease or disorder, or a disease or disorder having an autoimmune component, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of cyclophilin or a biologically active fragment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antioxidant and a whitening agent having high safety, and a external preparation for skin using the same. The antioxidant and whitening agent comprise, as an effective component, one or more extracts from Basidiomycetes selected from the group consisting of Pleurotus abalonus, Pholiota squarrosa, Onnia orientalis, Astraeus hygrometricus and Pleurotus nebrodensis. These extracts have a free radical capturing ability and are useful for suppressing skin oxidation and for preventing and improving skin aging. In addition, the extracts have a tyrosinase activity inhibiting action and can suppress the melanin generation. Since the fruit bodies of these Basidiomycetes have been used for edible purpose and have high safety, they can be used preferably for an external preparation for skin.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying, isolating, and producing htrB mutants of gram-negative bacterial pathogens. The method comprises mutating the htrB gene of a gram-negative bacterial pathogen so that there is a lack of a functional htrB protein, resulting in a mutant that lacks one or more secondary acyl chains contained in the wild type gram-negative bacterial pathogen, and displays substantially reduced toxicity as compared to the wild type strain. Also, the present invention provides methods for using a vaccine formulation containing the htrB mutant, the endotoxin isolated therefrom, or the endotoxin isolated therefrom which is then conjugated to a carrier protein, to immunize an individual against infections caused by gram-negative bacterial pathogens by administering a prophylactically effective amount of the vaccine formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel vectors, to DNA vaccines and gene therapeutics containing the vectors, to methods for the preparation of the vectors and DNA vaccines and gene therapeutics containing the vectors, and to therapeutic uses of the vectors. The novel vectors comprise (a) an expression cassette of a gene of a nuclear-anchoring protein, which contains (i) a DNA binding domain capable of binding to a specific DNA sequence and (ii) a functional domain capable of binding to a nuclear component and (b) a multimerized DNA sequence forming a binding site for the anchoring protein, and optionally (c) one or more expression cassettes of a DNA sequence of interest. The vectors lack a papilloma virus origin of replication.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the optimization and production of influenza viruses, e.g., ca influenza B strains, in eggs and host cells suitable as influenza vaccines are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccines and methods for making the vaccines that actively or passively protect an equid or other animal against Sarcocystis neurona. In particular, the present invention provides vaccines that provide active immunity which comprise a polypeptide or DNA vaccine that contains or expresses at least one epitope of an antigen that has an amino acid sequence substantially similar to a unique 16 (±4) kDa antigen and/or 30 (±4) kDa antigen of Sarcocystis neurona. The present invention further provides a vaccine that provides passive immunity to Sarcocystis neurona comprising polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies against at least one epitope of an antigen substantially similar to a unique 16 (±4) kDa antigen and/or 30 (±4) kDa antigen of Sarcocystis neurona.

Abstract: The invention relates to solutions containing acidic compositions that have a pH of less than 1, are non-caustic to human tissue and are safe for human ingestion. These compositions may be used as the sole or major component of solutions such as cleansers, pharmaceuticals, food preservatives and disinfectants. The acidic compositions may be used in medical, industrial, military and household applications. The invention also relates methods of administering and using the acidic compositions of the invention.

Abstract: An aerosol tiny mist hazer apparatus. The apparatus has an aerosol can that contains about 10% by weight Methyl Anthranilate oil and about 90% by weight of an isobutane and propane propellant mixture. The apparatus has an aerosol valve with a vapor tap at the top and having a fine aerosol nozzle for producing a fine, evenly dispersed and stable haze having particle sizes less than 20 microns (in the form of a breathable haze) for use in maintaining birds flying away.

Abstract: Pesticides based on vicinal diols, are available to control arthropod ectoparasites such as Pediculus Humanus, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Musca domestica, the Blattidae, Blatella Germanica, and Periplaneta Americana, by introducing to the locus of an infestation of the pest, a composition containing as active ingredient a vicinal diol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical apparatus having a special coating on its surface, notably its surface facing the surroundings. The coating has germ and/or dirt-repellant and/or bactericidal properties. Special embodiments of the invention include dirt and/or germ-repellant and/or antiseptic materials or surface structures and anti-electro-static and/or electrically heated materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to dura substitutes to be used as prostheses for dural defects in the field of neurosurgery and processes for producing the same. The present invention provides artificial dura mater materials comprising sheets of microbial-derived polysaccharide processed to have the necessary strength characteristics, conformability and physical properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to an abuse deterrent dosage form of opioid analgesics, wherein an analgesically effective amount of opioid analgesic is combined with a polymer to form a matrix.

Abstract: A unit dose sustained-release oral dosage form containing a plurality of melt-extruded particles, each consisting essentially of a therapeutically active agent, one or more retardants, and an optional water-insoluble binder is disclosed. The particles have a length of from about 0.1 to about 12 mm and can be of varying diameters and each unit dose provides a release of therapeutically active agents over at least about 8 hours. Methods of preparing the unit doses as well as extrusion processes and methods of treatment are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a solid pharmaceutical preparation containing 1) a basic medicinal component having an unpleasant taste; 2) a saccharide; 3) a polyanionic polymer; 4) a corrigent; and 5) carboxymethylcellulose, the unpleasant taste of the basic medicinal component having an unpleasant taste can be satisfactorily masked and excellent properties such as quick disintegration, appropriate preparation strength and high storage stability over a long period of time, etc., can be achieved. Further, a quickly disintegrating solid pharmaceutical preparation containing a medicinal component, a sugar alcohol and carboxymethylcellulose has excellent properties such as quick disintegration, appropriate preparation strength, high storage stability over a long period of time, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to the combination of polyvinyl acetate and water-insoluble, acid-insoluble, or alkali-insoluble polymers used for producing film coatings for forms of administration in which agents are released in a controlled manner, and methods for the production thereof. The controlled-release properties can be specifically adjusted by means of said combinations, resulting in films having excellent mechanical stability and storage stability. In particular, agents are released independent of the pH by means of the inventive forms of administration.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles using in-line solvent extraction. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixer. The emulsion is combined with an extraction liquid in a blending static mixer. The outflow of the blending static mixer is combined with additional extraction liquid. The additional extraction liquid and the outflow of the blending static mixer can be combined in a vessel, or through the use of a static mixer manifold that includes a plurality of static mixers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward water-soluble supramolecular self-assemblies and a process for their preparation via micellization of polyelectrolytes through the use of hydrophobic monomeric units. In this invention the polyelectrolyte segment ultimately forms the core of the supramolecular assembly whereas the shell consists of uncharged hydrophilic polymers or oligomers. It has been determined that the inclusion of the hydrophobic co-monomers to the polyelectrolyte segment forming the micelle core leads to a structure of enhanced stability.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition that contains (1) an effective amount of an analgesically and/or anti-inflammatory active fraction separated from a mixture of plasma and/or serum, and (2) at least one metal, metal ion or metal salt, in which the mixture has been denatured. Also disclosed are methods of producing the composition for treating a subject afflicted with inflammation and/or pain.

Abstract: Epimeredinoside A extracted from Epimeredi indica root, oral pharmaceutics made up with the Epimeredi indica root extract and at least one pharmaceutical adjuvant, and preparatory method for the oral pharmaceutics. The root extract is the extracta sicca prepared by water extraction and concentration of Epimeredi indica root, and contains 0.10% to 1.50% of epimeredinoside A. The inventive pharmaceutics of Epimeredi indica root extract do not contain any hormone and progesterone is not needed to be taken to prevent a side effect after using the drug. The pharmaceutics has doubtless effect in treating female menopause.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stimulating beta-defensins in skin cells which comprises applying to the skin cells an effective amount of a Lactobacillus extract or active fraction thereof.

Abstract: A Bifidobacterium that is resistant to acid and bile and which retains at least 20% viability after acid and bile treatment. Foods and drinks containing an acid- and bile-resistant Bifidobacterium. Methods for providing viable Bifidobacteria to the intestine after ingestion of a food or drink containing an acid- and bile-resistant Bifidobacterium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for specifically and sequentially purifying catechins from a plant product. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for purifying EGC and EGCG from green tea leaves by sequential brewing at different brewing temperature and for specific infusion times.

Abstract: An edible emulsion with insoluble fiber is described. The edible emulsion is suitable for use as a base for making reduced oil food products. The reduced oil food products made with the edible emulsion having insoluble fiber have consumer acceptable viscosities and texture and sensorial properties consistent with full fat food products.

Abstract: A flavor-enhancing product that consists essentially of fish sauce blended with anchovy paste. The blended product exhibits elevated umami taste intensity and improved flavor characteristics over those exhibited by fish sauce or anchovy paste individually.

Abstract: An assembled hematin is formed by depositing hematin on an electrically charged substrate in one or more layers alternating with one or more layers of polyelectrolyte, preferably a cationic polymer. In a method for polymerizing an aromatic monomer, the assembled hematin is contacted with the monomer and a template, preferably an anionic polymer. In a method for polymerizing aniline, the aniline, sulfonated multi walled carbon nano tubes, PEG hematin and a reaction initiator are dispersed in water.

Abstract: A method for making a piezoelectric element including a piezoelectric film formed on a substrate by a gas deposition technique includes the steps of ejecting ultra-fine particles of a piezoelectric material having a perovskite structure from an ejecting device toward the substrate, and applying an electric field to the ultra-fine particles traveling to the substrate. The substrate may be composed of a metal or a resin.

Abstract: Methods of making an optical body include coating a mixture including a first cholesteric liquid crystal polymer, a second cholesteric liquid crystal monomer, a second cholesteric liquid crystal polymer formed from a portion of the second cholesteric liquid crystal monomer, and a solvent on a substrate. The first cholesteric liquid crystal polymer is different than the second cholesteric liquid crystal polymer. Then, forming from the mixture an optical body including a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer disposed between the first and second layer. The first layer includes a majority of the first cholesteric liquid crystal polymer. The second layer includes a majority of a second cholesteric liquid crystal monomer. The third layer includes the second cholesteric liquid crystal polymer.

Abstract: A composite is described which has particular utility in the formation of components for gas turbine engines. The composite broadly comprises a substrate having a surface and at least one layer of a BN/Si3N4 coating on the substrate surface. The coating preferably is formed by alternative layers of a BN material and a Si3N4 material. The substrate may be a cloth material with fibers, such as SiC fibers, woven therein.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a device adapted for exposure to high temperatures. A support structure for retaining a ceramic insulating material on a substrate is formed by the deposition of a support structure material through a patterned masking material. The support structure can define cells into which the ceramic insulating material is deposited following removal of the masking material. The support structure may be a composite metal-ceramic material having either discreet layers or a graded composition deposited by an electro-deposition process followed by a heat treatment to form a solid state diffusion bond with the substrate. The ceramic filler material may be deposited by the electrophoretic deposition of ceramic particles coated with a bonding material that is subsequently heated to oxidize and to bond the particles together. The support structure may be formed with inclined walls in order to improve its resistance to foreign object impact damage.

Abstract: A process for producing a resin composition having a high adhesion between a resin layer and a metallic layer as well as an excellent durability includes providing a porous structure at least on the surface of the resin layer; and forming the metallic layer on the surface of the resin layer.

Abstract: Polypyrrole (PPy) is one of the most commonly studied conducting polymers due to its good stability, high conductivity, ease of preparation and non-toxicity. The stability of the conductivity of polypyrrole films depends on the choice of dopant anion, the method of preparation, and the conditions of aging. Most of the existing methods only improve stability by sacrificing conductivity, as well as sensitivity. This invention provides a method for coating conducting polymer onto a substrate by first applying an anionic dopant and an oxidizing agent onto the substrate. The monomer is then allowed to form the conducting polymer at about ?10 to ?80° C. for a sufficient period of time. After storage for a long period of time (nearly a year), the conductive polymer coating still retains almost the same strain sensitivity and at least up to 85% of its initial conductivity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the production of a multi-layer coating comprising the following steps: A) applying a base coat layer of a pigmented color-imparting and/or special effect-imparting base coat composition onto a substrate precoated with at least one coating layer, B) applying a coating layer of a coating composition curable by means of high-energy radiation, wherein the coating composition comprises at least one oligomeric and/or polymeric binder curable by means of high-energy radiation and does contain low molecular weight reactive diluents curable by means of high-energy radiation, C) curing the coating layer applied in step B) by irradiation with high-energy radiation, D) applying a clear coat layer of a transparent clear coat composition curable by means of high-energy radiation which comprises low molecular weight reactive diluents curable by means of high-energy radiation and E) curing the clear coat layer applied in step D) by irradiation with high-energy radiation.

Abstract: Provided herein is a lens composition of an LED device for an LCD having high transparency and high heat resistance, and an LED device, a backlight unit and an LCD comprising the lens composition. The lens composition includes a copolymer represented by the formula 1 and having a weight average molecular weight of about 5,000 to about 500,000: wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or —COOR3 group in which R3 represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, R4 and R5 independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, the ratio n/n+m ranges from about 0.3 to about 0.995, and the ratio m/n+m ranges from about 0.005 to about 0.7.

Abstract: Disclosed is a broadband reflection type brightness enhancement polarizer, which includes a cholesteric liquid crystal film laminate having a broadband selective reflecting wavelength range in which a plurality of cholesteric liquid crystal films having selective reflecting wavelength ranges different from each other by having different mixture ratios of a curable nematic liquid crystal compound expressed by the chemical formula 1 and a curable chiral compound expressed by the chemical formula 2 are laminated; and a film having ¼? phase difference laminated on one surface of the cholesteric liquid crystal film laminate. This polarizer has wide selective reflecting wavelength ranges of the cholesteric liquid crystal films composing the polarizer, so the entire visible ray range can be covered just by laminating several cholesteric liquid crystal films.

Abstract: A liquid crystal compound selected from a group of compounds represented by formula (a): wherein Ra and Rb are each independently hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbons, provided that in the alkyl, —CH2— may be replaced by —O—, but plural —O— are not adjacent to each other, and hydrogen may be replaced by fluorine; ring A1 and ring A2 are each independently trans-1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene, provided that one or two hydrogens of the 1,4-phenylene may be replaced by halogen, and in a 6-membered ring of these groups, one —CH2— or two —CH2— that are not adjacent to each other may be replaced by —O—, and one or two —CH? may be replaced by —N?; Z1 and Z2 are each independently a single bond, —(CH2)2—, —(CH2)4—, —CH?CH—, —C?—, —CH2O—, —OCH2—, —COO—, —OCO— or —OCF2—; l and m are each independently 0, 1 or 2, provided that l+m is 0, 1, 2 or 3; and n is an integer of from 0 to 6, provided that in —(CH2)n—, —CH2— may be replaced by —O—, but plural —O— are not adjacent to eac

Abstract: A recording paper containing pulp fibers and filler as main components and containing at least a heterocyclic carboxylic acid and a water-soluble polymer in the surface of the recording paper, wherein the surface contains at least one kind of cationic substance selected from the group consisting of a cationic organic molecule and a metal salt containing a metal cation of valency two or greater.

Abstract: Bottles, containers and other articles are formed from polypropylene compositions that include a reheating agent, such as antimony, carbon black, graphite, titanium, copper, manganese, iron, tungsten, graphite, infra-red absorbing dyes or other infra-red absorbing material. The reheating time for the polypropylene composition is shortened for injection stretch blow molding or thermoforming, and the polypropylene granule composition with reheating agent has an L* value of at least 80% of the L* value for a polypropylene granule control without added reheating agents as measured by the Gardner color test. The reheating agent may be incorporated into the polypropylene composition by in situ chemical reduction of a metal compound, such as antimony triglycolate, with a reducing agent, such as hypophosphorous acid. In addition, the polypropylene composition with reheating agent may be derived from a polypropylene masterbatch with high concentrations of reheating agent.

Abstract: A rolled membrane includes a core member and a membrane having a width defined by a first edge and a second edge. The membrane can be rolled around the core member such that the first edge and the second edge are exposed. A pre-applied seam tape having a substantially uniform thickness is affixed along the first edge. A first and second compression spacer may be located substantially adjacent to the seam tape and the second edge, respectively. The compression spacers have a thickness at least 0.005 inches greater than the thickness of the seam tape. The compression spacers are configured to allow the seam tape to remain in a substantially uncompressed state when the membrane is rolled and, therefore, avoid damage. The compression spacers allow the membrane to be rolled uniformly on the core member without telescoping and with a uniform cross-sectional diameter along the width of the rolled membrane.

Abstract: A Phase-change optical recording media includes a recording film that causes reversible phase-change between a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase on irradiation with light, and an interface film formed in contact with at least one surface of the recording film and containing Hf (hafnium), O (oxygen) and N (nitrogen).

Abstract: A flexible insulation blanket having a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) outer layer, and a method of producing a flexible insulation blanket having a smooth, aerodynamically suitable, outer surface by infiltrating ceramic material within the outer ceramic fabric layer of the flexible insulation blanket and curing the ceramic material to form a CMC layer. The CMC layer is cured while the blanket is under compression such that the resulting CMC layer has a smooth surface.

Abstract: There is provided a honeycomb structured body having improved durability in a honeycomb structure body obtained by unitarily bonding a plurality of honeycomb segments. There is provided a honeycomb structure body 1 including a plurality of honeycomb segments 12 each having an outer wall 7, partition walls 2 disposed in the outer wall 7, and a plurality of cells 3 separated from each other by the partition walls 2 and extending in an axial direction, a bonding layer 8 interposed between the plurality of honeycomb segments 12 to unitarily bond the honeycomb segments 12, and an intermediate layer 9 interposed between the bonding layer 8 and the honeycomb segments 9. In the honeycomb structure body 1, pores having a diameter of 0.5 ?m or more of the intermediate layer 9 occupies 25% by volume or less of the whole volume of the intermediate layer 9.

Abstract: A composite laminar tape (1) for mass-sealing bottles (15) or similar containers consists, according to the invention, of at least one extensible laminar tape (16), made of an extensible plastomeric film, which is possibly provided with closed lines for a predetermined separation of areas being meant to act as sealing membranes. The invention also relates to an apparatus for mass-sealing containers with said tape, and to an apparatus for mass-unsealing the containers sealed with said tape.