Abstract: It is an object to provide a protein having a dockerin, which is suited to production in yeasts and other eukaryotic microorganism in which sugar chain modification is predicted, and which provides excellent cohesin-dockerin binding ability, along with a use thereof. The present invention uses, as a protein for constructing a protein complex using a scaffolding protein having a type I cohesin from Clostridium thermocellum, a protein having a dockerin having at least one dockerin-specific sequence which is a dockerin-specific sequence associated with cohesin binding in type I dockerins from C. thermocellum, and which either has no intrinsic predicted N-type sugar chain modification site or has aspartic acid substituted for the asparagine of an intrinsic predicted N-type sugar chain modification site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the efficiency of targeted integration of a polynucleotide to a pre-determined site into the genome of a filamentous fungal cell with a preference for NHR, wherein said polynucleotide has a region of homology with said pre-determined site, comprising steering an integration pathway towards HR. The present invention also relates to a mutant filamentous fungus originating from a parent cell, said mutant having an HR pathway with elevated efficiency and/or an NHR pathway with a lowered efficiency and/or a NHR/HR ratio with decreased efficiency as compared to said HR and/or NHR efficiency and/or NHR/HR ratio of said parent cell under the same conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anticoagulant polypeptide and applications thereof. The anticoagulant polypeptide comprises a polypeptide formed by an amino acid sequence as represented in Seq. ID No. 1; or comprises a derived polypeptide that selectively inhibits coagulation factor XIa and is formed by an amino acid sequence, as represented in Seq. ID No. 1, that has undergone one or multiple amino acid residue substitutions, deletions, or insertions. The anticoagulant polypeptide is a selective inhibitor for coagulation factor XIa, has anticoagulant activity and small side-effect, and can be used in preparing medicines for the prevention and treatment of thrombotic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the field of allergy. More specifically, the invention relates to the identification of new allergens from mammals and to diagnosis and treatment of allergy towards mammals. In particular the invention relates to a recombinantly produced canine allergen, Can f 4, or bovine allergen, Bos d 23k, or variants or fragments thereof sharing epitopes with the wildtype allergen, and the use thereof for the manufacture of a diagnostic composition as well as methods for in vitro diagnosis and treatment of allergy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel variants of human glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and methods for their use.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a fusion protein comprising a variant of a nucleoprotein antigen from Influenza strain A, B or C, and a variant of a C4bp oligomerization domain for increasing the cellular immunogenicity of the nucleoprotein antigen from Influenza. The invention is also related to nucleic acids, vectors, fusion proteins and immunogenic compositions, for their use as a vaccine or immunotherapy for the prevention and treatment of influenza disease.

Abstract: The genes the expression of which is reduced or disappeared in immortal cells including cancer cells are isolated, their DNA sequences are determined, the genes are expressed to produce cell proliferation inhibitory proteins, and the genes and the proteins are utilized as agents for diagnosis or treatment, including the genetic diagnosis of or the gene therapy of diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to derivatives of recombinant proteins, comprising homo-multimers of genetically fused recombinant biologically active protein monomer units, connected via selected peptide linker moiety; and the method of preparation thereof. Derivative of recombinant protein is preferably dimer of human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, characterised by increased circulation time in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to the therapeutic use of stabilized oligoribonucleotides as immune modulatory agents for immune therapy applications. Specifically, the invention provides RNA based oligoribonucleotides with improved nuclease and RNase stability and that have immune modulatory activity through TLR7 and/or TLR8.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in particular embodiments, for modified recombinant T cell receptor (TCR) ligands (RTLs) comprising a MHC class I or MHC class II component. The modified RTLs have redesigned surface features that preclude or reduce aggregation, wherein the modified molecules retain the ability to bind Ag-peptides, target antigen-specific T cells, inhibit T cell proliferation in an Ag-specific manner and have utility to treat, inter alia, autoimmune disease and other conditions mediated by antigen-specific T cells in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for treating and diagnosing hematologic malignancies, Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma in particular, using PD-1 ligands (PD-L1, PD-L2, or anti-PD-1 antibodies).

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of recombinant gene engineering. It concerns novel introns and compositions comprising such introns as well as a method to improve expression of polypeptides from nucleic acids such as cloned genes with heterologous introns, especially genes encoding antibodies and antibody derived fragments, and the production of various polypeptides in eukaryotic host cells using said novel intron sequences as heterologous introns.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody directed against the influenza A virus is described, which is capable of binding human and animal isolates of influenza A viruses expressing the H1-subtype hemagglutinin. A preferred embodiment is the antibody designated as Fab49, which shows a neutralizing activity against a plurality of influenza A virus isolates expressing the H1-subtype hemagglutinin, including animal-derived isolates. Anti-idiotype antibodies directed against the monoclonal antibody of the invention, immunogenic or vaccine compositions comprising the monoclonal antibody of the invention are also described, as well as therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic applications for the monoclonal antibody of the invention. The monoclonal antibody of the invention can also be employed for testing antibody preparations to be used as vaccines.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for cancer diagnostics and therapy are provided. More particular, methods and compositions for detecting, preventing, and treating HERV-K+ cancers are provided. One example of a method may involve a method for preventing or inhibiting cancer cell proliferation by administering to a subject a cancer cell proliferation blocking or reducing amount of a HERV-K env protein binding antibody.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of an immunoglobulin composition from a plasma fraction having immunoglobulins, and antibody preparations prepared utilizing the process.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides antibodies that specifically bind to botulinum neurotoxins (e.g., BoNT/A, BoNT/B, BoNT/C, BoNT/D, BoNT/E, BoNT/F, BoNT/G, etc.) and the epitopes bound by those antibodies. The antibodies and derivatives thereof that specifically bind to the neutralizing epitopes provided herein can be used to neutralize botulinum neurotoxin and are therefore also useful in the treatment of botulism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to BCMA (B-Cell Maturation Antigen) antigen binding proteins, such as antibodies, polynucleotide sequences encoding said antigen binding proteins, and compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating diseases. The present invention also relates to BCMA antibody drug conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses humanized antibodies that specifically bind N2 peptide, methods for the preparation thereof and methods for the use thereof.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting complement activation mediated by C3b inhibitors in a subject includes administering a C3b inhibitor to the subject to inhibit at least one of C3b binding to factors B and properdin, inhibit C3 cleavage, inhibit the activation of neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, and endothelium; or inhibit the formation of C3a, C5a, and MAC.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of osteoarthritis (OA). In accordance with the present invention, an antagonist of GM-CSF can be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis. An antagonist of GM-CSF includes, but is not limited to, an antibody that is specific for GM-CSF or the GM-CSF receptor. The present invention further provides transgenic animals, such as a GM-CSF knock-out mouse, useful for testing antagonists in certain disease models.

Abstract: There are provided peptides derived from antibodies with reactivity against a GPI linkage epitope and functionally-equivalent ligands. These peptides can be used in the therapy and diagnosis of a variety of diseases, all of which are considered to be caused by the inappropriate presence in the body of autoantibodies which are reactive with GPI linkage epitopes. There is also described a mechanism of action of these autoantibodies which compromises the organism, so causing disease, and a method of prevention of disease and detection of the autoantibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel antibody vaccine conjugates and methods of using the same to induce a cytotoxic T cell (CTL) response. In a particular, embodiment, the vaccine conjugate includes a human chorionic gonadotropin beta subunit (?hCG) antigen linked to an anti-mannose receptor (MR) antibody.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method suitable for administering protein therapeutic molecules orally, sublingually, topically, intravenously, subcutaneously, nasally, vaginally, rectally or by inhalation so as to avoid inactivation, by using VHH polypeptides derived from Camelidae antibodies. The invention further relates to the said therapeutic molecules. The invention further relates to a method for delivering therapeutic molecules to the interior of cells. The invention further relates to polypeptide constructs including VHH directed against EGFR.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of osteoarthritis (OA) and/or pain. In accordance with the present invention, an antagonist of c-Fms is effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis and/or pain. An antagonist of M-CSF includes, but is not limited to, an antibody that is specific for M-CSF, IL-34 or c-Fms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to humanized antibodies that specifically bind to CXCR5 and can, for example, inhibit CXCR5 function. The invention also includes uses of the antibodies to treat or prevent CXCR5 related diseases or disorders.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for inhibiting, delaying, or reducing tumor growth and metastases of plexin-B1-expressing cancer cells in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an isolated binding molecule which specifically binds to semaphorin-4D (SEMA4D) in combination with an effective amount of at least one other immune modulating therapy.

Abstract: This invention relates to antibodies that specifically bind HER2/neu, and particularly chimeric 4D5 antibodies to HER2/neu, which have reduced glycosylation as compared to known 4D5 antibodies. The invention also relates to methods of using the 4D5 antibodies and compositions comprising them in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, and infectious disease.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting complement activation mediated by Bb inhibitors in a subject includes administering a Bb inhibitor to the subject to inhibit at least one of Bb binding to factors B and properdin, inhibit C3 cleavage, inhibit the activation of neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, and endothelium; or inhibit the formation of C3a, C5a, and MAC.

Abstract: A new fusion protein which can specifically suppress the autoantibodies, which can effectively prevent or treat the autoimmune disease of autoantibody type, and which can be expressed in an amount sufficient for industrial production. A fusion protein, characterized in that, a protein (X) containing a site recognized by autoantibodies which are a cause of the autoimmune disease of autoantibody type is connected to a protein (A) containing a fragment of the antibody heavy chain constant region which exhibits the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity with a linker peptide (L) consisting of one or more amino acid(s), wherein the protein (X), the linker peptide (L) and the protein (A) are connected in this order by means of peptide bond from N terminal to C terminal.

Abstract: This invention provides cellulose ester interpolymers, and methods of oxidizing cellulose interpolymers and cellulose ester interpolymers. The invention also provides routes to access carboxylated cellulose ester derivatives with high acid numbers wherein the carboxyl group is attached directly to the cellulose backbone by a carbon-carbon bond. Through functionalization of an intermediate aldehyde, the corresponding cationic or zwitterionic cellulose ester derivatives can also be accessed. The interpolymers of the present invention have a number of end-use applications, for example, as binder resins in various types of coating compositions and as drug delivery agents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-strength conductive film having excellent conductivity which can be applied in electronic devices, and which further reduces unevenness in conduction. The conductive film comprises modified fine cellulose having at least a carboxyl group and one type or two or more types of conductive substance. Further, the conductive film is formed by a process involving a step for oxidizing cellulose to prepare modified cellulose, a step for making finer the modified cellulose by dispersing the same in a dispersion medium to prepare modified fine cellulose, a step for mixing the modified fine cellulose and the conductive substance to prepare a dispersion liquid, and a step for drying the dispersion liquid to form a conductive film.

Abstract: A superhydrophilic amphiphilic copolymer and process for making the superhydrophilic amphiphilic copolymer includes a low molecular weight polysaccharide modified with a hydrophobic reagent, such as substituted succinic anhydride. The superhydrophilic amphiphilic copolymer system generates stable foam for use in applications, such as healthcare formulations, with low irritation of the eyes and skin.

Abstract: To provide a novel substance having an excellent water-dispersibility capable of forming an emulsion which spreads rapidly onto the skin, does not undergo aggregation or segregation due to a salt, and is excellent in a low temperature stability. The aforementioned problems were found to be solved by means of a certain polysaccharide and the invention was established.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a soluble inclusion complex comprising one or several active substances which are hardly soluble in an aqueous medium and are included in one or several host molecules, using the following successive stages: (a) bringing one or several active substances into contact with one or several host molecules; (b) initiating a molecular diffusion stage by bringing a dense pressurized fluid into contact with the mixture obtained in (a) in a static mode in the presence of one or several diffusing agents; (c) recovering the active substance-host molecule molecular complex formed; (d) adding and mixing an interaction agent with the active substance-host molecule molecular complex; (e) recovering the soluble inclusion compound thus formed. The invention also relates to the soluble inclusion compound obtained by the method, particularly a piroxicam-cyclodextrin-arginine compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hyaluronic acid derivative comprising disaccharide units of Formula (I), and a hyaluronic acid derivative/drug conjugate wherein one or more drugs are conjugated to the hyaluronic acid derivative.

Abstract: A method to increase the molecular weight of wood mannans and xylans comprising aromatic moieties comprises the steps: a) obtaining mannan and/or xylan from wood, b) subjecting the mannan/xylan to oxidizing conditions to convert at least a fraction of the aromatic groups into radicals and reacting said radicals with each other to obtain complexes of mannan/xylan with increased molecular weight. The method is easy and cost efficient and enables to upgrade small wood mannans and xylans that are important in the pulp and paper industry into larger mannans and xylans and more defined structures which makes their isolation easier and application areas broader. Another advantage is that separation of mannans and xylans from mannans and xylans with bound aromatic groups is provided. The wood mannans and xylans with increased molecular weight can be used for the manufacture of barrier films in packages, for instance for oxygen, liquids and gas.

Abstract: A method for producing a polyacrylic water-absorbent resin powder includes the steps of: producing an acrylic monomer solution in which gas is dissolved and/or dispersed; polymerizing the monomer solution in the absence of a surface active agent or in the presence of not more than 300 ppm of a surface active agent; during or after polymerizing, fragmenting the resulting hydrated gel crosslinked polymer; and drying the fragmented hydrated gel crosslinked polymer. The gas is dissolved and/or dispersed in the monomer solution by (a) applying pressure to the acrylic monomer solution and the gas; (b) creating swirling flows of the acrylic monomer solution and the gas; or (c) introducing the gas with the acrylic monomer solution via fine holes. The production method efficiently produces a water-absorbent resin having an excellent water-absorption rate without deteriorating a liquid-absorbent property of a sanitary product or the like.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a method of producing a PTFE aqueous dispersion which contains PTFE particles having a small particle size and which is excellent in dispersion stability by multistage polymerization without using a long-chain fluorosurfactant. The method includes the steps of: (1) polymerizing a fluoromonomer in an aqueous medium in the presence of a fluorosurfactant and a polymerization initiator to provide an aqueous dispersion containing particles of at least one fluoropolymer selected from the group consisting of PTFE and melt-processible fluororesins excluding polytetrafluoroethylene; and (2) polymerizing TFE alone or TFE and a modifying monomer in an aqueous medium in the presence of the fluoropolymer particles and a polymerization initiator to provide an aqueous dispersion containing PTFE particles. The fluoropolymer particles have an equivalent weight (EW) of 6,000 or more and a volume average particle size of not smaller than 0.1 nm but smaller than 20 nm.

Abstract: A solid catalyst component for olefin polymerization includes titanium, magnesium, a halogen, and a compound represented by the following formula (1): R1O—C(?O)—O—Z—OR2, and an olefin polymerization catalyst includes the solid catalyst component, an organoaluminum compound, and an optional external electron donor compound. An olefin polymer that has a moderate molecular weight distribution while maintaining high stereoregularity can be produced by utilizing the solid catalyst component and the olefin polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: Process for polymerizing or copolymerizing ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of free-radical polymerization initiators at pressures in the range of from 110 MPa to 500 MPa and temperatures in the range of from 100° C. to 350° C. in a continuously operated polymerization apparatus, wherein the reaction gas composition is compressed to the polymerization pressure by at least two sequentially operating compressors in which a low-pressure compressor first compresses the reaction gas composition to a pressure of from 10 MPa to 50 MPa and a high-pressure compressor then further compresses the reaction gas composition to the polymerization pressure wherein the high-pressure compressor is operated with a polyalkylene glycol based synthetic lubricant and oxygen is introduced into the fresh gas feed or into the polymerization apparatus in an amount that the gas composition to be compressed in the high-pressure compressor has an oxygen content in the range of from 0.01 ppm to 0.9 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thiol-ene curing compositions, which cure upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and/or heat. The compositions include components having alkenyl (or “ene”) functionality and components having thiol functionality, which undergo thiol-ene curing. The compositions also include a cure system. More specifically, in some embodiments, the curable compositions include a vinyl polymer bearing alkenyl or thiol terminal functional group(s) and a cross-linking agent having the opposing functionality, i.e., thiol cross-linking agents with alkenyl-terminated vinyl polymers and vinyl cross-linking agents with thiol-terminated vinyl polymers. Also provided are methods of making and using the compositions, such as for sealants for in-place gasketing applications.

Abstract: There is provided a novel production method of a chlorinated hyperbranched polymer that is optically stable and is capable of derivatizing the chlorinated hyperbranched polymer into various compounds. A production method of a chlorinated hyperbranched polymer for producing a chlorinated hyperbranched polymer of Formula (1): {where X is a chlorine atom; R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and A1 is a phenylene-alkylene group, n is the number of repeating unit structures and is an integer of 2 to 100,000}, comprising the step of substituting a dithiocarbamate group of a hyperbranched polymer of Formula (3): (where R1, A1, and n are the same as defined in Formula (1); and each of R2 and R3 is a C1-5 alkyl group, a C1-5 hydroxyalkyl group, or a C7-12 arylalkyl group, or R2 and R3 optionally form a ring together with a nitrogen atom bonded to R2 and R3) with a chlorine atom using sulfuryl chloride.

Abstract: A method of forming a particle includes, in a disperse phase within an aqueous suspension, polymerizing a plurality of mer units of a hydrophilic monomer having a hydrophobic protection group, thereby forming a polymeric particle including a plurality of the hydrophobic protection groups. The method further includes converting the polymeric particle to a hydrophilic particle.

Abstract: A catalyst component for olefin polymerization is disclosed, which comprises a reaction product of the following components: (1) a spheric carrier; (2) a titanium compound; and optionally, (3) an electron donor, wherein the spheric carrier comprises a reaction product of at least the following components: (a) a magnesium halide represented by a general formula of MgX2-nRn, wherein X is independently chloride or bromide, R is a C1-C14 alkyl, a C6-C14 aryl, a C1-C14 alkoxy, or a C6-C14 aryloxy, and n is 0 or 1; (b) an alcohol compound; and (c) an epoxy compound represented by a general formula (I), wherein R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen, a C1-C5 linear or branched alkyl, or a C1-C5 linear or branched haloalkyl.

Abstract: An ethylene-based polymer characterized as having a density from about 0.9 to about 0.94 grams per cubic centimeter, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) from about 8 to about 30, a melt index (I2) from about 0.1 to about 50 grams per 10 minutes, a gpcBR value greater than 1.4 as determined by a gpcBR Branching Index and a Y value less than about 2 is disclosed. This ethylene-based polymer is especially useful for blending with other polymers such as LLDPE. When converting the blends into film, especially blown film, bubble stability and output is increased.

Abstract: An adduct of (a) at least one divinylarene dioxide, and (b) at least one end-functionalized polymer. For example, the adduct may be beneficially used as a toughening agent for toughening thermoset resins such as epoxy resins.

Abstract: Copolymer-modified nanoparticles produced by a process in which nanoparticles are ablated by laser radiation from a surface of a substrate in a liquid include an amphiphilic copolymer.

Abstract: A composition for use in forming a multi-block copolymer, said copolymer containing therein two or more segments or blocks differing in chemical or physical properties, a polymerization process using the same, and the resulting polymers, wherein the composition comprises the admixture or reaction product resulting from combining: (A) a first metal complex olefin polymerization catalyst, (B) a second metal complex olefin polymerization catalyst capable of preparing polymers differing in chemical or physical properties from the polymer prepared by catalyst (A) under equivalent polymerization conditions, and (C) a chain shuttling agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromium catalyzed ethylene copolymer powder exhibiting a superior fragmentation coefficient.

Abstract: Olefin polymerization is carried out with a supported phosphinimine catalyst which has been treated with a long chain substituted amine compound.