Abstract:
The present invention relates to the formation and processing of nanostructures including nanotubes. Some embodiments provide processes for nanostructure growth using relatively mild conditions (e.g., low temperatures). In some cases, methods of the invention may improve the efficiency (e.g., catalyst efficiency) of nanostructure formation and may reduce the production of undesired byproducts during nanostructure formation, including volatile organic compounds and/or polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons. Such methods can both reduce the costs associated with nanostructure formation, as well as reduce the harmful effects of nanostructure fabrication on environmental and public health and safety.
Abstract:
Soluble alkyl [5-[amino(phenyl)methyl]-2H-benzimidazol-2-yl]carbamates, their enantiomorphic forms, and acid addition salts thereof are well absorbed and possess curative anthelmintic activity, especially against filarial worms, when administered orally or parenterally. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and methods of employing the compounds in methods of treating helminth infections in mammals are also disclosed, together with methods of synthesis.
Abstract:
Molecular complexes for targeting a gene encoding a secretory protein to a specific cell in vivo and obtaining secretion of the protein by the targeted cell are disclosed. An expressible gene encoding a desired secretory protein is complexed to a conjugate of a cell-specific binding agent and a gene-binding agent. The cell-specific binding agent is specific for a cellular surface structure which mediates internalization of ligands by endocytosis. An example is the asialoglycoprotein receptor of hepatocytes. The gene-binding agent is a compound such as a polycation which stably complexes the gene under extracellular conditions and releases the gene under intracellular conditions so that it can function within a cell. The molecular complex is stable and soluble in physiological fluids and can be used in gene therapy to selectively transfect cells in vivo to provide for production and secretion of a desired secretory protein.
Abstract:
Biodegradable controlled release nanoparticles as sustained release bioactive agent delivery vehicles include surface modifying agents to target binding of the nanoparticles to tissues or cells of living systems, to enhance nanoparticle sustained release properties, and to protect nanoparticle-incorporated bioactive agents. Unique methods of making small (10 nm to 15 nm, and preferably 20 nm to 35 nm) nanoparticles having a narrow size distribution which can be surface-modified after the nanoparticles are formed is described. Techniques for modifying the surface include a lyophilization technique to produce a physically adsorbed coating and epoxy-derivatization to functionalize the surface of the nanoparticles to covalently bind molecules of interest. The manoparticles may also comprise hydroxy-terminated or epoxide-terminated and/or activated multiblock copolymers, having hydrophobic segments which may be polycaprolactone and hydrophilic segments. The nanoparticles are useful for local intravascular administration of smooth muscle inhibitors and antithrombogenic agents as part of interventional cardiac or vascular catheterization such as a balloon angioplasty procedure; direct application to tissues and/or cells for gene therapy, such as the delivery of osteotropic genes or gene segments into bone progenitor cells; or oral administration in an enteric capsule for delivery of protein/peptide based vaccines.
Abstract:
The cystic fibrosis gene and its gene product are described for both the normal and mutant forms. The genetic and protein information is used in developing DNA diagnosis, protein diagnosis, carrier and patient screening, drug and gene therapy, cloning of the gene and manufacture of the protein, and development of cystic fibrosis affected animals.
Abstract:
Thrombin-induced and ADP-induced platelet and other cell activation is inhibited without affecting thrombin's other proteolytic activity by administration of a bradykinin sequence related analogous peptide. Bradykinin analogs are peptides to which substitutions, additions or deletions have been made to the first four amino acids of the amino acid sequence of native bradykinin. The bradykinin analogs described inhibit α-thrombin-induced and ADP-induced platelet activation and secretion, inhibit α-thrombin-induced calcium mobilization, and prevent α-thrombin from cleaving its platelet receptor. The bradykinin analogs may comprise single- or multiple-chain peptides.
Abstract:
Novel water-soluble mono and disaccharides of 1,2-dithiins, as well as methods for their synthesis and the synthesis of 3,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)-1,2-dithiin, are provided. The water-soluble compounds have useful medicinal applications, e.g., as an antifungal agent or antibacterial agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
Abstract:
A purified RNA molecule comprises an RNA sequence corresponding to a DNA molecule comprising an intronless DNA sequence selected from:
(a) DNA sequences which correspond to the DNA sequence of Figure 1 from amino acid residue position 1 to position 1480; (b) DNA sequences encoding normal CFTR polypeptide having the sequence according to Figure 1 for amino acid residue positions from 1 to 1480; (c) DNA sequences which correspond to a fragment of the sequence of Figure 1 including at least 16 sequential nucleotides between amino acid residue positions 1 and 1480; (d) DNA sequences which comprise at least 16 nucleotides and encode a fragment of the amino acid sequence of Figure 1; and (e) DNA sequences encoding an epitope encoded by at least 18 sequential nucleotides in the sequence of Figure 1 between amino acid residue positions I and 1480.
Similar RNA molecules are also disclosed, as are nucleic acid probes and polypeptides based on the RNA sequences. A method of screening for cystic fibrosis includes use of the nucleotide probes described.
Abstract:
Novel water-soluble mono and disaccharides of 1,2-dithiins, as well as methods for their synthesis and the synthesis of 3,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)-1,2-dithiin, are provided. The water-soluble compounds have useful medicinal applications, e.g., as an antifungal agent or antibacterial agent in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.