Abstract:
The present invention provides a protein that edits apo B RNA. A polynucleotide that comprises a DNA sequence that encodes an apo B RNA editing protein and an expression vector comprising such a polynucleotide are also provided. Processes for producing an apo B RNA editing protein, editing apo B RNA and altering apo B protein production are also provided.
Abstract:
A method for improving the size and appearance of a scar associated with a fibromatosis, a keloid, or a hypertrophic wound healing disorder comprises stimulating collagenase activity in the scar. Preferably, stimulating collagenase activity is accomplished by covering said scar with a thermal insulating material that elevates the surface temperature of the scar. Further disclosed is a method for improving the size and appearance of a scar by covering said scar with a thermal insulating material that elevates the surface temperature of the scar and that contains a therapeutically effective amount of a medicament.
Abstract:
p-sulfoxy cinnamic acid isolated from methanolic extracts of the eelgrass Zostera marina having significant antifouling aquatic properties. p-sulfoxy cinnamic acid was synthesized in the laboratory from p-coumaric acid, and antifouling activity was identical to the natural compound in laboratory bioassays. In addition, sulfate esters of other phenolic acids showed similar antifouling activity, suggesting that the sulfate ester was responsible for the antifouling effect.
Abstract:
The present invention provides the gene product of the herpes simplex virus UL13 gene as being capable of phosphorylating other gene products of the herpes simplex virus. The herpes simplex virus UL13 gene product is used in an assay to identify substances suspected of having anti-herpes simplex viral activity.
Abstract:
A fault current limiter (10) for an electrical circuit (14). The fault current limiter (10) includes a high temperature superconductor (12) in the electrical circuit (14). The high temperature superconductor (12) is cooled below its critical temperature to maintain the superconducting electrical properties during operation as the fault current limiter (10).
Abstract:
Disclosed is a novel class of antiandrogenic compounds including saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, their derivatives, and synthetic analogs, their method of synthesis, and their use in treating disorders associated with androgenic activities. Also disclosed is the use of known compounds not previously known for their antiandrogenic activity in treating disorders related to androgenic activities.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to methods of treatment of programmed cell death (apoptosis) through the use of the HSV-1 gene gamma 134.5 or the product of its expression, ICP34.5. The gene and its expression have been demonstrated to be required for HSV-1 neurovirulence, and in particular, to act as an inhibitor of neuronal programmed cell death which allows for viral replication. Use of the gene therapy, or the protein itself, can be expected to result in inhibition of programmed cell death in various neurodegenerative diseases. This invention also relates to novel vectors for gene therapy, including modified herpes virus. Methods are presented for conducting assays for substances capable of mimicing, potentiating or inhibiting the expression of gamma 134.5 or the activity of ICP34.5. Also, methods are disclosed for the treatment of tumorogenic diseases, including cancer, and for treatment of herpes and other viral infections using inhibitors of gamma 134.5 expression or ICP34.5 activity.
Abstract:
Novel methods for prophylaxis and treatment of tissue damage resulting from cell membrane permeabilization are disclosed. Compositions comprising a surface active copolymer are employed to prevent permeabilization or to promote membrane repair. Methods for enhancement of cell survival following membrane permeabilization in vitro are also disclosed, along with methods for increasing the efficacy of transfection of cells with foreign exogenous macromolecules, in particular DNA, also involving treatment of permeabilized cells with a surface active copolymer. Also disclosed are novel methods for prophylaxis and treatment of tissue damage, and for enhancement of cell survival and transfection efficacy, using a surface active copolymer in combination with high energy phosphate compounds which are capable of recharging cellular energy stores and thereby potentiating cell repair and survival. Compositions comprising surface active copolymers for intravenous, intramuscular, and topical use are also disclosed, along with novel compositions comprising a combination of a surface active copolymer and a high energy phosphate compound.
Abstract:
A semiconstrained prosthetic knee for surgical replacement of a dysfunctional knee includes a tibial platform (22), a movable bearing element (16), and a femoral component (12). The femoral component (12) includes a polycentric convex bearing which slidably engages a movable bearing (16). The superior surface of the bearing element (16) is designed to congruently slidably engage the inferior surface of the bearing portion of the femoral component (12). The inferior surface of the femoral component (12) is generally convex with two or more offset portions of varying radii of curvature matching complementary superior surfaces of the bearing element (16). The inferior surface of the femoral component (12) may have more than one radius of curvature at different points along the convex surface. The superior surface of the tibial platform (22) is generally flat and includes at least one protrusion for controlling the movement of the bearing element (16).
Abstract:
The present invention provides isolated and purified polynucleotides that encode bacterial polypeptides that participate in the utilization of sucrose. Isolated bacterial sucrose synthase compositions and methods of use are provided. Processes for altering sucrose synthase activity, altering the starch and/or sucrose content of bacterial and/or plant cells, methods of identifying sucrose synthase-encoding nucleic acid segments, and compositions comprising sucrose synthase peptides and antibodies are also disclosed.