Abstract:
An isolated protein complex is provided which includes a growth factor, growth factor binding protein and vitronectin. Preferably, the isolated protein complex includes an insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 or insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 and vitronectin. Also provided are methods of modulating cell proliferation and/or migration by administering said protein complex for the purposes of wound healing, skin repair and tissue replacement therapy. Conversely, by using agents that disrupt growth factor protein complexes formed in vivo, growth factor-driven cell proliferation and/or migration may be suppressed such as for the purposes of treating cancers, psoriasis, atherosclerosis and wounds prone to hypertrophic scarring.
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to constructs and in particular genetic constructs comprising polynucleotide sequences capable of release in covalently closed, circular form from a larger nucleotide sequence such as a genome of a eukaryotic cell. Preferably, once released, a polynucleotide sequence is reconstituted in a form which permits expression of the polynucleotide sequence. In one embodiment, the reconstituted polynucleotide sequence comprises a coding sequence with all or part of an extraneous nucleotide such as an intronic sequence or other splice signal inserted therein. Expression and in particular transcription of the coding sequence involves splicing out the extraneous sequence. The release and circularization is generally in response to a stimulus such as a protein-mediated stimulus. More particularly, the protein is a viral or prokaryotic or eukaryotic derived protein or developmentally and/or tissue specific regulated protein.
Abstract:
A method of estimating contact forces between the wheels of a railway wagon and a rail track, for use in determining information such as the likelihood of derailment. Accelerations of the body of the wagon are measured using motion sensors located at suitable points on the body. Forces on the side frames of the wagon are calculated based on the accelerations of the body and predetermined parameters of the body. Forces on the wheels of the wagon are calculated based on the accelerations of the body and predetermined parameters of the body. The contact forces between the wheels and the rails are then calculated based on the forces calculated for the side frames and the wheels. The calculations are carried out using an inverse model of the wagon system. Equipment which implements the method is also described.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method for profiling an individual or group of individuals with respect to a neurological, psychiatric or psychological condition, phenotype or state, including a sub-threshold neurological, psychiatric or psychological condition, phenotype or state. More particularly, the present invention identifies a genetic profile associated with the 957C>T polymorphysm within the dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2), indicating a predisposition to schizophrenia and other neurological diseases.
Abstract:
This invention discloses a constitutive promoter from the Taro bacilliform virus (TaBV) for expression of foreign or endogenous coding sequences in plants, including dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants. The invention also discloses a chimeric nucleic acid construct comprising the promoter of the invention operably linked to a foreign or endogenous polynucleotide that codes for a protein of interest or a transcript capable of modulating expression of a target gene. The invention further discloses transformed plant cells, as well as differentiated plants and plant parts, containing the construct. Methods for diagnosis and treatment of viral infections, especially badnaviral infections, are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to a method and agents for profiling or stratifying an individual or group of individuals with respect to a neurological, psychiatric or psychological condition, phenotype or state, including a sub-threshold neurological, psychiatric or psychological condition, phenotype or state. More particularly, the present invention utilizes genetic means to profile or stratify individuals with respect to a neurological, psychiatric or psychological condition, phenotype or state. The present invention enables the identification of individuals at risk of these disorders thus affording the opportunity for early intervention. In addition, the subject invention allows the prediction of drug or other treatment response and adverse reactions.
Abstract:
A novel composition for use in treating a wound, burn or other skin condition comprises one or more compounds of formula (I), wherein: m = 0-6, n = 6-100, Q, R and R′ may be independently selected from, C1-5 alkyl, OU, UOCH2CH3, CH2CH3, UOCH3, OH, O(CH2)y(OU)yCH3, (OCH2CH2)yOU, (OCH2CH2)yOH, UOH, UOU′, UCO2U′, CO2U, UCO2COU, CO2H, UCO2H, COX, UCOX, UCO2 R′, CO2COU, Aryl, ArylU, ArylUU, ArylUU′U″, NH2, UNH2, NHU, NUU′, NO2, UNO2, UCONH2, CONH2, UCONHU′, CONHU, UCONU′U″, CONU′U″, halogen, PO4H3, PO4H3-z, PO4H3-zU (z = 0, 1, 2 or 3), PU3, P U′U″U′″SH, SO2 and SO3H; wherein U, U′, U″ and U′″ may be independently selected from any alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group where the number of carbon atoms is between 1 and 31; wherein X=halogen; wherein y=1-100; provided that Q, R and R′ can not all be C1 alkyl; and wherein the compound of formula (I) is present in an amount of at least 1% of the composition.
Abstract:
The present invention features a method and device for measuring characteristics of the human eye, particularly spherical refractive error. The device comprises a recorded hologram of an array of elements each bearing an identifying indicia. When the reconstructed hologram is viewed by a subject each of the indicia appear at different virtual distances. By indicating which indicia appear to be in focus the spherical refractive error of the eye and the range of accommodation is determined. The indicia are conveniently numbers that indicate dioptres. Also described is an apparatus for working the method. The apparatus can also be used to determine cylinder power and axis, binocular refraction and stereopsis.
Abstract:
An isolated protein complex is provided which includes a growth factor, growth factor binding protein and vitronectin. Preferably, the isolated protein complex includes an insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 or insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 and vitronectin. Also provided are methods of modulating cell proliferation and/or migration by administering said protein complex for the purposes of wound healing, skin repair and tissue replacement therapy. Conversely, by using agents that disrupt growth factor protein complexes formed in vivo, growth factor-driven cell proliferation and/or migration may be suppressed such as for the purposes of treating cancers, psoriasis, atherosclerosis and wounds prone to hypertrophic scarring.
Abstract:
Paraxial rays and marginal rays entering the eye do not share a common point of focus in emmetropes, adults usually having a slightly positive spherical aberration. There is provided a method of treatment and prevention of myopia by inducing positive spherical aberration in the myopic eye. The cornea 30 of a myopic eye 31 is fitted with a lens 32 having its outer surface 34 formed having increasing dioptric power away from the axis 35 of the lens and cornea 30. Paraxial light rays 36 entering the central portion 37 of the lens 32 are focused on the retina 40 of the eye 31, producing a clear image of an object. Marginal light rays 41 entering the peripheral portion 42 of the cornea 30 are focused in a plane between the cornea 30 and the retina 40, and produce positive spherical aberration of the image on the latter. This positive spherical aberration produces a physiological effect on the eye which tends to inhibit growth of the eye, thus mitigating the tendency for the myopic eye to grow longer. Methods of treatment of hyperopia, and methods for prevention of focusing disorders based on the same principles are also provided.