Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids containing single-nucleotide polymorphisms identified for transcribed human sequences, as well as methods of using the nucleic acids.

Abstract: We have surprisingly discovered that the administration of a G1 and/or S phase drug such as &bgr;-lapachone in combination with a G2/M drug such as a taxame derivative such as paclitaxel resulted in an unexpected greater than additive (i.e., synergistic) reduction in the number of tumors (and tumor volume) as compared with the administration of these agents alone. In addition, no signs of toxicity or weight loss were observed. The present invention relates to a method for treating a mammalian tumor using combinations such as a taxane derivative, preferably paclitaxel, and a &bgr;-lapachone, or a derivative or analog thereof.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating or inhibiting the formation of tissue fibrosis using IL-13 antagonists, including without limitation soluble forms of the IL-13 receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of nucleic acid, including DNA, immunization of a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae, employing a vector, containing a nucleotide sequence encoding a CPN100605 polypeptide of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the CPN100605 polypeptide in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel isolated Wnt-7B-like polynucleotides and the membrane-associated or secreted polypeptides encoded by the Wnt-7B-like polynucleotides. Also provided are the antibodies that immunospecifically bind to a Wnt-7B-like polypeptide or any derivative, variant, mutant or fragment of the Wnt-7B-like polypeptide, polynucleotide or antibody. The invention additionally provides methods in which the Wnt-7B-like polypeptide, polynucleotide and antibody are utilized in the detection and treatment of a broad range of pathological states, as well as to other uses.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory compositions that contain fused cells formed by fusion between dendritic cells and non-dendritic cells, methods of using these compositions, and methods of generating dendritic cell hybrids.

Abstract: In summary of this disclosure, the present invention provides a method of nucleic acid, including DNA, immunization of a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae, employing a vector, containing a nucleotide sequence encoding an 98 kDa outer membrane protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the 98 kDa outer membrane protein gene in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for delivering biologically active molecules to the eye by implanting biocompatible capsules containing a cellular source of the biologically active molecule. Also provided is a method of treating ophthalmic diseases using biocompatible capsules.

Abstract: In summary of this disclosure, the present invention provides a method of nucleic acid, including DNA, immunization of a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae, employing a vector, containing a nucleotide sequence encoding a lorf2 protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the lorf2 gene in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: Multipotent neural stem cell (MNSC) progeny are transplanted into a recipient wherein they augment host tissue. The stem cells have a universal lineage potential and are capable of producing progeny that, in response to appropriate environmental signals, can differentiate into a variety of differentiated cell types, and not just neural lineages. MNSCs can be proliferated ex vivo to provide an unlimited supply of stem cells and stem cell progeny which give rise to the differentiated cell types of various tissues. The stem cells are readily amenable to genetic modification, if desired. They also have the advantage that they can be obtained from autologous adult human tissue and thus overcome prior art problems of transplant rejections.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to asynchronous scanning devices and methods of using asynchronous scanning to acquire fluorescence data from a sample, such as biological tissue, to facilitate diagnosis of the presence or absence of disease or other abnormality in the sample. The present invention is useful for biomedical diagnostics, chemical analysis or other evaluation of the target sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly efficient, high-throughput method for the identification and elimination of redundancy in a population of nucleic acid molecules using microarrays. This method involves a reiterative subtraction protocol that creates a library that becomes more biased toward unknown genes with each successive round. The removal of repetitive and previously characterized nucleic acids from the library allows the identification of low-abundance mRNA from sources of interest and enhances the rate of novel gene discovery. The present invention is also useful for the removal of contaminating nucleic acids from cloning libraries.

Abstract: A polycrystalline tungsten carbide ceramic cutting insert with chip control is disclosed for high speed machining.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences which comprise all or part of a nucleic acid sequence of a CIITA gene. These sequences can comprise a sequence which exhibits a transcriptional promoter activity, which activity is, in particular, specifically expressed in one cell type. The sequences can also comprise a coding sequence. Therapeutic and diagnostic applications, in particular relating to disorders in which it is desirable to act on the level at which genes which encode the class II molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are expressed.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) nucleic acid sequences, amino acid sequences, homologies, structural features and various other data characterizing a morphogen cell surface receptors particularly OP-1-binding cell surface receptors ALK-2, ALK-3, and ALK-6; (2) methods for producing receptor proteins, including fragments thereof, using recombinant DNA technology; (3) methods for identifying novel morphogen receptors and their encoding DNAS; (4) methods and compositions for identifying compounds capable of modulating endogenous morphogen receptor levels; and (5) methods and compositions for identifying morphogen receptor binding analogs useful in the design of morphogen agonists and antagonists for therapeutic, diagnostic and experimental uses.

Abstract: Polynucleotides having allosteric properties that modify a function or configuration of the polynucleotide with a chemical effector and/or physical signal are employed primarily as biosensors and/or enzymes for diagostic and catalytic purposes. In some preferred embodiments, the polynucleotides are DNA enzymes that are used in solution/suspension or attached to a solid support as biosensors to detect the presence or absence of a compound, its concentration, or physical change in a sample by observation of self-catalysis. Chemical effectors include organic compounds such as amino acids, amino acid derivatives, peptides, nucleosides, nucleotides, steroids, and mixtures of these with each other and with metal ions, cellular metabolites or blood components obtained from biological samples, steroids, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, food toxins, and the like. Physical signals include radiation, temperature changes, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A device is provided containing cells or tissue distributed on a filamentous cell-supporting matrix which is encapsulated by a semi-permeable membrane which can be immunoisolatory. The matrix may be formed of a plurality of monofilaments twisted into yarn that is in non-woven strands, or of the monofilaments or yarn woven into a mesh. Configurations of the matrix include a hollow cylinder, tube, solid cylinder or cord. A coating of extracellular matrix molecules may be on the matrix, or the matrix may be treated with plasma irradiation to enhance cell adhesion. The device can be made by inserting the matrix in a hollow membrane tube, injecting cells or tissue into the tube and sealing ends of the tube. The device is particularly useful for implantation into a mammalian host to provide therapy resulting from a biologically active molecule produced by the cells and tissue.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention are novel methods of factor IX protein recovery and purification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complexes of the 53BP2 protein with proteins identified as interacting with 53BP2 by a yeast two hybrid assay system. The proteins identified to interact with 53BP2 are &bgr;-tubulin, p62, hnRNP G, and three gene products, 53BP2-IP1, 53BP2-IP2, and 53BP2-IP3 encoded, in part, by the EST R72810 sequence. Thus, the invention provides complexes of 53BP2 and &bgr;-tubulin, p62, hnRNP G, 53BP2-IP1, 53BP2-IP2, and 53BP2-IP3 and derivatives, fragments and analogs thereof. The invention also provides the 53BP2-IP1, 53BP2-IP2 and 53BP2-IP3 genes and proteins and derivatives, fragments and analogs thereof. Methods of screening the complexes for efficacy in treating and/or preventing certain diseases and disorders, particularly cancer, autoimmune disease and neurodegenerative disease are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting and reversing nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging). Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises a thiazolium compound capable of inhibiting, and to some extent reversing, the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated. A novel immunoassay for detection of the reversal of the nonenzymatic crosslinking is also disclosed.