Abstract: The invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising MSP-8 linked to an antigen. Methods of using the composition to induce an immune response in an animal are also provided.

Abstract: Based upon a strong correlation between regulator T cells (Treg cells) and suppressing or preventing a cytotoxic T cell response, provided are methods for the production of ex vivo activated and culture-expanded isolated CD4+CD25+ suppressor Treg cells for the prevention or suppression of immune reactions in a host, particularly in a human host, and including autoimmune responses. The resulting ex vivo culture-expanded Treg cells provide a sufficient amount of otherwise low numbers of such cells, having long term suppressor capability to permit therapeutic uses, including the preventing, suppressing, blocking or inhibiting the rejection of transplanted tissue in a human or other animal host, or protecting against graft vs host disease. Also provided are therapeutic and immunosuppressive methods utilizing the ex vivo culture-expanded Treg cells for human treatment, and high efficiency methods for research use.

Abstract: The invention includes Rh(D) binding proteins, including antibodies, and DNA encoding such proteins. Methods of generating such proteins and DNAs are also included.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a poxvirus vaccine comprising a soluble truncated poxvirus envelope protein. The invention is also directed to a vaccine comprising a nucleic acid encoding such proteins. Also included is an antibody which specifically binds to the proteins and nucleic acid encoding the same, as well as methods of preventing and treating a poxvirus infection using the afore-mentioned vaccine, antibody, protein, and nucleic acid encoding them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a composition including a seven-amino acid peptide that promotes neuronal survival, inhibits inflammation, and is a potent inhibitor of sPL2A, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant multi-functional chimera of CVN and 12p1. Chimeras of CVN and 12p1 present a model for targeting gp120 at two discrete sites, by two different modes of inhibition and with increasing potency versus either component alone. A chimera of the invention combines the high affinity suppression of viral activity by CVN with the allosteric suppression of viral envelope binding to both CD4 and co-receptor by 12p1.

Abstract: Compounds, which inhibit the binding of gp120 to CD4 as well as 17b and methods for their use in inhibiting the HIV fusion process, are provided.

Abstract: Nogo-B receptors bind to Nogo-B and mediate its biological function. We have discovered that Nogo-B receptor is a component of endothelial cells, and is highly expressed in intact blood vessels. The present invention provides compositions comprising the Nogo-B receptor and fragments and fusion proteins thereof. The present invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding the Nogo-B receptor and fragments and fusion proteins thereof, as well as vectors and cells comprising such nucleic acids. The present invention also relates to antibodies specific for the Nogo-B receptor and fragments and fusion proteins thereof. The present invention also provides methods for preventing, detecting and treating Nogo-B receptor-related diseases, disorders and conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for controlled neuromodulation. The apparatus includes a plurality of neural sensors, wherein each of the neural sensors is electrically connected to a separate signal conditioner. Each of the signal conditioners produces a neural sensor signal, which is analyzed by a separate threshold detector to produces a neural event signal when the neural sensor signal exceeds a threshold level associated with the threshold detector. Each of the threshold detectors is connected to a wireless transceiver and the wireless transceivers transmit the neural event signals to a processor. The processor analyzes the neural event signals and determines the presence or absence of a clinical brain state. The apparatus can be used to detect and control epileptic seizures.

Abstract: A catalytic process for the synthesis of aromatic primary amines, reagent compositions for effecting the process, and transition metal complexes useful in the process, are provided.

Abstract: Non-woven fibrous scaffolds made by electrospinning from the synthetic biodegradable polymer such as, for example, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and natural proteins, such as, for example, gelatin (denatured collagen) and elastin and a method of making thereof.

Abstract: Fusion proteins which act on the TWEAK and TRAIL signaling axes are provided. The proteins are useful in the treatment or amelioration of autoimmune diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis, as well as other diseases such as alloimmune diseases and cancer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for evaluating an oocyte for fertilization and implantation. For example, methods are provided for determining whether an oocyte expresses, or does not express, one or more of a group of markers identified as differently expressed between chromosomally normal and chromosomally abnormal oocytes. Also provided, for example, are methods for determining whether a cumulus cell expresses, or does not express, one or more of a group of markers identified as differently expressed between cumulus cells associated with chromosomally normal oocytes and cumulus cells associated with chromosomally abnormal oocytes. Methods are provided for the detection of marker expression of differentially expressed genes at the RNA level, as well as at the protein level.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel anabaseine derivatives that act as agonists of the ?7 nAChR. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treating inflammatory conditions, methods of treating CNS disorders, methods for inhibiting cytokine release from mammalian cells and methods for the preparation of the novel compounds.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject with a cytokine-mediated inflammatory disorder comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable cholinesterase inhibitor, provided that the inhibitor is not galantamine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhibition of angiogenesis by neutrophil alpha-defensins. Further, the present invention relates to methods involving the inhibition of endothelial cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, endothelial cell apoptosis, and endothelial cell angiogenesis mediated by alpha-defensins.