Abstract: Purified and isolated IL-1/TNF-&agr;-activated kinase (ITAK), nucleic acids encoding ITAK, processes for production of recombinant forms of ITAK, pharmaceutical compositions containing ITAK, and use of ITAK in therapies and in various assays, including assays to detect antagonists and agonists of ITAK are provided.

Abstract: Human CD16-II variants, DNA sequences coding for them, their use in therapy and/or in diagnosis of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory illnesses, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, are disclosed. The sequence listing for the new polypeptides is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides gram-negative bacterial strains that produce substantially pure non-pyrogenic lipopolysaccharide or lipid A. The present invention also relates to a use of said strains for the preparation of non-pyrogenic DNA and use of the same for introducing endogenous or foreign genes into animal cells or animal tissue. Further, the present invention relates to a use of said strains for the preparation of non-pyrogenic recombinant mammalian, protozoan and viral proteins. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a use of said strains for the preparation of non-pyrogenic bacterial vaccines and vaccine vectors. Yet a further use of the present invention relates to a use of said strains for the preparation of non-pyrogenic bacterial proteins and polysaccharide antigens for use as vaccines.

Abstract: An acid-labile protein is described that, when incubated with the 53-Kd acid-stable protein occupied by IGF, converts it to a high molecular weight complex, corresponding to the in vivo form of IGF. This protein is called the acid-labile subunit (ALS) of IGF binding protein complex and is provided in biologically pure form. ALS is useful in treating wounds and promoting cellular growth. The nucleic acid encoding ALS, antibodies binding thereto, and fragments thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A compact, efficient reactor for the photocatalyzed conversion of contaminants in a fluid stream. The reactor includes a photocatalyst disposed on a support structure with a light source in optical proximity to the support structure to activate the photocatalyst. In one embodiment of the invention, the support structure includes multiple non-intersecting fins oriented parallel to the general flow direction of the fluid stream to provide a reactor with low pressure drop and adequate mass transfer of the contaminant to the photocatalyst disposed on the surface of the fins. The light source includes one or more lamps that may penetrate the fins to provide efficient illumination of the photocatalyst. The fins may be flat or pleated. In an alternative embodiment, the fins are pleated and composed of a porous material. These fins are oriented so that the fluid stream flows through the fins.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit, .beta.4. The new subunit can form functional combinations with other neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits, including, but not limited to, alpha2, alpha3, alpha4 and beta2. A cDNA clone containing the DNA sequences that encode the novel receptor subunit of the invention has been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection for patent purposes.