Abstract: Devices and methods for ergonomically, quickly and securely carrying headsets, other wearable items, or other items that must remain handy. In an embodiment, there is a headset carrying device comprising a body for receiving a headset, supporting and protecting the majority of the headset body (boom); a capture clip for retaining the earpiece of the headset; and a mounting device for affixing the headset carrying device body to the user or an object. The capture clip holds the headset near the earpiece, allowing for easy and secure capture, followed by easily accomplished intentional release. The capture clip may be a removable component to accommodate various types of headset designs and sizes and formed into the body without moving parts, or alternatively comprises a mechanism with moving parts.

Abstract: This invention relates to sequential methods of cryopreserving bone marrow stromal cells that are transfected and used for gene therapy by transplantation. These methods include the following steps in various orders: obtaining the cells, expanding the cells in culture, transfecting the cells, and cryopreserving the cells. With these methods, populations of bone marrow stromal cells can be acquired that are large enough to be useful in a number of therapies. Further, these large populations can be stored for extended periods of time for immediate use when needed.

Abstract: The methods of the present invention are based on the discovery that adverse side effects (such as hemorrhage) can occur upon infusion of cells that express tissue factor. Accordingly, the methods of the invention are aimed at reducing the biological activity of tissue factor (TF) in a patient, and can be carried out by, for example: infusing fewer cells (or infuse the same number of BMSCs over a longer period of time); reducing the expression or activity of TF (within the infused cells specifically (e.g., by contacting the cells with a TF antagonist in vitro) or within the patient generally (e.g., by administering a TF antagonist to the patient); hampering the interaction of TF with factor VII(a); inhibiting the activity of the TF-factor VII(a) complex once it has formed; or inhibiting the coagulation cascade at any point downstream from formation of the complex (including inhibition of platelet activation).

Abstract: The invention features a method for the selection and expansion of bone marrow stromal cells. The method includes the steps of obtaining bone marrow stromal cells; introducing the stromal cells into a vessel pre-coated on an inner surface with a gelatin, and containing a culture medium including an acidic fibroblast growth factor ("aFGF") polypeptide; and expanding the stromal cells in the culture medium under conditions and for a time sufficient to obtain an increased number of bone marrow stromal cells. The culture medium additionally can include heparin, and the vessel additionally can be precoated with fetal bovine serum.

Abstract: The invention features a method for the selection and expansion of bone marrow stromal cells. The method includes the steps of obtaining bone marrow stromal cells; introducing the stromal cells into a vessel pre-coated on an inner surface with a gelatin, and containing a culture medium including an acidic fibroblast growth factor ("aFGF") polypeptide; and expanding the stromal cells in the culture medium under conditions and for a time sufficient to obtain an increased number of bone marrow stromal cells. The culture medium additionally can include heparin, and the vessel additionally can be precoated with fetal bovine serum.

Abstract: The present invention provides DNA constructs comprising a promoter DNA sequence and a DNA sequence coding for human serum albumin. In one embodiment the human serum albumin sequence comprises at least one, but not all, of the introns in the naturally occurring gene encoding for the HSA protein. In another embodiment the DNA constructs comprise a 5' regulatory sequence which directs the expression and secretion of HSA protein in the milk of a transgenic animal. Preferably, the promoter gene is a milk protein promoter sequence such as .beta.-lactoglobulin. The present invention also provides transgenic animals which secrete HSA in the milk of lactating females. The present invention also provides vectors comprising the constructs of the present invention.