Abstract: The application describes ceDNA vectors having linear and continuous structure for gene editing. ceDNA vectors comprise an expression cassette flanked by two ITR sequences, where the expression cassette encodes a gene editing molecule. Some ceDNA vectors further comprise cis-regulatory elements, including regulatory switches. Further provided herein are methods and cell lines for reliable gene editing using the ceDNA vectors.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and constructs comprising close-ended DNA (ceDNA vectors) for maintaining or sustaining a level of transgene expression at a predetermined level or range for a predefined time, or increasing the level of transgene expression in a cell or a subject, where the transgene expression level can be modulated (e.g., increased) with one or more subsequent administrations (e.g., a re-dose or a booster administration) after an initial priming administration. Provided are methods for personalizing gene therapy throughout an individuals' lifespan to express a transgene at a level that meets an individual's needs, by modulating expression levels of a transgene expressed by ceDNA vector incrementally, or in a step-by-step manner, with one or more administrations after an initial priming administration (e.g., at time 0), thereby enabling titration of the level of expression of the transgene to a desired predetermined expression level or to a desired expression level range.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for treating neurological autoimmune disorders in which the treatment method includes administering an immunoablative agent to eliminate most or essentially all maturing and mature elements of the immune system in an affected individual. Following this step, the individual is administered agents to reestablish the ablated immune system.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inducing differentiation of an embryonic stem cell into a motor neuron using a motoneuronotrophic factor (MNTF) or its peptide analogs. The present invention further provides a method for isolating a population of stem cell derived motor neurons and a population of cells comprising the differentiated neural cells. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a method of enhancing the survival of the differentiated neural cells in long term cell cultures. Finally, the present invention provides compositions containing MNTF or its peptide analogs for therapeutic use in conjunction with stem cells.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for treating neurological autoimmune disorders in which the treatment method includes administering an immunoablative agent to eliminate most or essentially all maturing and mature elements of the immune system in an affected individual. Following this step, the individual is administered agents to reestablish the ablated immune system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell-based compositions for the treatment of conditions of the nervous system and methods for their use. In one embodiment, a cell-based composition comprises glial-restricted progenitors (GRPs) genetically modified to express a targeting ligand on their cell surface. Methods for the preparation of such cell-based compositions are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for treating a subject suffering from a condition of the central nervous system by providing therapeutic cells (e.g., GRPs) through an intra-arterial route of administration.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inducing differentiation of an embryonic stem cell into a motor neuron using a motoneuronotrophic factor (MNTF) or its peptide analogues. The present invention further provides a method for isolating a population of stem cell derived motor neurons and a population of cells comprising the differentiated neural cells. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a method of enhancing the survival of the differentiated neural cells in long term cell cultures. Finally, the present invention provides compositions containing MNTF or its peptide analogs for therapeutic use in conjunction with stem cells.

Abstract: An apparatus temporarily occupies a walkway created by two sides and a floor in a secure and stable fashion. The apparatus includes a gate for attaching to the two sides and having a depending portion intermediate the sides. A keeper mounted to the floor includes an opening for removably receiving the depending portion of the gate. The depending portion in the keeper helps retain the gate in the walkway in a secure and stable, yet removable fashion, and with enhanced resistance to bending inwardly and outwardly relative to the sides if pushed or pulled.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to solar heaters. More specifically this invention relates to a passive solar heater that can be placed behind a un catching window to add heat to a room through conduction and convection by absorbing solar energy with a black aluminum plate and heating air between the plate and an acrylic plastic glazing sheet and transferring that heated air through a typical aluminum gable ventilator into a room or other closed space.

Abstract: Methods for bundling together groups of two or more articles for selectively obscuring individual identification codes on the articles and related assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a composite film sleeve partially of a clear or transparent film and partially of a colored, opaque, or patterned film. The composite sleeve is then placed over a group of two or more articles slated for bundling and shrunken, if necessary. As a result, any advertising indicia or product information can be viewed by an observer, but the individual identification codes are obscured. Alternative methods of obscuring individual identification codes on groups of articles in a bundle while allowing for the visualization of the advertising indicia or product information thereon are also disclosed.

Abstract: A closure (2A) overlies a liner (6) which seals a container mount defined by a peripheral edge (12) of the container. The liner (6) includes a sealing flange (31) having an upstanding outermost terminal rim (40) of resilient material which is folded inwardly during closing movement of the closure shell (2A) toward the sealing flange (31) to form an unflattened fold constituting a biasing means for biasing the periphery of the sealing flange (31) against the peripheral edge (12) of the container mouth.

Abstract: An in-bore non-refilling device for a bottle of fine spirits has a valve member 16 in the form of a regular dumbbell, with conical ends 62 arranged back-to-back and joined by a central shaft 63 at their apices. The housing 12 of the device has its bottom end closed by an annular bucket 14 which is snap-engaged into position, and each of the conical ends of the valve member has a toroidal free edge which is capable of making sealing engagement with a complementary surface 22 formed around the bucket aperture.

Abstract: A trailer recovery vehicle is provided for transporting a trailer towed by a tractor. The trailer recovery vehicle includes a generally horizontal wheeled support platform for mounting underneath the trailer for supporting the trailer in a horizontal position and a wheel brace for engaging a wheel of the trailer to prevent lateral shifting when the trailer is carried by the carrier support platform. The trailer recovery vehicle also includes a pivotable connector for connecting the support platform to the tractor while the trailer is connected to the tractor via a fifth wheel connector, enabling the support platform and trailer to be transported simultaneously so that the trailer mounted to the tractor is supported above the road surface and transported by the trailer recovery vehicle when the tractor pulls the trailer recovery vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic computer including microprocessor means, memory means and Input/Output (I/O) means wherein the I/O means comprises a retractable optical fiber connector assembly. The retractable optical fiber connector assembly includes a rotatable spool and a pair of optical fibers for being wound thereabout, these fibers in turn optically connected to optoelectronic means within the computer (as part of the I/O means). On the opposing ends of these optical fibers are desired connectors (e.g., those of the push-pull variety) for being connected to associated optical-type connectors which in turn may form part of various peripheral equipment (e.g., MODEMS, printers, etc.) or other computers to which this computer may be connected.