Abstract: A first toy includes a housing having an elongate shape and a length. The housing includes two surfaces extending along the length that are substantially opposite one another. Two or more chambers are formed within the housing and situated at different positions along the length of the housing. Two or more permanent magnets are each situated within one of the two or more chambers. Each permanent magnet is free to assume a plurality of different orientations. Each permanent magnet is positioned sufficiently close to each one of the two surfaces to enable magnetic interaction with an adjacent permanent magnet contained in a second toy that is contacting the first toy at that one of the two surfaces of the first toy.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and media for culturing embryonic stem (ES) cells, such as human ES cells, and directing them along the hepatic lineage. It further provides methods for maintaining hepatocytes in culture for extended periods. The invention further provides cells cultured by the methods of the invention. Additionally, the invention provides methods of transducing cells with marker proteins that will be expressed only in hepatocyte-like cells and selecting for cells expressing the marker protein.

Abstract: Immortalized primary adult and fetal human cells are provided that express a functional telomerase catalytic subunit from a nucleic acid sequence encoding the hTERT gene. The telomerase-immortalized human cells can be maintained in culture for at least 35 population doublings without developing a transformed phenotype, and while continuing to express proteins associated with the primary differentiated cell type. The invention is also directed to immortalized, non-transformed cell lines derived from primary human cells that express a functional telomerase catalytic subunit and to their use for transplantation to patients with hepatic disease. The invention also is directed to an improved biologic extracorporeal liver support device wherein the improvement is the use of telomerase-immortalized hepatocytes incorporated onto the scaffolding of the cell colonization chamber and use of the improved device for treating symptoms of patients with hepatic disease.

Abstract: Methods of gene therapy, particular ribozyme-mediated gene replacement methods, are disclosed. Method of treating patients suffering from a disease associated with expression of an abnormal form of a gene, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin mutations, are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of administering to such a patient a nucleic acid construct encoding a ribozyme and a nucleic acid construct comprising a ribozyme resistant gene encoding a wild type form of the gene product. Recombinant vectors and pharmaceutical compositions for practicing the methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Liposome carrier systems, methods and pharmaceutical compositions that target an organ preferentially with high concentrations of at least one therapeutic agent utilize a liposome carrier having a lipid membrane and an aqueous space to deliver pharmacologically active agents, such as free radical scavengers and antioxidants, to a target organ such as the liver. At least one free radical scavenger and/or antioxidant and a liposome carrier may be provided to a liver donor prior to harvesting to preserve the liver for transplantation.