Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, nanoparticle compositions including a plurality of nanoparticles, each of which is comprised of a biodegradable or biocompatible polymer arranged in a nanoparticle structure defining an internal lumen and an external surface and one or more of a preparation of hydrophilic cellular components and a preparation of hydrophobic cellular components. In some embodiments, the preparation of hydrophilic cellular components is encapsulated within the internal lumen and the preparation of hydrophobic cellular components is associated with the external surface. Various methods of making and using disclosed nanoparticle compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, nanoparticle compositions including a plurality of nanoparticles, each of which is comprised of a biodegradable or biocompatible polymer arranged in a nanoparticle structure defining an internal lumen and an external surface and one or more of a preparation of hydrophilic cellular components and a preparation of hydrophobic cellular components. In some embodiments, the preparation of hydrophilic cellular components is encapsulated within the internal lumen and the preparation of hydrophobic cellular components is associated with the external surface. Various methods of making and using disclosed nanoparticle compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, methods of treatment of donor and/or host subjects prior to, during, and/or after transplantation of donor tissue into the host subject with nanoparticle compositions encapsulating tissue components to usefully manage immune responses associated with transplantation. In some embodiments, methods include administering to a recipient organism who has received or will receive a transplant of one or more heterologous tissue components from a donor organism a composition including encapsulated donor organism tissue components. In some embodiments, methods include administering to a donor organism from which one or more donor tissue components are to be transplanted into a recipient organism a composition including one or more encapsulated recipient tissue components.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, nanoparticle compositions including a plurality of nanoparticles, each of which is comprised of a biodegradable or biocompatible polymer arranged in a nanoparticle structure defining an internal lumen and an external surface and one or more of a preparation of hydrophilic cellular components and a preparation of hydrophobic cellular components. In some embodiments, the preparation of hydrophilic cellular components is encapsulated within the internal lumen and the preparation of hydrophobic cellular components is associated with the external surface. Various methods of making and using disclosed nanoparticle compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A universal pot lid handling device is described. The device can include an elongated handle portion and a clamping portion slidably coupled to the handle portion. The handle portion can include a fixed jaw at a distal end thereof and the clamping portion can include a moveable jaw. The fixed jaw and the moveable jaw can have opposing, longitudinally extending gripping portions. The fixed jaw and the moveable jaw can include spacing portions and the gripping portions of the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw can extend from the respective spacing portions. The clamping portion can include a longitudinally extending guide and the handle portion can include a receiving portion adapted to receive the guide.

Abstract: A universal pot lid handling device is described. The device can include an elongated handle portion and a clamping portion slidably coupled to the handle portion. The handle portion can include a fixed jaw at a distal end thereof and the clamping portion can include a moveable jaw. The fixed jaw and the moveable jaw can have opposing, longitudinally extending gripping portions. The fixed jaw and the moveable jaw can include spacing portions and the gripping portions of the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw can extend from the respective spacing portions. The clamping portion can include a longitudinally extending guide and the handle portion can include a receiving portion adapted to receive the guide.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for realizing energy cost savings through load shifting utilizing a battery bank that may serve as a battery back-up on a premises for providing power in the event of a grid power outage or curtailment. A budget of unreserved cycles of battery charging and discharging is determined, taking into account the rated battery life in terms of both time (e.g., years) and number of cycles. That cycle budget is allocated to days of the year identified as days on which the greatest savings can be realized through load shifting. These days are identified by taking into account the peak and off-peak usage rates applicable on those days, any rate tiers that may be entered as a result of the additional energy expended to load shift, and the round trip efficiency of the charge/discharge cycles. Load shifting is executed in accordance with an established schedule of the identified days, by discharging the batteries during peak usage hours and charging the batteries during off-peak periods.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for realizing energy cost savings through load shifting utilizing a battery bank that may serve as a battery back-up on a premises for providing power in the event of a grid power outage or curtailment. A budget of unreserved cycles of battery charging and discharging is determined, taking into account the rated battery life in terms of both time (e.g., years) and number of cycles. That cycle budget is allocated to days of the year identified as days on which the greatest savings can be realized through load shifting. These days are identified by taking into account the peak and off-peak usage rates applicable on those days, any rate tiers that may be entered as a result of the additional energy expended to load shift, and the round trip efficiency of the charge/discharge cycles. Load shifting is executed in accordance with an established schedule of the identified days, by discharging the batteries during peak usage hours and charging the batteries during off-peak periods.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for realizing energy cost savings through load shifting utilizing a battery bank that may serve as a battery back-up on a premises for providing power in the event of a grid power outage or curtailment. A budget of unreserved cycles of battery charging and discharging is determined, taking into account the rated battery life in terms of both time (e.g., years) and number of cycles. That cycle budget is allocated to days of the year identified as days on which the greatest savings can be realized through load shifting. These days are identified by taking into account the peak and off-peak usage rates applicable on those days, any rate tiers that may be entered as a result of the additional energy expended to load shift, and the round trip efficiency of the charge/discharge cycles. Load shifting is executed in accordance with an established schedule of the identified days, by discharging the batteries during peak usage hours and charging the batteries during off-peak periods.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for realizing energy cost savings through load shifting utilizing a battery bank that may serve as a battery back-up on a premises for providing power in the event of a grid power outage or curtailment. A budget of unreserved cycles of battery charging and discharging is determined, taking into account the rated battery life in terms of both time (e.g., years) and number of cycles. That cycle budget is allocated to days of the year identified as days on which the greatest savings can be realized through load shifting. These days are identified by taking into account the peak and off-peak usage rates applicable on those days, any rate tiers that may be entered as a result of the additional energy expended to load shift, and the round trip efficiency of the charge/discharge cycles. Load shifting is executed in accordance with an established schedule of the identified days, by discharging the batteries during peak usage hours and charging the batteries during off-peak periods.

Abstract: This invention provides the methodology and agents for treating any disease or clinical condition which is at least partly the result of endoplasmic reticulum-associated retention of proteins. Thus, the methods and agents of the present invention provide for the release of normally retained proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum. The present invention is particularly useful for treating any disease or clinical condition which is at least partly the result of endoplasmic reticulum-associated retention or degradation of mis-assembled or mis-folded proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing allergic reactions, particularly anaphylactic reactions. Methods of the present invention involve administering microorganisms to allergic subjects, where the microorganisms contain a recombinant version of the protein allergen. The recombinant version can be wild-type or may include mutations within IgE epitopes of the protein allergen. Preferably the compositions are administered rectally. Particularly preferred microorganisms are bacteria such as E. coli. Any allergen may be used in the inventive methods. Particularly preferred allergens are anaphylactic allergens including protein allergens found in foods, venoms, drugs and latex. The inventive compositions and methods are demonstrated in the treatment of peanut-induced anaphylaxis.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and a method for amplification of and multiplex detection of molecules of interest involving rolling circle replication. The method is useful for simultaneously detecting multiple specific nucleic acids in a sample with high specificity and sensitivity. The method also has an inherently low level of background signal. A preferred form of the method consists of an association operation, an amplification operation, and a detection operation. The association operation involves association of one or more specially designed probe molecules, either wholly or partly nucleic acid, to target molecules of interest. This operation associates the probe molecules to a target molecules present in a sample. The amplification operation is rolling circle replication of circular nucleic acid molecules, termed amplification target circles, that are either a part of, or hybridized to, the probe molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for altering undesirable immune responses by identifying mutant polypeptides that exhibit less of an undesirable immune response while retaining one or more desired characteristics. Such polypeptides are safer and can be more efficacious when introduced into a human, other mammal, or other animal. Either the altered immune response or a surrogate for the immune response, referred to as a measurable immune characteristic, can be assessed in the method. Generally, the measurable immune characteristic can itself be an undesirable immune response, the measurable immune characteristic can be involved in an undesirable immune response, and/or an undesirable immune response can be mediated by the measurable immune characteristic.

Abstract: IgE binding epitopes on allergens which induce allergic symptoms following surface contact, such as those associated with latex rubber and cat allergies, among others, can be blocked. Molecules which bind to these epitopes can be identified and synthesized and then formulated to coat or blend with the allergenic surface to prevent patient IgE from gaining access to the allergenic epitopes. In one embodiment, the molecules are antibodies or antibody fragments which selectively bind to the epitopes that elicit the allergic response. In another embodiment, the masking reagents are peptides which mimic antibody fragments and bind to the relevant epitopes on the allergens. In a third embodiment, the cDNAs encoding Fab fragments which bind to the relevant antigens are isolated and the Fab proteins encoded by these cDNAs are prepared.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and a method for amplification of and multiplex detection of molecules of interest involving rolling circle replication. The method is useful for simultaneously detecting multiple specific nucleic acids in a sample with high specificity and sensitivity. The method also has an inherently low level of background signal. A preferred form of the method consists of an association operation, an amplification operation, and a detection operation. The association operation involves association of one or more specially designed probe molecules, either wholly or partly nucleic acid, to target molecules of interest. This operation associates the probe molecules to a target molecules present in a sample. The amplification operation is rolling circle replication of circular nucleic acid molecules, termed amplification target circles, that are either a part of, or hybridized to, the probe molecules.

Abstract: Formulations and methods have been developed for delivering antigens to individuals in a manner that substantially reduces contact between the antigen and IgE receptors displayed on the surfaces of cells involved in mediating allergic responses, which target delivery of antigen to dendritic and other phagocytic APCs, and which have improved pharmacokinetics. By reducing direct and indirect association of antigens with antigen-specific IgE antibodies, the risk of an allergic reaction, possibly anaphylatic shock, is reduced or eliminated. Particularly preferred antigens are those that may elicit anaphylaxis in individuals, including food antigens, insect venom and rubber-related antigens. In the preferred embodiments, the compositions include one or more antigens in a delivery material such as a polymer, in the form of particles or a gel, or lipid vesicles or liposomes, any of which can be stabilized or targeted to enhance delivery. Preferably, the antigen is surrounded by the encapsulation material.

Abstract: Compositions are administered to block IgE binding to receptors and ultimately displace native IgE from mast cells and related cell types, to prevent the activation of these cells during an allergic response. The compositions consist of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for systemic or local administration and an amount of compound binding specifically to the Fc&egr;RI IgE binding sites, and more preferably, Fc&egr;RI and Fc&egr;RII IgE binding sites, to prevent activation and degranulation of mast cells in response to exposure to allergens. The compounds can consist of IgE molecules and fragments and modifications thereof, such as IgE fragments, humanized or single chain IgE antibodies or fragments thereof, IgE with a modified Fab, non-crosslinkable IgE, or peptidomimetics which bind to the same site on the receptor as the IgE, jointly referred to herein as “IgE fragments” unless otherwise stated.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and a method for amplification of and multiplex detection of molecules of interest involving rolling circle replication. The method is useful for simultaneously detecting multiple specific nucleic acids in a sample with high specificity and sensitivity. The method also has an inherently low level of background signal. A preferred form of the method consists of an association operation, an amplification operation, and a detection operation. The association operation involves association of one or more specially designed probe molecules, either wholly or partly nucleic acid, to target molecules of interest. This operation associates the probe molecules to a target molecules present in a sample. The amplification operation is rolling circle replication of circular nucleic acid molecules, termed amplification target circles, that are either a part of, or hybridized to, the probe molecules.