Abstract: Provided herein are several methods for selecting agents that bind to transmembrane receptors in a conformationally-selective way. In some embodiments, the method may comprise producing: a transmembrane receptor in an active conformation; and said transmembrane receptor in an inactive conformation and using cell sorting to select, from a population of cells comprising a library of cell surface-tethered extracellular capture agents, cells that are specifically bound to either the transmembrane receptor in its active conformation or the transmembrane receptor in its inactive conformation, but not both. In other embodiments, the method may comprise: contacting a GPCR with a population of cells that comprise a library of surface-tethered extracellular proteins; labeling the cell population with a conformationally-specific binding agent, e.g., a G-protein or mimetic thereof; and using cell sorting to select from the cell population cells that bind to the agent.

Abstract: A hybrid cushioning apparatus for a railway car apparatus employs a standard yoke and a conventional draft gear forward of the tail of the yoke and a stack of elastomeric units behind the tail engaging the draft gear with a force transfer member.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether to accelerate the funding of a financial item presented by a holder of the item for payment. A first risk range value is calculated according to stored transaction history data associated with at least one attribute of the presented financial item and a second risk range value is calculated if the transaction does not meet the criteria of the calculated first risk range value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clinically applicable method of stem cell transplantation that facilitates engraftment and reconstitutes immunocompetence of the recipient without requiring radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and without development of GVHD or graft rejection. Aspects of the present invention are based on the discovery that the depletion of the endogenous stem cell niche facilitates efficient engraftment of stem cells into that niche. In particular, the present invention combines the use of selective ablation of endogenous stem cells with a combination of antibodies specific for CD117, and agents that modulate immunoregulatory signaling pathways, e.g. agonists of immune costimulatory molecules, in combination with the administration to the recipient of exogenous stem cells, resulting in efficient, long-term engraftment, even in immunocompetent recipients.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided relating to anti-SIRP? agonist antibodies. The antibodies of the invention bind to human SIRP?, and activate signaling, thereby inhibiting processes mediated by SIRP?, including without limitation phagocytosis. Embodiments of the invention include isolated antibodies and derivatives and fragments thereof, pharmaceutical formulations comprising one or more of the anti-SIRP? agonist antibodies; and cell lines that produce these antibodies.

Abstract: Anti-SIRP? antibodies, including multi-specific anti-SIRP? antibodies, are provided, as are related compositions and methods. The antibodies of the disclosure bind to SIRP? and can block the interaction of CD47 on one cell with SIRP? on a phagocytic cell. The subject anti-SIRP? antibodies find use in various therapeutic methods. Embodiments of the disclosure include isolated antibodies and derivatives and fragments thereof, pharmaceutical formulations comprising one or more of the anti-SIRP? antibodies; and cell lines that produce the antibodies. Also provided are amino acid sequences of exemplary anti-SIRP? antibodies.

Abstract: A real-time system and method for invoking a fraud alert notification to a bank prompted by an abandoned deposit following a denied accelerated funding request for a financial item.

Abstract: Provided herein are several methods for selecting agents that bind to transmembrane receptors in a conformationally-selective way. In some embodiments, the method may comprise producing: a transmembrane receptor in an active conformation; and said transmembrane receptor in an inactive conformation and using cell sorting to select, from a population of cells comprising a library of cell surface-tethered extracellular capture agents, cells that are specifically bound to either the transmembrane receptor in its active conformation or the transmembrane receptor in its inactive conformation, but not both. In other embodiments, the method may comprise: contacting a GPCR with a population of cells that comprise a library of surface-tethered extracellular proteins; labeling the cell population with a conformationally-specific binding agent, e.g., a G-protein or mimetic thereof; and using cell sorting to select from the cell population cells that bind to the agent.

Abstract: A selective cushioning apparatus for a railway car absorbs draft and buff loads applied to a coupler of a railway car during train assembly and normal operation. The apparatus according to the invention provides better cushioning than a conventional draft gear without the excessive travel and maintenance issues of a hydraulic cushioning unit. In embodiments, the selective cushioning unit is adapted to fit into an AAR standard pocket for a hydraulic cushioning unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clinically applicable method of stem cell transplantation that facilitates engraftment and reconstitutes immunocompetence of the recipient without requiring radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and without development of GVHD or graft rejection. Aspects of the present invention are based on the discovery that the depletion of the endogenous stem cell niche facilitates efficient engraftment of stem cells into that niche. In particular, the present invention combines the use of selective ablation of endogenous stem cells with a combination of antibodies specific for CD117, and agents that modulate immunoregulatory signaling pathways, e.g. agonists of immune costimulatory molecules, in combination with the administration to the recipient of exogenous stem cells, resulting in efficient, long-term engraftment, even in immunocompetent recipients.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for inducing phagocytosis of a target cell, treating an individual having cancer, treating an individual having an intracellular pathogen infection (e.g., a chronic infection), and/or reducing the number of inflicted cells (e.g., cancer cells, cells infected with an intracellular pathogen, etc.) in an individual. Methods and compositions are also provided for predicting whether an individual is resistant (or susceptible) to treatment with an anti-CD47/SIRPA agent. In some cases, the subject methods and compositions include an anti-MHC Class I/LILRB1 agent. In some cases, the subject methods and compositions include an anti-MHC Class I/LILRB1 agent and an anti-CD47/SIRPA agent (e.g., co-administration of an anti-MHC Class I/LILRB1 agent and an anti-CD47/SIRPA agent). Kits are also provided for practicing the methods of the disclosure.

Abstract: High affinity CD47 reagents are provided, which (i) comprise at least one amino acid change relative to the wild-type protein; and (ii) have an increased affinity for a SIRP? relative to the wild-type protein. Compositions and methods are provided for modulating phagocytosis in a mammal by administering a therapeutic dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a high affinity CD47 reagent, which blocks the physiological binding interaction between SIRP? and a ligand, e.g., native CD47.

Abstract: Cell loss by apoptosis is a common feature in certain conditions, including cancer. Dying tumor cells induce immune tolerance within the tumor microenvironment largely through highly conserved homeostatic clearance programs that are designed to restore tissue homeostasis and contribute to the formation of an immunosuppressive niche. The translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS) on cellular membranes, during the initial phases of apoptosis, functions as a recognition and removal signal that limits the immunogenicity of cell death. To remove inhibitory signals in the homeostatic clearance pathway a fusion protein comprising a phosphatidylserine binding domain and an immunostimulatory domain can restore immune responses to dead tumor cells in antigen cross presentation assays and promotes recruitment and retention of tumor antigen specific immune effector cells into tumors.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for inducing phagocytosis of a target cell, treating an individual having cancer, treating an individual having an intracellular pathogen infection (e.g., a chronic infection), and/or reducing the number of inflicted cells (e.g., cancer cells, cells infected with an intracellular pathogen, etc.) in an individual. Methods and compositions are also provided for predicting whether an individual is resistant (or susceptible) to treatment with an anti-CD47/SIRPA agent. In some cases, the subject methods and compositions include an anti-MHC Class I/LILRB1 agent. In some cases, the subject methods and compositions include an anti-MHC Class I/LILRB1 agent and an anti-CD47/SIRPA agent (e.g., co-administration of an anti-MHC Class I/LILRB1 agent and an anti-CD47/SIRPA agent). Kits are also provided for practicing the methods of the disclosure.

Abstract: An improved selective travel cushioning device for a railway car is responsive to both draft and buff loads on the coupler, fitting into a standard cushioning unit pocket with little or no reconfiguration of the sill required, while limiting wear on elastic members in the cushioning unit and exhibiting high energy absorption.

Abstract: A selective cushioning apparatus for a railway car absorbs draft and buff loads applied to a coupler of a railway car during train assembly and normal operation. The apparatus according to the invention provides better cushioning than a conventional draft gear without the excessive travel and maintenance issues of a hydraulic cushioning unit. In embodiments, the selective cushioning unit is adapted to fit into an AAR standard pocket for a hydraulic cushioning unit.

Abstract: An improved selective travel cushioning device for a railway car is responsive to both draft and buff loads on the coupler, fitting into a standard cushioning unit pocket with little or no reconfiguration of the sill required, while limiting wear on elastic members in the cushioning unit and exhibiting high energy absorption.

Abstract: Anti-SIRP? antibodies, including multi-specific anti-SIRP? antibodies, are provided, as are related compositions and methods. The antibodies of the disclosure bind to SIRP? and can block the interaction of CD47 on one cell with SIRP? on a phagocytic cell. Antibodies that are bispecific for SIRP? and a second antigen are termed Bi-specific Macrophage Enhancing (BiME) antibodies and have emergent properties. The subject anti-SIRP? antibodies find use in various therapeutic methods. Embodiments of the disclosure include isolated antibodies and derivatives and fragments thereof, pharmaceutical formulations comprising one or more of the anti-SIRP? antibodies; and cell lines that produce the antibodies. Also provided are amino acid sequences of exemplary anti-SIRP? antibodies.

Abstract: Anti-SIRP? antibodies, including multi-specific anti-SIRP? antibodies, are provided, as are related compositions and methods. The antibodies of the disclosure bind to SIRP? and can block the interaction of CD47 on one cell with SIRP? on a phagocytic cell. Antibodies that are bispecific for SIRP? and a second antigen are termed Bi-specific Macrophage Enhancing (BiME) antibodies and have emergent properties. The subject anti-SIRP? antibodies find use in various therapeutic methods. Embodiments of the disclosure include isolated antibodies and derivatives and fragments thereof, pharmaceutical formulations comprising one or more of the anti-SIRP? antibodies; and cell lines that produce the antibodies. Also provided are amino acid sequences of exemplary anti-SIRP? antibodies.