Abstract: A rapid vascular endothelium function examining method with improved reproducibility is provided. An apparatus for the method comprises systems for acquiring ultrasound images by an ultrasound probe, processing the acquired images and moving/rotating the ultrasound probe. The method comprises: a first step where the acquired image is processed so that the center of a blood vessel is laid on the center of the image; a second step where a series of operations for acquiring an image, processing the acquired image and moving the probe based on the processed result, are repeated so that the probe is moved in parallel to the blood vessel; a third step where the similar operations to the second step are executed so that the probe is moved in parallel to and immediately above the blood vessel; a fourth step for determining a blood vessel diameter from the finally acquired image at the third step.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic compositions and methods for inducing enhanced immune responses using an antigen by use of an adjuvant comprising a member selected from a Caulobacter (in particular, C. crescentus) LPS or a fragment or derivative thereof.

Abstract: A low pressure drop, highly efficient structured packing comprises sheet material formed into vertical preferably square channels containing vortex generators formed from the sheet material. The channels, while vertically linear, are periodically interrupted by the vortex generators providing tortuous fluid paths along the channels. The thus formed vortex generators form openings between adjacent channels providing fluid communication between and uniform flow within the different channels. The packing can be utilized in fluid mixing or those operations that require multiphase mass transfer, such as absorption or distillation. The addition of a catalyst makes the structure suitable for catalytic distillation. Turbulence is provided the fluids by the tortuous vertical path with low pressure drops transversely and vertically, with optimum liquid holdup.

Abstract: A human G-protein receptor HCEGH45 polypeptide and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide for identifying antagonists and agonists to such polypeptide. Antagonists against such polypeptides may be used therapeutically to treat PACAP hypersecretory conditions and to create pharmacological amnesia models while the agonists may be employed to treat amnesia and Alzheimer's disease. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation in the receptor nucleic acid sequences and detecting a level of the soluble form of the receptors in a sample derived from a host.

Abstract: Disclosed is a human FGF-10 polypeptide and DNA(RNA) encoding such FGF-10 polypeptide. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques and antibodies and antagonist/inhibitors against such polypeptide. Such polypeptides may be combined with a suitable pharmaceutical carrier or diluent to provide diagnostic, therapeutic and/or prophylactic effects against various diseases. There is also disclosed methods of utilizing antibodies and antagonists against such polypeptide for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Human serum paraoxonase enzyme and DNA (RNA) encoding such paraoxonase enzymes are disclosed. Also provided is the procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Uses of such polypeptides include their use as an antidote for organophosphate poisoning and to prevent neuronal cell death.

Abstract: A human prostatic specific reductase polypeptide and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptide and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polynucleotides as a diagnostic marker for prostate cancer and as an agent to determine if the prostate cancer has metastasized. Also disclosed are antibodies specific to the prostatic specific reductase polypeptide which may be used to target prostate cancer cells and be used as part of a prostate cancer vaccine. Methods of screening for agonists and antagonists for the polypeptide and therapeutic uses of the antagonists are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a human Fibroblast growth factor-15 polypeptide and DNA(RNA) encoding such polypeptide. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide for stimulating re-vascularization, for treating wounds and prevent neuronal damage. Antagonists against such polypeptides and their use as a therapeutic to prevent abnormal cellular proliferation, hyper-vascular diseases and epithelial lens cell proliferation are also disclosed. Diagnostic methods for detecting mutations in the coding sequence and alterations in the concentration of the polypeptides in a sample derived from a host are also disclosed.

Abstract: Human G-protein coupled receptor polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed were methods for utilizing such polypeptides for identifying antagonists and agonists to such polypeptides and methods of using the agonists and antagonists therapeutically to treat conditions related to the underexpression and overexpression of the G-protein coupled receptor polypeptides. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation in the G-protein coupled receptor nucleic acid sequences and an altered level of the soluble form of the receptors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a human Fibroblast growth factor-13 polypeptide and DNA(RNA) encoding such polypeptide. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide for promoting wound healing for example as a result of burns and ulcers, to prevent neuronal damage associated with stroke and due to neuronal disorders and promote neuronal growth, and to prevent skin aging and hair loss, to stimulate anglogenesis, mesodermal induction in early embryos and limb regeneration. Antagonists against such polypeptides and their use as a therapeutic to prevent abnormal cellular proliferation, hyper-vascular diseases and epithelial lens cell proliferation are also disclosed. Diagnostic methods for detecting mutations in the coding sequence and alterations in the concentration of the polypeptides in a sample derived from a host are also disclosed.