Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding a bovine tumor necrosis factor receptor-I (TNF-RI). Also within the invention is a soluble bovine TNF-RI, which is a potent inhibitor of bovine tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF-?). The invention demonstrates that soluble bovine TNF-RI has therapeutic value as an inhibitor of TNF in cattle suffering from coliform mastitis or other inflammatory disease.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for cell separation. These reagents and techniques specifically agglutinate cells via surface antigen recognition and can be used to recover even rare cell types in high yield.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to devices for causing cold-induced necrosis or apoptosis. The present invention includes a cryo therapy apparatus including a core member; a cryoplasty tube coupled to the core member, the cryoplasty tube having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the distal end includes a coil disposed about at least a portion of the tubular sheath, the coil including at least one opening; an outer tube disposed over at least a portion of the cryoplasty tube; and a cooling member disposed over the coil and coupled to the outer tube. A method of causing cold-induced necrosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a grain or seed to reduce the contamination level of a seed-associated pathogen.

Abstract: A method is provided for improved visualization of vascular structures contained within magnetic resonance angiograms, particularly steady-state contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiograms. The disclosed methods include manipulating the relative enhancement levels of the arterial and venous blood pools images with respect to each other and to the surrounding anatomy. This manipulation is meant to optimize visualization of one or both of the individual blood pools without the necessity of completely obscuring or removing the supporting information given by presentation of the other blood pool and/or the surrounding anatomy.

Abstract: An improved bulkhead and partition system in which at least two panels are independently attached to mounting members such that each panel can be moved independently. In a preferred embodiment, two bulkheads or panels are slidably attached to separate pairs of ceiling-mounted rails in a refrigerated trailer such that each bulkhead or panel can be independently slid toward the front of a trailer or toward the rear of a trailer to define, in cooperation with a removable center partition wall, a plurality of different cargo areas to be maintained at different temperatures. Alternatively, two bulkheads or panels may advantageously operate without a partition wall such that the panels may be placed side by side and fastened together to make a full-width bulkhead.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel amino acid, neo-tryptophan, as well as polypeptides containing this novel amino acid such as neurotensin analogs. In addition, the invention provides neo-tryptophan derivatives, serotonin-like neo-tryptophan derivatives, and polypeptides containing such derivatives. The invention also provides methods for making neo-tryptophan, neo-tryptophan derivatives, serotonin-like neo-tryptophan derivatives, and compositions containing these compounds. Further, the invention provides methods for inducing a neurotensin response in a mammal as well as methods for treating a mammal having a serotonin recognition molecule.

Abstract: A substantially pure complex including IGFIIE polypeptide and IGFBP2 polypeptide is described. Methods for treating an osteoporosis patient and targeting a compound to the skeletal extracellular matrix of a patient are also described.

Abstract: Heart valve leaflets (10) are described that include a plurality of supports (350) within a coapting portion (20) and a substantially arcuate portion (30). The plurality of supports (350) provide the leaflet (10) with anisotropic elasticity.

Abstract: Polypeptides and other compounds that can bind specifically to the CH2-CH3 cleft of an immunoglobulin molecule, and methods for using such polypeptides and compounds to inhibit Fc-mediated immune complex formation, are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and materials involved in the treatment and prevention of various diseases such as infections and IgE-related diseases. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and materials that can be used to vaccinate a mammal against specific self or non-self antigens. For example, the methods and materials described herein can be used to reduce the effects of IgE antibodies within a mammal by reducing the amount of total and receptor bound IgE antibodies in the mammal. In addition, the invention provides vaccine conjugates, immunogenic polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules that encode immunogenic polypeptides, host cells containing the nucleic acid molecules that encode immunogenic polypeptides, and methods for making vaccine conjugates and immunogenic polypeptides as well as nucleic acid molecules that encode immunogenic polypeptides. Further, the invention provides an IgE vaccine that induces an anti-self IgE response in a mammal.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices that include a non-woven framework are described, as well as methods of using such devices to deliver therapeutic compounds to a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to amine compounds as well as methods and materials involved in modulating neurotransmitter reuptake. Specifically, the invention provides amine compounds, methods for synthesizing amine compounds, and methods for inhibiting neurotransmitter reuptake.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preventing, delaying, or reversing the progression of Alzheimer's disease by administering an A?42 lowering agent to a mammal under conditions in which levels of A?42 are selectively reduced, levels of A?38 are increased, and levels of A?40 are unchanged. The invention provides methods and materials for developing and identifying A?42 lowering agents. In addition, the invention provides methods for identifying agents that increase the risk of developing, or hasten progression of, Alzheimer's disease. The invention also provides compositions of A?42 lowering agents and antioxidants, A?42 lowering agents and non-selective secretase inhibitors, as well as A?42 lowering agents and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

Abstract: A method of making screen printing frames can include, in certain illustrative embodiments, affixing at least two frames to one another, applying a masking film to both frames, exposing the frames, removing the unhardened emulsion in the meshes, and separating the frames from one another for deployment in a screen printing apparatus. This exemplary process can be used to create images in substantially complete registration with one another on frames having different mesh counts. Stated another way, these embodiments permit the use of multiple frames to print different inks through different meshes in a single pass to form images in substantially complete registration with one another. In certain preferred embodiments, a screen printing apparatus can include two frames, each having a mesh with a different pitch, wherein the frames are adapted to receive different inks and held in fixed register during a screen printing operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods in a disc drive improve data transfer performance by interrupting disc write operations to service read commands.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a dielectric fluid for use in electrical equipment comprising a vegetable oil or vegetable oil blend. In another aspect the invention provides devices for generating and distributing electrical energy that incorporate a dielectric fluid comprising a vegetable oil or vegetable oil blend. Methods of retrofilling electrical equipment with vegetable oil based dielectric fluids also are provided.

Abstract: A system for creating a decorative edible item from a selected image. The system includes at least one image source, such as a scanner and/or a library of stored images, a controller unit and a printer. An edible media is inserted into the printer. The user then selects the image source, such as the scanner for scanning in a photograph reminiscence of a person or event being honored. The size of the printed image is then selected as well as the number of copies to be printed from the image. The print sequence is then activated. The controller unit applies color correction to the digital image and converts the digital image into printer control signals to operate the printer. The printer then prints a rendition of the image with edible inks as the edible media travels through the printer. A high-quality pictorial rendition of the image is thus created. The printed edible media can then be applied onto a product, shipped to a separate location or eaten as is.