Abstract: The invention pertains to agonists and antagonists of LDCAM and methods of treating disease and infection by administering one or more LDCAM antagonists or agonists. This abstract is provided for the sole purpose of enabling the reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is not intended to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides Chordin-Like (CHL) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides selective binding agents, vectors, host cells, and methods for producing CHL polypeptides. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with CHL polypeptides.

Abstract: Methods for regulating levels of nitric oxide are disclosed. The methods utilize IL-17 receptors, which may be used in conjunction with inhibitor IL-1 and/or TNF.

Abstract: Ligands for flt3 receptors capable of transducing self-renewal signals to regulate the growth, proliferation or differentiation of progenitor cells and stem cells are disclosed. The invention is directed to flt3-L as an isolated protein, the DNA encoding the flt3-L, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding flt3-L, compositions comprising flt3-L, methods of improving gene transfer to a mammal using flt3-L, and methods of improving transplantations using flt3-L. Flt3 -L finds use in treating patients with anemia, AIDS and various cancers.

Abstract: A method of treating a mammal afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis by administering to the mammal an antibody that binds IL-17R is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to CD7 and the discovery of its cognate ligand, the K12 protein, and the identification and cloning of polynucletides that encode the murine homolog of the human K12. Also disclosed are methods of screening candidate molecules to determine potential antagonists and agonists of the interaction between CD7 and K12. The use of the antagonists and agonists, including soluble K12 proteins, as therapeutics to treat diseases modulated by CD7 are also disclosed.

Abstract: Isolated receptors for IL-17, DNA's encoding such receptors, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated receptors can be used to regulate an immune response.

Abstract: Intralumenal material removal systems are provided using an advanceable, rotatable and expandable cutter assembly. The intralumenal material removal system includes a cutter assembly positionable in the lumen of a mammalian subject and operably connected to system controls. The cutter assembly comprises a distal cutting head and an adjustable cutting assembly that is axially advanceable by translating the drive shaft and rotatable by rotating the drive shaft. The adjustable cutting assembly is adjustable between a smaller diameter condition and a larger diameter condition. The cutter may thus be introduced to and withdrawn from the material removal site in a retracted, smaller diameter condition that facilitates translation and navigation of the device through various lumens. The adjustable cutting assembly may be selectively expanded at the material removal site to facilitate cutting, removal and aspiration of the occlusive material.

Abstract: The present invention comprises homeopathic dilutions of growth factors and methods for their use. Disorders which may be effectively treated with the compositions of the present invention include chronic viral disorders, such as HIV, AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome and Epstein-Barr viral infections, cancer, diabetes and depression. Homeopathic dilutions of growth factors are preferably administered orally. In an alternative embodiment, patients are treated with radio frequency signals corresponding to homeopathic dilutions of growth factors.

Abstract: Dual component container systems are provided for separately storing at least two liquids, which are intermixed within the system prior to dispensing. Two or more containers having mixing openings are provided wherein the mixing openings are sealed by sealing members. The sealed openings of the containers are interconnected by one or more connecting elements, thereby forming a sealed conduit interposed between containers and wherein at least one of the sealing members is connected to the connecting element by a releasable clamping joint. Systems of the present invention are designed such that relative movement of the two containers causes the sealing members to open or be removed, whereby fluids from the two or more containers may intermix via the open conduit formed by the connecting element.

Abstract: A safety binding for a snowboard comprising a first part secured to the snowboard and a second part connected to the ski boot or snowboard boot. Both parts are joined to each other by a locking mechanism which can be released using force. The locking mechanism consists of at least two pressure springs which are arranged substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the snowboard. Each spring has a bolt which engages with a locking member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polypeptide (CD40-L) and DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in providing CD40-L polypeptides. More particularly, this invention provides isolated human and murine CD40-L polypeptides that bind to the extracellular binding region of a CD40 receptor.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for the hydration of environments such as display cases, walk-in storage rooms, greenhouses and large-scale storage facilities are provided. Consistent humidification is provided while effectively eliminating the problem of water streaming from atomization nozzles at the end of a pressurization and atomization cycle. The present invention eliminates the traditional regulators, pressure tanks and solenoid valve assemblies required to control water pressure, as well as bladder tanks and regulator valves for regulating air pressure, while more effectively controlling the problem of streaming by incorporating a drawback valve and, optionally, a miniature water regulator. Kits for retrofitting existing humidification systems to incorporate the improvements described herein are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is for the efficient transfer of mechanical power through a fluid medium. The various embodiments of the present invention exploit the natural physical properties of fluids to create a more efficient means of driving fluids as well as transferring power from propelled fluids. The present invention employs an impeller assembly in a variety of applications including hydroelectric turbines, fluid turbines, turbine transmissions and pumps of various types. The multi-disk impeller assembly having a central cavity, a specialized central hub design and reinforcing backing plates contribute to greater efficiency and less turbulence, friction and noise.

Abstract: Novel 4-1BB ligand (4-1BB-L) polypeptides and a human cell surface receptor designated 4-1BB that binds 4-1BB-L are provided. Isolated 4-1BB-L-encoding and human 4-1BB-encoding DNA sequences, recombinant expression vectors comprising the isolated DNA sequences, and host cells transformed with the recombinant expression vectors are disclosed, along with methods for producing the novel polypeptides by cultivating such transformed host cells. Soluble forms of the 4-1BB-L or 4-1BB polypeptides are derived from the extracellular domains thereof.

Abstract: A new holder (1) for a disk-shaped information carrier, in particular for a compact disk, is described with a base support (2;21) and clamping elements (3; 17) arranged thereon and integrated therewith which extend into the central opening of the information carrier. The clamping elements (3; 17) in this arrangement are arranged surrounding a central support member (11; 18) and the clamping elements (3; 17) and support element (11; 18) are not higher than twice the thickness of the disk-shaped information carrier. Furthermore a plate-shaped support member (15) for a disk-shaped information carrier, in particular for a compact disk (32), is described which presents a recess in which a holder (1) is arranged which penetrates a central opening of the information carrier (32) detachably connecting the latter to the support member (15).

Abstract: A process for ascertaining the adhesive behaviour of pressure-sensitive adhesive flat materials such as medicinal adhesive tape and, in particular, pressure-sensitive adhesive application systems such as transdermal therapeutic systems (TTS) is characterized in that a flat material (5) with an adhesive layer (6) of a defined coating weight per unit area and of defined quality of the adhesive mass is adhered with predetermined surface pressure and at a predetermined temperature to an elastic carrier film (4) of defined thickness and elasticity, and that said carrier film (4) is clamped into a test cell (21), in the manner of a membrane, between half-shells (1,2) of a test cell (21), and that the carrier film (4) along with the adhered flat material (5) is subjected, in chronologically repeated sequence, to loading and unloading with alternating elastic stretchings by defined loading forces from the side facing away from the flat material, and that a detachment of the adhesive layer, which detachment arises pro

Abstract: Composite materials are composed of a primary metallic base material, such as a titanium metallic material, metallurgically bonded to one or more secondary materials having desirable thermal conductivity properties and having a coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”) that generally matches the CTE of the primary metallic material. An exemplary composite material is composed of a titanium primary material metallurgically bonded to a secondary metal matrix composite material having a high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum silicon carbide. Methods for manufacturing such composite materials are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of patients are provided, such methods comprising applying to the patient a transdermal therapeutic system comprising a therapeutically effective substance such that the dosage of the therapeutically active substance remains constant over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation adhering to the skin, in particular a TTS, for the release of the active substance 17-&bgr;-estradiol, the concentration of the estradiol contained therein in dissolved form being between its saturation concentration in equilibrium with a gas phase of less than 10% relative air humidity and its saturation concentration in equilibrium with a gas phase of more than 90% relative air humidity, in all matrix layers and, if present, also in an adhesive layer, characterized in that the estradiol quantity contained in the preparation amounts to at least three times the saturation solubility measured at 95% relative air humidity, and that the air enclosed in the package is adjusted to a relative air humidity between 5% and below 0.5%.