Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic epitope of a M. vaccae protein, polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, and fusion proteins comprising at least one such polypeptide, together with DNA constructs comprising at least one inventive polynucleotide. Compositions comprising such polypeptides, polynucleotides, fusion proteins and/or DNA constructs may be employed in the treatment of infectious diseases and immune disorders.

Abstract: Novel isolated polynucleotides that encode polypeptides involved in plant cell signaling are provided, together with DNA constructs comprising such polynucleotides. Methods for using such constructs for the modulation of cell signaling in plants are also disclosed, together with transgenic plants comprising such constructs.

Abstract: Methods for the prevention and treatment of disorders, including disorders of the respiratory system, such as infection with mycobacteria such as M. tuberculosis or M. avium, sarcoidosis, asthma, allergic rhinitis and lung cancers are provided, such methods comprising administering a composition comprising derivatives of delipidated and deglycolipidated M vaccae cells.

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: Methods for the treatment of skin disorders, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, alopecia areata and skin cancers are provided, such methods comprising administering a composition having antigenic and/or adjuvant properties. Compositions which may be usefully employed in the inventive methods include inactivated M. vaccae cells, delipidated and deglycolipidated M. vaccae cells, M. vaccae culture filtrate and compounds present in or derived therefrom, together with combinations of such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic portion of a M. vaccae soluble protein and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, together with methods for their use in the diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infection. Methods for enhancing the immune response to an antigen including administration of M. vaccae culture filtrate or delipidated M. vaccae cells are also provided.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding polypeptides expressed in mammalian fsn -/- lymph node stromal cells are provided, together with expression vectors and host cells comprising such isolated polynucleotides. In certain embodiments such polynucleotides encode members of the fibroblast growth factor receptor family. Methods for the use of such polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for hermetically sealing an interface surface of ceramic materials, such as zirconia, to an interface surface of metallic materials, such as titanium alloys, using a titanium-nickel alloy filler material are disclosed. Preferred ceramic materials include stabilized zirconia materials; preferred metallic materials include titanium-niobium alloys; and a preferred titanium-nickel filler material is a 50-50 titanium-nickel alloy. At least one of the interfaces is contacted by the titanium-nickel alloy filler material and sealing is accomplished under vacuum conditions at temperatures of from 900 to 1200° C. during application of pressure to the joint. The methods are especially suitable for use in hermetically sealing ceramic and metallic components for applications such as implantable medical devices, electrical connectors, electronic packages, sporting goods, structural components, and the like.

Abstract: Novel isolated DNA sequences associated with the lignin biosynthetic pathway are provided, together with DNA constructs including such sequences. Methods for the modulation of lignin content and structure in plants and methods for producing plants having altered lignin content and structure, are also disclosed, the methods comprising and incorporating one or more of the polynucleotides disclosed herein into the genome of a plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for distinguishing neuronal tissue from surrounding tissue, for distinguishing functional neuronal tissue from dysfunctional tissue, and for imaging of functional neuronal areas in cerebral cortex by detecting changes in the optical properties of the neuronal tissue following stimulation of neuronal activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic portion of a M. vaccae protein and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, together with methods for their use in the diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infection. Methods for enhancing the immune response to an antigen including administration of M. vaccae culture filtrate, delipidated M. vaccae cells or delipidated and deglycolipidated M. vaccae cells are also provided.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding polypeptides expressed in mammalian skin cells are provided, together with expression vectors and host cells comprising such isolated polynucleotides. Methods for the use of such polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides solutions and methods for preserving biological material that enable organs, tissues and cells to be stored for extended periods of time with minimal loss of biological activity. The inventive solutions are substantially isotonic with the biological material to be preserved and are substantially free of univalent oxyanions and of iodide. In one embodiment, the solutions comprise a first neutral solute having a molecular weight of at least about 335 and a solubility in water of at least about 0.3 M, a second neutral solute having a molecular weight of less than about 200 and having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties, and sodium citrate. The inventive solutions preferably contain a calcium salt selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate and calcium chloride.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preserving living biological materials by lyophilization that enable cells and tissues to be stored for extended periods of time with minimal loss of biological activity. In one embodiment, the inventive methods comprise contacting a biological material with a preservative solution comprising trimethyl amine oxide, sodium citrate and sodium chloride, reducing the temperature of the biological material to less than 0.degree. C., and drying the biological material to provide a freeze-dried material. The preservative solutions employed in the inventive methods are preferably isotonic with the material to be preserved and substantially free of iodide, dihydrogen phosphate, bicarbonate, nitrate and bisulfate.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preserving living biological materials by lyophilization that enable cells and tissues to be stored for extended periods of time with minimal loss of biological activity. In one embodiment, the inventive methods comprise contacting a biological material with a preservative solution comprising either betaine or trimethyl amine oxide, together with sodium citrate and sodium chloride, reducing the temperature of the biological material to less than 0.degree. C., and drying the biological material to provide a freeze-dried material. The preservative solutions employed in the inventive methods are preferably isotonic with the material to be preserved and substantially free of iodide, dihydrogen phosphate, bicarbonate, nitrate and bisulfate.

Abstract: The present invention provides solutions and methods for preserving living biological materials that enable organs, tissues and cells to be stored for extended periods of time with minimal loss of biological activity. The inventive solutions are substantially isotonic with the biological material to be preserved and are substantially free of dihydrogen phosphate, bicarbonate, nitrate, bisulfate and iodide. In one embodiment preferred for the preservation of platelets, the solutions comprise betaine, sodium chloride and sodium citrate. For the preservation of many living biological materials, the inventive solutions preferably contain a calcium salt selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate and calcium chloride.

Abstract: An electrically powered hoisting system is operated by seating a line attached to the load to be hoisted in a groove formed between two sheave components and activating the electrical drive motor to rotate the sheave assembly. Voltage for the electrical drive motor is provided by an on-board 12 volt battery and voltage to the drive motor is controlled by means of a switch device. The groove formed by the sheave components has a resilient gripping surface that provides a firm line gripping action and hands-free and self-tailing operation. A davit, davit mounting brackets, and a flexible mounting assembly for mounting the powerhead assembly to a support are also disclosed.

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: A high performance yo-yo incorporates an axle ball bearing comprising non-metallic inner and outer races mounted on the central axle. A full complement axle bearing including non-metallic inner and outer races with matching grooves for retaining a plurality of balls between the bearing races is disclosed. Applicants have found, unexpectedly, that this type of bearing has highly desirable low friction characteristics that provide a long spin time, yet permit retrieval of the yo-yo upon command by a simple flick of the wrist. The central axle mounted in one of the yo-yo components is removably engageable in a sleeve mounted in the other yo-yo component to provide a yo-yo that is easily and conveniently assembled and disassembled.