Abstract: Peptides and mimetics of selected domains of mammalian serum amyloid A isoform 2.1 (SAA2.1) and compounds and compositions thereof are provided that enhance the effect on macrophage cholesterol ester hydrolase activity and/or inhibit acyl CoA:cholesterol acyl transferase activity. Methods of using these compositions in the treatment and/or prevention of atherosclerosis as well as coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-immunostimulatory antibody which lacks antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, Fc gamma receptor binding and complement-mediated cytotoxicity. In some embodiments, the antibody contains a modified immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2) Fc region with at least one substitution in the B/C loop, FcRn binding domain, and the F/G loop. The antibody of the invention is useful in the preparation of therapeutic antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions and kits containing the same.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing sporadic neoplasia of the colon are provided. The compositions provided are based on administration of acetylsalicylic acid.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid sequence of BRAF35 and polypeptides encoded thereby are provided, as well as a multiprotein complex, and an antibody capable of binding selectively to the BRAF35 protein. Related agents and compositions which modulate interaction between BRCA2 and BRAF35 and methods of their use for screening for the BRCA2 protein, suppressing tumors and identifying DNA damage in cells indicative of a risk for developing cancer are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to newly identified nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides present in normal and neoplastic ovarian cells, including fragments, variants and derivatives of the nucleic acids and polypeptides. The present invention also relates to antibodies to the polypeptides of the invention, as well as agonists and antagonists of the polypeptides of the invention. The invention also relates to compositions containing the nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, antibodies, agonists and antagonists of the invention and methods for the use of these compositions. These uses include identifying, diagnosing, monitoring, staging, imaging and treating ovarian cancer and noncancerous disease states in ovarian, identifying ovarian tissue, monitoring and identifying and/or designing agonists and antagonists of polypeptides of the invention. The uses also include gene therapy, production of transgenic animals and cells, and production of engineered ovarian tissue for treatment and research.

Abstract: The present invention is an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding CD36, Gqi9, and G protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84) proteins as well as vectors and recombinant host cells which co-express CD36, Gqi9, and GPR84 proteins for use in identifying modulators of GPR84 activity.

Abstract: Reverse peptides and mimetics of a mammalian serum amyloid A isoform 2.1 (SAA2.1) domain or a portion thereof and compositions and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are provided that enhance the effect on macrophage cholesterol ester hydrolase activity. Methods of using these reverse peptides, mimetics thereof and compositions in the treatment and/or prevention of atherosclerosis as well as coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic reporters. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a modified gene encoding a luciferase for high level expression in an organism with a bias for cytosine (C) or guanine (G) in the third position of the codon.

Abstract: The Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel, Subfamily A, Member 1 (TRPA1) protein has been identified as an ester cooler receptor and therefore is useful in screening assays for identifying ester coolers, in particular ester coolers with a relative cooling strength which exceeds (?)?menthol.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of streptococcal matrix adhesion (Ema) polypeptides. The invention provides nucleic acids encoding Group B streptococcal Ema polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD and EmaE. The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of Group B streptococcal polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD and EmaE, including analogs, variants, mutants, derivatives and fragments thereof. Ema homologous polypeptides from additional bacterial species, including S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, E. faecalis and C. diptheriae are also provided. Antibodies to the Ema polypeptides and immunogenic fragments thereof are also provided. The present invention relates to the identification and prevention of infections by virulent forms of streptococci.

Abstract: The invention described in this disclosure involves a new composition of matter, amyloid beta-derived dementing ligands (ADDL's). ADDLs consist of amyloid ? peptide assembled into soluble globular non-fibrillar oligomeric structures that are capable of activating specific cellular processes. The invention further encompasses methods for assaying the formation, presence, receptor protein binding and cellular activities of ADDLs. The invention further encompasses assay methods and inhibitor molecules for cellular signaling molecules activated by ADDLs. Also described are molecules that block proteins that promote the formation of ADDLs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topors and its association with cancer. Topors antibodies are provided for use in diagnosing cancer based upon the absence of topors in a given cell or tissue sample. The detection of topors nucleic acid molecules in the diagnosis of cancer is also provided.

Abstract: Mutations located within the gene encoding the homeobox transcription factor, ENGRAILED 2 (EN2), have now been identified as molecular markers associated with susceptibility for autism and related disorders. Thus, the present invention relates to compositions in the form of diagnostic kits, primers and target sequences, for use in methods for determining the predisposition, the onset or the presence of autism spectrum disorder in a mammal. Moreover, therapeutic methods for treating a person inflicted with, or predisposed to, an autism spectrum disorder based upon modulating the level or activity of EN2 are also provided.

Abstract: Common oral diseases such as periodontitis and dental caries can be prevented effectively by passive immunization. The present invention provides human single chain Fv (scFv) and diabody antibody fragments based on the binding characteristics of the murine monoclonal antibody Guy's 13. Like the parent antibody, these derivatives bind specifically to SAI/II, the surface adhesin of Streptococcus and the human diabody derivative is capable of aggregating streptococcal cells, making it a useful candidate therapeutic agent for passive immunization against oral diseases.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting angiogenesis in endothelial cells and selectively inducing apoptosis in endothelial cells via compounds which binds annexin II are provided. These compounds and methods for using these compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases or disorders characterized by unwanted angiogenesis. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound which binds annexin II and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and methods for identifying such compounds.

Abstract: A method for assessing muscle damage in a biological sample obtained from a subject is disclosed. The method involves obtaining a biological sample from a subject being assessed for muscle damage, and evaluating the sample for the presence or absence of a myofilament protein modification product. Preferably, the myofilament protein modification product is a chemical adduct of a myofilament protein. The method can also be used to assess the extent and/or type of muscle damage in a subject by studying the profile of myofilament protein modification products detected in the sample taken from the subject. The invention further provides a method for screening for an agent which modulates the level of a myofilament protein modification product an present in a biological sample or for a calcium sensitizing agent. The invention is applicable to cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle.

Abstract: Dual function, bipolar separator plates are provided for use in fuel cells. These separator plates contain both a cathodic flow field and an anodic flow field in a single separator plate.

Abstract: Fused-ring triazole compounds which inhibit proliferation of cells and exhibit a unique and intense fluorescence are provided. Also provided are methods for synthesizing these compounds and methods for using these compounds to inhibit cell proliferation and infection and to label and fluorescently detect selected molecules.

Abstract: Multipotent neuroepithelial stem cells and lineage-restricted oligodendrocyte-astrocyte precursor cells are described. The neuroepithelial stem cells are capable of self-renewal and of differentiation into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. The oligodendrocyte-astrocyte precursor cells are derived from neuroepithelial stem cells, are capable of self-renewal, and can differentiate into oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, but not neurons. Methods of generating, isolating, and culturing such neuroepithelial stem cells and oligodendrocyte-astrocyte precursor cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for enhancing bone healing, bone formation and wound healing. More specifically, it relates to the use of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) following bone fracture, orthopaedic procedure or wound infliction to enhance healing.