Abstract: The increased use of nucleotide sequence data mining techniques has amplified the demand for efficient methods of producing recombinant proteins in eukaryotic cells. A strategy is provided for enhancing the synthesis of recombinant amino acid sequences by polymerizing expression cassettes in vitro before producing recombinant hosts.

Abstract: The increased use of nucleotide sequence data mining techniques has amplified the demand for efficient methods of producing recombinant proteins in host cells. New genes identified from genomic sequences may lack an identified source for obtaining an mRNA template to produce cDNA. A strategy is provided for generating nucleic acid molecules comprising a continuous amino acid-encoding sequence using a genomic template that contains non-continuous amino acid-encoding sequences.

Abstract: The cystatin superfamily includes inhibitors of cysteine proteinases, which function in a protective role with regard to various pathological actions of endogenous proteinases. Zcys6 is a new member of this superfamily.

Abstract: Novel mammalian zcyto7 polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods including antibodies and anti-idiotypic antibodies.

Abstract: A mammalian islet cell antigen polypeptide involved in the development of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is disclosed. This islet cell antigen polypeptide, 1851, was found to contain regions of homology to the protein tyrosine phosphatase family. Methods for diagnosis and treatment, including use in immunoprecipitation assays and the induction of immune tolerance using the recombinant mammalian polypeptides and antibodies specific to mammalian islet cell antigen 1851 polypeptides are presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved investment powders for use in making improved investment molds for casting metals, and the use of such molds with vacuum and/or either conventional, convection conduction or microwave heating apparatus, to rapidly eliminate water, wax and residual carbon from the mold cavities at temperatures lower than the casting temperature range of the mold at the time of casting.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-contained, six sided, reusable container for goods, having both an assembled form and a collapsed form. The container includes a bottom, a top, two ends, and two sides. In the collapsed form, the ends and sides are stored between the top and bottom, thus achieving the desired low return ratio to promote reuse of the container. Preferably, the ends are hinged to the bottom and fold inwardly onto the bottom. The sides and ends are interconnected while the container is in its assembled form. This interconnection is achieved using a corner hook latching mechanism that is easily attached and detached. The latching mechanism has the useful property of forming a connection on both sides of the structure, thus allowing the front side of the container to be stored by connecting it to the back side, even when the back side is attached to the ends. Such storage is particularly useful during unloading of the container contents.