Abstract: A homodimeric protein of the invention has angiogenesis inhibiting activity. The homodimeric protein consists of two identical fusion proteins bound together as a homodimer. Each fusion protein comprises an immunoglobulin Fc region and a first target protein linked to the immunoglobulin Fc region. The first target protein has an angiogenesis inhibiting activity of angiostatin or endostatin, and is selected from the group consisting of a plasminogen fragment and a collagen XVIII fragment. The immunoglobulin Fc region comprises a hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite artificial grass fiber for use in an artificial lawn, in particular an artificial grass sports field, which artificial grass fiber is made up at least of several monofilament fibers. The invention further relates to an artificial lawn, in particular an artificial grass sports field built up of a substrate to which composite artificial grass fibers according to the invention are attached. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a composite artificial grass fiber according to the invention, in particular for an artificial lawn, which comprises the steps of manufacturing several monofilament fibers and forming said several monofilament fibers into a composite artificial grass fiber.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment, a nipple for a feeding bottle or a soother comprises a base portion, a teat portion, an areola portion and a flex region allowing flexing of the teat portion towards and away from the areola portion. According to a second embodiment, a nipple for a feeding bottle or soother is provided with a helical flow formation on the inner face of the teat, which allows continuous flow of liquid even when the teat is collapsed via the helical flow path which allows extension at the teat, in particular rotational or torsional extension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion molecules of antigens, the nucleic acids coding therefor and the use of such fusion molecules and nucleic acids. In particular, said invention relates to fusion molecules, comprising an antigen and the transmembrane region and cytoplasmic region of a MHC molecule and/or the cytoplasmic region of a MHC or a SNARE molecule.

Abstract: An isolated peptide useful as a selective antagonist of mammalian R-cadherin comprises 3 to 30 amino acid residues, three contiguous residues of the peptide having the amino acid sequence Ile-Xaa-Ser; wherein Xaa is an amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of Asp, Asn, Glu, and Gln. Preferably Xaa is Asp or Asn. In one preferred embodiment the peptide is a cyclic peptide having 3 to 10 amino acid residues arranged in a ring. The selective R-cadherin antagonist peptides of the invention are useful for inhibiting the targeting of stem cells, such as endothelial precursor cells, to developing vasculature, for inhibiting R-cadherin mediated cellular adhesion, and for inhibiting retinal angiogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber access network and a communication protection method thereof. The optical fiber access network comprises an optical fiber communication system, a wireless communication system, a communication service switch device, a second optical network unit and a protection optical fiber. The wireless communication system is introduced to protect the optical fiber between the optical branching divider and the optical network unit in the optical fiber communication system. The protection optical fiber or the wireless communication system is used to protect the communication service respectively when there is a broken failure between the optical line terminal and the optical network unit in the optical fiber communication system. This invention overcomes the limit of the resource, protects communication service of the optical fiber communication system and improves the bandwidth utility of the communication system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated peptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:36, as well as derivatives thereof comprising various N-terminal and C-terminal chemical moieties, substituted analogs thereof, and fragments thereof. The peptides of the invention are useful for treating and preventing a Flavivirus invention. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptides, and methods of treating or preventing Flavivirus infections, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a porous electrode used in an electrochemical cell, containing a carrier and/or catalytic agent, which is characterized by that it consists of two or more layers with different average pore sizes, out of which layers the contact layer with the smallest average pore size is in contact with the membrane, and one or more supporting layers with a greater average pore size are linked to the other side of this contact layer. Furthermore, the invention relates to a procedure for the manufacturing of such electrodes and to electrochemical cells containing such electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for extracting surface components having an attachment and installed within a surface. In one embodiment, a tool includes a cross member located between a lifting device and a lift plate having an engagement for engaging the attachment. A lift member extends from the lift plate extending through the cross member so as to engage the lifting device so that the lift member is mounted for tilting displacement with respect to the cross member. In another embodiment, a tool for extracting a surface component includes a cross member engaged by supports extending to the surface, for supporting the ends of the cross member above the surface while supporting the cross member against rotation with respect to the surface. Methods are also disclosed for extracting surface components above a surface.

Abstract: A CD20-binding polypeptide composition comprising a combination of a modified heavy chain variable region polypeptide and a modified light chain variable region polypeptide. The combination can be (a) a modified 2B8 antibody heavy chain variable region polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 48; and a modified 2B8 antibody light chain variable region polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 49; or (b) a modified Leu16 antibody heavy chain variable region polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 50; and a modified Leu16 antibody light chain variable region polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 51.

Abstract: Compositions comprising truncated tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase polypeptides useful for regulating angiogenesis, as well as nucleic acids encoding such tRNA synthetase polypeptides are described. Methods of making and using such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An uncycled, preconditioned positive metal-oxide or lithium-metal-oxide electrode for a non-aqueous lithium electrochemical cell, the electrode being preconditioned in an aqueous or a non-aqueous solution containing stabilizing cations and anions that are etched into the electrode surface to form a protective layer. Methods of preconditioning the electrodes are disclosed as are electrochemical cells and batteries containing the electrodes.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of the invention comprises an anode and a cathode and a proton conductive membrane therebetween, the anode and the cathode each comprising a patterned sheet of longitudinally aligned transition metal-containing carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbon nanotubes are in contact with and are aligned generally perpendicular to the membrane, wherein a catalytically active transition metal is incorporated throughout the nanotubes.

Abstract: A cutting board with a planar cutting surface and a stand pivotally mounted thereto. The stand supports the cutting board in a generally vertical position to facilitate frequent washing and drainage for healthier food processing.