Abstract: Methods for detection of a cell proliferative disorder, such as cancer, are provided utilizing analysis of target mutant nucleic acids in saliva specimens are described. The presence of target mutant nucleic acids is indicative of a neoplastic disorder of the lung or the head and neck.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conditionally replicating viral vector, methods of making, modifying, propagating and selectively packaging, and using such a vector, isolated molecules of specified nucleotide and amino acid sequences relevant to such vectors, a pharmaceutical composition and a host cell comprising such a vector, the use of such a host cell to screen drugs. The methods include the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of viral infection, in particular HIV infection, and, thus, are also directed to viral vaccines and the treatment of cancer, in particular cancer of viral etiology. Other methods include the use of such conditionally replicating viral vectors in gene therapy and other applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides having substantial homology with the CBF1/RBPJk interaction domain of EBNA2. The peptides preferably comprise between about ten and twenty amino acids. The peptides are able to compete with the native EBV EBNA2 protein for interaction with CBF1. The peptides thus can be employed as a pharmaceutical, e.g., along with an appropriate carrier in a pharmaceutical composition, particularly in a method of protecting against or treating EBV infection. The peptides also can be employed in a method of detecting factors that interact with the EBV EBNA2 protein.

Abstract: The invention is specifically directed to efficient, random, simple insertion of a transposon or derivative transposable element into DNA in vivo or in vitro. The invention is particularly directed to mutations in ATP-utilizing regulatory transposition proteins that permit insertion with less target-site specificity than wild-type. The invention encompasses gain-of-function mutations in TnsC, an ATP-utilizing regulatory transposition protein that activates the bacterial transposon Tn7. Such mutations enable the insertion of a Tn7 transposon or derivative transposable element in a non-specific manner into a given DNA segment. Insertion can be effected in plasmid and cosmid libraries, cDNA libraries, PCR products, bacterial artificial chromosomes, yeast artificial chromosomes, mammalian artificial chromosomes, genomic DNAs, and the like. Such insertion is useful in DNA sequencing methods, for genetic analysis by insertional mutagenesis, and alteration of gene expression by insertion of a given genetic sequence.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for computer simulation of image-guided diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as vascular catheterization, angioplasty, stent, coil and graft placement, embolotherapy and drug infusion therapy. In a particularly preferred aspect, the system is configured to resemble a cardiovascular catheterization laboratory where interventional radiology procedures are performed. A first user can interactively manipulate therapeutic catheters, guidewires and other medical devices in real-time while viewing patient-specific medical image data sets in a manner similar to that encountered in a clinical procedure.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal of the species selected from the group consisting of avian, bovine, ovine and porcine having a transgene which results in disrupting the production of and/or activity of growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) chromosomally integrated into the germ cells of the animal is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making such animals, and methods of treating animals, including humans, with antibodies or antisense directed to GDF-8. The animals so treated are characterized by increased muscle tissue.

Abstract: The present invention related to methods and reagents for generating and using activating mutations of receptors and ion channels.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal of the species selected from the group consisting of avian, bovine, ovine and porcine having a transgene which results in disrupting the production of and/or activity of growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) chromosomally integrated into the germ cells of the animal is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making such animals, and methods of treating animals with antibodies or antisense directed to GDF-8. The animals so treated are characterized by increased muscle tissue.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal of the species selected from the group consisting of avian, bovine, ovine and porcine having a transgene which results in disrupting the production of and/or activity of growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) chromosomally integrated into the germ cells of the animal is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making such animals, and methods of treating animals, including humans, with antibodies or antisense directed to GDF-11. The animals so treated are characterized by increased muscle tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universal immunomodulatory cytokine-expressing bystander cell line, a composition comprising such a cell line cancer antigen, a method of making such a cell line, and a method of using such a composition.

Abstract: A transgenic non-human aquatic organisms, such as piscine, crustacea, mollusks, and the like, having a transgene which results in disrupting the production of and/or activity of growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) chromosomally integrated into the germ cells of the animal is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making such organisms and nucleic acid sequences encoding GDF-8 polypeptides from such aquatic organisms.

Abstract: Methylation of p16 DNA and a resultant decrease in p16 gene expression is associated with transcriptional block and is associated with a variety of neoplasms. A method for detecting a neoplasm in a subject by detecting methylation of 5′CpG islands in p16 DNA, or detecting p16 mRNA or polypeptide levels in a sample is also provided.

Abstract: Growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) is disclosed along with its polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the GDF-9 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: This invention relates to the method of using neurotrophic cyclophilin inhibitor compounds having an affinity for cyclophilin-type immunophilins as inhibitors of the enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins, and particularly inhibitors of peptidyl-prolyl isomerase or rotamase enzyme activity.

Abstract: A novel neuronal cell growth factor, neuronal-activity regulated pentraxin, Narp, is provided, as well as polynucleotides encoding Narp. Narp is useful for induction of dendritic neurite outgrowth as well as promotion of neuronal migration. Methods for treatment of subjects having a neuronal cell disorder, utilizing Narp of the invention, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention makes availables assays and reagents inhibiting paracrine and/or autocrine signals produced by a hedgehog protein comprising contacting a cell sensitive to the hedgehog protein with a steroidal alkaloid, or other small molecule, in a sufficient amount to reduce the sensitivity of the cell to the hedgehog protein.

Abstract: Growth differentiation factor Lefty-1 polypeptide and polynucleotides are provided herein. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the Lefty-1 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: An essentially non-osteoconductive medical device is described comprising a biodegradable terephthalate copolymer comprising the recurring monomeric units shown in formula I: wherein R is a divalent organic moiety; x is ≧1; and n is 3-7,500, where the biodegradable polymer is sufficiently pure to be biocompatible and is capable of forming biocompatible residues upon biodegradation. Compositions containing the copolymers and biologically active substances, articles useful for implantation or injection into the body fabricated from the compositions, and methods for controllably releasing biologically active substances using the copolymers, are also described.

Abstract: Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence are provided herein. Also described are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using GDF-15 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The invention is specifically directed to efficient, random, simple insertion of a transposon or derivative transposable element into DNA in vivo or in vitro. The invention is particularly directed to mutations in ATP-utilizing regulatory transposition proteins that permit insertion with less target-site specificity than wild-type. The invention encompasses gain-of-function mutations in TnsC, an ATP-utilizing regulatory transposition protein that activates the bacterial transposon Tn7. Such mutations enable the insertion of a Tn7 transposon or derivative transposable element in a non-specific manner into a given DNA segment. Insertion can be effected in plasmid and cosmid libraries, cDNA libraries, PCR products, bacterial artificial chromosomes, yeast artificial chromosomes, mammalian artificial chromosomes, genomic DNAs, and the like. Such insertion is useful in DNA sequencing methods, for genetic analysis by insertional mutagenesis, and alteration of gene expression by insertion of a given genetic sequence.