Abstract: The invention features methods for increasing or maintaining the number of functional cells of a predetermined type, for example, insulin producing cells of the pancreas, blood cells, spleen cells, brain cells, heart cells, vascular tissue cells, cells of the bile duct, or skin cells, in a mammal (e.g., a human patient) that has injured or damaged cells of the predetermined type.

Abstract: Apparatus and method can be provided, whereas a particular radiation which includes at least one first electro-magnetic radiation can be directed to at least one sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation can be directed to a reference. The first electro-magnetic radiation having a particular cross-sectional width may be applied to at least one portion of the sample to generate at least one third electro-magnetic radiation. The first electro-magnetic radiation can be provided in the portion along a particular axis for a distance between a multiplier of 0.5 and 100 of the particular cross-sectional width. An interference can be detected between the third electro-magnetic radiation associated with the first electro-magnetic radiation and at least one fourth electro-magnetic radiation associated with the second electro-magnetic radiation. Further, an asymmetrical cross-sectional area of the first electro-magnetic radiation can be provided.

Abstract: Purified DNA encoding CAR receptors and the recombinant proteins expressed from such DNA are disclosed. The recombinant receptor polypeptides are used to identify CAR ligands and CAR receptor binding sites and are also used to produce therapeutics. Antibodies specific for CAR receptor polypeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: A preservation method for biological material having cell membranes includes reversibly porating the cell membranes; loading a bio-protective agent having bio-preservation properties to a predetermined intracellular concentration; preparing the bio-protective agent loaded biological material for storage; storing the biological material; recovering the stored biological material from storage; and reversing the cell membrane poration. H5 ?-toxin, a genetically engineered mutant of Staphylococcus aureus ?-hemolysin, may be used as a porating agent. Non-permeating sugars such as trehalose and sucrose may be used as the bio-protective agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid vector system which incorporates elements of herpesvirus and adeno-associated virus and which is capable of expressing a gene product in eukaryotic cells. The vector system of the present invention provides a means of packaging plasmid DNA into highly infectious virions which can efficiently and safely deliver large transgenes to both mitotic and postmitotic cells in a state which can be maintained for extended periods. The invention pertains to the use of this vector system in introducing and expressing gene sequences in mitotic and postmitotic cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to recombinant hosts expressing novel proteins associated with Alzheimer's Disease, neuroectodermal tumors, malignant astrocytomas, and glioblastomas. This invention is specifically directed to the recombinant hosts and vectors which contain the genes coding for the neuronal thread proteins. This invention is also directed to substantially pure neural thread protein, immunodiagnostic and molecular diagnostic methods to detect the presence of neural thread proteins, and the use of nucleic acid sequences which code for neural thread proteins in gene therapy.