Abstract: The invention provides polypeptide fragments derived from TgAMA-1, nucleic acids that encode the polypeptide fragments, and TgAMA-binding polypeptides such as antibodies. Methods for using the polypeptide and nucleic acid molecules to produce vaccines are also provided. In addition the invention provides methods involving use of the polypeptides, nucleic acids, and binding polypeptides, such as antibodies, for the prevention and treatment of Toxoplasmosis.

Abstract: Wood finishes and methods of production and application of wood finishes are provided. The finishes may contain biologically produced components, such as proteins, and specifically may include whey proteins derived from dairy processing. The wood finishes are environmentally friendly as they use reduced levels of solvents and provide a safe and protective coating for wood and wood products.

Abstract: A crystalline thin structure (104, 204, 404) is grown on a surface (108, 228) of a substrate (112, 208, 400) by depositing molecules (136, 220) from a molecular precursor to a lateral growth front (144, 224) of the structure using a crystal grower (116, 200). In one embodiment, the crystal grower comprises a solution (124) containing the molecular precursor in a solvent (140). Molecules are added to the lateral growth front by moving one or both of the free surface (120, 120?) of the solution and deposition surface relative to the other at a predetermined rate. In another embodiment, the crystal grower comprises a mask (212) that includes at least one opening (216). Precursor molecules are vacuum deposited via a molecular beam (236) at the growth front (228) of the crystalline thin structure (204) as one or both of the opening and surface are moved relative to the other at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: The invention involves methods of regulating cell growth and division to control disease processes by manipulating mitochondrial metabolism and the expression of cell surface immune proteins. The invention also involves related compositions and screening assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of inhibitors of PACAP receptor activity for the treatment of pelvic floor pain syndrome and overactive bladder.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptide fragments derived from TgAMA-1, nucleic acids that encode the polypeptide fragments, and TgAMA-binding polypeptides such as antibodies. Methods for using the polypeptide and nucleic acid molecules to produce vaccines are also provided. In addition the invention provides methods involving use of the polypeptides, nucleic acids, and binding polypeptides, such as antibodies, for the prevention and treatment of Toxoplasmosis.

Abstract: The present invention includes 16-HETE analogs which are agonists and antagonists of 16-HETE. The compositions may be formulated in pharmaceutically acceptable formulations. The invention also includes methods and products for inhibiting neutrophil adhesion and neutrophil aggregation using the 16-HETE agonists. One method of the invention involves the administration of a 16-HETE agonist in combination with a thrombolytic agent to a patient suffering from, thromboembolic stroke.

Abstract: The invention relates to products and methods for delivering nucleic acids of various sizes and preferably greater than 50 kilobases into cells. The nucleic acids are delivered as part of a nucleic acid delivery complex which is composed of at least a nucleic acid binding and condensation domain.

Abstract: A femoral component is provided for use in a knee joint prosthesis. The femoral component may be configured to provide one or more desirable kinematic relationships with a tibial component and/or patella so as to mimic the flexion and extension motion of a natural knee joint. The femoral component may be configured so that the patella follows a substantially circular pathway during knee flexion and extension. The femoral component may be configured so that the patella follows a curved patellar path during flexion and extension, and the curved patellar path has an origin located anterior and proximal to the geometrical center axis of the knee. The femoral component may be configured so that the patella follows a curved patellar path that lies in a plane which is parallel to and offset from a plane that extends through the center of the femoral head of a femur and is perpendicular to the geometric center axis of the knee.

Abstract: The invention involves methods of regulating cell growth and division to control disease processes by manipulating mitochondrial metabolism and the expression of cell surface immune proteins. The invention also involves related compositions and screening assays.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for altering and enhancing the immune response toward an antigen. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods of using CD40 engagement on T cells to induce T cell receptor gene rearrangement and enhance T cell affinity for a particular antigen. The invention also relates to methods for promoting developmental maturation of an immature cell of the T cell lineage.

Abstract: The invention involves methods of regulating cell growth and division to control disease processes by manipulating mitochondrial metabolism and the expression of cell surface immune proteins. The invention also involves related compositions and screening assays.

Abstract: A bulge testing system (10) for testing the material properties of a thin film window (14) using a Michelson interferometer (18) that generates an interference pattern (32) having fringes (34) and nodes (36) that move as the thin film window is inflated or deflated. The bulge testing system includes a fringe counting module (82), an analysis module (114) and an output module (88). The fringe counting module allows a user to interactively select from an image of the interference pattern one or more sampling regions (30) in which the user interface will count fringes. The analysis module allows a user to interactively change the location of maxima/minima indicators (116) in the event that noise in the image causes the analysis module to incorrectly determine the locations of the fringes and nodes. The output module automatically calculates material properties and provides test results to an output file and/or a results window (168).

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acids and encoded polypeptides from the human zinc finger protein RIP60. The invention provides, inter alia, isolated nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing those molecules and host cells transfected with those molecules. The invention also provides isolated proteins and peptides, fragments of the foregoing including functional fragments and variants. Kits containing the foregoing molecules additionally are provided.

Abstract: A whole-body mathematical model (10) for simulating intracranial pressure dynamics. In one embodiment, model (10) includes 17 interacting compartments, of which nine lie entirely outside of intracranial vault (14). Compartments (F) and (T) are defined to distinguish ventricular from extraventricular CSF. The vasculature of the intracranial system within cranial vault (14) is also subdivided into five compartments (A, C, P, V, and S, respectively) representing the intracranial arteries, capillaries, choroid plexus, veins, and venous sinus. The body's extracranial systemic vasculature is divided into six compartments (I, J, O, Z, D, and X, respectively) representing the arteries, capillaries, and veins of the central body and the lower body. Compartments (G) and (B) include tissue and the associated interstitial fluid in the intracranial and lower regions.

Abstract: A pn junction diode (250) having its metallurgical junction of the oppositely-doped regions (254, 256) coincident with the surface WS of an electrically-doped wafer W and a method of forming such a diode. The method includes preparing (202) the wafer surface prior to placing the wafer into a reaction chamber (14). The preparation of the wafer surface includes UV ozonation (102d) and hydrogen-termination (102e) in a hydrofluoric acid solution. After the wafer surface is prepared, the wafer is inserted into the reaction chamber and heated to a temperature of less than 650° C. Without delay, a pn junction (252) is formed by growing on the wafer surface an epitaxial film layer having a doping opposite the doping of the wafer. The doped film layer is grown (204) by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition while simultaneously introducing dopant atoms into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating subjects using EBPs. Specifically disclosed are peptides and peptidomimetics that bind selectively to the extracellular domain of ErbB2. These compositions are useful in the prevention and treatment of disorders characterized by ErbB2 overexpression (e.g., breast cancer).

Abstract: The present invention includes 16-HETE analogs which are agonists and antagonists of 16-HETE. The compositions may be formulated in pharmaceutically acceptable formulations. The invention also includes methods and products for inhibiting neutrophil adhesion and neutrophil aggregation using the 16-HETE agonists. One method of the invention involves the administration of a 16-HETE agonist in combination with a thrombolytic agent to a patient suffering from, thromboembolic stroke.

Abstract: A bulge tester (20) for determining residual stresses, and mechanical, thermal and other properties of a thin film (26) of material. The bulge tester includes a chuck (22) that supports the substrate (24) on which the film is deposited by stiction rather than through the use of mounting waxes, adhesives and mechanical clamping. The stiction inducing media (52) may be viscous grease, a flexible sheet of material such as a rubber, an elastomer, both or other materials. Bulge testing performed using the stiction-based chuck involves inducing stiction between the base (42) of the chuck and substrate of at least at least 1 kPascal (0.69 lb/in2), as determined using a corner peel test. The pressurized fluid is delivered to the film to be tested, and materials properties of the film are determined as a function of pressure of the fluid and deflection of the film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for physically separating polypeptide constituents of a sample fluid by (a) providing a sample fluid comprising a mixture of polypeptides of differing physical and/or chemical properties; (b) contacting the fluid with at least two individual polymer matrix units, each polymer matrix unit preferentially accepting a different set of polypeptides on the basis of one or more physical and/or chemical properties; and (c) extracting the set of polypeptides from each polymer matrix unit.