Abstract: Nucleic acids may be obtained from neural cell cultures produced by using growth factors to induce the proliferation of multipotent neural stem cells. The resultant progeny may be passaged repeatedly to produce a sufficient number of cells to obtain representative nucleic acid samples. Clonal cultures may be produced. Nucleic acids may be obtained from both cultured normal and dysfunctional neural cells and from neural cell cultures at various stages of development. This information allows for the identification of the sequence of gene expression during neural development and can be used to reveal the effects of biological agents on gene expression in neural cells. Additionally, nucleic acids derived from dysfunctional tissue can be compared with that of normal tissue to identify genetic material which may be the cause of the dysfunction. This information could then be used in the design of therapies to treat the neurological disorder.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of transplanting multipotent neural stem cell progeny to a host by obtaining a population of cells derived from mammalian neural tissue containing at least one multipotent CNS multipotent neural stem cell; culturing the neural stem cell in a culture medium containing one or more growth factors which induce multipotent neural stem cell proliferation; inducing proliferation of the multipotent neural stem cell to produce neural stem cell progeny which includes multipotent neural stem cell progeny cells; and transplanting the multipotent neural stem cell progeny to the host.

Abstract: cDNA libraries may be obtained from neural cell cultures produced by using growth factors to induce the proliferation of multipotent neural stem cells. The libraries may be obtained from both cultured normal and dysfunctional neural cells and from neural cell cultures at various stages of development. This information allows for the identification of the sequence of gene expression during neural development and can be used to reveal the effects of biological agents on gene expression in neural cells. Additionally, nucleic acid derived from dysfunctional tissue can be compared with that of normal tissue to identify genetic material which may be a cause of the dysfunction. This information could then be used in the design of therapies to treat the neurological disorder. A further use of the technology would be in the diagnosis of genetic disorders or for use in identifying neural cells at a particular stage in development.

Abstract: Protective headwear including a cover and a liner permanently attached to a hard hat. The cover and liner members provide protection against inclement weather conditions. In particular side, front, and rear flaps can be pivoted between folded and unfolded positions such that the protective headwear can be used in both bad and good weather conditions. The liner, being formed of fur, is both decorative and utilitarian in providing protection against cold weather.

Abstract: A culture method for determining the effect of a biological agent on multipotent neural stem cell progeny is provided. In the presence of growth factors, multipotent neural stem cells are induced to proliferate in culture. The multipotent neural stem cells may be obtained from normal neural tissue or from a donor afflicted with a disease such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease or Down's Syndrome. At various stages in the differentiation process of the multipotent neural stem cell progeny, the effects of a biological agent, such as a virus, protein, peptide, amino acid, lipid, carbohydrate, nucleic acid or a drug or pro-drug on cell activity are determined. Additionally, a method of screening the effects of biological agents on a clonal population of neural cells is provided. The technology provides an efficient method for the generation of large numbers of pre- and post-natal neural cells under controlled, defined conditions.

Abstract: Multipotent neural stem cell (MNSC) progeny are induced to generate cells of the hematopoietic system by placing the MNSC progeny in a hematopoietic-inducing environment. The hematopoietic-inducing environment can be either ex vivo or in vivo. A mammal's circulatory system provides an in vivo environment that can induce xenogeneic, allogeneic, or autologous MNSC progeny to generate a full complement of hematopoietic cells. Transplantation of MNSC progeny provides an alternative to bone marrow and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to treat blood-related disorders.

Abstract: Methods for administering genetic material to dividing neural precursor cell populations in vivo are provided. The genetic material may comprise useful genes for neurotransmitters, growth factors, growth factor receptors, and the like. The genetic material is administered to the brain with one or more growth factors. The growth factors induce proliferation of neural precursor cells, thereby facilitating the incorporation of the genetic material into the cell progeny.

Abstract: A deformable well screen for preventing migration of solid particles into a hydrocarbon production well is disclosed, the screen including at least one substantially tubular filter layer of which the sieve opening size remains fairly constant during or after expansion and/or other deformation of the screen. Optionally the screen also includes a series of circumferentially scaled filter segments that are arranged around an expandable slotted tube, an expandable slotted tube of which the slots are filled with resin coated granules, an expandable slotted tube with micro-slots, an assembly of woven metal wire screens that are sintered together and/or a synthetic geotextile fabric.

Abstract: A method is described for inducing in vivo proliferation of precursor cells located in mammalian neural tissue by administering to the mammal a fibroblast growth factor and at least one additional growth factor selected from the group consisting of epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor alpha, and amphiregulin. The method can be used to replace damaged or missing neurons and/or glia. Another method is described for transplanting multipotent neural stem cell progeny into a mammal. The method comprises the steps of administering growth factors to a mammal to induce in vivo proliferation of neural precursor cells, removing the precursor cell progeny from the mammal, culturing the removed cells in vitro in the presence of one or more growth factors that induces multipotent neural stem cell proliferation, and implanting the multipotent neural stem cell progeny into the mammal.

Abstract: A culture method for inducing the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in neural cells is provided. Mammalian CNS neural cells are cultured in the presence of a fibroblast growth factor and at least one selected from a member of the transforming growth factor beta family, a feeder layer bed of cells, and cell conditioned medium. Cells cultured as provided above may be transplanted to provide dopaminergic cells to a patient. The cells may also be used in methods for drug screening.

Abstract: A deformable well screen for preventing migration of solid particles into a hydrocarbon production well is disclosed, the screen including at least one substantially tubular filter layer of which the sieve opening size remains fairly constant during or after expansion and/or other formation of the screen. Optionally the screen also includes a series of circumferentially scaled filter segments that are arranged around an expandable slotted tube, an expandable slotted tube of which the slots are filled with resin coated granules, an expandable slotted tube with micro-slots, an assembly of woven metal wire screens that are sintered together and/or a synthetic geotextile fabric.

Abstract: A method for the in vitro proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells and stem cell progeny comprising the steps of (a) isolating the cells from a mammal, (b) exposing the cells to a culture medium containing a growth factor, (c) inducing the cells to proliferate, and (d) inducing the cells to differentiate is provided.

Abstract: A method for producing genetically modified neural cells comprises culturing cells derived from embryonic, juvenile, or adult mammalian neural tissue with one or more growth factors that induce multipotent neural stem cells to proliferate and produce multipotent neural stem cell progeny which include more daughter multipotent neural stem cells and undifferentiated progeny that are capable of differentiating into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. The proliferating neural cells can be transfected with exogenous DNA to produce genetically modified neural stem cell progeny. The genetic modification can be for the production of biologically useful proteins such as growth factor products, growth factor receptors, neurotransmitters, neurotransmitter receptors, neuropeptides and neurotransmitter synthesizing genes.