Abstract: The present invention is directed to a replicating pad adapted to be gripped by a replicating device. The replicating pad has a generally planar body and a plurality of pins extending downwardly from the body. All pins may have the same dimensions or different dimensions. In another aspect of the invention a replicating device is adapted to be used in association with a replicating pad having a plurality of pins extending downwardly. The replicating device includes a gripper, a method of aligning the replicating pad in the gripper and a method of pushing the replicating pad downwardly. The gripper is adapted to grip the replicating pad. In a further aspect of the invention a method of replicating cell colonies is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides Candida albicans genes that are demonstrated to be essential and are potential targets for drug screening. The nucleotide sequence of the target genes can be used for various drug discovery purposes, such as expression of the recombinant protein, hybridization assay and construction of nucleic acid arrays. The uses of proteins encoded by the essential genes, and genetically engineered cells comprising modified alleles of essential genes in various screening methods are also encompassed by the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides binding agents comprising peptides capable of binding myostatin and inhibiting its activity. In one embodiment the binding agent comprises at least one myostatin-binding peptide attached directly or indirectly to at least one vehicle such as a polymer or an Fc domain. The binding agents of the present invention produced increased lean muscle mass when administered to animals and decreased fat to muscle ratios. Therepeutic compositions containing the binding agents of the present invention are useful for treating muscle-wasting disorders and other metabolic disorders including diabetes and obesity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions that enable the experimental determination as to whether any gene in the genome of a diploid pathogenic organism is essential, and whether it is required for virulence or pathogenicity. The methods involve the construction of genetic mutants in which one allele of a specific gene is inactivated while the other allele of the gene is placed under conditional expression. The identification of essential genes and those genes critical to the development of virulent infections, provides a basis for the development of screens for new drugs against such pathogenic organisms. The present invention further provides Candida albicans genes that are demonstrated to be essential and are potential targets for drug screening. The nucleotide sequence of the target genes can be used for various drug discovery purposes, such as expression of the recombinant protein, hybridization assay and construction of nucleic acid arrays.

Abstract: A device for holding a fish after being caught by an angler to allow the removal of a hook. The device permits an angler to firmly grasp the fish without having to physically touch the fish. The device utilizes a pedal in conjunction with a cantilever to facilitate movement of a hammer to secure the fish. Once held, a hook removal device is employed to remove the hook from the fish's mouth. The device further contains a tool compartment for storing items essential to all anglers and a live well for keeping caught fish alive after removing the hook.

Abstract: The present invention concerns fusion of Fc domains with biologically active peptides and a process for preparing pharmaceutical agents using biologically active peptides.

Abstract: The present invention concerns fusion of Fc domains with biologically active peptides and a process for preparing pharmaceutical agents using biologically active peptides.

Abstract: The in vivo circulating life and/or absorption of cationic therapeutic proteins, including but not limited to basic proteins such as NT-3 and BDNF, can be increased by generating analogs that have a lower isoelectric point and, preferably, also a lower protein charge relative to the protein of native sequence.

Abstract: The present invention concerns fusion of Fc domains with biologically active peptides and a process for preparing pharmaceutical agents using biologically active peptides.

Abstract: The present invention concerns fusion of Fc domains with biologically active peptides and a process for preparing pharmaceutical agents using biologically active peptides.

Abstract: The present invention concerns fusion of Fc domains with biologically active peptides and a process for preparing pharmaceutical agents using biologically active peptides.

Abstract: The present invention concerns fusion of Fc domains with biologically active peptides and a process for preparing pharmaceutical agents using biologically active peptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions that enable the experimental determination as to whether any gene in the genome of a diploid pathogenic organism is essential, and whether it is required for virulence or pathogenicity. The methods involve the construction of genetic mutants in which one allele of a specific gene is inactivated while the other allele of the gene is placed under conditional expression. The identification of essential genes and those genes critical to the development of virulent infections, provides a basis for the development of screens for new drugs against such pathogenic organisms.

Abstract: This patent describes a novel method of detecting genetic interactions in yeast. This method can also be used to screen for function of biological effectors on yeast. The method encompasses crossing yeast strains with genetic alterations to acquire double mutants. The phenotypes of these double mutants are then checked to detect genetic interactions between the double mutants. This method can be used to assign function to yeast genes and their viral, prokaryotic, and eukaryotic homologs, and aptamers. It can also be used to study yeast two hybrid interactions and to find genes that regulate certain yeast promoters.

Abstract: The present invention provides Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-Like (FGFR-L) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides selective binding agents, vectors, host cells, and methods for producing FGFR-L polypeptides. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with FGFR-L polypeptides.

Abstract: This patent describes a novel method of detecting genetic interactions in yeast. This method can also be used to screen for function of biological effectors on yeast. The method encompasses crossing yeast strains with genetic alterations to acquire double mutants. The phenotypes of these double mutants are then checked to detect genetic interactions between the double mutants. This method can be used to assign function to yeast genes and their viral, prokaryotic, and eukaryotic homologs, and aptamers. It can also be used to study yeast two hybrid interactions and to find genes that regulate certain yeast promoters.

Abstract: The in vivo circulating life and/or absorption of cationic therapeutic proteins, including but not limited to basic proteins such as NT-3 and BDNF, can be increased by generating analogs that have a lower isoelectric point and, preferably, also a lower protein charge relative to the protein of native sequence.

Abstract: The present invention concerns fusion of half-life extending vehicles, preferably Fc domains, with peptide sequences that act as antagonists of integrins, selectins, cell adhesion molecules, or their respective receptors. Linkage to the vehicle increases the half-life of the peptide, which otherwise would be quickly degraded in vivo. The peptide may be an existing peptide or a peptide selected by phage display, E. coli display, ribosome display, RNA-peptide screening, chemical-peptide screening, or other methods.

Abstract: The in vivo circulating life and/or absorption of Neurophic Factor-3 (NT-3) is increased by generating certain substitution analogs of the native protein sequence that result in a lower isoelectric point and charge in relation to NT-3 of native sequence.

Abstract: The in vivo circulating life and/or absorption of cationic therapeutic proteins, including but not limited to basic proteins such as NT-3, can be increased by generating analogs that have a lower isoelectric point and, preferably, also a lower protein charge relative to the protein of native sequence.