Abstract: Double-stranded short interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) are modified to reduce or eliminate their immunostimulatory effect without significantly affecting their gene silencing effect. Modified siRNA include one or more 2? sugar modifications and, optionally, internucleotide linkages on the sense strand. Compositions containing the modified siRNA and methods of making and using the modified siRNA are disclosed. New and previously characterized siRNA can be synthesized to incorporate modifications according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal contact structure of a solar cell is provided and includes the following steps: applying a metal contact structure to a surface of the solar cell, reinforcing the metal contact structure in an electrolytic bath. The invention is characterized by the metal contact structure being applied by applying a metal-containing ink to the surface of the solar cell by at least one pressurized nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunostimulatory nucleic acid compositions and methods of using the compositions. The T-rich nucleic acids contain poly T sequences and/or have greater than 25% T nucleotide residues. The TG nucleic acids have TG dinucleotides. The C-rich nucleic acids have at least one poly-C region and/ore greater than 50% c nucleotides. These immunostimulatory nucleic acids function in a similar manner to nucleic acids containing CpG motifs. The invention also encompasses preferred CpG nucleic acids.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory compositions described as CpG-like nucleic acids are provided, including nucleic acids having immunostimulatory characteristics of CpG nucleic acid, despite certain substitutions of C, G, or C and G of the CpG dinucleotide. The substitutions can include, among others, exchange of methylated C for C, inosine for G, and ZpY for CpG, where Z is cytosine or dSpacer and Y is inosine, 2-aminopurine, nebularine, or dSpacer. Also provided are methods for inducing an immune response in a subject using the CpG-like nucleic acids. The methods are useful in the treatment of a subject that has or is at risk of developing an infectious disease, allergy, asthma, cancer, anemia, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia.

Abstract: A semiconductor component includes at least one surface, at least one trench formed in the at least one surface and at least one edge structured and arranged on the at least one surface and formed by the at least one trench. Additionally, the semiconductor component includes an electric contact arranged on the at least one edge, wherein the at least one surface provides for at least one of electric and optical power input and output to the semiconductor component.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunostimulatory nucleic acid compositions and methods of using the compositions. The T-rich nucleic acids contain poly T sequences and/or have greater than 25% T nucleotide residues. The TG nucleic acids have TG dinucleotides. The C-rich nucleic acids have at least one poly-C region and/ore greater than 50% c nucleotides. These immunostimulatory nucleic acids function in a similar manner to nucleic acids containing CpG motifs. The invention also encompasses preferred CpG nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunostimulatory nucleic acid compositions and methods of using the compositions. The T-rich nucleic acids contain poly T sequences and/or have greater than 25% T nucleotide residues. The TG nucleic acids have TG dinucleotides. The C-rich nucleic acids have at least one poly-C region and/ore greater than 50% c nucleotides. These immunostimulatory nucleic acids function in a similar manner to nucleic acids containing CpG motifs. The invention also encompasses preferred CpG nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention involves administration of an imidazoquinoline agent in combination with another therapeutic agent. The combination of drugs may be administered in synergistic amounts or in various dosages or at various time schedules. The invention also relates to kits and compositions concerning the combination of drugs. The combinations can be used to enhance ADCC, stimulate immune responses and/or patient and treat certain disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunostimulatory nucleic acid compositions and methods of using the compositions. The T-rich nucleic acids contain poly T sequences and/or have greater than 25% T nucleotide residues. The TG nucleic acids have TG dinucleotides. The C-rich nucleic acids have at least one poly-C region and/ore greater than 50% c nucleotides. These immunostimulatory nucleic acids function in a similar manner to nucleic acids containing CpG motifs. The invention also encompasses preferred CpG nucleic acids.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory compositions described as CpG-like nucleic acids are provided, including nucleic acids having immunostimulatory characteristics of CpG nucleic acid, despite certain substitutions of C, G, or C and G of the CpG dinucleotide. The substitutions can include, among others, exchange of methylated C for C, inosine for G, and ZpY for CpG, where Z is cytosine or dSpacer and Y is inosine, 2-aminopurine, nebularine, or dSpacer. Also provided are methods for inducing an immune response in a subject using the CpG-like nucleic acids. The methods are useful in the treatment of a subject that has or is at risk of developing an infectious disease, allergy, asthma, cancer, anemia, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia.

Abstract: The invention involves administration of an imidazoquinoline agent in combination with another therapeutic agent. The combination of drugs may be administered in synergistic amounts or in various dosages or at various time schedules. The invention also relates to kits and compositions concerning the combination of drugs. The combinations can be used to enhance ADCC, stimulate immune responses and/or patient and treat certain disorders.

Abstract: The invention involves administration of an immunostimulatory nucleic acid alone or in combination with an anemia, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia medicament for the treatment or prevention of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia in subjects. The agents in combination are administered in synergistic amounts or in various dosages or at various time schedules. The invention also relates to kits and compositions concerning the combination of immunostimulatory nucleic acids and anemia, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia drugs.