Abstract: A chimeric protein comprising an IGF1 and an IGF2 component and optionally a fusion component (F) and/or a signal sequence, exhibiting improved activity relative to the native IGF1 or IGF2 polypeptide. The fusion component (F) may be a multimerizing component, a targeting ligand, or another active or therapeutic compound.

Abstract: Myostatin inhibiting GDF8 and GDF11 fusion polypeptides and their encoding nucleic acids are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these fusion polypeptides or their corresponding nucleic acids and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hip stem prosthesis is provided for treating a deficient hip joint.

Abstract: A fusion protein comprising at least one IGF1 variant component and a fusion component (F), and, optionally, a signal sequence, exhibiting improved stability relative to the native IGF1 or IGF2 polypeptide. The fusion component (F) may be a multimerizing component, a targeting ligand, or another active or therapeutic compound. IGF1 variants were shown to have improved ability to induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy relative to native IGF1.

Abstract: The present invention introduces the notion of a route provider that efficiently and automatically helps and rewards drivers for traversing optimal driving routes. In particular, described is a technique for receiving one or more conditions and criteria associated with map directions over a computer network from a service bureau. The route provider or a third party may reward drivers for traversing preferred routes.

Abstract: A targeting fusion protein comprising a component that comprises a (i) ligand or derivative or fragment thereof that binds a pre-selected target surface protein, such as a receptor, and (ii) an active agent or therapeutic agent(s), and further optionally (iii) a multimerizing component and/or (iv) a signal sequence. In a preferred embodiment, the targeting fusion polypeptide targets muscle and is useful to treat a muscle-related disease or condition, such as muscle atrophy.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method of determining disease classification, particular of juvenile arthritis. It is also directed to a method of analyzing disease progression in a subject exhibiting juvenile arthritis. The invention pertains to expression patterns of certain inflammatory related nucleotide sequences that differ among the various classifications of juvenile arthritis such as, but not limited to, pauciarticular arthritis, polyarticular arthritis, juvenile onset spondyloarthropathy, and systemic onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Video messages are created in a manner that allows transparent delivery over any electronic mail (e-mail) system. The audio and video components of the message are recorded, encoded, and synchronously combined into a video message file. A player is selectively attached to the video message file to create an executable file which can be delivered as a standard binary file over conventional communications networks. To view the received video e-mail, the recipient executes the received file and the attached player automatically plays the video and audio message or the recipient executes the previously installed player which plays the video message.

Abstract: Video messages are created in a manner that allows transparent delivery over any electronic mail (e-mail) system. The audio and video components of the message are recorded, encoded, and synchronously combined into a video message file. A player is selectively attached to the video message file to create an executable file which can be delivered as a standard binary file over conventional communications networks. To view the received video e-mail, the recipient executes the received file and the attached player automatically plays the video and audio message or the recipient executes the previously installed player which plays the video message.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of promoting motor neuron survival, growth or differentiation comprising treating motor neurons with an effective amount of HGF. The invention also provides for a method of promoting motor neuron survival, growth or differentiation comprising treating motor neurons with an effective amount of HGF and an effective amount of CNTF. The invention further provides for a method of alleviating the toxic effects of vincristine on motor neurons comprising treating motor neurons with an effective amount of HGF and an effective amount of CNTF. The methods may be carried out in vitro or in vivo. The invention also provides a method of treating a motor neuron disorder in a patient comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of HGF and CNTF. The invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition for treating a motor neuron disorder in a patient comprising HGF and CNTF in a pharmacologically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Video messages are created in a manner that allows transparent delivery over any electronic mail (e-mail) system. The audio and video components of the message are recorded, encoded, and synchronously combined into a video message file. A player is selectively attached to the video message file to create an executable file which can be delivered as a standard binary file over conventional communications networks. To view the received video e-mail, the recipient executes the received file and the attached player automatically plays the video and audio message or the recipient executes the previously installed player which plays the video message.

Abstract: The present invention provides for assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure neurotrophin activity or to identify agents that exhibit neurotrophin-like activity, and for methods of using such assay systems. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that the trkB protooncogene encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor that may serve as a functional binding protein for BDNF and NT-3. Such assay systems may be of particular value in identifying new neurotrophins or agents with neurotrophin-like activity. In various embodiments, the assay systems and methods of the invention may be used to detect and/or measure the binding of neurotrophin to trkB, either using direct binding studies or the detection of the secondary affects of trkB/neurotrophin binding. The present invention also has diagnostic and therapeutic utilities. In particular embodiments of the invention, methods of detecting aberrancies in trkB function or expression may be used in the diagnosis of neurological disorders.