Abstract: This invention relates generally to a computer-implemented method and system for having anonymous profiling of, and marketing to, anonymous users in a data network, particularly in the Internet. It enables an individual to surf the Internet anonymously as well as enabling third parties to use profiling information to target such anonymous users. The real identity of the individual is never known within the anonymous trust system.

Abstract: Methods are provided for formulating models for predicting whether subjects will respond to a particular drug or treatment regimen. Biochemical profiles are obtained (by measuring a variety or biochemical parameters) for a test group before and after treatment with the drug or regimen. These values are used formulate a specific predictive method for the particular drug or treatment regimen. The predictive measurement is then used with biochemical parameters obtained from a subject to predict whether that subject will respond to the particular drug or treatment regimen. The predictive methods may also be used to determine the equivalence of different dosages of a drug.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating or alleviating the symptoms of subjects with psychological disorders, metabolic disorders, chronic stress-related disorders, sleep disorders, conditions associated with sexual senescence, aging, or premature aging by treating such subjects with IGF either alone or complexed with IGFBP-3. Methods for increasing the levels of DHEA or DHEAS and treating or alleviating the symptoms of subjects with disorders characterized by low levels of DHEA or DHEAS by administering effective amounts of IGF alone or complexed with IGFBP-3 are also provided. Methods for increasing the level of T4 and treating or alleviating the symptoms of subjects with disorders characterized by low levels of T3 or T4 by administering effective amounts of IGF alone or complexed with IGFBP-3 are additionally provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating or alleviating the symptoms of subjects with psychological disorders, metabolic disorders, chronic stress-related disorders, sleep disorders, conditions associated with sexual senescence, aging, or premature aging by treating such subjects with IGF or mutant IGF either alone or complexed with IGFBP-3. Methods for increasing the levels of DHEA or DHEAS and treating or alleviating the symptoms of subjects with disorders characterized by low levels of DHEA or DHEAS by administering effective amounts of IGF or mutant IGF alone or complexed with IGFBP-3 are also provided. Methods for increasing the level of T4 and treating or alleviating the symptoms of subjects with disorders characterized by low levels of T3 or T4 by administering effective amounts of IGF or mutant IGF alone or complexed with IGFBP-3 are additionally provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating or alleviating the symptoms of subjects with psychological disorders, metabolic disorders, chronic stress-related disorders, sleep disorders, conditions associated with sexual senescence, aging, or premature aging by treating such subjects with IGF or mutant IGF either alone or complexed with IGFBP-3. Methods for increasing the levels of DHEA or DHEAS and treating or alleviating the symptoms of subjects with disorders characterized by low levels of DHEA or DHEAS by administering effective amounts of IGF or mutant IGF alone or complexed with IGFBP-3 are also provided. Methods for increasing the level of T4 and treating or alleviating the symptoms of subjects with disorders characterized by low levels of T3 or T4 by administering effective amounts of IGF or mutant IGF alone or complexed with IGFBP-3 are additionally provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of a fusion partner that does not contain a leader sequence, as a means to increase the solubility and activity of recombinant polypeptides by facilitating the expression of fusion proteins, which are then transported out of the cytoplasm. The invention includes a nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising a mature interleukin-1-like polypeptide or a leader-deleted-translocating polypeptide, and a polypeptide of interest; as well as host cells comprising such nucleic acids, and fusion proteins so encoded. The invention also encompasses methods of using such nucleic acids to produce recombinant fusion polypeptides, mature polypeptides of interest, and purified compositions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for producing a heterologous protein of interest by inserting a copy of a gene encoding the heterologous protein of interest into the chromosome of a host cell, such as E. coli. A chromosomal transfer DNA (a circular, non-self-replicating DNA) is used to integrate the gene encoding the heterologous protein of interest into the host cell chromosome. The chromosomal transfer DNA comprises at least one selectable marker and may optionally include repeated DNA sequences flanking the selectable marker, facilitating chromosomal amplification of the integrated DNA. The gene encoding the protein of interest may be expressed after integration into the chromosome of the host cell; selection for chromosomal amplification may be performed prior to expression of the gene.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of IL-1-like fusion polypeptides to increase the solubility and activity of recombinant polypeptides. The invention includes a nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising an interleukin-1-like polypeptide and a polypeptide of interest and the method of using such a nucleic acid to produce recombinant fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: Methods are provided for formulating models for predicting whether subjects will respond to a particular drug or treatment regimen. Biochemical profiles are obtained (by measuring a variety or biochemical parameters) for a test group before and after treatment with the drug or regimen. These values are used formulate a specific predictive method for the particular drug or treatment regimen. The predictive measurement is then used with biochemical parameters obtained from a subject to predict whether that subject will respond to the particular drug or treatment regimen.

Abstract: A method of treating TGF-.beta. excess is disclosed. The treatment is parenteral, oral or topical administration of TGF-.beta. receptor fragment. Particularly effective is a soluble receptor fragment which resembles the extracellular portion of TGF-.beta. binding protein II.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of a fusion partner that does not contain a leader sequence, as a means to increase the solubility and activity of recombinant polypeptides by facilitating the expression of fusion proteins, which are then transported out of the cytoplasm. The invention includes a nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising a mature interleukin-1-like polypeptide or a leader-deleted-translocating polypeptide, and a polypeptide of interest; as well as host cells comprising such nucleic acids, and fusion proteins so encoded. The invention also encompasses methods of using such nucleic acids to produce recombinant fusion polypeptides, mature polypeptides of interest, and purified compositions thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of IL-1-like fusion polypeptides to increase the solubility and activity of recombinant polypeptides. The invention includes a nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising an interleukin-1-like polypeptide and a polypeptide of interest and the method of using such a nucleic acid to produce recombinant fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for inserting a copy of a heterologous gene into the chromosome of a host cell such as E. coli through the use of a chromosomal transfer DNA, a circular, non-self-replicating DNA carrying a site-specific recombination site such as lambda att P. The host cell chromosome contains a second site-specific recombination site. When the chromosomal transfer DNA is introduced into the host cell, expression of an integration enzyme such as integrase causes the integration of the chromosomal transfer DNA into the host cell chromosome at the second recombination site.

Abstract: The invention is directed to recombinant DNA vectors and methods of use thereof. The vectors allow over-expression of proteins in bacterial host cells. The vectors contain a first gene encoding a ubiquitin fusion protein of interest and a second gene encoding a cytoplasmic peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase gene. Co-expression of the first and second genes allows over-expression of the protein of interest. In some cases the degree of solubility of the protein of interest is also increased.