Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for reducing noise in myocardial tissue velocity imaging such as ultrasound Doppler imaging or MRI. By adjusting recording factors and choosing apparatus settings and/or image analysis parameters in a systematic and consistent way, the quality of e.g. strain or strain rate imaging can be drastically improved. The invention reduces the noise by choosing values of variables, which lead to reduced or minimal beat-to-beat (BBV) variations in the imaged quantity such as average velocity, strain, strain rate or displacement or time derivatives of these.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant human interferon-?-1b (“IFN-?-1b”) polypeptides, or fragments, analogs, derivatives, or variants thereof, having an improved specific activity. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such IFN-?-1b polypeptides, or fragments, analogs, derivatives, or variants thereof, useful for treating multiple sclerosis. The present invention further relates to methods of producing such IFN-?-1b compositions.

Abstract: Transforming growth factor .beta. (TGF-.beta.) is produced in relatively large quantities and at a relatively high purity by fermentation in a perfusion microcarrier reactor. Conditioned media from the reactor is first treated to provide the active form of TGF-.beta. and subsequently purified by cation exchange chromatography followed by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Optionally, nucleic acids complexed with the TGF-.beta. may be removed while the protein is bound to the cation exchange resin. Purified TGF-.beta.1 compositions have a specific activity above 10.sup.7 U/ml.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of oil-in-water emulsifiers and emulsion stabilizers. More particularly, this invention relates to methods for the production of novel hydrophobically modified proteins which may be used as emulsifiers or to stabilize emulsions.This invention also relates to products incorporating these hydrophobically modified protein emulsifiers and emulsion stabilizers. These compounds may be used in many applications such as paints, dyes and cosmetics.

Abstract: Transforming growth factor .beta. (TGF-.beta.) is produced in relatively large quantities and at a relatively high purity by fermentation in a perfusion microcarrier reactor. Conditioned media from the reactor is first treated to provide the active form of TGF-.beta. and subsequently purified by cation exchange chromatography followed by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Optionally, nucleic acids complexed with the TGF-.beta. may be removed while the protein is bound to the cation exchange resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for cultivating mammalian cells. The invention relates to reaction vessels having a mechanical stirrer therein. The improvement comprises supplying oxygen to the culture media in the vessel through at least one oxygen-permeable membrane which is located on the stirrer so that the oxygen permeable membrane provides enhanced oxygen transfer across the membrane which is in contact with the culture media. The method and apparatus provides improved oxygen transfer across the membrane in comparison to other devices in which the oxygen permeable membrane is not located on the stirrer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the preparation and use of new nondialyzable, interfacially-active bioemulsifiers from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus strains.

Abstract: A non-thermal, chemical "huff and puff" method for improved oil recovery is provided in which surfactant/cosurfactant/brine mixtures are used to recover viscous and other hydrocarbons from single wells.