Abstract: A collaborative system and method allows members of a group to collaborate on a project such as a bid or proposal. According to a first embodiment, a complex instrument trading engine (CITE) facilities negotiation between two or more parties. A set of tools and techniques are provided in order to facilitate negotiation and execution of complex instruments such as contracts between corporations and governments. According to a second embodiment, referred to as a dynamic collaborative environment, a user can define a group and a virtual private network environment including user-selected tools that facilitate communication, research, analysis, and electronic transactions within the group. The environment can be destroyed easily when it is no longer needed. Multiple environments can co-exist on the same physical network of computers.

Abstract: A vector system that allows the rapid and effective screening of recombinant constructs. The vector system includes a marker protein useful for identifying transfected cell lines, wherein the promoter used to express the marker protein has be substantially weakened in comparison to its corresponding wild type form.

Abstract: A polypeptide transforming growth factor found in porcine platelets, having activity in the TGF-.beta. assay and a molecular weight of about 25 kDa. The factor is a heterodimer, one chain of which has an N-terminal sequence very different from human platelet TGF-.beta., and the other chain of which has an N-terminal sequence identical to that of human platelet TGF-.beta.. The factor is purified using gel filtration and reverse phase HPLC.