Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing an immunological response by administering an immunogenic composition comprising an effective amount of a MANF family protein or fragment thereof and an antigen to a subject. Also, methods and compositions for decreasing an immune response by inhibiting or antagonizing the activity of a MANF family protein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating or preventing cell death-related sensory cell loss in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering an effective amount of one or more neuroprotective peptides to the subject. Also disclosed are methods of treating or preventing drug-induced ototoxicity in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering an effective amount of one or more neuroprotective peptides to the subject.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing an immunological response by administering an immunogenic composition comprising an effective amount of a MANF family protein or fragment thereof and an antigen to a subject. Also, methods and compositions for decreasing an immune response by inhibiting or antagonizing the activity of a MANF family protein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating or preventing cell death-related sensory cell loss in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering an effective amount of one or more neuroprotective peptides to the subject. Also disclosed are methods of treating or preventing drug-induced ototoxicity in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering an effective amount of one or more neuroprotective peptides to the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel apoptosis-associated nucleic acids and polypeptides and methods for use thereof, including methods of treatment of disorders associated with aberrant cellular proliferation, differentiation, or degeneration. Included are methods of enhancing the success of cell transplantation and cell-based genetic therapy procedures.

Abstract: In this invention a new interpretation methodology has been developed. A pore structure model is used to compute the relaxation behavior. This model is then used as the kernel of a best-fit inversion scheme against the measured data, in contrast to inverting for a T.sub.2 distribution that relies on regularization. Parameters of the model are obtained by "best fitting" the model with the data. The method considers a geometrical or physical model comprising both intergranular and intragranular porosity (microporosity). The NMR relaxation is computed by one of the several methods. The model is compactly represented by a set of physical parameters that are iterated upon until a match with relaxation data is obtained in the best fit sense. The result is obtained in terms of these physical parameters, and then integrated with other types of measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the setting time of a cement slurry. An acoustic shear wave signal is generated and introduced at a first location in the slurry. The signal is monitored at a second location for direct transmission of the shear wave signal. The time of first detection is determined at the second location which is taken as the setting time of the slurry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a video-disc player in which by controlling a pivotal mirror rapid jumps over a large number of tracks can be made substantially within the field-blanking interval. In order to minimize the picture disturbance the jump is always started at the instant at which the duration of the remaining period until just before the address code within the next field blanking interval is equal to the anticipated duration of the jump to be performed in particular by measuring the time which has elapsed since the previous read-out of an address code.