Abstract: A system for irradiating biological material includes a platform for holding the biological material and a radiation source for directing X-ray radiation to the biological material. The platform includes platform elements each including a chamber for containing the biological material. The platform includes a frame structure for mechanically supporting the platform elements and for mechanically supporting a gas-supply system for supplying gas to the platform elements. The gas-supply system can be for example a gas cartridge. The frame structure includes gas channels for receiving the gas from the gas-supply system and for conducting the gas to the platform elements so as to provide a desired gas composition in the chambers during irradiation of the biological material.

Abstract: Methods are provided for altering levels of syndecan within a cell. The methods include enhancing syndecan expression via administration of growth factors, preventing suppression of syndecan expression via administration of anti-steroid agents, and altering syndecan biochemistry within the cell. The methods are used to induce or maintain cellular differentiation, and to decrease the growth of malignant cells. Application of the methods to the treatment of patients, including humans, is provided. A syndecan enhancer element, novel proteins that activate the enhancer element, non-human transgenic animals comprising this enhancer element linked to a structural gene, and the use of this enhancer element to regulate the expression of syndecan and other genes are also provided. The enhancer element can also be used to target expression of a gene to wound sites.

Abstract: A DNA enhancer element and the use of this syndecan enhancer element to regulate the expression of genes are provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for altering levels of syndecan within a cell. The methods include enhancing syndecan expression via administration of growth factors, preventing suppression of syndecan expression via administration of anti-steroid agents, and altering syndecan biochemistry within the cell. The methods are used to induce or maintain cellular differentiation, and to decrease the growth of malignant cells. Application of the methods to the treatment of patients, including humans, is provided.