Abstract: Human EDG-1c polypeptidees and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Human EDG-1c is identified as a selective receptor for sphingosine-1-phosphate (“S-1-P”) and for di-hydro S-1-P.

Abstract: Human EDG-1c polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Human EDG-1c is identified as a selective receptor for sphingosine-1-phosphate (“S-1-P”) and for di-hydro S-1-P. Also diclsosed are methods for discovering agonists and antagonists of the interaction between S-1-P and di-hydro S-1-P and their cellular receptor, human EDG-1c, which may have utility in the treatment of several human diseases and disorders.

Abstract: An induction-heated furnace, suitable for heat treatment of synthetic silica bodies, under conditions of high purity, includes a tubular susceptor (1) disposed with its axis vertical and an induction coil (3) for raising the temperature of the susceptor. The susceptor is made from graphite and/or silicon carbide, and is enclosed within a vacuum envelope (2) made from vitreous silica or fused quartz, the envelope being surrounded by the induction coil which is liquid-cooled. The design is such that the vacuum envelope (2) operates at temperatures below those at which either devitrification or sagging of the envelope might occur even when the tubular susceptor (1) is heated to a temperature of 1700.degree. C. Thus sintering of a porous synthetic silica body (9) can be carried out under atmospheric or reduced pressure, the furnace including a shaft (7) adapted to support the body to be heated and capable of rotation about and movement along said vertical axis of the tubular susceptor (1).

Abstract: For a slider having convex curvature along its length, or "crown", a method for reducing fly height variation due to crown by shifting the peak of the crown toward the leading end, and the resultant slider structure. In a preferred method, peak shifting is accomplished in a slider with symmetrical crown by affixing a suspension to the bonding surface of the slider near the leading end. The bonding process creates a displacement force upon the slider to effect the shift. An alternative approach reshapes a row of sliders prior to rail shaping, e.g., by sand or bead blasting.