Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for the treatment of matrix mineralization disorders such as hypophosphatasia. In particular, the present invention provides polypeptides having a soluble alkaline phosphatase fused to an Fc domain of an immunoglobulin. Such polypeptides can be administered to patients, e.g., subcutaneously, to treat hypophosphatasia using enzyme replacement therapy. The invention also features nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides and the use of the nucleic acids for treating matrix mineralization disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for the treatment of matrix mineralization disorders such as hypophosphatasia. In particular, the present invention provides polypeptides having a soluble alkaline phosphatase fused to an Fc domain of an immunoglobulin. Such polypeptides can be administered to patients, e.g., subcutaneously, to treat hypophosphatasia using enzyme replacement therapy. The invention also features nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides and the use of the nucleic acids for treating matrix mineralization disorders.

Abstract: A bone targeted alkaline phosphatase comprising a polypeptide having the structure: Z-sALP-Y-spacer-X-Wn-V, wherein sALP is the extracellular domain of the alkaline phosphatase; wherein V is absent or is an amino acid sequence of at least one amino acid; X is absent or is an amino acid sequence of at least one amino acid; Y is absent or is an amino acid sequence of at least one amino acid; Z is absent or is an amino acid sequence of at least one amino acid; and Wn is a polyaspartate or a polyglutamate wherein n=10 to 16. Kits and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A tool to terminate, without back-reflection, the signal transmitted within singlemode optical fibers. The reflection-free termination is induced by exposing singlemode optical fibers to a series of macrobends at a predetermined extent. The macrobends are produced by straight or U-shape pins, pre or mechanically positioned, which are perpendicular to a base plate and supported by the base plate of the tool. The fibers are snaked manually through the pre-positioned pins or simply inserted in the U-shaped pins. The pre-positioned pins induce macrobends of a predetermined extent to the fiber/s which terminate, without back-reflection, the optical signal. Similarly, the mechanical design places the pins in position for inducing the macrobends of a predetermined extent and hence, terminating the optical signal without back-reflection.