Abstract: Human antibodies immunospecific for human CD27 are capable of blocking CD27 binding to its ligand CD70 and neutralizing bioactivity of CD27 including, but not limited to, CD27 intracellular signaling, T-cell proliferation and activation, B-cell proliferation and differentiation, plasmablast formation and alleviation of antibody responses, stimulation of tumor cells by CD70, and the production of soluble mediators from T and B-cells. The antibodies are useful in diagnosing or treating CD27 activity associated diseases and conditions.

Abstract: A colostrum collection system for efficiently collecting colostrum from an animal. The colostrum collection system includes a vacuum pump, a receiver tube fluidly connected to the vacuum pump, and a container removably attached to the receiver tube for collecting the colostrum. The receiver tube has an upper opening that receives the teat of an udder in a sealed manner. The vacuum pump creates a vacuum within the receiver tube thereby drawing the colostrum from udder of the animal. The colostrum passes through the receiver tube and enters the container for storage during the collection of additional colostrum. When the colostrum is fully collected, the container is removed from the receiver tube for storage or immediate feeding to a newborn.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, computerized methods are provided for analyzing transcript sequence clusters by aligning the transcripts with genomic sequences to determine whether a cluster needs to be sub-clustered and whether clusters should be merged. In addition, in some embodiments, transcript sequences are trimmed according to their alignment with their corresponding genomic sequences. The modified clusters and trimmed sequences may be used for nucleic acid probe array design.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, computerized methods are provided for detecting polyadenylation sites and polyadenylation signals.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, computerized methods are provided for analyzing transcript sequence clusters by aligning the transcripts with genomic sequences to determine whether a cluster needs to be sub-clustered and whether clusters should be merged. In addition, in some embodiments, transcript sequences are trimmed according to their alignment with their corresponding genomic sequences. The modified clusters and trimmed sequences may be used for nucleic acid probe array design.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, computerized methods are provided for determining the orientation of EST sequence Clusters. The method employs Bayesian analysis of evidence.

Abstract: A technique is provided that is capable of extending a typically sparse RNA alignment coverage, without creating redundant or improbable alignments. At a high level, the invention provides a two-step process. The first step is to combine and catenate all combinations of overlapping alignments that agree with each other. The second step is to extend the boundaries of overlapping alignments that agree with their first and last exons.

Abstract: A waste bag made from a sheet of plastics laminate comprising a layer of generally fluid-proof plastics material and a layer of liquid-absorbent plastics material. The liquid-absorbent material is on the inside of the bag, and the laminate is turned back on itself along at least one seam of the bag. Regions of the generally fluid-proof plastics material that are in contact with one another along that seam are sealed together ultrasonically.

Abstract: A multipurpose handle for a gun cleaning kit has a coaxially aligned bore in one end of a cylindrical member and a perpendicular bore centrally of the member for selective threaded engagement with a cleaning rod section, to serve as either a "push" handle or a "pull" handle for the rod. The other end of the member has a coaxially aligned hexagonal socket opening with a magnet at the bottom for holding and driving a matching hexagonal screwdriver bit. Another perpendicular bore located between the end bore and the central bore of the handle permits the rod section to be slid through the handle for increasing the torque applied to the screwdriver bit. The exterior of the handle is knurled for better gripping.