Abstract: Agents which bind to cell surface receptors; methods to manufacture such agents; therapeutic compositions comprising such agents; and screening methods to identify novel agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides which comprise a receptor binding domain of a cytokine and a domain which includes a signal sequence for the attachment of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors. The invention also relates to methods to manufacture the polypeptides, nucleic acids molecules encoding the polypeptides and therapeutic compositions comprising the polypeptides.

Abstract: This invention relates to agents which bind to cell surface receptors; methods to manufacture said agents; therapeutic compositions comprising said agents; and screening methods to identify novel agents.

Abstract: Cache prefetching algorithm uses previously requested address and data patterns to predict future data needs and prefetch such data from memory into cache. A requested address is compared to previously requested addresses and returned data to compute a set of increments, and the set of increments is added to the currently requested address and returned data to generate a set of prefetch candidates. Weight functions are used to prioritize prefetch candidates. The prefetching method requires no changes to application code or operation system (OS) and is transparent to the compiler and the processor. The prefetching method comprises a parallel algorithm well-suited to implementation on an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or to integration into a processor.

Abstract: According to the present invention, methods and apparatus are provided for improving the efficiency of data parsing. Data parsing can be applied to a variety of different types of data in various computer systems and appliances. Some of the methods and apparatus provided include techniques for scanning, verifying, calculating hash values, copying, and white space handling.

Abstract: The surgical instrument includes a distal tool, an elongated shaft that supports the distal tool, and a proximal handle or control member, where the tool and the handle are coupled to the respective distal and proximal ends of the elongated shaft via distal and proximal bendable motion members. Actuation means extends between said distal and proximal members whereby any deflection of said control handle with respect to said elongated instrument shaft causes a corresponding bending of said distal motion member for control of said working member. The proximal bendable member comprises a ball and socket assembly supported between the handle and instrument shaft and constructed and arranged for three dimensional motion.

Abstract: According to the present invention, methods and apparatus are provided for improving the efficiency of data parsing. Data parsing can be applied to a variety of different types of data in various computer systems and appliances. Some of the methods and apparatus provided include techniques for scanning, verifying, calculating hash values, copying, and white space handling.

Abstract: We describe modified cytokine ligand polypeptides comprising a modified amino acid sequence which is a modification of the native cytokine amino acid sequence of said ligand, wherein the native amino terminal and carboxyl terminal amino acid residues of the native polypeptide are linked, directly or indirectly, together, characterised in that said ligand is provided with alternative amino terminal and carboxyl terminal amino acid residues and further wherein at least one binding domain for said ligand's cognate binding partner or receptor complex is disrupted.

Abstract: Fluoroacrylates comprise the reaction product of: (a) at least one fluorochemical alcohol represented by the formula: CnF2n+1—X—OH wherein: n=1 to 4, R=hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, m=2 to 8, Rf=CnF2n+1, y=0 to 6, and q=1 to 8; (b) at least one unbranched symmetric diusocyanate; and (c) at least one hydroxy-terminated alkyl (meth)acrylate or 2-fluoro acrylate monomer having 2 to about 30 carbon atoms in its alkylene portion.

Abstract: We describe a treatment regime for the treatment of conditions which result from the abnormal secretion of cortisol.

Abstract: An isolation system for producing oil and gas from one or more formation zones and methods of use are provided comprising one or more pressure activated and tool shiftable valve assemblies. The tool shiftable valve may be actuated before or after actuation of the pressure activated valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic sleeve valve is disclosed that comprises a bypass relief system that provides an indication that the valve has reached a predetermined position, such as, for example, the fully opened or fully closed condition. The bypass relief may also provide a valve control fluid circulation function to filter or otherwise manipulate the control fluid. Also disclosed are flow port alignment systems that maintain the valve flow ports in predetermined relationships.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of oligomeric polypeptides (dimers, trimers etc) comprising the ligand binding domains of cytokines which are linked via flexible polypeptide linker molecules. The linker molecules optionally comprise protease sensitive sites to modulate the release of biologically active cytokines when administered to a human or animal subject.

Abstract: A speculum for accessing a body cavity or other opening may include an insertion portion having a wall with a barrel-like shape that forms a passageway extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the insertion portion. The wall of the insertion portion may have one or more openings, e.g., a slot extending along the longitudinal axis of the passageway. An obturator may be received in the passageway, and an obturator support may position the obturator so as to contact the wall of the insertion portion at an opening. An illumination portion having one or more light pipes extending from a housing may be used with the speculum, e.g., to provide light in the passageway. The illumination portion may be received in a cavity of the speculum and provide illumination through one or more windows in a wall of the cavity.

Abstract: A method and appartus for directly laminating a first conductive or insulating layer to a second insulating layer includes electron beam irradiation through the first layer to the interface between the first layer and the second layer. The electron beam irradiation bonds the two layers together without an adhesive or other intermediate layer. The method and apparatus utilizes an electron beam exposure system in a soft vacuum environment. Heat from the electron beam irradiation or from a separate heating element accelerates and increases the lamination of the first and second layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bi-directional ball seat and method of use. In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a fluid control system that includes a radial protrusion that can be selectively engaged and disengaged upstream and/or from a ball seat. For example, a ball can be placed in a passageway, engaged with a downstream ball seat, and the radial protrusion radially extended into the passageway distally from the seat relative to the ball. A reverse movement of the ball is restricted by the active radial movement of the radial protrusion into the passageway. The control system can be used to control a variety of tools associated with the well. Without limitation, the tools can include crossover tools, sleeves, packers, safety valves, separators, gravel packers, perforating guns, decoupling tools, valves, and other tools know to those with ordinary skills in the art.

Abstract: The invention relates to chimeric recombinant polypeptides, preferably therapeutic polypeptides, for example cytokines or antibodies, which are engineered to include a signal sequence for the attachment of glycosylphosphatidylinositol; cells expressing said polypeptides and methods to manufacture said polypeptides.