Abstract: The present invention provides chimeric polypeptides comprising a first polypeptide that binds to a component of extracellular matrix and a second polypeptide that provides for a therapeutic effect. The present invention further provides compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, comprising a subject chimeric polypeptide. A subject chimeric polypeptide is useful in a variety of treatment, diagnostic, and research applications, which are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides pluripotent cells modified to overexpress Pdx1 and Ngn3. Pluripotent cells include embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. Methods of producing pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells from ES cells or from iPS cells by forced expression of Pdx1 and Ngn3 are provided. Pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells are useful for drug discovery and cell replacement therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides chimeric polypeptides comprising a first polypeptide that binds to a component of extracellular matrix and a second polypeptide that provides for a therapeutic effect. The present invention further provides compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, comprising a subject chimeric polypeptide. A subject chimeric polypeptide is useful in a variety of treatment, diagnostic, and research applications, which are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for identifying nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides that participate in angiogenesis and tumorigenesis, and associated methods and products are provided.

Abstract: A method of identifying a compound that induces apoptosis is disclosed. The method includes identifying compounds that inhibit the expression and/or activity of a target. Also disclosed are methods for inducing apoptosis by inhibiting one of the targets. The invention further includes methods for the diagnosis of a tumor that include determining the level of at least one of the targets as a biomarker in a patient sample, the level of the biomarker being indicative of the presence of tumor cells.

Abstract: A method of identifying a compound that induces apoptosis in a cell is disclosed. The method includes contacting the cell with a putative apoptosis-inducing compound and determining whether the compound inhibits a target selected from the group consisting of APLP2, ENSA, FBN2, FIBL-6, PRNP, STRN4, XPR1, SLC5A6, SLC31A1, GFER, and PCTK1. Also disclosed are methods for inducing apoptosis in a cell by inhibiting one of the targets. The invention further includes methods for the diagnosis of a tumor that include determining the level of one of the targets as a marker in a patient sample, the level of the marker being indicative of the presence of tumor cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a near-seamless splice between a first polymeric web portion and a second polymeric web portion includes a frame, a clamping mechanism for clamping the first polymeric web portion and the second polymeric web portion in a desired position of registration, a combined welding and cutting mechanism for simultaneously (a) welding the two web portions together by forming a weld line at which the two web portions are fused; and (b) cutting through the two web portions at the weld line. This creates a near-seamless splice between the two web portions. In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus is mounted on a portable carriage that permits a user to quickly and easily move the entire apparatus into and out of position on a production line. The invention has particular utility for removing defective portions from a printed polymeric web having a repeating pattern thereon, such as the wrapping that is used for packaging absorbent consumer paper products such as paper towels and napkins.