Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. More particularly, the present invention relates to the role of secreted protein genes involved in neurobiological disorders, and in particular, depression. In addition, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in a secreted protein gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions, including depression.

Abstract: The invention is a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure supplied to a head tooling hydraulic positioning valve and a controller for bypassing the pressure reducing valve in a blow-molding machine. A pressure-reducing valve and electrical controller are used to regulate the pressure of a cylinder that controls the position of a head tooling pin and die assembly in a blow-molding machine. The invention reduces pressure during all time intervals except during a “parison formation” interval of the cycle. The invention is also a process for regulating the pressure of a cylinder that controls the position of a head tooling pin and die assembly in a blow-molding machine and for bypassing the pressure reducing valve in a blow-molding machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non slip, liquid impermeable moisture vapor permeable composite structures comprising a hydrophilic thermoplastic film which is coated onto a support layer, the support layer having a coefficient of friction greater than 1. The composite structures of the present invention can be used a variety of applications wherein moisture vapor permeability and anti-slipping properties are desirable, such as in absorbent articles for example breast pads, perspiration pads, diapers, sanitary napkins, panty liners and incontinence products, and also as protective bedding covers, protective clothing and the like.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a personal cleansing composition comprising an anionic and/or amphoteric surfactant and a polymeric ester comprising: (i) a polyol; (ii) a monocarboxylic acid having from 4 to 30 carbon atoms; and (iii) a dicarboxylic acid. The compositions of the present invention provide improved in-use sensory feel while at the same time being exceptionally mild to the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in an n-CL4 cysteine protease gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a stabilized enzyme, at least 30% water, a polyhydric alcohol, present in an amount such that the ratio of polyhydric alcohol to water is from 1:2 to 1:100; less than 5% of an earth alkali metal salt, and an osmo-protectant selected from a certain group of osmo-protectants defined herein. Also, a method of providing a skin care benefits, e.g. skin feel and/or skin appearance, preferably skin moisturization, skin softness, and/or skin smoothness, comprising topically applying a safe and effective amount of the inventive compositions described herein to skin in need of such a skin care benefit. Further, a method comprising providing a consumer with an enzyme-containing personal care product, wherein the enzyme is stable on shelf, and is active on both shelf and skin, preferably wherein the enzyme-containing personal care product comprises one of the inventive compositions described herein.

Abstract: Leave-on personal care compositions comprising a stabilized enzyme, at least 30% water, less than 5% of an earth alkali metal salt, and an enzyme inhibitor having an inhibition constant (Kl) from 10 nanomolar (nM) to 25,000 nM. Also, a method of providing a skin care benefits, e.g. skin feel and/or skin appearance, preferably skin moisturization, skin softness, and/or skin smoothness, comprising topically applying a safe and effective amount of the inventive compositions described herein to skin in need of such a skin care benefit. Further, a method of providing a consumer with a leave-on enzyme-containing personal care product, wherein the enzyme is inhibited and inactive on shelf, but is active on skin without the need for a separate re-activation step, preferably wherein the leave-on enzyme-containing personal care product comprises a one of the inventive compositions described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruption in a mGluR4. The present invention also provides methods of identifying agents that modulate mGluR4 expression and function, useful models, and potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in a protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. More particularly, the present invention relates to the role of secreted protein genes involved in neurobiological disorders, and in particular, depression. In addition, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in a secreted protein gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions, including depression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in a NMP35 gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, including transgenic and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in a PPAR gene. The present invention also provides methods for identifying agents that modulate PPAR expression and function, useful models, and potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in an mGluR7 gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in a &bgr;3GnT gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in the LXRB gene. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease, such as diabetes. The present invention is also directed to identifying agents that modulate LXRB gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions, including diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising mutations in proliferator-activated receptors. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor genes. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in cGMP phosphodiesterase genes. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in sulfotransferase genes. Such transgenic mice are useful as models for disease and for identifying agents that modulate gene expression and gene function, and as potential treatments for various disease states and disease conditions.

Abstract: Personal cleansing compositions comprise (a) from about 1% to about 25% by weight of water-soluble gel-forming nonionic surfactant, and (b) from about 0.1% to about 3% by weight of alkyl sulphate fluidizing agent having the general formula R—OSO3M, wherein R is a straight or branched chain alkyl having an average of from 4 to 8 carbon atoms and M is selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkali earth metals, ammonium, alkanolamines and mixtures thereof.