Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating transforming growth factor-beta (TGF?) biological activity in a vertebrate subject in need thereof. The methods involve administering to the vertebrate subject an effective amount of a substance capable of modulating activity of LEMD3 in the vertebrate subject to thereby modulate TGF? biological activity in the vertebrate subject.

Abstract: Ultra-low crosslinked microgels made of an ultra-low crosslinked polymer are provided. The microgels, also referred to as Platelet-like Particles (PLPs), preferably have <0.5% crosslinking densities. One or more of the polymers are conjugated with a fibrin-binding element or moiety, preferably H6, in an amount effective to confer to the microgel selective binding to fibrin under physiological conditions. The PLPs can recapitulate multiple key functions of platelets including binding, stabilizing and enhancing fibrin clot formation, responsiveness to injury cues, and induction of clot contraction. In a preferred embodiment, the microgel or PLP has little or no binding to soluble fibrinogen under physiological conditions compared to its binding to fibrin. The microgels or PLPs are prepared using crosslinker-free synthesis conditions, and can promote or induce clotting and clot contraction.

Abstract: Provided are antibodies that include amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 4, and 6-12, or amino acid sequences that are about 95% identical thereto, and fragments thereof Also provided are scFv peptides that include a VH segment having a first amino acid sequence of amino acids 4-113 of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 8-12, a VL segment having a second amino acid sequence having amino acids 113-237 of SEQ ID NOs. 2 and 8-12, or both; nucleic acids encoding the same; methods for using the same to detect and/or target conformational states of FN in samples; methods for treating diseases and/or disorders and/or for meliorating at least one symptom of consequence of a disease or disorder associated with abnormal expression of a force-induced conformational state of FN in subjects; and methods for screening for compounds having selective binding activities for conformational states of FN.

Abstract: Ultra-low crosslinked microgels made of an ultra-low crosslinked polymer are provided. The microgels, also referred to as Platelet-like Particles (PLPs), preferably have <0.5% crosslinking densities. One or more of the polymers are conjugated with a fibrin-binding element or moiety, preferably H6, in an amount effective to confer to the microgel selective binding to fibrin under physiological conditions. The PLPs can recapitulate multiple key functions of platelets including binding, stabilizing and enhancing fibrin clot formation, responsiveness to injury cues, and induction of clot contraction. In a preferred embodiment, the microgel or PLP has little or no binding to soluble fibrinogen under physiological conditions compared to its binding to fibrin. The microgels or PLPs are prepared using crosslinker-free synthesis conditions, and can promote or induce clotting and clot contraction.

Abstract: Ultra-low crosslinked microgels made of an ultra-low crosslinked polymer are provided. The microgels, also referred to as Platelet-like Particles (PLPs), preferably have <0.5% crosslinking densities. One or more of the polymers are conjugated with a fibrin-binding element or moiety, preferably H6, in an amount effective to confer to the microgel selective binding to fibrin under physiological conditions. The PLPs can recapitulate multiple key functions of platelets including binding, stabilizing and enhancing fibrin clot formation, responsiveness to injury cues, and induction of clot contraction. In a preferred embodiment, the microgel or PLP has little or no binding to soluble fibrinogen under physiological conditions compared to its binding to fibrin. The microgels or PLPs are prepared using crosslinker-free synthesis conditions, and can promote or induce clotting and clot contraction.

Abstract: Ultra-low crosslinked microgels made of an ultra-low crosslinked polymer are provided. The microgels, also referred to as Platelet-like Particles (PLPs), preferably have <0.5% crosslinking densities. One or more of the polymers are conjugated with a fibrin-binding element or moiety, preferably H6, in an amount effective to confer to the microgel selective binding to fibrin under physiological conditions. The PLPs can recapitulate multiple key functions of platelets including binding, stabilizing and enhancing fibrin clot formation, responsiveness to injury cues, and induction of clot contraction. In a preferred embodiment, the microgel or PLP has little or no binding to soluble fibrinogen under physiological conditions compared to its binding to fibrin. The microgels or PLPs are prepared using crosslinker-free synthesis conditions, and can promote or induce clotting and clot contraction.

Abstract: Fibrinogen fusion proteins, methods of making, and methods of using fibrinogen fusion proteins are described. In a preferred embodiment the fibrinogen fusion protein contains a truncated A? chain of fibrinogen. The A? chain contains truncation site, which is a deletion of amino acids at its C-terminal region. A non-fibrinogen protein or peptide is C-terminally attached to the truncation site. The fibrinogen fusion proteins can be used alone or mixed with native fibrinogen to form fibrin polymer.

Abstract: A mechanical wiper mounted within an incinerator for waste gases, such as silane, and said wiper adapted to move adjacent selected internal surface areas to remove combustion products buildup on such selected areas.

Abstract: Chlorosilanes with an enhanced hydrogen content are selectively produced in the direct reaction of silicon with hydrogen chloride at elevated temperatures by treating the silicon with a source of oxygen during the process. A process is also provided for producing selectively trichlorosilane by reacting hydrogen chloride with a fluidized bed of silicon particles and treating the silicon particles with the source of oxygen.

Abstract: A system for use in a gasoline station for automatic enablement of fuel dispensing means from the fuel island by a customer credit card comprising credit card reader means, customer operable keyboard means, display means, output channel means, and first processor control means, together with attendant control means for use by the attendant of the gas station, the attendant control means being manually operable by the attendant for enabling a selected fuel dispensing means, thereby providing an indication to the attendant of the value of dispensed fuel made by the customer.

Abstract: A system for use in a gasoline station for automatic enablement of fuel dispensing means from the fuel island by a customer credit card comprising credit card reader means, customer operable keyboard means, display means, output channel means, and first processor control means, together with attendant control means for use by the attendant of the gas station. The attendant control means is manually operable by the attendant for enabling a selected fuel dispensing means, thereby providing an indication to the attendant of the value of dispensed fuel made by the customer.