Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery that the specific interaction between Myeloid Differentiation factor 2 (MD2) and integrin, especially integrin ?v?3, is involved in cellular signaling mediated by MD2-integrin, such as inflammatory response including sepsis. Thus, this invention provides for a novel method for inhibiting integrin signaling by using an inhibitor of MD2-integrin binding, such as a dominant negative mutant of MD2 without integrin-binding capability. A method for identifying inhibitors of MD2-integrin binding is also described. Further disclosed are polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells, and corresponding compositions for inhibiting MD2-integrin signaling.

Abstract: Provided herein are dominant negative CD40L polypeptides, as well as compositions comprising the polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides. Methods for inhibiting CD40/CD40L signaling, inhibiting cell proliferation, and preventing and treating conditions such as inflammatory and immune disorders are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides dominant negative mutants of FGF2 for suppressing FGF-mediated cellular signaling. Related compositions, methods, and kits are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that a secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA) plays an active role in mediating cellular signaling leading to an inflammatory response or cell proliferation by way of its specific binding with integrin ? at site 2 of integrin ?. More specifically, the invention provides a method for identifying inhibitors of inflammatory or proliferative signaling by screening for compounds that interrupt the specific binding of sPLA2 and integrin ? at site 2. The invention also provides the novel use of a substance that suppresses the specific binding between sPLA2 and site 2 of integrin? for the purpose of treating or preventing a condition involving an undesired inflammatory response or cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention provides dominant negative mutants of FGF2 for suppressing FGF-mediated cellular signaling. Related compositions, methods, and kits are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that a secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA) plays an active role in mediating cellular signaling leading to an inflammatory response or cell proliferation by way of its specific binding with integrin ? at site 2 of integrin ?. More specifically, the invention provides a method for identifying inhibitors of inflammatory or proliferative signaling by screening for compounds that interrupt the specific binding of sPLA2 and integrin ? at site 2. The invention also provides the novel use of a substance that suppresses the specific binding between sPLA2 and site 2 of integrin? for the purpose of treating or preventing a condition involving an undesired inflammatory response or cell proliferation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated amino acid that can act as an antagonist to FGF signaling, comprising at least a portion of the FGF protein amino acid sequence, and including a mutation in either a) the integrin ?v?3 binding region of FGF-1; or b) the FGFR binding region of FGF-1.

Abstract: Interaction between insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGFI) and integrin is involved in integrin-mediated cellular signaling, such as enhanced proliferation of cells expressing integrins, especially integrin alpha v beta 3, alpha 6 beta. 1 and alpha 6. beta. 4. A method for inhibiting integrin signaling by using an inhibitor of IGFI-integrin binding is disclosed A method for identifying inhibitors of IGFI-integrin binding is also described. Further disclosed are polypeptides, nucleic acids, and corresponding compositions for inhibiting integrin signaling.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated amino acid that can act as an antagonist to FGF signaling, comprising at least a portion of the FGF protein amino acid sequence, and including a mutation in either a) the integrin ?v?3 binding region of FGF-1; or b) the FGFR binding region of FGF-1.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated amino acid that can act as an antagonist to FGF signaling, comprising at least a portion of the FGF protein amino acid sequence, and including a mutation in either a) the integrin ?v?3 binding region of FGF-1; or b) the FGFR binding region of FGF-1.

Abstract: Interaction between insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGFI) and integrin is involved in integrin-mediated cellular signaling, such as enhanced proliferation of cells expressing integrins, especially integrin alpha v beta 3, alpha 6 beta. 1 and alpha 6. beta. 4. A method for inhibiting integrin signaling by using an inhibitor of IGFI-integrin binding is disclosed A method for identifying inhibitors of IGFI-integrin binding is also described. Further disclosed are polypeptides, nucleic acids, and corresponding compositions for inhibiting integrin signaling.

Abstract: A partly finished product of a semiconductor device includes a resin body encapsulating a semiconductor chip, first and second leads extended outwardly from the resin body, a dam bar connected between said first and second leads, and an excess resin portion protruding from the resin body between the first and second leads and the dam bar. The excess resin portion is cut off at two limited portions, and thereby two groove portions are formed in the excess resin portion. An apparatus for cutting the dam bar includes a punch having a cutting edge for cutting connection portions between the first and second leads and the dam bar and for cutting off the two limited portions of the excess resin portion. Since the cut region of the excess resin portion becomes smaller, a stress imparted to the resin body and/or the semiconductor chip through the excess resin portion can be smaller.

Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery that the specific interaction between neuregulin 1 (NRG1) and integrin is important for ErbB signaling, which in turn plays an important role in cellular signaling in various physiological processes such as cell proliferation, especially in cancer cells overexpressing ErbB family members. Thus, this invention provides for a novel method for inhibiting ErbB signaling by using an inhibitor of NRG1-integrin binding. A method for identifying inhibitors of NRG1-integrin binding is also described. Further disclosed are polypeptides, nucleic acids, and corresponding compositions for inhibiting ErbB signaling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that a secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA) plays an active role in mediating inflammatory signaling by way of its specific binding with integrin, especially integrin ?v?3 or ?4?1. More specifically, the invention provides a method for identifying inhibitors of inflammatory signaling by screening for compounds that interrupt the specific binding of sPLA2 and integrin. The invention also provides the novel use of a substance that suppresses the specific binding between sPLA2 and integrin for treating or preventing an inflammatory condition.

Abstract: A partly finished product of a semiconductor device includes a resin body encapsulating a semiconductor chip, first and second leads extended outwardly from the resin body, a dam bar connected between said first and second leads, and an excess resin portion protruding from the resin body between the first and second leads and the dam bar. The excess resin portion is cut off at two limited portions, and thereby two groove portions are formed in the excess resin portion. An apparatus for cutting the dam bar includes a punch having a cutting edge for cutting connection portions between the first and second leads and the dam bar and for cutting off the two limited portions of the excess resin portion. Since the cut region of the excess resin portion becomes smaller, a stress imparted to the resin body and/or the semiconductor chip through the excess resin portion can be smaller.

Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated amino acid that can act as an antagonist to FGF signaling, comprising at least a portion of the FGF protein amino acid sequence, and including a mutation in either a) the integrin ?v?3 binding region of FGF-1; or b) the FGFR binding region of FGF-1.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the novel use of a polypeptide related to a fibrinogen ? chain C-terminal fragment or a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide for inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation. Methods of using the polypeptide or the nucleic acid are provided. Also provided are compositions containing the polypeptide or the nucleic acid and kits containing the compositions.

Abstract: A silicon steel sheet having low iron loss of high frequency has a surface layer of the steel sheet which has Si concentration higher than Si concentration of a center portion of the steel sheet. Si concentration of sheet thickness center is 3.4 wt. % or more and Si concentration of the surface layer of the steel sheet is 5 wt. % or more. Si concentration in a surface layer portion is 5 to 8 wt. %. The production method comprises siliconizing treatment and diffusing treatment. Velocity of siliconizing and diffusing are controlled, and Si concentration distribution in the sheet thickness direction of the steel sheet is controlled.

Abstract: A silicon steel sheet having low iron loss of high frequency has a surface layer of the steel sheet which has Si concentration higher than Si concentration of a center portion of the steel sheet. Si concentration of sheet thickness center is 3.4 wt. % or more and Si concentration of the surface layer of the steel sheet is 5 wt. % or more. Si concentration in a surface layer portion is 5 to 8 wt. %. The production method comprises siliconizing treatment and diffusing treatment. Velocity of siliconizing and diffusing are controlled, and Si concentration distribution in the sheet thickness direction of the steel sheet is controlled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting cell proliferation in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a nucleic acid sequence or a polypeptide having essentially the sequence of the &bgr;1C integrin. Also included in the invention are peptides consisting of amino acid residues which are the size of or fewer than the sequence of the cytoplasmic domain of the &bgr;1C integrin consisting essentially of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:2, and functional fragments thereof which are useful for inhibiting cellular proliferation. Peptides, polynucleotides, and antibodies immunoreactive with the peptides, and methods of use for inhibiting cell growth are also provided.