Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Novel PN9826 protein and nucleic acids encoding PN9826 are provided. PN9826-containing protein complexes formed by PN9826 and a PN9826-interacting protein (e.g., LTBP1) are also provided. LTBP1 and PN9826 may be involved in common biological processes such as angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell growth and adhesion. Thus, the protein complexes as well as PN9826 can be used in screening assays to select modulators of PN9826 and the protein complexes formed by PN9826 and LTBP1. The identified modulators can be useful in modulating the functions and activities of PN9826 and protein complexes containing PN9826.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel neuregulin related ligand (NRG3) including fragments and variants thereof, as new members of the neuregulin family of compounds. The invention also concerns methods and means for producing NRG3. The native polypeptides of the invention are characterized by containing an extracellular domain including an EGF-like domain, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic domain. Isolated nucleotide sequences encoding such polypeptides, expression vectors containing the nucleotide sequences, recombinant host cells transformed with the vectors, and methods for the recombinant production for the novel NRG3s are also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the protease peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the protease peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the protease peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel Death Domain Containing Receptor-4 (DR4) proteins which are members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human DR4 proteins. DR4 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of DR4 activity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated nucleic acids encoding Mint protein variants having enhanced abilities to modulate the transcriptional activation mediated by the cytoplasmic tail of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) relative to wild-type Mint proteins. The present invention is further directed toward purified Mint protein variants having enhanced abilities to modulate the transcriptional activation mediated by the cytoplasmic tail of APP relative to wild-type Mint proteins. The present invention also encompasses methods of modulating transcriptional activation and methods of identifying compounds that modulate transcriptional activation, and vectors, as well as transfected cells and kits useful for modulating transcriptional activation or for the identification of compounds that can modulate transcriptional activation. The present invention further encompasses transgenic knockout mice with little or no expression of Mint 1, Mint 2 or Mint 3 proteins.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: Biologically active polypeptides comprising a therapeutically active polypeptide fused to human serum albumin or a variant thereof, methods for the preparation thereof, nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion polypeptides, expression cassettes comprising such nucleotide sequences, self-replicating plasmids containing such expression cassettes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing said fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: Methods for controlling expression of a gene in a living cell are disclosed. In general, the methods include contacting the 5′untranslated region (5′ UTR) of an RNA in the cell with a cell permeable, small molecule. In some embodiments of the invention, the method includes providing an aptamer that binds specifically to the cell permeable, small molecule; incorporating the aptamer into a region of a gene, which region encodes a 5′ UTR of an RNA; and contacting the cell-permeable, small molecule with a cell that contains the gene. The cell-permeable, small molecule enters the cell and binds specifically to the aptamer sequence in the 5′ UTR of RNA molecules transcribed from the gene. This binding specifically inhibits translation of the RNA molecules to which the cell permeable, small molecule is bound, thereby controlling expression of the gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel hair follicle growth factor (HFGF) proteins, genes encoding HFGFs, methods for preparing HFGF proteins and therapeutic uses of HFGF proteins. The HFGF proteins of the present invention have a characteristic reduced expression in hair follicles derived from alopecia patients and have a stimulatory effect on hair follicle cell proliferation. HFGF proteins may be used to prevent or treat alopecia and to promote or accelerate hair growth and hair follicle repair.

Abstract: A process for the depletion or removal of endotoxins from preparations containing active ingredients designated for therapeutical use which are obtained from natural sources by genetic engineering and/or biotechnology by treatment with chromatographic material wherein

Abstract: DNA and protein sequences from Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, which may be targeted for activity reduction or enhancement using directed genetic engineering. Transformed microorganisms having reduced activity of at least one protein, e.g. galactomannanase, can be provided by disrupting a gene encoding the protein or introducing antisense nucleic acid sequence, providing xanthan gum essentially free of galactomannanase, amylase, cellulase or protease activity.

Abstract: A single colony of myxobacterium cells, a process for its production and its use. A process for the production of a myxobacterium Sorangium strain (Sorangium cellulosum) having an improved epothilone production rate. A process for the production of epothilone B using the aforementioned strain. A process for the production of single colonies of myxobacteria comprising cultivating myxobacteria on a nutrient medium containing isoleucin and/or leucin.

Abstract: Engineered fluorescent proteins, nucleic acids encoding them and methods of use are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Glycosylated polypeptides comprising the primary structure NH2—X—Pp—COOH, wherein X is a peptide addition comprising or contributing to a glycosylation site, and Pp is a polypeptide of interest or comprising the primary structure NH2-Px—X—Py-COOH, wherein Px is an N-terminal part of a polypeptide Pp of interest, Py is a C-terminal part of said polypeptide Pp, and X is a peptide addition comprising or contributing to a glycosylation site are provided. The glycosylated polypeptides possess improved properties as compared to the polypeptide of interest.

Abstract: The structure, formation and use of blocked antibodies, especially those blocked with Protein A, or active fragments of Protein A, are disclosed as well as processes of producing such antibodies. The uses of such blocked antibodies to achieve significant reduction in both specific cross-reaction and non-specific interaction thereby increasing specificity and reactivity with targeted antigenic sites is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel serine threonine kinase. The invention also relates to vector, host cells, antibodies and recombinant methods for producing the h2520-40 polypeptide. In addition, the invention discloses therapeutic, diagnostic and research utilities for h2520-40 and related products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides exhibiting a higher PDE7 phosphodiesterase activity than the endogenous full length PDE7 and their use for selecting compounds which inhibit PDE7 enzyme activity.

Abstract: This application is drawn to novel amino acid sequences for mammalian polypeptides that have sequence similarity to precursors of human kidney cadherin-6 and cadherin-10 from Gallus gallus. The novel polypeptides comprise about 473 amino acids.

Abstract: Immobilized cell beads incorporating formulated microbial consortium comprising a synergistic mixture of the following bacterial strains namely, Enterobacter sakazaki, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aeromonas sobria selected from the following isolated bacterial strains namely, Yersinia enterocolitica, Aeromonas sobria, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia liquefaciens, Enterobacter sakazaki, Citrobacter amalonaticus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloaca, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus are prepared, the formulated microbial consortium is immobilized in an appropriate immobilizing agent resulting in the formation of beads and the beads are used for instant BOD estimation using an electronic device and the formulated cell beads are reusable and are capable of assimilating most of the organic matter present in varied industrial effluents.

Abstract: A bacteria strain FERMBP-7046 belonging to the genus Acinetobacter, a strain FERMBP-7049 belonging to the genus Acinetobacter, a strain FERMBP-7047 belonging to the genus Pseudomonas, and a strain FERMBP-7048 belonging to the genus Alcaligenes are caused to act on an object of treatment, either individually or in a bacteria mixture including at least one of the foregoing strains. Thus it is possible to provide heavy oil degrading bacteria and a heavy oil degrading bacteria mixture which are inexpensively prepared, which simplify degradation and removal operations, and which can be stored and shipped simply, and to provide a nurturing composition for such bacteria, a method of degrading heavy oil using such bacteria, and building and civil engineering materials containing a substance obtained by heavy oil degradation treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, devices for arraying biomolecules, including cells, methods for arraying biomolecules, assays for monitoring cellular movement, and systems for monitoring cellular movement.

Abstract: A sleeve-type silicon polymerase chain reaction (PCR) chamber or thermocycler having improved thermal performance. The silicon sleeve reaction chamber is improved in thermal performance by etched features therein that reduce thermal mass and increase the surface area of the sleeve for cooling. This improved thermal performance of the thermocycler enables an increase in speed and efficiency of the reaction chamber. The improvement is accomplished by providing grooves in the faces of the sleeve and a series of grooves on the interior surfaces that connect with grooves on the faces of the sleeve. The grooves can be anisotropically etched in the silicon sleeve simultaneously with formation of the chamber.

Abstract: An organic waste disposer includes a frame having a plurality of heating plates, a driving device, a treating trough, a stirring device, a final treating container, a water collection device, etc. In disposing the organic waste, the organic waste being added with a yeast (for instance, Bio) is placed into the treating trough for fermentation, and in combination with the stirring device and natural micro-organism decomposition, the organic waste is decomposed to form feeds or organic fertilizer, which are collected by the final collection container. The odor and moisture of the organic waste are removed and collected by the water removing device.

Abstract: A reaction chamber is adapted to contain a fluidized bed having a slurry of liquid, media and biomass. A lift and motive fluid are provided to urge slurry from the reaction chamber through a passage from a slurry inlet to a slurry discharge. The height of the slurry inlet is adjustable with respect to the bottom of the reaction chamber to help control the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A disposable bioreactor for perfusion cell culture. Cells are grown in a plastic bag that is rocked and aerated on a mechanical platform. The bioreactor bag contains a filter that allows liquid to be removed from the bioreactor without losing cells. Nutrients may be added through another port. The perfusion filter is constructed such that it can move freely on the liquid surface. The filter is flicked rapidly across the surface as a result of the rocking motion of the bioreactor and this tangential motion of the filter keeps it from clogging. A weight-based control system regulates feed and harvest rates and allows weeks of continuous operation. This invention has numerous applications in biotechnology and medicine.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating a subject having a disease, disorder or condition of the central nervous system. The methods include administering TGF-&agr;polypeptides, related polypeptides, fragments and mimetics thereof useful in stimulating progenitor cell or stem cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. The methods of the invention are useful to treat and prophylactically ameliorate neurological tissue injury in vivo.

Abstract: This invention provides populations of mesenchymal cells obtained from pluripotent stem cells by differentiating them ex vivo. Multipotent mesenchymal cells can in turn be differentiated into more specialized cell types such as osteoblasts, with properties that make them suitable for reconstituting musculoskeletal cell function in an individual. The compositions, methods, and techniques described in this disclosure can be used for a variety of commercially important diagnostic, drug screening, and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preparing mammalian cells and tissues for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes that are derived from ntES cells. The present invention further provides the mammalian cells and tissues themselves. In addition, methods of using the mammalian cells and tissues as a therapeutic agent or as a diagnostic are provided.

Abstract: By using a bed material for cell culture having a surface composed of two domains of domain A coated with a temperature-responsive polymer and domain B composed of any one or a combination of a domain coated with a polymer having high affinity with cells, a domain coated with the temperature-responsive polymer in an amount different from the amount of the temperature-responsive polymer of domain A, and a domain coated with a polymer which responds to a temperature different from the temperature to which domain A responds, a method for the co-culture of a plurality of kinds of cells which has heretofore been difficult becomes possible.

Abstract: Recombinant constructs useful for reducing the expression of endogenous mRNA and any substantially similar endogenous mRNA are disclosed. In particular, a recombinant construct comprising, inter alia, a suitable nucleic acid sequence and its reverse complement can be used to alter the expression of any homologous, endogenous RNA (i.e., the target RNA) which is in proximity to this suitable nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: The invention refers to a novel method for cloning DNA molecules using a homologous recombination mechanism between at least two DNA molecules comprising: a) providing a host cell capable of performing homologous recombination, b) contacting in said host cell a first DNA molecule which is capable of being replicated in said host cell with a second DNA molecule comprising at least two regions of sequence homology to regions on the first DNA molecule, under conditions which favour homologous recombination between said first and second DNA molecules and c) selecting a host cell in which homologous recombination between said first and second DNA molecules has occurred.

Abstract: The invention provides a series of compositions, methods, kits, articles and species associated primarily with the diagnosis and/or treatment of cell proliferation, specifically cancer. Cell proliferation associated with aberrant expression of MUC1 is particularly focused upon. Mechanisms associated with MUC1 cell proliferation are discussed.

Abstract: A testing device for analyzing the glucose concentration of a sample of blood is adapted to remove a test sensor from a sensor package. The testing device comprises an inlet region and a puncturing member The inlet region receives a portion of the sensor package extending inward from an outer periphery of the test sensor package. The puncturing member is adapted to extend into the inlet region, puncture the sensor package, and to engage a mating feature of the test sensor. The puncturing member is adapted to hold the test sensor in the inlet region in a manner allowing the package to be removed and is adapted to hold the test sensor in the inlet region during testing a blood sample.

Abstract: A method for marking or tagging individual microparticles using a near infrared fluorophore for identification is provided. The near infrared fluorophore is included with one or more layers comprising the microparticle. Desirably, the coating layers contain colorants such as dyes and/or pigments which increases the total possible combinations that may be used to identify the marked material. There is further provided a method for marking a material using these microparticles containing a near infrared fluorophore.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for use in the determination of the concentration of an analyte in a sample. In the subject methods, a sample is introduced to a reagent test strip, where the sample is either a test fluid or a control fluid, where the control fluid is free of a mediator dissolution slowing component and an oxidizing agent when used with an electrochemical analyte concentration determination assay. The concentration of analyte in the sample is determined and the sample is identified as a control fluid or a test fluid. Also provided are devices for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample, where the devices have a sample identification element for identifying whether a sample is a control or a test fluid. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of different applications, particularly in the determination of blood glucose concentrations.

Abstract: A method and graphic representation for profiling various risk factors and protective factors relating to an individual's health are presented. The profiles include a bar graph having an optimal value range for at least one indicator substance used for assessing an individual's risk factor or protective factor, where the optimal value range represents optimal health status, as well as a range of values outside of the optimal value range, and an indicator substance value for a test individual or a patient where the test individual or patient indicator substance value is identified on or near the bar graph in relation to the value ranges of indicator substance represented by the bar graph.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing small, bright nanometric light sources from apertures that are smaller than the wavelength of the emitted light. Light is directed at a surface layer of metal onto a light barrier structure that includes one or more apertures each of which directs a small spot of light onto a target. The incident light excites surface plasmons (electron density fluctuations) in the top metal surface layer and this energy couples through the apertures to the opposing surface where it is emitted as light from the apertures or from the rims of the apertures. Means are employed to prevent or severely limit the extent to which surface plasmons are induced on the surface at the aperture exit, thereby constraining the resulting emissions to small target areas.