Abstract: A liquid concentrate of mineral fillers including an aqueous or organic solvent, mineral fillers useful for making paints, with a dry extract of mineral fillers not less than 65%, and a grafted copolymer of: 1) 5 to 40 wt. %, preferably 15 to 35 wt. %, more preferably 20 to 30 wt. % of anchoring sequences of a linear copolymer formed from at least two different monomer units including: a first ethylene monomer unit of at least a basic nitrogenous group, and a second unsaturated ethylene monomer unit of an aromatic group, preferably a phenyl, with the weight content of the first monomer units relative to th second monomer units is from 40 to 60 wt. %, preferably about 50 wt. %; 2) 25 to 90 wt. %, preferably 40 to 80 wt. %, more preferably 50 to 70 wt. % of organo-soluble hydrophobic sequences to disperse the particles in a polar medium; and 3) 5 to 70 wt. %, preferably 15 to 30 wt. %, more preferably 10 to 20 wt. % of hydrophilic sequences of a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: An electronic device for high frequency signals having a small dielectric loss and a high efficiency is provided, in which a low dielectric loss tangent resin composition is used, for coping with high frequency signals, as an insulating layer. The electronic device is fabricated using an insulating layer containing a crosslinked structure of a crosslinking ingredient represented by the following general formula (I): (where R represents a hydrocarbon skeleton, R1, which may be identical or different from each other, represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, R2, R3 and R4, which may be identical or different from each other, each represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, m is an integer of 1 to 4 and n is an integer of 2 or greater).

Abstract: An aqueous resin composition satisfying the following criteria (I)–(III). (I) The aqueous resin composition contains (a) an aqueous dispersion of a polyurethane resin obtained from a macromolecular polyol, organic polyisocyanate, chain extending agent and 2,2-dimethylolbutanoic acid, and, if required, (b) an aqueous dispersion of an acrylic resin. (II) When the resin comprising this aqueous resin composition contains mainly a polyurethane resin, the inherent viscosity (?inh) of the polyurethane resin measured at a concentration of 0.5 g/dL in dimethylformamide solution is in the range of 0.2–0.7 dL/g. After this aqueous resin composition is dried, the elastic modulus at 25° C. of the film obtained by heat treatment at 80° C. for 8 hours is in the range of 8.0×106–5.0×108 Pa, and the elastic modulus at 80° C. is 8.0×107 Pa or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing water-dispersible poly (urethane-urea) having aliphatic-aromatic isocyanate, more particularly to a method of preparing water-dispersible poly (urethane-urea) having aliphatic-aromatic isocyanate, with improved mechanical/thermal properties, such as heat resistance, chemical resistance and adhesion, good cost competitiveness and environmental friendliness, by reacting polyester polyol, dimethylol propionic acid and an aromatic isocyanate compound to obtain a hydroxyl (OH)-terminated prepolymer, adding an aliphatic isocyanate compound to said OH-terminated prepolymer to obtain an isocyanate (NCO)-terminated prepolymer wherein aromatic-aliphatic isocyanate is hybridized, neutralizing, water-dispersing and chain extending said NCO-terminated prepolymer.

Abstract: A dispersing agent suitable for suspension polymerization of vinyl compounds, comprising a polyvinyl alcohol resin containing carbonyl groups in its molecule and having a block character of remaining fatty acid ester groups of at least 0.5 and an absorbance of at least 0.1 measured at each of wavelengths of 215 nm, 280 nm and 320 nm with respect to a 0.1% by weight aqueous solution of the polyvinyl alcohol resin, wherein the ratio of absorbance at 320 nm to absorbance at 280 nm is at least 0.3. The dispersing agent has an excellent surface activity and can suppress foaming which may occur in the suspension polymerization of vinyl compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyolefin-based resin composition, comprising (A) a polyolefin I produced from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of ?-olefins, cyclic olefins and styrenes; (B) a polyolefin II produced from said at least one monomer, which differs in composition or properties from said polyolefin I; and (C) a graft copolymer produced by bonding said polyolefins I and II to each other through a polyene, wherein (a) a ratio [(1/R1)/(1/R1)0] of a relaxation velocity (1/R1) of a long-term relaxation component measured by a solid 1H-NMR method about the composition to a relaxation velocity (1/R1)0 of a long-term relaxation component measured by a solid 1H-NMR method about a resin mixture of only the components (A) and (B) is 1.01 or higher; and (b) an intrinsic viscosity [?] of the composition is in the range of 0.1 to 10 deciliter/g as measured in decalin at 135° C.

Abstract: We disclose compositions, comprising (i) from about 25 parts by weight to about 95 parts by weight of a monovinylarene-conjugated diene coupled block copolymer comprising at least one tapered block, having a blocky monovinylarene content of less than 90 wt % of total monovinylarene units, and comprising a terminal monovinylarene block having a molecular weight of less than 60,000 g/mol; and (ii) from about 5 parts by weight to about 75 parts by weight of a monovinylarene-alkyl(meth)acrylate copolymer, comprising (ii-a) monovinylarene units and (ii-b) either alkyl acrylate units, alkyl methacrylate units, or both. The compositions can be used in shrink film or rigid packaging applications.

Abstract: A method of using nanostructured chemicals as alloying agents for the reinforcement of flouropolymer microstructures, including polymer coils, domains, chains, and segments, at the molecular level. Because of their tailorable compatibility with fluorinated polymers, nanostructured chemicals can be readily and selectively incorporated into polymers by direct blending processes. Properties most favorably improved are time dependent mechanical and thermal properties such as heat distortion, creep, compression set, shrinkage, modulus, hardness and abrasion resistance. In addition to mechanical properties, other physical properties are favorably improved, including lower thermal conductivity, fire resistance, and improved oxygen permeability. These improved properties may be useful in a number of applications, including space-survivable materials and creep resistant seals and gaskets. Improved surface properties may be useful for applications such as anti-icing or non-wetting surfaces or as low friction surfaces.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided toughening agents which are useful for improving the performance properties of epoxy-based adhesive formulations. For example, epoxidized polybutylacrylates have been found to be useful toughening agents of component level underfill adhesive compositions. Invention materials are generally liquid rubbers which provided improved fracture toughness while maintaining satisfactory capillary flow properties. Invention materials can be synthesized in neat (solventless) reactions from readily available low-cost raw materials and isolated in high yields. They have a branched telechelic structure with terminal epoxide functional groups. The polyacrylate is typically obtained as a mixture of epoxidized polymer, chain extended polyoligomer and unreacted monomer. Invention materials are compatible with common epoxy formulations and may be used without purification.

Abstract: Disclosed are various compositions, including but not limited to a high strength bimodal polyethylene composition having a density of 0.940 g/cc or more, the composition comprising a high molecular weight polyethylene component having a higher weight average molecular weight (MwHMW) and a low molecular weight polyethylene component having a lower weight average molecular weight (MwLMW), wherein: the ratio of the higher weight average molecular weight to the lower weight average molecular weight (MwHMW:MwLMW) is 30 or more; and the composition qualifies as a PE 100 material such that in accordance with ISO 1167 a pipe formed from the composition that is subjected to internal pipe resistance has an extrapolated stress of 10 MPa or more when the internal pipe resistance curve is extrapolated to 50 or 100 years in accordance with ISO 9080:2003(E).

Abstract: A polymeric laminate comprising (A) a substrate, and (B) a slip layer covering at least a portion of said substrate, where the slip layer consists essentially of (i) a polyethylene blend, where said blend includes (a) from about 3 to about 97 percent by weight, based upon the total weight of said blend, of a first polyethylene resin having a weight average molecular weight from 110,000 to about 140,000 and a polydispersity of less than about 12, (b) from about 3 to about 97 percent by weight, based upon the total weight of said blend, of a second polyethylene resin having a weight average molecular weight from 50,000 up to 109,999 and a polydispersity of less than about 12, and (c) from about 0 to about 40 percent by weight, based upon the total weight of said blend, of a third polyethylene resin having a weight average molecular weight from about 20,000 up to 49,999 and polydispersity of less than about 12, with the proviso that said blend includes at least 60 percent, based upon the total weight of said ble

Abstract: A process for the production of a vinyl compound of the formula (1), which process comprises reacting a bifunctional phenylene ether oligomer of the formula (2) with a vinylbenzyl halide in an aprotic polar solvent in the presence of an alkali metal alkoxide and then adding the reaction solution to water or a water/alcohol mixed solution to precipitate a solid

Abstract: A film comprising a resin alloy of a liquid-crystalline polyester, a polyimide and an optional inorganic filler is provided. The film is excellent in heat resistance and dimensional stability.

Abstract: The present invention discloses soluble copolymers of aniline and thiophene having a general formula I. Wherein: m and n each independently represents an integer, with m?1 and n?2. R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 each independently represents, hydrogen atom, or a liner or branched or cyclo aliphatic group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or an aromatic group having from 5 to 30 carbon atoms, or any other functional group, but at least one among R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7 is not a hydrogen atom. The present invention also teaches methods for the synthesis, characterization and application of the disclosed copolymers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of polymerization and copolymerization of ethylene, which is carried out in the presence of (a) a solid titanium complex catalyst prepared by the steps of (i) preparing a magnesium solution by contacting halogenated magnesium compounds with alcohol, (ii) reacting the magnesium solution with ester compound having at least one hydroxyl group and silicon compound having alkoxy group, (iii) preparing a solid titanium catalyst component by reacting mixture of titanium compound and haloalkane compound; and (iv) producing solid titanium complex catalyst by reacting the solid titanium catalyst component with mixture of aluminum compound and haloalkane compound, or with haloalkane; and (b) organometallic compounds in Group II or III of the Periodic Table.

Abstract: Polymers containing an acetal or ketal linkage and their use in lithographic photoresist compositions, particularly in chemical amplification photoresists, are provided. The polymer is prepared from at least one first olefinic monomer containing an acetal or ketal linkage, the acid-catalyzed cleavage of which renders the polymer soluble in aqueous base; and at least one second olefinic monomer selected from (i) an olefinic monomer containing a pendant fluorinated hydroxyalkyl group RH, (ii) an olefinic monomer containing a pendant fluorinated alkylsulfonamide group RS, and (iii) combinations thereof. The acetal or ketal linkage may be contained within an acid-cleavable substituent RCL in the first olefinic monomer. A method for using the photoresist compositions containing these polymers in preparing a patterned substrate is also provided in which the polymer is rendered soluble in aqueous base at a temperature of less than about 100° C.

Abstract: A polymer comprising units (1) derived from an alpha-olefin having at least 3 carbon atoms (1?), units (2) derived from divinylbenzene or C1-10hydrocarbyl substituted derivatives thereof (2?), and units (3) derived from ethylene (3?), the polymer comprising at least 75 mole % of units (1), from 0.01 to 5 mole % of units (2), and up to 20 mole % of units (3), the polymer having a branching factor BF 0.75.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with single layer articles produced by rotomoulding and consisting essentially of metallocene-produced syndiotactic polypropylene or isotactic random copolymer of propylene.

Abstract: A curing composition comprising (A) a silane compound having formula: R12Si(OR2)2 wherein R1 is C1–C3 alkyl, C2–C3 alkenyl or phenyl, and R2 is C1–C3 alkyl, C2–C3 acyl or C3–C5 alkoxyalkyl and (B) phosphoric acid is added to an organosilicon compound to formulate a silicone-base coating composition which remains shelf stable and quickly cures at room temperature after being applied to a substrate, to form a cured coating having transparency, surface hardness, adhesion and the like. A silicone-base coating composition having the curing composition formulated therein is effective as a solventless, RTV silicone coating composition of one part type.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are silicone resins comprising structural units of the formulae: and at least one structural unit selected from the group consisting of: where “A” is a spacer group comprising C2 to C50 alkyl groups; “B” and “C” are spacer groups comprising C2 to C20 alkyl groups; “M1” comprises a Group III element; R1, R3, R6, and R7 independently comprise OH, alkyl groups, or alkoxy groups; R2 and R4 independently comprise hydrogen, alkali metal, or alkyl groups; and R5 comprises a alkyl group. Methods for preparing these silicone resins are also disclosed. The silicone resins are useful as catalysts for producing bisphenols.

Abstract: A peel-treating agent comprising a reaction product of an aliphatic isocyanate having an aliphatic group of at least 8 carbon number with an ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer or polyvinyl alcohol as an effective component, wherein a bisurea form content in the reaction product is at most 3 wt %.

Abstract: The present invention provides certain sulfonated copolyetherester compositions containing hydroxyalkanoic acids and processes for producing such sulfonated aromatic copolyetheresters. The invention further provides shaped articles, preferably in the shape of films, coatings and laminates, having improved thermal properties, wherein the shaped articles are produced from the certain sulfonated copolyetherester compositions. Some of these materials are also biocompostable. The sulfonated copolyetheresters are produced from a mixture of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid component, hydroxyalkanoic acid component, a sulfonate component, a poly(alkylene ether) glycol component, a glycol component, an optional other glycol component, an optional branching agent, and an optional color reducing agent.

Abstract: An acid anhydride of the formula (4), and a polyimide using the acid anhydride, wherein anhydrides are substituted at sites 3 or sites 4, which acid anhydride is obtained from, as a raw material, a bifunctional phenylene ether oligomer having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 3,000, represented by the formula (1).

Abstract: A new class of activated polyalkylene glycol acids and their active ester reagents for conjugation to biopharmaceuticals such as polypeptides, sugars, proteins and therapeutically active small molecules to produce biologically active conjugates of these pharmaceuticals and methods for producing these conjugates.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed herein to reduce and/or eliminate agglomerations and deformations of pellets comprised of crystallizable thermoplastic polymer material during a crystallization or crystallization of the pellets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ligand to GPR8, in particular polypeptides capable of binding to GPR8 or its amides or esters, or salts thereof, as well as DNA, encoding for such polypeptides. The ligand to GPR8 of the present invention is useful in developing a receptor-binding assay system with the use of a GPR8 expression system, for screening candidate compounds for drugs such as preventive/therapeutic agents for obesity, appetite stimulants, and prolactin production inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions useful for making synthetic peptide conjugates. In one embodiment, the invention provides compositions comprising the structure: wherein R is selected from lower substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, O, NH and S and P is an amine protection group. In more particular embodiments, the compositions comprise ?-amine protected 4,5-dehydroleucine or ?-amine protected (2S)-aminolevulinic acid and/or P is F-moc. These compounds may be incorporated into peptides, for example, peptides comprising a substituted or unsubstituted (2S)-aminolevulinic acid residue, such as (2S)-aminolevulinic acid residue is substituted with an O- or N-linked glycoconjugate, or a detectable label.

Abstract: The invention relates to crystals of an insulin analog in which asparagine (Asn) in position B3 of the B chain is replaced by a naturally occurring basic amino acid residue and at least one amino acid residue in the positions B27, B28 or B29 of the B chain is replaced by another naturally occurring neutral or acidic amino acid residue, where phenylalanine (Phe) in position B1 of the B chain can optionally be absent, the crystals being present in the space group R3 (No. 146) with the cell axes A=81.5 ?±1 ? and C=33.3 ?±1 ?, their preparation and use, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising these crystals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting infrared radiation is provided which comprises a temperature-sensing helical coiled-coil protein such as TlpA, CC1, collagen or myosin, incorporated into an electrically conductive film or gel deposited onto an electrically conductive medium such as an electrode, means for recording changes in conductivity or resistance of the conductive film or gel caused by the presence of infrared radiation and the effect of the infrared radiation on the thermal-sensing protein, and means to analyze the changes in conductivity or resistance in the conductive film caused by the infrared radiation so as to determine if infrared radiation is present.

Abstract: Peptides are provided having an excellent safety, stability due to relatively low molecular weights thereof, and cell growth promotion, which are different from cell growth factors produced by abnormal cells such as tumor cells. Peptide compositions which are excellent in promoting cell growth containing partial peptides of one or more peptide chains selected from peptide chains forming noncrystalline portions constituting silk protein. The partial peptides have specific amino acid sequences formed of four to forty amino acid residues. This invention has succeeded in providing novel peptides excellent for cell growth by separating and fractionating peptides, having specific amino acid sequences of molecular weights not higher than 10,000, preferably ranging from 4,000 to 400, from the noncrystalline portions of silk protein as well as by synthesizing peptides similar to such peptides.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the chemical synthesis and potentiality for application in several biochemical assays, of a potent agonist of the ?-melanocyte stimulating hormone (?-MSH), labeled with an amino acid-type paramagnetic spin probe (Toac, or 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl-amino-4-carboxylic acid), valuable for use in electron spin resonance and fluorescence allowing biochemical-clinical investigation of relevant physiological roles of ?-MSH in animal organism. The referred analogue of the present invention, acetil-Toac0-(Nle4, DPhe7)-?-MSH, where (Nle4, DPhe7)-?-MSH is nominated commercially as Melanotan™ and although containing a non-natural compound in its structure such as Toac, maintained entirely its potent agonist potency.

Abstract: This invention characterizes the specific peptide fragment derived from specially prepared zinc charged fetuin and a method of preparation thereof, wherein the fragment was found to contain an apoptosis-inducing activity. Specifically, the amino acid sequence of this peptide is His Thr Phe Ser Gly Val Ala Ser Val Glu and correlates to amino acid no. 300-309 of fetuin, referred to herein as Fetuin Peptide Fragment (FPF 300-09). FPF 300-09 strongly induced apoptosis in LNCaP (prostate cancer) and HT-29 (colon cancer) cells without affecting CCD 18 Co (normal colon) cells. The in vitro tissue culture study demonstrated that the FPF 300-09 is more potent than the parent molecule (full-length zinc charged fetuin) in inducing apoptosis. FPF 300-09 has a LD50 of 0.3–0.4 ?M while the LD50 for zinc-charged fetuin is 3–10 ?M.

Abstract: Purification of poly-amino acid-tagged recombinant proteins has been improved by the use of a carboxymethylated aspartate ligand complexed with a third-block transition metal having an oxidation state of 2+ and a coordination number of 6. A method for synthesizing the metal ion-CM-Asp complex is also described. Further, the metal ion-CM-Asp complex can be used for screening protein function.

Abstract: Methods for purifying authentic, properly folded IGF polypeptides from yeast transformants are disclosed. The methods include a refolding step and provide for high yields of authentic IGF from a variety of yeast strains.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to derivatives of tropoelastin and variants of those derivatives. The disclosure further provides expression products and hybrid molecules of the derivatives and variants of the invention. Methods for the production of the derivatives, variants, expression products and hybrid molecules are described. Formulations, cross-linked structures and implants comprising the derivatives, variants, expression products and hybrid molecules of the invention are included. Uses of the derivatives, variants, expression products and hybrid molecules are further provided.

Abstract: Novel forms of mutant BAD polypeptides or fragments thereof having amino acid substitutions for serine-155 are provided along with their encoding polynucleotides. Also disclosed are methods for preparation of the mutant BAD polypeptides, methods for screening candidate compounds and drugs for activity that promotes cell survival or apoptosis, methods for screening candidate compounds and drugs for phosphatase activity capable of dephosphorylating BAD, methods for screening candidate compounds and drugs for kinase activity capable of phosphorylating BAD, methods for screening candidate compounds and drugs for activity that promotes phosphorylation of BAD, anti-BAD antibodies, and methods for inhibiting and inducing apoptosis.

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: PHPIP-240 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing PHPIP-240 polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to directed protein evolution in mammalian cells and improved mutants of Discosoma sp. red fluorescent proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to unique variant forms of HIF-1 alpha polypeptide that are stable under hypoxic and nonhypoxic conditions and their use in the treatment of disorders involving oxygen homeostasis.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for using actin for making micro- and nano-scale structures, including masking of two-dimentsional surfaces and non-conductive three dimensional spacers.

Abstract: A compaction assay measuring the viscoelasticity of sputum samples of patients subject to respiratory disease is provided. This assay is useful in determining the therapeutic efficacy of DNase, antibiotic and other respiratory disease treatments in improving lung function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying a hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound, by first mixing a starting material containing the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound with a first polymeric material, water and at least one of a second polymeric material and a surfactant, wherein the first polymeric material and the second polymeric material and/or surfactant are immiscible in the resulting primary aqueous solution. The process further comprises maintaining the primary aqueous solution for a period of time sufficient for essentially separating the phases formed, and then removing the phase containing the main portion of the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound and the second polymeric material and/or surfactant. The second polymeric material and/or surfactant are separated from the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound, and subsequently recycled to the initial mixing step.

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 is directed to purified and isolated novel ULBP polypeptides, the nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against these polypeptides, fragmented peptides derived from these polypeptides, and the uses of the above. ULBP polypeptide can be found on the surface of human B cell lymphomas. Mammalian forms of ULBP polypeptide in isolated or purified forms are provided. In addition, isolated nucleic acids encoding ULBP polypeptides and expression vectors comprising a cDNA encoding ULBP polypeptides are provided. The ULBP polypeptides can be isolated or synthesized and used to prepare antibodies, and in particular monoclonal antibodies, against the polypeptides. The antibodies, in turn, are useful for detecting the presence of ULBP polypeptides in human cell samples, which can be correlated with the existence of a malignant condition in a patient.