Abstract: The present invention provides biologically active crosslinked polypeptides with improved properties relative to their corresponding precursor polypeptides, having good cell penetration properties and reduced binding to human proteins. The invention additionally provides methods of identifying and making such improved polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of molecular biology, more particularly, the present invention relates to drug screening, assay development and identification and use of modulators for G-protein coupled receptor/ligand pair MRGX2/CXCL14 within drug discovery.

Abstract: The present invention provides for nucleic acids improved for the expression of interleukin-15 (IL-15) in mammalian cells. The invention further provides for methods of expressing IL-15 in mammalian cells by transfecting the cell with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an improved IL-15 sequence. The present invention further provides expression vectors, and IL-15 and IL-15 receptor alpha combinations (nucleic acid and protein) that increase IL-15 stability and potency in vitro and in vivo. The present methods are useful for the increased bioavailability and biological effects of IL-15 after DNA, RNA or protein administration in a subject (e.g. a mammal, a human).

Abstract: The invention provides FGFR fusion proteins, methods of making them, and methods of using them to treat proliferative disorders, including cancers and disorders of angiogenesis. The FGFR fusion molecules can be made in CHO cells and may comprise deletion mutations in the extracellular domains of the FGFRs which improve their stability. These fusion proteins inhibit the growth and viability of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The combination of the relatively high affinity of these receptors for their ligand FGFs and the demonstrated ability of these decoy receptors to inhibit tumor growth is an indication of the clinical value of the compositions and methods provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel pharmaceutical compositions comprising ApoE-derived peptide dimers. In particular, the ApoE peptide dimers of the invention comprise at least two ApoE mimetic domains and can comprise one or more protein transduction domains. Methods of treating various conditions, such as cancer, inflammatory conditions, and neurodegenerative diseases, by administering the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a protein composition derived from silk fibroin, which composition possesses enhanced solubility and stability in aqueous solutions. The primary amino acid sequence of native fibroin is modified in the SDP such that cysteine disulfide bonds between the fibroin heavy and fibroin light protein chains are reduced or eliminated. Additionally, the composition can have a serine content that is reduced by greater than 40% compared to native fibroin protein, and the average molecular weight of the SDP is less than about 100 kDa.

Abstract: The invention encompasses formulations and methods for the production thereof that permit the delivery of concentrated protein solutions. The inventive methods can yield a lower viscosity liquid formulation or a higher concentration of therapeutic or nontherapeutic proteins in the liquid formulation, as compared to traditional protein solutions.

Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies, and antibody fragments thereof, having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for one, or a combination of two or more, hCMV gene UL products. The invention also relates to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of disease.

Abstract: The invention provides means and methods for producing high-affinity antibodies against an antigen of interest, usually stable B-cell cultures.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and means for identifying, producing, and engineering neutralizing antibodies against influenza A viruses, and to the neutralizing antibodies produced. In particular, the invention concerns neutralizing antibodies against various influenza A virus subtypes, and methods and means for making such antibodies.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to antibodies that bind specifically to glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells. In particular, the present disclosure provides compositions comprising human single chain or full-length antibodies that bind tumor cells. Additionally the present disclosure provides methods of using the anti-GBM antibodies.

Abstract: Antibodies directed to the C-terminal side of ?-amyloid peptide and methods of using these antibodies for diagnosing and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and A? peptide associated diseases are described.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions related to Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Specifically TL1A drives regional intestinal inflammation and fibrosis and is differentially modulated by IFN gamma and IL-17a. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method of diagnosing a condition in a subject by determining the presence or absence of IFN gamma and/or IL-17 and diagnosing the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the methods for the treatment and diagnosis of conditions mediated by IL-5 and excess eosinophil production, and more specifically to mAbs, Fabs, chimeric and humanized antibodies. More particularly, methods are provided for reducing eosinophils in a human in need thereof, which method comprises administering to said human a composition comprising at least one anti-IL-5 antibody, wherein at least one anti-IL-5 antibody provides a mean maximum plasma concentration of said anti-IL-5 antibody of at least about 1.03±0.21 ?g/mL, an Area Under the Curve value of at least about 15.5±2.7 ?g/day/mL and a serum half-life of about 16.2±2.1 days to about 21.7±2.8 days.

Abstract: Novel anti-cancer agents, including, but not limited to, antibodies and immunoconjugates, that bind to human folate receptor 1 are provided. Methods of using the agents, antibodies, or immunoconjugates, such as methods of inhibiting tumor growth are further provided.

Abstract: Novel anti-cancer agents, including, but not limited to, antibodies and immunoconjugates, that bind to human folate receptor 1 are provided. Methods of using the agents, antibodies, or immunoconjugates, such as methods of inhibiting tumor growth are further provided.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides useful for co-stimulating T cells, isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding them, vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules, and cells containing the vectors. Also included are methods of making and using these co-stimulatory polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides useful for co-stimulating T cells, isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding them, vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules, and cells containing the vectors. Also included are methods of making and using these co-stimulatory polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies and their antigen-binding fragments and to other molecules that are capable of immunospecifically binding to the B7-H5 ligand of the B7-H5:CD28H pathway, and to the uses of such molecules in the treatment and diagnosis of autoimmune disease, transplant rejection and other inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating diseases associated with expression of CD33. The invention also relates to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific to CD33, vectors encoding the same, and recombinant T cells comprising the CD33 CAR. The invention also includes methods of administering a genetically modified T cell expressing a CAR that comprises a CD33 binding domain.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-HER2 antibodies and immunoconjugates and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that specifically bind to insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR), which is preferably human IGF-IR. The invention also relates to human anti-IGF-IR antibodies, including chimeric, bispecific, derivatized, single chain antibodies or portions of fusion proteins. The invention also relates to isolated heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules derived from anti-IGF-IR antibodies and nucleic acid molecules encoding such molecules. The present invention also relates to methods of making anti-IGF-IR antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these antibodies and methods of using the antibodies and compositions thereof for diagnosis and treatment. The invention also provides gene therapy methods using nucleic acid molecules encoding the heavy and/or light immunoglobulin molecules that comprise the human anti-IGF-IR antibodies.

Abstract: This invention relates to binding members, especially antibody molecules, specific for interleukin 1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1). For example, isolated binding members specific for IL-1R1 which competes with IL-1 and IL-1Ra for binding to IL-1R1 and binds Il-1R1 with a KD of 10 pM or less when measured by Kinexa™. The binding members are useful for, inter alia, treatment of disorders mediated by IL-1R1 including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Abstract: The invention provides methods for preventing loss and augmenting regeneration of skeletal muscle by decreasing the activity of the TWEAK/Fn14 system.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies to MASP-2 and functional equivalents thereof. In particular, the invention relates to MASP-2 antibodies capable of inhibiting the function of MASP-2. The invention furthermore discloses MASP-2 epitopes, wherein antibodies recognising said epitopes are in particularly useful for inhibiting MASP-2 activity. The invention also relates to methods of producing said antibodies, methods of inhibiting MASP-2 activity as well as to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the MASP-2 antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides antagonizing antibodies, antigen-binding portions thereof, and aptamers that bind to proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Also provided are antibodies directed to peptides, in which the antibodies bind to PCSK9. The invention further provides a method of obtaining such antibodies and antibody-encoding nucleic acid. The invention further relates to therapeutic methods for use of these antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof to reduce LDL-cholesterol levels and/or for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disease, including treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract: It provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions comprising antagonists to the protein Bile Salt-Stimulated Lipase (BSSL) for the prevention, prophylaxis and treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. It further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising BSSL antagonists and their use in methods for the prevention, prophylaxis and treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Suitable BSSL antagonists to be used according to the invention are BSSL antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for tumor treatment by administering an inhibitor of quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 1 (QSOX1), compositions comprising such inhibitors, and methods for identifying such inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant antigen-binding regions and antibodies and functional fragments containing such antigen-binding regions that are specific for CD38, which plays an integral role in various disorders or conditions. These antibodies, accordingly, can be used to treat, for example, hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma. Antibodies of the invention also can be used in the diagnostics field, as well as for investigating the role of CD38 in the progression of disorders associated with malignancies. The invention also provides nucleic acid sequences encoding the foregoing antibodies, vectors containing the same, pharmaceutical compositions and kits with instructions for use. The invention also provides isolated novel epitopes of CD38 and methods of use therefore.

Abstract: Provided are monoclonal antibodies that detect CD 19 CAR-modified immune cells and CAR-modified immune cells irrespective of the tumor associated antigen they target. Methods of using these functional monoclonal antibodies include, but are not limited to, detection, quantification, activation, and selective propagation of CAR-modified immune cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an universal antibody acceptor framework and to methods for grafting non-human antibodies, e.g., rabbit antibodies, using a universal antibody acceptor framework. Antibodies generated by the methods of the invention are useful in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A superhydrophilic amphiphilic copolymer and process for making the superhydrophilic amphiphilic copolymer includes a low molecular weight polysaccharide modified with a hydrophobic reagent, such as substituted succinic anhydride. The superhydrophilic amphiphilic copolymer system generates stable foam for use in applications, such as healthcare formulations, with low irritation of the eyes and skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process for reducing the endotoxin content of a sample of fermentation broth containing polysialic acid and endotoxin comprising the sequential steps: (i) adding to the sample a base having a pKa of at least 12 to form a basic solution having a pH of at least 12, incubating the solution for a pre-determined time at a pre-determined temperature; and (ii) recovery of PSA, suitably by (iii) passing the sample through an anion-exchange column whereby polysialic acid is absorbed on the ion exchange resin; (iv) washing the column with one washing buffer, whereby polysialic acid remains absorbed on the ion exchange resin; and (v) eluting the polysialic acid from the column using an elution buffer to provide a product solution of polysialic acid having reduced endotoxin content.

Abstract: The present teachings show that it is possible to polymerize 1,1-disubstituted alkene compounds in a solution (for example using one or more solvents). Polymerization of 1,1-disubstituted alkene compounds in an solution provides opportunities to better control the polymerization compared with bulk polymerization. The solution polymerization techniques can be employed for preparing homopolymers, copolymers (e.g., random copolymers), and block copolymers.

Abstract: The present teachings show that it is possible to polymerize 1,1-disubstituted alkene compounds in an emulsion (for example using a water based carrier liquid), despite the possible reactions between the monomer and water. Polymerization of 1,1-disubstituted alkene compounds in an emulsion provides opportunities to better control the polymerization compared with bulk polymerization. The emulsion polymerization techniques can be employed for preparing homopolymers, copolymers (e.g., random copolymers), and block copolymers.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and/or claimed concept(s) relates generally to a composition comprising a low molecular weight graft polymer. The graft polymer is a graft homopolymer, copolymer or terpolymer. Additionally, the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) relates to a scale inhibitor composition comprising the low molecular weight graft polymer. Furthermore, the presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) relates to a process for preventing the deposition of scale from water or aqueous solution and a method for scale inhibition treatment of an oil or gas production well by using the low molecular weight graft polymer. The scale inhibitor is low corrosive for application in the oilfield.

Abstract: A method for producing a modified conjugated diene-based polymer having a good balance between the hysteresis loss properties and the wet skid resistance, practically sufficient abrasion resistance and breaking strength, and high processability when formed into a vulcanized product is provided. A method for producing a modified conjugated diene-based polymer, comprising: a polymerization step of polymerizing a conjugated diene compound, copolymerizing conjugated diene compounds, or copolymerizing a conjugated diene compound with an aromatic vinyl compound using an alkali metal compound or an alkaline earth metal compound as a polymerization initiator to obtain a conjugated diene-based polymer having an active end, and a modifying step of reacting a compound represented by following formula (1) with the active end of the conjugated diene-based copolymer.

Abstract: Conjugated diene polymer comprising at least a conjugated diene monomer unit, the conjugated diene polymer has a number-average molecular weight (Mn) in terms of polystyrene of 1,000 to 1,000,000, a ratio (Mw/Mn) of a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to the number-average molecular weight (Mn) of lower than 2.0 and the polymer bears a halogen atom at a terminal of the polymer chain. Method for producing the conjugated diene polymer comprises subjecting a monomer containing at least a conjugated diene to living radical polymerization using a polymerization initiator comprising a halogenocyclopentadienyl triorganophosphine ?2-olefin ruthenium complex represented by formula (6) (and an organic halide.

Abstract: Provided are surface treatment agents that enable surfaces with a chemically fixed lubricant to be produced instead of a resin coating which has drawbacks, such as that lubricity is reduced due to separation, peeling or the like of the coating during the movement within a vessel or tube; and medical devices, such as catheters, having a surface at least partially treated with such a surface treatment agent. The present invention relates to a surface treatment agent for medical devices which contains a copolymer of a hydrophilic functional group-containing monomer and an epoxy group-containing monomer.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the continuous polymerization of a polymer comprising monomeric units derived from styrene and 1,3-butadiene, said process comprising: polymerizing the monomers in the presence of an initiator, and at least one polar agent selected from Formula 1; wherein R1 and R2 are each independently an alkyl, and preferably a C1-C4 alkyl; R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are each independently selected from hydrogen or an alkyl, and preferably hydrogen or a C1-C4 alkyl; and wherein a 1,2-diene is added to the polymerization, and the 1,2-diene to active initiator (active for polymerization) molar ratio is from 0.1 to 1.0, preferably from 0.1 to 0.9, and more preferably from 0.1 to 0.85; and wherein the polar agent to the active initiator molar ratio is from 0.05 to 0.6, preferably from 0.1 to 0.5, more preferably from 0.15 to 0.3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biostable polyurethane or polyurea comprising: (a) a soft segment comprising a polysiloxane of the general formula (I); and (b) greater than O and less than 40 wt % of a hard segment which is a reaction product of a diisocyanate and a linear difunctional chain extender, processes for their preparation and their use in the manufacture of biomaterials, devices, articles or implants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functionalized cyclic carbonates, urethanes and polyurethanes, their methods of production and uses thereof.

Abstract: An uncured branched polyester-urethane resin prepared by free radical polymerization of an unsaturated polyester prepolymer having a polyol segment, an unsaturated polycarboxylic acid and/or an anhydride and/or ester thereof, and a urethane segment, wherein the polymerization occurs primarily by reaction of the unsaturation is disclosed. Coatings comprising the same are also disclosed, as are substrates coated at least in part with such coatings.

Abstract: The invention provides highly functional epoxy resins that may be used themselves in coating formulations and applications but which may be further functionalized via ring-opening reactions of the epoxy groups yielding derivative resins with other useful functionalities. The highly functional epoxy resins are synthesized from the epoxidation of vegetable or seed oil esters of polyols having 4 or more hydroxyl groups/molecule. In one embodiment, the polyol is sucrose and the vegetable or seed oil is selected from corn oil, castor oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, linseed oil, tall oil fatty acid, tung oil, vernonia oil, and mixtures thereof. Methods of making of the epoxy resin and each of its derivative resins are disclosed as are coating compositions and coated objects using each of the resins.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA), including: a) adding raw materials including succinic acid, adipic acid, and 1,4-butanediol into a reaction still; increasing the temperature in the reaction still to 130° C., and stiffing the raw materials, then keeping the temperature in the reaction still at 170-200° C., and dehydrating for 1-3 hours at atmospheric pressure, to yield an oligomer of PBSA; and b) decreasing the temperature of the reaction still to 100° C., and adding a composite catalyst system, the total addition of the composite catalyst system accounting for one ten-thousandth to one ten-millionth of a total weight percentage of the raw materials; uniformly stiffing and mixing the composite catalyst system and reactants, slowly vacuum pumping the reaction still, heating the reaction still to a temperature of 200-240° C. and allowing the composite catalyst system and the reactants to react for 10-20 hrs.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to accelerators for the curing of thermosetting resins in the presence of metal compounds, quaternary ammonium and/or phosphonium salts, tertiary amines and/or phosphines and peroxide initiators, and methods of curing thermosetting resins using these accelerators.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for preparing a polyester comprising providing a first cyclic ester having a ring size of from 12-40 atoms and subjecting the first cyclic ester to ring-opening polymerisation by contacting the first cyclic ester with a catalyst of formula I.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an object, supporting a lipid bilayer, for use in tissue engineering including the steps of providing an object having a surface, treating the surface of the object with a plasma containing active oxygen to provide the surface of the object with reactive groups A, to provide the surface of the object with reactive groups A, covalently attaching a sterol group to the reactive groups A and contacting the object activated with sterol groups with a lipid solution to form a lipid bilayer.

Abstract: A catalyst system includes a transition metal salt containing a halo group, an acetate group, or a combination thereof, and an organic phosphine ligand. The molar ratio of the organic phosphine ligand to the transition metal salt is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 50.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for reductive amination-reaction, and uses thereof. The catalyst according to the present invention can show a high amine conversion rate because it can maintain catalytic activity even in the presence of moisture particularly while basically maintaining the balance of dehydrogenation and hydrogenation reactions. Accordingly, the catalyst can be usefully used for preparing a polyetheramine compound through a reductive amination-reaction not only in a continuous preparation process but also in a batch preparation process, irrespective of the existence of moisture.