Abstract: Immunocompromised hosts comprising xenogeneic fetal lymph node tissue implanted in the ear pinna are provided. The chimeric hosts are prepared by inserting the xenogeneic lymph node tissue into the ear pinna and closing the incision. The tissue is found to be rapidly vascularized and can be productively infected with HIV.

Abstract: A spectral wavelength discrimination system and method for using are provided which allows the wavelength of a beam of radiation to be accurately determined using compact inexpensive optics and electronics. The system is particularly useful for identifying the emission wavelength of a multi-component marker system which includes a plurality of components having different wavelength ranges. The system comprises a wavelength selective beamsplitter, termed a Linear Wavelength Filter, that directs predetermined fractions of the beam at each wavelength into each of two output beams. The intensities of these output beams are measured. The measurements and selected system parameters, including the beamsplitter spectral characteristics and the detector sensitivity characteristics are used in a special algorithm for performing Fourier based wavelength-dispersive analysis. The unique solution of the Fourier based analysis is the wavelength of the beam of radiation.

Abstract: Novel polymers are provided which are produced by recombinant techniques. The polymers are characterized by having a small repeating sequence which provides for strands capable of associating, resulting in useful structural characteristics, where the strands are joined by turns or loops which are flexible and available for interaction with the environment. Specifically, repeating groups of naturally occurring proteins such as silk are modified by introduction of an amino-acid sequence at a site which provides for a turn between strands to provide for readily available oligopeptides capable of interacting with molecules in the environment.

Abstract: Liposomes are prepared comprising a polyhydroxybutyrate calcium polyphosphate complex which provides for uptake of a desired component, particularly nucleotides and nucleic acids. The charged species may be introduced into the lumen of a liposome by incubating liposomes with a solution of the component of interest for sufficient time to provide for introduction of the component into the lumen of the liposome, followed by washing at diminished temperatures. The resulting liposomes may then be used as vehicles for delivery of the lumen component.

Abstract: Avian cDNA nucleotide sequences for use as hybridization probes are provided. Probes derived from the sequences find use in defining the sex of a bird, usually by producing hybridization patterns that are sex-specific for most avian species. For a given avian species the probes may hybridize to both Z and W chromosomes so as to differentiate between the two chromosomes on the basis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Alternatively, the probes may hybridize exclusively to one of the two sex chromosomes in some species. The hybridization probes taught are also useful for the isolation of other nucleotide sequences that may be used to generate sex-specific hybridization patterns.

Abstract: A method for treating neurological dysfunctions associated with AIDS or ARC comprising the administration of methylcobalamin, alone or in combination with methionine. Substantial increases in the number of T4+ T-lymphocytes, T8+ T-lymphocytes, or the ratio of T4+ to T8+ T-lymphocytes is also observed with this treatment.

Abstract: Human basement membrane matrix is provided, produced by a novel tumorigenic cell line, where the basement membrane can be used for the growth of a variety of cells, in culture and in vivo. Other cell lines are provided, which may serve to evaluate in vivo the response of tumorigenic cells to various agents, including basement membrane. The basement membrane finds use in allowing the growth of cells in culture and in vivo, particularly cells which are otherwise refractory to xenografting.

Abstract: A disposable diagnostic device and method of its use are provided. The device comprises a housing containing first and second flow paths orthogonal to each other. The first flow path commences at a sample addition port and continues through a transport channel which feeds sample to an incubation area by means of capillary flow. The incubation area comprises a signal producing system and is underneath an optically-clear window. The first flow path terminates in a top waste reservoir which receives sample and wash fluid. The second flow path begins on one side of the incubation area at an inlet port over a side reagent reservoir. Liquid flows along the second flow path from the side reagent reservoir across the incubation area into the side waste reservoir. The incubation area may comprise agitation means for homogenous dispersion of reagent into liquid.

Abstract: Methodology is provided for developing probes for identifying sequence differences between two related DNA populations, sets of DNA fragments or collections of restriction-endonuclease-cleaved DNA or cDNA. The method employs an initial stage to obtain a representation of both DNA populations, namely using the PCR to produce relatively short fragments, referred to as amplicons. Tester amplicons containing target DNA, sequences of interest, are ligated to adaptors and mixed with excess driver amplicons under melting and annealing conditions, followed by PCR amplification. The process may be repeated so as to greatly enrich the target DNA. Optionally, the target DNA may then be cloned and the DNA used as probes.

Abstract: Collagen-like polymers having repetitive triads are produced having reduced proline content, where glycine is the initial amino acid and the subsequent amino acids are varied, while retaining at least a minimum percentage of prolines. The resulting polymers have collagen-like properties, but are capable of being produced in unicellular microorganisms at high molecular weights and in high efficiency. The polymers while retaining collagen-like characteristics, include various novel sequences which impart new characteristics, finding wide use in photographic, medical, structural and fiber applications.

Abstract: Two component, storage stable apatitic cement compositions, as well as methods for their production, are provided. The dry component of subject apatitic cements comprises basic calcium source particles at least partially coated with a partially neutralized acidic calcium phosphate. The dry component of subject compositions is prepared by combining basic calcium source particles with dissolved acidic phosphate in at least a partially aqueous medium, whereby the basic calcium source particles become partially coated with a partially neutralized acidic calcium phosphate. The reaction is terminated prior to completion of the reaction between the acidic phosphate and the basic calcium source by removing the available water from the reaction mixture. In a first mode, the subject cement may be produced by mechanically mixing an acidic phosphate source with basic calcium source particles in the presence of an aqueous solvent and stopping the reaction between the acid and base prior to completion.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the detection of an analyte in a sample using a bioelectronic sensor comprising a thin surfactant polymeric electrically conducting layer to which members of specific binding pairs are bound. Specific binding of analyte or analyte competitor to the bound specific binding pair member results in a change in the conductivity of the polymer. The resultant change in conductivity is related to the presence of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A system and method for digitally detecting the presence of analyte particles within a sample is disclosed herein. Each analyte particle is disposed to emit an optical response upon illumination in a known manner. The digital analyte detection system includes optical apparatus for illuminating a multiplicity of distinct pixel regions within the sample so as to induce each of the analyte particles included therein to emit at least one optical response. The pixel regions are dimensioned such that the number of analyte particles included within each region is less than a maximum detection threshold proportional to variability of the optical responses.The digital detection system further includes apparatus for measuring the emitted signal emitted from each pixel region. A data processing network receives the measurements of the emitted signals and, based on the measurements, counts the number of analyte particles within each pixel region so as to determine the number of analyte particles within the sample.

Abstract: Novel polymeric compositions and their intermediates are provided, providing for broad range protection from ultraviolet radiation. Acryl polymers comprising at least two different ultraviolet absorbing moieties having different light absorbing ranges are employed in conjunction with another hydrophilic monomer to provide sunscreen formulations for invisibility, and enhanced protection, without deleterious effects in the dermis.

Abstract: Alloantigen is extracted from a cellular source, preferably blood cells, with a mild detergent, and partially purified by precipitation of potentially interfering components. The alloantigen preparation is then used in an assay to determine the presence and specificity of receptors specific for alloantigens. The detection of bound receptor is determined by ELISA or other suitable immunoassays.

Abstract: A human hematopoietic system is provided in an immunocompromised mammalian host, where the hematopoietic system is functional for extended periods of time. Particularly, human fetal liver tissue and human fetal thymus is introduced into an appropriate site of a young immunocompromised mouse at a site supplied with a vascular system, whereby the fetal tissue results in novel formation of functional human bone marrow tissue.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides useful in ameliorating autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Farnesyl derivatives, particularly farnesyl acetate, are used to lower the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity in cells, thereby reducing cholesterol biosynthesis. The compounds may be administered to hypercholesterolemia patients to reduce the overall level of serum cholesterol, either alone or in conjunction with other drugs conventionally used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract: Hematopoietic cell populations are separated to provide cell sets and subsets as viable cells with high purity and high yields, based on the number of original cells present in the mixture. High-speed flow cytometry is employed using light characteristics of the cells to separate the cells, where high flow speeds are used to reduce the sorting time.

Abstract: Implants comprising active agents are employed for introduction into a suprachoroidal space or an avascular region of an eye for therapeutic purposes. The administration of drags is controlled and maintained for long periods of time, while ensuring the substantial absence of significant levels outside the site of administration.