Abstract: The present invention is a recombinant vector encoding and expressing at least three or more costimulatory molecules. The recombinant vector may additionally contain a gene encoding one or more target antigens or immunological epitope thereof. The synergistic effect of them costimulatory molecules on the enhanced activation of T cells is demonstrated. The degree of T-cell activation using recombinant vectors containing genes encoding three costimulatory molecules was far greater than the sum of recombinant vector constructs containing one costimulatory molecule and greater that the use of two costimulatory molecules. Results employing the triple costimulatory vectors were most dramatic under conditions of either low levels of first signal or low stimulator to T-cell ratios. This phenomenon was observed with both isolated CD4+and CD8+T cells.

Abstract: A process of controlling the production of enzymatic protein hydrolysate from cold water animals, containing up to 90% free amino acids, cold fish oil, hydroxilaptite (calcium orthophosphate), proteins, peptides, vitamin, minerals and calcium salts of phosphorus. The process provides a greater degree of refining than existing technology through the use of acid and alkaline denaturation steps, in combination with advanced separation and drying technology. The new drying technology results in a higher-quality, less expensive mixture than was previously possible.

Abstract: A method of investigating the suitability of a material as a medicament is disclosed. The method according to the invention uses a nematode which has been brought into contact with the test substance and which is then exposed to a local thermal stimulus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of altering hypothalamic function in an individual. The method comprises nasally administering a human vomeropherin, e.g. a 19-nor cholane steroid, or a pharmaceutical composition containing a vomeropherin, such that the vomeropherin binds to a specific neuroepithelial receptor. The steroid or steroids is/are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Other embodiments of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions containing the steroids.

Abstract: Discoveries are disclosed that show particular aspects of recombinant DNA technology can be used sucessfully to produce hitherto unknown human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) protein free of other polypeptides. These proteins can be produced in various functional forms from spontaneously secreting cells or from DNA segments introduced into cells. These forms variously enable biochemical and functional studies of this novel protein as well as production of antibodies. Means are described for determining the level of expression of genes for the KGF protein, for example, by measuring mRNA levels in cells or by measuring antigen secreted in extracellular or body fluids.

Abstract: An intraluminal catheter, particularly a dilatation catheter for angioplasty procedures, which has a shaft section formed of a blend of lubricous and bonding polymeric components in proportions to maintain a low coefficient of friction while maintaining the ability to bond non-lubricous polymeric material, such as polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, or PEBAX, to the segment.

Abstract: An over-the-wire electrophysiology catheter which has an emitting electrode on the distal tip electrically connected to a source of high frequency electrical energy. The intravascular device is configured to be advanced through a patient's cardiac veins or coronary arteries and preferably is also provided with sensing electrodes for detecting electrical activity of the patient's heart from within a blood vessel of the heart. The device forms large lesions in tissue adjacent to the blood vessel in which the device is located without significantly damaging the blood vessel to effectively terminate signals causing arrhythmia.

Abstract: An under floor lift comprising a horizontal, U-shaped header framework which is mountable between a vehicle axle and floor, and which reciprocatingly receives a nestable carriage comprising a second U-shaped framework. The carriage comprises a transverse motor mount plate and a pair of spaced, horizontal arms between which is received the lift platform. The platform is pivotably suspended, lifted and lowered by spaced pairs of parallelogram linkages pivotably secured at their outboard ends to the outboard end of the carriage side rails and at their inboard ends to the inboard end of the lift platform. The carriage is telescoped by a gear and chain mechanism from an inboard stowed position horizontally out to a transfer level deployed position. The wheelchair lift is moved by a hydraulic/chain drive downwardly and upwardly supported by the parallelogram arms to or from a ground level position, to permit the lift to be an in-swing, negative type lift.

Abstract: A method and system for treating a patient's heart exhibiting arrhythmia by first detecting electrical activity within the patient's heart to determine the location of the arrhythmogenic site or conductive pathway causing the arrhythmia and then creating on infarct within the region of the patient's heart where the arrhythmogenic site or the conductive pathway causing the arrhythmia is located by delivering an occluding element to a coronary artery which delivers oxygenated blood to said region of the patient's heart. In one presently preferred embodiment the occluding element is a flaccid or limp coil which when disposed in a coronary arterial passageway forms a randomly shaped, intertwined mass which quickly forms thrombus within the coronary artery to block the passage of oxygenated blood therethrough. The flaccid coil may be delivered through an inner lumen of a catheter which has a distal portion extending within the coronary artery.

Abstract: An improved charging stock for steel production which facilitates earlier and more uniform carbon oxidation, and increases the rate of oxygen transport in the melt, comprises and iron-carbon alloy having silicon therein and an oxide-containing material. The iron-carbon alloy preferably has a ratio of carbon to silicon in the range of approximately 4-40:1. The ratio of oxide-containing material surface area to the weight of the iron-carbon alloy is preferably maintained in the range of 5-100 m.sup.2 /ton.