Abstract: Ways for reproducibly making liquid gradients with a high degree of precision are provided. Different regions in the gradient are preformed by premixing liquids usable for other components of the gradient to form an intermediate gradient component that is then added to the vessel. The system is particularly adapted for making non-linear and multiple overlapping different gradients in the same liquid in the same vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting, identifying, and manipulating proteins or peptides from a solution uses paramagnetic beads having a coating with an affinity for the target component. In one embodiment, paramagnetic beads coated with C18 are used to adsorb proteins and peptides. The beads can be used to purify, immobilize and assay antibodies. By cycling the beads, many times greater molar amount of binding partner may be separated from a solution. A magnetic probe is used to capture the beads and transfer the beads to selected processing stages.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a DNA probe set, the probe set comprising a first probe set and a second probe set, the first probe set being sufficient in length and substantially complementary to an entire breakpoint region of a first DNA and nucleotides breakpoint region but less than an entire chromosome such that the first probe set will hybridize to both sides of the breakpoint region regardless of whether the first DNA has been broken in the breakpoint region and either end fused to another DNA, and the second probe set being sufficient in length and substantially complementary to an entire breakpoint region of a second DNA and nucleotides on both sides of the breakpoint region but less than an entire chromosome such that the second probe set will hybridize to both sides of the breakpoint region regardless of whether the second DNA has been broken in the breakpoint region and either end fused to another DNA. Diagnostic kits utilizing the probe sets of the invention are also claimed.

Abstract: A method of determining the severity of prostatic cancer includes measuring the level of amplification of the HER-2/neu gene in a sample of prostate tissue by fluorescence in-situ hybridization and comparing the measured level of amplification of the HER-2/neu gene in the sample with the level of HER-2/neu gene in normal prostate tissue. A method for determining treatment for a patient afflicted with prostate cancer includes determining whether the number of copies of HER-2/neu gene in prostate cells from the patient exceeds four by using fluorescence in-situ hybridization and aggressively treating such patient having prostate cells with five or more copies of the HER-2/neu gene.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for stimulating cellular nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels (cGMP), and protein kinase G (PKG) activity for purposes of treating diseases mediated by deficiencies in the NO/cGMP/PKG signal transduction pathway, by administration of various compounds including alcohols, diols and/or triols and their analogues.

Abstract: Polysulfonated compounds such as suramin are used to treat immunoregulatory isorders. Particular use in the treatment of rheumatologic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis is shown.

Abstract: The invention is a method of modulating or controlling autoimmune disease in a host. The method includes the step of administering to the diseased host a pharmaceutical effective amount of succinylacetone. The pharmaceutically effective amount of succinylacetone is desirably infused by an osmotic minipump in order to modulate the effects of autoimmune disease in the host.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preventing graft rejection of transplanted solid organs, in mammal recipients thereof, by administering an effective graft rejection preventative amount of succinylacetone to said mammals.

Abstract: A short but large apertured coil of the sloped-helix type allows deep heating of a part of the human body by RF waves, for example with a three-turn coil having a central part wherein parts of a pair of turns are parallel. The length of the coil equals two wavelengths of the RF wave. Each loop or turn is widened with for instance a conducting ribbon, having specific twists to provide corresponding vertical and horizontal parts if the coil is considered to have its axis aligned vertically.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance method is provided for monitoring and imaging the exchange of magnetization between protons in free water and protons in a relatively immobilized pool of protons in a sample. The method provides a new form of contrast for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of samples such as biological tissues, polymers, and geological samples.

Abstract: A color test is presented for the purpose of quickly identifying glaze or enamel coatings which releases excessive Pb. Citric acid solution on filter paper is used to extract Pb from the coatings and a Pb sensitive chromogen indicates the presence of Pb on the paper. The quick color test takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The kits are also provided for determining whether excessive Pb is present in a glaze or enamel coating.

Abstract: The instant invention is drawn to the use of clomipramine for treating trichotillomania and onchyphagia.