Abstract: Oligopeptides having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a receptor's extracellular domain, and having sequence similarity to regulatory peptides from MHC class I antigens, enhance the physiological response of ligand binding to the corresponding receptor. The oligopeptides are used in diagnosis and therapy of diseases that involve inadequate or inappropriate receptor response as well as in the screening of drug candidates that affect surface expression of receptors. Also useful for drug screening is a modified receptor molecule, where the sequence corresponding to the regulatory peptide is modified or deleted.

Abstract: Regulatory regions from genes expressed during a particular developmental stage or in a specific tissue are identified employing cDNA screening. The resulting regulatory regions are manipulated for use with foreign sequences for introduction into plant cells to provide transformed plants having phenotypic property which can be modulated. The invention is exemplified with light, seed and fruit-specific promoters.

Abstract: Novel proteins of the Chicken Anemia Virus are described and compositions for preventing or treating infections with that virus (CAV), in particular vaccines less pathogenic than the CAV itself, but yet leading to neutralizing antibodies in the immunized animal. Besides, there are described compositions containing antibodies against parts of the CAV for the control of infections with CAV and anti-idiotype antibodies. The invention also provides antibodies and test kits for the detection of CAV. Recombinant DNA molecules derived from CAV and host cells transfected therewith and vaccines based on these host cells are made possible by this invention. The invention also comprises living virus vaccines in which apiece of DAN is brought into a virus infectious to the host. Besides, the Invention provides uses of proteins of CAV in the induction of apoptosis, in particular in tumor cells. It further provides the induction of cell death by means of gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for determining genotypes in highly polymorphic systems by polymerase chain reaction amplification of CDNA or genomic DNA and direct sequencing polymerase chain reaction products using oligonucleotide primers. More specifically, Class II and Class I HLA genotypes can be unambiguously determined in any subject in 16-24 hours by direct sequencing of DRB, DQB, DQA, DPB, DPA, HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C- transcripts enzymatically amplified using a limited number of non-allele-specific oligonucleotides. Total cellular RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells is reverse transcribed using antisense primers, specific for different locus (DQB, DQA, DPA or DPB) or group of loci (DRB1-5, or HLA-A and HLA-B and HLA-C). The synthesized cDNA molecules are then enzymatically amplified using different combinations of oligonucleotides for each locus and directly sequenced with Taq polymerase using an internal oligonucleotide. The sequenced genes are then analyzed.

Abstract: Fusion proteins or conjugates are provided containing an amino acid sequence having a substrate binding region of a polysaccharidase such as cellulase that binds to a .beta.-1,4-glycan matrix such as cellulose. The substrate binding region is essentially without polysaccharidase activity. In the fusion protein, the substrate binding region is fused or chemically linked to a polypeptide such as an enzyme, a hormone, an immunoglobulin or a protein dye. By contacting the fusion protein with a .beta.-1,4-glycan matrix, the substrate binding region binds to the matrix to immobilize the polypeptide on the matrix. The polypeptide or fusion protein can be removed from the matrix with a protease acting on a protease recognition sequence or with a solution having a low ionic strength or high pH. In the conjugate, the substrate binding region is joined such as by covalent bonding to a non-protein chemical moiety such as a dye, chromophore, fluorescor, radionuclide or enzyme co-factor.

Abstract: Recombinant genetic information (DNA or RNA), comprising a Chicken Anemia Virus (CAV)-specific nucleotide sequence and the use thereof for diagnostics, vaccination or protein production. Recombinant CAV protein and the use thereof for diagnostics, vaccination or production of CAV-specific antibodies. The use of CAV-specific antibodies thus obtained.

Abstract: A method of inducing a temporary substantial paralysis of an area of interest in a patient undergoing a medical procedure is provided. The method involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a patient undergoing an endoscopy or other medical procedure.

Abstract: Novel proteins of the Chicken Anemia Virus are described and compositions for preventing or treating infections with that virus (CAV), in particular vaccines less pathogenic than the CAV itself, but yet leading to neutralizing antibodies in the immunized animal. Besides, there are described compositions containing antibodies against parts of the CAV for the control of infections with CAV and anti-idiotype antibodies. The invention also provides antibodies and test kits for the detection of CAV. Recombinant DNA molecules derived from CAV and host cells transfected therewith and vaccines based on these host cells are made possible by this invention. The invention also comprises living virus vaccines in which a piece of DNA is brought into a virus infectious to the host. Besides, the invention provides uses of proteins of CAV in the induction of apoptosis, in particular in tumor cells. It further provides the induction of cell death by means of gene therapy.

Abstract: Recombinant genetic information (DNA or RNA), comprising a Chicken Anemia Virus (CAV)-specific nucleotide sequence and the use thereof for diagnostics, vaccination or protein production are described. Recombinant CAV protein and the use thereof for diagnostics, vaccination or production of CAV-specific antibodies, and use of CAV-specific antibodies thus obtained, are also described. The cloned complete CAV DNA genome disclosed is representative of CAV in the field, worldwide. By means of PCR with primers derived from the cloned CAV genome, CAV-specific sequences corresponding with or complementary to the nucleotide sequence described can be detected. CAV harbors a specific promoter/enhancer element which regulates the CAV transcriptional activity. Based upon this, a sensitive CAV-specific PCR and a method for validating negative PCR results and for estimating the number of CAV DNA copies present in the analyzed sample have been developed.

Abstract: Fusion proteins or conjugates are provided containing an amino acid sequence having a substrate binding region of a polysaccharidase such as cellulase that binds to a .beta.-1,4-glycan matrix such as cellulose. The substrate binding region is essentially without polysaccharidase activity. In the fusion protein, the substrate binding region is fused or chemically linked to a polypeptide such as an enzyme, a hormone, an immunoglobulin or a protein dye. By contacting the fusion protein with a .beta.-1,4-glycan matrix, the substrate binding region binds to the matrix to immobilize the polypeptide on the matrix. The polypeptide or fusion protein can be removed from the matrix with a protease recognition sequence or with a solution having a low ionic strength or high pH. In the conjugate, the substrate binding region is joined such as by covalent bonding to a non-protein chemical moiety such as a dye, chromophore, fluorescor, radionuclide or enzyme co-factor. By contacting the conjugate with a .beta.

Abstract: The coding information for three putative chicken anemia virus proteins (VP1, VP2, VP3) was inserted into a baculovirus vector and expressed in insect cells. The immunogenic properties of the chicken anemia virus (CAV) proteins produced separately or together in insect cell cultures were analyzed by inoculating them into chickens. Only lysates of insect cells which have synthesized equivalent amounts of all three recombinant CAV proteins or cells which synthesized mainly VP1 plus VP2 induced neutralizing antibodies directed against CAV in inoculated chickens. Progeny of those chickens were protected against clinical disease after CAV challenge. Inoculation of a mixture of lysates of cells that were separately infected with VP1- , VP2- and VP3-recombinant baculovirus did not induce significant levels of neutralizing antibody directed against CAV and their progeny were not protected against CAV challenge.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are employed for determining interactions between different components, of the same or different type of composition. The apparatus provides for arrays of samples in tracks, where light emitting labels are excited and emitted light detected. Headers are provided for defining sites, so that particular interactions can be rapidly detected. Particularly, disks having circular tracks with headers defining sites on the tracks, so that positive signals can be interpreted in relation to the information provided by the header. Various modifications can be made, such as preprepared segments which may then be attached to the disk for assaying.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for the utilization of sucrose phosphate synthase encoding sequences to modify the soluble solids in plant sink tissue. The method permits an increase in the sweetness of tomato fruit.

Abstract: A method for treating diabetes mellitus by administering composition providing a gastrin/CCK receptor ligand, e.g. a gastrin, and an EGF receptor ligand, e.g. TGF.alpha., in an amount sufficient to effect differentiation of pancreatic islet precursor cells to mature insulin-secreting cells. The composition can be administered systemically or expressed in situ by cells transgenically supplemented with one or both of a gastrin/CCK receptor ligand gene, e.g. a preprogastrin peptide precursor gene and an EGF receptor ligand gene, e.g. a TGF.alpha. gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides primers that allow simultaneous amplification of multiple DNA target sequences present in a DNA sample. Further provided are methods for detecting multiple defined target DNA sequences in a DNA sample. Methods for high-throughput genetic screening are also provided. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides single-stranded oligonucleotide DNA primers for amplification of a target DNA sequence in a multiplex polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for in vitro expansion of growth factor dependent cells. Expansion is effected through the use of growth factor conjugates that include a growth factor such as a steel factor and a polysaccharidase substrate binding region. The conjugates are immobilized by binding of the substrate binding region to a substrate of the polysaccharidase in a growth chamber for the cells.

Abstract: Recombinantly produced serum albumin is purified in a series of steps, optionally by incubation with an anion-exchange adsorbent, followed by affinity chromatography employing a hydrophobic solid phase and using a water-soluble lipid anion as desorbens in the aqueous phase. This immobile phase comprises a carrier coupled to a 2-mercapto or 2-hydroxy alkanoic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting microbial growth through the use of aromatic aldehydes or alcohols for the purpose of disinfecting contaminated environments. The methods include the step of contacting the unsterile area with an amount of a aromatic aldehyde or alcohol sufficient to control growth of pathogenic microbes. The aldehyde or alcohol can be provided in a variety of formulations.

Abstract: Methods and compositions based upon natural aromatic compounds are provided, which find use as pesticides. The pesticides are formulated in a variety of ways, including dusts, sprays, shampoos and soaps, and can be bound to a solid support or provided as bait or directly impregnated into organic matter infested by or susceptible to infestation by a target pest. Pests controlled include mosquitos, lice, ants, cockroaches, lice, and ticks.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the modification of polysaccharide structures using polysaccharidase binding or catalytic domains either alone or in tandem to modify the structure of polysaccharides. These methods and compositions are exemplified by the use of cellulase binding and catalytic domains to polish cotton, and to alter dying characteristics, texture and porosity of cellulose fibers.