Abstract: An apparatus and method for multi-spectral dual balanced imaging is provided. The apparatus includes: (a) a first member operable to produce from incident light a first band having first band wavelengths and a second band; and (b) a second member operable to produce from the second band a third band having wavelengths shorter than the first band wavelengths, excluding the first band wavelengths and having wavelengths longer than the first band wavelengths. The method involves: (a) producing from incident light a first band having first band wavelengths and a second band; and (b) producing from the second band a third band having wavelengths shorter than the first band wavelengths, excluding the first band wavelengths and having wavelengths longer than the first band wavelengths.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for multi-spectral dual balanced imaging is provided. The apparatus includes: (a) a first member operable to produce from incident light a first band having first band wavelengths and a second band; and (b) a second member operable to produce from the second band a third band having wavelengths shorter than the first band wavelengths, excluding the first band wavelengths and having wavelengths longer than the first band wavelengths. The method involves: (a) producing from incident light a first band having first band wavelengths and a second band; and (b) producing from the second band a third band having wavelengths shorter than the first band wavelengths, excluding the first band wavelengths and having wavelengths longer than the first band wavelengths.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing pregnancy-related complications in a pregnant woman is provided. The method includes the following steps: (a) determining the level of Placental Protein 17 (PP17) in a bodily substance obtained from the pregnant woman; and (b) comparing the determined level of PP17 to a standard level of PP17, a significant modification in the level of PP17 indicating the existence of a pregnancy-related complication in the pregnant woman. A diagnostic kit is also described.

Abstract: A method of monitoring tocolytic therapy in a pregnant woman. The method comprises determining a first concentration of placental protein 13 (PP13) in a bodily substance of a woman who has not received treatment with a tocolytic agent, determining a second concentration of PP13 in a bodily substance of the pregnant woman after initiation of treatment with a tocolytic agent, and comparing the second concentration with the first concentration. Based on the comparison, it may be determined whether to continue, discontinue, or modify the tocolytic treatment.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing pregnancy-related complications in a pregnant woman is provided. The method includes (a) providing a membrane phospholipid suspension; (b) exposing a first portion of the suspension to standard PP13; (c) exposing a second portion of the suspension to PP13 obtained from the woman; (d) measuring the production of prostaglandins in (b) and (c); and (e) comparing the amounts of prostaglandins produced in (b) and (c), a change in the amount of prostaglandins of (c) as compared to the amount of prostaglandins in (b) indicating the existence of a pregnancy-related complication in the woman.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing pregnancy-related complications in a pregnant woman. The method comprises (a) providing PP13-responding cells having a membrane; (b) exposing the cells to standard PP13; (c) exposing PP13-responding cells to PP13 obtained from the woman, and (d) determining the existence of a modification in the permeability of the cell membrane in (b) and in (c) as a result of exposure to PP13. The modification in permeability in (b) and (c) is then compared, a change in the permeability of (c) as compared to the permeability in (b) indicating the existence of a pregnancy complication in the woman.

Abstract: A method of monitoring tocolytic therapy in a pregnant woman. The method comprises determining a first concentration of placental protein 13 (PP13) in a bodily substance of a woman who has not received treatment with a tocolytic agent, determining a second concentration of PP13 in a bodily substance of the pregnant woman after initiation of treatment with a tocolytic agent, and comparing the second concentration with the first concentration. Based on the comparison, it may be determined whether to continue, discontinue, or modify the tocolytic treatment.

Abstract: The full amino acid and DNA sequences of placental protein 13 (PP13) are disclosed. Also described are various PP13 derived peptide fragments, and a recombinant method for the production of PP13. PP13 may be used in a screening and a diagnostic method for pregnancy-related complications.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imager system for imaging of a plume of a fugitive gas, dependent upon an electromagnetic wavelength absorption characteristic of the gas. A bi-spectral selector assembly houses first and second filters in separate first and second optical paths for transmittal of electromagnetic energies emanating from the scene of interest. The first and second filters have adjacent mutually exclusive narrow band pass characteristics only one of which corresponds to the electromagnetic wavelength absorption characteristic of the gas. An imager captures first and second image data having traversed the first and second filters in a frame which is then processed by correlating the image data to provide displayable data including an indication of any plume of the fugitive gas. The data is displayed in real time. In one example a CCD video camera provides picture data which is displayed with the image of the plume of gas pasted thereupon.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody (Mab) capable of binding Placental Protein 13 (pp-13) is disclosed. Also disclosed are hybridoma clone producing the Mab, an immunoassay using the Mab for measuring the level of PP-13 in a biological fluid, and a kit for measuring the level of PP-13 in a biological fluid.

Abstract: The full amino acid and DNA sequences of placental protein 13 (PP13) are disclosed. Also described are various PP13 derived peptide fragments, and a recombinant method for the production of PP13. PP13 may be used in a screening and a diagnostic method for pregnancy-related complications.

Abstract: The full amino acid and DNA sequences of placental protein 13 (PP13) are disclosed. Also described are various PP13 derived peptide fragments, and a recombinant method for the production of PP13. PP13 may be used in a screening and a diagnostic method for pregnancy-related complications.