Abstract: To diagnose diseases in patients, a protein complex, RhC, is prepared from horse serum by precipitating a white powder from the serum at a pH of 5.5 and processing to remove lipids at a pH of 8.2 using Tris-HCl as the buffer. It includes two components associated together to provide a molecular weight of 280,000 and having characteristics of a rheumatoid factor and a Clq-like subcomponent of the complement. The protein complex is incubated with human serum or plasma and then precipitated by dialysis against a high pH buffer (0.05M Tris-HCl pH 8.2). When precipitated, it co-precipitates the immune complexes from the human blood serum without substantial monomeric immunoglobulin to quantitatively isolate immune complexes from serum. Immunological assays then determine how much immune complex and what kind were in the serum.

Abstract: Described is a new class of polypeptide cell modulators characterized by being composed of two covalently linked cell modulators in a linear polypeptide sequence. Such dual function polypeptides have new and particularly useful activities when the component polypeptide cell modulators are interferons, lymphokines or cytotoxins which act through different and specific cell receptors to initiate complementary biological activities.

Abstract: A rapid and effective method is provided for determining various genotypic and/or phenotypic characteristics of an unknown microbial organism in a non-destructive manner. Initially, a predetermined growth medium is inoculated with an unknown microbial organism to create a microbial culture and the culture is then scanned at a time after inoculation to obtain a spectral signature. This scanning step is conducted utilizing wavelengths over a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum from 700-5000 nm. Thereafter, characterizing data of the unknown organism is determined from the spectral signature. This characterizing data of the unknown organism is compared with a preexisting library of characterizing data of known organisms with known characteristics, which library was made by scanning known organisms in the same manner as the unknown organism, to determine if there is a match between the characterizing data of the unknown organism and the characterizing data of a known organism contained in the library.

Abstract: This invention discloses a linker arm for solid support synthesis of oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide derivatives that allows the oligomers to be released relatively quickly under mild conditions. The linker arm comprises the following: ##STR1## The linker arm releases the oligomer in about one minute to about thirty minutes in a manner that leaves the oligonucleotide fully protected.

Abstract: Chelating compounds of specified structure are useful for radiolabeling targeting molecules such as antibodies. Cleavable linkers connect the radionuclide metal chelates to the antibodies. The radiolabeled antibodies have improved biodistribution properties, including reduced localization within the intestines and kidneys.

Abstract: This invention provides a therapeutic agent capable of specifically forming a complex with human immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein which comprises a polypeptide. In one embodiment of the invention, the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 6 from about +1 to about +185 fused to the amino acid sequence from about +353 to about +371. In another embodiment of the invention, the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 6 from about +1 to about +106 fused to the amino acid sequence from about +353 to about +371. In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 6 from about +1 to about +185.This invention also provides a method for treating a subject infected with a human immunodeficiency virus.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a novel Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki .delta.-endotoxin prepared by use of a novel hybrid gene. This gene is cloned into a novel plasmid which is transformed into a prokaryotic host. The .delta.-endotoxin of the subject invention is active against Lepidoptera larvae.

Abstract: A differential laser Doppler biospectrometer for monitoring microbiota movement in a medium, which, preferably is quiescent. One of the laser beams is shifted in frequency to enable monitoring of small movement data velocity and/or direction). Average size of individuals and growth rate of the total number of organisms in suspension can be obtained. Exogenous stimuli, such as electric and magnetic fields, trace chemical additions or EM radiation are provided at selected times in the natural rhythm circadian cycle of the microbiota, and several such stimuli can be applied simultaneously. The measurement system is so sensitive that it can detect movement changes due to very weak energy stimuli transmitted to microbiota free to move in an established zone. In addition, holographic recordings of the microbiota can be made.

Abstract: A method for discriminating between patients who are seropositive but asymptomatic for HIV infection and AIDS patients is disclosed wherein the fluorescence intensity from CD.sub.44.sup.+ T cells is measured. Intensity increases as AIDS progresses.

Abstract: Conjugates of transferrin or ceruloplasmin with anti-tumour agents. Such conjugates are useful in the treatment of tumours. Suitable anti-tumour agents include adriamycin, daunomycin, methotrexate, vincristin, 6-mercaptopurine, cytosine arabinoside and cyclophosphamide. Transferrin or ceruloplasmin in preferably coupled to the anti-tumour agent by means of glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: An assay which is responsive to the levels of anti-p24 antibodies in serum samples is provided which comprises the steps of: (a) forming a test mixture comprising the sample and an antigen solution containing free p24 antigen within a predetermined concentration range: (b) incubating the test mixture under conditions whereby anti-p24 antibodies from the sample, if any, can react with the free p24 antigen to form antibody-antigen complexes; (c) determining the concentration of free p24 antigen remaining in the test mixture after the incubation; (d) determining the concentration of free p24 antigen in the antigen solution; and (e) calculating the difference between the concentration of free p24 antigen in the antigen solution and the concentration of freee p24 antigen in the test mixture after the incubation.The difference calculated in step (e) represents the "binding capacity" of the serum sample for p24 antigen.

Abstract: Glycoprotein which inactivates ribosomes (GPIR) having the ribosome-inhibiting activity of the native GPIR and having a prolonged-action in vivo which is obtained by oxidation of its osidic units by the action of periodate ions, and simultaneous reduction with cyanoborohydride ions. Said modified glycoprotein may be coupled to an antibody or a fragment thereof in order to form an immunotoxin having a prolonged-action in vivo.

Abstract: A process for the in vitro immunization of an immuno-competent splenocyte against an immunogen comprising (a) obtaining a first human splenocyte population, (b) fractionating the first population so that the first fraction is enriched with T-cells and a second fraction is enriched with B-cells, (c) mixing together the cells from the first and second fractions to form a second population having a T-helper cell to B-cell ratio of at least 0.4, and the percentage of T-suppressor cells is essentially unchanged from the first population, and (d) culturing the second population in a medium containing human serum, an immunogen and a lymphokine or lymphokines which induce proliferation and differentiation of T and B cells.

Abstract: A method for enhancing chemiluminescence which uses a heterocyclic compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is an oxygen or sulfur atom or an imino group optionally substituted by 4-hydroxyphenyl, and R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are a hydrogen or halogen atom, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon residue, a heterocyclic group or the like in a luminescence system.

Abstract: A process for production of antibody conjugates which comprises modification of a part of the amino groups in an antibody or its fragment whose antigen-binding activity is lowered by the modification of its amino groups, with a reversible modifier for protein amino groups, reaction of the antibody or its fragment with a substance bearing a group reactive with the amino group and removal of the residues of the reversible modifier from the amino groups and, when necessary, the residues of the substance bearing a group reactive with the amino group in case they are introduced onto groups other than amino groups. The process according to the present invention gives antibody conjugates with retention of antigen-binding activity and these conjugates have a possibility of being used in affinity chromatography or as a diagnostic agent or a drug for cancer therapy.

Abstract: Glycoprotein which inactivates ribosomes (GPIR) the ribosome-inhibiting activity of the native GPIR and having a prolonged-action in vivo which is obtained by oxidation of its osidic units by the action of periodate ions, and simultaneous blocking of the oxidation product by formation of a Schiff's base with a suitable primary amine. Said modified glycoprotein may be coupled to an antibody or a fragment thereof in order to form an immunotoxin.

Abstract: Compositions useful for detecting ras gene proteins are described consisting of GTP and a protein having an apparent reduced molecular weight of about 115,000-120,000 daltons, or fragments derived therefrom, that stimulate ras protein guanosine triphosphatase activity. Also described are methods whereby the compositions are used to identify cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies capable of binding antigenic determinants within regions of the core proteins of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and immortalized cell lines producing those monoclonal antibodies are provided. The monoclonal antibodies find use in a variety of ways, including HIV antigen detection in biological samples. Using these methods, individuals may be identified who are infected with HIV but who have not yet developed anti-HIV antibodies. The methods also find use in monitoring in vitro growth of HIV, and the efficacy of therapeutic agents and vaccines.

Abstract: Monoclonal cell lines producing antibodies to severe citrus tristeza virus have been developed. The antibodies react with crude plant extracts infected with severe isolates, but not with crude plant extracts infected with mild isolaates or healthy plant tissue. This immunological probe has been utilized in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays as a rapid technique for identifying citrus infected with severe isolates of CTV. Field tests on recently planted trees in a commercial citrus grove have verified the effectiveness of the immunoassay.

Abstract: An improved, copolymer-based immunoassay system, method, and apparatus is highly sensitive and effective in accurately measuring extremely low concentrations, such as 10.sup.-6 to 10.sup.-12 grams per milliliter, of biologically active substances, such as monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies and antigens, cancer markers, proteins, bacteria, viruses, therapeutic drugs, drugs of abuse, and food and water contaminants in fluid samples. The system requires no sample preparation, and is reliable, easy to use, sufficiently low in cost to be readily usable in doctors' offices, small labs, and other low-volume facilities, but is also readily adaptable to hospital and high-volume use. The new system, method, and apparatus for agglutination immunoassay systems includes novel and coordinated carrier particle technology, light application and measurement and chemistry, coacting to provide the multiple advantages of simplicity and accuracy in use, and extreme sensitivity in application, in quantifying immunoassays.