Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for isolating from the immunological gene repertoire a gene coding for a receptor having the ability to bind a preselected ligand. Receptors produced by the gene isolated by the method, particularly catalytic receptors, are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for measuring endogenous heparin in a mammal at levels that were previously undetectable. The present invention further features methods for assessing the risk for and assessing the progression of atherosclerosis and methods for treating or inhibiting the progression of atherosclerosis. The invention also features methods for monitoring plasma heparin levels in subjects undergoing heparin treatment. Additionally, the present invention provides kits for assaying for heparin in biological samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for isolating from the immunological gene repertoire a gene coding for a receptor having the ability to bind a preselected ligand. Receptors produced by the gene isolated by the method, particularly catalytic receptors, are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for isolating from the immunological gene repertoire a gene coding for a receptor having the ability to bind a preselected ligand. Receptors produced by the gene isolated by the method, particularly catalytic receptors, are also contemplated.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods and kits for detecting increased bone resorption in patients. These methods and kits use chondroitin sulfate, a glycosaminoglycan, as a marker for bone resorption. Levels of chondroitin sulfate are detected in samples of urine or serum taken from patients. Measurements of chondroitin sulfate levels are made by methods such as fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE). Knowledge of increased bone resorption rates is useful in diagnosis of bone disorders such as osteoporosis.

Abstract: A method for extracting proteins from the intercellular space of plants is provided. The method is applicable to the large scale isolation of many active proteins of interest synthesized by plant cells. The method may be used commercially to recover recombinantly produced proteins from plant hosts thereby making the large scale use of plants as sources for recombinant protein production feasible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant viral nucleic acid selected from a (+) sense, single stranded RNA virus possessing a native subgenomic promoter encoding for a first viral subgenomic promoter, a nucleic acid sequence that codes for a viral coat protein whose transcription is regulated by the first viral subgenomic promoter, a second viral subgenomic promoter and a second nucleic acid sequence whose transcription is regulated by the second viral subgenomic promoter. The first and second viral subgenomic promoters of the recombinant viral nucleic acid do not have homologous sequences relative to each other. The recombinant viral nucleic acid provides the particular advantage that it systemically transcribes the second nucleic acid in the host. Host organisms encompassed by the present invention include procaryotes and eucaryotes, particularly animals and plants.

Abstract: A solid phase synthesis method for the preparation of diverse sequences of separate polymers or nucleic acid sequences using electrochemical placement of monomers or nucleic acids at a specific location on a substrate containing at least one electrode that is preferably in contact with a buffering or scavenging solution to prevent chemical crosstalk between electrodes due to diffusion of electrochemically generated reagents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hypertonia gene located on chromosome 12p in the genomic region between genome markers AFM338WH5 and D12S1057 and uses of such a gene.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that teach the use of purified melanin compositions to treat, prevent, or ameliorate diseases that are associated with excess cytokine production. In particular, methods and compositions are provided that are useful in reducing the cellular production and release of the cytokine TNF-&agr;, and the adverse disease consequences associated therewith.

Abstract: The verified cDNA sequences for human, bovine and porcine lactoferrin protein have been used to prepare recombinant lactoferrin for therapeutic and nutritional applications. Regions of the cDNA such as the Fe binding sites can be used to make an hLF polypeptide product. The present invention provides novel plasmids, transfected eucaryotic cells and methods of producing these plasmids and transfected eucaryotic cells. The novel plasmid contains the cDNA for lactoferrin protein. Methods for the production of lactoferrin protein in fungi and bacteria are also provided. Thus, the present invention provides an efficient and economical means for the production of recombinant lactoferrin protein and lactoferrin related polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for making arrays of functionalized binding sites on a support surface. The invention further provides apparatus and methods for sequencing oligonucleotides and for identifying the amino acid sequence of peptides that bind to biologically active macromolecules, by specifically binding biologically active macromolecules to arrays of peptides or peptide mimetics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transduction system, comprising (a) a rep-negative AAV vector containing a foreign DNA and (b) a product providing an AAV Rep protein. The invention also relates to the use of the transduction system.

Abstract: A method for reducing evaporation of a liquid reagent solution during solid phase, micro-scale chemical synthesis of a molecule comprising sub-units on an open environment solid support surface. The method includes the steps of providing an open solid support surface including at least one binding site which is functionalized with a reactive chemical moiety; and depositing a substantially controlled and minute volume of liquid reagent solution onto the support surface, and in contact with the binding site. The reagent solution includes reactants contained in at least one relatively high boiling point solvent, in contrast to standard organic solvents for such reagents. Application of a high boiling point solvent substantially reduces evaporation of the reagent solution in the open environment during synthesis on the solid support while enabling the maintenance of a substantially high reaction yield.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein having an anti-tumoral effect, a DNA encoding such a protein, and a process for the preparation of such a protein as well as its use.

Abstract: The present invention provides an AAV vector having a foreign DNA coding for a protein that boosts immunogenicity of cells. The invention also provides a vaccine containing such a vector and the use of both.

Abstract: A method of promoting clearance of retained mucous secretions in the bronchi, bronchioles and small terminal airways of a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the bronchi of the subject a uridine phosphate such as uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP), or P.sup.1,P.sup.4 -di(uridine-5') tetraphosphate (U.sub.2 P.sub.4), an analog of UTP, or any other analog, in an amount effective to promote mucociliary clearance and/or cough clearance of retained fluid in the bronchi, bronchioles and small terminal airways. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: aerosol inhalation, any liquid suspension (including nasal drops or spray), oral form (liquid or pill), injected, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to recombinant nucleic acids encoding lactoferrin variants and portions thereof, having modified iron-binding capacity, and to vectors comprising same recombinant nucleic acids. The present invention is further directed to methods of producing such vectors, and to transfected cells harboring the same. Methods for the production of lactoferrin variants and portions thereof, in various eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells are also provided. Finally, the invention is directed to lactoferrin variants and portions thereof encoded by the nucleic acids of the invention and produced by the processes of the invention. Thus, the invention provides an efficient and economical means for the production of recombinant lactoferrin variants and portions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant for use in the human body, an implant substrate being coated with a material which contains chemical compounds between one or more metals (M) of group IV A of the periodic system, nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O), 2 to 45% of the volume in the coating material being formed by voids whose sizes range from (0.4 nm).sup.3 to (50 nm).sup.3, and the remaining volume having a composition of a metal of group IV A of the periodic system to nitrogen to oxygen of 1:(0.1 to 1.7):(0.1 to 1.7), a material having formula MN.sub.x O.sub.y (wherein x,y=0.1-1.7) resulting.The invention also relates to the use of this implant for implantation into the animal or human body.

Abstract: A solid phase synthesis method for the preparation of diverse sequences of separate polymers or nucleic acid sequences using electrochemical placement of monomers or nucleic acids at a specific location on a substrate containing at least one electrode that is preferably in contact with a buffering or scavenging solution to prevent chemical crosstalk between electrodes due to diffusion of electrochemically generated reagents.