Abstract: Live vaccines are provided and methods for preparing the live vaccines for protection of a host from a pathogenic microorganism. The vaccines are prepared by introducing at least one modification in a gene involved in at least one, normally at least two, biosynthetic pathways, involving the production of products which are unlikely to be found in the disease susceptible host. The modification results in a gene change which cannot be repaired by a single step e.g. polynucleotide deletions and inversions. Where the aro gene suffers such a change, the resultant auxotrophic mutants require aromatic amino acids, p-aminobenzoic acid and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid or a highly concentrated source of absorbable iron. The auxotrophic mutations have substantially reduced or nonexistent virulence, while retaining the desired immunogenicity to initiate the immunogenic response. Various techniques can be employed for providing the desired change.Salmonella typhimurium strain SL1479 was deposited at the ATCC on Sept.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies are provided capable of distinguishing DNA-RNA hybrid complexes from single stranded DNA and RNA and double stranded DNA and RNA. The antibodies find particular use in determining the presence of a specific nucleic acid sequence on a solid surface. Single stranded polynucleotide is fixed to a solid (gel) surface and then hybridized with the complementary probe. The hybrid complex specific monoclonal antibody is then added to bind to any hybrid complexes which have formed. By appropriate label, the hybrid complex may be visualized in a variety of ways.

Abstract: Novel cytotoxic agents are provided as small polypeptides related to a low molecular weight peptide derived from Crotalus atrox. The compounds may be used by themselves or in combination with other reagents, such as antibodies, for inhibiting cell growth.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for simultaneous reduction of NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x in combustion effluents and process gas streams, employing a sorbent material of calcium or dolomitic lime hydrated with aqueous carboxamides, optionally with carbinol reductants, in amounts sufficient to reduce the NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x concentrations from the effluents. The sorbent material may be introduced as dry powders or wet hydrates in effluent streams at temperatures ranging from 400.degree. to 2400.degree. F.

Abstract: A method and assay kit for determining the presence of an enzyme in a sample are provided. A sample suspected of containing the enzyme is applied to an image gel, which may be any conventional material, typically agarose gel. The sample may first be subjected to electrophoresis, or may be detected directly using the present invention. The image gel includes an immobilized phase capable of binding a product of the enzyme but not the substrate. By exposing the enzyme to substrate, and drawing the resulting reaction mixtures through the image gel, only the product is bound in the image gel. The presence of enzyme may then be determined by detecting the product in the image gel. In addition to developing electrophoresis gels, the method of the present invention will find great use in screening a plurality of complex mixtures which have been separated by other conventional techniques.

Abstract: Polypeptides, polynucleotide sequences, DNA constructs and compositions are provided for the preparation and use of polypeptides associated with naturally occurring polypeptides found in brains. The small molecular weight polypeptides are growth inhibitors for neoplastic cells without inhibiting normal cells. The polypeptides comprise specific regions which are highly conserved, separated by less conserved regions. The polypeptides find use in inhibiting neoplastic growth and detecting receptors for the polypeptides. Antibodies are provided in conjunction with the polypeptides, which may be used together or separately for detecting the presence of the neoplastic cell retarding polypeptides.

Abstract: Compositions and method are described for the detection of feline leukemia virus. Hybridomas are prepared producing monoclonal antibodies specific for at least one determinant site for the protein p27 of feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The antibodies are used in an enzyme immunoassay for determination of feline leukemia virus.

Abstract: An automatic drug tape dispensing and metering device and a roll of drug tape housed in a small portable dispenser unit. The dispenser contains a measurement device for carefully measuring the length of tape as it is dispensed from the dispenser. A counter monitors the remaining doses of drug tape remaining within the dispenser. A timer device may be provided to alert the patient that it is time for the medicament to be dispensed. As the lid of the dispenser unit is opened, the measured length of drug tape is severed from the roll by a cutter blade incorporated into the lid. The device permits a physician to accurately customize the dosage and administration of the medicament to be givne a patient by adjusting the tape length released for each single dose and selecting the time intervals between dosages.

Abstract: Immunoassay methods and compositions are disclosed for the detection of one or more analytes in fluid samples. The disclosure provides conjugates of analytes or reactants with polymerizable organic monomers. Specific binding reactions between reactants are detected by means of reporter/reactant conjugates. Free and specifically-bound reporter/reactant conjugates are separated by a polymerization reaction which renders the polymerized monomers insoluble.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods and novel compositions for enzyme complementation assays for qualitative and quantitative determination of a suspected analyte in a sample. The use of enzyme-acceptor and enzyme-donor polypeptides prepared by recombinant DNA techniques or chemical polypeptide synthesis techniques which are capable of interacting to form an active enzyme complex having catalytic activity characteristic of .beta.-galactosidase is described. Both homogeneous and heterogeneous assays utilizing these polypeptides are described.

Abstract: Early pregnancy can be determined by detection of a protein in milk, which protein is associated with the placental membrane. The protein is characterized by having an approximate molecular weight of 47,000 to 53,000 and an isoelectric point of from about 4.0-4.4.

Abstract: Novel microbicidal compositions are provided which find use as preservatives, disinfectants, antigens and the like. Particularly, cationic oligopeptides of up to about thirty-five amino acids are provided having amino acid sequences substantially comparable to the amino acid sequences of cationic oligopeptides produced by macrophage. A conserved framework structure is provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for making a plurality of determinations of the local (site-specific) redox state of a liquid system, by employing a photoresponsive element, which can be independently irradiated at different sites to provide independently detectable signals.

Abstract: A novel feline fibroblastic cell line infected with Snyder-Theilen feline leukemia virus is provided. The cell line produces large amounts of FeLV when cultured in a medium free from serum supplement. The latter aspect is a substantial advantage since it reduces the expense of culturing and eliminates the need to separate serum from culture medium prior to preparing a vaccine.Feline fibroblastic cell line FF64/280 was deposited at the American Type Culture Collection on Apr. 17, 1984, and granted accession no. VR 2085.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting the presence of tumors are provided, where a physiological sample is assayed for the expression product of a c-onc gene as diagnostic for the presence of the tumor. The method finds use in both pre- and postoperative situations with a host suspected of having transformed malignant cells.

Abstract: Vaccines employing inactivated viruses having improved retention of antigenic characteristics are prepared by psoralen-inactivation of the live virus in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. By excluding oxygen and other oxidizing species from the inactivation medium, degradation of the antigen characteristics resulting from irradiation with ultraviolet light is largely prevented. The resulting inactivated viruses are employed in vaccine preparations for the inoculation of susceptible hosts to inhibit viral infection.

Abstract: A novel subunit vaccine employing glycoprotein A of human cytomegalovirus or fragments thereof is provided. The vaccine is particularly suitable for inoculation of immunosuppressed individuals and women of childbearing age to inhibit the transmission of hCMV to the fetus.

Abstract: Improved sensitive immunoassays are provided involving channeling involving one, usually two enzymes, where the enzymes are related by the product of one enzyme being the substrate of the other enzyme. A dispersed aggregation is formed in the assay medium of (1) the analyte, (2) one of the enzymes bound to a second binding member ("SBM") (enzyme - SBM conjugate) which conjugate is non-covalently bound to a first binding member ("FBM"), and (3) a multiplied amount of the other enzyme bound in the complex. The large amount of enzyme or reactant in the complex is achieved by having a multiplicity of linkages binding the enzyme or reactant directly or indirectly to FBMs. The enzyme channeling provides for a detectable signal which can be related to the amount of analyte in the medium.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing monoclonal antibodies capable of distinguishing between antigenic aggregates, which are differentiated by one or a small number of antigenic determinants. The method involves immunization of a mammal to produce spleen cells which are fused with a cell line which is stable in vitro. The hybridized cells are then dispensed into culture wells at a density level which encourages the production of one colony per well. Autologous antigenic aggregates are employed for screening to distinguish the antibodies which discriminate between the antigenic aggregates. Particularly, mice are hyperimmunized with a homogeneous population of T-cells, the immunized mice killed and the spleens removed. The spleen cells are fused with mouse myeloma cells and the resulting hybrids plated at a relatively low density in culture wells. Plates containing fewer than 30% hybrid positive wells are found to have primarily one colony per well.

Abstract: Human monoclonal antibody compositions, human-human monoclonal hybridoma cells, human myeloma cells, human antibody genes and their uses. Human myeloma cells are developed for fusing with immunized lymphoid cells to provide stable human-human hybridoma strains producing complete monoclonal antibodies for a predefined antigen. From a myeloma cell line, rapidly growing 8-azaguanine resistant HAT sensitive cells are selected. The selected myeloma cells are crossed with immunized lymphoid cells and the resulting cell mixture grown under controlled selective conditions. After expansion of the desired hybridoma cells, the monoclonal antibodies may be harvested. The hybridomas serve as a source for messenger RNA for light and heavy chains which may be used for production of light and heavy chain immunoglobulin proteins through hybrid DNA techniques.