Abstract: A disposable diagnostic unit is provided which employs a housing which provides for a sample port, and a channel which feeds the sample to an incubation area by means of capillary action. The incubation area is underneath an optically-clear window and comprises a lipid membrane which has optical properties, particularly fluorescent properties and usually a reagent. A reservoir at the end of the channel downstream from the incubation area receives the sample and waste washes, while on one side of the platform area is a reagent reservoir and on the other side a side waste reservoir, so that one can move the reagent from the reagent reservoir through the platform area into the waste reservoir. Various reagents may be contained within the unit and the necessary liquids added automatically by appropriate instrumentation, so as to have the assay carried out automatically, without technician involvement, providing an accurate and sensitive determination.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for regulating surface membrane receptor response by modulating the interaction between an MHC Class I antigen and the surface membrane receptor. Various techniques may be employed for enhancing or reducing the interaction between the Class I antigen and surface membrane receptor, e.g., enhancing production of the Class I antigen.

Abstract: Genetic mapping is provided by combinations of two related general procedures. In the first procedure, mapping is provided by identifying genetic regions from which DNA fragments derived from two individuals can combine to form extensive hybrids free of base mismatches. DNA is processed by a method that allows perfectly-matched hybrid DNA molecules formed between DNAs from the two individuals, to be separated from imperfectly-paired DNA hybrids or hybrids in which both strands are from the same individual's DNA. The perfectly-matched hybrid DNAs can then be labeled and the labeled DNA used as probes to identify loci of identity-by-descent between the two individuals. In the second procedure, nicks are introduced specifically into DNA hybrids formed between non-identical alleles from a region of heterozygosity in an individual diploid genome. The nicked DNA molecules are then specifically labeled to provide probes for identifying regions of heterozygosity in the genome of an individual.

Abstract: Methods and device are provided where a device comprising an absorbing nib, an external deformable container and an internal container having a frangible barrier are provided, where the nib and internal container comprise reagents which are interactive with a sample for measuring an analyte.

Abstract: Chimeric proteins and DNA sequence encoding chimeric proteins are provided, where the chimeric proteins are characterized by an extracellular domain capable of binding to a ligand in a non-MHC restricted manner, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic domain capable of activating a signaling pathway. The extracellular domain and cytoplasmic domain are not naturally found together. Binding of ligand to the extracellular domain results in transduction of a signal and activation of a signaling pathway in the cell, whereby the cell may be induced to carry out various functions relating to the signalling pathway. A wide variety of extracellular domains may be employed as receptors, where such domains may be naturally occurring or synthetic. The chimeric DNA sequences may be used to modify lymphocytes as well as hematopoietic stem cells as precursors to a number of important cell types.

Abstract: Novel articles are provided comprising at least one polymerized surfactant layer and at least one protein layer specifically bound to the surfactant layer. Depending upon the nature of the preparation of the layers, the layers may be formed as a plurality of substantially parallel layers, filaments, tubes, helices or other complex assembly. The articles may be used for improved determination of protein structure, electronic devices, enzyme reactors and in biosensors. Improved methods are provided for electron microscopic analysis of proteins.

Abstract: An assay for determining the cholesterol level in a sample involving a bibulous strip comprising a transfer region for transporting a transport medium from a transport medium source, a sample receiving region in fluid communication with the transfer region, and a measurement region in fluid communication with the sample receiving region, and a detectable signal reagent system comprising a catalytic agent or enzyme, unbound conversion reagent and bound reagent wherein the conversion reagent reacts with cholesterol to form an intermediate product and wherein the bound reagent reacts with the intermediate product in the presence of the catalytic agent or enzyme to produce a detectable border, in which the conversion reagent is placed in the transfer region of the strip or in a region of the strip between the sample receiving and measurement regions and the signal reagent is non-diffusively bound to the strip in the measurement region, and which upon contact with the sample and the transport medium results in the

Abstract: Setting times of calcium phosphate cement compositions are enhanced by the addition of phosphate or carbonate lubricant compositions. Methods for preparing the cement compositions are provided.

Abstract: Ultrasonic contrast media are provided comprising small particles with entrapped gas, where the compositions can be selected for rapid dissolution with production of microbubbles or maintaining the gas in microtubules, microchambers or microcracks, providing for echogenicity. The particles are readily formed by precipitation from a liquid, either solution or melt, of a monomeric material, followed by drying and mechanically reducing the size of the particles.

Abstract: A system and method for digitally detecting the presence of analyte particles within a sample. Each analyte particle is disposed to emit an optical response upon illumination in a known manner. The digital analyte detection system includes optical apparatus for illuminating a multiplicity of distinct pixel regions within the sample so as to induce each of the analyte particles included therein to emit at least one optical response. The pixel regions are dimensioned such that the number of analyte particles included within each region is less than a maximum detection threshold proportional to variability of the optical responses. The digital detection system further includes apparatus for measuring the emitted signal emitted from each pixel region. A data processing network receives the measurements of the emitted signals and, based on the measurements, counts the number of analyte particles within each pixel region so as to determine the number of analyte particles within the sample.

Abstract: Catheters are provided having a plurality of vanes external to a central core serving as channels for microbubbles. A track may be provided having grooves in which one of the vanes passes, which track provides additional microbubbles, so as to allow for following the movement of the catheter and track by ultrasonic imaging. The catheter provides for reduced abrasion, as well as ease of following the movement of the catheter through the patient's vessels.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for determining neutrophil activation in a mammalian host by detecting the presence of shed LECAM-1 in the blood. By employing a monoclonal antibody which binds to a common epitope of lymphocyte and neutrophil LECAM-1 and a monoclonal antibody which binds to a sialylated Lewis X epitope which distinguishes between neutrophil and lymphocyte LECAM-1, the level of neutrophil activation can be determined. Various immunoassay protocols may be employed which detect the binding of the two antibodies to a common antigen.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using the apparatus are provided, where the apparatus provides for a light beam of variable area in a narrow wavelength band, where the size of the beam incident on a sample and relative movement of the sample and light irradiation and collection means is carefully controlled, so as to vary the site of interrogation. A discrete element collector system is used to efficiently collect the emitted light from the sample and direct it to a focusing lens, filter pack and photodetector for collection of the light and transmitting signals to electronic circuitry for analysis.

Abstract: Novel fluorescent dyes are provided, characterized by having a fluorophore joined to a polycationic chain of at least two positive charges. The dyes are found to provide for high enhancement upon binding to nucleic acid and have strong binding affinities to the nucleic acid, as compared to the fluorophore without the polycationic chain. The dyes find use in detection of dsDNA in gel electrophoresis and solution at substantially higher sensitivities using substantially less dye.

Abstract: Adjuvants for enhancing the immune response to an antigen are provided comprising the adjuvant incorporated into a lipid layer where the adjuvant is covalently or non-covalently involved in a polymeric system. Conveniently, the adjuvant may be conjugated to a polymerizable group and co-polymerized with a water-soluble and/or amphiphilic polymerizable monomer or combined with a polymerized amphiphile. The adjuvant and antigen may then be administered to a mammalian host to obtain enhanced immune response.

Abstract: Implants associated with bone are coated with natural bony tissue by incubating the implant with osteoblasts under conditions where the osteoblasts grow and lay down a bony coating. Different methods are provided for maintaining the osteoblasts in contact with the implant and allowing for the growth and maintenance of the osteoblasts with formation of the bony tissue. The resulting coated implants can provide for a better juncture with the natural tissue in the patient, so as to provide for a more comfortable and effective prosthesis or other device.

Abstract: A method of identifying compounds or molecules which alter (enhance or inhibit) stimulation of kinase activity of pre-MPF and, thus, alter (enhance or inhibit) activation of MPF and entry into mitosis. The present method thus makes it possible to identify compounds or molecules which can be administered to regulate the cell cycle; such compounds are also the subject of this invention.

Abstract: A prolonged-release unit dosage formulation or pharmaceutical composition, preferably in tablet form, is described. The composition consists essentially of a gel-forming dietary fiber, a biologically-absorbable drug or other active therapeutic agent, and a disintegrant, namely, a mineral salt which releases a physiologically-acceptable gas upon ingestion, preferably carbon dioxide, e g., a mineral carbonate or bicarbonate, and advantageously dextrose or like soluble sugar. A physiologically-acceptable acid may optionally be included in the composition to further facilitate disintegration. The dietary fiber-containing composition, when compressed into a tablet together with the drug and the specific disintegrants, provides a unique and efficient prolonged-action drug-delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical adhesive comprising, in an aqueous composition, fibrinogen, FXIII, collagen, thrombin, Ca.sup.2+ and optionally, an antifibrinolytic agent. The present adhesive may be formed from the patient's plasma without the use of any added reagents for concentration or isolation of the fibrinogen. Conveniently, the adhesive is formulated as a two-part composition which is mixed together just prior to use.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the detection and semi-quantitative measurement of analytes. The assay results are visualized by the formation on a filter of a colored annular or circular spot, the diameter of the spot being related to the concentration of the analyte of interest. The filter on which the assay results are visualized is divided into multiple regions by strips of non-porous tape crossing the filter surface. The invention also includes a component for diluting sample to a suitable concentration for analysis, and dispensing the diluted sample onto the test filter.