Abstract: Glucan with a degree of polymerization of 50 or more includes an inner branched cyclic structure portion and an outer branched structure portion, and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery of methods for purification of an acid active hyaluronidase found in human plasma (hpHAse), including both biochemical and immunoaffinity purification methods. The method of immunoaffinity purification of the invention is based on the discovery of a method for identifying antibodies that specifically bind native hpHAse (anti-native hpHAse antibodies), and anti-native hpHAse antibodies identified by this screening method. The invention also features an assay for sensitive detection of HAse activity using biotinylated hyaluronic acid (bHA). Purification and characterization of hpHAse lead to the inventors' additional discovery that hpHAse is encoded by the LuCa-1 gene, which gene is present in the human chromosome at 3p21.3, a region associated with tumor suppression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for delivering materials into the skin of a subject, comprising applying to the skin a composition comprising such materials in combination with an effective amount of a carrier and/or micro-carrier. The invention further provides a method for implementing the absorption of materials applied to the skin, when such materials are combined with an effective amount of a carrier and/or micro-carrier. Also provided are compositions used therein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for analyzing differences in the RNA profiles between a plurality of different physiological samples. In the subject methods, a set of a representational number of distinct gene specific primers is used to generate labeled nucleic acids from each of the different physiological samples. The labeled nucleic acids are then compared to each other and differences in the RNA profiles are determined. The subject methods find use in methods of identifying differential gene expression.

Abstract: Lipophilic active substance composition and its use in a new method of treating erectile dysfunction by administration thereof, optionally together with a hydrophilic vehicle and optionally an antibacterial agent into the urethra.

Abstract: Compositions are administered to a patient (preferably by injection and locally) to treat a variety of conditions including inflammation associated with trauma and with certain aspects of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, insulin-dependent diabetes, cutaneous lymphomas, duodenal ulcer, chronic proctitis, lymphocytic thyroiditis, hemorphagic shock, reperfusion injury during transplantation and multiple sclerosis. The compositions are pharmaceutically acceptable injectable formulations which include an active component in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The active component is a chlorate or selenate which inhibits the natural biochemical sulfation process and/or a sulfatase enzyme which removes a sulfate from a specific position of a saccharide molecule which makes up a part of a natural ligand for L-selectin. Removal of the sulfate from the ligand hinders the ability of the ligand to bind to its natural receptor (i.e.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating erectile dysfunction in an individual. The method involves the administration of an androgenic steroid within the context of an effective dosing regimen. The preferred mode of administration is transurethral; however, the selected inhibitor may also be delivered via intracavernosal injection or using alternative routes. Pharmaceutical formulations and kits are provided as well.

Abstract: Human hematopoietic stem cells are provided by separation of the stem cells from dedicated cells. The stem cells may than be maintained by regeneration in an appropriate growth medium. Means are provided for assaying for the stem cells as to their capability for producing members of each of the hematopoietic lineages. A method for treating a human by implanting a cellular composition comprising greater than 90% human hematopoietic stem cells is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention includes an artificial PrP gene, a transgenic animal containing a PrP gene of another animal or the artificial PrP gene, a hybrid non-human mammal with an ablated endogenous prion protein gene and exogenous prion protein gene, assay methodology which uses the animals to detect pathogenic prions in a sample or diagnose a cause of death and standardized prion preparation used in the assay. The genome of a host animal (such as a mouse), is manipulated so that the animal is rendered susceptible to infection with prions which normally would infect only a genetically diverse test animal (such as human, cow or sheep). Pathogenic prions in a sample can be detected by injecting the sample to be tested into a mammal of the invention which has been genetically manipulated so as to be susceptible to infection from prions in the sample.

Abstract: Methods are provided for manufacturing transdermal drug delivery systems containing supersaturated drug reservoirs, such that higher drug fluxes are obtained. The methods involve heating the drug reservoir components to a predetermined temperature. Generally, this temperature is higher than the depressed melting temperature of the polymer-drug admixture which will serve as the drug reservoir. In an alternative embodiment, wherein heat treatment of the reservoir components results in a system having two liquid phases, the predetermined temperature is calculated so as to be higher than the melting temperature of the pure drug. Drug reservoirs and novel transdermal delivery systems prepared using the disclosed techniques are provided as well.

Abstract: High capacity drug reservoirs are provided for incorporation into transdermal drug delivery systems. The drug reservoirs are hydrogels formulated from polyurethanes crosslinked with diisocyanate crosslinking agents or cured with radiation in the presence of a photoinitator. Drug loading as high as 65 to 70 wt. % or higher can be achieved by absorbing drug formulation into the reservoir after hydrogel synthesis. Methods for making and using transdermal systems containing such reservoirs are provided as well.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a fiber optic sensor for detecting or measuring a parameter of interest in a sample fluid, including pH, concentration of dissolved gases such as O.sub.2 or CO.sub.2, and the like. The sensing chemistry is affixed to the distal end of an elongated optical fiber by way of an adhesive layer typically comprised of an acrylic adhesive composition. Novel optical sensors, fabricated using the aforementioned method, are provided as well.

Abstract: A chamber suitable for placing a subject under a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure with means for perfusing, cooling and respiring the subject. The chamber can be used in conjuction with low temperature surgical procedures.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for detecting the presence of edema in a mammalian host. In the subject methods, the perimeter of at least one limbic extremity, preferably a lower limbic extremity such as an ankle or foot, is measured to obtain a perimeter value. The perimeter value is then compared to a control value and any difference is identified. The difference is then related to the presence of edema in the patient. The subject methods find use in the diagnosis and management of diseases characterized by the presence of edema as a physical manifestation, particularly congestive heart failure, more particularly right-sided or biventricular failure.

Abstract: Novel metallocene compounds are provided which are useful as polymerization catalysts, particularly in the polymerization of addition polymerizable monomers such as olefinic or vinyl monomers. Preferred polymer compositions prepared using the novel catalysts are bimodal or multimodal in nature, typically having a bimodal or multimodal molecular weight distribution. The metallocenes are binuclear or multinuclear, and contain two or more chemically distinct active sites. Methods for synthesizing the novel catalysts are also provided, as are methods for using the novel compounds as homogeneous or heterogeneous polymerization catalysts.

Abstract: TSG101 is a tumor susceptibility gene whose homozygous functional knock out in fibroblasts leads to transformation and the ability of these cells to form metastatic tumors in nude mice. The cellular transformation that results from inactivation of TSG101 is reversible by restoration of TSG101 function. Decreased expression of TSG101 is associated with the occurrence of certain human cancers, including breast carcinomas. The TSG101 nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related proteins and the DNA sequences encoding such proteins; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. In addition, modulation of the gene activity in vivo is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, such as treatment of cancer, identification of cell type based on expression, and the like.

Abstract: Transdermal administration of olanzapine and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof is described. The method involves treating an individual suffering from or susceptible to psychosis, acute mania or mild anxiety states, particularly those afflicted with schizophrenia or schizophreniform illnesses, by administering olanzapine or a salt thereof through the skin or mucosal tissue, for a time period and at an administration rate effective to alleviate the symptoms of the disease. Pharmaceutical formulations and drug delivery systems for administering olanzapine are provided as well.

Abstract: Disclosed are cDNAs and genomic DNAs encoding protease-activated receptor 3 (PAR3) from mouse and human, and the recombinant polypeptides expressed from such cDNAs. The recombinant receptor polypeptides, receptor fragments and analogs expressed on the surface of cells are used in methods of screening candidate compounds for their ability to act as agonists or antagonists to the effects of interaction between thrombin and PAR3. Agonists are used as therapeutics to treat wounds, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, restenosis, inflammation, and other thrombin-activated disorders. Antagonists are used as therapeutics to control blood coagulation and thereby treating heart attack and stroke. Antagonists mediate inflammatory and proliferative responses to injury as occur in normal wound healing and variety of diseases including atherosclerosis, restenosis, pulmonary inflammation (ARDS) and glomerulosclerosis.

Abstract: An assay method is disclosed which makes it possible to determine the presence of a diseased related conformation of a protein (e.g., PrP.sup.Sc) in a sample. A sample is divided into two portions and the first portion is cross-linked to a first solid support and then contacted with a labelled antibody which binds to a non-disease form of the protein with a higher degree of affinity (e.g, 4 to 30 fold higher) than to the disease form of the protein. The second portion is treated in a manner which causes any disease form of the protein to change conformation to a form with a higher binding affinity for the labelled antibody. The treated second portion is then bound to a second solid support and contacted with labelled antibody. The level of labelled antibody binding to a protein in the first and second portions is determined and the amounts measured in each are compared.

Abstract: Novel energetic compounds are provided comprising N,N'-azobis-nitroazoles or analogs thereof. The compounds are useful as igniter materials in a variety of energetic compositions, particularly gas-generating compositions for inflating automobile or aircraft occupant restraint devices. The compounds are also useful in solid rocket propellant compositions, and as primary explosives to be used as detonators, blasting caps, firearms, and the like. Methods for synthesizing the compounds and manufacturing energetic compositions herewith are provided as well.