Abstract: The present invention provides methods of using bioactive porous partition members for testing the blood coagulation process or platelet function, wherein the porous partition members have an aperture and have incorporated therein at least one agent capable of initiating blood coagulation or platelet aggregation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting the presence of or determining the amount of a ligand in a fluid sample. The methods comprise providing a first reagent comprising a sol particle having a detectable physical property bound to the ligand or ligand analogue (in a competitive format) or a substance capable of specifically coupling with the ligand (in a sandwich format), providing a second reagent having a detectable physical property comprising a sol particle bound to a substance capable of specifically coupling with the ligand and/or ligand analogue, if present, combining the first reagent, second reagent and the fluid sample and detecting before, during or after the reaction, a change in the physical property of the sol particles, which provides a qualitative or quantitative indication of the ligand in the fluid sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of improving the stability of N-vinylamides. A quinone or alkali-modified quinone is added to the N-vinylamide. The loss of the N-vinylamide due to polymerization and/or decomposition during distillation is significantly reduced.

Abstract: The invention provides assays, kits and bacteria useful for detection of autoinducers. In a preferred aspect, the assay comprises 1) contacting a test sample suspected of containing an autoinducer with bacteria of the invention that are capable of producing an elevated amount of light in the presence of an exogenous autoinducer and that has at least two distinct genetic alterations that can each inhibit production of endogenous autoinducers; and 2) measuring the production of light. The sample will test positive for the presence of an autoinducer if a greater amount of light is produced relative to a control. The assays and kits have a variety of applications including use as an in vitro diagnostic for animal and plant disorders.

Abstract: Cyclic hexapeptides having antagonistic activity on endothelin receptors of the formula ?I!: ##STR1## wherein X and Y each is an .alpha.-amino acid residue having D-, L-form or DL-form, A is a D-acidic-.alpha.-amino acid residue, B is a neutral-.alpha.-amino acid residue having D- or L-form, C is an L-.alpha.-amino acid residue and E is a D-.alpha.-amino acid residue having an aromatic ring group can be effectively used for prophylaxis and/or treatment of pulmonary circulatory diseases.

Abstract: A polymerizable compound represented by Formula (I): ##STR1## where X is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; l and m are independently an integer of 0 to 14; Y is a single bond, --COO--, --OCO--, or --O--; n and p are independently an integer of 0 to 18; q and s are independently an integer of 0 or 1; and R.sup.A and R.sup.B are independently represented by Formula (II) or (III); ##STR2## provided that, when q=1, p.gtoreq.2; and when R.sup.A is represented by the Formula (II), R.sup.B is represented by the Formula (II).

Abstract: A polymerizable compound represented by Formula (I): ##STR1## where X is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; Y and Z are independently a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; l is an integer of 0 to 14; m and n are independently an integer of 0 or 1; R is represented by Formula (II), (III), or (IV); and when m=1, l.gtoreq.

Abstract: A bacterium of the genus Bacillus is transformed by introducing a vector incorporating DNA encoding an antibody; the resulting transformant is cultivated in a medium to produce and accumulate the antibody in an active form in the culture liquid. According to this method, a recombinant antibody can be easily produced in an active form in large amounts, owing to success in secretory expression using a bacterium of the genus Bacillus.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) a novel glia activating factor which has glial cell growth promoting activity; (2) a glia activating factor containing a polypeptide; (3) a DNA coding for a glia activating factor; (4) a host transformed with a vector containing the DNA and (5) a method for producing the above glia activating factor which comprises cultivating the transformant described in a medium, accumulating the glia activating factor in a culture broth, and collecting the resulting glia activating factor.

Abstract: Cyclic peptides and their salts have antagonistic activity on endothelin receptors and antagonistic activity on NK2 receptors. The peptides have the formula ##STR1## wherein X and Y each represent .alpha.-amino acid residues, A represents a D-acidic-.alpha.-amino acid residue, B represents a neutral .alpha.-amino acid residue, C represents an L-.alpha.-amino acid residue and D represents a D-.alpha.-amino acid residue having an aromatic ring group; wherein hydroxy, thiol, amino, imino and carboxyl groups can be substituted or unsubstituted. Pharmaceutical compositions containing such peptides are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel test cartridges for use in the assay of liquid samples and methods of carrying out such assays. These test cartridges are particularly useful in assays which include at least one step during which the sample to be assayed and one or more components of the assay system are kept separated by a pierceable member. The test cartridges comprise a housing through which the sample flows during the assay. The housing includes a holding chamber for holding the sample and a test chamber separated by a pierceable member. The test chamber further includes a partition member which has an opening therethrough and includes at least one reagent for the assay. A transfer member movably mounted in the test chamber can move towards and pierce the pierceable member and contact the liquid sample in the holding chamber.

Abstract: (1) A composition which comprises erythropoietin and hyaluronic acid shows a sustained-release of the medicine in a living body, and(2) A water-soluble composition which comprises (a) a pharmacologically active polypeptide secreted by an animal body or its derivative or a chemically synthesized pharmacologically active substance, (b) a water-soluble species' of hyaluronic acid or its nontoxic salt and (c) a water-soluble protein injectable into body fluids without showing any substantial pharmacological activity brings about a prolonged action in vivo of a pharmacologically active substance. In addition, the composition can be administered using a small-gauge needle and thereby contributes to relieving pain in patients.

Abstract: The invention includes a minimally structured, abstract toy with a plurality of nonrepresentational interconnecting pieces comprising: a plurality of connectors; a plurality of blocks which are adapted to receive one or more of the connectors so that the blocks move freely along the connectors; a plurality of hubs, each having a plurality of openings to receive a connector, one opening centrally positioned and a plurality of additional locking openings peripherally located, preferably tapered inwardly (i.e., openings that have a diameter that decreases with depth) to produce an opening to firmly receive the connectors; a plurality of spacers each having an opening to receive a connector; and a plurality of stationary pieces, each containing at least one locking opening, the sides of the opening inwardly tapered to produce an opening that has a diameter that decreases with depth.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) a novel glia activating factor which has glial cell growth promoting activity; (2) a glia activating factor containing a polypeptide represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or a mutein thereof having activity of the factor; (3) a DNA containing a polynucleotide coding for a glia activating factor represented by SEQ ID NO: 10; (4) a host transformed with a vector containing the DNA described in (3); and (5) a method for producing the above glia activating factor which comprises cultivating the transformant described in (4) in a medium accumulating the glia activating factor in a culture broth, and collecting the resulting glia activating factor.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a slightly water-soluble drug, a cyclodextrin and a water-soluble organic solvent is disclosed. The composition improves water-solubility and stability of the slightly water-soluble drug. The pharmaceutical composition is particularly suitable for injection preparations.

Abstract: (1) A composition which comprises erythropoietin and hyaluronic acid shows a sustained-release of the medicine in a living body, and(2) A water-soluble composition which comprises (a) a pharmacologically active polypeptide secreted by an animal body or its derivative or a chemically synthesized pharmacologically active substance, (b) a water-soluble species of hyaluronic acid or its nontoxic salt and (c) a water-soluble protein injectable into body fluids without showing any substantial pharmacological activity brings about a prolonged action in vivo of a pharmacologically active substance. In addition, the composition can be administered using a small-gauge needle and thereby contributes ot relieving pain in patients.