Abstract: The present invention features methods for induction of angiogenesis by administration of nicotine or other nicotine receptor agonist. Induction of angiogenesis by the methods of the invention can be used in therapeutic angiogenesis in, for example, treatment of ischemic syndromes such as coronary or peripheral arterial disease.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of autoimmune conditions include as an active ingredient a soluble lectin having a molecular weight of about 14 kilodaltons or a fragment thereof. The lectin or fragment binds &bgr;-galactoside-containing moieties independent of the presence or absence of Ca+2, stimulates hemagglutination of trypsinized rabbit erythrocytes in standard lectin assays wherein the stimulation is inhibited by lactose or thiogalactoside, has an amino acid sequence containing at least one N-glycosylation site and is at least 90% homologous to the amino acid sequence shown in positions 2-135 of FIG. 1 or the relevant portions thereof. The composition is used for treatment of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, and multiple sclerosis, as well as modulating the immune response in an allergic reactions or to organ or tissue transplant rejection. The inventive composition can be combined with general immunosuppressants.

Abstract: Switch regions derived from an immunoglobulin (Ig) gene are used to direct recombination between a targeting construct containing a promoter, a switch region (S1), and 2) a target locus minimally containing a promoter, a switch region (S2), and a target sequence.

Abstract: Methods are provide for preparing cDNA corresponding to a mRNA. In the subject methods, a mRNA is first contacted with a mixture of primers under first strand cDNA synthesis conditions. The primer mixture contains primers that have at least 10 contiguous deoxythymidines, a double stranded restriction enzyme recognition sequence near one end and a non-polyA-complementary region near the other end, where the non-polyA-complementary region is -VV, -VTV, -VTTV, -VTTTV, and -VVVVV. The resultant cDNA is modified such that the polyT tail is substantially removed. The modified cDNA is then ligated into a vector. The subject methods find use in a variety of applications, and find particular use in the sequencing of DNA and in the synthesis of cDNA libraries.

Abstract: The present invention features a composite catheter comprising an elongate outer member and an elongate inner member positioned within the outer member so that the inner and outer members define an interstitial space. The outer member has a size and other characteristics that facilitate handling and implantation of the composite catheter, while the inner diameter of the inner member has the size and other characteristics suitable for delivery of a drug through a lumen of the inner member. The interstitial space imparts flexibility to the composite catheter by, for example, removing material from the cross-sectional area that would otherwise provide additional stiffness to the catheter, and/or by accommodating movement of the outer member relative to the inner member.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing full-length cDNA libraries. In the subject methods, full length first strand cDNAs are isolated using a fusion protein of an eIF-4E domain and an eIF-4G domain separated by a flexible linker. Also provided is the novel fusion protein employed in the subject methods, as well as nucleic acids encoding, and host cells capable of expressing, the same. Finally, kits for use in practicing the subject methods are provided. The subject invention finds use in a variety of applications in which full-length cDNA libraries are employed.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to enhance alloactivation in a mixed lymphocyte culture. Alloactivated cells are effective in treating tumors when implanted into a tumor site or coinjected with tumor cells as a vaccine. By enhancing alloactivation, more cell combinations achieve a threshold of activation adequate for use in therapy, and the level of cytokine secretion in proliferative phase cultures is generally increased.

Abstract: The present invention features vanilloid receptor polypeptides and vanilloid receptor-related polypeptides, specifically the capsaicin receptor subtypes VR1 and VR2 (VRRP-1), as well as the encoding polynucleotide sequences. In related aspects the invention features expression vectors and host cells comprising such polynucleotides. In other related aspects, the invention features transgenic animals having altered capsaicin receptor expression, due to, for example, the presence of an exogenous wild-type or modified capsaicin receptor-encoding polynucleotide sequence. The present invention also relates to antibodies that bind specifically to a capsaicin receptor polypeptide, and methods for producing these polypeptides. Further, the invention provides methods for using capsaicin receptor, including methods for screening candidate agents for activity as agonists or antagonists of capsaicin receptor activity, as well as assays to determine the amount of a capsaicin receptor-activating agent in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention is a computerized storage and retrieval system for genetic information and related annotated information. The data of the system is stored in a relational database which interfaces with public databases to allow analysis both within the database of the invention and between information within that database and external public databases. The sequence data is edited before entry into the system, and is stored in a curated, functional clustering organization. The information associated with the data is stored in an expression database that is linked to the storage of the sequence data.

Abstract: A magnetically directable guidance system useful in, for example, medical magnetic resonance imaging is provided, as well as methods of directing the traverse of a device directable by the remote guidance system to a remote destination. A directable device and methods of use thereof are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the device is a catheter directable using a magnetic resonance imaging system. In another embodiment, the method includes interventional radiological diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for use in recovery of metal from waste solutions minimally comprising tin as a dispersed insoluble oxide and iron as ferric ion. In general, the invention involves increasing the pH of the waste solution using a strong alkali to solubilize the tin, and adding a complexing agent(s) for other metal ionsin the solution, e.g., ferric ion, and/or cupric ion, and/or plumbous ion, so as to maintain the iron and other metal ions in a soluble state in the treated waste solution. The treated waste solution can then be used in an electroplating system to recover the tin and other metals. The electroplated, treated waste solution that is produced after tin recovery is environmentally safe, and, after pH adjustment, can generally be disposed of in most sanitary sewage systems.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment of staphylococcal infections.

Abstract: The invention features a monoclonal antibodies specific for human type I alveolar cells or for human type II alveolar cells. The invention also features methods of detecting lung injury in a subject using these monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: This invention comprises cellular vaccines and methods of using them in cancer immunotherapy, particularly in humans. The vaccines comprise a source of tumor-associated antigen, and a cytokine-secreting cell line. Tumor antigen may be provided in the form of primary tumor cells, tumor cell lines or tumor extracts prepared from the subject. In certain embodiments of the invention, the cytokine-secreting line is a separate tumor line that is allogeneic to the patient and genetically altered so as to produce a cytokine at an elevated level. Exemplary cytokines are IL-4, GM-CSF, IL-2, TNF-&agr;, and M-CSF in the secreted or membrane-bound form. In these embodiments, the cytokine-producing cells provide immunostimulation in trans to generate a specific immune response against the tumor antigen.

Abstract: A flow-through microcentrifuge comprising a container in which a sample is placed, and a power source capable of rotating the container around an axis. High speed rotation causes the components of the sample to separate according to their respective densities. Pressurized gas, a flowing liquid, electromagnetism, or an engine can power rotation of the container. Due to the small size of the flow-through microcentrifuge, speeds can reach up to 600,000 rpm, with a corresponding increase in centrifugal acceleration up to 1,500,000 g. In addition to separation, the flow-through microcentrifuge can resuspend pelleted material in a liquid by rotating in one direction and then in the opposite direction, repeatedly. The flow-through microcentrifuge is also able to mix two or more reagents using this method. The flow-through microcentrifuge is modular in nature, meaning two or more can be placed together in any configuration and run by the same power source.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention include composites comprising a biomaterial having compounds thereon with enhanced cell binding with respect to collagen. These composites are useful for soft and hard tissue repair or reconstruction and for in vitro uses. Suitable compounds with enhanced cell binding include synthetic peptides that mimic the conformation necessary for recognition and docking of collagen binding species (such as cell surface receptors for collagen and fibronectin) and have the amino acid residues -Ile-Ala-folded in a &bgr;-bend.

Abstract: Intestinal epithelial cells of a mammalian subject are genetically altered to operatively incorporate a gene which expresses a protein which has a desired effect. The method of the invention comprises administration of a formulation containing DNA to the gastrointestinal tract, preferably by an oral route. The expressed recombinant protein is secreted directly into the bloodstream. Of particular interest is the use of the method of the invention to provide for short term delivery of gene products to the bloodstream.

Abstract: Secretory gland cells, particularly pancreatic and salivary gland cells, are genetically altered to operatively incorporate a gene which expresses a protein which has a desired therapeutic effect on a mammalian subject. The expressed protein is secreted directly into the gastrointestinal tract and/or blood stream to obtain therapeutic blood levels of the protein thereby treating the patient in need of the protein. The transformed secretory gland cells provide long term therapeutic cures for diseases associated with a deficiency in a particular protein or which are amenable to treatment by overexpression of a protein.

Abstract: The present invention features a human Nkx-2.2 polypeptide and nucleotide sequences encoding Nkx-2.2 polypeptides. In a particular aspect, the polynucleotide is the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. In addition, the invention features polynucleotide sequences that hybridize under stringent conditions to SEQ ID NO:1. In related aspects the invention features expression vectors and host cells comprising polynucleotides that encode a human Nkx-2.2 polypeptide. The present invention also relates to antibodies that bind specifically to a human Nkx-2.2 polypeptide, and methods for producing human Nkx-2.2 polypeptides.

Abstract: A flow-through microcentrifuge comprising a container in which a sample is placed, and a power source capable of rotating the container around an axis. High speed rotation causes the components of the sample to separate according to their respective densities. Pressurized gas, a flowing liquid, electromagnetism, or an engine can power rotation of the container. Due to the small size of the flow-through microcentrifuge, speeds can reach up to 600,000 rpm, with a corresponding increase in centrifugal acceleration up to 1,500,000 g. In addition to separation, the flow-through microcentrifuge can resuspend pelleted material in a liquid by rotating in one direction and then in the opposite direction, repeatedly. The flow-through microcentrifuge is also able to mix two or more reagents using this method. The flow-through microcentrifuge is modular in nature, meaning two or more can be placed together in any configuration and run by the same power source.