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: Antibodies are disclosed which specifically bind to native PrPSc in situ. Preferred antibodies bind only to the native PrPSc of a particular species e.g., human, cow, sheep, pig, etc. Particularly preferred antibodies bind specifically to a particular isoform of human PrPSc. Preferred antibodies of the invention are (1) produced by phage display methodology, (2) bind specifically to native PrPSc, (3) neutralizes the infectivity of prions, (4) bind to PrPSc in situ and (5) bind 50% or more of PrPSc in a liquid flowable sample. Antibodies of the invention can be bound to a substrate and used to assay a sample (which has any PrPc denatured via proteinase K) for the presence of PrPSc of a specific species which PrPSc is associated with disease. Antibodies which specifically bind to human PrPSc can be labeled and injected carrying out an in vivo diagnostic test to determine if the human is infected with prions associated with disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids encoding the Doppel (“Dpl”) protein, Dpl peptides, and assays utilizing the Dpl nucleic acids and/or peptides. In related aspects the invention features expression vectors and host cells comprising nucleic acids that encode a human Dpl polypeptide. The present invention also relates to antibodies that bind specifically to a human Dpl polypeptide, methods for producing human Dpl polypeptides, methods for identifying cells expressing Dpl, methods for using the Dpl gene and the Dpl polypeptide to alter cellular function and prion infectivity in culture or in vivo, and identification of individuals at risk for prion disorders by detecting alteration in Dpl coding and regulatory sequences and Dpl expression levels.

Abstract: The invention is directed to production of particles for introduction into food using a stable microjet and a monodisperse aerosol formed when the microjet dissociates. A variety of devices and methods are disclosed which allow for the formation of a stream of a first fluid (e.g. a liquid) characterized by forming a stable capillary microjet over a portion of the stream wherein the microjet portion of the stream is formed by a second fluid (e.g. a gas).

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: The present invention provides a method of arresting, preventing and/or reversing the impairment of central and peripheral nervous system function comprising reducing insoluble protein deposit burden by the administration of branched polycationic compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing such branched polycationic compounds. The compounds used in the preferred method of the invention are branched dendritic polycations.

Abstract: An assay method is disclosed which isolates and detects the presence of a disease related conformation of a protein (e.g., PrPSc) present in a sample also containing the non-disease related conformation of the protein (e.g., PrPC). The sample is treated (e.g., contacted with protease) in a manner which hydrolyzes the disease related conformation and not the non-disease related conformation. The treated sample is contacted with a binding partner (e.g., a labeled antibody which binds PrPSc) and the occurrence of binding provides and indication that PrPSc is present. Alternatively the PrPSc of the treated sample is denatured (e.g., contacted with guanadine) or unfolded. The unfolded PrPSc is contacted with a binding partner and the occurrence of binding indicates the presence of PrPSc in the sample.

Abstract: The novel discovery that protonated nucleic acids inhibit bacterial growth is reported and methods for the preparation and therapeutic use of nuclease resistant and acid resistant protonated/acidified nucleic acids for administration to animals including man, to treat or prevent a bacterial infection are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating bacterial respiratory infections by pulmonary administration of protonated/acidified nucleic acids. These modified nucleic acids are effective as bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic agents without regard to the class of bacteria, so are especially useful when diagnosis is difficult or when multiple infectious organisms are present. The antibiotic activity of nucleic acids of the invention is not dependent on either the specific sequence of the nucleic acid or the length of the nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: Spherical particles having a size on the order of 0.1 to 100 microns in size are created by systems and devices of several types. The device includes a source of a stream of gas which is forced through a liquid held under pressure in a pressure chamber with an exit opening therein. The stream of gas surrounded by the liquid in the pressure chamber flows out of an exit orifice of the chamber into a liquid thereby creating a monodispersion of bubbles with substantially uniform diameter. The bubbles are small in size and produced with a relatively small amount of energy relative to comparable systems. Small particles of liquid may also be produced. Applications of the technology range from oxygenating sewage with monodispersions of bubbles to inhalation therapy with monodisperse aerosol dispersions of pharmaceutically active drugs.

Abstract: The present invention provides aeration methods using spherical gas bubbles having a size on the order of 0.1 to 100 microns in size. A device of the invention for producing a monodispersion of bubbles includes a source of a stream of gas which is forced through a liquid held under pressure in a pressure chamber with an exit opening therein. The stream of gas surrounded by the liquid in the pressure chamber flows out of an exit orifice of the chamber into a liquid thereby creating a monodispersion of bubbles with substantially uniform diameter. The bubbles are small in size and produced with a relatively small amount of energy relative to comparable systems. Applications of the aeration technology range from oxygenating sewage with monodispersions of bubbles to oxygenation of water for fish maintenance.