Abstract: Antigens are provided which are derived from the enterically transmitted non-A/non-B viral hepatitis agent, known as hepatitis E virus (HEV). The HEV antigens and in particular, a soluble 62 kDa species of the capsid protein encoded by ORF2, are immunoreactive with sera from individuals infected with HEV. The 62K antigen may be produced by a baculovirus expression vector and forms virus-like particles (VLPs). The antigens are useful as diagnostic reagents in diagnostic methods and kits for determining infection of an individual with HEV. The antigens are also useful in vaccine compositions effective in methods for preventing HEV infection.

Abstract: The present invention concerns devices, apparatus and methods for transferring liquids. One aspect of the present invention is a device comprising a plate having a plurality of transfer elements. Each of the transfer elements comprises an aperture in the plate where the aperture is capable of being electrically activated. The plate has one of more attaching elements for attaching the plate to a multiwell plate to form a sealed system except for the apertures of the transfer elements. Usually, the device is adapted for sealing attachment to a multiwell plate. In a method in accordance with the present invention a quantity of liquid is disposed to a second side of a plate having a plurality of apertures in the plate. The apertures are capable of being electrically activated. The liquid is present in a closed well except for the apertures in the plate. To simultaneously expel liquid from the apertures, the apertures are electrically activated.

Abstract: Transdermal administration of fenoldopam, both the racemic mixture and the active R-fenoldopam enantiomer, is described. Also described are transdermal patches for therapeutically effective transdermal administration of racemic fenoldopam and its active R-fenoldopam enantiomer to a subject in need of treatment for impaired renal function or hypertension.

Abstract: A surface detector array device suitable for use with a biosensor is disclosed. The device is formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. The bilayer-compatible surface regions carry on them, separated by a film of aqueous, supported fluid bilayers. The bilayers may contain selected receptors or biomolecules. A bulk aqueous phase covers the bilayers on the substrate surface.

Abstract: A fusogenic liposome composition for delivering a liposome-entrapped compound into the cytoplasm of a target cell is described. The liposomes have an outer surface coating of chemically releasable hydrophilic polymer chains which shield hydrophobic polymers on the liposome outer surface. Release of the hydrophilic polymer chains exposes the hydrophobic polymers for interaction with outer cell membranes of the target cells to promote fusion of the liposome with the target cells. Also disclosed is a polymer-lipid conjugate for use in promoting fusion between target membranes. The conjugate is composed of a first segment composed of a hydrophilic polymer and a second hydrophobic polymer segment. The second segment is joined to the first segment by a bond effective to release the first segment in response to an existing or an induced physiologic condition. Attached to the second segment is a vesicle-forming lipid member.

Abstract: A longitudinal magnetic recording medium having a CrTi underlayer deposited under a substrate bias is described. The medium has improved magnetic recording properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are therapeutic compositions and methods for inducing cytotoxic T cell responses in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic compositions consist of antigen presenting cells activated by contact with a polypeptide complex constructed by joining together a dendritic cell-binding protein and a polypeptide antigen. Also disclosed are expression vectors and systems for producing the polypeptide complexes.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of reducing the cytotoxicity of interferon-alpha by making defined amino acid substitutions in the N-terminal portion of the polypeptide sequence. Also described are human interferon-alpha analogs with low cytotoxicity, and therapeutic applications of the low toxicity interferon-alpha analogs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell washing device and method of washing cells that utilizes the device. The device is particularly designed for sterile transfer of cells from a primary centrifuge tube and for maintaining the cells in a sterile environment during subsequent washing steps. The device is configured to provide for decantation of a supernatant by inversion without appreciable loss of a selected population of lower density cells from the pellet during the washing procedure.

Abstract: A modular drug delivery system for use by cardiothoracic surgeons and interventional cardiologists for delivery of molecular and cellular therapies that target genes, molecules and peptides. The regulated drug delivery devices comprise a modular mechanically actuated drug delivery module (DDM) that can be attached to either a surgical viewing endoscope hand-piece or specialized catheter for interventional procedures. The DDM provides metering of drugs to treatment sites and allows for quick interchangeability with other component parts such as a viewing scope end portion for MIS or other surgical procedures or a flexible catheter shaft for percutaneous procedures.

Abstract: A liposome composition comprising small, surface-bound effector molecules is disclosed. The liposomes have a surface layer of hydrophilic polymer chains, for enhanced circulation time in the bloodstream. The effector molecules are attached to the distal ends of the polymer chains. In one embodiment, the effector is polymyxin B, for treatment of septic shock.

Abstract: The invention provides fusion proteins comprising an N-terminal region derived from an interferon-tau (IFN-&tgr;) polypeptide and a C-terminal region derived from another type I interferon polypeptide, such as IFN-&agr; or IFN-&bgr;. The fusion proteins exhibit reduced cytotoxicity as compared to the corresponding unmodified type I interferons.

Abstract: A radially-expandable stent for insertion into a lumen is described. The stent is composed of a radially-expandable support stent and a polymer tubular member co-axially disposed over the support stent. Tubular end sleeves are disposed around the first and second ends of the polymer-surrounded support stent to secure the tubular member and to provide other improvements.

Abstract: A composition for transdermal administration of a cytokine is described. The composition includes a conjugate composed of a cytokine, such as an interferon, and at least one fatty acid moiety covalently attached to the cytokine. The conjugate has enhanced cutaneous delivery relative to the cytokine alone.

Abstract: A biosensor apparatus for detecting a binding event between a ligand and receptor. The apparatus includes a biosensor surface and surface-bound two-subunit heterodimer complexes composed of first and second, preferably oppositely charged peptides that together form an .alpha.-helical coiled-coil heterodimer. The first peptide is attached to the biosensor surface, and the second peptide carries the ligand, accessible for binding by a ligand-binding agent. Binding of anti-ligand binding agent to the surface-bound ligand is detected by a suitable detector. A ligand-specific biosensor surface can be readily prepared from a universal template containing the first charged peptide, by addition of a selected ligand attached to the second peptide.

Abstract: Isozyme-specific agonists or activators of .epsilon.PKC are disclosed. The agonists include peptides corresponding to the region of .epsilon.PKC between about amino acids 85 and 92. Also disclosed are therapeutic methods employing such .epsilon.PKC-specific agonists to induce preconditioning and thereby reduce injury due to subsequent ischemia, as well as methods for screening test compounds for .epsilon.PKC-selective agonist properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-well plates and column arrays in which samples (e.g., cell lysates containing nucleic acids of interest, such as RNA) can be analyzed and/or processed. In one embodiment, the microfiltration arrangement is a multilayer structure, including (i) a column plate having an array of minicolumns into which samples can be placed, (ii) a discrete filter element disposed in each minicolumn, (iii) a drip-director plate having a corresponding array of drip directors through which filtrate may egress, and (iv) a receiving-well plate having a corresponding array of receiving wells into which filtrate can flow. The invention provides multi-well microfiltration arrangements that are relatively simple to manufacture and that overcome many of the problems associated with is the prior arrangements relating to (i) cross-contamination due to wicking across a common filter sheet or (ii) individual filter elements entrapping sample constituents within substantial dead volumes.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium having a barrier layer deposited directly on the magnetic recording layer is described. The barrier layer is deposited by sputter deposition under a nitrogen-containing sputtering atmosphere to form a nitrogen-containing chromium or chromium alloy barrier layer. The barrier layer is effective to inhibit migration of cobalt from the underlying magnetic recording layer, reducing corrosion of the medium and improving magnetic recording performance.

Abstract: A method of producing analgesia in nociceptive and neuropathic pain is disclosed. The method includes administering to a subject an omega conopeptide which is characterized by its ability to (a) inhibit electrically stimulated contraction of the guinea pig ileum, and (b) bind selectively to omega conopeptide MVIIA binding sites present in neuronal tissue. Also disclosed are novel omega conotoxin peptides effective in producing analgesia.

Abstract: A biosensor apparatus for detecting a binding event between a ligand and receptor. The apparatus includes an electrode substrate coated with a high-dielectric hydrocarbon-chain monolayer, and having ligands attached to the exposed monolayer surface. Binding of a receptor to the monolayer-bound ligand, and the resultant perturbation of the monolayer structure, causes ion-mediated electron flow across the monolayer. In one embodiment, the monolayers have a coil-coil heterodimer embedded therein, one subunit of which is attached to the substrate, and the second of which carries the ligand at the monolayer surface.