Abstract: A new gene--MN--and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and recombinant proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. Test kits embodying the immunoassays of this invention are provided. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acid probes for the MN gene as well as test kits comprising said probes.

Abstract: A new gene--MN--and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and recombinant proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. Test kits embodying the immunoassays of this invention are provided. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acid probes for the MN gene as well as test kits comprising said probes.

Abstract: A new gene--MN--and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and recombinant proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. Test kits embodying the immunoassays of this invention are provided. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acid probes for the MN gene as well as test kits comprising said probes.

Abstract: A new gene--MN--and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and recombinant proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. Test kits embodying the immunoassays of this invention are provided. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides.

Abstract: The assay described herein is predicated on an observation that when acridinium ester labeled tracers are bound to their corresponding binding conjugate immobilized on a metal oxide solid phase, the measurable chemiluminescent light emission of the labeled tracer bound to the solid phase is quenched as compared to the free fraction tracer that is unattached to the solid phase. According to the invention, a non-separation specific binding assay to detect or quantify the presence of an analyte is provided where the entire reaction mixture is flashed (including unreacted tracer) and modulated signal (because of the quench effect) is associated with a reference, thus determining the amount or presence of said analyte in said sample. Disadvantages inherent in heterogeneous assays employing multiple separations may be avoided using this non-separation method.

Abstract: Methods and test kits for detecting, or detecting and quantitating functional nuclear receptors in cell or tissue samples are disclosed. Such methods provide highly sensitive assays requiring small sample sizes and short turnaround times. The methods are useful in developing prognoses and/or treatment programs for cancer patients, especially in determining whether therapy to interfere with the receptor's activation of gene transcription, such as, endocrine therapy, would be helpful.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are methods for prenatally assessing risks of a pregnancy being affected by Down syndrome by testing maternal urine samples for levels of urinary gonadotropin peptide (UGP) elevated above normal. The methods employ immunoassays that are highly specific for UGP and have molar cross-reactivities of less than about 10% with intact hCG, with .beta.-subunit hCG, and with .alpha.-subunit hCG. The immunoassay methods of this invention are useful to test first trimester maternal urine samples. Among other benefits, first trimester prenatal screening provides the opportunity to terminate the pregnancy at an early gestational age, in the case of an unfavorable outcome.

Abstract: Inter alia, a process for the production of a nucleoside phosphorothioate derivative corresponding to the following general formula (I): ##STR1## characterized in that it comprises reacting a salt of a nucleoside H-phosphonate corresponding to the following general formula (II): ##STR2## with a thiol transfer agent corresponding to the following general formula (III):R.sup.2 --S--X (III)in the presence of a silylating agent and a base in a suitable solvent; and working-up the reaction mixture to isolate the desired product and change the counter-cation as desired;whereinM.sup.+ represents a suitable counter-cation;R.sup.1 represents an appropriate nucleoside or nucleoside analogue;R.sup.2 represents a desired protecting group, which may ultimately be removable by cleavage of its bond to the sulfur atom; andX represents a leaving group,is disclosed.

Abstract: Diagnostic/prognostic methods are provided for detecting and/or quantitating in the body fluids, preferably serum, of mammals carrying a malignant tumor burden, elevated levels of a portion of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) which comprises substantially the EGFr ectodomain having a molecular weight in the range of from about 90 kilodaltons (kd) to about 115 kd, preferably from about 95 kd to about 105 kd, and more preferably about 100 kd. Substantially pure compositions comprising EGFr ectodoman protein and/or fragments thereof are disclosed as well as test kits for performing the disclosed assays.

Abstract: A novel battery cell is disclosed which is characterized by a metal-organosulfur positive electrode which has one or more metal-sulfur bonds wherein when the positive electrode is charged and discharged, the formal oxidation state of the metal is changed. The positive electrode has the general formula(M'.sup.z.spsp.+.sub.(c/z) [M.sub.q (RS.sub.y).sub.x.sup.c- ]).sub.nwhereinz=1 or 2; y=1 to 20; x=1 to 10; c=0 to 10; n.gtoreq.

Abstract: A primer directed DNA amplification method to isolate efficiently chromosome-specific repeated DNA wherein degenerate oligonucleotide primers are used is disclosed. The probes produced are a heterogeneous mixture that can be used with blocking DNA as a chromosome-specific staining reagent, and/or the elements of the mixture can be screened for high specificity, size and/or high degree of repetition among other parameters. The degenerate primers are sets of primers that vary in sequence but are substantially complementary to highly repeated nucleic acid sequences, preferably clustered within the template DNA, for example, pericentromeric alpha satellite repeat sequences. The template DNA is preferably chromosome-specific. Exemplary primers ard probes are disclosed. The probes of this invention can be used to determine the number of chromosomes of a specific type in metaphase spreads, in germ line and/or somatic cell interphase nuclei, micronuclei and/or in tissue sections.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a new gene, an AT gene for complementation group D, the ATDC gene and fragments thereof. Nucleic acid probes for said gene are provided as well as proteins encoded by said gene, cDNA therefrom, preferably a 3 kilobase (kb) cDNA, and recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expression of said proteins. Further disclosed are methods to detect mutations in said gene, preferably methods employing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Also disclosed are methods to detect AT genes from other AT complementation groups.

Abstract: A new gene--MN--and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and fusion proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. Test kits embodying the immunoassays of this invention are provided. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acid probes for the MN gene as well as test kits comprising said probes. The invention also concerns vaccines comprising MN proteins/polypeptides which are effective to immunize a vertebrate against neoplastic diseases associated with the expression of MN proteins.

Abstract: Diagnostic/prognostic methods are provided for detecting and/or quantitating in the body fluids, preferably serum, of mammals carrying a malignant tumor burden, elevated levels of a portion of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) which comprises substantially the EGFr ectodomain having a molecular weight in the range of from about 90 kilodaltons (kd) to about 115 kd, preferably from about 95 kd to about 105 kd, and more preferably about 100 kd. Substantially pure compositions comprising said EGFr ectodoman protein and/or fragments thereof are disclosed as well as test kits for performing the disclosed assays.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel immunoassay methodology, bridge immunoassay, which employs a primary free solution analyte/receptor binding reaction, for example, in a sandwich-type format (two or more analyte receptors), in a competitive format (single analyte receptor) or in a related immunoassay format, and a universal solid phase and capture system. The universal capture system comprises a first receptor bound to a solid phase and a bridge receptor (a second receptor) which functions both as a ligand for said bound first receptor and as a receptor for a ligand conjugated to a sample analyte receptor (a third receptor). The bridge receptor is used to immobilize the immunocomplexes formed free in solution by linking them to the bound first receptor. The universal capture system can be used for assays for any analyte as the bridge receptor binds to a ligand, for example, a hapten or binding protein, conjugated to the sample analyte receptor. Methods, compositions and test kits for such bridge immunoassays are provided.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies are described which have specific affinities for halogenated nucleoside analogs and are preferentially selective for one particular halogen. Such antibodies, when incorporated into immunochemical reagents, may be used to identify and independently quantify the cell division character of more than one population or subpopulation in flow cytometric measurements. Independent assessment of division activity in cell sub-populations facilitates selection of appropriate time and dose for administration of anti-proliferative agents. The hybridomas which secrete halogen selective antibodies and the method of making them are described.

Abstract: Stable pharmaceutical compositions suitable for parenteral administration to animals or humans are prepared comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) protein dissolved in an inert carrier medium comprising one or more biocompatible non-ionic polymeric detergents which act as solubilizer/stabilizers for the claimed formulations.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing single stranded non-self-complementary nucleic acid probes, and for treating target DNA for use therewith. Probe is constructed by treating DNA with a restriction enzyme and an exonuclease to form template/primers for a DNA polymerase. The digested strand is resynthesized in the presence of labeled nucleoside triphosphate precursor. Labeled single stranded fragments are separated from the resynthesized fragments to form the probe. Target DNA is treated with the same restriction enzyme used to construct the probe, and is treated with an exonuclease before application of the probe. The method significantly increases the efficiency and specificity of hybridization mixtures by increasing effective probe concentration by eliminating self-hybridization between both probe and target DNAs, and by reducing the amount of target DNA available for mismatched hybridizations.

Abstract: Serum-free media which support the growth of insect cells and the production thereby of recombinant proteins and viral products are herein disclosed. The serum free media can support insect cell growth at large scale under agitated and/or sparged, preferably well-aerated conditions.The serum free medium disclosed support insect cell growth to cell densities comparable to serum-containing culture and the production of viral and recombinant products to levels equivalent to those found in serum containing culture.

Abstract: Dense, finely grained composite materials comprising one or more ceramic phase or phase and one or more metallic and/or intermetallic phase or phases are produced by combustion synthesis. Spherical ceramic grains are homogeneously dispersed within the matrix. Methods are provided, which include the step of applying mechanical pressure during or immediately after ignition, by which the microstructures in the resulting composites can be controllably selected.