Abstract: A mixing system comprising (1) a mixing cartridge comprising a housing containing: (a) an internal chamber, (b) access means for entry of a liquid into the internal chamber, and (c) a magnetically movable detached mixing member contained in the chamber; and (2) a control device comprising a second housing containing: (a) a detection system adapted to measure a property of a liquid at a prespecified first location in the chamber of the mixing cartridge, (b) means for holding the cartridge so as to register the chamber with the detection system, and (c) means for magnetically imparting linear reciprocal motion to the mixing member, whereby the mixing member sweeps out a portion but less than all of the volume of the chamber, the motion generally occurring at a second location in the chamber different from the first location. The mixing cartridge itself is also a part of the present invention.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is conjugates of vinca (indole-dihydroindole) derivatives carrying a detergent chain of at least 7 aliphatic carbon atoms in the C-3 position bonded via a covalent bond to a macromolecular carrier of polypeptide character, and also pharmaceutical compositions containing these conjugates and a process of preparation.

Abstract: Novel methods and devices are provided involving at least one chamber, at least one capillary, and at least one reagent involved in a system providing for a detectable signal. As appropriate, the devices provide for measuring a sample, mixing the sample with reagents, defining a flow path, and reading the result. Of particular interest is the use of combinations of specific binding pair members which result in agglutination information, where the resulting agglutination particles may provide for changes in flow rate, light patterns of a flowing medium, or light absorption or scattering. A fabrication technique particularly suited for forming internal chambers in plastic devices is also described along with various control devices for use with the basic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific ligands for estrogen or progestagen steroid hormone receptors which have the formula ##STR1## in which X denotes a vinyl group substituted by a radioactive or nonradioactive halogen on the double bond according to a Z isomerism, andY denotes either a hydroxyl group, in which case the ring to which it is attached is an aromatic ring, or a ketone functional group, in which case it is conjugated with a double bond at C.sub.4 -C.sub.5.An application of the ligands according to the invention is the targeted therapy and/or medical imagery, especially of cancer. However, these ligands can also be employed in the quantitative determination of said hormone receptors.However, the labeled ligands according to the invention are of very particular interest in the case of the targeted radiotherapy of cancer.

Abstract: A method of killing insect larvae in larvae-infected fruit is disclosed, which comprises shrinkwrapping individual fruit from a geographical area infested with an insect known to infect the fruit for a time sufficient to kill larvae of the insect, wherein no treatment of the fruit to kill the insect or the insect larvae occurs between picking and shrinkwrapping the fruit. Shrinkwrapped fruit prepared by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved production of ascorbic acid is obtained empolying Chlorella as a microorganism source and growing the culture under a controlled pattern of carbon source supply. Greatly improved ratios of ascorbic acid to total carbon supplied as well as enhanced ascorbic acid concentrations in the fermentor are obtained.C. pyrenoidosa UV101-158 was deposited at the A.T.C.C. on June 27, 1985 and given Accession No. 53170.

Abstract: Histamine derivatives are disclosed which find use as effect and tissue-specific immune modulators. Specifically, the primary terminal nitrogen in histamine is derivatized to introduce a variable length side chain having 0 to 1 branch of from 1 to 3 carbons; 0 to 2 non-oxo-carbonyl groups; 0 to 4 heteroatoms, other than the non-oxo carbonyl oxygen; 0 to 1 aryl or alkyl-aryl group; and 0 to 1 functionally bound amino acid, polypeptide, or protein or derivative thereof.

Abstract: Novel compositions and methods for the attraction of spruce beetles Dendroctonus rufipennis are provided. The compositions are comprised of both insect and tree-produced semiochemicals alone or in combination to attract populations of spruce beetles. The compositions are effective for the attraction and manipulation of the spruce beetle populations.

Abstract: A method of treating tremor in mammals, comprising administering to a mammal susceptible to tremor an effective amount of a compound that depresses calcium current in thalamic neurons. Succinimides are particularly effective.

Abstract: A method of stimulating chemotaxis toward a prosthetic device is disclosed, which method comprises incorporating a chemotactic peptide of the formulaB.sup.1 -X-(AGVPGLGVG).sub.n -(AGVPGFGVG).sub.m -Y-B.sup.2whereinA is a peptide-forming residue of L-alanine;P is a peptide-forming residue of L-proline;G is a peptide-forming residue of glycine;V is a peptide-forming residue of L-valine;F is a peptide-forming residue of L-phenylalanine;L is a peptide-forming residue of L-leucine;B.sup.1 is H or a biocompatible N-terminal group;B.sup.2 is OH, OB.sup.3 where B.sup.

Abstract: Therapeutically active pseudo-peptide characterized in that it comprises at least the sequence of the .gamma.-glutamyl-aspartic acid or one of its derivatives. Said pseudo-peptide may be used in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition useful particularly in the treatment of epilepsy or affections of the central nervous system in general.

Abstract: Novel methods and devices are provided involving at least one chamber, at least one capillary, and at least one reagent involved in a system providing for a detectable signal. As appropriate, the devices provide for measuring a sample, mixing the sample with reagents, defining a flow path, and reading the result. Of particular interest is the use of combinations of specific binding pair members which result in agglutination information, where the resulting agglutination particles may provide for changes in flow rate, light patterns of a flowing medium, or light absorption or scattering. A fabrication technique particularly suited for forming internal chambers in plastic devices is also described along with various control devices for use with the device.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing .beta.-galactosidase peptide fragments against storage degradation for use in a complementation assay which comprises storing the peptide fragment in a storage medium containing an ionic surfactant or a surfactant derived from a sugar residue and adding a cyclodextrin to the storage medium after storing the peptide fragments but before using them in a complementation assay.

Abstract: Novel methods and devices are provided involving at least one chamber, at least one capillary, and at least one reagent involved in a system providing for a detectable signal. As appropriate, the devices provide for measuring a sample, mixing the sample with reagents, defining a flow path, and reading the result. Of particular interest is the use of combinations of specific binding pair members which result in agglutination information, where the resulting agglutiniation particles may provide for changes in flow rate, light patterns of a flowing medium, or light absorption or scattering. A fabrication technique particularly suited for forming internal chambers in plastic devices is also described along with various control devices for use with the basic device.

Abstract: An apparatus for diluting a sample with a diluent, comprising a fixed volume measuring chamber, a fixed volume receiving chamber and fluid receiving relationship to the measuring chamber, a gas vent in the receiving chamber, a stop flow junction between the measuring chamber and the receiving chamber, a sample application site in fluid donating relationship to the measuring chamber, wherein the vertical height difference between the sample application site and the stop flow junction is insufficient to provide a hydrostatic pressure capable of overcoming backpressure at the stop flow junction when sample is applied to the sample application site, and the diluent application site and fluid donating relationship to the measuring chamber. Sample and diluent are added sequentially to the apparatus of the invention without requiring any intervening operations. Various means are provided for restarting flow, which causes diluent to wash the sample into the receiving chamber, where the two can be mixed.

Abstract: An epithelium-derived inhibitor of the growth of smooth muscle cells is disclosed along with methods for purifying this substance. As initially isolated, the inhibitor comprises a heparan sulfate proteoglycan having a buoyant density of less than 1.4 g/ml which releases a glycosaminoglycan chain having a molecular weight of about 55,000 to 75,000 on protease cleavage. Growth inhibiting activity is found in the glycosaminoglycan chain and in glycosaminoglycan fragments derived therefrom. Use of a dialyzable detergent in purification steps greatly aids in the handling and purification of the inhibitor. The inhibitor can be used in a variety of techniques for inhibiting the growth of smooth muscle cells, both in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence of an analyte in a fluid is described along with various components of an apparatus specifically designed to carry out the method. The method involves taking a reflectance reading from one surface of an inert porous matrix impregnated with a reagent that will interact with the analyte to produce a light-absorbing reaction product when the fluid being analyzed is applied to another surface and migrates through the matrix to the surface being read. Reflectance measurements are made at two separate wavelengths in order to eliminate interferences, and a timing circuit is triggered by an initial decrease in reflectance by the wetting of the surface whose reflectance is being measured by the fluid which passes through the inert matrix. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for the measurement of glucose levels in blood without requiring separation of red blood cells from serum or plasma.

Abstract: A polyamide dyed with a reactive dye capable of absorbing incident light of the excitation waveband of a fluorophore or light of the emission waveband of the polyamide is provided for use in assays in which the presence or quantity of an analyte is being detected by fluorescence as a result of excitation of a fluorescent material at an excitation waveband of light and in which the excitation waveband impinges upon the polyamide.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for increasing bone mass and preventing loss of bone mass is provided, comprising a fluoride source and a mitogenic hydantoin in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The combination is administered to a vertebrate, typically in the form of an orally administratable tablet or capsule.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in an immunoassay for the detection of a target analyte in a liquid sample, comprising a porous reactive filter, having an upper surface and a lower surface, to which is bound an antibody specific for the target antigen; a holder affixed to the porous filter, wherein the upper surface and lower surface of the reactive filter are accessible for passage of liquids through the reactive filter; an absorbent container capable of being detachably attached to the holder; and an absorbent material contained within the container so as to contact the lower surface of the porous filter when the absorbent container is attached to the holder. A prefilter assembly can optionally be attached to the holder so that the prefilter contacts the upper surface of the reactive filter.