Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial blood vessel provided with collagen layer composed of ultra-fine fibers on at least the outside of a tube composed of a supporting framework material, and a method for producing the same. The present invention offers advantages such that its materials are easily acquired, it causes very little rejection after being transplanted into the body, it allows sutures to be maintained for a long time after transplant, and all or a portion is absorbed and degraded in the body after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: To provide a method of isolating and detecting a new receptor gene, as a means of elucidating the function of neuronal cell-specific receptors, especially of elucidating the detailed mechanism of the neuronal cell differentiation inhibitory and nerve nutrition factor-like actions of activin receptors, DNA containing said new receptor gene, a method of producing a protein encoded by this new receptor gene, and use for this DNA and protein. The receptor protein of the present invention and DNA encoding this protein can be used for various purposes, including 1) ligand determination, 2) obtainment of antibodies and antisera, 3) construction of recombinant receptor protein expression systems, 4) development of receptor binding assay systems and screening for pharmaceutical candidate compounds using expression systems, 5) drug designing based on comparison with structurally similar ligand receptors, 6) reagent for preparation of probes and PCR primers for gene diagnosis, and 7) drug for gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention offers an artificial tube for nerve which can remain in the body until the nerve regenerates while does not remain as a foreign body in the body following nerve regeneration, and which induces axons regenerated from severed nerve stumps, can promote infiltration of blood capillaries from the body and regeneration of nerve tissue. The present invention comprises a tube 10 or 20 having coating layers 12, 13 or 22, 23 composed of gelatin or collagen on the inner and outer surfaces of a tube 11 or 21 composed of a material being biodegradable and absorbable in vivo, and a collagen body 30 or 40 having cavities 32, 33 or 41 which pass through said tube so as to be substantially parallel to the axis of said tube; wherein, said cavities are filled with a matrix gel.

Abstract: A thin film transistor includes: an insulating film having a surface; a semiconductor film formed on the surface of the insulating film; a source electrode and a drain electrode which are in contact with the semiconductor film; and a gate electrode which is electrically insulated from the semiconductor film. In the thin film transistor, a portion of the semiconductor film at distances of less than 500 angstroms from the surface of the insulating film contains at least silicon including a microcrystalline structure having a conductivity of 5.times.10.sup.-9 S/cm or more. Also, a method for fabricating such a thin film transistor is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention features GRIP and GRIP-related molecules relating to a gluatamate receiptor. In one aspect, the invention provides methods for detecting expression, drug screening, and treatment of disorders involving GRIP or GRIP 2 such a neuronal and fertility disorders.

Abstract: Three genes involved in the catabolism of chitin in Vibrio furnissii: endI encodes periplasmic chitodextrinase, exoI encodes periplasmic .beta.-N-acetylglucosaminidase, and exoII encodes aryl .beta.-N-acetylglucosaminidase are provided. The complete nucleotide sequence for each of the three genes and the complete amino acid for the corresponding enzymes are demonstrated along with host cells capable of expressing the recombinant enzymes. The present invention also describes four specific strains of V. furnissii having deletions in genes involved in the catabolic pathway of chitin and a process for the production of chitin oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The invention includes antibodies that provide superior anti-coagulant activity by binding native human TF with high affinity and specificity. Antibodies of the invention can effectively inhibit blood coagulation in vivo. Antibodies of the invention can bind native human TF, either alone or present in a TF:VIIa complex, effectively preventing factor X binding to TF or that complex, and thereby reducing blood coagulation. Preferred antibodies of the invention specifically bind a conformational epitope predominant to native human TF, which epitope provides an unexpectedly strong antibody binding site.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for treatment and prophylaxis of diseases, post-surgical disorders and bacterial infections associated with lactosylceramide. The methods generally provide for administration for a mammal, particularly a human, of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that inhibits UDPGal:GlcCer.beta.1->4 galactosylceramide (GalT-2). In vitro and in vivo assays for detecting compounds with therapeutic capacity to modulate GalT-2 are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel complexes of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and uses of such complexes. In one aspect, the invention relates to loaded MHC complexes that include at least one MHC molecule with a peptide-binding groove and a presenting peptide non-covalently linked to the MHC protein. In another aspect, the invention features single chain MHC class II peptide fusion complexes with a presenting peptide covalently linked to the peptide binding grove of the complex. MHC complexes of the invention are useful for a variety of applications including: 1) in vitro screens for identification and isolation of peptides that modulate activity of selected T cells, including peptides that are T cell receptor antagonists and partial agonists, and 2) methods for suppressing or inducing an immune response in a mammal.