Abstract: We have discovered epitopes of the HCV viral proteins which are immunoreactive with immune serum. The epitopes are useful in immunodiagnostic assays and as immunogens.

Abstract: A method for continual monitoring of a physiologic analyte in a subject includes steps of contacting the subject with a collection reservoir such that the analyte can move from the subject into the collection reservoir, the contents of the collection reservoir being in operative communication with a detector, collecting the analyte in the collection reservoir, using the detector to detect the analyte in the collection reservoir, and, once the analyte has been detected, rendering the analyte undetectable by the detector. Also, apparatus for continual monitoring of a physiologic analyte in a subject includes a collection reservoir for receiving the analyte from the subject, the contents of the collection reservoir being in operative relationship with a detector that detects the analyte in the reservoir, and means for rendering the analyte, once detected, undetectable by the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system, and then predicting a future or past concentration of an analyte using a series of such measurements. One important application of the invention involves predicting future or past blood glucose concentrations using a series of measured blood glucose values.

Abstract: A radioactive transition metal stent, comprising one or more transition metals, wherein the transition metal stent surface is chemically bound to a radioactive material; and a method for producing the radioactive transition metal stent wherein the radioisotope is chemically bound to, and is uniformly confined to the transition metal stent surface without affecting the metallurgical properties of the transition metal stent is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the isolation and identification of the nucleic acid sequence encoding C-proteinase, the recognition of such protein's activity and applications, and tools, processes, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Novel Polygala senega saponin pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed. The P. senega saponins are useful as immunological adjuvants to enhance immune responses to a co-administered antigen.

Abstract: A method is provided for continually or continuously measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system, and processing analyte-specific signals to obtain a measurement value that is closely correlated with the concentration of the target chemical analyte in the biological system. One important application of the invention involves a method for signal processing in a system for monitoring blood glucose values.

Abstract: The use of recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions for the treatment of solid tumors is disclosed. The invention provides for the use of recombinant AAV virions to deliver an AAV vector containing a drug-susceptibility gene and a second gene capable of providing an ancillary effect to solid tumor cells. The second gene can be used to enhance the immunogenicity of the transduced tumor cell. Alternatively, the second gene can be used to provide a tumorstatic effect. The invention also provides for the use of recombinant AAV virions to deliver an interferon gene, or a tumor suppressor gene to provide a therapeutic effect in a transduced tumor cell.

Abstract: The use of recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions for delivery of DNA molecules to muscle cells and tissue is disclosed. The invention allows for the direct, in vivo injection of recombinant AAV virions into muscle tissue, e.g., by intramuscular injection, as well as for the in vitro transduction of muscle cells which can subsequently be introduced into a subject for treatment. The invention provides for sustained, high-level expression of the delivered gene and for in vivo secretion of the therapeutic protein from transduced muscle cells such that systemic delivery is achieved.

Abstract: A novel targeted nucleotide sequence delivery and integration system is provided. The integration system employs nucleic acid constructs having a targeting sequence capable of binding AAV Rep and a heterologous nucleotide sequence arranged relative to the targeting sequence such that the targeting sequence is capable of directing the integration of the heterologous sequence into a target site in a recipient genome. The system further employs Rep expression products which provide integration functions effective to mediate the site-specific integration of the targeting sequence and the heterologous sequence into the recipient genome. Methods are described, whereby the nucleotide sequence integration system can deliver and efficiently integrate large nucleotide sequences into target sites in recipient cell genomes. Therapeutic methods are also provided, wherein the integration systems are used to insert various therapeutically relevant nucleotide sequences into selected cells from a subject.

Abstract: A chemical signal-impermeable mask is positioned in the electrolyte flow such that the mask is between a source of chemical signal and a working electrode which senses the chemical signal transported from the source (e.g., by diffusion). The configuration of the mask is such that the mask prevents substantially all chemical signal transport from the chemical signal source having a radial vector component relative to a plane of the mask and the catalytic face of the working electrode, thus allowing primarily only chemical signal transport that is substantially perpendicular to the place of the mask and the catalytic surface of the working electrode. By reducing or eliminating chemical signal radial transport toward the working electrode, the mask thus significantly reduces or eliminates edge effects. By substantially reducing edge effects created by radial transport of chemical signal, it is possible to obtain a more accurate measurement of the amount (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods, systems, and devices for measuring the concentration of target analytes present in a biological system using a series of measurements obtained from a monitoring system and a Mixtures of Experts (MOE) algorithm. In one embodiment, the present invention describes a method for measuring blood glucose in a subject.

Abstract: A method for preparing a surface modified gas separation membrane, wherein said membrane has improved permselective properties for separating a mixture of gases as compared to the unmodified membrane, is described. The method comprises coating a surface unmodified gas separation membrane with a solution of a coating material, wherein the coating material is an organic material having at least one site of unsaturation; heating the coated gas separation membrane; and contacting the heated coated gas separation membrane with at least one oxidizing agent for a time effective to surface modify the gas separation membrane to produce the surface modified gas separation membrane having improved permselectivity.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for inducing hypothermia in an animal. Known methods for inducing hypothermia all involve cooling the outside or inside of an animal, sometimes in conjuction with drugs that disable the animal's homeostatic responses. The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for applying heat to the hypothalamus of a warm-blooded animal in order to utilize the physiological mechanisms that regulate body temperature to effect a compensatory cooling response, thereby lowering body temperature. It is new and unsuggested in the art to apply heat in an effort to reduce body temperature.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane device comprising an internally staged permeator containing a three dimensional array of hollow fiber membranes grouped into multiple sets in intimate contact with each other is described. The incorporation of the internally staged permeator, particularly, the arrangement of the multiple sets of fiber membranes in intimate contact with each other, results in improved efficiency of the device, especially for feed streams or membrane types that lead to high permeate flow rate that result in excessive shellside pressure drops.

Abstract: We have discovered epitopes of the HCV viral proteins which are immunoreactive with immune serum. The epitopes are useful in immunodiagnostic assays and as immunogens.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. Device configuration and/or measurement techniques are employed in order to reduce the effect of interfering species on sensor sensitivity. One important application of the invention involves a method and device for monitoring blood glucose values.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for sensing an electrochemical signal diffused from a source to a working electrode which is comprised of a plurality of substantially separated working electrode surfaces is disclosed. The electrode of the invention is comprised of 1) a working electrode made up of a plurality of working electrode surfaces or components and 2) a electrically insulating gap defined by adjacent edges of 1) insulating the working electrode surfaces or components from each other. The working electrode components are configured to receive electrochemical signal from two or preferably three dimensions simultaneously. The working electrode components configured over the same surface as a single electrode provide (1) an improved signal to noise ratio as compared to a single electrode by reducing noise, and (2) provide an overall enhanced signal after sensing for a given period of time.