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: A method is provided for producing a population of genetically modified T cells. In the method, an in vitro population of T cells is activated by contacting said population with a CD3 binding agent. Genetic modification is then carried out with the activated T cells by contacting the same with a suitable gene transfer vector.

Abstract: An isolated and purified Coenzyme A disulfide reductase (CoADR) is provided. Oligonucleotides encoding the CoADR, vectors and host cells containing such oligonucleotides are also provided. In addition, antibodies reactive with the CoADR are provided, as are methods of isolating the CoADR, producing recombinant CoADR, using CoADR for screening compounds for CoADR-modulating activity, and detecting organisms which produce CoADR a test sample. Methods for identifying a gene encoding a CoADR are also provided.

Abstract: Novel vaccines for use in the prevention and treatment of H. somnus infections are disclosed. The vaccines contain epitopes from LppA, LppB, LppC or combinations thereof. Also disclosed are the nucleotide sequences encoding these lipoproteins, vectors including these sequences, and host cells transformed with these vectors.

Abstract: New chimeric proteins, DNA encoding the same, and the use of these proteins in stimulating immunity against respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, including shipping fever pneumonia, are disclosed. The chimeric proteins include at least one epitope of an RTX cytotoxin fused to an active fragment of a cytokine. The chimeric proteins can be used in a vaccine composition. Also disclosed are methods of vaccination as well as methods of making the proteins employed in the vaccines.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which include biodegradable microparticles with entrapped or adsorbed antigens, in combination with submicron oil-in-water emulsions. Also provided are methods of immunization which comprise administering to a vertebrate subject (a) a submicron oil-in-water emulsion, and (b) a therapeutically effective amount of a selected antigen entrapped in a microparticle.

Abstract: Two Hepatitis C Virus envelope proteins (E1 and E2) are expressed without sialylation. Recombinant expression of these proteins in lower eukaryotes, or in mammalian cells in which terminal glycosylation is blocked, results in recombinant proteins which are more similar to native HCV glycoproteins. When isolated by GNA lectin affinity, the E1 and E2 proteins aggregate into virus-like particles.

Abstract: A new polypeptide from the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich family, termed Sp.alpha. herein, as well as polynucleotides encoding Sp.alpha. and methods of recombinantly producing the same, are disclosed. In addition, antibodies reactive with Sp.alpha. are provided, as are methods of using antibodies that bind to Sp.alpha. for modulating the interaction between Sp.alpha. and its receptor. Immunoassay kits containing the anti-Sp.alpha. antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to vasoactive intestinal peptide ("VIP") and cross-reactive peptides. In particular, this invention relates to peptides capable of inducing antibodies which neutralize the activity of VIP. This invention also relates to tandemly repeated peptides derived from VIP or from cross-reactive peptides, which can elicit a broad immune response. The present invention is useful for increasing egg production in bird species and for increasing efficiency of feed utilization and rate of gain in food producing animals.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for conducting solid phase oligomer synthesis. The apparatus includes a reaction vessel in which a solid phase support is contained. The reaction vessel has a top opening through which gases and solvents can be delivered by way of a series of conduits and valves. The reaction vessel is interconnected through a bottom opening therein and through a series of conduits and valves with a vessel or series of vessels containing a reagent or series of reagents, respectively, required for the synthetic reaction. The reagent vessel serves a both a source of reagent delivered to the reaction vessel and as a repository for unused reagent returned thereto from the reaction vessel. Reagent delivery and mixing is gas-driven using an associated source of an inert gas.

Abstract: A purified binding protein selected from the group consisting of insulin-like growth factor binding protein having an amino acid sequence which is at least 85% homologous to the amino acid sequence of FIG. 1 and fragments thereof comprising at least 10 consecutive amino acids of the sequence that are capable of binding to an antibody specific for the protein or to an insulin-like growth factor is described. Recombinant DNA molecules encoding the binding proteins and subsequences thereof are also described along with recombinant microorganisms and cell lines containing the DNA molecules and methods for preparing the binding proteins by growing the recombinant hosts containing the relevant DNA molecules. Antibodies to the protein, identified as IGFBP-6, which are useful in various diagnostic applications, are also described.

Abstract: Novel polyketides and novel methods of efficiently producing both new and known polyketides, using recombinant technology, are disclosed. In particular, a novel host-vector system is described which is used to produce polyketide synthases which in turn catalyze the production of a variety of polyketides.

Abstract: New immunological carrier systems, DNA encoding the same, and the use of these systems, are disclosed. The carrier systems include chimeric proteins which include a leukotoxin polypeptide fused to one or more selected GnRH multimers which comprise at least one repeating GnRH decapeptide sequence, or at least one repeating unit of a sequence corresponding to at least one epitope of a selected GnRH molecule. Under the invention, the selected GnRH sequences may all be the same, or may correspond to different derivatives, analogues, variants or epitopes of GnRH so long as the GnRH sequences are capable of eliciting an immune response. The leukotoxin functions to increase the immunogenicity of the GnRH multimers fused thereto.

Abstract: Accessory functions capable of supporting efficient recombinant AAV (rAAV) virion production in a suitable host cell are provided. The accessory functions are in the form of one or more vectors that are capable of being transferred between cells. Methods of producing rAAV virions are also provided. The methods can be practiced to produce commercially significant levels of rAAV particles without also generating significant levels of infectious helper virus or other contaminating by-products.

Abstract: New subunit vaccines from Haemophilus somnus are disclosed. The vaccines include an outer membrane protein extract of H. somnus which is enriched with iron-regulated proteins. Additional antigens, such as antigens derived from Pasteurella haemolytica, can be included in the vaccine composition to provide protection against a variety of disease states.

Abstract: A novel expression system using the heat-inducible bovine hsp70A promoter and associated cis-acting elements is disclosed. The system provides for the continuous production of a highly pure, authentic protein, substantially free of infectious viral and cellular protein contaminants.

Abstract: New immunological carrier systems, DNA encoding the same, and the use of these systems, are disclosed. The carrier systems include chimeric proteins which comprise a leukotoxin polypeptide fused to a selected GnRH multimer which consists essentially of at least one repeating GnRH decapeptide sequence, or at least one repeating unit of a sequence corresponding to at least one epitope of a selected GnRH molecule. Under the invention, the selected GnRH sequences may all be the same, or may correspond to different derivatives, analogues, variants or epitopes of GnRH so long as the GnRH sequences are capable of eliciting an immune response. The leukotoxin functions to increase the immunogenicity of the GnRH multimer fused thereto.

Abstract: Novel methods and immunodiagnostic test kits for diagnosing herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection are disclosed. The methods and kits employ both type-specific and type-common antigens, in a single-step assay format, to provide for highly accurate results. The methods discriminate between HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection so that an accurate diagnosis can be performed.

Abstract: Novel polyketides and novel methods of efficiently producing both new and known polyketides, using recombinant technology, are disclosed. In particular, a novel host-vector system is described which is used to produce polyketide synthases which in turn catalyze the production of a variety of polyketides.

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.