Abstract: A new class of cellular receptors extensively homologous but not identical to coagulation factors V and VIII is identified. The DNA and amino acid residue sequences of the receptor are also described. The invention also discloses methods, sequences and vectors useful in the purification and synthesis of cellular receptors of the present invention, which receptors are identified herein as Effector Cell Protease Receptor-1 (EPR-1). Antibody compositions capable of immunoreacting with the receptor or with polypeptides containing the identified amino acid residue sequences and related therapeutic and diagnostic protocols are also described, as are polypeptides, compositions and methods relating to the inhibition of T lymphocyte proliferation using the antibodies disclosed herein. The present invention also discloses polypeptides, antibodies and compositions capable of stimulating or co-stimulating lymphocyte proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses nucleic acid enzymes capable of cleaving nucleic acid molecules, including single-stranded DNA, in a site-specific manner under physiologic conditions, as well as compositions including same. The present invention also discloses methods of making and using the disclosed enzymes and compositions.The present invention further discloses nucleic acid enzymes or catalytic (enzymatic) RNA molecules that are capable of cleaving a variety of bonds, including phosphodiester bonds and amide bonds, in a variety of substrates. Thus, various disclosed enzymatic RNA molecules are capable of functioning as nucleases, amidases, and/or peptidases. The present invention also relates to compositions containing the disclosed catalytic RNA molecules and to methods of making, selecting, and using such enzymes and compositions.

Abstract: Antibodies for detecting the presence of C-terminal hGPIIb fragment of the platelet receptor GPIIb-IIIa in a body fluid sample are disclosed.

Abstract: Human Borna disease virus (BDV) nucleic acids and polypeptides are described from three psychiatric patients. The human BDV-derived nucleic acids and polypeptides are useful in both DNA- and protein-based assays to detect human BDV in a subject, particularly the detection of BDV nucleic acids, BDV polypeptides and BDV antibodies generated in response to BDV infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to screening methods for the identification of compounds and compositions useful as novel antibiotics and antibacterial agents. In particular, the present invention relates to methods utilizing two-component regulatory switches which includes regulatory switches comprising a prokaryotic enzyme. Histidine protein kinase is a regulatory switch that is activated to autophosphorylate by a signal transduction mechanism. The invention also relates to methods of identifying inhibitors of enzyme activity particularly in bacterial cells. A high-throughput assay system useful in the large-scale screening of protein kinase inhibitors is also provided. The invention further provides the phosphorylation of SpoOF including a histidine.

Abstract: An improved method for the simultaneous sequence-specific identification of mRNAs in a mRNA population allows the visualization of nearly every mRNA expressed by a tissue as a distinct band on a gel whose intensity corresponds roughly to the concentration of the mRNA. In general, the method comprises the formation of cDNA using anchor primers to fix a 3'-endpoint, producing cloned inserts from the cDNA in a vector containing a bacteriophage-specific promoter for subsequent RNA synthesis, generating linearized fragments of the cloned inserts, preparing cRNA, transcribing cDNA from the cRNA using a set of primers, and performing PCR using a 3'-primer whose sequence is derived from the vector and a set of 5'-primers that is derived from the primers used for transcription of cDNA from cRNA. The method can identify changes in expression of mRNA associated with the administration of drugs or with physiological or pathological conditions.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a system for rapidly isolating nucleic acids. The system comprises an insoluble silica matrix and a buffered aqueous salt solution containing salt at a concentration of at least 3 molar and a buffering agent at a concentration sufficient to provide a buffering capacity corresponding to that which either tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane or phosphate ion at a concentration of 0.1 to 1 molar would provide in the solution. Methods of using the system are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses useful surfactant molecules including polypeptides, proteins, and a variety of other organic molecules, as well as methods of making and using same. Surfactant compositions, including liposomal surfactant compositions, are also disclosed. Use of the surfactant molecules of the present invention in pulmonary lavage procedures for a variety of therapeutic applications is also disclosed, including the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome; the removal of inflammatory exudate from inflamed lung tissues; and the treament of meconium aspiration syndrome in infants.

Abstract: Assay systems utilizing a reporter construct based on p38 phosphorylation of myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) transcription factor are provided. The reporter construct and methods of use are provided, as well as methods of treatment of inflammatory and muscular disorders associated with MEF2-regulated gene expression.

Abstract: DNA segments that include DNA sequences defining a structural gene coding for a human tissue factor heavy chain protein and a precursor form of that protein are disclosed. Recombinant DNA molecules capable of expressing a human tissue factor heavy chain protein are also disclosed. Further disclosed are human tissue factor heavy chain binding site polypeptide analogs as well as methods for their use.

Abstract: The present invention describes a mutant human tissue factor protein which binds functional Factor VII/VIIa but is substantially free of functional procoagulant cofactor activity, and compositions containing the mutant protein. Also disclosed are methods for using the mutant human tissue factor proteins, and recombinant DNA vectors for expressing the protein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed that are useful for the inhibition of glial cell proliferation by means of binding inhibiting agents to neural cell adhesion (N-CAM) molecules present on the cell surface. Such inhibiting agents can be peptides derived from the homophilic binding region of N-CAM, monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, Fab' fragments, and the like. Exemplary N-CAM homophilic peptides are 7 to 90 amino acid residues having a positively charged amino acid residue separated from a negatively charged amino acid residue by five intervening amino acid residues.

Abstract: Monoclonal receptors raised to immunogenic polypeptides whose amino acid residue sequences correspond to sequences of oncoprotein ligands are disclosed, as are method for the production of those receptors and products and methods that utilize them. The monoclonal receptors bind both to the oncoprotein ligand to a portion of which the polypeptide corresponds in sequence, and to the immunogenic polypeptide to which the receptors were raised.

Abstract: This invention features methods for characterizing antigenic reactivity of biological samples by contacting a biological sample with two or a plurality of monoclonal receptor molecules raised to an immunogen containing a polypeptide of about 7 to about 40 amino acid residues and comparing the ensuing reaction pattern with a pattern generated with a known biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention describes polypeptides and anti-peptide antibodies capable of inhibiting serine protease enzymatic activity. In particular, polypeptides and anti-peptide antibodies derived from the blood coagulation serine proteases Factor VIIa, Factor IXa, Factor Xa, Factor XIa, thrombin and plasma kallikrein are described that are capable of inhibiting coagulation. The polypeptide and antibody are useful in methods and systems for inhibiting serine proteases, and particularly for inhibiting blood coagulation processes mediated by serine proteases in vitro or in a human patient.

Abstract: The present invention describes nucleic acid molecules encoding human serotonin receptors, recombinant serotonin receptor proteins, cultured cells expressing recombinant serotonin receptor proteins, antibodies immunoreactive with serotonin receptor proteins, polypeptide serotonin receptor antagonists, oligonucleotide probes used for detecting nucleic acids which encode a human serotonin receptor, and nonhuman transgenic animals which express recombinant human serotonin receptor. Also disclosed are methods for screening for ligand binding to the described serotonin receptors and for serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists, for detection of serotonin receptors in tissues, and for therapeutic treatments involving the described human serotonin receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to expression and assembly of foreign multimeric proteins--e.g., antibodies--in plants, as well as to transgenic plants that express such proteins. In one of several preferred embodiments, the generation and assembly of functional secretory antibodies in plants is disclosed. The invention also discloses compositions produced by the transgenic plants of the present invention and methods of using same.

Abstract: Filamentous phage comprising a matrix of cpVIII proteins encapsulating a genome encoding first and second polypeptides of an autogenously assembling receptor, such as an antibody, and a receptor comprised of the first and second polypeptides surface-integrated into the matrix via a cpVIII membrane anchor domain fused to at least on of the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention describes an infectious modified Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) virion comprising a modified coat protein (CP) having a heterologous peptide inserted between amino acid residues 154 and 155 of CP. Also described is an infectious TMV virion having a modified movement protein (MP). The invention further describes nucleotide sequences encoding the modified TMV virion with either a modified CP or modified MP, and methods for producing the heterologous peptide in plants using the nucleotide sequences and modified virions.

Abstract: An exhaust header system for an internal combustion engine having improved exhaust gas flow characteristics. Primary pipes extend from openings in a flange bolted to the engines exhaust ports. The primary pipes come together at a collector pipe into which the primary pipes extend slightly. The ends of the primary pipes are substantially parallel, uniformly spaced around the collector pipe axis and have end surfaces lying substantially in a single plane. A generally pyramidal transition piece has a base corresponding to, and secured to, the primary pile end surfaces so as to cover the area between the pipe ends. The pyramid apex extends along the collector pipe centerline toward the exit end. The length and cross section of the transition piece is selected to provide a smooth transition from the greater combined internal cross section of the primary pipe ends to the lesser cross section of the collector pipe exit end.