Abstract: The present invention contemplates therapeutic compositions containing a fibrinogen homolog capable of binding to endothelial cells in an RGD-independent manner that inhibits fibrinogen binding to endothelial cells. Also described are therapeutic compositions containing an ICAM-1 homolog capable of binding to fibrinogen in an RGD-independent manner that inhibits fibrinogen binding to endothelial cells. Methods of inhibiting endothelial cell and fibrinogen mediated inflammation within a patient by administering a homolog of this invention are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic methods for treating diseases characterized by an accumulation of high molecular weight DNA in mucous, thereby contributing to the viscosity of the mucous. Such diseases include cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis. Treatment includes administration of weak organic acids to promote acidification of cells and consequently apoptosis-induced DNA fragmentation. The invention also relates to therapeutic apparatus for administering the acid compositions.

Abstract: The invention describes an oral anti-acid paste comprising anti-acid compound in a slow releasing carrier medium which disperses the anti-acid, and releases the anti-acid from the paste upon contact with the aqueous media such as saliva. The paste can be used by placement in the mouth for slow release of the anti-acid into the saliva thereby contacting the mucosa of the esophagus to inhibit irritation to the mucosa due to excess acid.

Abstract: The activity of sequence-specific DNA binder proteins, such as DNA methylases, provides a method of obtaining a covalent linkage between a nucleic acid segment and a polypeptide determinant encoded by the nucleic acid segment. The polypeptide determinant is expressed as a fusion protein together with the DNA methylase, which binds in vivo to a cytidine suicide analog when present in a nucleotide sequence. A plasmid suitable for use in this linkage reaction can comprise: (1) a gene fusion construct including a gene encoding a DNA methylase and a gene encoding a polypeptide determinant; (2) a promoter for transcription of the gene fusion construct as messenger RNA; and (3) a methylase conjugation element linked to the gene fusion sequence, the methylase conjugation element including a methylase binding site having at least one copy of a nucleotide sequence including a cytidine suicide analog capable of irreversibly binding the DNA methylase. The plasmid can form a plasmid-polypeptide determinant conjugate.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides derived from human fibronectin are described which bind to integrin receptors expressed by cells. The receptor binding site of human fibronectin begins at amino acid residue 1394 and ends at residue 1400 of fibronectin. The polypeptides facilitate attachment of cells to substrates either alone or in conjunction with RGD-containing peptides. Vectors, fusion proteins and antibodies are also described. Methods for promoting cell attachment and for inhibiting cell adhesion are also described.

Abstract: Polypeptide analogs, antibodies, diagnostic and therapeutic compositions as well as methods for detecting the presence of IL-8 and preventing the inflammatory response in patients are described.

Abstract: The present invention describes an Apo AI polypeptide capable of immunologically mimicking an Apo AI epitope. The polypeptide is useful in diagnostic methods and systems for detecting Apo AI in vascular fluid samples, and for preparation of anti-Apo AI antibodies. In addition, the polypeptide is useful in therapeutic methods for increasing esterified cholesterol in a human patient.

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 discloses deoxyribonucleic acid enzymes--catalytic or enzymatic DNA molecules--capable of cleaving nucleic acid sequences or molecules, particularly RNA, in a site-specific manner, as well as compositions including same. Methods of making and using the disclosed enzymes and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes human monoclonal antibodies which immunoreact with and neutralize human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Also disclosed are immunotherapeutic and diagnostic methods of using the monoclonal antibodies, as well as cell line for producing the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides derived from human fibronectin are described which bind to integrin receptors expressed by cells. The receptor binding site of human fibronectin begins at amino acid residue 1394 and ends at residue 1400 of fibronectin. The polypeptides facilitate attachment of cells to substrates either alone or in conjunction with RGD-containing peptides. Vectors, fusion proteins and antibodies are also described. Methods for promoting cell attachment and for inhibiting cell adhesion are also described.

Abstract: A filamentous phage is described comprising a matrix that includes a heterologous polypeptide fused to a first filamentous phage coat protein membrane anchor and a heterodimeric receptor comprised of first and second receptor polypeptides, wherein one of the receptor polypeptides is fused to a second filamentous phage coat protein membrane anchor. Filamentous phage expressing anchored heterodimeric receptors and dimers of heterologous polypeptides where a first subunit of the dimer is fused to a coat protein membrane anchor and the second subunit of the dimer is soluble heteromeric receptor are also described.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for inhibiting angiogenesis in tissues using vitronectin .alpha..sub.v .beta..sub.3 antagonists, and particularly for inhibiting angiogenesis in inflamed tissues and in tumor tissues and metastases using therapeutic compositions containing .alpha..sub.v .beta..sub.3 antagonists.

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.

Abstract: Diagnostic systems, methods, polypeptides and antibodies for detecting the presence of C-terminal hGPIIb fragment of the platelet receptor GPIIb-IIIa in a body fluid sample are disclosed.

Abstract: Filamentous phage comprising a matrix of cpVIII proteins encapsulating a genome encoding first and second polypeptides of an antogenously 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 one of the polypeptides with a mutagenized CDR3 region.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for inhibition of angiogenesis in tissues using vitronectin .alpha..sub.v .beta..sub.3 antagonists, and particularly for inhibiting angiogenesis in inflamed tissues and in tumor tissues and metastases using therapeutic compositions containing anti-.alpha..sub.v .beta..sub.3 monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of treating LBP-mediated LPS-induced myeloid cell activation comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-LBP monoclonal antibody molecule. A therapeutic composition comprising anti-LBP antibody molecules in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is also contemplated.

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, for example, those comprising a prokaryotic enzyme such as histidine protein kinase 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. In particular, a high-throughput assay system useful in the large-scale screening of protein kinase inhibitors is disclosed.