Abstract: Novel polypeptides derived from human fibronectin, and fusion proteins containing those peptide sequences are described which define a receptor binding site on fibronectin that binds to the platelet receptor glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa expressed by cells. The receptor binding site of human fibronectin includes at least fibronectin amino acid residues 1410-1436. The polypeptides facilitate attachment of cells to substrates either alone or in conjunction with RGD-containing peptides. Vectors preparing the fusion proteins and antibodies are also described. Methods for promoting cell attachment and for inhibiting cell adhesion are also described.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the effectiveness of drugs in inhibiting the growth of tumor cells. A sample of a tumor is histocultured, a drug to be evaluated is added to the sample and the sample is incubated. A suitable tetrazolium salt is added and a frozen section of the sample is prepared. The section is stained with a fluorescent dye. The section is exposed to polarized light and the reflected light is measured. Then the section is exposed to fluorescent light and the light emitted by the dye is measured. These measurements are compared to a control and/or measurements from tests using other drugs and the relative effectiveness of the drug is evaluated, preferably by pixel analysis.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a multimeric polypeptide capable of mimicking the ability of apo E to induce differentiated cellular function. The repeating unit of the polypeptide has an amino acid residue sequence corresponding to that represented by the formula LRXLRKRLLX. Also contemplated is a method for treating hypercholesterolemia in a patient, which method comprises administering to the patient an LDL plasma concentration-reducing amount of the polypeptide. Described as well, is the use of the polypeptide in preparing diagnostic antibodies, and their use in diagnostic systems and methods for detecting apo E antigens in vascular body fluids.

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 describes a variant protein S protein that is substantially homologous in amino acid residue sequence to wild-type mature human protein S, which has in vitro anticoagulant activity and has a reduced ability to bind C4b binding protein (C4BP), compositions containing the variant protein S, and recombinant DNA vectors for expressing the variant protein. Also disclosed are therapeutic methods of using variant protein S for inhibiting thrombosis, inflammation and the like conditions ameliorated by protein S.

Abstract: Novel hybridoma cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies which react specifically with human pancreatic cancer cells are described. Methods for producing antigenic preparations to generate the hybridoma cell lines and for selecting, purifying and characterizing the monoclonal antibodies reactive with human cells, including pancreatic cancer cells, are disclosed. The antigens to which the antibodies of the invention are specific are characterized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for assaying a sample of cells for the presence of a cell surface antigen. More particularly, the present invention describes methods for detecting the presence of plasma and cell bound autoantibodies against cell surface antigens. In addition, the present invention provides a method of crossmatching donor platelets and transfusion recipients.

Abstract: Two hybridomas that produce receptors containing antibody combining sites that immunoreact with apolipoprotein B-100 are disclosed as are uses for the receptors, compositions and diagnostic systems that include the receptors.

Abstract: Synthetic polypeptides corresponding to the B lymphocyte CR2 receptor binding site present on a CR2 ligand are disclosed together with polypeptide aggregates, compositions, anti-polypeptide antibodies and methods of preparing and using the polypeptides and antibodies.

Abstract: The invention describes protein S polypeptides and anti-PS antibodies capable of inhibiting the binding of proteins to C4BP. The peptides and antibodies are useful in diagnostic methods and systems for purifying or detecting free protein S. In addition, the polypeptides are useful in therapeutic methods as an anti-coagulant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel cell surface marker and antigenic portions thereof; antibodies reactive with said marker; polynucleotides encoding said marker and antigenic portions thereof; methods of diagnosis and treatment using said polynucleotides and antibodies.

Abstract: Synthetic polypeptides corresponding to the B lymphocyte CR2 receptor binding site present on an interferon alpha-related CR2 ligand are disclosed together with polypeptide aggregates, compositions, anti-polypeptide antibodies and methods of preparing and using the polypeptides and antibodies.

Abstract: Diagnostic systems, methods, polypeptides and antibodies for detecting the presence of the cytoplasmic domain of the integrin .alpha..sub.6B or .alpha..sub.

Abstract: An integrin-activating antibody is disclosed that immunoreacts with an integrin and when immunoreacted increases the binding affinity of the integrin for binding to ligands specific for the integrin. The antibody also immunoreacts with a ligand-induced binding site (LIBS) on the integrin when the integrin is specifically bound to its ligand. Further disclosed are therapeutic compositions and methods for promoting cell adhesion using the disclosed integrin-activating antibodies.

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: The invention describes diagnostic methods and compositions for determining the amount of protease in a body fluid sample. In particular, the invention detects proteases by a method in which both a reversible inhibitor of the protease and an irreversible inhibitor of interfering proteases during the detection step are employed to increase the sensitivity of the enzyme capture assay. The assay detects normal serum levels of activated protein C.

Abstract: An antibody that immunoreacts with a ligand-induced binding site (LIBS) on GPIIIa, and particularly, a LIBS induced in a platelet-associated GPIIb-IIIa/fibrinogen complex is disclosed. Further disclosed are diagnostic systems and methods for assaying LIBS-containing platelets in a vascular fluid sample using the antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention describes APC polypeptides and anti-peptide antibodies capable of inhibiting activated Protein C anticoagulant activity. The polypeptide and antibody are useful in diagnostic methods and systems for measuring APC in vascular fluid samples. In addition, the polypeptide and anti-peptide antibody are useful in therapeutic methods for inhibiting APC in a human patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of interferon and/or interleukin-6 to increase intravascular C1 inhibitor concentrations in patients exhibiting or at risk for a C1 inhibitor deficiency. Therapeutic compositions containing interferon and/or interleukin-6 are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting a new Gaucher disease mutation in an allele in a human having a point mutation of an adenine nucleotide substituted for a guanine nucleotide at nucleotide position 1 in the normal glucocerebrosidase gene intron 2 is provided. Identification of the mutation is accomplished by first amplifying, with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer, a region of human genomic DNA containing nucleotide position 1 of glucocerebrosidase gene intron 2 followed by detection of the mutation.