Abstract: A stowable device for washing the underside and wheel well regions of a vehicle includes a base member joined at one end to a handle member such that the angle between the members can vary. A water jet disposed adjacent the distal end of the base member has a slit-like outlet. A length of flexible tubing couples the water jet to a trigger handle and waterjet valve located on the free end of the handle member. A source of water is coupled to the trigger handle, and passes through the flexible tubing and out the waterjet when the user presses the water jet valve. At least one non-swivelling wheel assembly is attached to the base member. The ratio between the length of the base member and the width of the wheel assembly preferably exceeds about 20:1 to promote maneuverability of the device.

Abstract: This invention concerns novel receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase polypeptides. Specifically, this invention concerns the novel receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase .lambda. which is related to the homotypically adhering receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases .kappa. and .mu.. The invention further relates to analogs of these polypeptides in other mammals, functional derivatives thereof, antibodies which are capable of specifically binding to these polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding these polypeptides, vectors containing and capable of expressing such nucleic acid and recombinant host cells transformed with such nucleic acid. Methods for the recombinant production of these receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase polypeptides and assays for identifying agonists and antagonists of these polypeptides are also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: Novel peptide analogues of platelet-derived growth factor, for use in inhibiting or stimulating growth and/or chemotaxis of cells, e.g., smooth muscle cells, are provided. Also provided are compositions of matter comprising those peptide analogues.

Abstract: This invention concerns novel receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase polypeptides. Specifically, this invention concerns the novel receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase .lambda. which is related to the homotypically adhering receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases .kappa. and .mu.. The invention further relates to analogs of these polypeptides in other mammals, functional derivatives thereof, antibodies which are capable of specifically binding to these polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding these polypeptides, vectors containing and capable of expressing such nucleic acid and recombinant host cells transformed with such nucleic acid. Methods for the recombinant production of these receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase polypeptides and assays for identifying agonists and antagonists of these polypeptides are also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant DNA vehicles which are suitable for the microbial expression of DNA encoding a heterologous polypeptide which comprises a portion of the trp operon having the promoter-operator and leader ribosome binding site, and a restriction site providing an insertion site for the DNA sequences encoding the heterologous polypeptide, wherein the restriction site is located 3' of the leader ribosome binding site as a substitute for the Taq I site of the trp promoter-operator and is selected from the group consisting of Xba I and Eco RI. Also provided are E. coli strains transformed with the above described recombinant DNA vehicles.

Abstract: A unitary construction hand-holdable device for tieing an inflated balloon includes projecting spaced-apart first and second prongs, and defines an opening providing finger access to the region rearward and beneath the prongs. An inflated balloon is held beneath the device, and the balloon neck is stretched to pass over both prongs and is then pulled down, below the device. The neck is then crossed over itself and a knot is formed in the region generally below the access opening. After tieing, the knotted balloon is slid off on the prongs. The device may be used to tie elastic materials other than balloons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences of Actinomycetales, in particular of mycobacteria, to oligonucleotides contained within said nucleotide sequences, to their uses as primers for the synthesis of Actinomycetales DNA and as probes for the detection of DNA and/or the transcription products of Actinomycetales, in particular of mycobacteria, to the products of expression of said sequences, to their uses and to antibodies directed towards the said products, to a method for detecting and identifying Actinomycetales and its uses, as well as to immunogenic compositions comprising the said expression products.

Abstract: An isolated immunoreactive molecule (IRM) capable of binding to a target molecule from at least one species or sub-species of the insect but not to at least one other species or sub-species of insect and a method of identifying one or more insect species or subspecies and kits therefor. The invention is particularly useful for distinguishing between Lepidopterans such as Helicoverpa armigera and H. punctigera.

Abstract: Polypeptides that are cleared from the kidney and do not contain in their original form a Fc region of an IgG are altered so as to comprise a salvage receptor binding epitope of an Fc region of an IgG and thereby have increased circulatory half-life.

Abstract: An acid-labile protein is described that, when incubated with the 53-Kd acid-stable protein occupied by IGF, converts it to a high molecular weight complex, corresponding to the in vivo form of IGF. This protein is called the acid-labile subunit (ALS) of IGF binding protein complex and is provided in biologically pure form. ALS is useful in treating wounds and promoting cellular growth. The nucleic acid encoding ALS, antibodies binding thereto, and fragments thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleotide probes, kits and methods for the detection and differentiation of Mycobacteria. The gene probes, kits and methods are useful for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and/or for epidemiological study tools for investigating the progress of infections caused by Mycobacteria.The gene probes as provided comprise part or all of nucleotide sequences provided in the soecification or an allele or a derivative of the nucleotide sequences.The gene probes can distinguish between M.tuberculosis, M.bovis and BCG as well as being able to distinguish between different strains of M.tuberculosis. The probes do not show significant hybridisation to nucleic acids from M.paratuberculosis, M.intracellulare, M.scrofulaceum, M.phlei, M.fortuitum, M.kansasii, M.avium, M.malnioense. M.flavescens, M.gordonae and M.chelonei.

Abstract: Disclosed is an invention related to the preparation and use of vaccines against pathogenic organisms, such as herpes virus. The vaccines hereof are based upon the use of glycoproteins of the organism, that have been prepared via recombinant means, and preferably C-truncated versions thereof. These glycoproteins when incorporated into a vaccine composition afford protection against pathogenic challenge after administration.

Abstract: An acid-labile protein is described that, when incubated with the 53-Kd acid-stable protein occupied by IGF, converts it to a high molecular weight complex, corresponding to the in vivo form of IGF. This protein is called the acid-labile subunit (ALS) of IGF binding protein complex and is provided in biologically pure form. ALS is useful in treating wounds and promoting cellular growth. The nucleic acid encoding ALS, antibodies binding thereto, and fragments thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the hybridization of a target polynucleotide with a conjugate. The conjugate comprises an oligonucleotide covalently bound to a linker that is covalently bound to an amino acid or a polyamide. The oligonucleotide portion of the conjugate comprises an anti-sense sequence which is complementary to and hybridizes with the target polynucleotide. The method is useful for detecting the presence of viral or bacterial target polynucleotides.

Abstract: The instant invention discloses the unexpected result that mutant signal sequences with reduced translational strength provided essentially complete processing and high levels of expression of a polypeptide of interest as compared to wild type signal sequences, and that many mammalian polypeptides require a narrow range of translation levels to achieve maximum secretion. A set of signal sequence vectors provides a range of translational strengths for optimizing expression of a polypeptide of interest.

Abstract: The application provides a pharmaceutical which comprises a mutant non-retroviral virus (particularly HSV-1 and/or HSV-2) whose genome is defective in respect of a gene essential for the production of infectious virus. The virus can infect normal cells and undergo replication and expression of viral antigen genes in those cells but cannot produce normal infectious virus. The pharmaceutical is for prophylactic or therapeutic use in generating an immune response in a subject infected therewith. Where the non-retroviral virus is a herpes simplex virus eg HSV-1 or HSV-2, the defect can be in the glycoprotein gH gene. Vaccines and therapeutic pharmaceuticals are provided especially for epithelial, oral, vaginal and nasal administration. Also provided is use of a mutant based on HSV-1 for the preparation of a pharmaceutical for prophylactic or therapeutic use in generating an immune response in a subject against type-2 HSV infection.

Abstract: Concentrated phosphorus fertilizers are disclosed that comprise a buffered composition of an organic acid and salts thereof and a phosphorous-containing acid and salts thereof. The concentrated phosphorus fertilizers can be diluted with water of pH ranging from about 6.5 to about 8.5 at ratios of concentrate to water at about 1:40 to about 1:600 to result in a fertilizer having a pH in the range acceptable for foliar uptake of phosphorus.

Abstract: The invention provides purified ACT-4 receptor polypeptides, antibodies against these polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding ACT-4 receptor polypeptides. Also provided are methods of diagnosis and treatment using the same. ACT-4 receptors are preferentially expressed on the surface of activated CD4.sup.+ T-cells. ACT-4 receptors are usually expressed at low levels on the surface of activated CD8.sup.+ cells, and are usually substantially absent on resting T-cells, and on monocytes and B-cells (resting or activated). An exemplary ACT-4 receptor, termed ACT-4-h-1, has a signal sequence, an extracellular domain comprising three disulfide-bonded intrachain loops, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions and methods for the treatment of inflammation are disclosed. The compositions comprise at least one anti-inflammatory drug in combination with the lymphokine interleukin-4 (IL-4), which components interact synergistically in the treatmement of inflammation. Methods for the treatment of inflammation comprise administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of at least one anti-inflammatory drug and IL-4.

Abstract: This invention concerns novel receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase polypeptides. Specifically, this invention concerns the novel receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase .lambda. which is related to the homotypically adhering receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases .kappa. and .mu.. The invention further relates to analogs of these polypeptides in other mammals, functional derivatives thereof, antibodies which are capable of specifically binding to these polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding these polypeptides, vectors containing and capable of expressing such nucleic acid and recombinant host cells transformed with such nucleic acid. Methods for the recombinant production of these receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase polypeptides and assays for identifying agonists and antagonists of these polypeptides are also within the scope of the invention.