Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, including vectors, and methods for the rapid subcloning of nucleic acid sequences in vivo and in vitro. In particular, the invention provides vectors used to contain a gene of interest that comprise a sequence-specific recombinase target site. These vectors are used to rapidly transfer the gene of interest into any expression vector that contains a sequence-specific recombinase target site located downstream of a promoter element so that the gene of interest may be expressed.

Abstract: Multiple methods for measuring the COUP-TF system, including: a method to measure the level of COUP-TF by combining antibodies with biological samples and measuring the resultant antibody/COUP-TF complex; the binding of COUP-TF to promoters by combining biological samples with COUP-TF binding oligonucleotides and measuring the resultant complex or gene synthesis; and a method to measure COUP-TF inducable promoters by combining native COUP-TF with nuclear extracts of biological samples and measuring the resultant complexes. The methods when applied to human biological samples can detect diabetes due to COUP-TF or promoter defects. In addition to the methods for measuring the COUP-TF system and associated diseases, there are also the polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies necessary for the methods. These bind to at least one immunoreactive site on COUP-TF. Furthermore, there is a DNA clone containing the genetic coding regions of the COUP-TF protein.

Abstract: A method to express rotavirus genes in a baculovirus system. Different clones are used to express rotavirus genes for all of the viral proteins. These proteins are isolated in their native conformation. Some of these proteins show antigenic properties and are used to vaccinate human, agricultural animals and pet animals against diarrheal disease. The antigenic proteins are also used to detect the presence of the viral infectious agent either by themselves or in conjunction with antibodies produced against the antigenic proteins.

Abstract: A method to express rotavirus genes in a baculovirus system. Different clones are used to express rotavirus genes for all of the viral proteins. These proteins are isolated in their native conformation. Some of these proteins show antigenic properties and are used to vaccinate human, agricultural animals and pet animals against diarrheal disease. The antigenic proteins are also used to detect the presence of the viral infectious agent either by themselves or in conjunction with antibodies produced against the antigenic proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel protein and peptide compositions comprising soluble and bound forms of immunologically-active blood group antigens including mammalian Rh antigens. In preferred embodiments methods for the isolation and purification of serologically-active human Rh antigens such as D, c, C, E, and e are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for the adsorption of immunologically-active Rh antigens to solid supports. Diagnostic kits, methods, and devices for the detection of Rh antibodies in clinical and non-clinical samples are also disclosed. Devices, compositions and methods for the isolation, purification and quantitation of anti-Rh antibodies from solution are also provided.

Abstract: An expression vector cDNA library derived from senescent cells has been used to isolate cDNA clones that encode inhibitors of DNA synthesis. Such inhibitors play a role in cellular senescence and aging. Antisense nucleic acids reduce the inhibition of DNA synthesis.

Abstract: A tissue culture screening system to monitor a transcriptional response treated by a chemical signal interacting with a plasma membrane receptor is provided. The tissue culture screening system includes a cell line containing a membrane receptor, a target gene and a specific receptor selected from the group consisting of a steroid receptor, a vitamin receptor and an orphan receptor. The specific receptor regulates transcription of the target gene. Any of the target gene membrane receptor or specific receptor can be introduced into the cell by an expression vector. In addition to the screening system there is also provided assays for identifying test compounds and chemical signals that regulate transcription or are potential agonist or antagonist neurotransmitters or which regulate indirectly by a membrane receptor binding or regulate transcription in the absence of a steroid, vitamin or orphan ligand. There is further provided kits for the assays.

Abstract: A method to express rotavirus genes in a baculovirus system. Different clones are used to express rotavirus genes for all of the viral proteins. These proteins are isolated in their native conformation. Some of these proteins show antigenic properties and are used to vaccinate human, agricultural animals and pet animals against diarrheal disease. The antigenic proteins are also used to detect the presence of the viral infectious agent either by themselves or in conjunction with antibodies produced against the antigenic proteins.

Abstract: Method for in vivo introduction of a nucleic acid cassette into stem cells of intestinal epithelium. The nucleic acid cassette is introduced via vector solution. The vector solution can be delivered via the intestinal lumen in a variety of ways, including through an insertion device such as an endoscope, through catheters, through ligating and clamping the intestine after laparotomy or through slow release capsules. The vector solution once introduced into the intestinal epithelium is allowed to contact the stem cells for sufficient time for incorporation, usually between 1 and 48 hours. After sufficient incorporation, the insertion device and/or clamping and ligation procedure blockage are removed. Preferably, the procedure includes sufficient fluid to distend the intestine and provide additional access to the stem cells and the crypts.

Abstract: Disclosed is the identification of a mutation which is responsible for ataxia and epilepsy in a murine model system. More specifically, a mutation has been identified within the Nhe1 gene (also referred to as the Slc9a1 gene) which results in both ataxia and epilepsy. The specific mutation identified is an A to T transition at nucleotide 1639 which creates a premature stop codon. The identification of this mutation enables methods for the detection of clinical disorders associated with a defect in a cation exchanger (e.g., Nhe1).

Abstract: A centrifugal blood pump used for heart-lung machines or the like comprising an impeller provided with pump vanes and a magnet means such as permanent magnets, a casing having an inlet port and an outlet port and rotatably accommodating the impeller, and a magnet drive means disposed outside the casing, wherein the impeller is supported by at least three balls above the bottom plate of the casing, held at the center of the bottom plate and rotated around the center axis of the impeller by the magnet means and the magnet drive means. When the upper and lower ends of the rotation shaft of the impeller are supported by the casing, the upper end of the rotation shaft is supported by a bearing embeddedly disposed at the top section of the conical section of the casing, and the inlet port of the casing is disposed adjacent to and eccentric from the top section.

Abstract: Methods of treating diseases or conditions, characterized by elevated serum lipoprotein levels, by providing elevated levels of a VLDL receptor in an animal, e.g., a human are set forth. Such receptors aid in removal of circulating VLDL and related lipoproteins, and thus decrease the risk of developing coronary diseases or conditions or decrease the severity of such diseases or conditions. Clones of human and mouse VLDL receptor which can be used in the invention are also provided. Vectors for the expression of VLDL receptors, stably transfected and transformed cells and transgenic animals are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the transfer and expression of genes in cells associated with fluid spaces, such as follicles of the thyroid, the synovium of the joint, the vitreous of the eye and the inner or middle ear. Formulated DNA expression vectors comprising a gene are introduced with or without formulation elements directly into a fluid space under conditions in which the cells associated with the fluid space can incorporate the formulated DNA expression vector and express the transformed gene.

Abstract: Method for in vivo introduction of a nucleic acid cassette into stem cells of intestinal epithelium. The nucleic acid cassette is introduced via vector solution. The vector solution can be delivered via the intestinal lumen in a variety of ways, including through an insertion device such as an endoscope, through catheters, through ligating and clamping the intestine after laparotomy or through slow release capsules. The vector solution once introduced into the intestinal epithelium is allowed to contact the stem cells for sufficient time for incorporation, usually between 1 and 48 hours. After sufficient incorporation, the insertion device and/or clamping and ligation procedure blockage are removed. Preferably, the procedure includes sufficient fluid to distend the intestine and provide additional access to the stem cells and the crypts.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the identification of metastatic sequences. Cells from a cell line or an animal tissue are treated to form a cell line predisposed to metastasis. Treated cells are implanted in an animal of a primary site and incubated for a period of time sufficient for the cells to proliferate and develop metastases at secondary sites. Expressed sequences from cells at the primary and secondary sites are amplified by differential display polymerase chain reaction and compared. Differentially expressed sequences are identical and can be cloned and sequenced. These sequences can be used as probes in the diagnosis of metastatic disorders, as probes to isolate metastatic sequences and as a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention features pharmaceutical formulations containing a lipophilic compound that is solubilized in a solution containing ethanol and a surfactant. The solubilized compound can then be further dissolved in a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous solution, such as WFI (water for injection), D5W (5% dextrose in water) and D5W 1/2 N saline, to form a pharmaceutical formulation suitable for patient administration. The formulation is preferably used for parenteral administration.

Abstract: A description of an isolated CMTIA-REP sequence and DNA probes to the sequence. Methods for the use of such sequences and probes to detect peripheral neuropathies. A method for detecting Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1 by measuring the presence or absence of a DNA duplication in a gene locus associated with the CMTIA-REP sequence. A method for detecting Hereditary Neuropathy with Liability to Pressure Palsies by measuring the presence or absence of a DNA deletion in a gene locus associated with the CMTIA-REP sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating, as well as preventing extravasation injury. In particular, the present invention pertains to photochemotherapeutic methods of prophylaxis and/or treatment of extravasation injury induced by vesicant antineoplastic drugs and other pharmaceutical formulations. In accordance with the present invention, extravasation injury is prevented or minimized by the coadministration of photoinactivation inducing compounds in a formulation comprising a vesicant antineoplastic or other pharmaceutical formulation, and subsequently exposing the injection or infusion site to photoexciting light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protein recruitment system, in which a protein-protein interaction is detected by the recruitment of an effector protein to a specific cell compartment, where the effector protein can activate a reporter molecule, provided that the effector protein is not a transcription factor. The invention also provides a drug screening assay using the protein recruitment system. In addition, the invention provides a kit for performing the protein recruitment system.

Abstract: Recombinant clone pMptb #48 expressing a 36k M. paratuberculosis antigen is provided that provides a more sensitive and discriminating test than those in which crude antigens have been used. A mycobacterial genus-specific DNA probe corresponding to a 1.4 kb BamH1-DNA insert in pMptb #48 is also provided. The 1.4 kb insert includes the entire DNA coding sequence for an M. paratuberculosis 36k protein. There is also provided methods for serologically testing specimens which include the use of recombinant clone pMptb #48 and/or the p36k protein and/or fragments of the p36k protein. Also provided are methods for identifying mycobacterial infections using a probe corresponding to the 1.4 kb DNA sequence shown in FIG. 4, the coding portion of the 1.4 kb DNA sequence, or fragments thereof.