Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of treating localized solid tumors and papilloma in an individual. The method comprises introducing a recombinant adenoviral vector containing the herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase gene. Subsequently, a prodrug, such as the drug ganciclovir, is administered to the individual. The methods of the present invention may be used to treat several different types of cancers and papillomas, including colon carcinoma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, hepatoma, brain and head and neck cancer.

Abstract: The intracellular distribution of mortalin is used to determine the complementation group of tumor cells. Also disclosed are the gene sequences that encode mortalin and the amino acid sequence of the mortalin proteins.

Abstract: A non-metallic antimicrobial impregnated medical implant, such as a catheter, and a method for impregnating a non-metallic medical implant with an antimicrobial agent is provided. The method for making the impregnated implant comprises the steps of forming an antimicrobial composition of an effective concentration to inhibit the growth of organisms, such as staphylococci, other gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacilli and Candida and applying the antimicrobial composition to at least a portion of the medical implant under conditions where the antimicrobial composition permeates the material of the medical implant. The antimicrobial composition is formed by dissolving an antimicrobial agent in an organic solvent, adding a penetrating agent to the composition, and adding an alkalinizing agent to the composition. The antimicrobial composition is preferably heated to a temperature between about 30.degree. C. and 70.degree. C.

Abstract: Novel methods and compositions are provided for preventing secondary cataracts. A cytotoxic agent is employed which is introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye to inhibit proliferation of remnant tens epithelial cells after extracapsular cataract extraction. Desirably a non-cytotoxic agent crossreactive with the cytotoxic agent is introduced prior to introduction of the cytotoxic agent. The agents can be provided as kits.

Abstract: A method for template-dependent in vitro replication and transcapsidation of double stranded RNA from Reoviridae mRNA templates is described. This method provides an efficient means for isolating rotaviral mRNA, manipulating the mRNA, and expressing the new dsRNA species without the use of infected cells by constructing a new virus in the test tube without any cellular components. Viral protein complexes are prepared by test tube degradation of purified virus particles or by expression of a small subset of viral genes in insect cells, where the proteins form complexes. Viral mRNAs are made in the test tube by transcription of "native" viral mRNAs from viral transcriptase particles previously made in vitro, or by expression of viral mRNAs from transcription vectors in vitro.

Abstract: Methods for the use of a class of dyes for improved DNA sequencing are provided. A new class of dyes, BODIPY.RTM. fluorophore, has been described recently. The parent heterocyclic molecule of the BODIPY.RTM. fluorophore is a dipyrrometheneboron difluoride compound which is modified to create a broad class of spectrally-discriminating fluorophores. The present invention provides methods for the use of BODIPY.RTM. fluorophore-labeled DNA. BODIPY.RTM. fluorophore have improved spectral characteristics compared to conventional fluorescein and rhodamine dyes. BODIPY.RTM. fluorophore have narrower band width, insensitivity to solvent or pH, and improved photostability, thus, BODIPY.RTM. fluorophores lead to improved DNA sequencing and/or detection in any method where electrophoresis and detection of DNA is required. Additionally, the spectral properties of the BODIPY.RTM. fluorophores are sufficiently similar in wavelength and intensity to be used with conventional equipment known in the art.

Abstract: A method for producing animal cells, chimeric or transgenic non-human animals which contain a desired gene sequence inserted into a predetermined gene sequence. The method permits the production of animal cells and non-human animals which have subtle and precise modifications of gene sequence and expression relative to natural non-human animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis viruses which fail to produce any functional thymidine kinase as a result of an insertion in the thymidine kinase gene, vaccines against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis containing the same and methods for production and use of same. The present invention also relates to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis-based viral vectors useful for the coexpression of foreign genes.

Abstract: A centrifugal blood pump for heart-lung machines or the like. An impeller is provided with pump vanes and a magnet. The impeller is rotatably accommodated in a casing having an inlet and an outlet. A magnet drive means is disposed outside the casing. The impeller is supported by at least three balls above a 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 of the casing is disposed adjacent to and eccentric from the top section.

Abstract: A transgenic mouse which contains a predefined, specific and desired alteration in at least one of its two chromosomal alleles of a cellular adhesion gene, such that at least one of these alleles contains a mutation which alters the expression of the allele.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes a a peripheral myelin protein, PMP-22, which is present predominantly in the peripheral nervous system and purified nucleic acids which encode the protein. Also included are oligonucleotide probes and primers derived from such sequences, and methods for the use of such sequences, probes and primers in detecting peripheral neuropathies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting multiple DNA sequences simultaneously. The method involves amplification of multiple sequences simultaneously by annealing a plurality of paired oligonucleotide primers to single stranded DNA. One member of each pair is complementary to the sense strand of a sequences and the other member is complementary to a different segment of the anti-sense strand of the same sequence. The amplification occurs by alternately annealing and extending the primers. The invention also includes oligonucleotide primer sequences helpful in detecting genetic diseases and/or exogenous DNA sequences.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards peptidic compositions, methods, and diagnostic kits for the accurate and sensitive detection of human acetylcholine receptor (AChR) autoantibodies associated with the disease myasthenia gravis (MG). Eighteen synthetic overlapping oligopeptides encompassing the entire extracellular domain (residues .alpha.1-210) of the .alpha.-chain of human AChR and an additional peptide (residues .alpha.262-276) corresponding to the extracellular connection between the two transmembrane regions were prepared. The immunologic reactivity of these peptides against autoantibodies in the plasma of patients with MG was ascertained by solid-phase radioimmunoassay. Autoantibody responses were subjected to genetic regulation as indicated by the variation in recognition profiles from patient to patient. However, it was possible to detect AChR autoantibodies in a heterogenous patient population by employing a peptide mixture comprising at least four peptides (SEQ ID NOS. 8, 17, 18, and 23).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the rapid and simple detection of mutations in DNA and differences between DNA sequences. This competitive oligonucleotide priming system can be used for the detection of any differences between DNA sequences for which a DNA sequence is known.

Abstract: A blood pump used for heart-lung machines comprising an impeller, a casing having a suction inlet and a delivery outlet and rotatably encasing the impeller, a magnetic driver disposed outside the casing, and a magnetic attraction force adjuster. The impeller has a rotationally symmetric shape, such as a conical shape, is equipped with vanes having a pumping function on the side surface thereof and is also equipped with magnets, such as permanent magnets. The magnetic driver for rotating the impeller in cooperation with the magnets comprises a magnet assembly magnetically connected to the magnets and a rotation driver for rotating the magnet assembly. The magnetic attraction force adjuster adjusts the magnetic attraction force generated between the magnets and the magnet assembly by adjusting the gap between the magnets and the magnet assembly or by adjusting the exciting current of electromagnets when electromagnets are used for the magnet assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel plasmids, transfected eucaryotic cells and methods of producing these plasmids and transfected eucaryotic cells. The novel plasmid contains the cDNA for human lactoferrin protein. Methods for the production of human lactoferrin protein in A. Oryzae are also provided. Thus, the present invention provides an efficient and economical means for the production of recombinant human lactoferrin protein.

Abstract: The verified cDNA sequences for human, bovine and porcine lactoferrin protein have been used to prepare recombinant lactoferrin for therapeutic and nutritional applications. Regions of the cDNA such as the Fe binding sites can be used to make an hLF polypeptide product.The present invention provides novel plasmids, transfected eucaryotic cells and methods of producing these plasmids and transfected eucaryotic cells. The novel plasmid contains the cDNA for lactoferrin protein. Methods for the production of lactoferrin protein in fungi and bacteria are also provided. Thus, the present invention provides an efficient and economical means for the production of recombinant lactoferrin protein and lactoferrin related polypeptides.

Abstract: The subject invention provides for the production of lactoferrins and lactoferrin polypeptide fragments using the host cells Aspergillus in combination with novel plasmid constructs. More specifically, the subject invention provides novel vector constructs capable of producing lactoferrins and lactoferrin polypeptide fragments in Aspergillus host cells. More particularly, the subject invention provides for novel plasmid constructs suitable for use with Aspergillus and especially Aspergillus awamori, niger and oryzae host cells, which enables them to produce large amounts of recombinant lactoferrins and lactoferrin polypeptide fragments.

Abstract: A desired non-human animal or an animal cell or human cell which contains a predefined, specific and desired alteration in at least one of its two p53 chromosomal alleles, such that at least one of these alleles contains a mutation which alters the expression of the allele, and the other of the alleles expresses either a normal p53 gene product, or comprises an identical or different p53 mutation.

Abstract: A poly(methylene oxalate) polymer, [poly(oxy(1,2-dioxo-1,2-ethanediyl)oxymethylene)], a bis(tetrabutylammonium) oxalate salt, methods of synthesis thereof and methods of use are provided. Poly(methylene oxalate) is nearly insoluble in all common organic solvents, does not melt and is resistant to fire. Applications are as a light-weight material for use at high temperatures, e.g., as a structural material in aircraft and space vehicles, as a binder for brake systems, and as an insulator for microelectronic components.