Abstract: Double-stranded cDNA was synthesized from nucleic acid extracted from Norwalk virus purified from stool specimens of volunteers. One clone was isolated from a cDNA library constructed in a pUC-13 vector after amplification of the cDNA. The specificity of this cDNA (pACNV-953) was shown by hybridization assays. The cDNA reacted with post- (but not pre-) infection stool samples from Norwalk volunteers and with highly purified Norwalk virus, but not with other common enteric viruses such as hepatitis A virus and rotavirus. Finally, the probe detected virus in the same fractions of CsCl gradients in which viral antigen was detected using a specific Norwalk virus radioimmunoassay, and particles were detected by immune electron microscopy. Single-stranded RNA probes derived from the DNA clone after subcloning into an in vitro transcription vector were also used to show that the Norwalk virus contains a ssRNA genome of about 8 kb in size.

Abstract: The present invention provides a board game for use as a didactic teaching-aid for individuals that are interested in the immune system. The game comprises a playing board having a continuous main course having a plurality of playing spaces. Each playing space contains a number that matches the number of an immune scenario vignette that constitutes an exposure to an infectious disease or to an immune disease state, such as an auto-immune disease or an immune-deficiency. A method of curing or treating the disease, and information about the disease is provided in a disease handout that the players reference while tending to their disease at a hospital, clinic or pharmacy, depending on the nature of the exposure. When a player attains immunity, they become immune to those diseases that are subsequently encountered.

Abstract: The present invention includes a DNA clone from the myotonic muscular dystrophy gene, a cosmid probe to the myotonic dystrophy site, as well as methods of detecting myotonic muscular dystrophy using RFLP. The method involves the steps of digesting DNA from an individual to be tested with a restriction endonuclease and detecting the restriction fragment length polymorphism with hybridization to probes within the myotonic muscular locus and southern blot analysis. Alternatively, the myotonic muscular dystrophy gene can be measured by determining the amount of mRNA or measuring the amount of protein with an antibody. Further, the myotonic muscular dystrophy gene defect can be detected using either fluorescence in situ hybridization or pulsed field gel electrophoresis using the probes described herein.

Abstract: A gene sequence that encodes the human CCAAT/enhancer binding protein ("C/EBP"), and recombinant vectors that are capable of mediating the expression of the C/EBP gene are described. The gene sequence and vector can be used in methods of gene therapy to treat cancer and other diseases.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for the recording of distortion product emission (DPE) levels in human beings. At least one microphone and a sound-delivery system is inserted in the external ear canal in a manner similar to that required to position a small hearing aid. Two primary tones T.sub.f1, T.sub.f2 are applied simultaneously to the ear. The cochlea of the inner ear produces a DPE tone which is sensed by the microphone. DPE levels are sensed as a function of input frequencies f.sub.1 and f.sub.2. Such DPE frequency is equal to 2f.sub.1 -f.sub.2. Such DPE frequencies are collected in 100 Hz steps by adjusting f.sub.1 and f.sub.2 and maintaining a substantially constant ratio between f.sub.1 and f.sub.2. Two output forms are created: an DPE audiogram and a DPE input/output function. Noise picked up by the microphone is reduced by averaging the DPE signal many times, yet causing each of the DPE signals that is averaged to be of the same phase as every other DPE signal.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide primers and methods for identifying strains of bacteria by genomic fingerprinting are described. The methods are applicable to a variety of samples. The testing procedure includes amplifying the bacterial DNA in the sample to be tested by adding a pair of outwardly-directed primers to the sample. The primers are capable of hybridizing to repetitive DNA sequences in the bacterial DNA and extending outwardly from one hybridizable repetitive sequence to another hybridizable repetitive sequence. After amplification the extension products are separated by size and the specific strain of bacteria is determined by measuring the pattern of sized extension products. The procedure to identify strains of bacteria by fingerprinting has a variety of uses including: identifying bacteria in infections, agriculture and horticulture plots, bioremediation, food monitoring, production monitoring and quality assurance and quality control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a custom resilient foam support for a human body from a foam block having first and second opposite sides. The method includes placing the first side of the foam against a plurality of individually adjusted supports which are movable towards the first side and placing a human body against the second side of the foam block. The supports are individually adjusted for compressing portions of the foam block for obtaining the desired support characteristics of the human body and cutting means cut the foam block along a plane between the supports and the body.

Abstract: A large pore polyamide resin is useful for large peptide and protein (protide) synthesis. A method of preparing the same comprises mixing a dimethylacrylamide monomer with an unsaturated or alkenoyl amine monomer, a cross-linker and water, homogeneously emulsifying the aqueous mixture with an organic solvent in the presence of an emulsifier, adjusting the pH of the aqueous mixture during polymerization to 6-8.5 to produce large pore resin beads, and isolating the beads. The beads may be used as a solid phase substrate for the synthesis of a polyamide/protide conjugate. The polyamide resin/protide conjugate may be used, without separation of the protide from the resin or subsequent purification, for immunizing mammals, including humans, against the protide, for affinity purifying immunological molecules binding to the protide, and for immunoassays.

Abstract: A process is provided for purifying Urogenital Sinus Derived Growth Inhibitory Factor (UGIF) from embryonic tissue which comprises chromatographing medium from cultures or culture-derived spheroids of embryonic tissue derived from the urogenital sinus by gel filtration chromatography. Further purification by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography is also demonstrated. The UGIF is obtained in 70-fold to 8000-fold purification over the conditioned medium. A UGIF composition of matter is also provided, as is a method for treating neoplasia with UGIF.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition derived from a pre-activated photoactive compound and a conveyor for destroying tumor or other pathogenic biological contaminants infecting animal body tissues. The conveyor can either be a matrix support or an antibody. The activation of the photoactive compound to produce the pre-activated photoactive compound is carried out by the use of an activating agent. The pre-activated photoactive compound retains its therapeutic activity subsequent to activation. A method for preparing such a therapeutic composition is disclosed. Methods for treating animal body tissue, either outside the body or inside the body, infected with tumors or other pathogenic biological contaminants are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. Tissue and body fluid samples are assayed for an antigen which specifically binds an anti-OSE antibody to diagnose ovarian cancer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing infrared emission from excited molecules in the determination of, for example, total inorganic carbon, chloride and available chlorine in aqueous samples. Methods of exciting the gas-phase, infrared-active molecules to emit radiation include flame excitation, furnace excitation, excitation by electron impact in a gas discharge or excitation by collisions with a vibrationally excited diatomic molecule. The detector is optimized by use of dual beam system with background subtraction capabilities thereby eliminating background noise and fluctuations therein.

Abstract: Poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) polymers and copolymers having tetraalkyl- or trialkylammonium ion end groups and methods of synthesis, thereof. The methylene-containing copolymers, in general, adhere to glass and metals, including aluminum, iron, and copper. Poly(methylene-co-ethylene terephthalate) is a clear film useful in the protection of metals or glass from corrosion or scratching. Glass may be bound to glass or to metal using the polymers of the present invention or metal to metal seals may be made.

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. Poly(methylene oxalate) is 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.

Abstract: Non-primate or primate cells are provided comprising a functional human transporter for neurotransmitter uptake. The cells allow for dissection of the mechanism of neurotransmitter transport, as well as screening for agonists and antagonists of the neurotransmitter with respect to its uptake. Methods are provided for producing such cells. Specifically, the cells are transformed with human DNA comprising the gene encoding for the neurotransmitter transporter, whereby this protein(s) is expressed and incorporated into the plasma membrane and is capable of functioning to transfer the neurotransmitter from the extracellular space to intracellular domains. The physiological, kinetic and pharmacological characteristics of transport in these cells conform to known characteristics of high-affinity neurotransmitter transport in the CNS.

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: This invention is directed to the identification, isolation and use of nonprostate derived markers, such as markers derived from the seminal vesicles, and antibodies which recognize these markers in the diagnosis of invasive proatic neoplasia, to diagnostic aids for screening biological samples for evidence of invasive prostatic neoplasia, and to methods for the use of these diagnostic aids.

Abstract: Apparatus and procedural methods for dislodging cells and/or secretions from the uterine walls and cavity and removing them for various diagnostic purposes includes a barrel having a holder/stabilizer adjustably mounted on its upper end and a stopper assembly including an inflatable element mounted on its outer end. The barrel is positioned such that the stopper assembly is seated in the cervix, and the element is inflated to seal the same and to lock the stopper therein. Then a catheter having spray openings, or a stem having a brush on its outer end, is inserted through the barrel and operated to dislodge cells, which then are removed by aspiration or the like.

Abstract: A mutated skeletal actin promoter which differs from the naturally occurring DNA sequence by nucleotide substitution has been found to increase gene expression. The mutation sites are specific to the cis-acting regions of the gene. Double mutations created a strong promoter. Transformed myogenic cells had ten times the transcriptional activity over the wild type. The mutated skeletal actin promoter can be used to overly express polypeptides, particularly in myogenic cells.

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. Poly(methylene oxalate) is 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.