Abstract: A method for making synthetic oligonucleotides which bind to target sequences in a duplex DNA forming colinear triplexes by binding to the major groove. The method includes scanning genomic duplex DNA and identifying nucleotide target sequences of greater than about 20 nucleotides having either about at least 65% purine bases or about at least 65% pyrimidine bases; and synthesizing synthetic oligonucleotides complementary to identified target sequences. The synthetic oligonucleotides have a G when the complementary location in the DNA duplex has a GC base pair and have a T when the complementary location in the DNA duplex has an AT base pair. The synthetic oligonucleotides are oriented 5' to 4' and bind parallel or 3' to 5' and bind anti-parallel to the about at least 65% purine strand.

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 wafer for synthesizing biopolymers which includes a solid phase support material, a reaction chamber which receives and retains the support material and at least one inert porous material which allows flow through the wafer. Also included is a segmented wafer synthesis device comprising at least one, and preferably numerous, wafers for the simultaneous synthesis of multiple defined-sequenced biopolymers. Further there are process steps for synthesizing a variety of biopolymers. Synthetic polynucleotides have played a key role in studies of genetic organization through their use as primers for DNA sequencing and as hybridization probes, linkers and adapters in the cloning of genes.

Abstract: Nucleoside derivatives which contain a nucleo-base, a sugar and an amino acid backbone of the structure: ##STR1## where R' refers to the various amino acid side chains or their blocked equivalent and R refers to a nucleo-base or its blocked equivalent. The synthesis of these nucleoside derivatives proceeds by a series of steps including oxidation of the 3'-azido nucleoside derivative, coupling to a benzylated ester of an amino acid to yield the amide and hydrogenation. The adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine nucleosides with an amino acid at the 5' terminus are synthesized. From such monomers oligonucleotides can be synthesized which possess an amino acid backbone, using either solid state phase chemistry or liquid phase chemistry.

Abstract: Methods for improved MR imaging of an object by the use of back-to-back adiabatic RF pulse sequences. In one embodiment, a selective component suppressed MR image of the internal structure of an object is produced from a series of gradient echoes received in response to the generation of back-to-back opposing adiabatic half passage selective component suppressive RF pulses separated by 180 degrees in phase. In another embodiment, an enhanced MR image of the internal structure of an object is produced from a series of gradient echoes received in response to the generation of back-to-back opposing adiabatic half passage selective component suppressive RF pulses separated by 90 degrees in phase.

Abstract: In accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention as disclosed herein, a breath sample collecting device includes a flexible plastic bag having a mouthpiece and inlet valve assembly connected adjacent one end of the bag, and a sample transfer assembly connected adjacent the other end of the bag. The transfer assembly has a sleeve attached to a neck on the bag, such sleeve having an inner end wall which mounts a hollow needle having a sharp tip on its outer end in a manner such that the tip is within the bore of the sleeve to prevent accidental stick injuries. A rubber boot which closes the tip, and an elastomer stopper on an associated transfer device, are selectively pierced by the needle tip in response to compressive force to permit transfer of a breath sample from the bag to such associated device.

Abstract: Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (bovine herpesvirus type 1) mutants containing deletion and/or insertion mutations in a major viral glycoprotein gene, such that no antigenic polypeptides encoded by the viral gene are produced, vaccines for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis containing the same, methods for the production of the same and methods for use of the same. Animals vaccinated with these mutants do not develop antibodies to the viral glycoprotein and can be distinguished serologically from animals infected with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus field strains.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptidyl-resin conjugates made up of an immunogenic/antigenic peptide conjugated to a polyamide resin, wherein the peptide incorporates a helper T-cell epitope. The inclusion of a T-cell epitope in this peptide sequence provides particular benefits in the preparation of site-directed reagents intended as immunogens. In exemplary studies, a synthetic peptide predicted from Abelson murine leukemia virus abl oncogene (residues 389-403) was synthesized with a T-cell active epitope of 7 amino acids placed at its N-terminus (T-abl-resin). The T-abl-resin construct was found to greatly stimulate the immune response giving significantly higher specific antibody titers than abl-resin controls.

Abstract: Method for imaging the interior of a three dimensional object. A non-selective composite hard RF pulse is generated in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. Phase encoding pulses are generated along the first and a third axis, respectively, and a frequency encoding pulse comprised of a de-phasing portion and a re-phasing portion is generated along a second axis. During the re-phasing portion of the frequency encoding pulse, an asymmetrical fractional gradient echo containing information related to the object being imaged is produced. A next asymmetrical fractional gradient echo is then produced for next phase encoding pulses along the first and third axes. After an asymmetrical fractional gradient echo is produced for all phase encoding pulses, an image of the object is produced from the series of produced asymmetrical fractional gradient echoes.

Abstract: Modular components of a lower extremity orthotic device are fitted to a patient and assembled at once. The components include thermoplastic inner and outer side members and a thermoplastic ankle foot orthotic member for a standing frame lower extremity orthotic device. To allow patient pivotal knee rotation, knee joints and means for operating knee joints are interspaced between thigh and calf side members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing a nasogastric tube into a patient by inserting and releasably anchoring a pH detector in the bore of the tube adjacent the distal end. The detector is connected through the proximal end of the tube to a pH monitor. The tube and detector are inserted into the patient while monitoring the measured pH of the detector for determining the placement of the tube. After placing the tube, the detector is released from the bore of the tube and removed from the nasogastric tube while leaving the tube in the patient. The detector is releasably anchored by inflating a balloon connected to the detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for warming biological fluids. The portable self-contained device which warms physiological fluids including blood is comprised of a reaction container which is capable of storing at least one chemical which when mixed with a second chemical will produce an exothermic chemical reaction, a mixing means for mixing the two chemicals to produce the exothermic chemical reaction, a heat exchanger to absorb heat from the exothermic reaction and transfer it to the physiological fluid or blood, a temperature regulating means to regulate the maximum temperature of the device and an insulating container for enclosing the reaction means, heat exchanger and temperature regulating means. The method of rapidly heating the stored cold physiological fluids including blood to about 39.degree.

Abstract: A pre-activated therapeutic agent derived from a photoactive compound for destroying tumor or other pathogenic biological contaminants infecting animal body tissues. The activation of the photoactive compound is carried out prior to the photoactive compound is being brought into contact with the tissue to be treated. The resultant pre-activated therapeutic agent, or mixture, retains its therapeutic activity subsequent to activation. A method for preparing such a pre-activated therapeutic agent 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 polyamide resin for use in peptide and protein synthesis, and a method of preparing and using same. The polyamide resin is prepared by mixing a dimethylacrylamide monomer with an N-acrylyl-diaminoalkane functional monomer in an aqueous solution together with a cross-linker and emulsifying the aqueous solution in an organic solvent. An initiator and a promoter are added to polymerize the N-acrylyl-diaminoalkane functional monomer, dimethylacrylamide monomer, and cross-linker in the form of beads. The pH of the mixture is controlled during the polymerization. The beads are used as a solid phase for peptide and protein synthesis according to methods known in the art. The conjugate of the polyamide resin and the synthesized peptide or protein is used directly for immunoassays or immunization without the need for separation of the peptide or protein from the resin and subsequent purification.

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 lens epithelial cells after extracapsular cataract extraction. Desirably a non-cytotoxic agent cross-reactive with the cytotoxic agent is introduced prior to introduction of the cytotoxic agent. The agents can be provided as kits.

Abstract: Disclosed are anti-thrombogenic compositions, methods for their production and products made therefrom. The Anti-thrombogenic compositions comprise a powderized anti-thrombogenic material homogeneously present in a solidifiable matrix material. The anti-thrombogenic material is preferably carbon and more preferably graphite particles. The matrix material is a silicon polymer, a urethane polymer or an acrylic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates a method of photodynamic inactivation of viruses having a membranous envelope, such as Herpes simplex type 1 and Human immunodeficiency type 1 viruses. The method uses substituted sapphyrin compounds to effect viral deactivation during radiation with light at or near the absorption wavelength of the sapphyrin compound. A highly reactive species selectively toxic to infectious agents is produced.One particular sapphyrin compound useful for the practice of the invention is 8,17-bis(carboxymethyl)-3,12,13,22-tetraethyl-2,7,18,23-tetramethylsapphyr in (Sapphyrin 2). The most preferred sapphyrin sapphyrin compound for the practice of the invention is 3,8,12,13,17,22-hexaethyl-2,7,18,23-tetramethylsapphyrin (Sapphyrin 1).The method is particularly suitable for inactivation of viruses in blood and blood products.

Abstract: A method for externally eradicating infectious pathogenic contaminants, such as enveloped viruses, bacteria, trypanosomal and malarial parasites, present in body tissues, such as blood, blood components, semen, skin, and cornea, before the treated body tissues are introduced into, or transplanted onto, the body of a human or an animal.

Abstract: A polyamide resin for use in peptide and protein synthesis, and a method of preparing and using same. The polyamide resin is prepared by cross-linking a dimethylacrylamide monomer by co-polymerization with a functional monomer in an aqueous solution, emulsifying the aqueous solution in an organic solvent and isolating the polyamide resin beads formed by adding an initiator and a promoter. The beads are used as a solid phase for peptide and protein synthesis according to methods known in the art. The conjugate of the polyamide resin and the synthesized peptide or protein is used directly for immunoassays or immunization without the need for separation of the peptide or protein from the resin and subsequent purification.

Abstract: An antigen for the detection of Campylobacter pylori infections and an assay for the serological detection of Campylobacter pylori. The antigen includes high molecular weight cell-associated proteins purified from Campylobacter pylori. The antigen can be used in a variety of assays including radioimmunoassay, ELISA, latex agglutination, complement fixation, and indirect hemagglutination. Furthermore, the antigens can be combined with a solid support in kit form.