Abstract: This invention relates to flagella-less strains of Borrelia to novel methods for use of the microorganisms as vaccines and in diagnostic assays. Although a preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to Borrelia burgdorferi, the present invention encompasses flagella-less strains of other microorganisms belonging to the genus Borrelia. Accordingly, with the aid of the disclosure, flagella-less mutants of other Borrelia species, e.g., B. coriacei, which causes epidemic bovine abortion, B. anserina, which causes avian spirochetosis, and B. recurrentis and other Borrelia species causative of relapsing fever, such as Borrelia hermsii, Borrelia turicatae, Borrelia duttoni, Borrelia persica, and Borrelia hispanica, can be prepared and used in accordance with the present invention and are within the scope of the invention. Therefore, a preferred embodiment comprises a composition of matter comprising a substantially pure preparation of a strain of a flagella-less microorganism belonging to the genus Borrelia.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a high contrast image of a living subject includes an X-ray source capable of generating an X-ray beam having an energy between about 4 MeV and about 40 MeV, means for directing the X-ray beam generated by the X-ray source to a preselected area of the body of a living subject, and at least one scintillating detector capable of detecting photons which are generated as a result of the interaction of the X-ray beam with the body of the living subject.

Abstract: The methods of the present invention use blood of pregnant females and fetal cell amplification to facilitate prenatal diagnosis without invading fetal space. This method is less invasive and simpler than amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling because it involves only drawing blood from the mother to obtain a fetal cell sample. If there is a specific disease with known molecular mutations being sought, cells from the sample are a source of DNA enriched for fetal material. If the disease is one involving red cells, this method provides fetal red cells for analysis. If the disease involves white cells, different cytokines can be used to selectively produce fetal leukocytes. When an abnormal chromosome pattern without a specific diagnostic risk (e.g., advanced maternal age) is being sought, then the culture method provides dividing cells of fetal origin.

Abstract: A method of predicting the locations of the lymph nodes most at risk of metastasis from a primary tumor associated with a cancer of the neck or head. The method utilizes data on the location of the primary tumor and the identity of lymph nodes to which the cancer has already spread. The data are transformated by a weighted multidimensional scaling (WMDS) process; points representing clusters of lymph nodes are placed in an imaginary mathematical space such that distances between points in that space are proportional to differences in the occurrence frequency of metastases.

Abstract: An exonuclease-based method for joining and/or constructing two or more DNA molecules. DNA fragments containing ends complementary to those of a vector or another independent molecule were generated by the polymerase chain reaction. The 3' ends of these molecules as well as the vector DNA were then recessed by exonuclease activity and annealed in an orientation-determined manner via their complementary single-stranded regions. This recombinant DNA may be transformed directly into bacteria without a further ligase-dependent reaction. Using this approach, recombinant DNA molecules are constructed rapidly, efficiently and directionally. This method can effectively replace conventional protocols for PCR cloning, PCR SOEing, DNA subcloning and site-directed mutagenesis.

Abstract: A Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F preparation having an improved LD.sub.50 in mice, an improved therapeutic activity:toxic index ratio and a lower amount of triptolide as compared to previous preparations is disclosed. The LD.sub.50 in mice of the T. wilfordii preparation is greater than about 860 mg/kg, the therapeutic activity:toxic index ratio is greater than about 2.6.times.10.sup.-3, and the amount of triptolide is less than about 1.3 .mu.g/mg. The preparation is useful for immunosuppression, in particular, the suppression of primary antibody response and suppression of autoimmune disease and for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Described is a process for determining excitants, attractants, incitants and stimulants for members of the Penaeus genus of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus vannamei, as well as apparatus for carrying out such process. The apparatus for carrying out the process includes static tank means, flow-through tank means and Y-maze means each equipped with variable-focus camera means taken alone or in combination with one another. The variable-focus camera means platform is also described and is part of our invention. Also described is a method for exciting and/or attracting and/or stimulating and/or inciting members of the Penaeus genus of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus vannamei (referred to collectively as Penaeus spp.

Abstract: A method of producing an off-gas with a selected CO/H.sub.2 ratio of from about 0.1 to about 8 and a CO/CO.sub.2 ratio of at least about 0.1 by hydrothermal processing is provided. The method comprises the step of contacting a reactant capable of producing CO and H.sub.2 under hydrothermal conditions at a temperature of at least about 374.degree. C. and a pressure of at least about 22.1 MPa in the presence of water and with an amount of an additive effective to produce the selected CO/H.sub.2 ratio. The contacting is for a time sufficient to produce off-gas having the selected CO/H.sub.2 ratio and having a CO/CO.sub.2 ratio of at least about 0.1. Presence of the additive may enhance or may reduce the ratio of carbon monoxide to hydrogen in the off-gas. The additive may be an acid, a base, a salt, an oxide, or an oxidant. The off-gas having a selected CO/H.sub.2 ratio may be used for synthesis of organic compounds.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided to replace an excised lung, comprising a hollow balloon-like structure formed generally in the shape of the lung, a filling tube, and a filling port. This prosthesis occupies the chest cavity left vacant after pneumonectomy to inhibit mediastinal shifting and overdistension and displacement of the remaining lung and other organs. This prosthesis also compliantly supports the heart and prevents the heart from contacting and adhering to other structures in the chest cavity. The volume of the prosthesis can be adjusted subsequent to implantation without subsequent surgery through a subcutaneous septal port. A combination of gases is selected to fill the prosthesis to minimize the volume change due to transfer of gas across the balloon membrane. Also provided are a method for preventing mediastinal shift and overdistension and displacement of organs following pneumonectomy using the prosthesis of this invention, and a method of making the prosthesis.

Abstract: Class C fly ash containing cementitious mixtures for producing concretes that are resistant to sulfate-containing environments. Class C fly ash is intergound with portland cement clinker and gypsum to produce a cementitions mixture, which, when combined with water and an aggregate produces a hardened concrete that is resistant to sulfate environments. Alternatively, portland cement clinker and gypsum are first interground and the resultant mixture is admixed with Class C fly ash to produce a cementitious mixture. This cementitious mixture, in combination with water and an aggregate, produces a hardened concrete that has improved resistance to sulfate environments. In other aspects, a concrete that is stable in sulfate environments is produced by admixing portland cement, Class C fly ash and water containing a source of ions selected from the group consisting of sulfate and hydroxyl anions.

Abstract: Water soluble macromers are modified by addition of free radical polymerizable groups, such as those containing a carbon-carbon double or triple bond, which can be polymerized under mild conditions to encapsulate tissues, cells, or biologically active materials. The polymeric materials are particularly useful as tissue adhesives, coatings for tissue lumens including blood vessels, coatings for cells such as islets of Langerhans, coatings, plugs, supports or substrates for contact with biological materials such as the body, and as drug delivery devices for biologically active molecules.

Abstract: A parallel architecture for implementing a digital sequence generator is provided, which contains taps connected to selected fixed memory cells and the taps of the logic circuitry are switched among the cells. The architecture disclosed and claimed herein generates an identical sequence while consuming substantially less power than a linear feedback shift register implementation. The parallel architecture may also be used to implement a parallel shift register in other applications.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for detecting the conversion to mucoidy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa are disclosed. Mucoidy is a critical P. aeruginosa virulence factor in cystic fibrosis that has been associated with biofilm develoment and resistance to phagocytosis. The present invention provides for detecting the switch from nonmucoid to mucoid state as caused by the interaction of the algU gene product, algU, with RNA polymerase. Inactivation of algU results in a loss of expression of genes, such as algD, dependent on algU for transcription. Also disclosed is a novel alginate biosynthesis heterologous expression system for use in screening candidate substances that inhibit conversion to mucoidy by inhibiting the interaction of algU with the RNA polymerase holoenzyme.

Abstract: Electrospray equipment and techniques are provided for receiving a liquid solution containing test molecules of interest and solvent and forming ionized droplets of interest for analysis by a mass spectrometer. The flow path within the electrically charged spray needle 16 may be filled with a packing material 20 for adsorbing selected chemicals in the liquid solution before being discharged from the spray needle into a vaporizing chamber 33. The spray needle preferably comprises a fused silica capillary tubing, and the discharge end 25 of the capillary tubing is spaced closely adjacent an exit orifice 31 of the vaporizer probe 12. Inert gas such as pure nitrogen is input to the probe. The techniques of the present invention are particularly well suited for mass spectrometer analysis of low flow rate test material.

Abstract: A cell lysis factor which is a modified fragment of the human glucocorticoid receptor. The modified fragment designated 398-465*, when transfected into and expressed in a host cell, effects cell lysis and cell death. A pharmaceutical composition having the modified fragment 398-465* or the encoded protein product may be used in treatment of proliferative diseases.

Abstract: Flexible, collapsible, dome or cylinder-shaped bonnet that provides a substantially airtight fit to a fetal head and utilizes frictional and internally-created vacuum forces for assisting childbirth. The bonnet is manually inserted and rolled over the cranium of the fetus, stopping short of the eyes and the ears. Friction and internally created vacuum forces are created when the bonnet is pulled, thus securing the bonnet to the fetus's head and allowing orientation and delivery. The device is comprised of a dome or cylinder-shaped body made of a collapsible elastic material, an optional raised "lip" located on the exterior of the open end, and may have a mechanical extension attached to the closed end. System embodiments allow for the attachment to the exterior of the closed end grommets and/or mechanical extensions that will irreversibly stretch, lengthen, and expose warning alerts in the event that excessive longitudinal force is applied.

Abstract: The present invention involves water soluble hydroxy-substituted texaphyrins retaining lipophilicity, the synthesis of such compounds and their uses. These expanded porphyrin-like macrocycles are efficient chelators of divalent and trivalent metal ions. Various metal (e.g., transition, main group, and lanthanide) complexes of the hydroxy-substituted texaphyrin derivatives of the present invention have unusual water solubility and stability. They absorb light strongly in a physiologically important region (i.e. 690-880 nm). They have enhanced relaxivity and therefore are useful in magnetic resonance imaging. They form long-lived triplet states in high yield and act as photosensitizers for the generation of singlet oxygen. Thus, they are useful for inactivation or destruction of enveloped viruses, mononuclear or other cells infected with such viruses as well as tumor cells.

Abstract: Hydrogels of polymerized and crosslinked macromers comprising hydrophilic oligomers having biodegradable monomeric or oligomeric extensions, which biodegradable extensions are terminated on free ends with end cap monomers or oligomers capable of polymerization and cross linking are described. The hydrophilic core itself may be degradable, thus combining the core and extension functions. Macromers are polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light, visible light excitation or thermal energy. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. Preferred applications for the hydrogels include prevention of adhesion formation after surgical procedures, controlled release of drugs and other bioactive species, temporary protection or separation of tissue surfaces, adhering of sealing tissues together, and preventing the attachment of cells to tissue surfaces.

Abstract: Described herein is a multi-functional polymeric material for use in inhibiting adhesion and immune recognition between cells and cells, cells and tissues, and tissues and tissues. One component of the polymeric material adsorbs well to cells or tissue, and the other component of the polymeric material does not adsorb well to tissues. A water-soluble polymer that does not bear charge (polynonion) is used as the non-binding component, and a water soluble polymer that is positively charged at physiological pH (polycation) is used as the tissue binding component. When the bi-functional polymeric material contacts a tissue, the tissue-binding component binds and thus immobilizes the attached non-binding component, which will then extend generally away from the tissue surface and sterically block the attachment of other tissues.

Abstract: Production of alkanes from an alkyl bound to a heteroatom under controlled hydrothermal conditions at supercritical or near critical water conditions including the use of an additive. The method reduces the extent of oxidation, generates useful and recoverable products, alters product distributions, promotes product yield, and enhances reaction rates. Additives alter product distributions and neutralize or consume mineral acids.