Abstract: IgE-mediated atopic diseases induced by airborne protein allergens afflict approximately 20% of the population who suffer from allergic systems such as conjunctivitis, rhinitis and asthma. Cladosporium herbarum is one of the major sources of inhalant fungal allergens of this type. This invention provides a novel allergen of the organism Cladosporium herbarum, and a method of producing the allergen using recombinant techniques.

Abstract: A sampler for determining the microbiological safety or hygienic quality of surfaces comprising a scrubber-retainer which comprises a compressible liquid absorbing elastic element for scrubbing a test surface and releasably retaining a liquid, and a surrounding chamber to confine a region around the scrubber-retainer against the sample surface. The sampler includes a drive mechanism for moving the scrubber-retainer to scrub the test surface and release analytes from the test surface, and alternately compressing and decompressing the compressible material to allow liquid to be alternately released and absorbed, respectively, to produce a suspension of the released analytes.

Abstract: Murine monoclonal antibodies directed against a novel outer membrane protein (OMP) of Haemophilus influenzae have been isolated and characterized. The gene encoding of the outer membrane protein has also been isolated and characterized. Portions of the DNA sequence of the 15 kD OMP gene are useful as probes to diagnose the presence of Haemophilus influenzae in samples. These DNA's also make available polypeptide sequences of immunoreactive epitopes encoded within the gene, thus permitting the production of polypeptides which are useful as standards or reagents in diagnostic tests and/or as components of vaccines. Monoclonal antibodies directed against epitopes of the 15 kD OMP are also useful for diagnostic tests and as therapeutic agents for passive immunization.

Abstract: An animal body parts phantom comprised of a substrate sheet which is shaped in the form of an animal body part e.g. a thyroid, including a radioactive material substantially uniformly deposited on the substrate, and a tissue simulating material encapsulating and supporting the substrate. A container may be included to provide a mold for the tissue simulating material and to protect the phantom. An additional fat simulating overlay may also be provided to extend the capability of the device.