Abstract: For use transporting biologically active species into and through membrane barriers, a symmetrical cationic diamine compound having the general structure ##STR1##

Abstract: A method for distinguishing replicatively senescent T cells from replicatively non-senescent T cells in a cell population comprises the steps of: (1) providing a cell population of peripheral blood mononuclear cells; (2) reacting the cell population with a first monoclonal antibody specific for CD3 antigens which is present on all T cells, the antibody being labeled with a first detectable label, so that the monoclonal antibody binds to all T cells in the cell population; (3) simultaneously reacting the cell population with a second monoclonal antibody specific for CD28 antigen, the antibody being labeled with a second detectable label distinguishable from the first detectable label, so that the second monoclonal antibody binds to T cells positive for CD28; and (4) in the cell population of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, detecting the T cells that simultaneously react with the first monoclonal antibody and the second monoclonal antibody by observing the first detectable label bound to the cells simultane

Abstract: Method and compositions are provided for the determination of telomere length and telomerase activity, as well as the ability to increase or decrease telomerase activity in the treatment of proliferative diseases. Particularly, primers are elongated under conditions which minimize interference from other genomic sequences, so as to obtain accurate determinations of telomeric length or telomerase activity. In addition, compositions are provided for intracellular inhibition of telomerase activity and means are shown for slowing or reversing the loss of telomeric repeats in aging cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating osteoarthritis. The method comprises administering a therapeutic amount of debromohymenialdisine to an individual or animal with osteoarthritis. Debromohymenialdisine is able to slow the joint deterioration and cartilage degradation associated with the disease.

Abstract: A primer directed DNA amplification method to isolate efficiently chromosome-specific repeated DNA wherein degenerate oligonucleotide primers are used is disclosed. The probes produced are a heterogeneous mixture that can be used with blocking DNA as a chromosome-specific staining reagent, and/or the elements of the mixture can be screened for high specificity, size and/or high degree of repetition among other parameters. The degenerate primers are sets of primers that vary in sequence but are substantially complementary to highly repeated nucleic acid sequences, preferably clustered within the template DNA, for example, pericentromeric alpha satellite repeat sequences. The template DNA is preferably chromosome-specific. Exemplary primers ard probes are disclosed. The probes of this invention can be used to determine the number of chromosomes of a specific type in metaphase spreads, in germ line and/or somatic cell interphase nuclei, micronuclei and/or in tissue sections.

Abstract: A self-doped conducting polymer having along its backbone a .pi.-electron conjugated system which comprises a plurality of monomer units, between about 0.01 and 100 mole % of the units having covalently linked thereto at least one Bronsted acid group. The conductive zwitterionic polymer is also provided, as are monomers useful in the preparation of the polymer and electrodes comprising the polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and means for quantitative determination of the isoaspartyl content of polypeptides via selective methylation of their fragments, catalyzed by a protein L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase enzyme. Since deamidation of asparagine side chains at specific sites of proteins and the resultant isoaspartate formation are emerging as a major contributor to protein degradation under mild conditions, the invention also concerns a method for quantitation of protein degradation associated with isoaspartate formation.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a disease with cerebrovascular deposition of amyloid, including Alzheimer's disease, hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis-Dutch type and other amyloidoses, in a mammal is disclosed in which a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is obtained, the level of immunoreactivity toward a monoclonal antibody raised against native PN-2/.beta.APP or other amyloid precursor protein in the sample is measured, and this measured level is compared to the level of immunoreactivity toward this antibody in a sample fromNOTICE OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORTThis invention was made with Government support under Grant No. GM-31609 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The Government has certain rights in this invention. American Cancer Society Grants CD 390 and BC 602/BE 22A provided further support for the development of this invention.

Abstract: A method to obtain selected individual peptides or families thereof which have a target property and optionally to determine the amino acid sequence of a selected peptide or peptides to permit synthesis in practical quantities is disclosed. In general outline, the method of the invention comprises synthesizing a mixture of randomly or deliberately generated peptides using standard synthesis techniques, but adjusting the individual concentrations of the components of a mixture of sequentially added amino acids according to the coupling constants for each amino acid/amino acid coupling. The subgroup of peptides having the target property can then be selected, and either each peptide isolated and sequenced, or analysis performed on the mixture to permit its composition to be reproduced. Also included in the invention is an efficient method to determine the relevant coupling constants.

Abstract: This invention relates to sol-gel methods for forming non-shrinking, high-glass composite materials and the products. Also taught is an inorganic-organic composite material having a solid interwoven network of an inorganic polymer matrix with interpenetrating polymerized alcohols. The inorganic matrix can be based on either Si or Ti atoms.

Abstract: An ultrasonic structure which has a thin planar sheet of material forming a Lamb wave propagation medium The propagation medium is coated with a gel. The structure may also include a Lamb wave generator for generating Lamb waves in the propagation medium and an output device for producing an electrical signal representative of the propagation characteristics of the Lamb waves propagating along the propagation medium. A measuring device can be included to measure selected characteristics of the output electrical signal. The propagation medium has some physical characteristics that are determined by the value of a measurand acting on the medium and the determined physical characteristics determine the propagation characteristics of the Lamb waves which are propagated along the medium. When the sensor is acted on by a measurand to determine the physical characteristics of the propagation medium, the characteristics of the electrical signal are also determined.

Abstract: Human Neuropeptide Y(NPY) has the formula: H-Tyr-Pro-Ser-Lys-Pro-Asp-Asn-Pro-Gly-Glu-Asp-Ala- Pro-Ala-Glu-Asp-Met-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Ser-Ala-Leu-Arg-His-Tyr- Ile-Asn-Leu-Ile-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-NH.sub.2. Porcine and rat NPY have the same sequence except for Leu instead of Met in the 17-position. Porcine PYY is homologous having 11 different residues. NPY analogs wherein the N-terminus is shortened and which may contain one or more specific subsitutions for the naturally occurring residues, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid or solid carrier, can be administered to mammals, including humans, to substantially lower blood pressure over an extended period of time or to counteract hypertension.

Abstract: Extremely non-homogenous high but extremely intense high fringe magnetic fields are purposefully (and even advantageously) utilized for magnetic resonance imaging (including localization and spectroscopy) so as to better obtain advantages typically associated with ultra high field MRI. Static magnetic field gradients inherently included in such fringe fields are actively utilized in conjunction with suitable NMR RF nutation pulses so as to achieve volume-selective NMR data acquisition. Special arrangements of static electromagnets, magnetic gradient coils and/or RF coils may be used in conjunction with novel RF/gradient pulse sequences so as to elicit and acquire suitable MRI data.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to a human esterases and in particular to the human esterase D enzyme and identification of its amino acid sequence, to a human esterase D cDNA and identification of its nucleotide sequence, to localization of the human esterase D gene and identification of its sequence, to specific human esterase D antibodies and to a method of purifying esterase D. The present invention also relates to using the cloned human esterase D cDNA as a genetic marker and a diagnostic tool for retinoblastoma, Wilson's disease and other hereditary or acquired diseases controlled by genes located at the 13 chromosome 13q14 region. The invention further relates to an esterase D cDNA probe for cloning the retinoblastoma gene and to the use of the cloned human esterase cDNA as a prognostic tool for determination of genetic predisposition to retinoblastoma or Wilson's disease and for population screening.

Abstract: NMR imaging apparatus and method is arranged so as elicit NMR image response data in a predetermined order which provides the more significant lower spatial frequency image data during an initial portion of a relatively long complete image data acquisition cycle. The remaining higher spatial frequency image data is captured during subsequent portions of the overall image data acquisition cycle. In this manner, apparent motion artifact in the resulting image is reduced. Furthermore, such a special data acquisition sequence permits image reconstruction processes to produce a recognizable image at an earlier time in the complete data gathering cycle thus permitting a more timely image display for the apparatus operator to use in monitoring and/or controlling the NMR imaging procedure.

Abstract: A method for the synthesis of lepiochlorin, an antibiotic.

Abstract: A novel class of chemical compounds useful as pesticides consists of N-alkoxy- and N-aryloxysulfinylcarbamate esters. The preparation of these compounds and their formulation to control insects are exemplified.

Abstract: Water-soluble copolypeptides having high physiological activity for prolonged periods of time comprise water-soluble, linear copolypeptides having attached to their polymeric backbone at least one substituent having the structure: ##STR1## wherein Z is an aromatic group derived from a physiologically active compound and x is an integer and equal to 0 or 1.

Abstract: Hydraulic cements having higher (about 5%) iron-oxide content and lower (43-57%) than the usual calcium-oxide content of Portland cements are disclosed. These high iron-oxide cements have normal setting times, but high early strengths that develop without resorting to fine grinding or steam curing. The cements can be produced with considerably less expenditure of energy than required for conventional Portland cements due to lower burning temperatures and reduction in the amount of calcium-oxide which requires the greatest energy input for preparation of the cements.

Abstract: A new and distinct rootstock variety of avocado tree characterized by its high field resistance to Phytophthora root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. This variety has the highest level of resistance of any rootstock currently identified. It is characterized by relative ease of propagation using the etiolation method and graft compatibility with commercial scion varieties, including `Hass`, `Gwen` `Pinkerton`, `Fuerte`, `Bacon` and `Zutano`.