Abstract: The present invention relates to the construction of a recombinant plasmid which is capable of expressing a secretory truncated glycoprotein (Tgp) of Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in mammalian cells. The secretory Tgp of the present invention contains at least one epitope capable of inducing antibody response. The present invention contemplates the production and utilization of this secretory Tgp in a vaccine against chickenpox and/or shingles. The present invention is also directed towards the use of the secretory Tgp in diagnostic assays for detection of VZV. The present invention is also directed to first antibodies specific to secretory Tgp and to second antibodies specific to the first antibodies. These second antibodies are also useful in diagnostic assays for VZV.

Abstract: A thermal detector includes a transducer layer of semiconducting yttrium barium copper oxide which is sensitive at room temperature to radiation and provides detection of infrared radiation. In a gate-insulated transistor embodiment, a layer of ferroelectric semiconducting yttrium barium copper oxide forms a gate insulator layer and increases capacitance of the transistor or latches the transistor according to the polarization direction of the ferroelectric layer. The transducer layer may be formed as an amorphous semiconductor and deposited at room temperature by simple sputtering. The sensitive element can be incorporated into a thermal isolation structure as part of an integrated circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique eukaryotic gene, called LAG1, which controls the longevity of eukaryotic cells. According to the present invention, overexpression of LAG1 in older cells has a rejuvenating effect which not only increases cellular life span but also reproductive capacity and cellular tolerance to stress factors such as starvation and low pH. Moreover, the present invention identifies two domains in LAG1 one having a life span limiting function and the other a life span extending function. Hence, according to the present invention, the longevity and tolerance to stress of cells is increased when provided with the wild type polypeptide or mutant LAG1 polypeptides which, for example, lack the "life span limiting domain.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an exciplex formed from a .eta.-conjugated polymer and an electron donor or acceptor component. The present invention also relates to assemblies comprising said exciplex, their use in optoelectrical devices and method of enhancing optoelectrical properties of .eta.-conjugated polymers by forming said exciplex.

Abstract: Purified DNA encoding lyphocyte chemoattractant factor (LCF) and the recombinant proteins expressed from such DNA are disclosed. In addition, the invention provides methods for suppressing an LCF-CD4 interaction and screening candidate LCF agonists or antagonists. The invention also provides compositions and methods useful for stimulating proliferation of CD4+ T-cells in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides stem-loop oligonucleotides containing a double-stranded stem domain of at least about 2 base pairs and a single-stranded loop domain. The loop domains of the present oligonucleotides include at least one parallel binding (P) domain separated by at least about 3 nucleotides from a corresponding anti-parallel binding (AP) domain. Each P and corresponding AP domain of the present oligonucleotides can bind detectably to one strand of a defined nucleic acid target wherein the P domain binds in a parallel manner to the target and the corresponding AP domain binds in an anti-parallel manner to the target. The present stem-loop oligonucleotides can bind to both single-stranded and double-stranded target nucleic acids. The present invention also provides methods of using these oligonucleotides as well as kits and pharmaceutical compositions containing these oligonucleotides.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially pure antibody which specifically binds a LCF polypeptide and methods of using such antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-soluble, lipophilic contrast-enhancing agents, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods for diagnostic analysis, particularly NMR or MRI analysis using these contrast-enhancing agents. The water-soluble, lipophilic contrast-enhancing agents are chelates of a paramagnetic, ferromagnetic or diamagnetic metal ion(s) complexed with completing acids which contain at least one short-chain fatty acyl moiety having from about 0 to about 6 carbon atoms in its structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to lactobacillus compositions and methods of employing said compositions for treating or preventing urinary tract infections. More particularly, this invention relates to the ability of certain strains of lactobacilli to adhere to uroepithelial or vaginal epithelial cells and to exhibit inhibitory activity against the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: Steroids of the formula: ##STR1## useful as cancer preventive agents, anti-obesity agents, anti-hyperglycemic agents, anti-aging agents, and anti-hypercholesterolemic agents and anti-auto-immune agents.

Abstract: A method is taught by which a sample can be analyzed for the selective determination of the total concentration of bilirubin (B.sub.t), the concentration of conjugated bilirubin (B.sub.c), the concentration of unconjugated bilirubin (B.sub.u), the concentration of unbound bilirubin (b), the concentration of unbound, unconjugated bilirubin (b.sub.u) using a unique combination of enzymatic and colorimetric methods in a single assay, so that the potentially neurotoxic, non-albumin bound, unconjugated fraction of total bilirubin in the sample (i.e., b.sub.u) can be measured in a simple, quick and accurate manner. A kit utilizing the same assay is also described. Both kit and methods will be of use to the clinician and general researcher. The B.sub.t, B.sup.c, B.sub.u, b and b.sub.u are determined using spectra, absorption or emission characteristics in combination with kinetic measurements of rates of reaction of chemical processes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards the diagnosis of malignant cancer by detection of the mts-1 mRNA or the mts-1 protein, encoded by the mts-1 gene. The present invention contemplates the use of recombinant mts-1 DNA and antibodies directed against the mts-1 protein to diagnose the metastatic potential of several types of tumor cells, including, for example, thyroid, epithelial, lung, liver and kidney tumor cells. The present invention is also directed to mammalian cell lines and tumors with high and low metastatic potential which have been developed to serve as useful model systems for in vitro and in vivo anti-metastasis drug screening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards the diagnosis of malignant cancer by detection of the mts-1 mRNA or the mts-1 protein, encoded by the mts-1 gene. The present invention contemplates the use of recombinant mts-1 DNA and antibodies directed against the mts-1 protein to diagnose the metastatic potential of several types of tumor cells, including, for example, thyroid, epithelial, lung, liver and kidney tumor cells. The present invention is also directed to mammalian cell lines and tumors with high and low metastatic potential which have been developed to serve as useful model systems for in vitro and in vivo anti-metastasis drug screening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gene encoding an envelope glycoprotein of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), the glycoprotein D (gD) gene, its gene product and antibodies directed against gD polypeptides. The envelope glycoproteins of herpesvirus are major targets of the inmune response to herpesviral infection. Hence, an important aspect of this invention is directed towards a vaccine against EHV-1 and treatment of EHV-1 infection by anti-EHV-gD antibodies or antisera.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compound in the R configuration about the asymmetric carbon in the following formula: ##STR1## pharmaceutical compositions containing same and the use thereof in treating CNS disorders in animals.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound which is an .alpha. or .beta. anomer, a D(+) or L(-) enantiomer of the following structural formula: ##STR1## wherein, R.sub.1 is a halogen, OR.sub.6, SR.sub.6, SeR.sub.6 or CH.sub.2 R.sub.6 and R.sub.6 is alkyl, alkene, arylalkyl, or aryl; ##STR2## X is CH.sub.2, O or S; R.sub.3 is H, OH, or a halogen;R.sub.4 is H, OH, or a halogen; andR.sub.5 is CH.sub.3, CF.sub.3, CH.sub.2 OH, or CH.sub.2 OY and Y is a carbon ester or phosphorus; anda pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for increasing secretion of an overexpressed gene product present in a host cell, by inducing expression of chaperone proteins within the host cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially pure antibody which specifically binds a LCF polypeptide and methods of using such antibodies.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating aqueous streams contaminated with electron affinic contaminants. Accordingly, these contaminants are removed by producing a reactive intermediate that is generated in-situ and then reacting the reactive intermediate thus produced with the electron affinic contaminant. The reactive intermediate is produced in the aqueous stream by maintaining low levels of oxygen in the stream and by providing a reducing radical precursor, such as an alcohol, to the aqueous stream.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of treating a disease that results from a deficiency of a biological factor which comprises administering to a mammal Sertoli cells and cells that produce the biological factor. In particular, the present invention describes a method of treating diabetes mellitus by transplanting pancreatic islet of Langerhans cells in conjunction with Sertoli cells to create an immunologically privileged site. A method of creating an immunologically privileged site in a mammal for cellular transplants is further described by the present invention. A pharmaceutical composition comprising Sertoli cells and cells that produce a biological factor is also provided.