Abstract: The present invention provides a composition of matter useful as an antimicrobial agent. This composition of matter comprises at least two polypeptides selected from the group consisting of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte, polypeptides having on apparent molecular weights of about 3,500 daltons, about 13,000 daltons, about 18,000 daltons, about 29,000 daltons, and about 54,000 daltons. The composition of matter has respiratory burst-independent, antimicrobial activity for bacteria and fungi at a pH from about 5.0 to about 8.0 and at calcium ion concentrations up to about 10 mM, bactericidal activity at sodium chloride concentrations up to about 0.3M, and fungicidal activity at sodium chloride concentrations up to about 0.15M. Methods for preparing this composition of matter are also provided.Further provided are purified polypeptides useful as antimicrobial agents, and methods for producing these polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting protein aging. Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent or compound capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation end products of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. Suitable agents are amino acids and their derivatives which contain an active nitrogen-containing group. Particular agents comprise lysine and mixtures thereof. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging). Accordingly, composition is disclosed which comprises 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the discovery, isolation and purification of an agent or factor named herein the CR3 modulator or CMF-1 that is synthesized by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in response to agonists which enhance CD18 activity. The CR3 modulator binds to CD18 and activates its adhesion-promoting ability. The CR3 modulator appears to be transiently produced by PMN as an acidic amphiphilic lipid. The CR3 modulator can be assayed by adding dilutions of a CR3 modulator -containing solution to resting PMN and observing the ability of CR3 to mediate binding of erythrocytes coated with C3bi (EC3bi). The isolation of the CR3 modulator, its biological and physical properties and diagnostic and therapeutic uses are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging). Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises substituted 1,2,4-triazoles capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and associated agents for measuring the presence and amount of advanced glycosylation endproducts in cells and fluids. The methods take advantage of the existence of receptors and receptor complexes for AGEs and include receptor-containing ligands comprising whole mesangial and other cells, mesangial cellular fragments and protein extracts therefrom. Competitive assays, sandwich assays and assays involving AGE antisera are disclosed. Numerous diagnostic applications are defined and test kits are also contemplated.

Abstract: Substantially pure nucleic acid sequences coding for human fibrillarin have been identified and isolated. The isolated material is used to generate the protein in vitro, which is then used to identify autoimmune antibodies in patients suffering from scleroderma.

Abstract: A method for DNA sequencing, and particularly for sequencing of the entire human genome. Different base-specific reactions are utilized to use different sets of DNA fragments from a piece of DNA of unknown sequence. Each of the different sets of DNA fragments has a common origin and terminates at a particular base along the unknown sequence. The molecular weight of the DNA fragments in each of the different sets is detected by a matrix assisted laser absorption mass spectrometer to determine the sequence of the different bases in the DNA. The methods and apparatus of the present invention provide a relatively simple and low cost technique which may be automated to sequence thousands of gene bases per hour, and eliminates the tedious and time consuming gel electrophoresis separation technique conventionally used to determine the masses of DNA fragments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for inducing cellular mutation by promoting the reaction of nonenzymatic glycosylation of genetic material, such as DNA and RNA, by incubation of the genetic material with certain protein structure modifying agents. Suitable such agents are reducing sugars, such as glucose, glucose-6-phosphate and a reactive intermediate comprising a complex between glucose 6-phosphate and lysine. The methods include the in vitro reaction of the agent with genetic material, such as a particular gene-bearing plasmid, under conditions promoting mutation followed by the introduction of the plasmid bearing the reacted gene into a host cell, and allowing the reacted gene to be mutated and expressed, after which the mutant protein of interest may be isolated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and corresponding agents for lowering plasma Lp(a) levels by the administration of agents that reduce Lp(a) and selectively separate therefrom the apo(a) component and/or prevent Lp(a) formation. Suitable agents include sulfhydryl reducers, such as N-acetylcysteine. The present method and agents may be administered alone or in conjunction with other therapy for the lowering of LDL cholesterol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging) which contain 2-alkylidene aminoguanidines and derivatives thereof. Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging). Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging) which contain novel amidrazones and derivatives thereof. Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging) which contain novel 2-substituted-2-imidazolines. Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: The identification and cloning of the gene(s) for plant asparagine synthetase (AS), an important enzyme involved in the formation of asparagine, a major nitrogen transport compound of higher plants is described. Expression vectors constructed with the AS coding sequence may be utilized to produce plant AS; to engineer herbicide resistant plants, salt/drought tolerant plants or pathogen resistant plants; as a dominant selectable marker; or to select for novel herbicides or compounds useful as agents that synchronize plant cells in culture.The promoter for plant AS, which directs high levels of gene expression and is induced in an organ specific manner and by darkness, is also described. The AS promoter may be used to direct the expression of heterologous coding sequences in appropriate hosts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging). Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: A mass analyzer for the analysis of mass spectra of ions derived from organic molecules includes an electrospray ion source having means to transport the molecules of interest in a solvent of pure water free of organic solvents. The electrospray ion source sprays the water solution, under an imposed voltage, through a metal syringe needle having a sharp etched point and into a conductive capillary tube having a sharpened entrance orifice.

Abstract: A system and method for the operant conditioning of subjects using biofeedback includes means to measure a variable condition, such as posture, which is controllable by the subject. The apparatus sets criteria which, if not met, may result in a negative reinforcement, such as unpleasant audio tone or, if the criteria is met, will reward the subject. The criteria is automatically adjusted, upwards or downwards, in accordance with the subject's history of reaching, or not reaching, the criteria.The device includes a programmed microcomputer whose inputs include digital converters and which simultaneously adjusts the criteria and which controls the stimuli means, such as a tone generator and its speaker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging) which contain 2-alkylidene aminoguanidines and derivatives thereof. Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: Agents which modulate or affect the intracellular trafficking and processing of proteins in the mammalian cell can be utilized to affect the trafficking and processing of APP, thereby inhibiting production of Alzheimer type amyloidosis. Particularly useful agents are chloroquine and its related derivatives such as primaquine.