Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant mycobacteria, particularly recombinant M. bovis BCG, which express heterologous DNA encoding a product (protein or polypeptide) of interest, such a protein or polypeptide (e.g., an antigen) against which an immune response is desired, or a cytokine.

Abstract: The sequence, molecular structure and expression of a cDNA clone, denoted D4, of human and murine origin, preferentially expressed in hematopoietic cells is described herein. The human cDNA clone has been expressed in bacteria and the predicted 24 Kd protein purified. The protein has been used in studies of its biochemical function. As predicted on the basis of sequence, D4 can function as a GDP-dissociation inhibitor of at least several small GTP-binding proteins (CDC42 and rac). The D4 protein was used to generate a polyclonal antibody specific for the protein. The human cDNA was used to obtain several full length murine genomic clones. A clone has been analyzed and sequenced to use for the construction of a gene-targeting vector to produce animals deficient in D4 through disruption of the gene by homologous recombination. These animals can then be used as models for fundamental and applied research on the GTP-binding proteins.

Abstract: Cyclic analogs of PTH and PTHrP wherein a disulfide or amide bond links the side chains of residues A.sub.13 and A.sub.17, A.sub.26 and A.sub.30, or A.sub.13 and A.sub.17 and A.sub.26 and A.sub.30.

Abstract: Systems and methods for material analysis are disclosed in which an organic sample (e.g., a foodstuff, tissue sample or petroleum product) is illuminated at a plurality of discrete wavelengths which are absorbed by fatty acid and fatty acid oxidation products in the sample. Measurements of the intensity of reflected or absorbed light at such wavelengths are taken, and a analysis of absorbance ratios for various wavelengths is performed. Changes in the reflection ratios are correlated with the oxidative state of fatty acids present in the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-invasive methods for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in a living human subject. One method employs a non-invasive automated apparatus which can continuously monitor pupil diameter size over time; repetitively measure pupil diameter size over time for a pre-chosen duration ranging from about less than 1 second to about 5 minutes; and cumulatively record size information as it is obtained over time. A second method employs an apparatus which can repetitively measure pupil constriction velocity for a pre-chosen duration both before and after stimulation by visible light. Both methods require the administration of at least one neural transmitter mediator to a targeted eye of the living subject in an amount insufficient to cause marked changes in pupil diameter size over time in a person who is not afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A paramagnetic gas such as oxygen is administered twice at different concentrations to a living patient, as by causing the patient to breathe air and causing the patient to breathe pure oxygen. Two T1-weighted MR images are then acquired of a region in which the gas is present; advantageously, the region includes the patient's lungs. Because the paramagnetic gas shortens the T1 relaxation time of e.g. the patient's lung tissue, a comparison of the T1-weighted MR images shows where the gas has reached the patient's lung tissue and where the gas has been prevented from reaching the patient's lung tissue. This permits the radiologist to carry out e.g. a ventilation study without administering a radioactive material to the patient.

Abstract: A method of chronic modification of cell barrier properties by exposing a cell to a modification-effective amount of IGF-I for at least about 7 days wherein the modification effective amount is between about 50 .mu.g/kg and less than about 500 .mu.g/kg is disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of chronic amelioration or reversal of insulin resistance as well as a method of diagnosing and screening for rhIGF-I sensitive cell barrier properties.

Abstract: Methods of treating a non-malignant, disease state-producing immune response in a mammal are provided. The methods involve administering to the mammal an IL-2 receptor-specific substance during a proliferative burst of IL-2 receptor-bearing lymphocytes associated with the immune response, whereby the lymphocytes undergoing the proliferative burst are selectively killed.

Abstract: New compounds that bind specifically to vascular permeability factor (VPF) are used in methods of targeting these compounds, which include effector molecules that are, e.g., toxic, radioactive, or serve as marker labels, for tumor cells and the associated blood vessel endothelial cells, based on the discovery that VPF concentrates selectively in the endothelium and basement membrane lining tumor-associated blood vessels to a far greater degree than in normal vessels. By targeting VPF rather than the tumor cells themselves, the invention avoids the problems of tumor heterogeneity and diffusion distance.

Abstract: The present invention is an in-vivo methodology for repairing a ruptured or fragmented segment of a pre-existing therapeutic appliance which has been previously surgically positioned or implanted within the body of a living human. The repair methodology provides for specific apparatus and techniques using a guiding catheter and deformable, thermoelastic shape-memory alloy rods in order to access and repair the flawed or failing therapeutic appliance in place. The repair methodology thus eliminates the need for surgical excision procedures and avoids the requirement for replacement substitute units in order to alleviate and solve the problem of having a flawed therapeutic appliance in-vivo.

Abstract: A method for accurately and quickly positioning a double lumen gastroduodenal tube into predetermined locations utilizing an endoscopically placed guide wire to retrieve duodenal fluid uncontaminated by gastric fluid, with little or no discomfort to the patient, and minimal radiation exposure. Specifically, an endoscope is passed through a patent's esophagus and stomach into the duodenum such that its distal end is located at a predetermined location, such as the fourth portion of the duodenum. While the endoscope is held in place, a guide-wire is passed through its center instrument channel to position a distal end of the guide-wire adjacent to the distal end of the endoscope. The endoscope is then withdrawn from the patient, leaving the guide-wire.

Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modifying the mesothelial cells of a mammalian recipient in situ are provided. The methods include forming a mesothelial cell expression system in vivo or ex vivo and administering the expression system to the mammalian recipient (by way of the body cavities normally lined by mesothelial cells). The mesothelial cell expression system is useful for the localized and systemic delivery of therapeutic agents in situ.

Abstract: A method for preparing a ds DNA from a ss DNA template, which method includes:(a) providing a first DNA strand;(b) adding a homopolymeric oligonucleotide tail to the 3' end of the first DNA strand, to yield a tailed first DNA strand;(c) providing a ss homopolymeric oligonucleotide primer complementary to a portion of the tail;(d) contacting the primer with the tailed first DNA strand;(e) synthesizing, in the presence of the primer and the tailed first DNA strand, a second DNA strand complementary to the first DNA strand; and(f) removing the tail and the primer from the first and second DNA strands, respectively; provided that one or both of the tail and the primer contain(s) RNA.

Abstract: A method of chronic modification of cell barrier properties by exposing a cell to a modification-effective amount of IGF-I for at least about 7 days wherein the modification effective amount is between about 50 .mu.g/kg and less than about 500 .mu.g/kg is disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of chronic amelioration or reversal of insulin resistance as well as a method of diagnosing and screening for rhIGF-I sensitive cell barrier properties.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved method for enhancing the activity of thrombolytic agents, including t-PA, scu-PA, tcu-PA, streptokinase, acylated plasminogen-streptokinase activator complex (APSAC), mixtures of these, and other activators of plasminogen. The enhancement method comprises supplementation of plasma plasminogen levels with deglycosylated forms of glu- and lys-plasminogen. Deglycosylated plasminogen refers herein to glu- or lys-plasminogen 2 having a single oligosaccharide chain at Thr.sub.345, plasminogens having a single oligosaccharide chain at Asn.sub.288, and unglycosylated forms of plasminogen. The work described herein shows that a less glycosylated form of plasminogen (glu-plasminogen 2) has a higher affinity for fibrin clots than a more glycosylated plasminogen (glu-plasminogen 1).

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) a DNA sequence encoding a mutant L3T4 protein which, when expressed on the surface of a cell, is capable of facilitating infection of the cell by human immunodeficiency virus; the mutant protein includes at least one amino acid residue substitution or deletion in a segment corresponding to the gp120 binding epitope of a native L3T4 protein so as to increase homology between that segment and its counterpart in a CD4 protein; (2) a murine cell line or strain transfected with such a DNA sequence; and (3) a transgenic rodent susceptible to infection by human immunodeficiency virus.

Abstract: A method of treating a mammal suffering from an autoimmune disease state is provided. The method comprises administering to the mammal a cytotoxin-conjugated IL-2 receptor-specific substance during a proliferative burst of IL-2 receptor-bearing lymphocytes associated with the disease state, whereby the lymphocytes undergoing the proliferative burst are selectively killed.

Abstract: A garment, in one embodiment of the invention, reduces the risk of bone fracture of a human or animal subject due to impact forces on a vulnerable region having a bone part near the skin surface when the vulnerable region is proximate to a soft tissue region lacking a bone part near the skin surface. The garment has an arrangement for shunting a substantial portion of the impact energy from the vulnerable region to the soft tissue region, where such energy may be safely absorbed and/or dissipated. In a further embodiment, there is utilized a dilatent material that is relatively stiff near the time of impact and relatively fluid at other times. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A fetal data processing system and method and a fetal monitor and method for monitoring the condition of a fetus are disclosed. A fetal heart rate time series is received and sampled. A non-linear time-frequency transformation is performed to generate a time-frequency representation of the fetal heart rate time series for heart rate time series data spanning a time period which is preferably less than ten seconds. Analysis of fetal heart rate and fetal heart rate variability and other available data is performed to evaluate fetal well-being. Because of the high time resolution of the transformation, short-term transient variations in heart rate and heart rate variability are considered in the analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant mycobacteria, particularly recombinant M. bovis BCG, which express heterologous DNA encoding a product (protein or polypeptide) of interest, such a protein or polypeptide (e.g., an antigen) against which an immune response is desired or a cytokine.