Abstract: A method of performing high throughput magnetic sensing of one or more samples. The method comprises selecting a first sample having a first bulk magnetic susceptibility, selecting an assay plate having a second bulk magnetic susceptibility matched to the first bulk magnetic susceptibility, the assay plate including multiple wells, introducing the first sample into a plurality of the wells, and performing magnetic sensing on the plurality of wells containing the first sample. Assay plates, caps, kits, and other devices and methods relating to high throughput magnetic sensing are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are point mutations in the LMNA gene that cause HGPS. These mutations activate a cryptic splice site within the LMNA gene, which leads to deletion of part of exon 11 and generation of a mutant Lamin A protein product that is 50 amino acids shorter than the normal protein. In addition to the novel Lamin A variant protein and nucleic acids encoding this variant, methods of using these molecules in detecting biological conditions associated with a LMNA mutation in a subject (e.g., HGPS, arteriosclerosis, and other age-related diseases), methods of treating such conditions, methods of selecting treatments, methods of screening for compounds that influence Lamin A activity, and methods of influencing the expression of LMNA or LMNA variants are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides, for example, in vitro and in vivo methods for screening modulators of NOS-2 activity using p53 mutant cells, methods of predicting the benefit of administering NOS-2 inhibitors to a cancer patient, and methods of treating cancer by administering NOS-2 inhibitors to patients with p53 mutant cancers.

Abstract: The susceptibility of human macrophages to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection depends on cell surface expression of the human CD4 molecule and CC cytokine receptor 5. CCR5 is a member of the 7-transmembrane segment superfamily of G-protein-coupled cell surface molecules. CCR5 plays an essential role in the membrane fusion step of infection by some HIV isolates. The establishment of stable, nonhuman cell lines and transgenic mammals having cells that coexpress human CD4 and CCR5 provides valuable tools for the continuing research of HIV infection. In addition, antibodies which bind to CCR5, CCR5 variants, and CCR5-binding agents, capable of blocking membrane fusion between HIV and target cells represent potential anti-HIV therapeutics for macrophage-tropic strains of HIV.

Abstract: Biomarkers capable of identifying subjects at risk for preterm complications, such as preterm parturition are disclosed, as well as methods and kits for detecting such biomarkers to identify at risk subjects. A single biomarker or combination of biomarkers comprising a defensin, BPI, calprotectin, or a calgranulin are used to qualify the risk of preterm complications in a subject. In particular, the concentrations of the biomarkers correlate with the magnitude of preterm complications and can diagnose or prognose specific preterm complications, such as preterm parturition, preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), intra-amniotic inflammation, and/or microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing and/or treating autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, in a subject using ADNF polypeptides, by treating the subject with an Activity Dependent Neurotrophic Factor (ADNF) polypeptide.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for establishing a quantitative relationship between spectral properties of molecules and a biological, chemical, or physical endpoint of the molecules. Spectral data including data from nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometric, infrared, and ultraviolet-visible techniques are used along with endpoint data to train a pattern-recognition program. The training yields a spectral data-activity relationship that may be used to predict the endpoint value of a molecule from its spectral data alone. Methods for rapidly screening isolated compounds or mixtures of compounds based upon their spectral data are included.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel ATP-binding cassette gene (ABC7), polypeptide and methods of detecting mutations therein. Further, the disclosure provides methods of detecting ABC7 associated disease and treatments thereof. In particular, the disclosure provides methods of detecting X-linked Sideroblastic Anemia and Ataxia associated with a mutation in the ABC7 polypeptide.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for repairing damaged myocardium and/or myocardial cells including the administration of stem cells, such as adult stem cells, optionally with cytokines are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: It has been surprisingly found that ZAP-70 expression, both at the protein and mRNA levels, is indicative of clinical subgroups of CLL/SLL patients. In particular, high ZAP-70 expression is indicative of Ig-unmutated CLL/SLL. Methods are provided for discriminating between clinical subgroups of CLL/SLL, by determining whether subjects overexpress ZAP-70 mRNA mRNA or protein.

Abstract: A method for activating a mammalian immune system entails a series of IL-2 administrations that are effected intermittently over an extended period. Each administration of IL-2 is sufficient to allow spontaneous DNA synthesis in peripheral blood or lymph node cells of the patient to increase and peak, and each subsequent administration follows the preceding administration in the series by a period of time that is sufficient to allow IL-2 receptor expression in peripheral or lymph node blood of the patient to increase, peak and then decrease to 50% of peak value. This intermittent IL-2 therapy can be combined with another therapy which targets a specific disease state, such as an anti-retroviral therapy comprising, for example, the administration of AZT, ddI or interferon alpha. In addition, IL-2 administration can be employed to facilitate in situ transduction of T cells in the context of gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention comprises spumavirus isolated from humans. More specifically, the spumavirus of the present invention was isolated from humans who had exposure to nonhuman primates. Importantly, the spumavirus of the present invention or antibodies to the spumavirus can be used to detect the presence of spumavirus or antibodies in body fluids, for pathogenicity studies of related viruses, and as a vector for gene therapies. The spumavirus of the invention can also be used for treatment of conditions in humans due to the presence of rapidly dividing cells and for recombinant live virus vaccination.

Abstract: A gene for type C Niemann-Pick disease (NP-C) is disclosed, along with the amino acid sequence of the encoded peptide. Applications which are made possible by the present invention include detection of NP-C carriers and diagnosis of NP-C sufferers. The murine ortholog of the human gene is also disclosed.