Abstract: A method is provided for sizing DNA fragments using high speed detection systems, such as flow cytometry to determine unique characteristics of DNA pieces from a sample. In one characterization the DNA piece is fragmented at preselected sites to produce a plurality of DNA fragments. The DNA piece or the resulting DNA fragments are treated with a dye effective to stain stoichiometrically the DNA piece or the DNA fragments. The fluorescence from the dye in the stained fragments is then examined to generate an output functionally related to the number of nucleotides in each one of the DNA fragments. In one embodiment, the intensity of the fluorescence emissions from each fragment is linearly related to the fragment length. The distribution of DNA fragment sizes forms a characterization of the DNA piece for use in forensic and research applications.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for chromosome-specific staining are provided. Compositions comprise heterogenous mixtures of labeled nucleic acid fragments having substantially complementary base sequences to unique sequence regions of the chromosomal DNA for which their associated staining reagent is specific. Methods include methods for making the chromosome-specific staining compositions of the invention, and methods for applying the staining compositions to chromosomes.

Abstract: A quick-change filter cartridge. In sampling systems for measurement of airborne materials, a filter element is introduced into the sampled airstream such that the aerosol constituents are removed and deposited on the filter. Fragile sampling media often require support in order to prevent rupture during sampling, and careful mounting and sealing to prevent misalignment, tearing, or creasing which would allow the sampled air to bypass the filter. Additionally, handling of filter elements may introduce cross-contamination or exposure of operators to toxic materials. Moreover, it is desirable to enable the preloading of filter media into quick-change cartridges in clean laboratory environments, thereby simplifying and expediting the filter-changing process in the field. The quick-change filter cartridge of the present invention permits the application of a variety of filter media in many types of instruments and may also be used in automated systems.

Abstract: A Bayesian blind equalizer which approximates the optimum symbol-by-symbol detector for an unknown intersymbol interference pattern in a communication channel is provided in a plurality of parallel processors. Each processor operates in parallel from a common data bus with each of the other processors. Each of the processors in turn generates an estimated signal and updated metric for the communication channel for a corresponding one of each of the possible data subsequences which could cause intersymbol interference. The estimated signals or innovations are then combined with the updated metrics in a supervisory processor to generate unconditional channel coefficients for the next received data sample. Using the estimated channel coefficients and received data samples, the transmitted data sample is reliably decoded notwithstanding intersymbol interference without the use of data preambles or training data and notwithstanding that the channel coefficients may be rapidly varying.

Abstract: A novel use for the class of biologically active bis-indole alkaloid compounds, which have been named topsentins, nortopsentins, or dragmacidins, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, methods of producing the compounds, and methods of using the compounds are disclosed. Specifically, the novel utility pertains to the anti-inflammatory properties exhibited by the bis-indole compounds and their analogs.

Abstract: Assays are provided for detecting the existence of active rheumatoid arthritis by detecting rheumatoid factor as a blood component which cross-links human IgG with sheep IgG. Particularly, an enzyme labelled assay is provided using biotin-avidin to link the enzyme to the immunoglobulin. The binding peptide of the rheumatoid factor is also provided.

Abstract: A factor (NKEF) for use in enhancing the activity of natural killer cells both in vivo and in vitro. NKEF is a soluble red blood cell cytosol protein having a molecular mass of between about 300 and 400 kilodaltons as determined by gel filtration high pressure liquid chromatography and an apparent molecular weight of about 48 kilodaltons as determined by non-reducing SDS-PAGE.

Abstract: Assays are provided for detecting the existence of active rheumatoid arthritis by detecting rheumatoid factor as a blood component which cross-links human IgG with sheep IgG. Particularly, an enzyme labelled assay is provided using biotin-avidin to link the enzyme to the immunoglobulin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article having improved physical properties as compared to the individual components, which article comprises:a laminated ceramic fiber composite of alternating layers of discrete thin solid sheets of ceramic A having a substantially large upper and lower surface bonded to discrete thin sheets B comprising fibers and having large upper and lower surfaces using a suitable bonding agent.

Abstract: Metallacarborane chelate-antibody compounds which are useful for radioimmunodetection and radiotherapy. The compounds have the formula ##STR1## wherein X is a metal or radioisotope of said metal, Y is a rotation resistant organic chelate bridge moiety, Z is an antibody linkage moiety and AB is an antibody. Metallacarborane chelate and carborane chelate compounds are also disclosed which are useful in preparing the final metallacarborane chelate-antibody compound which is used for radioimmunodetection and radiotherapy.

Abstract: A method for genetically engineering cells to produce soluble and secretable Golgi processing enzymes instead of naturally occurring membrane-bound enzymes. Cells are genetically engineered to express glycosyltransferases which lack both a membrane anchor and a rThis invention was made with government support under Grant Contract Nos. GM-27904 and GM-11557 awarded by the National Institute of Health. The government has certain rights in this invention. The publications and other reference materials referred to herein to describe the background of the invention and to provide additional detail regarding its practice are hereby incorporated by reference. For convenience, the reference materials are numerically referenced and grouped in the appended bibliography.

Abstract: A hyperdermic syringe having a plunger which separates from a piston inside a barrel of the syringe after a downward stroke of the plunger preventing reuse of the syringe. The plunger breaks breakaway portions mounted inside the piston when pushed downward to unload the syringe effectively separating the plunger from the piston and destroying the syringe, preventing the piston from being withdrawn for the purpose of reloading the syringe. In another embodiment, a connector is used to releasably engage a plunger to a piston. Downward movement of the plunger causes upward extensions of the connector to move toward each other and lock together. The plunger disengages from the connector and piston after the extension lock together. A modified tip portion of a barrel containing a valve ball and valve flaps may be used to prevent the syringe from being used after a single use discharging medicinal fluid from the syringe. The valve ball blocks flow of medicinal fluid into the syringe after use of the syringe.

Abstract: A method is provided for expressing the proteases dipeptidyl aminopeptidases A and B which are useful for processing precursor proteins. Genes controlling these proteases may be insdrted into appropriate vectors and transformed into cultures. The proteases may either be utilized to process precursor proteins in vivo or may be extracted from cultures and used to process precursor proteins in vitro.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for treating helminthiasis which comprises administering to an animal in need thereof an anthelmintically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I): ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is hydrogen or --SR.sup.2,whereinR.sup.2 is hydrogen, --C(O)--CH.sub.3, or ##STR2## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. This invention is also directed to a composition for treating helminthiasis in an animal which comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and an anthelmintically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I). This invention is also directed to novel compounds of Formula (I) wherein R.sup.

Abstract: A balloon catheter utilizing a perfusion balloon at one end thereof is described. The perfusion balloon has a donut shaped cross section having a central opening formed therethrough. The central opening provides a blood flow passage even when the balloon is fully inflated. When inflated, the perfusion balloon is used to dilate a stenotic region of a blood vessel or heart valve to restore blood flow. After deflation, if the blood vessel collapses, the balloon catheter of the present invention can be reinflated and kept in place while the patient is prepared for surgery. In this manner, acceptable blood flow is provided regardless of the length of time required for surgical preparation. In an alternate embodiment, a one-way valve is formed integrally with the perfusion balloon so that the present invention may be better applied to valvuloplasty. In this application, the balloon is inflated at a stenotic region of a heart valve to expand the valve and restore acceptable blood flow.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus and composition used in the reduction of the incidence of tobacco smoking and which comprises an aerosol for application to the oral cavity and respiratory tract of an individual. The aerosol contains a food acid, such as citric acid, which is present in non-toxic amounts and capable of being inhaled. The aerosol may be in the form of a liquid spray or a finely divided solid. The droplets or particles contained in the aerosol are of proper size and have the food acid sufficient in content to simulate the sensations in the upper respiratory tract caused by tobacco smoke. In this way, the oral cavity sensations and the respiratory tract sensations simulate those created by tobacco smoke to replace the need for tobacco smoke. In another embodiment of the invention the food acid aerosol contains tobacco smoke of proper particle size so that the food acid particles migrate to the respiratory tract and the tobacco smoke remains in the oral cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and means for microbially expressing human influenza hemagglutinin proteins, useful in the preparation of vaccines, by recombination of DNA gene sequences coding for hemagglutinin protein with microbially operable promoter-operator DNA and transformation of microbial host therewith.

Abstract: A method for producing secretable and processable biologically useful polypeptides in yeast is provided utilizing vectors including at least a segment of the gene coding for S. cerevisiae alpha-factor.

Abstract: Two identical bag-in-bottle bellows assemblies are provided for separately receiving and discharging breathable oxygen/air and oxygen/air/Xenon gas mixtures. An adjustable piston/cylinder gas pump is connected with the bellows assemblies through a system of conduits and valves for selectively operating the bellows of either assembly. Hoses are interconnected between the bellows and a patient mask to form inspiratory and expiratory paths. The expiratory path includes a PEEP valve, a pressure actuated exhalation valve, an O.sub.2 concentration analyzer, and a CO.sub.2 absorber. The apparatus is capable of being instantaneously switched between the isolated oxygen/air and oxygen/air/Xenon delivery systems while continuously ventilating the patient and maintaining ventilation parameters (ventilation rate, inspiratory time, oxygen concentration, end-expiratory pressure, and tidal volume) substantially constant.