Abstract: An enhanced quantitative assay for chiro-inositol concentration can be used to determine insulin-resistance, or a predeposition to the development of insulin-resistance, in type I and type II diabetics. Spot urine or serum samples reflecting concentrations of chiro-inositol below about 1.0 micrograms/ml in urine or 0.1 micrograms/ml in serum are indicative of a predisposition to the development of insulin-resistance, while concentrations below about 0.3 micrograms/ml or 0.03 micrograms/ml in serum are associated with actual insulin-resistance symptoms. The assay can be employed for patient diagnosis, insulin therapy monitoring, and family screening.

Abstract: Immunochemical assays for human amylase isoenzymes are disclosed. These assays utilize monoclonal antibodies which are produced from hybridoma cell lines and are specific for human salivary amylase and ovarian tumor amylase but not human pancreatic amylase. The assays involve reacting this monoclonal antibody with the unknown sample for the purpose of studying quantitatively and qualitatively the amylase isoenzymes present. The results from such assays are useful in the diagnosis of disease or ruling out disease. Antibody producing hybridoma cell lines and their production are described.

Abstract: Multi-layer heterostructure transistors, and methods for making them, involve the use of a p+ doped GaAs gate for an n-channel device to increase barrier height and reduce turn-on threshold. A p++-i-p substrate helps to reduce source and drain capacitances and control short-channel effects. Use of one relatively high temperature photoresist in the fabrication process facilitates alignment of ohmic contact depositions with the source and drain regions.

Abstract: A single magnetostrictive amorphous metal sensor element is mounted on a piezoelectric resonator plate with an intervening layer of a viscous fluid, an oscillator stresses and vibrates the plate at a resonant frequency, creating a standing wave in the sensor element which is a metallic glass ribbon. Electromotive forces are generated in first and second pickup coils mounted at symmetrically spaced positions about the ribbon centerline. The electromotive force generated by each pickup coil is demodulated by a lock-in amplifier with a signal supplied by the oscillator. The demodulated outputs are amplified so as to balance the sensitivities. Outputs of amplifiers are provided to a differential amplifier which produces the gradiometer output indicative of magnetic field gradient.

Abstract: A treatment delivery apparatus comprises a metallic object and a treatment carrier device which is connected by a heat-sensitive biodegradable connector link to the magnetic object. This carrier device contains the treatment, i.e. the drug, to be transported. An electromagnet is positioned outside of the body part for producing a magnetic field which captures the magnetic object. This electromagnet may be either a simple coil system attached to a robotic arm which moves the electromagnet adjacent the body part, or a multicoil electromagnet system surrounding the body part. In either case, the robotically moved electromagnet or multicoil electromagnet system moves the magnetic object within the body part to a desired location. A computer controls either the robotic arm or multicoil current magnitudes and directions. This computer also provides visualization for observing the location and movement of the magnetic object and carrier device.

Abstract: An in vitro test for determining the presence of leukocytes in a fecal sample which is sensitive to the numbers of fecal leukocytes typically found in inflammatory diarrheal specimens, by testing the fecal sample with an assay utilizing an antibody for lactoferrin.

Abstract: A dietary supplement for the therapeutic treatment of those exhibiting clinical symptoms of insulin-resistant type II diabetes, and preventing the development of clinical symptoms in those genetically predisposed to the development of such symptoms, is provided by the administration of a dietary supplement comprising D-chiro-inositol. The dietary supplement is preferably administered orally, in vitamin-like amounts.

Abstract: A method for purifying two distinct insulin mediators to substantial homogeneity, and relative purity values above 80%, comprises adsorption on first anion exchange resin and subsequently on a chelex cation exchange resin column. The chelex resin ion exchange column substantially increases the activity of the recovered mediator. Following purification, the already treated fraction is subjected to three successive thin layer chromatography purification steps, the last giving, in the presence of ninhydrin stain, a characteristic salmon-color spot, which is indicative of the presence of the mediator. This process can also be used as a screening process, the absence of the salmon-colored spot being indicative of the diabetic state. Structure information on the insulin mediators obtained is given.

Abstract: A family of compounds effective in inhibiting interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity, and the activity of other leukocyte derived cytokines is comprised of 7-(oxoalkyl) 1,3-dialkyl xanthines of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of straight-chain or branched alkyl radicals with 2 to 6 carbon atoms, cyclohexyl, alkoxyalkyl and hydroxyalkyl radicals, and A represents a hydrocarbon radical with up to 4 carbon atoms which can be substituted by a methyl group. Another family of effective compounds is identified as ##STR2## The inhibition of IL-1, TNF, and other cytokines in mammals is implicated in alleviation of a wide variety of disease conditions.

Abstract: Infusion of adenosine, adenoside analogs and nucleoside uptake blockers, e.g. dipyridamole, will decrease the number of apneas and associated oxyhemoglobin desaturation during sleep in patients with obstructuve sleep apnea.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody MHS-5 which specifically binds to a seminal vesicle specific antigen, SVSA, wherein the seminal vesicle specific antigen is secreted by the principal cells of the seminal vesicle epithelium. The method for producing this monoclonal antibody is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for increasing growth hormone secretion or inducing the biologic effects of growth hormone by continuous administration of growth hormone releasing factor or analog thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: Quenching luminescence of the tris(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II) perchorate, immobilized in a silicone rubber by oxygen is shown to be an accurate and precise method for measuring oxygen concentration in solutions and in the gas phase. Quenching can be quantitated by either lifetime or intensity quenching measurements. Strong aqueous acids and bases, complexing agents, oxidants, and reductants do not penetrate the hydrophobic polymer and, therefore, do not affect the response. Gaseous interferents, such as H.sub.2 S, anesthesia gases (e.g. N.sub.2 O, Halothane), and fluorocarbons do not affect the response. Chlorine and especially SO.sub.2 cause strong, but reversible interference presumably because of electron transfer quenching. A system with a response time of less <0.2 s is disclosed, which is adequate for the monitoring of breathing subjects.

Abstract: A method for increasing fertility in males with impairment of testosterone synthesis, comprising the step of injecting slow-release microcapsules or microspheres containing testosterone directly into the testes. The testosterone-laden microcapsules or microspheres act as temporary Leydig cells and release testosterone directly into the testicular parenchyma and maintain high intratesticular concentrations of testosterone needed for spermatogenesis.

Abstract: A method of preventing the growth of microorganisms on the surface of a substrate in contact with the environment, while simultaneously preventing corrosion of these substrates by depositing nickel-63 onto the substrate.

Abstract: A metabolic catheter and method which allows the simultaneous removal of body fluids from organs and immediate addition of stop solution to the body fluid at the catheter tip to prevent degradation of the metabolite to be measured.

Abstract: Purified Gal/GalNAc adherence lectin of Entamoeba histolytica is used for development of a vaccine to prevent human amebiasis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for intraoperative internal placement of an afterloading catheter tube grid for post-operative radiotherapy using a semi-rigid tube having inserted within a plurality of catheters which extends outwardly from the distal end of the semi-rigid tube for a predetermined distance and attaching these distally outward extending catheter tubes to a soft sheet so that the catheter tube maintain a parallel position to one another over the predetermined distance. The proximal ends of these catheter tubes extend outwardly from the proximal end of the semi-rigid tube and are located on the outside of the body. These proximal ends of the catheters are left open for loading of the radioactive material into these catheter tubes, while the distal ends are closed to prevent airleak and to stop the radioactive material.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle apparatus has a safety cap which is axially split into two halves. The two halves are pivotally connected to a needle hub for movement outwardly in opposite directions by sliding ring which moves over a portion of the needle hub. A method of unsheathing and resheathing a needle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An effective ray beam includes an arc-shaped cut-out element having its open side facing in the direction toward the center of a ray beam. Via a variable arrangement of the arc-shaped cut-out element in a plane perpendicular to the ray beam, the effective ray beam can be individually adjusted to an arc-shaped object under examination.