Abstract: Disclosed are the particular 3' noncoding nucleotide sequences (zipcode and zipcode elements) that cause .beta.-actin mRNA (and .beta.-actin protein synthesis) to be localized in specific regions of the cytoplasm. Also disclosed is the discovery that zipcode function can be fully inhibited by antisense oligonucleotides.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of increasing the contractile performance of a compromised myocardium in a mammal. The methods include administering a therapeutically affective amount of an adenosine A.sub.2 receptor agonist. Also disclosed are methods that include administering in conjunction with an adenosine A.sub.2 receptor agonist a second compound which potentiates the beneficial effect of the adenosine A.sub.2 receptor agonist, e.g., an adenosine transport inhibitor, an inhibitor of adenosine metabolism or an adenosine A.sub.1 receptor antagonist.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of eliciting an immune response and/or protective immunity in a vertebrate by introducing into the vertebrate a DNA vaccine which consists essentially of DNA encoding an antigen or antigens, e.g., capsid proteins or polypeptides, of rotavirus. The uptake of the DNA vaccine by a host vertebrate results in the expression of the capsid protein, thereby eliciting humoral or cell-mediated immune responses, or both, which can provide protection against infection and/or prevent clinically significant rotavirus-caused disease. In addition, the invention demonstrates that an internal vital antigen provides protective immunity in a host. The host can be any vertebrate, including birds, piglets, and humans.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor for measurement of in vivo nitric oxide concentrations in a subject. The sensor contains a nitric oxide-sensing compound in a polymer matrix attached to an optical fiber. The sensor may be placed in any blood vessel, including one within the heart of a subject for continuous measurement of nitric oxide concentrations in blood.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for generating a seamless image during, for example, X-ray imaging procedures. The imaging system features at least two optical detectors, each including an optically active region for generating separate light-induced images, and a fiber optic plate separated by a groove into first and second fiber-containing sections. Each of the first and second sections are connected to a separate optical detector so that, during operation, fibers contained in these sections function to deliver light exclusively to the optically active regions of the connected detectors, thereby allowing generation of separate light-induced images. These images can then be combined to form a seamless image.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating a large-field, high-resolution digital image of an object by sequentially generating multiple optical scenes representative of different portions of the object, and then sequentially directing each optical scene onto an optical detector to generate multiple sub-images of the different portions of the object. Each scene is induced using a separate X-ray sub-beam, each of which is generated by spatially filtering a portion of an incident X-ray field with a spatial filter moving in concert with the scene-directing device. Once generated, the sub-images are combined to form the large-field, high-resolution image.

Abstract: In situ hybridization methods for assessing, determining or observing the RNA produced by transcriptionally active genes. In one embodiment, the methods allow simultaneous observation of the gene and its transcripts in a spatially correlated manner. As the in situ hybridization methods have established their ability to maintain the targeted mRNA at the site of its transcription, it can be determined which genes are being expressed and the level of expression can be quantitated.

Abstract: The present invention is based upon the discovery of a group antigen common to various types of astroviruses and the production of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies reactive with this group antigen. The present invention encompasses the polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, hybridoma cell lines which produce these monoclonal antibodies, and methods of using the monoclonal antibodies for diagnosing and treating gastroenteritis.

Abstract: A flow cytometric method for determining procoagulant platelet-derived microparticles in whole blood is described.

Abstract: DNA encoding a polypeptide capable of catalyzing the deacetylation and sulfation of a glycosaminoglycan; production and isolation of recombinant and synthetic polypeptides capable of catalyzing the deacetylation, sulfation or both the deacetylation and sulfation of a glycosaminoglycan; antibodies to the polypeptides of the invention; and therapeutic uses of these compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the inhibition of binding of a ligand to an RNA, the inhibition being mediated by a small organic molecule which binds to the RNA, thereby inhibiting ligand binding. A preferred class of small organic molecules are the 2-deoxystreptamine (2-DOS) aminoglycosides. Disclosed herein are members of the 2-DOS class that are useful for the inhibition of binding of Rev to an RNA containing an RRE. In an HIV infected cell, a consequence of the inhibition of the ability of Rev to bind to the RRE in HIV encoded transcripts is inhibition of HIV replication.

Abstract: A method for fabricating x-ray-detecting structured screens using laser-based micro-machining techniques results in devices having improved spatial resolution. In one case, each pixel of the screen contains an optically active scintillating material surrounded with a optically inactive material having a relatively lower refractive index; following absorption of light, each pixel channels x-ray-induced phosphorescence to a small region of a detector. Alternatively, the optically active material can be a photoconducting material, such as selenium, and the surrounding optically inactive material is chosen to have a relatively high resistivity.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting replication of mycoplasmal and Gram-positive bacteria is described. Useful new compounds for in vivo and in vitro inhibition and therapy for infections utilize HPUra-like compounds are also provided. These include a number of novel 3-substituted uracil and isocytosine compounds, and 10-substituted guanine and adenine compounds.

Abstract: A system for spectroscopic imaging of bodily tissue in which a scintillation screen and a charged coupled device (CCD) are used to accurately image selected tissue. Applications include the imaging of radionuclide distributions within the human body or the use of a dual energy source to provide a dual photon bone densitometry apparatus that uses stationary or scanning acquisition techniques. X-rays are generated by an x-ray source which pass through a region of a subject's body, forming an x-ray image which reaches the scintillation screen. The scintillation screen reradiates a spatial intensity pattern corresponding to the image, the pattern being detected by a CCD sensor. The image is digitized by the sensor and processed by a controller before being stored as an electronic image. A dual energy x-ray source that delivers two different energy levels provides quantitative information regarding the object being imaged using dual photon absorptiometry techniques.

Abstract: A tissue spreading forceps for gripping and spreading tissue include two gripping members which are secured to each other by a spring and are rotatable in relation to each other about a pivot. Initial pressure to the spring causes the gripping members to close and grip tissue at two locations. Additional pressure applied to the spring causes the gripping members to spread apart in relation to each other, thereby spreading the tissue.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of vaginal atrophy in a human patient in which retinoic acid is administered topically to the patient's vagina.

Abstract: Method of determining, in a blood sample, containing unwashed platelets and fibrinogen, the state of thrombin reactivity of the platelets by adding thrombin to the sample in the presence of an agent for inhibiting fibrin polymerization, and then detecting activated platelets.

Abstract: A high speed fluorescent emission imaging digital microscope has an Argon-Ion UV laser illumination source and a high speed optical filtering wheel in the illumination path to alternately select between two UV illumination wavelengths to produce fluorescent emission images at each UV wavelength. A dichroic reflector directs emission images along an image path and an galvanometer rotatable mirror exposes each image on a predetermined area of a CCD. A computer controls the rotatable mirror in response to exposure timing information from the filtering wheel. An objective lens is focused on the specimen for producing an image from a particular focal plane of the specimen. The objective lens is mounted on a counterweighted piezoelectric objective translator for changing the focal plane of the specimen image in response to control signals from the electronic processor.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus which includes: a fluorescent imaging microscope; a uv radiation source capable of producing a plurality of uv excitation wavelengths; a filter device to select a first and a second excitation wavelength from the plurality of uv excitation wavelengths; a sample chamber to hold a sample for illumination by the radiation of the first and second wavelengths; a photometer to measure the intensity of the excitation wavelength being selected by the filter device and to generate an intensity signal representative of the measured intensity; and a processor in communication with the photometer to record the intensity signal produced by the photometer.

Abstract: A guidewire holder is disclosed for storing guidewires in a storage fluid during surgical procedures. The guidewire holder comprises a spirally-wound tube which is configured to contain a storage fluid. The spirally-wound tube includes an upright entrance from which guidewires can protrude for selective retrieval and storage of a suitable guidewire during surgery. A spirally-wound portion extends from the upright entrance for receiving the guidewire from the upright entrance, thereby at least partially immersing the guidewire in the fluid.