Abstract: A functional linker for a polypeptide in which two alpha or beta globin-like domains are genetically fused is determined by screening a library of genetically fused polypeptides, in which the linker region is varied, for the ability to participate in the formation of hemoglobin-like protein, as measured by the protein's response to carbon monoxide. In a preferred embodiment, cells expressing the protein turn red as a result of carbon monoxide pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of isolating hepatoblasts utilizing panning techniques and fluorescence activated cell sorting. This invention further relates to isolated hepatoblasts and to a method of treating liver dysfunction as well as to methods of forming artificial livers.

Abstract: A lipid bilayer with affinity to an analyte, which directly signals binding by a changes in the light absorption spectra. This novel assay means and method has special applications in the drug development and medical testing fields. Using a spectrometer, the system is easily automated, and a multiple well embodiment allows inexpensive screening and sequential testing. This invention also has applications in industry for feedstock and effluent monitoring.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic portion of a M. vaccae soluble protein and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, together with methods for their use in the diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infection. Methods for enhancing the immune response to an antigen including administration of M. vaccae culture filtrate or delipidated M. vaccae cells are also provided.

Abstract: A dual purpose tissue fixative is described. The fixative comprises a cross-linking aldehyde, alcohol, a chelating agent and a non-amine buffer. More particularly, the tissue fixative comprises 0.1-2% w/v formaldehyde, 45-90% w/w alcohol, 1-10 mM of a chelating agent and 1-50 mM of a non-nitrogen buffer. The tissue fixative permits the recovery of high molecular weight DNA and RNA from the tissue sample for molecular genetic analysis. The tissue fixative also preserves the morphology and immunogenicity of the tissue allowing for pathology analysis. The tissue fixative is compared to 95% alcohol and a standard fixative as 10% BNF.

Abstract: The present invention describes an RNA isolation process which utilizes low pH reagents. In addition, the reagents are less hazardous and are more stable than those used in prior art methods. This rapid method may be used to obtain purified RNA from a variety of biological sources including human whole blood, plant and animal tissues, cultured cells, body fluids, yeast, and bacteria.

Abstract: The invention provides for peptides and methods of using peptides to block or inhibit a pathogenic autoimmune response to central nervous system components. One class of peptides are antigens derived from mycobacterial heat shock proteins and may immunologically cross-react with or are homologous to myelin components. The peptides can also be derived from myelin components such as 2',3' cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and immunologically cross-react with and/or are homologous to mycobacterial heat shock proteins. A method of the invention involves administering a pharmaceutical composition including at least one peptide to an animal in an amount effective to block or inhibit a pathogenic autoimmune response to central nervous system components. The peptides are useful for the prevention, and treatment of autoimmune inflammatory central nervous system disease.

Abstract: A novel protein tyrosine phosphatase designated PTP-S31 and its subfamily are identified, as are nucleic acid molecule coding therefor. Included in this family are PTP-S31 proteins or glycoproteins having one, two, or three identified amino acid changes in previously defined consensus sequences in the catalytic phosphatase domains of known protein tyrosine phosphatases. The PTP-S31 proteins or glycoproteins may be produced by recombinant means. Antibodies to PTP-S31 proteins or glycoproteins and nucleic acid constructs coding therefor, and methods for screening molecules which can bind to PTP-S31 proteins or glycoproteins and inhibit or stimulate their enzymatic activity, are provided.

Abstract: The instant invention is drawn to a sperm surface protein in substantially pure form selected from a human PH30 beta chain protein and a mouse PH30 beta chain proteins. Such proteins are useful as contraceptive vaccines in humans and mice respectively, and for identifying small molecules that will disrupt sperm-egg interaction and fertilization.

Abstract: The invention describes compositions comprising adding granulocyte-macrope colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), or a combination thereof useful for stimulating the release of antibody by B cells. Methods of using the compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines, and vaccines adjuvants are also described. In addition, this invention describes an assay system useful for identifying compounds capable of stimulating the release of antibody by B cells.

Abstract: A DNA-sequence comprising a first sequence coding for a native or mutant subunit of a bacterial toxin that confers enzymatic ADP-ribosylating activity, and a second sequence coding for a peptide such that the resulting fusion protein is in possession of water solubility and capability of targeting the fusion protein to a specific cell receptor different from receptors binding to the native toxin, thereby mediating intracellular uptake of at least said subunit;fusion proteins coded for by such DNA-sequence;compositions for use in improving immune functions; andrecombinant expression vectors and transformed bacterial cells containing such DNA-sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the mammalian fsh16 gene, a novel gene associated with bipolar affective disorder (BAD) in humans. The invention encompasses fsh16 nucleic acids, recombinant DNA molecules, cloned genes or degenerate variants thereof, fsh16 gene products and antibodies directed against such gene products, cloning vectors containing mammalian fsh16 gene molecules, and hosts that have been genetically engineered to express such molecules. The invention further relates to methods for the identification of compounds that modulate the expression of fsh16 and to using such compounds as therapeutic agents in the treatment of fsh16 disorders and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Abstract: Compounds are quickly selected from a combinatorial library by contacting the library with a target (e.g., receptor), separating non-binding compounds from compound-target complexes, and analyzing the complexes or eluted compound by mass spectroscopy. SAR information is obtained by performing this selection at two or more different ratios of compound to target.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated amyloid precursor-like proteins (APLPs), nucleotide sequences coding for and regulating expression of these protein, antibodies directed against these proteins, and recombinant vectors and host cells containing the genetic sequences coding for and regulating the expression of these protein sequences. The invention is also directed to isolated genomic. DNA, cDNA anti-sense RNA, and RNA containing the protein sequence. Antibodies can be used to detect an APLP in biological specimens, including, for example, fluid, serum or tissue samples. APLP1 and APLP2 are candidate genes for late onset familial Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the determination of an analyte in a sample liquid using a metal complex capable of luminescence as an analyte-specific marker group for the production of a measuring signal in which an unspecific metal complex is additionally added as an interference elimination reagent which has a structure that is chemically related to the marker group.

Abstract: An analysis element for analyzing both amounts of glycated hemoglobin and total hemoglobin in an aqueous liquid sample to determine glycated hemoglobin content ratio in the sample. The element comprises a substrate layer for receiving a reaction mixture after the completion of an immunological reaction between the glycated hemoglobin in the sample and an enzyme-labelled antibody against the glycated hemoglobin, and a reagent layer. The substrate layer contains a non-diffusible substrate which forms a diffusible material in the presence of the enzyme of the enzyme-labelled antibody, the activity of the enzyme being effected relative to the steric hindrance due to the immunological reaction. The reagent layer contains a reagent composition for reacting with the diffusible material to form a dye detectable colorimetrically in a wavelength range which is not effected by an absorption spectrum of the hemoglobin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for improving penile rigidity and/or preventing erectile dysfunction, including premature ejaculation, of a male mammal patient which comprises at least one of seeds from Aframomum species, its closely related species and remote ancestors thereof, mixture thereof and extracts thereof. The pharmaceutical composition may further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for topical or oral administration.

Abstract: A method for the simultaneous and quantitative, flow cytometric analysis of nucleated red blood cells (NRBC), white blood cells (WBC), damaged white blood cells and a white blood cell subclass differential (WBC/Diff) is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement to a sandwich type immunoassay in which there is immobilized to a solid support an antibody which is specific to an epitope of the analyte whose presence or concentration is being sought and a first labeled antibody which is specific to another epitope of the analyte. The improvement involves providing a second labeled antibody which is specific to the first labeled antibody to thereby form a chain of two or more labeled antibodies which results in amplification of the signal generated upon formation of the sandwich.

Abstract: A host cell which is provided with a S-layer comprising a fusion polypeptide consisting essentially of:(a) at least sufficient of a S-layer protein for a S-layer composed thereof to assemble, and(b) a heterologous polypeptide which is fused to either the carboxy terminus of (a) or the amino terminus of (a) and which is thereby presented on the outer surface of the said cell; can be used as a vaccine, for screening for proteins and antigens and as a support for immobilizing an enzyme, peptide or antigen. A process of transforming B. Sphaericus cells comprising electroporation is also provided.