Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for detecting conformationally altered proteins and prions in a sample. In one embodiment, the conformationally altered proteins and prions are associated with amyloidogenic diseases.

Abstract: A biosensor method and apparatus for detecting and measuring nitrate. The biosensor is based on the fluorescence properties of a receptor molecule fragment. The biosensor apparatus contains the active-site fragment of the receptor molecule for detecting nitrate. Both the biosensor method and apparatus provide reversible and sensitive detection of nitrate in the form of a versatile method and device.

Abstract: A catalytic conformational sensor method for detecting abnormal proteins and proteinaceous particles. The method is based on the interaction of a peptide fragment or probe with an abnormal proteinaceous particle. The interaction catalyzes transformation of the probe to a predominately beta sheet conformation and allows the probe to bind to the abnormal proteinaceous particle. This in turn, catalyzes propagation of a signal associated with the test sample-bound probe. As a result signals can be propagated even from samples containing very low concentrations of abnormal proteinaceous particles as is the case in many body-fluid derived samples.

Abstract: DNA sequences encoding for plant growth promotant activity have been isolated and introduced into microorganisms. The modified organisms are able to confer plant growth promotant activity analogous to that of the DNA source host. Such modified hosts find use in promoting the growth of root crops by innoculating the rhizosphere with such microorganisms.E. coli HB101 (pS FL-1) was deposited at the A.T.C.C. on Oct. 8, 1982, and granted accession no. 39206.