Abstract: Nucleotide vector comprising at least one gene or one complementary DNA coding for at least a portion of a virus, and a promoter providing for the expression of such gene in muscle cells. The gene may be the S gene of the hepatitis B virus. A vaccine preparation containing said bare DNA is injected into the host previously treated with a substance capable of inducing a coagulating necrosis of the muscle fibres.

Abstract: Methods for improving antibodies by a variety of DNA diversification and selection procedures are provided. Improvements include increases in affinity, alterations in specificity and effector function, as well as reduced antigenicity, e.g. humanization. Libraries of recombinant antibody sequences are provided, as are cells expressing members of such libraries. Novel phage display vectors are provided. Methods for the coevolution of an antibody and its cognate antigen are provided. Coevolution is used to evolve HIV envelope proteins with increased antigenicity and broadly neutralizing antibodies that interact therewith. Methods of improving antibodies for use in the detection of biological warfare agents are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for using water to remove amine from an oil-amine component. The oil-amine component is typically produced in prior art processes using an amine having an inverse critical solution temperature with water to break emulsions and sludges. The steps of the present invention include adding water to the oil-amine component in an amount sufficient to form a water-amine azeotrope with substantially all the amine in the oil-amine component followed by heating to remove the azeotrope. The method of the present invention may be used to remove amine from an oil-amine component even where the amine is present in an amount as low as 10% or less by weight.

Abstract: A pair of symmetrical elongated gripping members are affixed to each other in angular relation by a generally V-shaped resilient joining member. Each of the gripping members has a length-extending edge with a plurality of spaced partially circular notches formed therein. The notches have diameters varying from a minimum in the area of the joining member to a maximum in the area of the free ends. Handles extend from the free ends of the gripping members to facilitate urging such free ends toward each other to grasp a lid of a container between corresponding notches of the gripping members.

Abstract: A magnesium-boron composite is made by mechanically mixing magnesium powders with boron powders. An alternative embodiment includes mixing a small amount of lithium powder with the magnesium boron composite to improve the ductility. The mixed powders are processed by cold pressing, hot pressing, sintering, extruding, rolling and re-extruding.