Abstract: Novel oligonucleotide conjugates are provided, where oligonucleotides are joined through a linking arm to a hydrophobic moiety. The resulting conjugates are more efficient in membrane transport, so as to be capable of crossing the membrane and effectively modulating a transcriptional system. In this way, the compositions can be used in vitro and in vivo, for studying cellular processes, protecting mammalian hosts from pathogens, and the like.

Abstract: Improved method for epoxidation of ethylenic alcohols is provided employing catalytic amounts of a titanium-glycol catalyst and a peroxide under mild conditions which provide for the continuous maintenance of an anhydrous medium during catalyst formation and during the course of the reaction. Conveniently, molecular sieves may be employed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the enzymatic activity of a convertase, wherein:(a) a biological sample containing the convertase is brought into contact with a labeled peptide substrate consisting of at least 10 AA, reproducing or mimicking the sequence of the precursor at the excision site, and(b) after conversion, the enzymatic activity of the sample is measured by determining the percentage of labeled conversion fragments relative to one or more standards.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for making a plurality of determinations of the local (site-specific) redox state of a liquid system, by employing a photoresponsive element, which can be independently irradiated at different sites to provide independently detectable signals.

Abstract: Calcium phosphate minerals are formed by using highly concentrated phosphoric acid in conjunction with a calcium source, normaly as carbonate or a combination of carbonate and hydroxide, optimally in conjunction with calcium phosphate crystals and additional base to neutralize the phosphoric acid. Protein may be optionally added. The resulting product is readily formed and then sets to a hard, stable, workable shaped object.

Abstract: Novel methods and compositions are provided for preventing secondary cataracts. A cytotoxic agent is employed which is introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye to inhibit proliferation of remnant lens epithelial cells after extracapsular cataract extraction. Desirably a non-cytotoxic agent cross-reactive with the cytotoxic agent is introduced prior to introduction of the cytotoxic agent. The agents can be provided as kits.

Abstract: Novel compositions and methods employing the compositions are provided involving eukaryotic plasmids having a replication system or replicon from an extrachromosomal element, a chromosomal replicator, and the regulatory signals of the structural gene for yeast 3-phosphoglycerokinase controlling expression of a structural gene. The plasmids find particular use in yeast for production of poly(amino acids).

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing sterile drug formulations, where drugs are thermolabile and pH sensitive. The method provides formulating the drug with a physiologically acceptable inorganic or organic acidic buffer for buffering at a pH in excess of 6, reducing the pH below about 5 by adding carbon dioxide, and heat sterilizing the formulation in a gas permeable sealed container. The resulting formulation is substantially free of degraded drug and at the desired physiologically acceptable pH. Also, formulations are provided which do not cause clotting during administration.

Abstract: Retroviral vaccines are provided comprising incompetent retroviruses containing defective RNA produced by growing viral transformed cells in the presence of interferon. The resulting defective viruses by themselves or in combination with interferon can be used as vaccines for immunizing viral sensitive hosts against infection. A novel feline interferon is produced in culture with cells infected with the defective non-infectious retroviruses.

Abstract: Novel articles are provided comprising at least one polymerized surfactant layer and at least one protein layer specifically bound to the surfactant layer. Depending upon the nature of the preparation of the layers, the layers may be formed as a plurality of substantially parallel layers, filaments, tubes, helices or other complex assembly. The articles may be used for improved determination of protein structure, electronic devices, enzyme reactors and in biosensors. Improved methods are provided for electron microscopic analysis of proteins.

Abstract: A new cloning system is described capable of expressing genetic material derived from recombinant DNA material, which comprises a yeast of the genus Kluyveromyces as a host. Suitable vectors are e.g. vectors containing autonomously replicating sequences (ARS) and vectors containing homologous Kluyveromyces DNA acting as a site for recombination with the host chromosome. New and preferred vectors are those containing ARS sequences originating from Kluyveromyces (KARS vectors). The genetically engineered new strains of Kluyveromyces produce, inter alia, lactase and chymosin.

Abstract: Neurologic dysfunction resulting from stroke is diminished by administering to a patient an effective amount of a tetra-substituted pyrazine over a relatively continuous regimen. Conveniently, an initial bolus is administered to bring the level of the drug up to a pre-determined blood level, followed by continuous infusion employing a pump or by continuous intravenous infusion.

Abstract: Sensitive detection techniques and compositions for such techniques are provided by employing fluorescent proteins having bilin prosthetic groups as labels. The bilin containing proteins can be conjugated to ligands or receptors for use in systems involving ligand-receptor binding for the analysis, detection or separation of ligands and receptors. Particularly, one or more of the bilin containing proteins may be used as labels in conjunction with each other or other fluorescers for defining subsets of naturally occurring aggregations e.g. cells.

Abstract: Novel fluorogenic peroxidase substrates are provided employing novel water soluble activated capped aromatic fluorescent compounds for use as peroxidase substrates. The novel compounds can be used in a wide variety of ways for determination of peroxides, peroxidase, and in assays for analytes employing peroxidase as a label on a member of a specific binding pair.

Abstract: Plant host acceptable microorganisms, which are ice nucleation deficient and use at least one nutrient from the plant also used by ice nucleating native microorganisms, are applied to a plant part at an early stage in the growth cycle. The multiplication of the native ice nucleating microorganisms is inhibited, so that under normal frost conditions encountered in the field, frost damage is substantially diminished. The non-nucleating microorganisms may be obtained by special selection procedures, selecting from naturally occuring microorganisms or mutagenized microorganisms, where additionally the organisms may be transformed to provide for other desirable properties.

Abstract: Microencapsulated drugs are employed for introduction into the chambers of the eye for therapeutic purposes. The administration of drugs is controlled and maintained for long periods of time, while ensuring the substantial absence of significant levels outside the site of administration.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for making a plurality of determinations of the local (site-specific) redox state of a liquid system, by employing a photoresponsive element, which can be independently irradiated at different sites to provide independently detectable signals.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing the yield of root crops, such as potatoes, sugar beets, radishes and the like, comprise treating the roots, plants, seeds, seed pieces, or soil in which they are to be planted, with a root crop growth promotant bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas.

Abstract: Live vaccines are provided and methods for preparing the live vaccines for protection of a host from a pathogenic microorganism. The vaccines are prepared by introducing at least one modification in a gene involved in at least one, normally at least two, biosynthetic pathways, involving the production of products which are unlikely to be found in the disease susceptible host. The modification results in a gene change which cannot be repaired by a single step e.g. polynucleotide deletions and inversions. Where the aro gene suffers such a change, the resultant auxotrophic mutants require aromatic amino acids, p-aminobenzoic acid and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid or a highly concentrated source of absorbable iron. The auxotrophic mutations have substantially reduced or nonexistent virulence, while retaining the desired immunogenicity to initiate the immunogenic response. Various techniques can be employed for providing the desired change.Salmonella typhimurium strain SL1479 was deposited at the ATCC on Sept.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing medicinally acceptable .sup.123 I by bombarding an XI (X is alkali metal or I) target in the liquid phase with a proton beam of a predetermined amperage and energy, while continuously passing a helium stream, optionally having a small amount of xenon, through the target area. The radioactive xenon collected by the helium stream is trapped in a cold trap, purified and then isolated in a deacy vessel, where the xenon decays to .sup.123 I. An iodine scavenger is provided for the helium effluent from the target, to remove any iodine from the helium stream, which would decrease the purity of the desired isotope.