Abstract: The present invention reveals the isolation, purification and characterization from the creosote bush Larrea tridentata of compounds of the structural formula: where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each selected from the group consisting of HO—, CH3O— and CH3(C═O)O—, provided that R1, R2, R3 and R4 are not each HO—0 simultaneously. Each compound is a derivative of 1,4-bis-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dimethylbutane (nordihydroquaiaretic acid, NDGA). In addition, NDGA and each derivative can be used in a method to suppress Tat transactivation of a lentivirus, including the HIV virus, in a cell by administering NDGA or a derivative of NDGA to the cell.

Abstract: The novel specific immunophilin ligands of the general formula I have an antiasthmatic and immunosuppressive action and are suitable for the preparation of drugs.

Abstract: A method of characterizing a test sample of genomic DNA which method comprises contacting the test sample with type specific primer to prime selectively, within a telomere repeat array, internal repeat units of that type, and extending the type specific primers in the presence of appropriate nucleoside triphosphates and an agent for polymerization thereof to produce a set of amplification products extending from the internal repeat units of that type to at least the end of the telomere repeat array.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for sequencing, fingerprinting and mapping biological macromolecules, typically biological polymers. The methods make use of a plurality of sequence specific recognition reagents which can also be used for classification of biological samples, and to characterize their sources.

Abstract: A preservative-free composition containing an effective amount of a corticosteroid in an aqueous carrier to treat a dry eye condition. The composition may be provided as a part of a therapeutic regimen to treat a variety of dry eye conditions and ocular surface disorders manifesting delayed tear clearance previously not readily treatable. The composition may be packaged as containers of single dosage amounts of the corticosteroid-aqueous composition sufficient for pulsed-therapy of acute exacerbations of the irritation symptoms and ocular surface disease of conditions associated with dry eye and delayed tear clearance.

Abstract: Plasmids which comprise: (1) an origin of replication; (2) an additional sequence required for plasmid replication or preferably a gene giving a selective advantage; and (3) two expression cassettes each of which are located between (1) and (2) but are separated by (1) and (2) from each other; and which are free from inverted repeat sequences (other than in (3)) are highly persistent though successive generations of microbes containing them.

Abstract: A hit expectation sound is emitted from a speaker in accordance with the kind of prize line on which a predetermined, prizewinning combination of symbols is expected to be arranged. The emitted hit expectation sound is transmitted to a player via sound transmitting holes provided in a lower portion of the machine. Based on the hit expectation sound being heard, the player can recognize on which of a plurality of prize lines the predetermined combination of symbols is expected to be arranged. The player can enjoy his favorite hit expectation sound by causing part of the predetermined combination of symbols to be stopped on the prize line that is associated with his favorite hit expectation sound.

Abstract: Full-motion video data with a sub-picture and sound is recorded in a DVD-ROM drive. The DVD-ROM drive is connected to an ATAPI interface. Using a data buffer of the ATAPI interface, an MPEG stream is transferred to an MPEG2 decoder on the system board at a variable rate, and video data, audio data, and a sub-picture included in the MPEG stream are decoded by the MPEG2 decoder incorporated in the system. The decoded sub-picture is drawn in a VRAM as in normal VGA graphics. The sub-picture image drawn in the VRAM is synthesized with the video from the MPEG2 decoder by a multimedia display controller and displayed on a screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of flupirtine or its salts for the production of a medicament for the prophylaxis and therapy of disorders which accompany an unphysiologically high cell death rate. Of particular importance here is the treatment of organ disorders with cell-destroying processes, such as myocardial infarct, shock kidney, shock lung, senile macular degeneration or traumas as a result of mechanical, thermal, radiation or toxic influences.

Abstract: Azelastine hydrochloride is combined certain fatty acids. The stability and absorbability of the composition is enhanced.

Abstract: A method is provided for immobilizing a binding protein capable of binding to a specific compound, using recombinant DNA techniques for producing said binding protein or a functional part thereof. The binding protein is immobilized by producing it as part of a chimeric protein also comprising an anchoring part derivable from the C-terminal part of an anchoring protein, thereby ensuring that the binding protein is localized in or at the exterior of the cell wall of the host cell. Suitable anchoring proteins are yeast .alpha.-agglutinin, FLO1 (a protein associated with the flocculation phenotype in S. cerevisiae), the Major Cell Wall Protein of lower eukaryotes, and a proteinase of lactic acid bacteria. For secretion the chimeric protein can comprises a signal peptide including those of .alpha.-mating factor of yeast, .alpha.-agglutinin of yeast, invertase of Saccharomyces, inulinase of Kluyveromyces, .alpha.-amylase of Bacillus, and proteinase of lactic acid bacteria.

Abstract: A recombinant polypeptide comprising a polypeptide which has added thereto a glycoxyl-phosphatidylinositol anchor structure, said polypeptide demonstrating a greater immune response than the corresponding polypeptide without the anchor. The polypeptide may be a parasite antigen such as a Plasmodium falciparum polypeptide. Recombinant vectors comprising the DNA sequence encoding the polypeptide with a glycolipid anchor addition sequence and host cells based thereon are also disclosed as well as vaccines and methods of inducing an immune response based on the polypeptides.

Abstract: A substantially rectangle shaped frame for holding a flat-shaped electrode unit 7 is fixed to a rear panel 2 at four intermediate parts of the frame and is elastically held by a resilient retaining member 55a- - - 55d and 56a- - - -56d at four corners of the frame. Thereby, an engagement between the rear panel 2 and the flat-shaped electrode unit 7 via the frame is stably retained regardless of difference in degrees of deformations thereamong.

Abstract: A method for preparing high strength and high thermal shock-resistant china for ceramic whiteware which comprises the steps of molding a china-forming raw material which mainly comprises a natural ore material capable of forming corundum through firing or a material obtained by calcining the natural ore material to form corundum, a natural ore material capable of forming mullite through firing or a material obtained by calcining the natural ore material to form mullite, a clayey material and a flux such as feldspar, nepheline or dolomite; and then firing the molded china-forming raw material. The method permits the production of cheaper china for ceramic whiteware having high strength and excellent thermal shock resistance as compared with those prepared by the conventional techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diagnostic composition for improving the effectiveness of hysteroscopy, characterized in that it contains an LH-RH antagonist, in particular cetrorelix. The composition is envisaged for use prior to hysteroscopy and/or for preparation for surgery, specifically in a single dose of between 0.1 and 2 mg/kg.However, the composition can also be administered, for use prior to hysteroscopy and/or for preparation for surgery, in a multiple dose of between 0.01 and 0.5 mg/kg, preferably spread over 1-14 days. The composition is furthermore suitable for use in hysteroscopy in combination with the subsequent treatment of pathological conditions of the uterus such as myoma and endometrial hyperplasia.

Abstract: Dendrite or asteroidal titanium dioxide micro-particles having a length of 0.2 to 0.5 .mu.m, a thickness of 0.05 to 0.1 .mu.m, and a specific surface area of 20 to 130 m.sup.2 /gram, are produced by treating hydrated titanium oxide particles with an alkali, mixing instantaneously the resulting reaction product with an amount of hydrochloric acid in a ratio of 1 to 4 mols of hydrochloric acid to one mol of the titanium oxide in the reaction product to effect a reaction, then aging under heat at 85.degree. C. or higher, and then drying or, if necessary, firing after the drying, and subsequently may be coated with at least one from oxides and hydrated oxides of elements selected from aluminum, silicon, titanium, zirconium, tin and antimony to improve the dispersibility and resistance to light of the particles, or may be coated with tin oxide containing antimony or indium oxide containing tin to make the particles electroconductive.

Abstract: The side effect of decrease in body weight caused by the alkylphosphocholines such as miltefosine can be antagonized by certain acetylcholine receptor antagonists such as domperidone and pimozide. The combination of alkylphosphocholine plus the antagonist does not have any effect on the anti-tumor action of the alkylphosphocholine. The combination also caused no new side effects in the animals.

Abstract: A novel method for estimating the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (ESPVR) is presented. The method provides for accurate estimation of the ESPVR from a single beat of the cardiac cycle. The method is based on normalized human time varying elastance curves [E.sub.N (t.sub.N)]. The ESPVR is estimated from one beat using PV data measured at normalized time t.sub.N and end-systole (t.sub.max) to predict intercept: ##EQU1## and slope: E.sub.max(SB) =P(t.sub.max)/[V(t.sub.max)-V.sub.0(SB) ]. The present invention provides a method for ESPVR estimation which is non-invasive and particularly applicable for bedside applications.

Abstract: A process employs amidine or amidine base and a metal compound in the presence of an alcohol or water to transesterify, or saponify esters or amides. Since the process employs relatively mild conditions, it is especially suitable for the production of optically active substances and biomolecules, e.g. peptides, amino acids and nucleic acids which are sensitive to elevated temperatures, extreme pH values and/or long reaction times since these compounds are easily racemised or denatured. The conditions additionally find use in solid phase systems. When amino acid or peptide esters are saponified, the splitting is brought about with lithium hydroxide alone under mild conditions. The use of an amidine base, more particularly DBU or DBN, in combination with the metal salt additionally accelerates the reaction so strongly that even sensitive acid derivatives can be reacted under mild conditions.

Abstract: Hydraulic coupler compounds corresponding to the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 denotes a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl radical; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which may be identical or different, denote a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 lower alkyl radical, a carboxyl radical or an alkoxycarbonyl radical; X denotes a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 lower alkyl radical, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkoxy radical, a halogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 acyloxy radical, an acetylamino group, a trimethylsilyloxy group or a dialkyl(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)aminomethyl group, the OH group occupying the 6- or 7-positions, as well as their salts, are combined with oxidation dye precursors for dyeing keratinous fibers.