Abstract: Novel peptide analogs derived from the native sequences of CAP37 peptides 20-44 and 23-42, and their use as therapeutics against bacterial infections and diseases caused by bacterial infection. The peptide analog includes a serine or threonine substitution at one of the two cysteine residues at positions 26 and 42. Substitutions of the native peptide are also contemplated.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a bonding material disposed upon an inner or outer portion of the sleeve for attaching the sleeve to the pot or item.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base and skirt. The sleeve may have an upper protective sleeve portion for enclosing a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed. The sleeve has expansion devices comprising a plurality of expandable folds for allowing portions of the base portion to expand to conform to the shape of a pot when a pot is disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to protected thiol analogs of pyrimidine bases for syntheses of DNA and RNA by chemical or enzymatic methods. The subject analogs include reagents suitable for DNA or RNA synthesis via phosphoramidite, H-phosphonate or phosphotriester chemistry as well a reagents suitable for use by RNA and DNA polymerase, including thermostable polymerases employed by PCR or other nucleic acid amplification techniques. The nucleotide analogs synthesized by methods of this invention can thus be incorporated into oligonucleotides or polynucleotides, deprotected and derivatized with a functional group. In some cases the protecting groups are themselves antigenic and may be left on the oligonucleotides or polynucleotides for detection with antibodies. A method of synthesizing oligonucleotides with a functional group using the subject nucleotide analogs is also provided.

Abstract: A method for forming a sheet of material about an article and for automatically fastening the sheet of material about the article, and optionally, for automatically placing a label on the sheet of material formed about the article.

Abstract: An agent, .alpha.-difluoromethyl lysine (DFML) or .alpha.-monofluoromethyl lysine (MFML), inhibits lysine decarboxylases produced by bacteria associated with periodontal tissues. Inhibition of such lysine decarboxylases can prophylactically and therapeutically treat periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. The agent may be incorporated into toothpastes, mouthwashes, irrigation solutions, tablets, periodontal treatment packs, or an adhesive paste or film coatings for applying to the teeth.

Abstract: An instrument and method for manicuring the underside of natural, artificial and acrylic fingernails. The instrument comprises a shaft member having a first end and a second end, and an abrasive member connected to at least one of the first and second ends of the shaft member. The abrasive member having a substantially arcuate shaped abrading surface for permitting at least a portion of the abrasive member to be positioned for abrading engagement with the underside of the fingernail to file and hone the underside of the nail.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A catalytic material is provided which effectuates the aromatization, reformation, and dehydrogenation of aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, and mixtures of aliphatic and cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons. The catalyst comprises an L-zeolite associated with a Group VIII metal such as platinum and having a rare earth metal ion incorporated therein. A method of using the catalytic material is also provided.

Abstract: A method and composition for the topical application of a yohimbine or derivative or stereoisomer thereof, or effective .alpha..sub.2 -antagonists to skin for inhibiting melanogenesis in the skin leading to skin lightening. The yohimbine may be provided as a natural extract, for example, as an extract of Johimbe bark. The composition may include a skin exfoliant.

Abstract: A catalytic material is provided which effectuates the aromatization, reformation, and dehydrogenation of aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, and mixtures of aliphatic and cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons. The catalyst comprises an L-zeolite associated with a Group VIII metal such as platinum and having a rare earth metal ion incorporated therein. A method of using the catalytic material is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a decorative covering for a floral grouping. The method includes the step of providing a decorative covering assembly comprising a header assembly and at least one sheet of material detachably connected to the header assembly. The header assembly is secured to a holder assembly such that the decorative covering assembly is supported by the holder assembly and at least one sheet of material can be detached from the header assembly. At least one sheet of material is detached from the header assembly and is disposed about at least a portion of the floral grouping to provide a decorative covering for the floral grouping.

Abstract: A cover for use with a flower pot having a floral grouping disposed therein. The cover includes a sheet of material having a sheet extension connected to an outer peripheral surface thereof. The sheet of material is formed into a pot cover for covering the flower pot and the sheet extension extends over the floral grouping.

Abstract: A method for providing a decorative cover for a floral grouping wherein the decorative cover is provided with a design indicia bearing portion which extends above the remainder of the decorative cover and thereby enhances the visual aesthetic effect of the decorative cover. The decorative cover is formed from a sheet of material having a design indicia and an opening extending therethrough wherein the opening is offset from a central portion of the sheet of material in a direction generally away from the indicia bearing portion of the sheet of material. A lower portion of a stem end of a floral grouping is inserted through the opening in the sheet of material and the sheet of material is wrapped about the floral grouping to provide a decorative cover having a design indicia bearing portion which extends above the remainder of the decorative cover and thereby enhances the visual aesthetic effect of the decorative cover.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of flexible strips of material intertwined with and bondably connected to one another so as to form a cohesive cushioning unit and method for forming same is provided. The strips of material have a bonding material disposed thereon for bondingly connecting the strips of material to one another and enabling the strips of material to be bondingly connected to a container and an article.