Abstract: A Ca.sup.2+ dependent monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to a specific twelve peptide sequence (E D Q V D P R L I D G K) in the activation region of the Protein C. The antibody does not bind to Activated Protein C and can be used to inhibit activation of Protein C by thrombin-thrombomodulin. The antibody can be isolated from cell culture or ascites fluid in large quantities by affinity chromatography with mild conditions using the peptide bound to an immobilized substrate.The antibody has a number of specific uses in isolation and characterization of Protein C and as a model for the design of Ca.sup.2+ dependent antibodies for the isolation of other proteins, as a diagnostic, and as a therapeutic to prevent activation of Protein C. The Protein C can be naturally produced or produced by expression of the recombinant gene. Advantages of the antibody in purification of Protein C include the specificity for Protein C and not Activated Protein C, and the unique Ca.sup.

Abstract: Inorganic fibers which have a silicon extraction of greater than about 0.02 wt % Si/day in physiological saline solutions. The fiber contains SiO.sub.2, MgO, CaO, and at least one of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, ZrO.sub.2, TiO.sub.2, B.sub.2 O.sub.3, iron oxides, or mixtures thereof. Also disclosed are inorganic fibers which have diameters of less than 3.5 microns and which pass the ASTM E-119 two hour fire test when processed into a fiber blanket having a bulk density in the range of about 1.5 to 3 pcf.

Abstract: A new series of degradable polymeric matrices were prepared by blending polymers that degrade by hydrolysis such as poly(L-lactic acid)(PLA), and nonionic Pluronic.TM. surfactants, block copolymers of polyethyleneoxide (PEO) and polypropyleneoxide (PPO). The water content of the polymer blend films was controlled by mixing different types of block copolymers and by adjusting their amount. In aqueous solution, the blends revealed the typical liquid-crystalline phase transition of Pluronic.TM. polymers, suggesting the formation of a gel-like structure within the polymer skeleton. Poly(lactic acid) degradation rates were not affected by the blending procedure, although the hydration degree in these matrices was higher. When used as drug-releasing matrices, these blends extended protein release and minimized the initial protein burst, as compared to the pure polymer.

Abstract: A myogenic protein isolate from mammalian bone is provided that stimulates lineage commitment and differentiation of stem cells in vitro and in vivo. The protein isolate is characterized by its ability to cause muscle stem cell differentiation without excessive proliferation of connective tissue proximal to the delivery site. Treated muscle stem cells differentiate into myotubes and multinucleated structures with minimal formation of scar tissue, resulting in functional muscle tissue restoration in vivo, and therefore useful in the treatment of a number of disorders and injuries. The protein isolate is preferably administered by implanting a bioerodible polymer matrix, preferably a surface erodible polymer such as a polyanhydride or a polyorthoester, interspersed with the protein isolate near the site of muscle injury or degeneration, but can be administered directly to cells cultured in vitro.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of Microsporidia keratoconjunctivitis and Acanthamoeba keratitis are disclosed that include the topical administration of an effective amount of fumagillin or a derivative or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Abstract: Diseased portions of tissue lumens can be advantageously treated by the focal introduction of at least one therapeutic agent to the lumen at the diseased point. This can be accomplished by(a) introducing a catheter into the tissue lumen, said catheter comprising first and second expansile members and means for supplying therapeutic agent into a space between said first and second expansile members, and said catheter being positioned such that said first and second expansile members are disposed on opposite sides of the diseased region;(b) expanding the expansile members to occlude the diseased region of the tissue lumen;(c) introducing therapeutic agent to the occluded diseased region via said means for supplying therapeutic agent;(d) allowing the catheter to remain in place for a therapeutically effective period of time;(e) contracting the expansile members; and(f) removing the catheter.

Abstract: Tile segments in desired shapes are out with great precision utilizing a computer-controlled laser and assembled on a previously prepared secondary backing with a sheet of hot melt adhesive material interposed between the assembly of segments and the secondary backing. The hot melt adhesive is then heated to fuse the assembly together while its components are securely held in their desired positions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancement of phytate phosphorus utilization and treatment and prevention of tibial dyschondroplasia in animals, particularly poultry, by administering to animals a feed composition containing a hydroxylated vitamin D.sub.3 derivative. The vitamin D.sub.3 derivative is preferably administered to animals in feed containing reduced levels of calcium and phosphorus for enhancement of phytate phosphorus utilization. The vitamin D.sub.3 derivative is administered in combination with active phytase for further enhancement of phytate phosphorus utilization.

Abstract: Permanently stain resistant nylon and cellulosic fibers, and a method to impart permanent stain resistance to polyamide or cellulosic fibers, by covalently binding a stain resistant composition to a linking compound that has been covalently attached to the fiber are disclosed. This invention represents a significant advance in the art of textile treatments in that the covalently linked stain resist treatment is not removed after a series of alkaline shampooings. This invention is particularly useful in the preparation of commercial grade carpets for heavy traffic areas that will not lose their stain resistance after frequent shampooing.

Abstract: Adjustable components for swimming pool cleaners or other devices are disclosed. The components, when forming part of a fluid-interruption cleaner, can accommodate a variety of diaphragms (valves) of different lengths. The exterior of the cleaner's inner tube, to which the diaphragm is attached, includes a series of spaced, concentric ribs, any selected group of which may be gripped by a cantilever ring positioned between the inner tube and the cleaner body. Because the inner tube may be alternatively positioned relative to the cantilever ring and body, it can accept and accommodate diaphragms of varying lengths. The components also facilitate removal of the diaphragm and inner tube from the cleaner for inspection or, for example, when repair or replacement is desired.

Abstract: Dado shims that are disks of substantially incompressible, flexible, color coded plastic sheet material of uniform predetermined thicknesses having a central arbor hole and a radial slot narrower in width than the arbor hole diameter so that each shim is shaped like the letter "C" and can be distorted slightly during positioning on a saw arbor between dado set blades without removing any of the blades, by slipping the shim over the arbor through the slot until the shim seats on the arbor within the shim arbor hole.

Abstract: Fatty acid terminated polyanhydrides suitable for use as controlled release matrices in biodegradable sustained release drug delivery systems and methods for making thereof are described. The polymers are more soluble in organic solvents, and have a lower melting point than the corresponding non-fatty acid terminated polyanhydrides. The fatty acid terminated polyanhydrides are also more hydrophobic than the corresponding polyanhydrides that are not terminated with a fatty acid, and combine the properties of thermodynamic and hydrolytic stability, and easy storage. The polymers can be produced with a controlled and low molecular weight. The polyanhydrides are useful in a number of applications, including as a matrix in biodegradable drug delivery systems.

Abstract: A convenient, economical, non-toxic and effective apparatus for the control of roaches by administration of entomopathogenic fungi to the cockroaches. The roaches are exposed to the fungi in a contamination chamber having openings through which the cockroaches enter and come in contact with a living culture of a fungus which is pathogenic to cockroaches. The fungal spores attach to the roach, germinate and penetrate into the body of the cockroach, resulting in the death of the infected roach. Death takes approximately two to three weeks after contact with the culture. During this time, the infected roach disseminates spores of the pathogenic fungus throughout the infested areas which may subsequently infect other roaches. Given the proper environmental conditions, the fungus sporulates on the cadaver of the roach and the conidia can be transmitted to other cockroaches, resulting in a further spread of the disease.

Abstract: Novel polymeric compositions are provided for polyamide fibers or fibers having terminal amino groups that impart stain resistance and are resistant to discoloration.

Abstract: A method of preparation of substituted halogenodiazines which are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of novel unfused heterobicyclic compounds, and the products thereof.The reaction consists of the addition of an organolithium reagent with subsequent dehydrogenation of the addition product. The reaction takes place in one reaction vessel, without isolation of the substituted halogenodihydrodiazine intermediate. The reactions proceed at moderate temperature and in a short amount of time, which decreases the probability of side reactions and increases yield. Furthermore, the workup step is conducted under two-phase conditions to prevent hydrolysis of the substituted halogenodiazine to a substituted hydroxydiazine. The method is easy, efficient and results in a high yield of product.

Abstract: Novel 4-[(alkyl or dialkyl)amino]quinolines are disclosed that are prepared by condensinBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe United States government has rights in this invention as a result of a grant from the NIAID of the National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Md.

Abstract: A twin screw vise utilizing two threaded vise screw rods that are journaled through flanged nuts fixed to a workbench top or to a rear, fixed bench jaw. The vise screws pass through a movable front jaw and into tee-castings and handles that may be turned to rotate the screws. Sprockets are located on each screw between the tee castings and the front jaw and are coupled by a chain. One of the sprockets is fixed in position on its screw during a calibration procedure. The other sprocket remains free to rotate on its screw, except when a spring loaded pin in the corresponding tee-casting engages a depression in the face of the sprocket, thereby coupling that sprocket to the tee casting and associated screw.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to make any protein in a form that can be isolated rapidly from a solution using a specific monoclonal antibody designated "HPC-4". It has now been determined that it is possible to form a fusion protein of the epitope with a protein to be isolated, and isolate the protein using HPC-4-based affinity chromatography. In the preferred embodiment, a specific protease cleavage site is inserted between the epitope and the protein so that the epitope can be easily removed from the isolated protein. In an example, a functionally active soluble tissue factor including the twelve amino acid epitope recognized in combination with calcium by HPC-4 and a factor Xa cleavage site was expressed from a vector inserted into a procaryotic expression system. The recombinant tissue factor can be rapidly isolated in a single chromatographic step using the HPC-4 monoclonal antibody immobilized on a suitable substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for relaxing accommodation of an eye undergoing examination or other optical or medical procedures while concurrently permitting and facilitating positioning of the subject eye. A patch, cover, or other device designed to occlude and visually stimulate the eye opposite the subject eye includes multiple light sources facing the occluded eye. The practitioner illuminates a selected one (or ones) of the light sources within the patch and directs the patient to fixate on the source. As the occluded eye moves to fixate on the illuminated source, the subject eye follows the movement, thereby repositioning itself. Occluding the eye causes the image seen by it to appear to be at infinity, rather than nearby, causing the ocular muscles of both eyes to relax.