Abstract: Novel methods for the preparation of polymers useful as precursors to ceramic materials by catalytic activation of Si--H bonds are disclosed. The methods comprise reacting, in the presence of a catalyst effective to activate Si--H bonds, Si--N bonds, or both, and/or a reactive solvent, a polymer in the form of a polysilane, polysilazane, polysiloxane or polycarbosilane with a reactant having the structural formula R--X--H, wherein X is NR' or O, R is H, organic, silyl, siloxyl, silazanyl or carbosilyl and may contain at least one additional X--H group, and R' is H, amino, silyl or silazanyl, to produce a modified polymer containing at least one Si--X bond. Polymers produced by these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel batteries formulated with compositions comprising liquid electrolyte plasticizers having enhanced ambient temperature conductivity are provided. These plasticizers have the following general structures ##STR1## in which R.sup.a, R.sup.b, R.sup.c, X, Y, Z, .alpha., .beta., .gamma., and l are as defined herein. Novel compositions and films comprising these plasticizers are also provided.

Abstract: A ratiometric method for using optical sensors is provided to measure dissolved oxygen in a fluid sample. The sensor is formulated so as to contain an oxygen permeable membrane of a cured perfluorinated urethane polymer and, incorporated therein, an oxygen-sensitive indicator component and a reference dye component. The emission spectrum from the indicator component is calibrated by comparison with that of the reference dye, which is substantially less sensitive to oxygen-quenching and which has a photodecomposition rate similar to the indicator component. Methods for making and using the membrane and sensor are provided as well.

Abstract: Novel methods for the preparation of polymers useful as precursors to ceramic materials by catalytic activation of Si--H bonds are disclosed. The methods comprise reacting, in the presence of a catalyst effective to activate Si--H bonds, Si--N bonds, or both, and/or a reactive solvent, a polymer in the form of a polysilane, polysilazane, polysiloxane or polycarbosilane with a reactant having the structural formula R--X--H, wherein X is NR' or O, R is H, organic, silyl, siloxyl, silazanyl or carbosilyl and may contain at least one additional X--H group, and R' is H, amino, silyl or silazanyl, to produce a modified polymer containing at least one Si--X bond. Polymers produced by these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: New techniques are provided for substantially reducing background signals encountered in solution phase hybridization assays. The techniques are premised on eliminating or significantly reducing the phenomena of nonspecific hybridization and nonspecific binding, so as to provide a detectable signal which is produced only in the presence of the target polynucleotide of interest. In certain embodiments, methods are provided for increasing the signal which can otherwise be diminished in noise reduction. Kits for carrying out the novel assays are provided as well.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing ceramic precursors from hydridosiloxane starting materials and then pyrolyzing these precursors to give rise to silicious ceramic materials. Si--H bonds present in the hydridosiloxane starting materials are catalytically activated, and the activated hydrogen atoms may then be replaced with nonhydrogen substituents. These preceramic materials are pyrolyzed in a selected atmosphere to give the desired ceramic product. Ceramic products which may be prepared by this technique include silica, silicon oxynitride, silicon carbide, metal silicates, and mullite.

Abstract: A ratiometric method for using optical sensors is provided to measure dissolved oxygen in a fluid sample. The sensor is formulated so as to contain an oxygen permeable membrane of a cured perfluorinated urethane polymer and, incorporated therein, an oxygen-sensitive indicator component and a reference dye component. The emission spectrum from the indicator component is calibrated by comparison with that of the reference dye, which is substantially less sensitive to oxygen-quenching and which has a photodecomposition rate similar to the indicator component. Methods for making and using the membrane and sensor are provided as well.

Abstract: Novel batteries containing single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are provided. The polymers are polysiloxanes substituted with fluorinated poly(alkylene oxide) side chains having associated ionic species. The polymers have the following structure ##STR1## in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and n are as defined herein.

Abstract: A polypeptide is provided which is capable of binding human TNF.alpha. and which has the first three cysteine-rich subdomains, but not the fourth cysteine-rich subdomain, of the extracellular binding domain of a receptor selected from the group consisting of the 55 kD and 75 kD receptors for human TNF.alpha.. The ability of the polypeptide to bind TNF.alpha. means that it can be used for treating diseases mediated by TNF.alpha. activity, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: An optical sensor is provided for measuring dissolved gases such as O.sub.2 or CO.sub.2 in a fluid sample. The sensor is formulated so as to contain a gas permeable membrane of a cured perfluorinated urethane polymer and, incorporated therein, a gas-sensitive indicator component. Methods for making and using the membrane and sensor are provided as well.

Abstract: A needleless syringe having a membrane which is ruptured by gas pressure to generate a supersonic gas flow in which particles containing a therapeutic agent are injected. This provides effective transdermal delivery of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Novel peptide and peptide mimetic ligands which act as inhibitors of p34.sup.cdc2 kinase, p33.sup.cdk2 kinase and human papillomavirus transforming protein E7 (HPV E7) are disclosed. The inhibitors are derived from the binding domains of a retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (Rb), p107 and a cyclin.

Abstract: Novel nucleic acid molecules are provided having adeno-associated virus (AAV) coding regions that are capable of expressing necessary AAV functions to complement an AAV vector in the production of recombinant AAV (rAAV) virions. The molecules feature a nucleotide sequence that is substantially homologous to an AAV p5 promoter region, wherein the p5 promoter region is situated in the molecules in a site that is other than its natural position relative to the AAV rep coding region in the wild-type AAV genome. AAV helper function constructs are also provided, comprising the instant nucleic acid molecules embodied in a replicon that is capable of being transcribed and translated to express complementing AAV helper functions in a suitable host cell. Novel AAV packaging cells and AAV producer cells are provided, which contain the AAV helper constructs of the invention, and methods of producing enhanced levels of rAAV virions using the AAV helper constructs of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for identifying inhibitors of papilloma virus replication are described consisting of soluble cellular extracts supplemented with purified viral E1 and E2 proteins.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing prostaglandin E.sub.1, E.sub.2 and derivatives thereof is provided. The process is a "one-pot" method in which 2-furyllithium, copper cyanide, a lower alkyllithium reagent and either an (E)-alkenylstannane or a halogenide are combined with cyclopentenone (II) ##STR1## in which A, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are as defined herein. The reaction gives rise to the desired prostaglandin product in yields of 80% or higher.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting or sterilizing tissues of the oral cavity or a wound or lesion in the oral cavity is provided. The method comprises applying a photosensitizing compound to said tissues, wound or lesion and irradiating said tissues, wound or lesion with laser light at a wavelength absorbed by said photosensitizing compound.

Abstract: An optical sensor is provided for measuring the pH of a fluid sample. The sensor is formulated using a fluorescent polymer composition comprising a copolymer of a water-dispersable, polyether-containing urethane olefin precursor and a fluorescent monomer species, wherein the ratio of precursor and fluorescent monomer species is such that a predetermined apparent pKa is provided. The sensor is prepared by coating the distal end of an optical waveguide with the fluorescent polymer composition, and curing the copolymer contained in the composition, e.g., by exposure to radiation of a suitable wavelength.

Abstract: Novel Quinoa saponin pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed. The compositions are useful as immunological adjuvants, to stimulate nonspecific immunity, as well as to enhance an immunological response to a selected antigen. The Quinoa saponin compositions can also be used to enhance mucosal absorption of a drug administered therewith.

Abstract: DNA constructs encoding human Factor VIII:C protein are disclosed. In particular, the DNA construct contains a nucleotide sequence that encodes a first polypeptide homologous to the A domain of human Factor VIII:C linked to a second polypeptide homologous to the C domain of human Factor VIII:C by a polypeptide spacer that comprises a peptide homologous to a human Ig heavy chain hinge region. Recombinant methods for producing human Factor VIII:C protein are also disclosed.

Abstract: New chimeric proteins, DNA encoding the same, and the use of these proteins in stimulating immunity against respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, including shipping fever pneumonia, are disclosed. The chimeric proteins include at least one epitope of an RTX cytotoxin fused to an active fragment of a cytokine. The chimeric proteins can be used in a vaccine composition. Also disclosed are methods of vaccination as well as methods of making the proteins employed in the vaccines.