Abstract: Novel N-4 modified pyrimidine analogs are provided having the structure (I) or (II) ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, acid-sensitive, base-stable blocking groups and acyl capping groups; R.sup.2 is lower alkyl; R.sup.3 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkylene containing 0 to 6 linkages selected from the group consisting of --0--, --S-- and --NH--; R.sup.4 is ##STR2## in which R.sup.9 is hydrogen or an optionally substituted aliphatic group; R.sup.10 and R.sup.11 are hydrocarbyl or together form a mono- or polyheterocyclic ring; R.sup.5 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R.sup.6 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, bromo and iodo; R.sup.7 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkylene containing 0 to 6 linkages selected from the group consisting of --O--, --S-- and --NR.sup.12 -- wherein R.sup.12 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; and R.sup.8 is a protecting group that can be removed and replaced by reduction.

Abstract: Benzothiophene analogs useful to treat herpes viral infections, particularly cytomegalovirus, are provided. These antiviral agents have the structural formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R and R.sup.1 are as defined herein, and may be in free base or acid addition salt form. Pharmaceutical compositions are provided containing the antiviral agents, as are methods of treating herpes-infected individuals.

Abstract: Novel human and mouse NF2 transcript isoforms and proteins encoded thereby, are disclosed. The isoforms are found in a variety of tissue and tumor types and represent differential processing of genomic DNA sequences, at the level of transcription, resulting in variant proteins. The isoforms provide useful tools for the analysis of the normal function of tumor suppressor factors, such as the merlin protein, and also provide useful markers for the detection of NF2 disease.

Abstract: Novel reagents useful in a variety of biochemical and chemical contexts, including nucleic hybridization assays and chemical phosphorylation of hydroxyl-containing compounds. The reagents are particularly useful for introducing cleavable sites and/or abasic sites into oligonucleotide or polynucleotide chains.

Abstract: Novel reagents useful in a variety of biochemical and chemical contexts, including nucleic hybridization assays and chemical phosphorylation of hydroxyl-containing compounds. The reagents are particularly useful for introducing cleavable sites and/or abasic sites into oligonucleotide or polynucleotide chains.

Abstract: Novel single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are provided. A first group of polymers are polysiloxanes substituted with fluorinated poly(alkylene oxide) side chains having associated ionic species, while a second group are copolymers containing mer units having the following structures ##STR1## in which R.sup.4 through R.sup.8, x2, x3, y2, y3, z2, and z3 are as defined herein. Also provided are conductive compositions containing these novel polymers, particularly film compositions, and batteries formulated with such films.

Abstract: Thermally stable cytosine deaminase (CDase), and the gene coding therefor, is disclosed as well as methods of isolating, purifying, and recombinantly producing the same. The thermally stable CDase can be isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yeast isolated enzyme has a molecular weight of approximately 32 kDa, as determined by gel filtration chromatography, and is composed of two subunits, each with a molecular weight of about 17 kDa. Thermally stable yeast CDase so purified shows no significant sequence homology with other known sequenced proteins.

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: New subunit vaccines from Haemophilus somnus are disclosed. The vaccines include an outer membrane protein extract of H. somnus which is enriched with iron-regulated proteins. Additional antigens, such as antigens derived from Pasteurella haemolytica, can be included in the vaccine composition to provide protection against a variety of disease states.

Abstract: Acyclic purine phosphonate nucleotide analogs useful to treat herpes viral infections are provided in enantiomerically pure form. These antiviral agents have the structural formula (Ia) or (Ib) ##STR1## and may be in acid, salt or ester form. Such compounds may also be dehydrated to provide antiviral agents in cyclic form. Pharmaceutical compositions are provided containing the antiviral agents, as is a chiral synthesis which may be used to prepare the agents in enantiomerically pure form or as a racemic mixture.

Abstract: Novel vaccines for use against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae are disclosed. The vaccines contain at least one A. pleuropneumoniae transferrin binding protein and/or one A. pleuropneumoniae cytolysin and/or one A. pleuropneumoniae APP4. Also disclosed are DNA sequences encoding these proteins, vectors including these sequences and host cells transformed with these vectors. The vaccines can be used to treat or prevent porcine respiratory infections.

Abstract: A novel expression system using the heat-inducible bovine hsp70A promoter and associated cis-acting elements is disclosed. The system provides for the continuous production of a highly pure, authentic protein, substantially free of infectious viral and cellular protein contaminants.

Abstract: A method based on generalized recombination is provided for generating multiple protein variants. The method involves introducing into host cells at least two pools of mutant encoding nucleotide sequences, recipient and donor, transducing the donor pool into the recipient cells and subsequently screening and selecting the recombinants thereby produced for expressed proteins exhibiting desired characteristics. A population of such protein variants is also provided.

Abstract: Simple and efficient methods for extracting high levels of .beta.-glucans from cereal sources are disclosed. The method employs a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide as an initial solvent. If desired, the extract can be further purified to render a .beta.-glucan preparation which can be used directly or stored for future use.

Abstract: Novel antihypercholesterolemic agents are provided. An exemplary group of compounds has the structural formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R is a C-17 side chain, R.sup.1 is --OH, .dbd.O, or the like, and X and Y are N, N.fwdarw.O, CH, C--OH, C--OCH.sub.3 or C--Z. Methods of using the compound of formula (I) or other novel oxysterol analogs to treat hypercholesterolemia are provided, as are pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides oligonucleotides (A): and (B): and their derivatives. These oligos may be used as a pair of primers for the detection of HPV16 (SEQ ID NO:3) DNA in a sample, without false positives arising due to the presence of other HPV strains. Kits containing the primers and the use of the primers to screen populations are provided.

Abstract: Electroactive polymers are provided which contain alternating phenyl rings and nitrogen atoms, and which contain both quinoid mer units and benzenoid mer units. The polymers are formed by poly(condensation) of N-phenylhydroxylamine or derivatives thereof under anhydrous conditions in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst. Methods for producing films, fibers and shaped articles of the polymers are provided as well.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing vasculogenic erectile dysfunction, including vasculogenic impotence and Peyronie's syndrome, is provided. The method involves transurethral administration of a vasodilating agent to induce an erection, followed by hemodynamic evaluation using duplex ultrasonography, NMR, angiography, or the like. Kits for conducting the diagnostic method are provided as well, as are methods of treatment based on the diagnostic conclusion.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensing device for measuring a chemical or physiological parameter of a body fluid or tissue is provided. To one end of the fiber is attached a polymer including a plurality of photoactive moieties selected from the group consisting of chromophores and lumophores, the photoactive moieties spaced apart so as to minimize chemical or physical interaction therebetween while optimizing the density of photoactive moieties. In one embodiment, a polymer chain is covalently bound to photoactive moieties through functional groups such as esters, amides, or the like. In a second embodiment, a polymer chain is inherently fluorescent and is formed from at least one monomeric unit. These devices are particularly useful as pH and oxygen sensors.

Abstract: New proteins and subunit antigens from P. haemolytica for use in stimulating immunity against respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, including shipping fever pneumonia, are disclosed. The subunit antigens include immunogenic amino acid sequences of P. haemolytica fimbrial protein, P. haemolytica plasmin receptor protein, and P. haemolytica 50K outer membrane protein and P. haemolytica leukotoxin. The antigens can be used in a vaccine composition, either alone or in combination. Also disclosed are methods of vaccination as well as methods of making the subunit antigens employed in the vaccines.