Abstract: The present invention relates to several novel acridone-derived compounds of of formula (I) or (II). These compounds are potent anti-viral agents, useful in the treatment of viral diseases, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus. In addition, these compounds are anti-neoplastic agents useful in the treatment of various forms of cancer. wherein R1 and R2 are independently —H, —OH, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkoxy, alkyl, haloalkyl or halogen; n is 2 to 6, X and X′ are independently —N or —NO2; Y and Y′ are independently —N or —CH, or —H; and the double-slash represents a double bond or no bond.

Abstract: An isolated, synthetic preparation of a novel neutrophil-specific chemotactic factor (NCF), monoclonal antibodies having specific binding affinity for NCF and a clone containing the complete cDNA coding sequence for NCF are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified retinal pigmented epithelium derived neurotrophic factor composition and a method for purifying such a retinal pigmented epithelium neurotrophic factor. The present invention also relates to a recombinant DNA molecule comprising a gene encoding a retinal pigmented epithelium derived neurotrophic factor having the DNA sequence or the amino acid sequence in SEQ ID NO:1 and to an organism transformed with the recombinant DNA molecule. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of treating tumors, ocular diseases, nerve injuries, and conditions resulting from the activity of serine proteases, which comprises administering PEDF.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to autotaxin. In particular, the present invention relates to a DNA segment encoding autotaxin; recombinant DNA molecules containing the DNA segment; cells containing the recombinant DNA molecule; a method of producing autotaxin; antibodies to autotaxin; and identification of functional domains in autotaxin.

Abstract: Highly efficient cationic liposomes have been developed as an improved delivery system for biologically active reagents. A novel structure, the sandwich liposome, is formed and comprises one or more biologically active agents sandwiched (and thus sequestered) between the lipid bilayers. This structure protects the incoming agent and accounts for the high efficiency of in vivo delivery and for the broad tissue distribution of the sandwich liposome complexes. These novel liposomes are also highly efficient carriers of nucleic acids. By using extruded DOTAP:cholesterol liposomes to form complexes with DNA encoding specific proteins, expression has been improved dramatically. Highest expression was achieved in the lung, while increased expression was detected in several organs and tissues.

Abstract: An isolated, synthetic preparation of a novel neutrophil-specific chemotactic factor (NCF), monoclonal antibodies having specific binding affinity of NCF and a clone containing the complete cDNA coding sequence for NCF are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the simultaneous and specific identification of the variant forms of &agr;-thalassemia. This invention utilizes simple and readily available equipment to rapidly identify, diagnose and differentiate the different forms of &agr;-thalassemia. Specifically, the present invention relates to a simple and rapid non-radioisotopic technique for the diagnosis and differentiation of the common forms of &agr;-thalassemia has been developed. This approach works on any biological tissue including blood, wherein the assay works equally well with fresh blood and dried blood samples stored on filter paper.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding the neurotrophic protein known as pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a truncated version of PEDF referred to as rPEDF, and equivalent proteins, vectors comprising such nucleic acids, host cells into which such vectors have been introduced, recombinant methods for producing PEDF, rPEDF, and equivalent proteins, the rPEDF protein and equivalent proteins of rPEDF and PEDF-BP, -BX and BA, and the PEDF protein produced by recombinant methods. Effects and uses of these variants on 1) neuronal differentiation (neurotrophic effect) 2) neuron survival (neuronotrophic effect) and 3) glial inhibition (gliastatic effect) are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding a melanoma antigen recognized by T lymphocytes, designated MART-1. This invention further relates to bioassays using the nucleic acid sequence, protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess or prognoses a mammal afflicted with melanoma or metastata melanoma. This invention also provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen and a second melanoma antigen designated gp100. This invention further provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen or gp100 antigen which have been modified to enhance their immunogenicity. The proteins and peptides provided can serve as an immunogen or vaccine to prevent or treat melanoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting a DNA sequence by means of a DNA:DNA hybrid in real time using fluorescence. The present invention eliminates the need to use radioactive probes to detect the DNA and eliminates the delay needed for autoradiographic exposure of the X-ray to the radioactive label.

Abstract: The present invention relates to several novel acridone-derived compounds of of formula (I) or (II). These compounds are potent anti-viral agents, useful in the treatment of viral diseases, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus. In addition, these compounds are anti-neoplastic agents useful in the treatment of various forms of cancer. wherein R1 and R2 are independently —H, —OH, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkoxy, alkyl, haloalkyl or halogen; n is 2 to 6, X and X′ are independently —N or —NO2; Y and Y′ are independently —N or —CH, or —H; and the double-slash represents a double bond or no bond.

Abstract: Methods of treating a human infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), such as a human with AIDS, with the purina nucleotides 2',3'-dideoxy-2'-beta-fluoroadenosine (FddA) and 2',3'-dideoxy-2'-beta-fluoroinosine (FddI) are disclosed. These nucleotides are stable in an acid environment and thus can be used for oral administration. Methods of inhibiting human immunodeficiency virus replication in a human T cell using these purina nucleotides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Purine nucleosides active against human immunodeficiency virus which are substituted at the 2'-position by a strong electronegative group such as fluorine are stable in an acid environment and thus can be used for oral administration.

Abstract: Gene expression in a cell can be regulated or inhibited by incorporating into or associating with the genetic material of the cell a non-native nucleic acid sequence which is transcribed to produce an mRNA which is complementary to and capable of binding to the mRNA produced by the genetic material of said cell.

Abstract: Gene expression in a cell can be regulated or inhibited by incorporating into or associating with the genetic material of the cell a non-native nucleic acid sequence which is transcribed to produce an mRNA which is complementary to and capable of binding to the mRNA produced by the genetic material of said cell.

Abstract: A fixed cutting tool shape for improved rock drilling performance of drag-type rotary bits includes a cemented tungsten carbide cutter body and a plow-shaped cutter element. In a preferred embodiment, the cutter element is a composite compact of polycrystalline diamond on a cemented tungsten carbide substrate, and defines a generally V-shaped cutter to create a plowing action and direct rock ship flow away from the working surface.

Abstract: A dresser tool comprises two composite compacts positioned to crush and shear the grinding wheel. Preferably one composite compact is arranged such that its working edge contacts the grinding wheel tangentially; and the other compact is placed so that its working edge is normal to the grinding wheel at a rake angle ranging from positive to negative.

Abstract: A silver-manganese-zirconium brazing alloy with a high percentage of silver at least exceeding 80 percent is used in a process for fabricating strong, high thermal conductivity bonds between diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) and a molybdenum or tungsten support member. Typical diamond or CBN-alloy-metal products with the improved alloy bond are semiconductor device heat sinks, grinding wheels and tools.

Abstract: A component comprised of a composite compact, preferably diamond, and a substrate bonded to the compact. A preferred embodiment of the component is a cutter for a drill bit. The compact is comprised of a layer of bonded diamond or boron nitride particles and a base layer of cemented carbide bonded, preferably under high temperatures and pressures, to the particulate layer. The particulate layer is degradable by exposure to temperatures above a predetermined temperature. The substrate is bonded to the base layer of the compact with a filler metal which, to form a bond, requires the exposure of the surfaces to be bonded to a temperature substantially greater than the degradation temperature of the particulate layer. The component is fabricated by heating the base layer, filler metal and substrate to a temperature in excess of the degradation temperature while maintaining the temperature of the particulate layer below the degradation temperature via a heat sink.

Abstract: An apparatus for rock cutting and drilling. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus is a drill bit comprised of composite compact cutters removably secured or attached to the drill crown. The cutter is preferably comprised of a stud or pin with an abrasive composite compact bonded at one end of the stud. The securing means for the cutter is comprised of a sleeve and a bushing fixed in the recess of the bit crown. The sleeve has a threaded outer wall for engagement with a threaded inner wall of the bushing. The height of the cutter is adjustable by the provision of metal shims between the bottom of the recess and the base of the stud of the cutter.