Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating and/or preventing macular edema and age-related macular degeneration which comprises topical administration of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors to the eye.

Abstract: Described are DNA-repair fusion proteins of multiple, complementary DNA repair proteins and having the activity of each protein, and related polynucleotides and vectors. The proteins, when expressed in cells, e.g., hematopoietic cells, increase the survival rate of the cells when contacted with chemotherapeutic agents. Also described are transgenic animal models wherein these proteins are expressed in essentially all cells of the animal. Such animal models are useful for instance in testing chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: A technique to produce a device for generating an electric field is disclosed. This electric field may be customized to direct movement of charged particles in a predetermined manner. Moreover, this device is readily installed and removed from a charged particle analyzer to facilitate interchange with other devices capable of generating electric fields with different characteristics. The device may be provided by etching an electrically conductive layer clad to a flexible dielectric substrate to define a predetermined conductive pattern. This pattern is then oriented relative to a charged particle pathway and an electric potential applied to generate the desired electric field.

Abstract: The present invention includes purified and isolated quassinoids and synthetically derived quassinoid analogs based on a picrasane carbon skeleton. Novel sidechains at C-15 incorporating water solubilizing agents such as glycine are discussed. Therapeutic methods taking advantage of anticancer, antiviral, and herbistatic properties of these quassinoids are disclosed, including use against solid tumors and human immunodeficiency virus infected cells.

Abstract: Materials and methods for selectively adsorbing proteins are disclosed. Under the invention, controlled pore glass is treated with a polyelectrolyte layer which comprises at least one polymer having a cationic portion which is electrostatically attracted to the porous outer surface of the glass. The constituents of the polyelectrolyte are preferably selected to have an affinity for the predetermined protein to facilitate adsorption thereof on the polyelectrolyte treated glass. Advantageously, the materials of the present invention can be utilized to immobilize enzymes and also to separate proteins from other components in a medium.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for identifying, monitoring and treating premalignant and malignant conditions in a human subject. The present invention further discloses methods and compositions for determining cells undergoing apoptosis, and for increasing the efficacy of a cancer therapy. The methods involve the use of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE), independently, as a marker for (pre)malignant conditions and for apoptosis. Also described are polyclonal antibody preparations for use in methods for detecting APE and methods for modulating expression susceptibility of cells to apoptosis.

Abstract: A method of inducing apoptosis in apoptosis-inducible cancer cells by administering thereto an apoptosis-inducing effective amount of the compound benzamide riboside or salts thereof.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the percutaneous administration of a composition to a desired in vivo location. The composition comprises a biologically active substance and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is preferably non-solid and a polymer, which is preferably capable of being transformed into a gel, thus allowing timed-released delivery of the substance. A preferred use for this invention is to provide local delivery of biologically active substances for the prevention of restenosis following angioplasty or other blood vessel injury.

Abstract: The present invention includes purified and isolated quassinoids and synthetically derived quassinoid analogs based on a picrasane carbon skeleton. Novel sidechains at C-15 incorporating water solubilizing agents such as glycine are discussed. Therapeutic methods taking advantage of anticancer, antiviral, and herbistatic properties of these quassinoids are disclosed, including use against solid tumors and human immunodeficiency virus infected cells.

Abstract: Novel LHRH antagonist peptides, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed.

Abstract: Described are unique preferred enzyme coacervate compositions and their use in catalyzing the reaction of substrates to which the enzyme is specific. Preferred coacervates of the invention are complex coacervates formed by complexing enzymes with polyelectrolytes.

Abstract: A dynamic table/shield apparatus contains a movable treatment table and at least one shielding block which is movable relative to the table. The apparatus effects total body irradiation treatment of a body disposed on the table while completely shielding, throughout the treatment time, a midplane of a predetermined body part from a radiation beam emitted from a radiation source during the treatment. During the treatment, the table and body are moved in a first direction at a first velocity V.sub.1 through a radiation field, and the shielding block is moved relative to the table at a second velocity V.sub.2 in a second direction opposite of the first direction. The second velocity is equal to (V.sub.1)(b/a), wherein "V.sub.1 " is the first velocity, "b" is the perpendicular distance between the the shielding block and the midplane of the body part, and "a" is the perpendicular distance between the midplane of the body part and the radiation source.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for increasing retinal and optic nerve head blood velocity by topical application of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors to the eye.

Abstract: The present invention combines detection and identification of H. capsulatum in one step, eliminating the need to use DNA probes to react with PCR products in order to distinguish different types of fungi. The purpose of the invention is to provide compounds and methods to directly and specifically identify H. capsulatum in clinical specimens. Specifically, we provide a unique nucleotide sequence from the rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer region I (ITSI) of H. capsulatum and a PCR method which amplifies the unique sequence of H. capsulatum.

Abstract: A solvent mixture for use in vapor cleaning degreasing systems. Dibromomethane is used as the principal component instead of such high ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbons as Freon and 1,1,1 Trichloroethane. Dibromomethane is mixed with other solvents including a number of low boiling solvents which prevent the mixture from becoming acidic on the release of bromine into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Refrigerant leakage in heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems employing hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants is determined by adding a mixture of predetermined amounts of a naphthalamide optical brightener with an appropriate lubricant to the system. Inspection of the system under ultraviolet light provides an indication of any leakage occurring in the system of liquid and/or gas.

Abstract: A blend of terpene hydrocarbons and aliphatic or cyclic ketones are used for the effective cleaning of electrical contacts. Such terpenes blended with ketone solvents have high dielectric strength, fast evaporation rate, and biodegradability making the proposed mixture an ideal substitute for the cleaning of electrical contacts in the electrical utility industry and for the cleaning of printed circuit boards in the electronics industry.

Abstract: A solvent selected from the terpene hydrocarbon group and terpene alcohol group as a cleaning agent can provide effective cleaning of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems which use hydrofluorocarbon or hydrochlorofluorocarbon or Freon refrigerants by using a solvent as described. Flushing through the refrigerant system condenser coils and evaporation coils removes any trace of excessive compressor lubricant which will be carried out with the solvent. The flushed materials carried out are biodegradable, thus are desirable from an environmental standpoint.

Abstract: A new process is provided which when used will shield occupants of any dwelling from EMF radiation. The conditions specify the use of a conductive material which resists the passage of electric charge in a very narrow range, from 0.2-400 ohms/square with 377 ohms/square as best. This number has a special significance: it is the resistance of a perfect absorber of electromagnetic radiation. The coating will be used as a primer paint and will provide an excellent shield from EMF radiation, especially that which occurs with high voltage lines at 60 Hz but also for microwave radiation at a frequency of 10 kilohertz to 100 gigahertz.