Abstract: An impoved barrier or drug delivery system which is highly adherent to the surface to which it is applied is disclosed, along with methods for making the barrier. In the preferred embodiment, tissue is stained with a photoinitiator, then the polymer solution or gel having added thereto a defined amount of the same or a different photoinitiator is applied to the tissue. On exposure to light, the resulting system polymerizes at the surface, giving excellent adherence, and also forms a gel in the rest of the applied volume. Thus a gel barrier of arbitrary thickness can be applied to a surface while maintaining high adherence at the interface. This process is referred to herein as "priming". the polymerizable barrier materials are highly useful for sealing tissue surfaces and junctions against leaks of fluids. In another embodiment, "priming" can be used to reliably adhere preformed barriers to tissue or other surfaces, or to adhere tissue surfaces to each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of medical devices employing electrophoresis to combat bacterial colonization. More particularly, it relates to an apparatus and method of providing an electrophoresis-type medical device that mitigates the burning of surrounding biological tissue. This invention uses grooves in the contact surface of the medical device for containing the electrodes which cause the electrophoresis to occur. The grooves allow the electrodes to contact biological fluid without contacting and hence burning the surrounding biological tissue. Through the use of this invention it is possible to provide an electrophoresis-type medical device while minimizing the burning of surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat transfer blanket which wraps the torso and legs leaving the arms, buttocks, perineum and head exposed and allows for the selective heating or cooling of various body parts at the same or different rates. The blanket of the present invention is also made up of panels which may be selectively opened to gain access to the chest, abdomen, legs or back to expose a surgical field or to provide access to these areas for necessary medical care.

Abstract: The present invention a provides methods for production of heterologous polypeptides, for example amylin, using recombinantly engineered cell lines. Also described are methods engineering cells for high level expression, methods of large scale heterologous protein production, methods for treatment of disease in vivo using viral delivery systems and recombinant cell lines, and methods for isolating novel amylin receptors.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions relating to polypeptide activators of caspases such as polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences diagnostic of caspase activators. These sequences, and polypeptides and polynucleotides embodying these sequences, find a wide variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications involving detecting and/or modulating expression and/or function of activators or caspases or genes or transcripts encoding such activators and generating genetic and immunogenic probes specific to activators of caspases.

Abstract: The present invention provides viral vectors that have been engineered to contain a synthetic promoter that controls at least one essential gene. The synthetic promoter is induced by a specific gene product not normally produced in the cells in which the viral vector is to be transferred. The vectors are propagated in producer or helper cells that express the inducing factor, thereby permitting the virus to replicate to high titer. The lack of the inducing factor in the target cells precludes viral replication, however, meaning that no vector toxicity or immunogenicity arises. Where the virus carries a gene of interest, this should provide for higher level expression for longer periods of time than with current vectors. Methods for making the vectors, helper cells, and their use in protein production, vaccines and gene therapy are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptide-based compositions and methods for inhibiting and modulating the actions of CXC intercrine molecules. The antileukinate peptides described inhibit IL-8, GRO and MIP2.beta. binding to neutrophils and neutrophil activation. The peptides are particularly advantageous as they inhibit IL-8-induced enzyme release at a 25 fold lower concentration than is required to inhibit chemotaxis, which makes them ideal for treating various inflammatory diseases and disorders including, amongst others, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis. The invention further includes methods for inhibiting tumor cell growth by employing selected members of the disclosed group of peptides to inhibit .alpha.-chemokine binding to the tumor cell.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a mixture of peptides that bind to molecules involved in Bcr-Abl oncoprotein function are disclosed. In addition, expression of functional BCR protein (p160 BCR) or amino terminal fragments thereof (159, 221 and 413 amino terminal residues) by way of retrovirus vectors will oppose the biological function of Bcr-Abl (p160 BCR) or inactivate Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase function or its signal transduction function. Bcr and Abl peptides, either tyrosine phosphorylated or unphosphorylated, that bind to a region near the amino terminus of Bcr to prevent formation of tetramer Bcr-Abl molecules, that bind to the SH2 domain of Grb2, to sites on tyrosine phosphorylated Shc protein, to sites of Crkl, and to an SH2 domain of Ras Gap comprise particular peptide preparations of the invention.

Abstract: A soluble form of adenylyl cyclase and methods of its use in screening for stimulators and inhibitors of adenylyl cyclase activity are disclosed. In one embodiment, a chimera of type I and type II adenylyl cyclases is provided. This chimera lacks transmembrane domains characteristic of adenylyl cyclases, rendering the recombinant product soluble, while retaining adenylyl cyclase function.

Abstract: A method is provided to remove contaminants that are more dense than water from a contaminated volume of earth, the contaminants pooled above a layer of earth, the method comprising the steps of: providing an essentially horizontal wellbore along the interface between the layer of earth and the contaminants; heating at least a portion of the contaminants in situ from the wellbore; and removing the heated contaminants by heating through the horizontal wellbore. The wellbores preferably include both heaters and provide a conduit for removal of contaminants, and preferably also provide heaters located within the wellbores in addition to those heaters required to vaporize the contaminants to maintain the contaminants in a vapor state until the vapors reach a well head and can be further processed at the surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for the prophylaxis or treatment of an animal for deleterious physiological effects such as systemic hypotension caused by nitric oxide production induced by a biological response modifier. Examples of such biological response modifiers include but are not limited to a cytokine and an endotoxin. The invention is also directed to a method for the treatment of septic shock.

Abstract: Provided herein are photoresist compositions for use particularly in 193 nm lithography. These compositions generally comprise a polymer of norbornene and a photo acid generator. The disclosed compositions provide transparency at wavelengths of approximately 190-200 nm, combined with high etch resistance. The polymers also provide hydrophilicity for good positive-tone development characteristics and high glass transition temperatures. Also disclosed is a process for microfabrication utilizing the claimed compositions. A further aspect of the invention is a plasticizer comprising 4,8-di-t-butyl-tricyclo(5.2.1.0.sup.2,6)decanedicarboxylate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are small molecule, non-peptidyl inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases, and methods for their use. The instant inhibitors are based on a 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one nucleus. Methods are provided for inhibition of specific protein tyrosine kinases, for example pp60.sup.c-src. Methods are further provided for the use of these inhibitors in situations where the inhibition of a protein tyrosine kinase is indicated, for example, in the treatment of certain diseases in mammals, including humans.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting tissue abnormality, particularly precancerous cervical tissue, through fluorescence or Raman spectroscopy, or a combination of fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy. In vivo fluorescence measurements were followed by in vitro NIR Raman measurements on human cervical biopsies. Fluorescence spectra collected at 337, 380 and 460 nm excitation were used to develop a diagnostic method to differentiate between normal and dysplastic tissues. Using a fluorescence diagnostic method, a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 67% were observed for differentiating squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) from all other tissues. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, using Raman scattering peaks observed at selected wavenumbers, SILs were separated from other tissues with a sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 100%. In addition, inflammation and metaplasia samples are correctly separated from the SILs.

Abstract: The synthesis of tamoxifen derivatives, most particularly halo, halo alkyl, hydroxy, and amino tamoxifen derivatives is disclosed. The native tamoxifen molecule includes a substituted chemical group positioned on the aliphatic chain of the tamoxifen molecule. Particular tamoxifen derivatives of the invention include chloro, bromo, iodo, fluoro, amino and DTPA tamoxifen derivatives, and corresponding lower alkyl halogenated forms. The halogenated tamoxifen derivatives possess superior binding affinities for estrogen receptor rich tissues, such as uterine tissue and breast tissue, relative to unsubstituted native tamoxifen. Radiolabeled forms of the tamoxifen derivatives may be used as highly specific imaging agents for estrogen receptor rich tissues. The fluoro and bromo tamoxifen derivatives are particularly useful for imaging estrogen receptors by PET whereas the iodinated tamoxifens are particularly useful in imaging estrogen receptors by SPECT.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the plasma potential of a plasma within a plasma chamber (50) is disclosed. The apparatus and method utilize a Faraday shielded inductive source antenna (60) to generate the plasma within the plasma chamber (50) and an electrically conductive probe (100) that is inserted into the plasma chamber (50) to regulate the plasma potential. By independent biasing of the conductive probe (100), which regulates the plasma potential, the ion energy distribution at a conductive substrate (150) within the plasma chamber (50) may be controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for use in transferring nucleic acids into central nervous system cells in vivo and in vitro and/or for stimulating central nervous system cells. Neurotrophic genes are shown to stimulate neurofilament cells and to promote nerve cell growth, repair and regeneration in vivo. Gene transfer protocols are disclosed for use in transferring various nucleic acid materials into central nervous system cells, as may be used in treating various pathologies of the brain and spinal cord.

Abstract: Disclosed are various compositions and methods for use in achieving specific blood coagulation. This is exemplified by the specific in vivo coagulation of tumor vasculature, causing tumor regression, through the site-specific delivery of a coagulant using a bispecific antibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions delivery of agents into the cytoplasm of cells. Particularly, it concerns the use of membrane-penetrating toxin proteins to deliver drugs to the cytoplasm of target cells.

Abstract: The present invention a provides methods for production of heterologous polypeptides using a variety recombinantly engineered secretory cell lines. The common feature of these cell lines is the absence of expression of at least one endogenous polypeptide. The host cell machinery normally used to produce the endogenous polypeptide is then usurped for the purpose of making the heterologous polypeptide. Also described are methods engineering cells for high level expression, methods of large scale protein production, and methods for treatment of disease in vivo using viral delivery systems and recombinant cell lines.