Abstract: Alkylcarbamoylborane cyclic dimers are synthesized through reactions of alkylcarbamoylborane adducts of amines. The inventive dimers have utility as reactants in the direct synthesis of alkylcarbamoylborane adducts of primary and secondary amines. Alkylcarbamoylborane adducts of primary and secondary amines and certain of the inventive dimers have biological activity as anti-tumor, hypocholesteremic, and anti-inflammatory agents. The cyclic dimers of this invention have the formula [BHRC(O)NHR'].sub.2, examples of which include:[BH.sub.2 C(O)NHC.sub.2 H.sub.5 ].sub.2[BH.sub.2 C(O)NHCH.sub.3 ].sub.2[BH.sub.2 C(O)NHCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ].sub.2[BH.sub.2 C(O)NHCH.sub.2 CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 ].sub.2.[BH.sub.2 C(O)NHC(CH.sub.3 ].sub.2.[BH(CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3)C(O)NHCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ].sub.2.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a receptor molecule present on the surface of natural killer cells (NK cells) and non-specific cytotoxic cells (NCC) which is involved in non-specific lysis of target cells bearing an antigen recognized by the receptor molecule, an antigen common to the surface of cells recognized and lysed by natural killer cells, monoclonal and heterologous antibodies which bind to the receptor and target cell antigen(s) which are useful in their identification and purification, and methods for altering NK cell-mediated lysis of target cells.The monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) of the present invention were prepared by cell fusions between spleen cells from mice immunized with either non-specific cytotoxic cells (NCC) from catfish (anti-receptor antibodies) or NC-37 human lymphoblastoid B-cells, which are susceptible to lysis by NK cells, and myeloma cells. Eight distinct mAbs have been characterized, four directed against the NK/NCC target cell receptor and four against the NK/NC cell antigen.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator has a structure which is manufactured to be substantially encapsulated within a hermetically-sealed housing inert to body fluids, and of a size and shape capable of implantation in a living body, by expulsion through a hypodermic needle. The internal structure of the microstimulator comprises a coil adapted to function as the secondary winding of a transformer and receive power and control information. Circuit means, including control electronics, a capacitor and electrodes are provided. The electrodes, which may be made one of iridium and the other of tantalum and placed on opposite ends of the microstimulator, or alternatively, an iridium electrode at each end of the microstimulator, are at least partially exposed and provide electrical, stimulating pulses to the body.

Abstract: Silanes and Siloxanes incorporating the 4-dialkylaminopyridine functionality are described. Preferred silanes are catalytically active and also serve as precursors to the siloxanes. Preferred polysiloxanes incorporating DAAP functionality exhibit excellent physical and dynamic-mechanical properties while maintaining a substantial percentage of the DAAP catalytic behavior.

Abstract: A method of creating a silica ceramic membrane is disclosed. The method begins with the hydrolyzing of a silicon alkoxide with ammonia until the sol is formed. The sol is dialyzed to approximately pH 8 and then acidified to approximately pH 3. The sol is then formed into a membrane by controlled evaporation followed by sintering.

Abstract: A composite useful for structural components comprised of recycled high density polyethylene and herbaceous fibrous materials and a method to produce composites based on recycled high density polyethylene and chopped herbaceous fibers. An alternative structural composite is disclosed which is comprised of recycled low density polyethylene and chopped herbaceous fibrous material.

Abstract: The measurement of integrated densities of irregularly shaped areas of a subject specimen is accomplished by using a video camera to derive an analog video image signal representative of the optical intensity of light associated with the specimen. A modified low cost high speed video digitizer converts the video image signal into a digital format which an interactive computer program converts into digital optical density values that are used to determine the net integrated density of each irregularly shaped area within the specimen.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting influenza virus replication through the activity of natural (unmodified) or modified oligonucleotides (oligodeoxynucleotides or oligoribonucleotides) which hybridize to a selected region of the influenza virus RNA and interfere with its ability to serve as a template for synthesis of encoded products. Oligonucleotides (unmodified or modified) which have antiviral activity against influenza virus as a result of their ability to hydridze to a selected region of influenza virus RNA and inhibit its ability to serve as a template for synthesis of encoded products, as well as compositions which include the oligonucleotides.

Abstract: An addressable, implantable microstimulator is substantially encapsulated within a hermetically-sealed housing inert to body fluids, and of a size and shape capable of implantation in a living body, by expulsion through a hypodermic needle. Power and information for operating the microstimulator is received through a modulated, alternating magnetic field in which a coil is adapted to function as the secondary winding of a transformer. Electrical energy is stored in capacitor means and is released into the living body by controlled, stimulating pulses which pass through body fluids and tissue between the exposed electrodes of the microstimulator. Detection and decoding means within the microstimulator are provided for controlling the stimulating pulses in accordance with the modulation of the received, alternating magnetic field. Means for controllably recharging the capacitor is provided.

Abstract: Vitamin D.sub.2 analogs in which a cyclopropane ring is introduced onto the 24-carbon of the side chain of 1.alpha.,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.2 and 1.alpha.-hydroxyvitamin D.sub.2. The compounds are characterized by a marked intestinal calcium transport activity while exhibiting much lower activity than 1.alpha.,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D.sub.3 in their ability to mobilize calcium from bone. Because of their preferential calcemic activity, these compounds would be useful for the treatment of diseases where bone formation is desirbed, such as osteoporosis.

Abstract: The invention provides lymphotrophic herpes virus (preferably EBV) recombinants. The portions of the virus that are responsible for the packaging and lytic phase replication have been isolated and cloned. When used with vectors and hosts containing a segment that controls plasmid replication, they provide a means of carrying foreign genes into B-lymphocytes.

Abstract: Tissue which is suitable for transplant is treated with a growth factor and cells which populate the tissue and native cells must be removed, they cannot be "masked" reduce immunogenicity; this increases the longevity of the tissue upon transplant. The preferred growth factor is basic fibroblast growth factor, and the preferred cells are fibroblasts. The tissue can be an allograft or xenograft taken from a cow, pig or other mammal.

Abstract: This invention relates to nucleoside and acyclo analogs containing 5- or 6-substituted 2-pyrazinone-4-N-oxide. These compounds are useful for treating various conditions including viral infections, cancer, fungal infections, bacterial infections, microbial infections and related disease states. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical formulations containing these compounds. In addition, this invention relates to methods of treating the above-described conditions in animals and in particular, humans.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for determining the distance of a surface patch of an object from a camera system and also for focusing a surface patch of such object as well as obtaining an improved focus image of the surface patch. The present invention also includes a method of determining a set of unknown parameters of a linear shift-invariant system. The camera system of the present invention has an aperture through which light enters, an image detector, an image forming optical system having first and second principal planes and a focal length, the second principal plane arranged closer to the image detector than the first principal plane, a light filter, a camera controller, and an image processor operatively connected to the image detector and to the camera controller.

Abstract: A means and method for indirect detection of constituent components of a mixture separated in a chemical separation process. Fluorescing ions are distributed across the area in which separation of the mixture will occur to provide a generally uniform background fluorescence intensity. For example, the mixture is comprised of one or more charged analytes which displace fluorescing ions where its constituent components separate to. Fluorescing ions of the same charge as the charged analyte components cause a displacement. The displacement results in the location of the separated components having a reduced fluorescence intensity to the remainder of the background. Detection of the lower fluorescence intensity areas can be visually, by photographic means and methods, or by automated laser scanning.

Abstract: A feed composition containing L-carnitine and a high nutrient density diet is found to increase the lean-to-fat ratio of early weaned pigs. The L-carnitine is preferably reduced as the animal passes through its various stages of development, with initial concentrations ranging from 5 to 5000 ppm. In the finishing stage, less than 5 ppm of L-carnitine may advantageously be incorporated in the diet.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method is disclosed for processing wheat to produce white flour by substantially removing the bran layer from the endosperm and germ portions of the wheat grain and grinding the resulting wheat product to a relatively fine state in a roll and classification train that is much simpler than prior milling equipment. Thirteen grinds with intermediate sifting are replaced with one flattening and four grinding stations and three sifts. The initially tempered wheat is passed between spaced, smooth surfaced compression rolls which flatten the wheat grains and then directed between corrugated spiral breaking rolls rotated at different rotational rates with each roll having at least 20 surface corrugations per circumferential inch. The comminuted product is then directed between corrugated spiral grinding rolls rotated at different rotational rates and each having at least 26 corrugations per circumferential inch.

Abstract: An exocellular protease from Thermomonospora fusca YX and a process for producing the protease which has the following physicochemical properties:(1) Molecular mass:The protease has a molecular mass of from about 10,000 to 14,000 Daltons as measured by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis;(2) Influence of inhibitors:The protease activity is inhibited by serine protease inhibitors;(3) Substrate specificity:A non-specific protease which can hydrolyze food proteins and bovine serum albumin at a rate of 50-100 nmoles peptide bonds/.mu.g enzyme/minute at 55.degree., pH 8.5 in 0.5 M Tris buffer without showing any substrate and/or product inhibition;(4) Reactivity:A broad spectrum serine type protease having activity at least 5 times greater than trypsin or chymotrypsin towards food grade proteins and bovine serum albumin;(5) Optimum activity temperature and temperature range:The optimum activity temperature is 80.degree. C. at pH of 8.0 in 0.05 M Tris buffer at an ionic strength of 0.

Abstract: Compositions for the treatment or prevention of AIDS or other diseases resulting from infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus containing one or more porphyrins.Porphyrins are tetrapyrrole macrocyle compounds with bridges of one carbon joining the pyrroles. Porphyrins occur naturally and are made synthetically. Derivatives of porphyrins include porphyrins with one or more substituents on one or more of the rings, porphyrins in which the conjugation of the ring has been altered by addition of substituents, porphyrins in which one or more center nitrogens is attached to substituents such as metals, liganded metals, and organic moieties, metalloporphyrins and metalloporphyrin-ligand complexes.Examples of natural and synthetic, positively, negatively, and neutrally charged porphyrins and porphyrin derivatives have been found to exhibit selective anti-HIV activity which is not dependent on the presence of light.

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.