Abstract: Liposomal-encapsulated taxol or an antineoplastic derivative thereof or a mixture thereof is provided which is used to effect a therapeutically enhanced method of treating cancer, and which may be used advantageously in combination with hyperthermia. The liposomes confer enhanced stability and solubility to taxol or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotides that hybridize to segments of the preS1, S, C, and .epsilon. regions of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA pregenome inhibit replication of the virus. Pharmaceutical compositions which contain these oligonucleotides as the active ingredients are effective against HBV infection.

Abstract: A method of fabricating hydrogel particles within liposomes, which entails: a) encapsulating an effective amount of each of one or more hydrogel substances and one or more release agents in liposomes in a liquid medium, b) removing any unencapsulated hydrogel substances and release agents from the liquid medium, c) adding initiator to the liquid medium and into the liposomes, thereby initiating reaction of the one or more hydrogel substances, whereby hydrogel particles are formed in the liposomes, and d) removing any extra-liposomal initiator from the medium.

Abstract: A method for treating and/or preventing Type I diabetes mellitus in mammals and humans by administration of at least one of the following: (i) gamma interferon, (ii) an analog of gamma interferon or (iii) an inducer of gamma interferon thereof is taught. The use of gamma interferon, analogs thereof, or gamma interferon inducers to prevent recurrent Type I diabetes mellitus in transplant subjects is also provided.

Abstract: Anions of the formula (I):[DA.sub.5 M.sub.30-x O.sub.110-x (M'L).sub.x ].sup.m- (I)in which D is Na.sup.+, Ca.sup.2+ ; A is P, As, Sb, Si, Ge, or combinations thereof, M is W.sup.5+, W.sup.6+, or mixtures thereof; M' is a metallic element from groups 2 to 15 of the periodic table; other than W; L is O.sup.2-, OH.sup.-, H.sub.2 O; x is 0-10; and m is 10-20; selectively react with cations Z.sup.n+ to afford anions of the formula (II):[ZA.sub.5 M.sub.30-x O.sub.110-x (M'L).sub.x ].sup.(m+1-n)-(II)wherein n is 3 or 4; Z=Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Y, or Bi, when n=3, and Z=Ce, U, Np, Pu, or Am, when n =4. This reaction may be used for the selective encapsulation of lanthanide or actinide cations, and salts containing anions of formula (II) may be vitrified to form glasses or reduced to form tungsten "bronze" materials suitable for the long-term storage of radioactive lanthanides or actinides.

Abstract: A method for killing malignant brain tumor cells in vivo entails providing replication competent herpes simplex virus vectors to tumor cells. A replication competent herpes simplex virus vector, with defective expression of the .sub..gamma. 34.5 gene and the ribonucleotide reductase gene, specifically destroys tumor cells, is hypersensitive to anti-viral agents, and yet is not neurovirulent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to erbB-2 ligands and functional derivatives thereof which are capable of binding to the erbB-2 oncogene product. The present invention further pertains to anti-ligand molecules capable of recognizing and binding to the erbB-2 ligand molecule and to screening assays for such ligands. The present invention additionally relates to uses for the erbB-2 ligand, the anti-ligand molecules and the screening assays.A method for inhibiting the growth of adenocarcinoma cells in a human, which cells overexpress the oncogene erbB-2, which entails administering to said human an amount of a 30 kDa glycoprotein effective to inhibit the growth of said cells.

Abstract: A process of immortalizing cells with isolated HPV-16, 18, 31, 33 or 35 E6 and E7 genes or the E7 gene alone to produce non-tumorigenic immortalized cell lines which retain the differentiated phenotypic characteristics of the parent cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting cardiac electrical instability simultaneously assesses T-Wave Alternans and QT Interval Dispersion. T-wave alternation is an excellent predictor of cardiac electrical instability but can be influenced by mechano-electrical coupling. Thus, a measure of alternation has a high degree of sensitivity but a low degree of specificity. The low specificity of alternation is addressed by simultaneously analyzing QT interval dispersion. Dispersion is not a measure of excitable stimulus and is not sensitive to mechano-electrical coupling. The resulting combination of alternans and dispersion yields an accurate predictor of cardiac electrical instability caused by intrinsic factors.

Abstract: A method of preparing a liposomal anthracycline glycoside composition, which entails forming cardiolipin-containing liposomes by drying a lipid mixture containing cardiolipin, and then introducing an aqueous solution, and mixing the cardiolipin-containing liposomes with a solution of anthracycline glycoside.

Abstract: A dosimetry method, dosimeter and system characterized by the steps of storing information in a three dimensional optical memory element, then exposing the optical memory element to neutron or other high LET radiation to alter the information stored in the optical memory element as a function of the radiation to which the optical memory element is exposed, and then retrieving the altered information from the optical memory element for subsequent analysis. The altered information is used to provide a measure of both the radiation dose and energy. In a preferred embodiment, the optical memory device is a 3-D ORAM comprising a volume of a transparent polymer doped with a light sensitive chemical and, in particular, spirobenzopyran. Also disclosed are a spectrometer for monitoring neutron and other types of radiation, an electronic dosimeter for providing real time monitoring of radiation exposure, and associated methodologies, all based on use of an optical memory element.

Abstract: An 80 kDa metaloproteinase is found in hormone-dependent human breast cancer cells. The enzyme is active in the presence of calcium, manganese, or magnesium ions. The 80 kDa proteinase is useful for evaluating therapeutic progress and in formulating plans for treatment.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed utilizing the optically pure (2R,4S) isomer of itraconazole. This compound is a potent drug for the treatment of local and systemic fungal, yeast, and dermatophyte infections, while avoiding the concomitant liability of adverse effects associated with the racemic mixture of itraconazole.

Abstract: A method of fabricating hydrogel particles of controlled size within liposomes is provided, which entails encapsulating an effective amount of one or more hydrogel-forming substances in liposomes in a liquid medium, removing any unencapsulated hydrogel-forming substances from the liquid medium, adding initiator to the liquid medium and into the liposomes, thereby initiating reaction of the one or more hydrogel-forming substances, and removing any extra-liposomal initiators from the medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cloning genes that encode restriction endonucleases by altering the level of a methyl donor co-factor of a DNA methyltransferase that protects the DNA of a host cell from damage by a restriction endonuclease. The method can be used to screen entire DNA libraries en masse to identify clones that encode restriction enzymes by growing one library replicate under high or normal methyl donor conditions to protect host DNA and a second library replicate under low methyl donor conditions allowing DNA damage from the active restriction endonuclease. Clones that encode a restriction enzyme are identified by decreased growth or color produced in response to double stranded DNA damage under the low methyl donor conditions. Colorimetric methods useful in the invention can use SOS-sensitive promoters operably linked to .beta.-galactosidase, which detect DNA damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of a DNA deletion polymorphism associated with susceptibility for cancer in a human using allele specific amplification primers. Disclosed herein are methods for analyzing human DNA using a hybridization probe which will identify a restriction fragment length polymorphism within the 13q33.fwdarw.qter locus, methods for selectively amplifying DNA within this locus, methods of identifying and producing or purifying the peptide encoded by the human poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase processed pseudogene, and methods of regulating the expression of said processed pseudogene.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting susceptibility to sudden cardiac death simultaneously assessing cardiac electrical stability and autonomic influence. Cardiac electrical stability is assessed by analyzing at least one of a beat-to-beat alternation in a T-wave of an ECG of a patient's heart and dispersion of repolarization in the ECG of the patient's heart. Autonomic influence on the patient's heart is assessed by analyzing at least one of a magnitude of heart rate variability in the ECG of the patient's heart and baroreceptor sensitivity.

Abstract: Liposomal-encapsulated taxol or an antineoplastic derivative thereof or a mixture thereof is provided which is used to effect a therapeutically enhanced method of treating cancer, and which may be used advantageously in combination with hyperthermia. The liposomes confer enhanced stability and solubility to taxol or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A radiation shield includes an aperture connected to an edge of the shield by a slit, which is held closed by a releasable flap. Instrumentation can be inserted through the aperture to contact a patient over which the shield is draped. By releasing the flap and thereby opening the aperture toward the edge of the shield, the shield can be removed from the patient without removing the instrumentation inserted through the aperture. A secondary shield is releasably secured over the aperture, affording further protection. Because the shield is placed within the septic field during use, the shield includes a sterilizable outer covering.

Abstract: A process of immortalizing cells with isolated HPV-16, 18, 31, 33 or 35 E6 and E7 genes or the E7 gene alone to produce non-tumorigenic immortalized cell lines which retain the differentiated phenotypic characteristics of the parent cells.