Abstract: A method for screening candidate antimicrobial compounds is described that utilizes a human vaginal xenograft engrafted in a non-human host. The method may be performed by using pathogen inoculated human vaginal xenografts in order to screen a wide range of candidate antimicrobials administered topically or systemically.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to Bi2O3—ZnO—Ta2O5 dielectric compounds and compositions, and to their manufacture. The compounds of the invention have outstanding K, Q, TCF, and TCC. Examples of these properties include a K of between 58 and 80, a low dielectric loss (tan &dgr;<0.003), and a TCC<30 ppm/° C. Ceramic compositions produced include those represented by Bi2(ZnTa2)xO6x+3 where 0.57≦x≦1.0, Bi2(ZnTay)⅔O((5y+11)/3) where 1.0≦y≦3.0, as well as by Bi2(ZnTay)⅔O((5y+11)/3) where 1.0≦y≦3.0 with the proviso that y is not=2.0. Solid solutions of compounds defined by the formula r(Bi2(Zn⅓Ta⅔)2O7)-(1−r)(Bi{fraction (3/2)}Zn⅔)(Zn½Ta{fraction (3/2)})O7))where 0<r<1 also are produced.

Abstract: A method of providing a continuous, buffered, low-leaching phosphorus fertilization of field plants in soil has been developed. The method is broadly applicable to field soils, but is particularly well-suited to soil that has inherently low phosphorus (P) retention ability, including sandy soils, peats, and mucks. The invention describes the use of phosphorus (P) fixed to alumina (Al) as a fertilizer and phosphorus buffer in field soils. The Al—P. when incorporated into soil in a concentration between 0.25 and 20% by weight/volume, will release P from the Al using a dynamic solid phase solution phase exchange equilibrium driven by plant uptake of P, thus providing P for plant growth, while also minimizing P leaching from the soil. The Al—P buffer/fertilizer can be applied and incorporated into field soils prior to planting of crops, grass, or other plants requiring P for growth, or may be incorporated into exposed soil between growing plants to buffer against P leaching and runoff.

Abstract: The invention relates to the cloning of the human interleukin-1&agr; gene, its engineering into suitable expression vectors, hosts transformed with such expression vectors, and production of biologically active recombinant human interleukin-1&agr;.

Abstract: Microbicidal and spermicidal methods and topical pharmaceutical compositions containing sodium dodecyl sulfate or its derivatives as active ingredients for the prevention and control of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including human papilloma viruses. Spermicidal barriers and microbial disinfectants containing the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: An Agrostis palustris (stolonifera) turfgrass variety is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds, the plants, and to methods of producing an Agrostis plant having the characteristic of average leaf blade width of less than one mm wide.

Abstract: The invention relates to the cloning of the human IL-1 gene, its engineering into suitable expression vectors, transformation of host organisms with such expression vectors and production of biologically active recombinant human IL-1 by culture of such transformed cells. Additionally, the invention relates to the isolation and use of the resulting recombinant human IL-1 polypeptides.

Abstract: A particle detector for detecting ionizing particles incident on the detector which form electron-hole pairs upon penetrating the detector, the detector comprising a substrate, a first electrode formed on the substrate, a body portion supported by the first electrode, a second electrode formed over the body portion, and a voltage source for applying a forward bias voltage across the first and the second electrodes. The body portion includes two monolithic, contiguous amorphous silicon regions. A first region is doped to be of a first conductivity type, and a second region is an intrinsic region. The applied forward bias voltage must be greater than the flat band voltage of the detector and sufficient to bias the detector into the space charge limited regime so that charge carriers, injected at the first electrode, are blocked by a potential barrier formed near the interface between the first and the second regions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to several multisubstrate adduct inhibitors of glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase (GAR TFase; E.C. 2.1.2.2), a folate-requiring enzyme of de novo purine biosynthesis. The compounds of the present invention will be useful to provide anti-gout and/or anti-neoplastic therapeutic agents or will serve as potentiators for other such agents. The most prefeffed, potent tight-binding multisubstrate adduct inhibitor of glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase, is N.sup.10 -[5'-phosphoribosyl-1'-.beta.

Abstract: A material having a matrix and a plurality of inclusions which are chiral is effective as a coating to reduce incident reflections and absorptions of microwave frequency electromagnetic energy. The matrix can use an electrically conductive polymeric material as the base as well as any other low loss dielectric material. Chiral inclusions may be in the form of helices or any other small object displaying handedness. Moreover, it is possible to use electrically conductive polymeric materials by themselves as absorbers of electromagnetic energy. There are a variety of uses for these materials and the unique properties including gaskets for controlling the emission of microwave energy from electronic enclosures.

Abstract: Crystalline solid solutions and diphasic mixtures having a composition of Ca.sub.1-x M.sub.x Zr.sub.4 P.sub.6 O.sub.24, where M is Ba and/or Sr and X is between about 0.25 and 0.75, have been produced which display both low anisotropy and near zero bulk thermal expansion behavior.