Abstract: A composition for facilitating delivery of biological agents, comprising a supramolecular complex including as constituents a block copolymer, having at least one nonionic, water soluble segment and at least one polyionic segment, and at least one charged surfactant having hydrophobic groups, the charge of the surfactant being opposite to that of the polyionic segment of the block copolymer. The constituents of the complex are bound by interaction between the opposite charges thereof and between surfactant hydrophobic groups. The complex may include an anionic surfactant having a biological activity, in which case the net charge of such anionic surfactant is no more than about 10.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging of a scattering target medium using a modified perturbation formulation of a radiation transport equation where normalized measured values are used to recover a relative difference in absorption and/or scattering properties based on the normalized measured values with respect to a reference medium. The modified perturbation formulation provides enhanced stability, reduces the sensitivity of solution to variations between the target and reference media, produces solutions having physical units and reduces the need for absolute detector calibration. Moreover, the modified perturbation equation lends itself to the detection and imaging of dynamic properties of the scattering medium.

Abstract: A method for making epothilones and epothilone analogs is described, as are novel compounds made by the method.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a flexible fastener for coupling members. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible fastener may be used to couple members that are non-parallel, non-aligned, or in specific instances when selective compliance in a member is desired. The present invention is directed generally to a fastener that is laterally flexible along its length, comprising a shank covered with a spiral set of teeth and a flexible core material running internally to the shank and along the length of the shank, wherein the shank and the flexible core material are coupled at both distal ends of the fastener. In a preferred embodiment, a means for imparting rotational movement to the fastener is attached at a distal end. The preferred means are a bolt head and a screw head.

Abstract: Caliciviruses are herein recognized as potentially important human pathogens, infecting a large percentage (18%) of a sampled human population. A new calicivirus isolate called “San Miguel sea lion virus 5 serotype Homosapien-1” (SMSV-5 Hom-1) is also disclosed. Compositions and methods are disclosed that allow diagnosis, prevention and treatment of calicivirus (including SMSV-5 Hom-1) infection in humans.

Abstract: Activated carbons derived from low-density lignocellulosic agricultural waste, and for use in absorption of metals, are prepared utilizing carbon dioxide or steam activation at 800° C. to 950° C. for 3 to 12 hours and subsequent oxidation with air at 260° C. to 400° C. for 3 to 6 hours. Granular carbons are formed by the inclusion of a preliminary two-step process involving the admixture of a binder selected from molasses, coal tar or wood tar to form pellets, briquettes or extrudates and converting them into a char under an inert atmosphere at 700° C. to 750° C. for 1 to 2 hours.

Abstract: A food product is heated by maintaining the food product in an AC electrical field generated by an RF signal. As the heating takes place, maximum energy is delivered to the food product using automatic impedance matching to adjust the rate of the process.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of mesostructured molecular sieve silicas from inorganic silicon precursors and polyoxyethylene oxide based polymers is described. The silicas are stable upon calcination to 600° to 800° C. The silicas are useful in refining processes.

Abstract: Microbial antagonists that will suppress Fusarium head blight (head scab) in cereals, particularly in wheat and barley have been identified. Two superior antagonists include NRRL B-30210 and NRRL B-30211.

Abstract: A method for treating mammals suffering from conditions associated with excess phospholipase A.sub.2 activity and/or production comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a non-antimicrobial tetracycline sufficient to inhibit excess phospholipase A.sub.2 activity and/or production is disclosed. A pharmaceutical composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Stable, enzymatically triggered chemiluminescent 1,2-dioxetanes with improved water solubility are provided. Dioxetanes further instituted with two or more water-solubilizing groups disposed on the dioxetane structure provide superior performance by eliminating the problem of reagent carryover when used in assays performed on capsule chemistry analytical systems. Compositions comprising a dioxetane with two or more water-solubilizing groups, a non-polymeric cationic surfactant enhancer and optionally a fluorescer, for providing enhanced chemiluminescence are also provided.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating a Hepatitis B patient having hepatic decompensation utilizes Hepatitis B virus-reducing amounts of T.alpha..sub.1, administered to a patient having decompensated liver disease so as to render the patient seronegative for Hepatitis B virus DNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a method of enhancing the production performance of avians, by administering to a bird a heterologous protein comprised of inhibin protein, or a fragment thereof, and a carrier protein. The present invention also relates to a method of enhancing the production performance of avians, by administering to a bird a fusion gene product comprising a gene encoded for the expression of alpha-subunit avian inhibin protein, or a fragment thereof, and a gene encoded for the expression of a carrier protein. An effective amount of the heterologous protein or fusion gene product is administered to an animal such that an immunological response occurs in the animal against the heterologous protein. The present invention further relates to the above heterologous protein and fusion gene product, and to methods of producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a method of enhancing the production performance of avians, by administering to a bird a heterologous protein comprised of inhibin protein, or a fragment thereof, and a carrier protein. The present invention also relates to a method of enhancing the production performance of avians, by administering to a bird a fusion gene product comprising a gene encoded for the expression of alpha-subunit avian inhibin protein, or a fragment thereof, and a gene encoded for the expression of a carrier protein. An effective amount of the heterologous protein or fusion gene product is administered to an animal such that an immunological response occurs in the animal against the heterologous protein. The present invention further relates to the above heterologous protein and fusion gene product, and to methods of producing the same.

Abstract: A tracheal guide (10) for positioning a medical device (11) such as an endotracheal or intubation tube in the trachea (12) of a human patient (13). The tracheal guide includes an elongated member (14) with a generally U-shaped passage (17) extending therethrough. Ears (18, 33) are disposed laterally about the passage and, in particular, the distal end (15) thereof. These ears are shaped for conformance with and placement in the piriform fossa (19, 34), which are located in the vicinity of the glottic opening (39) of the trachea. A tongue (25) extends distally from the distal end of the elongated member and into the esophagus (32) of the patient when the ears of the guide are positioned in the piriform fossa. The passage of the elongated member includes first and second surfaces (20, 24) that form an edge (26) that extends anterior to the cricoid cartilage and, in particular, the transverse arytenoid when the edge and ears are properly positioned in the patient's airway.

Abstract: A perineometer which indicates the pressure created by vaginal contractions. A probe with a bulbous end is inflated inside the vagina, and a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the probe indicates the pressure of vaginal contractions to a display. The probe may be constructed with bellows. The probe may also be constructed of an elastic material having two different expansion rates.

Abstract: Quassinoid compounds, compositions, and methods of using them for treating cells and solid tumors, and inhibiting plant growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans in a subject in need of such treatment. The methods comprises administering to the subject a dicationic bis-benzimidazole in an amount effective to treat the conditions.

Abstract: Improved assay methods utilizing stable, enzymatically triggered chemiluminescent 1,2-dioxetanes with improved water solubility are provided. Assays are performed by a capsule chemistry analytical assay method wherein fluid capsules comprising discrete aqueous segments containing either a chemiluminescent dioxetane reagent or an activating agent separated by an oil-based isolating fluid are flowed through a conduit, and subsequently reacted to produce light.The improvement comprises using a dioxetane substituted with two or more water-solubilizing groups disposed on the dioxetane structure to provide the chemiluminescence. Compositions comprising such a dioxetane, a non-polymeric surfactant enhancer and optionally a fluorescer, provide enhanced chemiluminescence and eliminate the problem of reagent carryover when used in assays performed on capsule chemistry analytical systems.