Abstract: A method for the microbial production of a cationic peptide having anti-microbial activity is provided, wherein the cationic peptide is first produced as a fusion protein having an anionic portion for suppressing the antimicrobial activity of the cationic portion. A novel cationic peptide having anti-microbial activity and LPS-binding activity is also provided. Such peptides are useful for suppressing the growth of bacteria and for the treatment of endotoxemia-associated disorders.

Abstract: A large pore (500.degree.-2000.degree. A) ceramic membrane is used to separate asphaltenes from heavy crude oil. Permeate is recycled to the feed for an initial period, during which the pores are deliberately fouled to reduce pore size. This reduction eventually levels off, at which point recycling is terminated and ultrafiltration is continued thereafter at good flux rates with effective asphaltenes removal.

Abstract: Methods for the preparation of stable liposome formulations of protonatable therapeutic agents. The methods involve loading a therapeutic agent into preformed liposomes having a methylamine concentration gradient across the lipid bilayer of the liposomes. These methods provide liposome formulations which are more stable, more cost effective, and easier to prepare in a clinical environment than those previously available. The present invention also provides the pharmaceutical compositions prepared by the above methods, a kit for the preparation of liposome formulations of therapeutic agents, and methods for their use.

Abstract: A novel 5,15-diarylbenzochlorin-7-one compound having the formula (I) or (II): ##STR1## wherein M is a metal. A novel method for synthesizing the compound of formula (I) comprises the steps of:a. cyclizing a meso-(formylvinyl) 5,15-diarylporphyrin to form a cyclization reaction mixture, andb. oxidizing said reaction mixture to form the 5,15-diarylbenzochlorin-7-one of formula (I).A novel method for synthesizing the compound of formula (II) comprises the cyclizing and oxidizing steps listed above and, either prior to or after the oxidizing step, adding the step of demetallating the compound.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the circulation half-life of protein-based therapeutics in a host, the methods comprising: (a) administering to the host an amount of a first liposome formulation comprising liposomes and an antineoplastic agent; and (b) administering to the host a second formulation comprising the protein-based therapeutic, wherein the amount of the first liposome formulation is sufficient to suppress an immune response to the protein-based therapeutic of the second formulation, thereby increasing the circulation half-life of the protein-based therapeutic.

Abstract: Treatment with a set of porphyrin compounds using a photodynamic therapy approach is able selectively to lower elevated levels of activated leukocytes in a leukocyte population. This is particularly helpful in subjects containing such elevated levels of T-cell subsets, such as HIV-infected subjects.

Abstract: A low power consumption system for monitoring time of use of appliance incorporates a controller and a temperature sensor that is activated by the controller at intervals of X minutes to determine the temperature of the sensor. The sensed temperature is then compared with a threshold temperature and a counter is turned ON to accumulate time if the sensed temperature is at the desired level or turned OFF when the sensed temperature is not in the desired range. The counter remains in its ON or OFF position until the sensed temperature causes the counter to shift to the opposite position to the one it is in at that time. The counter receives oscillations from the oscillator which is continuously operating and only counts those oscillations when the counter is set in the ON position.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a process for isolating and purifying a phytosterol composition from a pulping soap by first extracting a creamy precipitate from the pulping soap using a solvent mixture of water, ketone, and hydrocarbon, and then purifying the cremy precipitate to form the phytosterol composition. The invention also includes the phytosterol composition formed by this method.

Abstract: A method of administering photodynamic therapy begins with administering to an animal an effective amount of a photosensitizing agent which is less than about one half of the usual clinical dose for the photosensitizing agent. Then, following a post injection interval which is less about one quarter of the usual post injection interval, an effective dose of light which is less than about one half of the usual clinical dose of light used in conjunction with the photosensitizing agent is administered to the animal.

Abstract: Methods for treatment, processes for preparing, and compositions for delivering selected nucleic acid sequences to cells, primarily of the treatment of neurological disorders and exploring neurological functions, are disclosed. In particular, the invention provides recombinant Herpesvirus vectors with a high rate of expression of selected nucleic acid sequences and/or a low cytopathicity and its associated methods and processes.

Abstract: Quantitative immunochromatographic assays for measuring the amount of an analyte, and an apparatus for use in the assays, are disclosed. The assays involve obtaining a fluid sample which contains the analyte; supplying a RAMP.TM. apparatus which includes a membrane having an application point, a detection zone, and a contact region, where the contact region is between the application point and the detection zone, and has antibody-coated particles imbedded within it; contacting the application point with the fluid sample; maintaining the RAMP.TM.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## and the metalated forms and salts thereof; wherein n is an integer of 1-4; andwherein each P.sub.i is independently a pyrrole residue of the formula ##STR2## wherein each R.sub.ia and R.sub.ib is independently a noninterfering substituent, andwherein each Z.sub.i is independently a covalent bond; or isa meso bridging group of the formula ##STR3## or is an N-meso bridging group of the formula.dbd.N--.revreaction.--N.dbd.; or isa CC linkage of the formula ##STR4## or is a CNCCNC linkage of the formula ##STR5## wherein each R.sub.ic, R.sub.id, R.sub.ie, R.sub.if and R.sub.ig is independently a noninterfering substituent; or isa CNC linkage of the formula--CH.dbd.N--CH.dbd..revreaction..dbd.CH--N.dbd.CH--wherein at least one Z.sub.i is said CNC linkage, are disclosed. These compounds are useful in photodynamic therapy and diagnosis. The metalated forms when the metal is paramagnetic are useful as MRI contrast agents.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting antigens having a specific epitope associated with melanoma and prostatic carcinoma. The epitope is present in melanoma cells and prostatic cancer cells but is essentially absent from melanocytes and normal prostatic tissue. The antibody can be used in diagnostic methods for histochemical detection of human melanoma and prostate carcinoma, of various progression stages and in treatment of melanoma and prostate carcinoma.

Abstract: Mutant glycosidase enzymes are formed in which the normal nucleophilic amino acid within the active site has been changed to a non-nucleophilic amino acid. These enzymes cannot hydrolyze disaccharide products, but can still form them. Using this enzyme, oligosaccharides are synthesized by preparing a mixture of an .alpha.-glycosyl fluoride and a glycoside acceptor molecule; enzymatically coupling the .alpha.-glycosyl fluoride to the glycoside acceptor molecule to form a glycosyl glycoside product using the mutant glycosidase enzyme; and recovering the glycosyl glycoside product. Particular enzymes include a mutant form of Agrobacterium .beta.-Glucosidase in which the normal glutamic acid residue at position 358 is replaced with an alanine residue.

Abstract: A hollow light guide with opposed first and second parallel sections having confocal, parabolic cross-sectional shape. The light guide may be a prism light guide, or other hollow light guide such as a metallic mirror light guide or a multi-layer dielectric light guide. The cross-sectional shapes have vertices separated by a distance which does not exceed about three times (preferably, about 2.5 times) the focal length of the shapes.

Abstract: Method for recombinant production of cationic peptides and a novel polycationic antibacterial peptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides oligonucleotide primers and a method of using these primers for identification of the species of an organism, wherein the identification includes amplification of a variable polynucleotide sequence encoding a highly conserved region of a heat shock polypeptide.

Abstract: A method of administering photodynamic therapy begins with administering to an animal an effective amount of a photosensitizing agent which is less than about one half of the usual clinical dose for the photosensitizing agent. Then, following a post injection interval which is less about one quarter of the usual post injection interval, an effective dose of light which is less than about one half of the usual clinical dose of light used in conjunction with the photosensitizing agent is administered to the animal.

Abstract: A meso-monoiodo-substituted tetramacrocyclic compound having the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein: each of A through D is independently a 5-membered, nitrogen-containing ring having the members necessary to complete a porphyrin, chlorin, bacteriochlorin or isobacteriochlorin nucleus;R.sub.1 through R.sub.8 are independently a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkyl carboxylic acid or acid ester group, keto, hydroxy, nitro, amino, or a group that, taken together with another ring, ring substituent or meso-substituent, forms a fused 5- or 6-membered ring; andeach of S.sup.1 through S.sup.3 is H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic ring. A method for synthesizing the compound comprises the step of iodinating a corresponding unhalogenated, de-metallated tetramacrocyclic compound, followed by metallating.

Abstract: A method for the microbial production of a cationic peptide having anti-microbial activity is provided, wherein the cationic peptide is first produced as a fusion protein having an anionic portion for suppressing the antimicrobial activity of the cationic portion. A novel cationic peptide having anti-microbial activity and LPS-binding activity is also provided. Such peptides are useful for suppressing the growth of bacteria and for the treatment of endotoxemia-associated disorders.