Abstract: The present invention provides liquid formulations of antibodies or fragments thereof that specifically bind to a hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen, which formulations exhibit stability, low to undetectable levels of aggregations, and very little to no loss of the biological activities of the antibodies or antibody fragments, even during long periods of storage. Furthermore, the invention provides methods of preventing, treating or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated with HBV infection utilizing the liquid formulations of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides liquid formulations of antibodies or fragments thereof that specifically bind to a hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen, which formulations exhibit stability, low to undetectable levels of aggregations, and very little to no loss of the biological activities of the antibodies or antibody fragments, even during long periods of storage. Furthermore, the invention provides methods of preventing, treating or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated with HBV infection utilizing the liquid formulations of the present invention.

Abstract: Interleukin-18 binding proteins which are capable of binding IL-18 and/or modulating and/or blocking IL-18 activity are provided. Methods for their isolation and recombinant production, DNAs encoding them, DNA vectors expressing them, vecotors useful for their expression in humans and other mammals, antibodies against them are also provided.

Abstract: Interleukin-18 binding proteins which are capable of binding IL-18 and/or modulating and/or blocking IL-18 activity are provided. Methods for their isolation and recombinant production, DNAs encoding them, DNA vectors expressing them, vectors useful for their expression in humans and other mammals, antibodies against them are also provided.

Abstract: A soluble LDL receptor protein is provided. It can be isolated from cells that have been treated with an interferon, isolated from the urine of healthy human individuals or produced by recombinant techniques. The soluble LDL receptor protein is useful in protection of mammals against viral infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved composition of copolymer-1 comprising copolymer-1 substantially free of species having a molecular weight of over 40 kilodaltons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved composition of copolymer-1 comprising copolymer-1 substantially free of species having a molecular weight of over 40 kilodaltons.

Abstract: Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inhibitory Protein is isolated and substantially purified. It has the ability to inhibit: (a) the binding of TNF to its receptors, and (b) the cytotoxic effect of TNF. TNF Inhibitory Protein and salts, functional derivatives and active fractions thereof can be used to antagonize the deleterious effects of TNF.

Abstract: Use of solar energy for the production of synthesis gas from carbonaceous material. An aqueous dispersion of carbonaceous material is injected into a reactor in the form of a shower or a jet of droplets, and the droplets are allowed to sink inside the reactor across a high-temperature focal zone projected into the reactor by means of a system for the concentration of solar radiation. The residence time inside the reactor is adjustable by means of a countercurrent gas flow or by the injection of two or more discrete droplet jets in an impinging jet arrangement.

Abstract: A central solar receiver comprising a housing with a frusto-conical window for the admission of incident concentrated solar radiation, a volumetric solar absorber within the housing surrounding the window, means for the injection of working fluid into contact with the volumetric solar absorber and means for the withdrawal of heated working fluid. The frusto-conical window makes the receiver suitable for operation at elevated pressure.

Abstract: Separate recovery of high and low molecular weight gases from a gaseous starting mixture, e.g. a mixture resulting from thermal water splitting. A set of three chambers is used which are arranged in series and separated by membranes permeable preferentially to the low molecular gas. Gases permeate from the first to the second chamber and from there to the third chamber. A gaseous mixture enriched with the high molecular weight gas is withdrawn from the first chamber and a gaseous mixture enriched with the low molecular weight gas is withdrawn from the third chamber. Undesired gaseous components are rendered non-gaseous and the remaining low and high molecular weight gases are withdrawn separately.

Abstract: A central solar receiver comprising a housing with a window for the admission of incident concentrated solar radiation, a volumetric solar absorber within the housing comprising a base body holding an array of absorber members spaced from each other and projecting from one face thereof with their free ends facing said window, means for the injection of working fluid into the volumetric solar absorber in flow directions which intersect the absorber members and means for the withdrawal of heated working fluid. The window of the central solar receiver is a tubular frusto-conical body coaxial with the housing, whereby the receiver is adapted for operation at elevated pressure.

Abstract: A central solar receiver with a volumetric solar absorber. The volumetric absorber comprises an array of absorber members mounted on a base body and facing a window that admits concentrated solar radiation. Working fluid is injected into the volumetric absorber so as to flow in directions which intersect the absorber members.

Abstract: Novel 3,7-disubstituted phenothiazinium salts are active in the photochemical disinfection of aqueous effluents. The novel salts are of the general formula ##STR1## wherein: either R.sub.1 is a saccharide residue;R.sub.2 is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl or heterocyclyl, any alkyl or alkylene chain being optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms, and Y is alkylene optionally substituted by alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl; orR.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each methyl and Y is a bond; and when R.sub.1 is a saccharide residue X is an anion selected from halogen, R.sub.3 CO.sub.2.sup.-, R.sub.3 SO.sub.3.sup.- and R.sub.3 OSO.sub.3.sup.-, wherein R.sub.3 is alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl or heterocyclyl, andwhen R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each methyl, X is an anion selected from R.sub.3 SO.sub.3.sup.-, R.sub.3 OSO.sub.3.sup.- wherein R.sub.3 is as defined above and R.sub.4 CO.sub.2.sup.-, wherein R.sub.4 is an aldose or ketose residue, an N-protected .alpha.-amino acid residue or a .omega.-carboxy-.alpha.

Abstract: The invention relates to a number of synthetic polypeptides which correspond to a part of the sequences of the Shiga B peptide chain. More specifically, the invention relates to polypeptides corresponding to the residues 5 to 18, 7 to 26, 13 to 26, and 19 to 29 of said B chain. The invention further relates to the conjugates of each of these with a suitable carrier and to polymers of each or these obtained by polymerization with a suitable polymerization agent: these can be used as effective vaccines which afford protection against Shiga toxin. Anti-peptide anti-sera are effective in neutralizing to a large extent the biological activity of Shiga toxin.

Abstract: Improvements in apparatus for detecting tumors in living human breast tissue comprising means for determining the dielectric constants of localized regions of living humans breast tissue including a multiplicity of hexagonal probe elements.

Abstract: A method for the treatment and promotion of healing of bone fractures and osteotomies in warm-blooded animals including humans, which comprises local application to the site of the fracture or osteotomy of a therapeutically effective amount of 24,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 dissolved or dispersed in a suitable physiologically compatible carrier.There are also provided, for use in the above method, compositions comprising from 0.002 to 0.2% by weight of 24,25(OH).sub.2 D.sub.3 in combination with a physiologically compatible vehicle suitable for use in orthopedic surgery for local application to a site of bone fracture or osteotomy, or for application to solid or semi-solid implants conventional in orthopedic surgery and to prostheses.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel compounds which are suited for the production of multilayer films which have piezoelectric, and pyroelectric properties, and which provide second harmonic generation. The novel compounds are amphiphilic and it is possible to prepare from same polar single-layer and multi-layer films by depositing them on a substrate. When such substrate is a solid support, polar Z-type Langmuir-Blodgett films are obtained. Upon compression of films of such compounds, at an air/water interface, stable Langmuir monolayers are formed.

Abstract: Continuous malleable superconductive material which can be machined, rolled and soldered, being the product of sintering at an elevated temperature and pressure of a metal plated powder of a compound QBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x wherein Q is yttrium or europium, where x is smaller than one. The metal is advantageously silver and the plating process is one without the use of electricity. A preferred range of silver content is about 5 to 32 weight per cent, and the silver forms an essentially continuous phase in the superconductive material. Sintering can be done at from about 350.degree. and 950.degree. C., with a preferred range of 400.degree. to 900.degree. C. The superconductive material of the invention exhibits transition to zero-resisitivity state and the Meissner effect.

Abstract: According to the invention organic monolayer films are applied to an electrically conductive substrate, resulting in an electrode which can be used in electrochemical processes. The said film serves as ultrathin membrane and allows certain selected species to approach the substrate and be detected. The film comprises active species which are selective towards specific species contained in mixture with others and a blocking surface sealing component. It is also possible to use one compound serving both purposes. The components of the film are attached to the substrate by a variety of means: adsorption, chemisorption, electro-chemical deposition.