Abstract: Compositions are disclosed, comprising dendrimers to which a first polypeptide is controllably coupled. Such polypeptide-dendrimer compositions are effective for controllably coupling a second polypeptide to the dendrimer. The first and second polypeptides have separate and distinct defined biological activities, for example, two antibodies with first and second binding specificities or an antibody and an enzymatic label. Such compositions are useful as indicators in specific binding assays, e.g., immunoassays. Methods for sequentially coupling two different polypeptides to a dendrimer to form compositions of the invention also are disclosed.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition pressurized as an aerosol in the presence of a propellant and forming a mousse, comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one associative polyurethane and at least one anionic polymer, and to the use of an associative polyurethane in order to improve the properties of mousses based on anionic polymer and propellant.

Abstract: A process of parthenogenic activation of mammalian oocytes which includes increasing intracellular levels of divalent cations in the oocyte; and reducing phosphorylation of cellular proteins in the oocyte. One method of accomplishing this is by introducing Ca.sup.2+ free cation, such as ionomycin, to the oocyte and then preventing phosphorylation of the cellular proteins within the oocyte by adding a serine-threonine kinase inhibitor, such as 6-dimethylaminopurine (DMAP).

Abstract: Two Hepatitis C Virus envelope proteins (E1 and E2) are expressed without sialylation. Recombinant expression of these proteins in lower eukaryotes, or in mammalian cells in which terminal glycosylation is blocked, results in recombinant proteins which are more similar to native HCV glycoproteins. When isolated by GNA lectin affinity, the E1 and E2 proteins aggregate into virus-like particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated equine Neospora cultures. The cultures are used to develop diagnostic assays for the detection of Neospora infections in horses and other animals. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and prevention of Neospora infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a complex comprising nerve growth factor (NGF) and trk proto-oncogene protein and a complex comprising neurotrophic factors, NT-3 or BDNF, and trkB proto-oncogene protein. The present invention also relates to methods for detecting the presence of NGF, NT-3 or BDNF neurotrophic factors and trk and trk-related proto-oncogene receptors. The present invention further relates to methods that may be used in diagnostics and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's by detecting complexes comprising NGF or NGF related neurotrophic factors bound to the product of the tyrosine kinase trk or related trk proto-oncogene family member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for vaccinating mammals against parvovirus. In one form, a recombinant, replication incompetent vector containing DNA coding for canine parvoviral capsid protein is administered to a dog while the pup's maternal antibodies are still functioning. This acts to prime T-helper cells. A second administration of either canine parvoviral capsid protein, or a construct capable of expressing it, is then administered. The latter administration immunizes the mammal notwithstanding the maternal antibody effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for inhibition of viral replication in animal cells. In particular, inhibition of viral replication in a target cell is achieved by introducing into the cell (1) a protein which can be incorporated along with wild type nucleocapsid subunits into a viral nucleocapsid assembling within the cell, and thereby renders the nucleocapsid deficient in encapsidating viral nucleic acid; or (2) a recombinant nucleic acid construct that directs overexpression of the protein.

Abstract: A process for preparing a culture skin which comprises the following steps:a) a step in which a culture skin matrix comprising a collagen sponge, a collagen sheet or a collagen gel is prepared in a means having a projection to provide said matrix with a penetrating pore,b) a step in which a skin-derived cell is seeded and cultured on said matrix, andc) a step in which the culture skin is provided with a penetrating pore by the means having the projection before said culture skin covers a skin defect, if necessary, the steps a) and b) are simultaneously carried out; a culture skin matrix and a culture skin obtained thereby.

Abstract: A high solids, enzyme conversion process for preparing an enzyme-converted starch is carried out by adding to a modified or unmodified starch, preferably a granular starch, water and an enzyme in an amount sufficient to produce a single phase powdered mixture without a visible free water phase. The enzyme is activated by heating while maintaining a substantially constant moisture content in the mixture. The enzyme converted starch is recovered as a syrup, a granular converted starch, or mixtures thereof, or as a powder obtained by drying the syrup.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for screening for inhibitors of Hepatitis B Virus pX activity. The method involves contacting a test compound with (I) the pX protein of HBV, (ii) a transcription factor comprising the bZIP domain, or fragments that comprise a minimal a bZIP domain, and (iii) an oligoduplex comprising a target DNA sequence of the transcription factor to form a test mixture. After incubating the test mixture under appropriate conditions and for a sufficient time to allow pX-mediated dimerization and DNA binding of the transcription factor to occur, the level of DNA binding of the transcription factor in each test mixture is determined. A test compound is considered to be any compound that causes a decrease in the level of DNA binding in the test mixture relative to the level of DNA binding in control mixtures.

Abstract: A method used during the formation of a semiconductor device including a semiconductor wafer assembly comprises a first step of forming a first mask over a front of the wafer assembly such that a portion of first and second layers are uncovered by the mask. Next, the uncovered portion of the second layer is etched to form at least one sidewall in the second layer. A film is formed over the sidewall and, subsequent to forming the film, at least a portion of a third layer on a back of the wafer assembly is removed. During this removal, the sidewall is protected by the film. After removing the third layer, a second mask is formed over a portion of the first and second layers and the first layer is exposed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new use of N,S-diacetylcysteine ethyl ester for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for treating virus-induced disease. In particular, the invention concerns the use of DACEE for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for treating virus-induced disease, the DACEE used destroying disulfide bridges present in viral proteins.

Abstract: A process for preparing a skin culture which comprises the following steps:a) a step in which a skin culture matrix comprising a collagen sponge, a collagen sheet or a collagen gel is prepared in a means having a projection to provide said matrix with a penetrating pore,b) a step in which a skin-derived cell is seeded and cultured on said matrix, andc) a step in which the skin culture is provided with a penetrating pore by the means having the projection before said skin culture covers a skin defect, if necessary, the steps a) and b) are simultaneously carried out; a skin culture matrix and a skin culture obtained thereby.

Abstract: The fibrillation tendency of solvent-spun fiber can be increased by subjecting the fiber to a treatment which reduces its degree of polymerisation by about 200 units or more. Suitable methods of treatment include severe bleaching, for example application of an aqueous liquor containing 0.1 to 10 percent by weight sodium hypochlorite (as available chlorine) to the fiber followed by steaming. Fiber may be treated in never-dried or previously-dried form. Fiber treated by the process of the invention is useful for example in the manufacture of paper and hydroentangled fabrics. Fiber of increased tendency to fibrillation can be beaten to a Canadian Standard Freeness 400 in the Disintegration Test by 30,000-150,000 disintegrator revolutions and to a Canadian Standard Freeness 200 in the same Test by 50,000-200,000 disintegrator revolutions.

Abstract: Novel Herpes simplex viruses and vaccines based on such novel HSV-1 strains are described. In particular, viruses having a deletion in the terminal portion of R.sub.L are provided. The virus can be further modified to express heterologous antigens and also engineered to overproduce HSV Light particles. This is achieved by incorporating a ts mutation into the UL26 gene.

Abstract: A fusion protein comprising a portion of a glycoprotein of HCMV fused to a portion of a glycoprotein of HSV is described.

Abstract: Its subject is more specifically a process for making suppositories releasing carbon dioxide and endowed with a laxative action in which the fatty substances are melted separately and vegetable lecithin is added into the fluid mass resulting from the melting and then a mineral opacifying agent is incorporated, followed by the pouring of potassium acid tartrate and sodium bicarbonate accompanied by stirring, these two constituents having a particular granulometry, and stirring is then continued until perfect homogeneity is achieved before proceeding with the drawing-off of the fluid suspension.

Abstract: Molecules which are capable of specifically binding to a hepatitis B escape mutant antigenic determinant include monoclonal antibodies secreted by the cell line SMH HBs 145/G/R/I (ECACC 92122312). SMH HBs 145/R/I (ECACC 93052626). SMH HBs 145/G/II (ECACC 93033109) or SMH HBs 145/R/II (ECACC 93033110) and other specific binding molecules cross-competitive with them. Antibodies secreted by the cell lines SM HBs 145/G/R/I and SMH HBs 145/G/R/II bind variant (escape mutant) HBsAG and wild type HBsAG. Antibodies secreted by the cell lines SMH HBs 145/R/I and SMH HBs 145/R/II bind variant but not wild type.

Abstract: This invention provides purified antigens which are indicative of the presence of atherosclerotic plaque. Different concentrations of these antigens have been found to coincide with the progression of atherosclerosis. The subject invention also provides different hybridoma cell lines which produce monoclonal antibodies directed to antigens associated with atherosclerosis and a hybridoma cell line which produces monoclonal antibodies directed to antigen associated with normal artery and not with plaque. The atherosclerotic plaque antigen, and monoclonal antibodies made thereto, are used in various methods for detecting in a biological sample an antigen present in, and indicative of the presence of, atherosclerotic plaque. The monoclonal antibodies are also used in methods of imaging atherosclerotic plaque, and treating atherosclerosis. The methods of treating atherosclerosis include a method of digesting atherosclerotic plaque with enzymes, and a method of ablating atherosclerotic plaque using radiation.