Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that CREB binding protein (CBP) cooperates with upstream activators involved in the activation of transcription of such signal dependent transcription factors as c-Jun (responsive to phorbol ester), serum response factor, and the like. It has also been discovered that CBP can be employed in an assay to identify compounds which disrupt the ability of such signal dependent transcription factors to activate transcription. In another aspect, it has been discovered that CBP can be employed in an assay to identify new signal dependent transcription factors. In yet another aspect of the present invention, it has been discovered that CBP can be employed in an assay to identify novel co-factor protein(s) which mediate the interaction between signal dependent transcription factors and inducer molecules involved in the activation of transcription.

Abstract: A vector comprising a first DNA sequence which is complementary to at least part of an alphavirus RNA genome and having the complement of complete alphavirus DNA genome replication regions, a second DNA sequence encoding a paramyxovirus protein, particularly a respiratory syncytial virus fusion (RSV F) protein or a RSV F protein fragment that generates antibodies that specifically react with RSV F protein, the first and second DNA sequences being under the transcriptional control of a promoter is described. Such vector may be used to produce an RNA transcript which may be used to immunize a host, including a human host, to protect the host against disease caused by paramyxovirus, particularly respiratory syncytial virus, by administration to the host.

Abstract: A process for extending the shelf life of a carbonated beverage within a plastic bottle comprises placing the carbonated beverage in the plastic bottle at a temperature less than about 72.degree. F., maintaining the temperature of the carbonated beverage at less than about 72.degree. F. for a time sufficient to convey the plastic bottle to an unrefrigerated, insulated container, and inserting the plastic bottle into the container.

Abstract: Human Borna disease virus (BDV) nucleic acids and polypeptides are described from three psychiatric patients. The human BDV-derived nucleic acids and polypeptides are useful in both DNA- and protein-based assays to detect human BDV in a subject, particularly the detection of BDV nucleic acids, BDV polypeptides and BDV antibodies generated in response to BDV infection.

Abstract: The claimed invention provides methods of detecting and typing HCV using type specific and type-cluster specific epitopes. The claimed invention also provides peptides having type specific and type-cluster specific epitopes.

Abstract: This invention is directed to metal-matrix composites which include a substantially continuous phase of metal and reinforcing ceramic particulate substantially uniformly dispersed therein and comprising at least two of barium titanium, titanium dioxide, and titanium nitride. The composite may include other reinforcing ceramic particulate materials like metal carbides such as titanium carbide and other titanates like calcium titanate. The reinforcing particulate can comprise up to about 70 volume percent of the composite and have an average particle diameter of between about 0.1 micron and 100 microns. In forming the composite, the metal powder employed has an average particle diameter between about 1 and 20 microns. The composite is useful to manufacture, e.g., automotive parts such as brake rotors and structural components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel peptides derived from the non-structural proteins of the Foot-and-mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) and their use for the detection in animal body fluids of antibodies to FMDV. The peptides of the invention are useful for the diagnosis of FMDV infection, detection of potential carrier status, and for the differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals. The amino acid sequence of each of the peptides of the present invention correspond to an immunodominant region of the non-structural proteins 3A, 3B and 3C of FMDV. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the use of a peptide selected from a group consisting SEQ ID NOS:4-16 or their analogs for the detection of antibodies to FMDV in animal body fluids. The detection method includes an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and other well-known immunoassay formats.

Abstract: The present invention derives from the discovery that CDC25 phosphatases and Raf proteins are able to physically interact to form protein-protein complexes, with the Raf protein mediating the activation of CDC25 phosphatases. The present invention provides both cell-free and cellular assays for detecting agents which modulate the ras-dependent activation of CDC25, as for example, by affecting the binding of a CDC25 protein with Raf, or Raf-associated complexes. Also disclosed is a method for transforming/immortalizing cells, particularly primary cell cultures.

Abstract: The gate oxide film is prevented from being thinned partially. The semiconductor substrate (wafer) can be etched (processed) under excellent conditions. The impurities on the wafer surface can be analyzed and further reduced. In the first aspect, the substrate is irradiated with ultraviolet rays in contact with an F-containing aqueous solution, so that the oxide film and the substrate can be etched at roughly the same etching speed under excellent controllability without deteriorating the planarization of the substrate. In the second aspect, the substrate is etched by irradiating ultraviolet rays during exposure to an acid aqueous solution, so that surface metallic contamination and particles can be removed without deteriorating the wafer surface roughness. Further, the impurity elements in the outermost surface layer of the wafer can be analyzed at high precision by analyzing elements contained in the acid aqueous solution used for the etching.

Abstract: Photostable, cosmetic light-screening composition, comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle containing at least one fatty phase, about 0.1 to about 5%, in particular about 1 to about 3% by weight, of a dibenzoylmethane type UV-A screening agent and at least about 0.5%, in particular about 0.5 to about 4.5% by weight, of a .alpha.-cyano-.beta.,.beta.-diphenyl-acrylate stabilizer, the mole ratio of the acrylate to the dibenzoylmethane derivative being less than 0.8, if the amount of the dibenzoylmethane is 1% or more, and, optionally, at least one conventional UV-B filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional enzyme that can be derived from crustaceans or fish. The enzyme has at least one of a chymotrypsin, trypsin, elastase, collagenase and exo peptidase activity, and a molecular weight between about 20 kd and about 40 kd. Preferably, the multifunctional enzyme has substantial anti cell-cell adhesion activity. Preferably, the multifunctional enzyme has substantial homology with the krill multifunctional enzyme. These enzymes are useful for treating viral infections such as herpes outbreaks, fungal, bacterial or parasitic infections, including the primary and secondary infections of leprosy, colitis, ulcers, hemorrhoids, corneal scarring, dental plaque, acne, cystic fibrosis, blood clots, wounds, immune disorders including autoimmune disease and cancer. Additionally, the invention relates to a method of purifying the multifunctional enzyme, and to a preparation of essentially purified multifunctional enzyme.

Abstract: A new mumps vaccine is presented, comprising a homogeneous pure isolate derived from the Jeryl-Lynn strain of mumps virus. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the vaccine produces higher seroconversion and antibody titres than known commercial vaccines.

Abstract: A method for correlating a peptide fragment mass spectrum with amino acid sequences derived from a database is provided. A peptide is analyzed by a tandem mass spectrometer to yield a peptide fragment mass spectrum. A protein sequence database or a nucleotide sequence database is used to predict one or more fragment spectra for comparison with the experimentally-derived fragment spectrum. In one embodiment, sub-sequences of the sequences found on the database which define a peptide having a mass substantially equal to the mass of the peptide analyzed by the tandem mass spectrometer are identified as candidate sequences. For each candidate sequence, a plurality of fragments of the sequence are identified and the masses and m/z ratios of the fragments are predicted and used to form a predicted mass spectrum.

Abstract: Methods of screening for modulators of respiratory syncytial virus matrix protein interaction are described. A host cell carrying a nucleic acid sequence encoding RSV matrix protein or fragments of RSV matrix protein which can bind to RSV matrix protein is cultured and the RSV matrix protein or RSV fragments are expressed. The interaction of the expressed RSV matrix protein or fragments is measured. A test sample is then added to the expressed RSV matrix protein or fragments and the effect of the test sample on RSV matrix protein interaction is measured.

Abstract: A hydrolyzed cereal product containing honey or whole fruit or pieces of fruit is obtained by preparing a mixture of cereal flour and alpha-amylase and also honey or fruit, the fruit being whole or in pieces, passing a stream of the mixture through an assembly so that the mixture is treated successively by jets of steam which are injected to envelope the mixture stream to heat the stream first to hydrolyze starch of the cereal flour and so that after the first steam-treatment, wherein the steam jet may be directed to the mixture stream co- or counter-currently, the subsequent successive steam jet or jets are directed to the hydrolyzed product stream counter-currently. Apparatus for carrying out the process includes two nozzles which have conically-shaped ends positioned to form a channel which communicates which a steam-supply passage of a T-shaped body.

Abstract: A new human B lymphotropic virus, also designated human herpesvirus-6, has been isolated. DNA, molecular clones, antigenic viral proteins and antibodies having specificity to the new virus have been prepared. Various utilities of the new virus and products derived therefrom have been described.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation of hyaluronic acid is administered to a patient suffering from undesirable T cellactivity. The hyaluronic acid inhibits T cell activity at doses that are well-tolerated by the recipient. Conditions suitable for treatment include graft vs. host disease, graft rejection and certain autoimmune diseases having a T cell component.

Abstract: A make-up composition in the form of a water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsion comprising silicone oil selected from volatile silicones, non-volatile silicones and mixtures thereof, optionally humectant, at least one coated or uncoated iron-oxide type pigment and a TiO.sub.2 -coated platelet-type interference pigment material having a TiO.sub.2 layer thickness of from about 120 nm to about 160 nm or a whole number multiple thereof.

Abstract: A plasmid bearing a cDNA copy of the genome of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), chimeric derivatives of the plasmid and a method of producing an infectious bovine viral diarrhea virus using the plasmid are disclosed. The invention relates to a plasmid DNA molecule that replicates easily in E. coli and contains a sufficient portion of the genome of BVDV, cloned as cDNA, to be a suitable template to produce RNA in vitro which, upon transfection into bovine cells, gives rise to infectious BVDV. The BVDV created by the process of the invention can be engineered for use as a vector in many advantageous applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides having an immunomodulatory activity. The present invention is concerned with the tetrapeptide H-Lys-Asn-Pro-Tyr-OH (SEQ.ID NO:1) and analogues thereof as immunomodulators. The present invention also includes the use of such peptides as vaccine adjuvant.