Abstract: A solid electrolyte gas analyzer is equipped with a diagnostic circuit that intermittently measures an impedance of the solid electrolyte measurement cell as an indication that the cell is in need of calibration or replacement. The diagnostic operation is performed on the cell in situ, i.e., while the solid electrolyte cell is exposed to the gas to be measured and heated to a controlled elevated temperature. Preferably the cell impedance is measured at a predetermined frequency by injecting a modulated current through the cell and measuring the resulting voltage drop.

Abstract: Highly stable, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a biologically active recombinant lipophilic protein such as human .beta.-interferon and interleukin-2 dissolved in a non-toxic, inert, therapeutically compatible aqueous-based carrier at pH ranges of from about 6.8 to 7.8 and about 8.5 to 10, which formulations contain a stabilizer for the protein selected from the group comprising human serum album, human serum albumin and dextrose or human plasma protein fraction, and at a pH range of from about 2 to 4, which latter formulations optionally contain a carbohydrate and/or protein stabilizer, are disclosed. Further, preferred formulation processes to prepare said compositions are described which avoid highly alkaline conditions.

Abstract: An analyzer measures properties of multiple chemical samples, and includes an optical filter element having a long axis and positioned at a location where simultaneous multiple light beams, corresponding to the chemical samples to be measured, form a diffuse light spot elongated along an axis which is substantially aligned with the filter element long axis. The analyzer also includes a light source, filter means incorporating the filter element for transmitting spectrally selected portions of the light beams, sample cell means for exposing each sample to its associated light beam, and detector means for detecting the light beams after modification by the samples and after transmission by the filter. In a preferred embodiment, optical fibers carry the light beams to and from the chemical samples.

Abstract: Stable pharmaceutical compositions suitable for parenteral administration to animals or humans are prepared comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a recombinant IFN-.beta. protein dissolved in an inert carrier medium comprising as solubilizer/stabilizer(s) one or more biocompatible non-ionic polymeric detergents or a combination of one or more biocompatible non-ionic polymeric detergents with an additional solubilizing and/or stabilizing agent, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate or glycerol. The compositions are in liquid form or lyophilized.

Abstract: Stable pharmaceutical compositions suitable for parenteral administration to animals or humans are prepared comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) protein dissolved in an inert carrier medium comprising one or more biocompatible non-ionic polymeric detergents which act as solubilizer/stabilizers for the claimed formulations.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the purification of recombinantly produced biologically active proteins in which a solution containing a mixture of materials, including the biologically active protein, is passed through a continuous porous hydrophobic membrane, and the fraction enriched in the biologically active protein is recovered. Hydrophobic proteins such as TNF and recombinant ricin toxin A chain may be purified according to the process. Conditions for enhanced recovery of purified TNF using the process are disclosed. A highly purified TNF comprising 95% or greater TNF as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis, with an endotoxin content of less than 0.1 ng/mg TNF which is substantially free of pyrogens by the USP rabbit pyrogen test at a dosage range of 1.0 to 2.4.times.10.sup.5 U/kg, is obtained.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition containing IL-2 or IFN-.beta. dissolved in a suitable carrier medium at pH 7.0 to 8.0 stabilized with sodium laurate is suitable for parenteral injection into humans or animals. This formulation may be prepared by adding to either protein, after its recovery from a transformed organism, an effective amount of sodium laurate at a pH of 9 to 9.5 and then adjusting the pH of the formulation to between 7.0 and 8.0.