Abstract: The present invention is directed to the isolation and use of super-infective, tumor-specific vectors that are strains of parasites including, but not limited to bacteria, fungi and protists. In certain embodiments the parasites include, but are not limited to, the bacterium Salmonella spp., such as Salmonella typhimurium, the bacterium Mycobacterium avium and the protozoan Leishmania amazonensis. In other embodiments, the present invention is concerned with the isolation of super-infective, tumor-specific, suicide gene-containing strains of parasites for use in treatment of solid tumors.

Abstract: A method for targeting, treating, or diagnosing malignant mammalian tumor cells, comprising administering an effective amount of a ?1,6-branched oligosaccharide specific binding agent to the mammal. As a treatment, the binding agent may be intrinsically cytotoxic, initiate an endogenous cytotoxic cascade, or play a role in a cytotoxic cascade involving exogenous factors. A preferred binding agent is Bordetella pertussis, which is both specific for the ?1,6-branched oligosaccharide and well tolerated. Genetically engineered organisms may also be employed. Pharmaceutical compositions may also serve as binding agents.

Abstract: A sensor positioning apparatus comprising a mounting plate, a sensor housing, a sensor assembly pivotally mounted to the sensor housing, and a sensor pivotally mounted within the sensor assembly. The sensor housing includes an upper plate and a base plate connected in a spaced relationship and a central axis. The upper plate is coupled to the mounting plate and the base plate includes a socket adapted to receive a ball joint. The sensor assembly is carried by the housing and comprises a cylindrical body having an opening therein and defining a body axis. The sensor assembly also includes a piston within the body movable between a retracted and an extended position, a ball joint rotatably coupled to the base plate socket, a resilient member for maintaining the body axis substantially coaxial with the central axis, and three contact members for contacting a surface and orienting the sensor assembly normal to the surface.

Abstract: A melanin that is soluble in an aqueous solution at a pH between 5 and 9 at a temperature of 0.degree. to 100.degree. C. Advantageously, the melanin is capable of being filtered through at least a 0.45 micron size filter, and has a molecular weight of greater than 10,000 kilodaltons. The melanin is useful for providing a naturally-appearing tan to mammalian skin and hair. Such melanin can be produced by combining dopachrome and an appropriate enzyme, or by incubating 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid alone or with 5,6-dihydroxyindole, or with 3-amino-tyrosine. The melanin is also useful for providing a sun-screen to mammalian skin and hair, to treat post-inflammatory hypo- and hyperpigmentation, to tint glass and plastic, to protect industrial materials against ultraviolet damage, and as a coloring agent in foodstuffs such as coffee, tea, soda, whiskey and liquors.

Abstract: A melanin that is soluble in an aqueous solution at a pH between 5 and 9 at a temperature of 0.degree. to 100.degree. C. Advantageously, the melanin is capable of being filtered through at least a 0.45 micron size filter, and has a molecular weight of greater than 10,000 kilodaltons. The melanin is useful for providing a naturally-appearing tan to mammalian skin and hair. Such melanin can be produced by combining dopachrome and an appropriate enzyme, or by incubating 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid alone or with 5,6-dihydroxyindole, or with 3-amino-tyrosine. The melanin is also useful for providing a sun-screen to mammalian skin and hair, to treat post-inflammatory hypo- and hyperpigmentation, to tint glass and plastic, to protect industrial materials against ultraviolet damage, and as a coloring agent in foodstuffs such as coffee, tea, soda, whiskey and liquors.