Abstract: A method to grain refine and deoxidize a precious metal alloy or a master alloy includes the steps of (a) forming a precursor melt consisting essentially of constituents of the precious metal alloy or master alloy and inevitable impurities; (b) dispersing a compound selected from the group consisting of boron containing metal hydrides, boron containing metal fluorides and mixtures thereof throughout the precursor melt; and (c) solidifying the boron containing precious melt alloy or master alloy. One suitable compound is solid sodium borohydride (sodium tetrahydroborate). To minimize evaporation of the boron on contact with the precursor alloy melt, the sodium borohydride may be wrapped in a metal foil formed from constituents of the precious metal alloy or master alloy. The cast precious metal alloy or master alloy has been found to have a reduced number of hard spots and reduced silicon contamination when compared to conventional casting methods.

Abstract: A method to grain refine and deoxidize a precious metal alloy or a master alloy includes the steps of (a) forming a precursor melt consisting essentially of constituents of the precious metal alloy or master alloy and inevitable impurities; (b) dispersing a compound selected from the group consisting of boron containing metal hydrides, boron containing metal fluorides and mixtures thereof throughout the precursor melt; and (c) solidifying the boron containing precious melt alloy or master alloy. One suitable compound is solid sodium borohydride (sodium tetrahydroborate). To minimize evaporation of the boron on contact with the precursor alloy melt, the sodium borohydride may be wrapped in a metal foil formed from constituents of the precious metal alloy or master alloy. The cast precious metal alloy or master alloy has been found to have a reduced number of hard spots and reduced silicon contamination when compared to conventional casting methods.

Abstract: Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating a gastrointestinal tumor by administering a murine antibody which specifically binds an epitope of 17-1A antigen.

Abstract: Methods of introducing genetic material into cells of an individual and compositions and kits for practicing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of contacting cells of an individual with a genetic vaccine facilitator and administering to the cells, a nucleic acid molecule that is free of retroviral particles. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that comprises at least one epitope that is identical or substantially similar to an epitope of a pathogen antigen or an antigen associated with a hyperproliferative or autoimmune disease, a protein otherwise missing from the individual due to a missing, non-functional or partially functioning gene, or a protein that produce a therapeutic effect on an individual. Methods of prophylactically and therapeutically immunizing an individual against HIV are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits for practicing methods of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of introducing genetic material into cells of an individual and compositions and kits for practicing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of contacting cells of an individual with a genetic vaccine facilitator and administering to the cells a nucleic acid molecule that is free of retroviral particles. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that comprises at least one epitope that is identical or substantially similar to an epitope of a pathogen antigen or an antigen associated with a hyperproliferative or autoimmune disease, a protein otherwise missing from the individual due to a missing, non-functional or partially functioning gene, or a protein that produces a therapeutic effect on an individual. Methods of prophylactically and therapeutically immunizing an individual against HIV are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits for practicing methods of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A 14K gold alloy includes by weight percentages about 58.5 to 58.8% gold, 12.8 to 14.4% silver, 22.9 to 24.8% copper, 3.5 to 4.1% zinc and 0.2 to 0.5% cobalt. The alloy exhibits a relatively large uniform, fine grain size and may be repetitively hardened and softened as desired. The brightness of the alloy is exceptional and the color, which is quite distinctive among 14K gold alloys, is similar to rich colored 18K gold alloys.

Abstract: Methods of introducing genetic material into cells of an individual and compositions and kits for practicing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of contacting cells of an individual with a genetic vaccine facilitator and administering to the cells, a nucleic acid molecule that is free of retroviral particles. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that comprises at least one epitope that is identical or substantially similar to an epitope of a pathogen antigen or an antigen associated with a hyperproliferative or autoimmune disease, a protein otherwise missing from the individual due to a missing, non-functional or partially functioning gene, or a protein that produce a therapeutic effect on an individual. Methods of prophylactically and therapeutically immunizing an individual against HIV are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits for practicing methods of the present invention are disclosed.