Abstract: In clinical settings as well as in a drug development context, human herpes viruses can be detected, and even quantified, by the use of a real time PCR-based assay. An informatics analysis of existing gene sequences from different HHV types or strains is used to identify a target segment within a gene. A probe oligonucleotide and at least two primer oligonucleotides are then designed for selectively directing the amplification, in the course of a single amplification reaction, of the target segment of a particular HHV type or strain. This method is capable of an unprecedented level of discrimination among the following HHV types and strains: HHV1, drug resistant HHV1, HHV2, drug resistant HHV2, HHV3, HHV4a, HHV4b, HHV5, HHV6a, HHV6b, HHV7, and HHV8.

Abstract: The present invention provides endotoxin-binding peptides which are useful in the treatment and prevention of sepsis. The present invention further provides a method for treating or preventing sepsis comprising administration of the compounds of the present invention.

Abstract: In clinical settings as well as in a drug development context, human herpes viruses can be detected, and even quantified, by the use of a real time PCR-based assay. An informatics analysis of existing gene sequences from different HHV types or strains is used to identify a target segment within a gene. A probe oligonucleotide and at least two primer oligonucleotides are then designed for selectively directing the amplification, in the course of a single amplification reaction, of the target segment of a particular HHV type or strain. This method is capable of an unprecedented level of discrimination among the following HHV types and strains: HHV1, drug resistant HHV1, HHV2, drug resistant HHV2, HHV3, HHV4a, HHV4b, HHV5, HHV6a, HHV6b, HHV7, and HHV8.

Abstract: In clinical settings as well as in a drug-discovery context, the impact of an agent that may affect reverse transcriptase (RT) can be measured and even quantified by bringing a sample, which may contain an RT, into contact with an RNA template, a primer complementary to the RNA template, and appropriate oligonucleotide-specific primers, under conditions such that they react, in the presence of RT, to form a cDNA product in inverse proportion to the effect of the agent. The amount of any resultant cDNA product then can be measured. The approach is readily implemented as a real-time, quantitative kinetic assay for RT activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for high level expression of human sRAGE using insect cell culture. In an embodiment, the method comprises (a) subcloning a nucleotide sequence encoding RAGE or a fragment thereof into a virus; (b) preparing a high-titer stock of recombinant virus; and (c) infecting host cells with the high-titer recombinant virus under conditions such that pre-determined levels of RAGE or a fragment thereof is produced, wherein said pre-determined levels of RAGE are at least 25 mg recombinant protein per liter of culture. The invention comprises use of sRAGE prepared by the methods of the invention for treatment of AGE-related syndromes including complications associated with atherosclerosis, diabetes, kidney failure, systemic lupus nephritis or inflammatory lupus nephritis, amyloidoses, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, inflammation, and erectile dysfunction.

Abstract: In clinical settings as well as in a drug-discovery context, the impact of an agent that may affect reverse transcriptase (RT) can be measured and even quantified by bringing a sample, which may contain an RT, into contact with an RNA template, a primer complementary to the RNA template, and appropriate oligonucleotide-specific primers, under conditions such that they react, in the presence of RT, to form a cDNA product in inverse proportion to the effect of the agent. The amount of any resultant cDNA product then can be measured. The approach is readily implemented as a real-time, quantitative kinetic assay for RT activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides endotoxin-binding peptides which are useful in the treatment and prevention of sepsis. The present invention further provides a method for treating or preventing sepsis comprising administration of the compounds of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides heparin antagonist peptides. The heparin-binding peptides of the present invention specifically neutralize heparin's conventional anticoagulant properties without causing deleterious hemodynamic side-effects or exacerbation of the proliferative vascular response to injury. More specifically, the heparin-binding compounds of the present invention are short-duration drugs to be used in elective or emergency situations which can safely and specifically neutralize heparin's conventional anticoagulant properties without causing deleterious hemodynamic side-effects or exacerbation of the proliferative vascular response to injury.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst for conversion of methanol, ethanol alone or in combination with n-propanol to isobutanol and the process for making and using the catalyst. The catalyst is a noble metal supported on at least a first phase of mixed oxide crystallites containing from about 60 to about 74 atomic % (on a metals basis only) zirconium, from about 21 to about 31 atomic % manganese and from about 5 to about 9 atomic % zinc, and less than about 1 atomic % alkali, a second phase of zirconium-doped hetaerolite particles containing from about 65 to about 69 atomic % manganese, from about 31 to about 35 atomic % zinc, from about 0.5 to about 5 atomic % zirconium, and optionally a trace atomic % of alkali, and a third phase containing from about 29 to about 55 atomic % manganese, from about 13 to about 55 atomic % zinc and from about 13 to about 35 atomic % zirconium. The first phase mixed oxide crystallites have a zirconium oxide-like structure have a particle size of at least about 40 .ANG.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst for conversion of methanol, ethanol alone or in combination with n-propanol to isobutanol and the process for making and using the catalyst. The catalyst is a noble metal supported on at least a first phase of mixed oxide crystallites containing from about 60 to about 74 atomic % (on a metals basis only) zirconium, from about 21 to about 31 atomic % manganese and from about 5 to about 9 atomic % zinc, and less than about 1 atomic % alkali, a second phase of zirconium-doped hetaerolite particles containing from about 65 to about 69 atomic % manganese, from about 31 to about 35 atomic % zinc, from about 0.5 to about 5 atomic % zirconium, and optionally a trace atomic % of alkali, and a third phase containing from about 29 to about 55 atomic % manganese, from about 13 to about 55 atomic % zinc and from about 13 to about 35 atomic % zirconium. The first phase mixed oxide crystallites have a zirconium oxide-like structure have a particle size of at least about 40 .ANG.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst for conversion of methanol, ethanol alone or in combination with n-propanol to isobutanol and the process for making and using the catalyst. The catalyst is a noble metal supported on at least a first phase of mixed oxide crystallites containing from about 60 to about 74 atomic % (on a metals basis only) zirconium, from about 21 to about 31 atomic % manganese and from about 5 to about 9 atomic % zinc, and less than about 1 atomic % alkali, a second phase of zirconium-doped hetaerolite particles containing from about 65 to about 69 atomic % manganese, from about 31 to about 35 atomic % zinc, from about 0.5 to about 5 atomic % zirconium, and optionally a trace atomic % of alkali, and a third phase containing from about 29 to about 55 atomic % manganese, from about 13 to about 55 atomic % zinc and from about 13 to about 35 atomic % zirconium. The first phase mixed oxide crystallites have a zirconium oxide-like structure have a particle size of at least about 40 .ANG.

Abstract: The present invention provides heparin antagonist peptides. The heparin-binding peptides of the present invention specifically neutralize heparin's conventional anticoagulant properties without causing deleterious hemodynamic side-effects or exacerbation of the proliferative vascular response to injury. More specifically, the heparin-binding compounds of the present invention are short-duration drugs to be used in elective or emergency situations which can safely and specifically neutralize heparin's conventional anticoagulant properties without causing deleterious hemodynamic side-effects or exacerbation of the proliferative vascular response to injury.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst for conversion of methanol, ethanol alone or in combination with n-propanol to isobutanol and the process for making and using the catalyst. The catalyst is a noble metal supported on at least a first phase of mixed oxide crystallites containing from about 60 to about 74 atomic % (on a metals basis only) zirconium, from about 21 to about 31 atomic % manganese and from about 5 to about 9 atomic % zinc, and less than about 1 atomic % alkali, a second phase of zirconium-doped hetaerolite particles containing from about 65 to about 69 atomic % manganese, from about 31 to about 35 atomic % zinc, from about 0.5 to about 5 atomic % zirconium, and optionally a trace atomic % of alkali, and a third phase containing from about 29 to about 55 atomic % manganese, from about 13 to about 55 atomic % zinc and from about 13 to about 35 atomic % zirconium. The first phase mixed oxide crystallites have a zirconium oxide-like structure have a particle size of at least about 40 .ANG.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst for conversion of methanol, ethanol alone or in combination with n-propanol to isobutanol. The catalyst is a noble metal supported on at least a first phase having poorly crystalline manganese and zinc doped zirconium oxide phase containing about 71 to about 91 atomic % zirconium, about 10 to about 16 atomic % manganese and about 4 to about 8 atomic % zinc and a second phase of irregularly shaped hetaerolite-like crystals containing about 65 to about 69 atomic % manganese, about 31 to about 35 atomic % zinc and zero to about 5 atomic % zirconium embedded in the first phase. The catalyst is useful in making isobutanol.

Abstract: A tarnish remover/metal polish formulation comprising water, an acid, and metal iodide, such as potassium iodide, is described. The components of the formulation chemically react with the tarnish or stain on a metal surface, removing the tarnish or stain while leaving the metal unaffected. The tarnish remover/metal polish can be applied as a dip-rinse or as a polish. The composition is easily applied and easily removed.

Abstract: A carpet cleaning composition adapted to be sprinkled on and vacuumed off a soiled carpet includes an aqueous volatile solvent, an inert highly-absorbent carrier and a natural or synthetic aluminosilicate zeolite.