Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for producing a supported membrane. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing a supported membrane comprising the steps: (i) providing a substrate coated with a monolayer having reactive functional groups; (ii) contacting the reactive groups with a linker compound to form a derivatized monolayer having covalently bonded linker moieties; and (iii) contacting the derivatized monolayer with a membrane solution to produce a supported membrane. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a supported membrane produced by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical sensor, sensing system and sensing method which provides for a multi-sensor, cross-reactive, sensor array having a rapid response time, dynamic modulation of sampling parameters, and real-time feedback control of sampling and detection conditions. The device and method provide for smart detection and discrimination of analytes in fluids through intelligent sampling, detection, and control algorithms. The invention further provides for a sensor array having discrete sensor elements dispersed on fluid-permeable, high surface area, porous, textured substrates. The innovative device and method exhibit high sensitivity, discrimination and detection capability for target analytes at ppb and sub ppm concentrations.

Abstract: Featured is a method and system for cleaning abrasive sanding and/or planing media, for example sandpaper, wide belt sanding belts, planers, grinding wheels or other abrasive surfaces while the media is either in-situ in the sanding, planing, grinding equipment or when removed. Additionally, the cleaning featured method and system can clean the media while the abrasive media is being used as well as when the abrasive media is not being used. In the cleaning method dry ice (CO.sub.2, solid carbon dioxide) particles are propelled towards the abrasive surface at a high velocity so the dry ice particles impact on the surface of the abrasive media at a high velocity. Additionally, the dry ice (CO.sub.2, solid carbon dioxide) particles are propelled as to impact the abrasive surface at varying angles and locations as necessary to effectively clean the abrasive surface.

Abstract: Recombinant viral vectors which coexpress heterologous polypeptides capable of assembling into defective nonself-propagating viral particles are disclosed. The viral vectors as well as the viral particles can be used as immunogens and for targeted delivery of heterologous gene products and drugs.

Abstract: A vector comprising an HIV segment and a heterologous gene segment, which produces a replication competent and an infective HIV virus is disclosed. When the heterologous gene is a marker gene, the spread of the virus can be observed in both in vitro and in vivo systems. The use of this vector in establishing methods for screening anti-viral compounds is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present inventors have now discovered that humans have a gene that encodes a novel protein of the thymosin .beta. family. This novel protein, herein referred to as thymosin .beta.15, has the ability to bind and sequester G-actin, like other members of the thymosin .beta. family, but unlike what is known about other members it also directly regulates cell motility in prostatic carcinoma cells. The present invention is direct to an isolated cDNA encoding the human thymosin .beta.15 gene (SEQ ID NO: 1) and have deduced the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 2).

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions containing chemical compounds and compositions containing steel factor which stimulate the expression of hemoglobin or globin protein such as embryonic or fetal globin, or the proliferation of hemoglobin expressing and other cells. These compositions can be used to treat or prevent the symptoms associated with anemia, sickle cell diseases, thalassemia and other blood disorders. The invention also relates to methods for administering these compositions to patients and to medical aids for the treatment and prevention of blood and other disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method by which one can target an undesired target molecule or target antigen, preferably an endogenous protein. The method comprises the intracellular expression of an antibody capable of binding to the target. A DNA sequence is delivered to a cell, the DNA sequence contains a sufficient number of nucleotides coding for the portion of an antibody capable of binding to the target operably linked to a promoter that will permit expression of the antibody in the cell(s) of interest. The antibody is then expressed intracellularly and binds to the target, thereby disrupting the target from its normal actions.

Abstract: We have now discovered a helper virus free herpesvirus packaging system. This system can be used to package a wide range of desired nucleotide segments, preferably a DNA segment, into an empty herpesvirus particle because of the large genomes of herpesviruses. Preferably, the herpesvirus is an alpha herpesvirus. More preferably, the herpesvirus is an alpha herpesvirus such as Varicella-Zoster virus, pseudorabies virus, or a herpes simplex virus such as HSV-1 or HSV-2. Another preferred herpesvirus is Epstein-Barr virus.

Abstract: Packaging defective and packaging proficient HIV vectors are disclosed. These vectors can be used to establish HIV packaging defective cell lines, and to package desired genes. These cell lines can be used in developing a vaccine, HIV antibodies and as part of a system for gene transfer. The packaging proficient vector can be used to target HIV target cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method by which one can target an undesired target molecule or target antigen, preferably a protein. The method comprises the intracellular expression of an antibody capable of binding to the target. A DNA sequence is delivered to a cell, the DNA sequence contains a sufficient number of nucleotides coding for the portion of an antibody capable of binding to the target operably linked to a promoter that will permit expression of the antibody in the cell(s) of interest. The antibody is then expressed intracellularly and binds to the target, thereby disrupting the target from its normal actions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a disposable system for making portions of a hot beverage such as coffee or tea, comprising a porous filter designed to extend within a beverage container and having an upper region which is detachably coupled to the edge of the beverage container, whereby a predetermined quantity of solid beverage material can be placed within the filter, a predetermined quantity of liquid can be poured onto the beverage material, and the resulting liquid in the beverage container can steep with the solid beverage material within the filter, so that a desired portion of a beverage of a desired strength may be produced.

Abstract: Empty viral capsids, particularly animal parvoviral empty capsids, induce protective antibody response against the virus. The empty viral capsids are obtained by recombinant DNA techniques. Expression vectors are constructed containing structural genes encoding capsid proteins in self assembling form. Eukaryotic transfectants express self-assembled empty viral capsids which can be used to vaccinate against the virus or antigenically related species of the virus.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a lighting control circuit is provided in which various logic gates, transistors and other smaller-scale circuit elements are combined. The circuit receives as inputs the control signals from the vehicle, including the left and right indicator signals, the brake signal and the tail light signal. Each of these signals is fed into a first bank of logic gates whose outputs are supplied to a second bank of logic gates, whose output is in turn supplied to two transistors, each connected to a separate single filament bulb, one for the left side of the vehicle and the other for the right side.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a recombinant human monoclonal antibody which binds to a discontinuous epitope on the HIV gp120 envelope glycoprotien, blocks the binding of gp120 to the CD4 receptor, and neutralizes a broad range of HIV isolates. The present invention also provides the primary nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the rearranged heavy and light chains of the recombinant monoclonal antibody of the present invention, and a method of screening for antibodies which block binding of envelope glycoprotein to the CD4 receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method by which one can target an undesired target molecule or target antigen, preferably a protein. The method comprises the intracellular expression of an antibody capable of binding to the target. A DNA sequence is delivered to a cell, the DNA sequence contains a sufficient number of nucleotides coding for the portion of an antibody capable of binding to the target operably linked to a promoter that will permit expression of the antibody in the cell(s) of interest. The antibody is then expressed intracellularly and binds to the target, thereby disrupting the target from its normal actions.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a pair of electrode substrates at least one of which is transparent, a display medium having a liquid crystal region surrounded by a polymer region, and a plurality of pixels. The display medium is interposed between the pair of substrates. A difference between an upper limit value and a lower limit value of a phase transition temperature between a liquid crystal phase and an isotropic liquid phase of a liquid crystal composition constituting the liquid crystal region is 7.0.degree. C. or more.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA polymerases from archaebacteria as well as isolated DNA coding for such polymerases are provided. The isolated DNA is obtained by use or DNA or antibody probes prepared from the DNA encoding T. litoralis DNA polymerase and the T. litoralis DNA polymerase respectively. Also provided are methods for producing recombinant archaebacteria thermostable DNA polymerase and methods for enhancing the expression of such polymerases by identifying, locating and removing introns from within the DNA coding for such DNA polymerases.

Abstract: Recombinant avipox viral vectors which express heterologous polypeptides capable of assembling into defective nonself-propagating viral particles are disclosed. The recombinant avipox viruses can be used to produce significant amounts of the heterologous polypeptides in avian or non-avian cells. Preferably, the recombinant avipox virus is a fowlpox virus. The viral particles can also be used as immunogens and for targeted delivery of heterologous gene products and drugs.