Abstract: Proteinaceous composition are provided which inhibit naturally occurring serine proteases. Particularly, an amino acid sequence analogous to human .alpha..sub.1 -antitrypsin is modified at the active site while maintaining protease inhibition. The methionine at the active site is substituted with an oxidatively stable amino acid, while other amino acids may also be changed, added or deleted, particularly at the termini.The yeast strains AB103.1 (pCl/PH05ATi(Val) and AB110 (pCl/1GAPATi(Val) were deposited at the A.T.C.C. on June 18, 1984 and given Accession Nos. 20711 and 20712, respectively.

Abstract: The hoe is formed from a tempered steel blade substantially, triangular when viewed in front elevation and secured at right angles to one end of the handle. The guard or sheath is formed from plastic or sheet metal, to protect the relatively sharp edges of the blade and to prevent injury to people when not in use. The guard, which is detachable, includes a pocket for receiving the sharp edges of the blade and flexible tabs detachably engaging over the edge of the blade to detachably retain the guard in position.

Abstract: A viral lysis immunoassay system and method. The system includes hemolytic particles carrying non-viral, anti-analyte molecules, lysable target cells which are devoid of surface molecules capable of binding to endogenous viral surface molecules, and foreign binding molecules added to the target cells. The binding molecules, which may be either analyte molecules or analyte-related molecules attached to the target cell surfaces, function to bind the particles to the cells, to initiate cell lysis and the release of encapsulated reporter molecules from the cells. The analyte to be assayed may be one adapted to bridge the virus particles to analyte-related molecules carried on the cell surfaces, or one which competes with target-cell molecules for binding to the particle anti-analyte molecules.

Abstract: A floating dock, swimming platform or the like can use airbags, foam or other flotation material held within plastic frames which may be foldable for storage or transportation surfaces upon a car top or the like.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser includes a mesa-striped laser structure. A substrate has layered on it an active layer with a refractive index higher than that of, and with an energy gap smaller than that of the substrate. A first electrode is formed under the substrate. A cladding layer of a conductivity type different than that of the substrate overlays the active layer. A multilayered burying crystal includes, at the sides of the mesa-striped laser structure, successively first, second and third burying layers. The first and third burying layers are of the same conductivity type as the substrate. The second burying layer is of a conductivity type different from that of the substrate. A cap layer of a conductivity type different than the substrate covers the upper face of the mesa-striped structure and an upper face of the third burying layer. A second electrode is formed on the cap layer. Injected current flowing into a thyristor composed of the cap layer and the three burying layers can be suppressed.

Abstract: A hollow sphere formed from a plurality of contra-spiralling members extending through 360.degree. from one end of an axis to the other to form a geodesic frame. Latitudinally extending spaced and parallel reinforcing members may be used to brace the frame. An axle may extend along the axis and may include an elastic motor for the embodiment when used as a toy, a pedal and gear assembly when used as a recreational device and a source of a power when used as a mobile powered device.

Abstract: An educational device for enriching the environment of a contained primate, including a variable and programmable maze as well as a mechanism whereby the primate may be instructed as to the location of the correct pathway through the maze.

Abstract: A DNA which comprises a deoxynucleotide sequence coding for prolactin, particularly human prolactin, is described. A transfer vector and an expression vector containing this DNA and microorganisms transformed by these vectors are also described. A method for preparing a reverse transcript (cDNA) from a messenger RNA is also disclosed herein.The invention described herein was made in the course of, or under, a grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Abstract: Collagen membranes with desired properties are prepared by using a variety of gel-forming techniques in combination with methods for converting the gels to solid forms. The properties of these membranes or other solid forms may be further altered by cross-linking the collagen preparation either after formation of the membrane or gel, or most preferably by mixing cross-linked collagen with solubilized collagen in the original mixture used to create the gel.

Abstract: A contingent dosing device which actively controls the pattern in which doses of one or more pharmaceutical preparations are administered to a patient. The device is programmed with information concerning an initial dosing regimen, and monitors deviations from that regimen. Based on the acceptability of the calculated deviations, the device may dispense or withhold medication. The invention also includes an automatic drug dosage compliance method using the contingent dosing device.

Abstract: Novel immunogenic compositions are provided involving viral particles composed at least in part of hybrid proteins of at least a portion of a particle forming protein and one or more polypeptides having at least one epitope of interest. Nucleic acid sequences are employed coding for the hybrid protein which are introduced into a host cell for expression, either by themselves or in combination with other DNA sequences coding for particle forming proteins. Expression of the DNA sequences results in formation of particles which may be isolated and used as immunogens for production of antibodies for diagnostics purposes, passive immunization, vaccination, or other uses.Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, 2150-2-3 (pDC103), was deposited on Sept. 7, 1984, at the ATCC and given ATCC Accession No. 20726. Also, Saccharomyces cerevisiae PO17 (pC1/1-MCS29) was deposited at the ATCC on Sept. 5, 1985, and given ATCC Accession No. 20770.

Abstract: An improved configuration for interchangeable laser surgery peripheral devices is disclosed. This configuration, which is an improved embodiment of the configuration disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 525,833, includes a directional plug of predetermined fixed orientation adapted to be connected to a laser output device. Within this plug and extending therefrom is an axially centered, flexible, laser light transmissive elongated optic fiber, the plug end of which is aligned to receive the output of the laser and the distal end of which is to be used for effecting the laser surgery procedure. The plug, when connected to the laser output in its predetermined fixed orientation provides an unambiguous signature signal which distinguishes the particular peripheral device from the other interchangeable peripheral devices. This connector system has the advantage of minimizing the cost of the signature generating parts within the peripheral device and facilitating the fabricating of inexpensive disposable peripheral devices.

Abstract: An internal-reflection-interference semiconductor laser device comprising a first laser operation area ranging from one facet to the internal reflecting section and a second laser operation area ranging from the other facet to the internal reflecting section, wherein when the internal-cavity length l.sub.1 of the first laser operation area is shorter than the internal-cavity length l.sub.2 of the second laser operation area, the reflectivity R.sub.1 at the facet on the side of the first laser operation area is smaller than the reflectivity R.sub.2 at the facet on the side of the second laser operation area.

Abstract: Printing apparatus and method for printing label designs on blank labels, where the blank labels are organized in rows of one or more labels per row. The apparatus includes a dot matrix impact printer with a resolution of at least 100 pixels per inch. The printer has both a text and a graphics printing mode of operation. A computer used to control the printing process stores label designs and graphic images in its memory. Each label design specifies one or more text strings,their position in the label, and one or more graphic images, and their position in the label. Text and graphic images can be positioned side by side.The user specifies the identity and quantity of labels to be printed, the order in which to print the labels, and the number of blank labels there are in each row of labels to be printed. Each label contains a multiplicity of lines to be printed. The printing process proceeds by positioning the printer at the beginning of a row of blank labels.

Abstract: An improved process for removing insoluble nitrogen-containing compounds from cured tobacco uses alkali or a combination of protease and nonprotease depolymerase, rather than simple protease extraction.The method of the invention is more efficient and results in a more effective extraction of protein.

Abstract: A one-piece or sectional access sleeve for septic tanks is rotationally moulded as a single tube with covers formed at one or both ends. These covers are parted-off and trimmed and engage the upper open end of the sleeve in sealed, twist-locking relationship. In the sectional sleeve, portions or sections can be parted off at specific locations along the length thereof and can either receive covers as mentioned above or can be engaged upon the upper end of another section and twist-locked into sealing relationship so that the necessary length of access sleeve is easily assembled for field attachment and access to the tank, from the surface, regardless of the depth of the tank below the ground surface.

Abstract: Hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies specific for polypeptide fragments derived from human Factor VIIIC are provided. Class I hybridomas produce monoclonal antibodies reactive with a 80/77 kd doublet fragment or with both the 80/77 kd doublet and a 240 kd polypeptide. Class III hybridomas produce monoclonal antibodies reactive with the 240 kd polypeptide as well as a 92.5 kd fragment and its precursors. Class III antibodies show additional reactivity with a 40 kd thrombin digestion product. The monoclonal antibodies are useful for the separation of Factor VIIIC and its constituent polypeptides, as well as for the immunoassay of Factor VIIIC in biological samples.