Abstract: A fusion gene is provided comprising the cDNA of Renilla luciferase and the cDNA of the "humanized" Aequorea green fluorescent protein. The fusion gene was used to produce a novel protein, the "Renilla-GFP fusion protein," which displayed both the luciferase activity of Renilla luciferase, and the green fluorescence of GFP. The Renilla-GFP fusion gene is useful as a double marker for monitoring gene expression quantitatively in UV light and by enzyme activity.

Abstract: A process for electroelution of a gel containing charged macromolecules, such as proteins or polynucleotides, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of adjacent parallel chambers having a trapezoidal cross-section, placing a gel containing the charged macromolecules onto first open sides of the chambers, placing a semipermeable membrane onto second open sides of the chambers, filling the chambers with an elution buffer and applying a voltage difference across the chambers so that charged macromolecules in the gel migrate into the elution buffers in the chambers. Also, an apparatus for electroelution of a gel containing charged macromolecules having, preferably, a plurality of adjacent parallel chambers having a trapezoidal cross-section and vents for removing the product without disassembling the apparatus.

Abstract: A protective garment for the hip, including the hip joint, that comprises a pair of loose fitting or form-fitting shorts having an upper right lateral section, a lower right lateral section, an upper left lateral section, a lower left lateral section and a lower back section. The garment fruther comprises protective padding in combination with one or more of these section. The padding in combination with the upper right lateral section is separated from the padding in combination with the lower right lateral section by a first gap, and the padding in combination with the upper left lateral section is separated from the padding in combination with the lower left lateral section by a second gap. The first and second gaps comprise substantially unpadded flexible material thereby allowing substantially unhindered flexion and abduction of the hip joint. The padding can be compartmentalized or noncompartmentalized and can be in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: A computer-generated jigsaw puzzle game including a method of generating a jigsaw puzzle game on an electronic display and controlling the play of the game in response to play operations. The method includes the steps of displaying a jigsaw puzzle comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces on the electronic display, where each puzzle piece comprises a video image region on the display. A plurality of video image blocks is sequentially displayed in the video image region of each puzzle piece to generate a moving video image in the video image region of each puzzle piece. Pieces of the puzzle are moved on the display in response to play operations to solve the jigsaw puzzle.

Abstract: A method of performing surgery incorporating the advantages of manual palpation manipulation and dissection with the advantages of laparoscopy. The method comprises making a first opening in a body cavity wall to permit entry of a surgeon's gloved hand. Next, the surgeon's gloved hand is placed into the body cavity through the opening and a gas infused into the body cavity through the first opening or through a second opening. The surgical procedure is performed and the surgeon's hand is removed from the body cavity. The surgeon's gloved hand can be provided with a sealant for engaging the sides or surrounding tissue of the first opening, thereby creating a substantially gas-tight seal. The sealant can comprise an inflatable member circumferentially disposed around the forearm portion of the surgeon's glove or can comprise a disk having an adhesive on the distal surface for sealingly engaging the surrounding tissue of an opening in a body cavity wall.

Abstract: A method for treating the surface of aluminum alloys hang a relatively high copper content is provided which includes the steps of removing substantially all of the copper from the surface, contacting the surface with a first solution containing cerium, electrically charging the surface while contacting the surface in an aqueous molybdate solution, and contacting the surface with a second solution containing cerium. The copper is substantially removed from the surface in the first step either by (i) contacting the surface with an acidic chromate solution or by (ii) contacting the surface with an acidic nitrate solution while subjecting the surface to an electric potential. The corrosion-resistant surface resulting from the invention is excellent, consistent and uniform throughout the surface. Surfaces treated by the invention may often be certified for use in salt-water services.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic composition therapeutic in the treatment of dry eye syndrome is disclosed. The composition is comprised of a minimally soluble salt of calcium that has been finely divided into particles having a mean diameter of 10 to 60 microns. The calcium salt particles are suspended within a pharmacologically acceptable carrier such as petrolatum or physiological saline. The composition is delivered to the ocular surface in an amount and for a time sufficient to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye.

Abstract: A method for treating the surface of aluminum alloys having a relatively high copper content is provided which includes the steps of removing substantially all of the copper from the surface, contacting the surface with a first solution containing cerium, electrically charging the surface while contacting the surface in an aqueous molybdate solution, and contacting the surface with a second solution containing cerium. The copper is substantially removed from the surface in the first step either by (i) contacting the surface with an acidic chromate solution or by (ii) contacting the surface with an acidic nitrate solution while subjecting the surface to an electric potential. The corrosion-resistant surface resulting from the invention is excellent, consistent and uniform throughout the surface. Surfaces treated by the invention may often be certified for use in salt-water services.

Abstract: A beta titanium-fiber reinforced composite laminate comprising at least one layer of beta titanium alloy and at least one layer of fiber reinforced composite, wherein the layer of beta titanium alloy has a yield strength to modulus of elasticity ratio that is substantially similar to the strength to modulus of elasticity ratio of the first layer of fiber reinforced composite.

Abstract: A device for securing together a plurality of cords and for securing together a plurality of loops of one or more cords comprising a disk-shaped first connector with a central opening and an access notch, and a first strip attached to the first connector. The plurality of cords or cord loops can be secured by wrapping the securing device around the cords or loops and then inserting a portion of the first strip into the central opening via the access notch. A securing device suitable for securing together a first plug with a second plug comprising a first connector attached to a first strip, a second connector attached to both the first strip and a second strip and a third connector attached to the second strip. Each connector has a central opening and an access notch.

Abstract: A method of attaining a preselected systemic hemodynamic state in an patient using a per-beat basis, such as for example paired values of MAP and SI, rather than a per-minute basis, such as MAP and CI. A method of utilizing Hemodynamic Management Charts (HMCs) which permits the integration of data concerning systemic hemodynamic modulators and the systemic hemodynamic state, and which allows the identification of deviations in the levels of the hemodynamic modulators from normal levels. Also, a computer-based system which measures hemodynamic parameters and implements at least one HMC into its software, thereby permitting identification of deviations in the levels of hemodynamic modulators from normal levels. Therapeutic corrections of the deviations in hemodynamic modulator levels, such as through pharmacologically active agents or volume expanders, based on the foundation and HMCs enables the clinician to establish and maintain a patient in the normal hemodynamic state and normal perfusion state.

Abstract: A surgical device capable of cutting and removing medium to hard body tissue such as cartilage and bone from a joint region or similarly restricted interior space within the body is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a stationary carrier sized for insertion into a joint or similar restricted interior space within the body and having a first and second end. The carrier is provided with an apical aperture at the end to be inserted into the joint. A cutter is axially disposed within the carrier and is provided with at least one cutting surface at one end that protrudes from the aperture of the carrier. The cutter is further provided with an axial conduit that terminates in at least one opening on or proximate to the cutting surface of the cutter. The cutter is driven by a motor that moves the cutter in a linearly reciprocating fashion that abrades away tissue depending on the configuration of the cutting surface.

Abstract: A work glove and illuminator assembly is provided. An illuminator is securely mounted on the glove and oriented to project a light beam distally of the glove toward the work surface when the glove is in use. The illuminator may have a self-contained light source, or utilize fiber optic-transmitted light from a light source remote from the glove. The assembly may comprise a laser generator or may utilize a fiber optic-transmitted laser light from a laser generator remote from the glove. The assembly may further comprise a video camera operably attached to a video receiver, a video monitor and/or a video recorder. In one embodiment of the invention, the illuminator is disposed within the interior of the glove and projects a beam of light through a glove tip which is translucent or transparent. The assembly is particularly suitable for use by health care professionals when examining or operating upon an anatomical part of a patient.

Abstract: A cigarette filter has a humectant, preferably sodium pyroglutamate, and optionally a surfactant. The humectant absorbs moisture from the tobacco smoke for wet-filtration of the tobacco smoke.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of strawberry named `Catalina` is described. `Catalina` is a short day cultivar with a tendency to be everbearing in more northern regions. Catalina produces a significant amount of fruit in a short period without the substantial periodic decreases characteristic of existing commercial cultivars. Additionally, `Catalina` produces abudant primary, secondary and tertiary flowers which in turn produce a high yield of well shaped, unblemished fruit as compared to commercial varieties. `Catalina` is further superior to existing cultivars in that it is adapted to grow in the soils and under the climatic conditions of all commercial strawberry growing regions in California.