Abstract: The invention is directed to an Arg-Serpin human plasminogen activator inhibitor designated PAI-2. This protein is prepared via recombinant DNA means. The invention also includes other serpins which can be made by amino acid substitutions or deletions in conserved regions of PAI-1 and PAI-2, as shown in FIG. 4. The proteins of the invention can be used to inhibit, or at least modulate, human plasminogen activator activity in a variety of physiological conditions, e.g., fibrinolysis, tumor metastasis, and tumor growth.

Abstract: The subject invention enables a more efficient management of hair by providing a novel preparation for waving, straightening, softening, or removing hair, employing as a key ingredient the compound thioredoxin or a thioredoxin-derived, or thioredoxin-like, dithiol peptide in combination with thioglycolic acid compounds. This invention allows hair to be treated at a lower pH to minimize hair damage when waving, straightening, or softening the hair; when used to remove hair, objectionable odors of commercial depilatories are minimized or eliminated.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel and useful insecticide with activity against insect pests of the order Coleoptera and the order Lepidoptera. Pests in the order Coleoptera do heavy damage to crops, e.g., corn. The insecticide of the subject invention is a novel B. thuringiensis microbe referred to as B.t. MT 104, or mutants thereof. The spores or crystals of this microbe are useful to control coleopteran and lepidopteran pests in various environments.

Abstract: The toxin gene encoding a protein toxic to beetles of the order Coleoptera, named M-7, has been cloned and expressed. M-7 is a novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain which has been deposited with a recognized culture repository.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel enzyme named thioredoxin shufflease, means for preparing the same, and procedures for using thioredoxin shufflease to fold proteins containing disulfide crosslinks. Thioredoxin shufflease is a generic term to define enzymes which have the following characteristics: (a) contain a single reactive thiol group; (b) catalyze the exchange of disulfides in a protein undergoing the refolding process; and (c) are not consumed in the oxidation/refolding process. Specifically exemplified is a thioredoxin shufflease produced from an E. coli thioredoxin gene.

Abstract: The subject invention enables a more efficient management of hair by providing a novel preparation for waving, straightening, softening, or removing hair, employing as a key ingredient the compound thioredoxin or a thioredoxin-derived, or thioredoxin-like, dithiol peptide in combination with a sulfite or bisulfite compound.

Abstract: Hybrid useful proteins are prepared by a novel biological system comprising a prokaryotic host transformed with novel hybrid plasmids' .beta.-glucuronidase (BG) gene DNZ and the desired protein gene DNA. Specifically exemplified are plasmids which comprise BG gene DNA and protein A DNA. E. coli K-12 derivative hosts transformed with plasmid pBG3-2.DELTA.n express >60% of the desired fusion protein having protein A-like biological activity. Other useful proteins can be expressed via the elegant highly efficient expression system of the subject invention.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel bioherbicide and its use to control major weeds found in many fields in the United States. Specifically, Alternaria euphorbiicola Simmons and Engelhard, having the identifying characteristics of culture deposit NRRL 18227, in an agricultural composition, can be used to effectively control wild poinsettia and weedy spurges. Further, Alternaria euphorbiicola Simmons and Engelhard, having the idenfifying characteristics of deposit NRRL 18227, in a mixture with Alternaria cassiae, can be used to control wild poinsettia and weedy spurges and other undesired vegetation, such as sicklepod, showy crotalaria, and coffee senna. Further, the bioherbicide of the invention can be mixed with a chemical herbicide to increase weed control.

Abstract: The toxin gene encoding a protein toxic to beetles of the order Coleoptera, named M-7, has been cloned and expressed. M-7 is a novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain which has been deposited with a recognized culture repository.

Abstract: A biological delivery system particularly suited for delivery of protein compounds to animals and humans is disclosed. The system uses a producing microbe itself after suitable treatment by chemical and/or physical means. The product being delivered is contained within the treated microbial cell; it is produced intracellularly by a homologous (native) gene.

Abstract: Potent plant antivirals are disclosed along with their method of use. These antivirals, 5',5'- or 2',5'- or 3',5'-pyrophosphorylated-dinucleotides, are specifically shown to inhibit tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) replication in tobacco plants when applied to the leaves or through the roots of these plants. These antiviral compounds can also be used to treat a variety of other plants, as disclosed herein, which are susceptible to a broad range of viruses.

Abstract: The toxin gene encoding a protein toxic to beetles of the order Coleoptera, named M-7, has been cloned and expressed. M-7 is a novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain which has been deposited with a recognized culture repository. The microbe is now known as B. thuringiensis strain san diego.

Abstract: Novel Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) isolates are disclosed and claimed. These novel B.t. isolates have activity against the Egyptian alfalfa weevil, which is known to cause heavy agricultural losses.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a process for stabilizing foreign proteins within the cell of E. coli microbes infected with genetic elements encoding said protein production.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel plasmid and its use in a microbial host to degrade a variety of organic compounds. Some of these compounds, such as ethylene dichloride, are undesirable waste products found in various dump sites. The invention also concerns a novel microbe hosting the novel plasmid. The novel plasmid has been shown to encode the gene(s) responsible for the degradation of the organic compounds. Thus, microbes hosting this plasmid, denoted pEDC, can be used to degrade ethylene dichloride, and other compounds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting low air pressure in pneumatic tires on a vehicle and conveying this information to the operator of the vehicle. The invention utilizes a resonating device which creates subsonic, sonic, or ultrasonic air waves when it comes in contact with the rotating sidewall of a tire having undesirably low air pressure. The apparatus provides immediate, dependable warning of potentially dangerous low pressure conditions in tires. Furthermore, the apparatus can be used to detect low air pressure in either of dual mounted tires.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and processes for controlling undesirable weeds. These compositions comprise synergistic combinations of microbial herbicides and or plant growth regulators. Use of the synergistic compositions of the subject invention enhances the value of the microbial herbicide by reducing the amount of microbial herbicide needed and by extending the range of environmental conditions in which the microbial herbicide will function.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel plasmid and its use in a microbial host to degrade a variety of organic compounds. Some of these compounds, such as ethylene dichloride, are undesirable waste products found in various dump sites. The invention also concerns a novel microbe hosting the novel plasmid. The novel plasmid has been shown to encode the gene(s) responsible for the degradation of the organic compounds. Thus, microbes hosting this plasmid, denoted pEDC, can be used to degrade ethylene dichloride, and other compounds.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel and useful insecticide with activity against insect pests of cotton, potato, alfalfa and corn crops. These pests do heavy damage to the crops. The insecticide of the subject invention is a B. thuringiensis microbe given the designation strain san diego. The spores or crystals of this microbe are useful to control the cotton boll weevil, the Colorado potato beetle, the alfalfa weevil, and the corn rootworm.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel AVP-binding peptides having the formula:Thr-Met-X-Val-Leu-Thr-Gly-Ser-Pro-Bwherein X is selected from the group consisting of Lys, Arg, and Asp; B is OH, NH.sub.2, NHAlk, wherein Alk is lower alkyl of 1-4 carbons, inclusive. These peptides block AVP function, and, therefore, are useful in many areas among which is the control of hypertension.