Abstract: An improved roll-up closure utilizing a flexible cover or curtain selected from a material suitable to effect the type of closure sought. The cover is at least as wide as the portal to be covered and is typically longer than the portal. Each lateral margin of the cover has a strip of hook and loop fastener material affixed thereto, and a complementary strip is affixed to the lateral margins of the structure defining the portal. A first end of the cover is rigidly affixed across a first margin of the portal. The opposite end of the cover can be upturned and connected to a driven take-up roller mounted to the first margin of the portal. In this embodiment, an elongated transverse rod is supported within the upturned end of the cover. In an alternate embodiment, the opposite end of the cover is attached to an elongated transverse rod such that as the curtain is raised or lowered, the curtain is wound or unwound around the rod, respectively.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an elongated member connected to both suction for removing excised tissues and fluids and to a source of pressurized fluid. The member has an inner and outer wall with a hollow lumen extending the length of the member which connects a variably shaped ostium, extending through both walls of the member, to suction. The member also has peripheral channels extending the length of the member which connect the fluid source to the ostium through slits in the perimeter of the ostial wall. The slits collectively extend almost the full perimeter of the ostial wall. The slits are preferably designed so that as pressurized fluid is ejected from any point along a slit across the ostium, the fluid will come in contact with an opposing spray of fluid ejected from an opposing point in an opposing slit.

Abstract: A spring loaded fishing apparatus formed from an elongated resilient wire. The wire is sharpened at both ends and formed into a W-shaped member having a center portion forming an eyelet for attaching a fishing line. The W-shaped member is inserted into a compression sleeve which collapses the sharpened points on the outer legs toward the eyelet. The sleeve containing the compressed member is then inserted into a cavity formed in a fishing lure. In an alternate embodiment, the compression sleeve can be absent and the W-shaped member can be inserted directly into a cavity formed in the fishing lure, which collapses the sharpened points. When a fish strikes the lure, the resulting force on the fishing line pulls the member partially from the sleeve, or cavity, and the sharpened points of the W-shaped member spring outwardly to engage the mouth of the fish. The member can subsequently be easily removed from the mouth of the fish while minimizing injury to the fish.

Abstract: Coupled to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex is a strychnine-insensitive binding site for glycine. Pharmacological antagonism of glycine at this site may produce anticonvulsant activity. Twelve 4-urea-5,7-dichlorokynurenic acid derivatives were synthesized and subsequently screened in mice for anticonvulsant activity using MES, Met, and TTE tests, and a rotorod test was used to determine neurotoxicity. Seven of the derivatives had anticonvulsant activity in TTE testing at 100 mg/kg. One derivative had an ED.sub.50 value of 134 mg/kg in TTE testing. Two derivatives had MES activity. Only one derivative was neurotoxic in the rotorod test. Compounds were screened at a 10 uM concentration for activity in displacing 5,7-dichlorokynurenic acid from synaptosomal membrane fragments. Nine of the twelve compounds synthesized and tested have demonstrated anticonvulsant activity.

Abstract: An improved quad fish hook having alternating planar bights and offset bights forming upturned hooks. The fish hook has an enlarged shank for greater hooking and holding strength, and an eyelet offset from the plane of each hook to equalize pressure on any hook point when a strike occurs.