Abstract: A lightweight hose assembly (10) of the type adapted for conveying fuels and other corrosive fluids is disclosed. The assembly (10) includes a tubular inner liner (12) including a polymeric fluorocarbon material resistant to chemical and heat degradation. A reinforcing layer (14) having gaps extending therethrough is disposed about the inner linear (12). The assembly (10) further includes an outer fluorocarbon coating (16) dispersed throughout the reinforcing layer (14) The hose assembly (10) is characterized by including a metallic reinforcing layer (18) disposed about the reinforcing layer (14) for increasing the strength and bending properties of the hose assembly (10).

Abstract: An immunomodulatory peptide is disclosed which is a thymic humoral factor .gamma.2 (THF-.gamma.2) analog of at least eight amino acids or a functional derivative or a salt thereof. The peptide has the amino acid sequence: Leu-Glu-Asp-Gly-Pro-Lys-Phe-Leu (SEQ ID No:1) but differing therefrom by(i) addition of one to three amino acids at the N- and/or C-terminus;(ii) substitution of one to four amino acids by a protein natural or non-natural amino acid;(iii) cyclization through a free carboxyl group and a free amino group or through disulfide bonds of cysteines residues; or(iv) linkage of two to four sequences of modified sequences of (I) corresponding to anyone of (i), (ii), or (iii) above, through a peptidic or non-peptidic linkage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for introducing molecules and macromolecules into a membrane vesicle, a cell or a tissue by (a) applying a train of low unipolar or alternating voltage pulses to molecules/macromolecules and cells, (b) increase the concentration of the molecules/macromolecules at the surface of the cells, leading to an increased interaction of the molecules/macromolecules with the membrane of the cell while also causing electrophoretic movement of charged proteins and lipids in the cell membrane, and (c) causing the destabilization of the cell membrane whereby the molecules/macromolecules penetrate into the cytosol via an endocytic process and via diffusion through structural defects in the membrane lipid bilayer.The apparatus (20) includes a support plate (36) having apertures (38) for allowing electrodes (22) to pass therethrough. Support tubes (34) located within the apertures (38) slideably surround the electrodes (22).

Abstract: A spinal implant fixation assembly includes a bone fixation member, such as a screw or hook for fixation to a bone. A rod receiving seat is operatively connected to the bone fixation element for seating a portion of a rod therein. A locking mechanism, in the form of a nut and locking ring engage the rod receiving seat for forcing an inner wall of the rod receiving seat to contour around and engage the rod seated therein and for locking and fixing the rod relative to the inner housing. In one embodiment, the locking ring secures a head portion of the bone fixation element within the assembly. A method is also provided for locking the rod to a bone by fixing a rod seating member to a bone and seating a portion of a rod within a substantially U-shaped seat of the seating member. The rod is then locked within the U-shaped seating member while engaging and contouring at least a portion of the U-shaped seat about the rod.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a conveyor for the transportation in single file of uniform items such as fillable containers which have a neck portion. In one embodiment, the containers are supported by suitable neck-support means such as an integral ring on static rails. The propulsion system comprises means for generating momentum and suitable transfer means for transferring the momentum thus generated to the containers. The transfer means comprises means for applying mechanical force to the said containers.

Abstract: A biological sensor 10 having a beam/light shaper 30 which is adapted to inject light into the sensor at substantially the critical angle with respect to the side surface of the sensor. The sensor 10, of the preferred embodiment of the invention, further may undergo a surface treatment which reduces/eliminates non-specific binding to the sensor surface and a treatment process to reduce light energy losses occurring by mounting and/or inserting the fiber portion of the sensor into the medium of interest. Both the light injection and surface treatment methodologies have utility apart from the biological immunoassay sensor embodiment described and claimed in this Application and may be independently applied to a biological sensor.

Abstract: A method of forming phosphine-amine conjugates includes reacting a hydroxymethyl phosphine group of an amine-free first molecule with at least one free amine group of a second molecule to covalently bond the first molecule with the second molecule through an aminomethyl phosphorus linkage and the conjugates formed thereby.

Abstract: A method of treating cystic fibrosis by generating cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function in cells containing mutant CFTR and the therapeutic composition for treatment are described. The method of treatment comprising administering an effective amount of genistein, or genistein analogues and derivatives, to a person afflicted with cystic fibrosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to assess food spoilage ex vivo by quantification of prostanoid compounds and their metabolites produced by a noncyclooxygenase free radical catalyzed mechanism.

Abstract: A method to increase viability, number, survival and maturation of cells for transplantation or cryopreservation by culturing the cells with Sertoli cells or with sertoli-cell conditioned media (SCM) prior to transplantation (pre-culturing) or cryopreservation.

Abstract: The invention relates to chimeric plasmids comprising at least one non-sttural potyvirus gene or fragment thereof, which gene is capable of being expressed in a plant transformed with the chimeric plasmid, the thus transformed plant being resistant to an infection by a plant potyvirus. The invention also relates to vectors comprising a chimeric plasmid according to the invention, particularly microorganisms transformed with the chimeric plasmids of the invention.Potyvirus-resistant plants having cells containing in their genomes the chimeric DNA sequences according to the invention, as well as seeds and cells of a potyvirus-resistant plant containing in their genome the said chimeric DNA sequences are also described and claimed, as well as methods of protecting plants against potyvirus infection wherein genomes of cells of the plant are provided with a chimeric DNA sequence according to the invention, whereby the calls become resistant to an infection by a potyvirus.

Abstract: A container bag (10) having a base (14), side walls (12) and lifting loops (16) is characterized in that the central portions (15) of the side walls of the bag or of a liner within the bag are stiffened relative to the corner portions whereby to effect a squarer shape to the bag. The stiffening may be achieved by fabric from which the bag (or liner) is to be made being selectively stiffened in those areas destined to form the central wall portions by using different weave densities, more or additional threads of either the same or a different kind, additional layers of material being attached e.g., by adhesion in the relevant areas, or a stiffening coating composition e.g., of a polymer applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel alternative forms of human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and nucleotide sequences encoding the same. The genes encoding the novel forms of human AChE have been identified in various malignant tumor cells. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a transgenic animal assay system for evaluating efficacy of drugs against cholinergic proteins, prior to or in the course of therapeutic treatment. Transgenic animals, preferably developing tadpole of Xenopus or mice which express human AChE, are used. The transgenic animal assay system is also useful for evaluating the toxicity of substances which potentially block human AChE (e.g. organophosphorous compounds).

Abstract: A quick connect hose coupling assembly (10) for connecting a hose to an external device is disclosed. The assembly (10) includes a female coupling assembly (12) having an inner female tubular member (16). A housing member (14) is mounted thereon. The female member (16) includes a body portion (17) and a stem (20) adapted to be inserted into the inner channel (37) of a hose (38). The stem (20) includes an axial bore (21) adapted to convey a fluid therethrough. The stem (20) further includes a plurality of circumferential barbs (22). The stem (20) can also include an additional barb having a rotation resisting structure provided thereon to resist relative rotational movement between the stem (20) and a hose (38) into which the stem (20) is disposed.

Abstract: Novel oligonucleotides, method for improving the hybridization properties of oligonucleotides and novel processes for preparing 3'-phosphorylated oligonucleotides.

Abstract: A method for treating acute or chronic pancreatitis comprising administering an effective amount of an Interleukin-1 (IL-1) block to antagonize IL-1 production, and in one embodiment by inhibiting IL-1 production at the source, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a person who has pancreatitis. One such IL-1 block is an Interleukin-1 converting enzyme (ICE) antagonist.

Abstract: A method for the early diagnosing of selected adenocarcinomas in a human comprising the steps of removing a bodily sample from the human, and assaying the bodily sample for elevated expression of a specific gene, the gene being assayed for in the bodily sample is the TGFB-4 gene (hereinafter referred to as the endometrial bleeding associated factor (ebaf) gene. The bodily sample can be tissue from a specific organ in the body, or a blood sample. Increased levels of ebaf in the sample relative to basal levels may be indicative of a mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon or ovaries, or an adenocarcinoma of the testis.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition and method for treating injury to or diseases which result in neuronal degeneration resulting from stroke, brain, retina or spinal cord injuries and other brain disorders and possible trauma associated with neurosurgical procedures is disclosed. The composition consists of glutamine synthetase (GS), analogues and derivatives thereof and a pharmaceutical carrier which when administered to a patient prevents or reduces neuronal degeneration.

Abstract: The present method includes an apparatus and method for forming articles having compression molding means and injection molding means. Simultaneous activation of the injection molding means and compression molding means produces an integral article having a compression molded portion and an injection molded portion.