Abstract: The present invention relates to articles of manfacture, such as films, tubes, and coatings, comprising a multiaxially oriented film having a planar morphology, wherein the article of manfacture comprises at least one thermoplastic flexible polymer, at least one thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer, or a blend thereof. Recyclable articles of manufacture having improved barrier properties are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyester/vinyl dioxolane based coating compositions containing no or essentially no volatile organic components. Oligomers for forming the coating compositions of the present invention are vinyl dioxolane end-capped polyester oligomers.

Abstract: A method to produce a magneto-optical recording medium which includes a readout layer having in-plane magnetization at room temperature and in which a transition occurs from in-plane magnetization to a perpendicular magnetization when temperature rises, and a recording layer for storing information thereon magneto-optically. In the readout layer made of GdFeCo by adding Nd thereto, an amount of Nd to be added changes in a direction perpendicular to its film surface, and an amount of Nd is larger on a light incidence side than on the other side. As a result, even when a laser with a short wavelength is used, high density recording can be achieved as undesirable recording and reproducing operations due to a change in a magnetic interaction is prevented and also deterioration in quality of a reproducing signal is prevented.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the nasal administration of drugs with reduced nasal irritation are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel test cartridges for use in the assay of liquid samples and methods of carrying out such assays. These test cartridges are particularly useful in assays which include at least one step during which the sample to be assayed and one or more components of the assay system are kept separated by a pierceable member. The test cartridges comprise a housing through which the sample flows during the assay. The housing includes a holding chamber for holding the sample and a test chamber separated by a pierceable member having a cut therein. The test chamber further includes a partition member which has an opening therethrough and includes at least one reagent for the assay. A transfer member movably mounted in the test chamber can move towards and pierce the pierceable member by moving through the cut and contact the liquid sample in the holding chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal test systems and methods of use thereof for identifying a microorganism among at least two groups of widely divergent microorganisms. The universal test system comprises a predetermined combination of non-redundant biochemical tests comprising a substrate for at least one enzyme wherein the substrate, if acted on by the enzyme results in formation of a detectable product. Detectable products from the combination of biochemical tests are then used to identify the microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention provides electrophoresis systems and methods for forming at least one gel therein and for conducting electrophoresis on the gel without removing the gel from the electrophoresis system. The systems of the present invention include an electrophoresis platform which is a surface onto which one or more electrophoresis gels can be cast, and at least one gel casting/electrophoresis member for use in casting at least one gel on the electrophoresis platform and conducting electrophoresis on the gel. The present invention also includes optional members specific to other stages of the electrophoresis process, including a gel staining member and a gel drying member.

Abstract: Coatings of multiaxially oriented Thermotropic Liquid Crystalline Polymer (TLCP) are provided to elongated members. Suitable members include glass rods, glass fibers, pipes, beams, and other oval or polygonal members having an essentially regular cross-section. Members of ceramic, plastic, or metal can also be coated. This extrusion is performed using a die having inner and outer mandrels capable of rotating in opposite directions. Concentricity between inner and outer mandrels of the die is maintained to assure uniform coating thickness. In order to produce a high level of multiaxial orientation at lower die rotational speeds, the die design may include spiraling feed zones on one or both facing surfaces of the inner and outer mandrels. The application of the multiaxially oriented coating provides superior impermeability to water vapor and oxygen, and increased strength to the elongated member in the axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of using bioactive porous partition members for testing the blood coagulation process or platelet function, wherein the porous partition members have an aperture and have incorporated therein at least one agent capable of initiating blood coagulation or platelet aggregation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a substrate for a magnetic disc comprising a glass substrate having fine protrusions on its surface, the protrusions having a height of 50 to 1000 .ANG., a width of 0.01 to 1 .mu.m, a density of 10 to 1000 per 100 .mu.m.sup.2 and an area ratio of 0.1 to 50%, and a ratio of peak height on a mean line (R.sub.p) to maximum height (R.sub.max) with respect to surface roughness of the substrate being at least 60%. Further, a process for preparing the substrate and a magnetic disc having the substrate are disclosed.Because the substrate according to the present invention has appropriate protrusions on its surface, a friction force and an adsorbing force between a head and a magnetic disc can be reduced, leading to the improvement of the CSS and the anti-head stick properties. In addition, the S/N ratio is not affected because the fine concave portions formed on the surface of the substrate are shallow.

Abstract: A magneto-optical recording medium includes a readout layer having in-plane magnetization at room temperature and in which a transition occurs from in-plane magnetization to a perpendicular magnetization when temperature rises, and a recording layer for storing information thereon magneto-optically. In the readout layer made of GdFeCo by adding Nd thereto, an amount of Nd to be added changes in a direction perpendicular to its film surface, and an amount of Nd is larger on a light incidence side than on the other side. As a result, even when a laser with a short wavelength is used, high density recording can be achieved as undesirable recording and reproducing operations due to a change in a magnetic interaction is prevented and also deterioration in quality of a reproducing signal is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an NS4-related antigenic peptide capable of reacting specifically with antibodies directed against Group I of hepatitis C virus (HCV); to an NS4-related antigenic peptide capable of reacting specifically with antibodies directed against Group II of HCV; to a kit for identifying HCV Groups I or II which comprises said peptides in separate sections; and to methods for grouping HCV. The peptides of the present invention can be used to detect HCV Groups I or II specifically as well as the detection of patients having the mixed infection, by which HCV Group II-infected patients can receive early interferon treatment effectively. The peptides are also useful for diagnosis of HCV infection.

Abstract: Novel substantially pure periplasmic 3':5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases are provided which are obtainable from gram negative bacterium capable of growing on restricted media containing cAMP or cGMP as a sole carbon source. Also provided is the isolated DNA coding for such enzymes and related methods of producing the same.

Abstract: In a method for selectively etching a second silicon layer of a multilayer structure which includes a first silicon layer and the second silicon layer formed on the first silicon layer and doped with impurities according to the present invention, the second silicon layer is selectively etched by using an etching gas including freon-14 gas and a gas selected from a group composed of hydrogen chloride gas and chlorine gas.

Abstract: A novel synthesis of compound having the formula: ##STR1## wherein T is a stabilizing spiro-linked polycycloalkylidene group, R.sup.3 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl, aralkyl or heteroatom containing group, Y is an aromatic fluorescent chromophore, and Z is a cleavable group which, when cleaved, induces decomposition of the dioxetane ring and emission of optically detectable light, is disclosed. A tertiary phosphorous acid alkyl ester of the formula:(R.sup.1 O).sub.3 Pwherein R.sup.1 is a lower alkyl group, is reacted with an aryl dialkyl acetal produced by reacting a corresponding aryl aldehyde with an alcohol of the formula:R.sup.3 OHwherein R.sup.

Abstract: The invention provides assays, kits and bacteria useful for detection of autoinducers. In a preferred aspect, the assay comprises 1) contacting a test sample suspected of containing an autoinducer with bacteria of the invention that are capable of producing an elevated amount of light in the presence of an exogenous autoinducer and that has at least two distinct genetic alterations that can each inhibit production of endogenous autoinducers; and 2) measuring the production of light. The sample will test positive for the presence of an autoinducer if a greater amount of light is produced relative to a control. The assays and kits have a variety of applications including use as an in vitro diagnostic for animal and plant disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) a fused protein obtained by combining an antigen used for vaccine and a lymphokine by the application of gene engineering, (2) a recombinant DNA containing a nucleotide sequence coding for the above fused protein, (3) a transformant bearing the above recombinant DNA, (4) a method for producing the fused protein which comprises cultivating the above transformant, producing and accumulating the above fused protein in a culture, and collecting the fused protein, and (5) a hybrid protein obtained by chemically combining an antigen used for vaccine with a lymphokine. The resulting fused and hybrid proteins have strong immunogenicity.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and chemically defined media for the cultivation of cells, particularly epithelial cells. Cells may be cultured with a varied calcium concentration. Furthermore, a calcium concentation in excess of 1.00 mM may be used in the practice of the present invention without loss of a proliferative cell population and maintianing high colony forming efficiencies. Population doubling times range from about 16 to about 33 hours. Cells may serially cultivated to achieve from about 20 to about 50 population doublings.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the sequence of DNA bases by using two electrophoretic lanes for each DNA sample to be sequenced. Each lane incorporates two dyes.

Abstract: An assay for photometrically detecting and/or quantitating the presence of an analyte in a sample in which the signal generated by a label associated with the analyte is photometrically detected in the presence of a suspended solid support.