Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for producing specific binding pairs (sbp) members. Populations of polypeptide chain components of sbp members are combined to form libraries of sbps displayed by secreted replicable genetic display packages (rgdp). At least one of the polypeptide chains is expressed as a fusion with a component of an rgdp which thereby displays that polypeptide chain at the surface of rgdp. At least one population of polypeptide chains is expressed from nucleic acid which is capable of being packaged using a component of an rgdp, whereby the genetic material of rgdps produced encodes a polypeptide chain. The methods enable production of libraries of multimeric sbp members from a very large number of possible combinations. In one embodiment of the invention a method employs “chain shuffling” in the production of sbp members of desired specificity for a counterpart sbp member. Selection procedures are also described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preventing and/or reducing stress-induced gastric injury by administering an amount of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract effective to inhibit injury is administered to persons identified as among those with or at risk for such injury.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of improving the primary energy metabolism of mammalian cell lines, in which by means of genetic engineering a structural gene for a cytoplasmic yeast pyruvate carboxylase is inserted into the mammalian cells and expressed.

Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a plurality of semiconductor devices disposed in an array surrounding a central electrode structure carried by a package support member. The package is capable of withstanding high voltages and currents and includes a heat exchanger integral therewith.

Abstract: The present invention describes an enzyme showing glutathionylspermidine synthetase-activity and being distinct from known enzymes with similar activities in several physicochemical parameters, a novel process to isolate said enzyme from Crithidia fasciculata, tools for the production thereof in genetically transformed organisms, and its use as a molecular target for the discovery of trypanocidal drugs.

Abstract: Electric motors, in particular geared motors, are often equipped with electromagnetically actuated mechanical brakes. In order to ensure that an excitation coil (3) can be operated with alternating-current mains supplies of various voltages, it is proposed to generate a unipolar voltage that varies over time with a certain period by means of a voltage source (2), the output voltage of which is positive and different from zero in a first time segment of this voltage period and in this first time segment has a maximal value, and in a second segment of the voltage period is zero or approaches zero. To pass an excitation current from the voltage source (2) to the excitation coil (3), a current path (15) is provided that is opened substantially at the beginning of the first time segment. The current path (15) is blocked again at a certain point within the first time segment, this point being selected such that the excitation current does not exceed a predetermined maximal value.

Abstract: A dental tool for installation of brackets for orthodontic braces is provided which has an adjustable gripping mechanism for gripping the orthodontic bracket and a centering mechanism for centering the bracket on the tooth. The tool is adjustable to fit a wide variety of orthodontic brackets and the tool is further adjustable to enable the bracket to be installed at the proper vertical location on teeth of a wide variety of sizes and lengths.

Abstract: Pressure generating gas-releasing compositions which are microcmulsions, siloxane or hydrocarbon greases or elastomers, are used to aid dispensation of a fluid from a reservoir without the composition itself being dispensed. Dispensers containing such compositions can include writing implements.

Abstract: A purified, isolated DNA sequence encoding human bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein and biologically-active fragments thereof is provided.

Abstract: A method and device for feeding blanks on a packing machine, whereby a store, having a horizontal axis, feeds a succession of blanks to a pickup station from which the blanks are withdrawn one by one; and the blanks are fed to an input station of the store in groups, wherein the blanks are positioned on edge and gripped together by a band, which is only removed once the groups are packed together along the store.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a transgenic angiosperm plant, particularly a monocot, comprising the step of transforming an immature embryo of an angiosperm plant with a DNA fragment expressible in said angiosperm embryo, said DNA fragment comprising a promoter region derived from an &agr;-amylase gene of a plant, and an exogenous gene encoding a desired gene product, said promoter region being inducible under a sugar-depleted or sugar-free condition to promote the expression of said gene, whereby at least a part of the resultant transgenic angiosperm plant has the ability to express said gene product. Transgenic angiosperm plants and transgenic angiosperm plant seeds are also disclosed. The transgenic angiosperm plant seeds may have application in the industrial production of alcohol, beer, glucose and the like.

Abstract: A power conditioning circuit for conditioning power supplied by a power source at a nominal frequency over line, neutral and ground conductors includes first, second and third stages. The first stage provides voltage suppression and includes a set of three metal oxide varistors (MOVs). The second stage provides high frequency power suppression and includes three inductors coupled to the line, neutral and ground conductors, respectively, and to output lines. Each of the inductors prevents power at frequencies greater than the nominal frequency from reaching the output lines and each of the inductors may be rated to compensate for the capacitive impedance characteristics of a load supplied by the power conditioning circuit. The third stage provides voltage suppression and voltage clamping and includes an MOVs and a set of first and second rectifier diodes.

Abstract: Unique DNA sequences characteristic of fermentation-related microorganisms are provided which are useful as primers in PCR-based analysis for identification of fermentation-related microorganisms

Abstract: A drop-on-demand piezo-electric printhead has channel walls defined by piezo-electric material (10) with electrodes (26) along the length thereof. In portions of the channels which are open to an ink supply conduit, the piezo material is locally disabled, e.g. by reducing the width of the electrode or by interposing a material (40) of lower dielectric constant between the electrode and the piezo material. A lower capacitive load results.

Abstract: In order to provide a leak-proof coupling for a gas-carrying pipe having two pipe sections that are relatively movable, the coupling includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section that have respective coupling ends disposed in closely spaced adjacent relation to define a gap therebetween. The first pipe section has an upstream end in communication with a source of a pressurized gas and a first coupling end remote therefrom such that the upstream end receives the pressurized gas from the source and the gas then flows through the first pipe section from the upstream end to the first coupling end for discharge therefrom. The second pipe section has a second coupling end in communication with the first coupling end and receives the pressurized gas from the first pipe section and the gas then flows through the second pipe section from the second coupling end to the downstream end for discharge therefrom.