Abstract: Heterogenous and homogenous assays are provided for the detection of protease inhibitory activity in a sample or target compound, taking advantage of the chemiluminescent characteristics of 1,2-dioxetanes. In the heterogenous assay, a peptide bearing a cleavage site for the protease of interest is provided with a first member of a first ligand binding pair at one end, and a first member of a second ligand binding pair at the other end. The other member of the first ligand binding pair is attached to a surface, which binds the peptide, or protease substrate, to the surface. The peptide substrate is combined with the protease and target compound or sample. Substrate cleavage, if not inhibited, is allowed to occur, and any unbound cleaved fragments are removed. An enzyme complexed with the second member of the second ligand binding pair is added, and allowed to bind to any of the (uncleaved) first member of the second ligand binding pair remaining.

Abstract: A reflection-preventing film-forming composition including a copolymer having structural units represented by the following general formulas (1) and (2) and a solvent: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydrocarbon group, etc.; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and m represents an integer of 1 to 9; wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R4 represents a hydrogen atom or an organic group. Reflection-preventing films formed of this composition have a high reflection-preventing effect, may cause no intermixing with the resist, have a high etching rate and also can form a resist pattern having superior resolution and precision.

Abstract: An air amplifier and method and system for using a source of compressed oxygen enhancer, such as nitrous oxide, to increase air flow into an internal combustion engine, providing increased power gain for the engine over the power gain provided by the addition of the oxygen enhancer alone. A source of compressed gas is fed into an air amplifier positioned in the air intake tube for the engine, such as a hose or other conduit which leads to, for example, the throttle body for the fuel injector system. The compressed gas, which includes or is made up of an oxygen enhancer, such as nitrous oxide, is fed into the air amplifier near the inner edge of the air intake tube, producing a Coanda effect, such that air intake into the engine is greatly increased. The device is useful in conjunction with oxygen enhancer systems, such as nitrous oxide kits for feeding nitrous oxide into the throttle body for fuel injected internal combustion engines.

Abstract: Immunoassays useful for distinguishing between the insect pests Heliothis virescens and Helicoverpa zea are disclosed. These immunoassays employ either Heliothis virescens-specific monoclonal antibodies which do not detectably cross-react with tissue of Helicoverpa zea, or Helicoverpa zea-specific antibodies which do not detectably cross-reict with tissue of Heliothis virescens. Thus, use of these antibodies in immunoassays conclusively demonstrates the presence of either Heliothis virescens or Helicoverpa zea organisms on crop plants tested. Also disclosed are Heliothis virescens-specific monoclonal antibody which does not detectably cross-react with tissue of Helicoverpa zea, and Helicoverpa zea-specific monoclonal antibody which does not detectably cross-react with tissue of Heliothis virescens. These antibodies can be used in the disclosed immunoassays, and can be included in kits for conducting the disclosed immunoassays.

Abstract: A low power or current draw adjustable trigger switch and method and system for using the adjustable trigger switch in conjunction with a triggered accessory for an internal combustion engine, such as a feed from a source of compressed oxygen enhancer, such as nitrous oxide. The adjustable trigger switch, in operation in conjunction with the triggered accessory, allows selective activation of the accessory to, for example, improve engine performance. In one application, the triggering occurs via an engine electrical output, such as a throttle position sensor (TPS) voltage. The trigger, which includes, for example, an operational amplifier circuit, logic gates, or a series of transistors (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a card game and method of playing a card game which enables a player to purchase an option to buy a bonus card to better the player's hand. The method of playing the game includes a dealer accepting an optional insurance fee from each player of the card game who chooses to pay the optional insurance fee and accepting a first wager from each player. The dealers then deals a selected number of cards to each player. After dealing these cards to each player, the dealer allows each player to elect in turn to place an additional wager. If a player does not place an additional wager when requested by the dealer, the player folds and is no longer in the game. The dealer then deals cards to each player who elects to place additional wagers. After the dealer has dealt each player a standard number of cards, the dealer deals a bonus card to a player who paid insurance fees and if the player has a losing hand.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling tree pests are disclosed. The apparatus includes a band of compressible material and a barrier ring. The barrier ring is wrapped around the band of compressible material, which, in turn, is wrapped around the trunk of a tree. The barrier ring contains a recess that is filled with a substance that prevents the progression of pests onto upper levels of the tree. The method involves installing the apparatus of the invention onto the trunk of a tree.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive resin composition comprising a solution of an alkali-soluble resin and a radiation-sensitive compound in a solvent comprising a monooxymono-carboxylic acid ester. This composition has a high storage stability (i.e., a very small amount of fine particles are formed during storage) and is suited for use as a resist for making integrated circuits.

Abstract: A non-soap cleansing bar of superior lathering, feel and aesthetic characteristics is prepared with a quaternary ammonium surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a waxy binder, a filler and water. The balance of components is maintained so that the mixture can be formed on conventional plodding equipment. Optional elements, such as fragrances, preservatives, colorants, emollients and the like can be added.

Abstract: An easily installable enhancement for replacing the reflective surface area for a satellite dish and method for using an installed dish as a reference, allowing the installation of a dish with added features without re-acquiring the satellite signal or reaiming the dish. In one variation, the enhancement includes a reflector addition, which is fitted with fasteners that locate the reflector against the existing dish. This variation includes use of the original feed horn, which is relocated using a feed horn support extension. This variation is also designed to avoid the “shadow” of the feed horn and its support arm, and to minimize the reflective surface area at the lower end of the dish, which reduces collection of such interfering material as snow, rain, and debris. In variations using increased reflector size, the enhancement reduces loss of signal during inclement weather or in other situations in which the satellite signal is partially blocked.

Abstract: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor antagonists are provided. The HGF receptor antagonists include HGF receptor antibodies and fragments thereof. The HGF receptor antagonists can be employed to block binding of HGF to HGF receptors or substantially inhibit HGF receptor activation. The HGF receptor antagonists may be included in pharmaceutical compositions, articles of manufacture, or kits. Methods of treating cancer using the HGF receptor antagonists are also provided.

Abstract: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor antagonists are provided. The HGF receptor antagonists include HGF receptor antibodies and fragments thereof. The HGF receptor antagonists can be employed to block binding of HGF to HGF receptors or substantially inhibit HGF receptor activation. The HGF receptor antagonists may be included in pharmaceutical compositions, articles of manufacture, or kits. Methods of treating cancer using the HGF receptor antagonists are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for promoting hair growth, preventing or minimizing hair loss, enhancing or restoring hair color or remelanization and treating other hair and skin conditions are disclosed. The methods include topical application of the compositions to the skin or hair follicles being treated. The compositions include as an essential component a treatment agent in an amount effective for treating the condition and selected from the class of compounds consisting of anole, anethole, analogs thereof, polymers thereof and mixtures thereof. Various combinations of these compounds may be found in herb families including umbelliferae, magnoliaceae, labiatae and rutaceae. The invention preferably contemplates selecting the treatment agent from the class of herbs consisting of Foeniculum vulgares (fennel seed), Pimpinella anisum (anise), Carum carvi (caraway seeds) and mixtures thereof with each other and/or other herbs.

Abstract: An assay for the presence of luciferase in a biological sample offers heightened sensitivity, signal intensity and persistence. The assay is sensitive down to 50 fg luciferase. The biological sample is combined with essential ingredients luciferin, ADP, myokinase and Mg++. The myokinase converts ADP to ATP, necessary for the luciferase reaction, and AMP, which retards the reaction kinetics. The resulting assay exhibits a persistent glow emission which makes it adaptable to automation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of upgrading a tank or a method which involves the assembly of an inner tank within an existing outer tank. In the method of the present invention, rolled panel sections are inserted through a hole of an existing outer tank. The rolled panel sections are adjacently positioned within the existing outer tank and expanded so as to conform to the shape of the existing outer tank. End cap sections either flat or domed depending on the shape of the outer tank are also installed through the hole. All of the seams (axial and transverse) are sealed so as to provide for an inner tank within the outer tank that can rate as a stand-alone tank. Circumferential ribs are installed and attached along a length of the inner tank so as to provide for a structural rigidity of the inner tank.

Abstract: A food cooking apparatus is provided. It includes a first container, and a second container connected to the first container with a passage defined therebetween and communicating with the first container. An ultrasonically tuned basket is rotatably mounted in the first chamber. The first and second containers are pivotally mounted together, and pivot between a first, vertical position and a second, tilted position, causing a heated cooking liquid to flow from the second container to the first container. The basket is rotated in the first container for a predefined period of time. The first and second container are returned to the vertical position, while the basket is provided with an ultrasonic vibrating motion, in order to reduce the amount of fat in the food. Further, a method of ultrasonically removing cooking liquid from food is provided. An ultrasonically tuned flexible membrane, onto which food may be placed, is provided.

Abstract: Xanthan esters and acridans are substrates for horseradish peroxidase. These stable, enzymatically cleavable chemiluminescent esters are substrates for horseradish peroxidase which, together with peroxide is among the extensively used enzyme in enzyme-linked detection methods, including immunoassays, oligonucleotide detection and nucleic acid hybridization. The novel compounds are used, together with peroxide, alkali and the peroxidase, to indicate the presence and/or concentration of target compounds. The assays may be enhanced by the use of polymeric quaternary onium enhancement compounds or similar compounds selected to enhance the chemiluminescence emitted.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for masking the taste of minerals in ingestible products. In particular, tannic acid glycyrrhizin and acesulfame potassium are added to compostions comprising minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, chromium, zinc and mixtures in order to reduce or eliminate the unpleasant taste or aftertase associated with these minerals.

Abstract: The subject of the present disclosure is a new and distinct variety of bermudagrass, designated experiment number MSB40 and named ‘MS-Supreme’ and is characterized by its natural dark green color (7.5 GY 5/6, Munsell© Color Charts) and enhanced dark green color (7.5 GY 4/6, Munsell© Color Charts) during overcast weather and the fall season, ultra-dwarf leaf blade length (6 mm) and width (0.5 mm), highly prostrate growth habit, and affords excellent turfgrass putting green quality under putting green culture.

Abstract: A radiation sensitive resin composition which comprises (A) a polymer which becomes alkali-soluble in the presence of an acid and (B) a radiation sensitive acid generator which generates an acid upon irradiation with a radiation, said polymer (A) comprising two recurring units represented by the general formulas (1) and (2) and a recurring unit which acts to reduce the solubility of the polymer is an alkali developer after the irradiation: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. Said composition provides a chemically amplified positive resist which can give a fine pattern with a good pattern shape, and said resist is freed from volume shrinkage, peeling failure and adhesive failure, is excellent in dry etching resistance and effectively reacts with various radiations to give a good pattern shape which is excellent in photolithographic process stability, said pattern shape having no thinned portion at the upper part.