Abstract: A method for producing a complementary DNA (cDNA) library enriched in ligand-inducible genes of a cell is described. The method includes activating a cellular ligand receptor for a predetermined period of time in the presence of labelled RNA precursors and a substance which enhances the level of RNA in the cell. The RNA precursors are incorporated into the RNA synthesized by the cell in response to receptor activation. The labelled RNA is separated from unlabelled RNA and used to prepare cDNA. The cDNA is cloned into host cells to provide a cDNA library of cDNA-containing clones, which is then screened for clones containing ligand-induced genes. Also described are several novel ligand-induced genes identified using the method of the invention.

Abstract: A reflector assembly is provided for efficiently collecting and forming the electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source into a desired beam pattern. The reflector assembly uses a smaller non-symmetrical generally convex reflector and a larger non-symmetrical generally concave reflector. The generally convex reflector intercepts a large fraction of light emitted by the source that would otherwise escape without interacting with the assembly and redirects this light onto the generally concave reflector for eventual inclusion in the beam.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for a computer implemented query compiler. A query is executed in a computer, the query being performed by the computer to retrieve data from a database stored on a data storage device connected to the computer. The query is received containing at least one variable. At execution time, a value is determined for each variable in the query. A filter factor is estimated using the determined value for each variable. Then, an access path is determined for the query using the estimated filter factor.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article for solving the year 2000 problem involves limited modifications in the data definition portions of the source code and compiler support for processing the modified source code. Fields in the source code that contain a year or date values are identified and, for each such field, the user selects an appropriate technique (for example, expansion, compression or windowing). The user modifies the data definition for each identified field, by adding new attributes to request the selected technique. The user then compiles the program and resolves any ambiguous references to the variables whose definitions were modified. This procedure is applied, module by module, and each processed module is merged into production, after testing, by using a compiler option to disable the use of the new attributes.

Abstract: A presser bar mechanism for an exit door having a frame with a stile, upper and lower lock rods vertically sliding in the stile, a presser bar carried on the door frame, a plate mounted in the stile for rotation about a horizontal axis, upper and lower connectors each having a first end attached to the plate and each having a second end attached to said upper and lower lock rods, respectively, a drive pin carried in one of the connectors and projecting outward from the stile, a slide housing carried on the stile and including a slide channel, a slide member carried in the slide housing for translation along the slide channel, and a crank carried in the slide housing and having first and second crank arms, with the first crank arm engageable by the presser bar and with the second crank arm engagable with the slide member so that pressing on the presser bar rotates the crank to move the slide member in the slide housing, with the slide member engaging the drive pin in driving relation to translate the drive pin

Abstract: In a pool lighting system, each illuminator (10) comprises a color wheel 26, a driver mechanism (24) for rotating the color wheel, and a synchronization circuit (42). The synchronization circuit is responsive to an alternating-current source of power applied to the illuminator to control the driver mechanism to place the color wheel at a predetermined position after a predetermined time subsequent to the alternating-current source of power being initially applied to the illuminator.

Abstract: A composition for modulating immune response in mammals, comprises a therapeutic agent such as a stereoisomer of inositol, derivatives, salts, and mixtures thereof, and optionally a carrier. The composition is provided in solid and liquid formulations, including solutions, suspensions, spreadable and solid forms, as an implant, inhalant, and in vaporizable, injectable, oral and transdermal forms, and the like. The composition of the invention is useful for modulating (enhancing/inhibiting) the immune response. The therapeutic agent of this invention enhances/suppresses B and/or T lymphocyte activity(ies) in normal, aging and immunodeficient mammals, as well as those afflicted with auto-immune disease (s), or subjected to transplants.

Abstract: A continuous manufacturing process for preparing cooked bacon includes the step of cooking slices of an uncured and unsmoked pork belly with cure ingredients applied on the slices to produce cooked bacon having the organoleptic properties of cooked conventionally cured and smoked bacon. An apparatus for continuously preparing cooked bacon includes a slicing device, a continuous cure ingredient application station and a continuous cooking station.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for maintaining object relationships. A query is executed in a computer to retrieve data from a database stored on a data storage device. Initially, one or more relationship objects are created, wherein each relationship object identifies a source object and a related target object. Next, when accessing a source object, related target objects are determined using the relationship object. When accessing a target object, related source objects are determined using the relationship object.

Abstract: An artificial gut (100) comprises a first hollow fiber (203) having an inner surface (215) that is lined with at least a portion of a layer of one or more of a plurality of biological components (205) that typically line a mammalian gut. Further, a second hollow fiber (201) is adjacent the first hollow fiber. The layer of one or more of the plurality of biological components can consist essentially of enterocytes. The enterocyte-lined inner surface is perfused with a feeding solution containing nutrients, and the enterocytes absorb, process, and transport the nutrients across the wall of the first hollow fiber. The nutrients eventually diffuse into the second hollow fiber. A perfusate selected from the group consisting of culture medium, blood, and plasma, can perfuse an inner surface of the second hollow fiber, whereby the perfusate is nourished by the nutrients.

Abstract: A method of reducing or inhibiting inflammation and inducing or promoting anti-pyresis comprises administering to a mammal in need of such treatment, an amount of a glutathione depleting agent effective to reduce or inhibit neutrophil sequestration at the inflammation site. The agent may be administered as a pharmaceutical composition including a carrier. Examples of the agent itself are diethylmaleate (DEM), phorone, buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO), glutathione depleting diethylmaleate (DEM) mimetics, glutathione depleting phorone mimetics and glutathione depleting buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) mimetics.

Abstract: A combined floral display and keepsake are described. The floral display includes a container (1) with a bottom (4), side walls (7) and a pick (8) extending vertically upwards from the container bottom. Flowers (13) are displayed by positioning them into a foam block (14) contained in the container. The keepsake (2) is elevated above the container, connected to the top of the pick by an attachment mechanism (3). When the floral arrangement is no longer fresh, the container, the pick, the foam block, and the flowers may be discarded, while the keepsake remains useful and decorative.