Abstract: This invention relates to a method for identification of samples collected as physical evidence for forensic analysis. The identification is based upon an analysis of DNA length polymorphisms generated by the action of restriction endonucleases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to .omega.-conotoxin peptides having 24-30 amino acids, six cysteines which form disulfide bonds between the first and fourth, second and fifth, and third and sixth cysteines, respectively, and an internal sequence of Cys-Arg-Lys-Thr-Xaa.sub.1 -Tyr-Xaa.sub.2 -Cys-Cys-Ser-Gly-Ser-Cys (SEQ ID NO:1). The invention is further directed to .omega.-conotoxin peptides of the generic formula Cys-Xaa.sub.1 -Gly-Xaa.sub.2 -Gly-Ala-Xaa.sub.3 -Cys-Arg-Lys-Thr-Xaa.sub.4 -Tyr-Xaa.sub.5 -Cys-Cys-Ser-Gly-Ser-Cys-Xaa.sub.6 -Arg-Gly-Xaa.sub.7 -Cys (SEQ ID NO:2). Preferably, the C-terminus is amidated. These peptides also contain three disulfide bonds. Examples of .omega.-conotoxin peptides within the generic formula are MVIIC having the formula Cys-Cys-Gly-Lys-Gly-Ala-Xaa.sub.1 -Cys-Arg-Lys-Thr-Xaa.sub.2 -Tyr-Asp-Cys-Cys-Ser-Gly-Ser-Cys-Gly-Arg-Arg-Gly-Lys-Cys (SEQ ID NO:3), wherein Xaa is preferably Pro or Hyp (4-hydroxyproline) and Xaa.sub.

Abstract: The invention is directed to A-lineage conotoxin peptides, which are conotoxin peptides that have strong homology in the signal sequence and the 3'-untranslated region of the genes coding for these peptides to the sequences in the .alpha.-conotoxin peptides. The A-lineage conotoxin peptides include the .alpha.-conotoxin peptides, the .alpha.-conotoxin-like peptides and the .kappa.-conotoxin peptides, described further below. The .alpha.-conotoxin-peptides generally share a "core" sequence motif. This core sequence is termed the .alpha. 3/5 core and is represented as Cys-Cys-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Cys-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Cys (SEQ ID NO: 1). The .alpha.-conotoxin-like peptides generally share a core sequence termed the .alpha. 4/7 core and is represented as Cys-Cys-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Cys-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Xaa-Cys (SEQ ID NO: 2). The .kappa.-conotoxin peptides generally have a core sequence termed the .kappa.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition for use in the treatment or prevention of iodine deficiency diseases or disorders such as fibrocystic dysplasia of the breast, breast cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cysts and premenstrual syndrome. More particularly, this invention relates to a composition for the treatment or prevention of iodine deficiency diseases or disorders, the composition comprising elemental iodine (I.sub.2) which may also be referred to as metallic iodine or iodine metal. The elemental iodine can be used with any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The association of molecular variants of the angiotensinogen gene with human essential hypertension is disclosed. The determination of this association enables the screening of persons to identify those who have a predisposition to high blood presure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for preventing or reducing ischemia following injury, such as reperfusion injury following ischemia, cellular damage associated with ischemic episodes, such as infarctions or traumatic injuries, and thus to prevent or reduce the consequent progressive necrosis of tissue associated with such ischemia. This effect is achieved by administering DHEA, DHEA derivatives or DHEA congeners to a patient as soon as possible after the injury. The present invention is further directed to methods for preventing or reducing bacterial translocation or adult respiratory distress syndrome in a patient. Similarly, bacterial translocation and adult respiratory distress syndrome are prevented or reduced by administering DHEA, DHEA derivatives or DHEA congeners to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for preventing or reducing ischemia following injury, such as reperfusion injury following ischemia, cellular damage associated with ischemic episodes, such as infarctions or traumatic injuries, and thus to prevent or reduce the consequent progressive necrosis of tissue associated with such ischemia. This effect is achieved by administering DHEA or DHEA derivatives to a patient as soon as possible after the injury. The present invention is further directed to methods for preventing or reducing bacterial translocation or adult respiratory distress syndrome in a patient. Similarly, bacterial translocation and adult respiratory distress syndrome are prevented or reduced by administering DHEA or DHEA derivatives to a patient. Suitable derivatives of DHEA include, among others, 16.alpha.

Abstract: A process and processing system are disclosed that provide for the processing of many forms of waste, such as medical waste, food waste disposable diapers or the like, that both reduces the volume of waste solids and neutralizes the biological activity of such waste, thereby facilitating the disposal of potentially unhealthy or hazardous materials. The process and system also provides for the removal of coating from the surfaces of plastic waste material or for the dissolution of water soluble polymeric or fibrous waste material. Biological neutralization or, alternatively, coating removal or dissolution of water soluble waste, is accomplished by chopping the waste material and mixing it with a circulating stream of fluid such as water that is heated to a temperature which effects disinfection or sterilization or, alternatively coating removal or waste dissolution, in accordance with the needs of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer aided design and manufacturing system. The system comprises a platform suspended by means of three pairs of supportive legs which are coupled at triangularly spaced-apart locations by means of three universal joints, each of which couples to one end of each of the two legs of a respective pair. The two legs of each pair extend from their respective universal joint in divergent directions to spaced-apart locations in an overhead mounting where each leg is drivingly engaged by a respective gimbal-mounted electric motor arranged to move the leg in its own longitudinal direction. The platform position and orientation can be controlled by appropriate operation of the six leg drive motors.

Abstract: A low-profile burner assembly (LPBA) with pilot for creating realistic firefighter training fires in a controlled setting. The LPBA generally includes a sealed pipe fitting shell with a fuel inlet for inputting combustible fuel, an air inlet for inputting air to be mixed with the fuel, a spark ignition system coupled to the pipe fitting shell for igniting a pilot flame, and a main burner outlet for outputting a combusting air/fuel mixture to create a firefighting training flame. Fuel is distributed within the pipe fitting by an internal distribution tube for metering pilot and main burner portions, and for proper mixing with air. In addition, a sensor probe assembly is provided for monitoring the LPBA. All internal components are well-protected from the high-pressure spray of extinguishing agents by a transport/deflector assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waterproof connector which is capable of controlling the inserting posture of the terminal members with respect to the connector housing in the earlier stages of terminal insertion. The waterproof connector includes: a plurality of terminal members having inserting posture controlling protrusions; and a connector housing having a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers for accommodating the terminal members. A waterproof plug which has a plurality of sealing insertion holes corresponding to the terminal accommodating chambers is fitted into the rear section of the connector housing, and a waterproof plug retaining cover is mounted on the rear end section of the housing. The waterproof plug retaining cover has terminal insertion holes corresponding to the sealing insertion holes, and the terminal insertion holes have inserting posture controlling recesses allowing passage of the inserting posture controlling protrusions formed on the terminal members.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultra multiple connector for use in connecting of a wire harness, etc., having a frame for mounting a plurality of connectors and adapted to connect the frame to a mating connector, the ultra multiple connector being capable of securing mounting of connector housing onto the frame and mounting of rear holder onto the housing. A plurality of hollows each opened upwardly and downwardly are formed on the frame, and one or more connector housing connected to a wire harness is loaded into each of the hollows. The depth of the hollow of the frame is shorter than the length of the connector housing so that a portion of the connector housing in its mounted state is exposed from the frame, and an engaging aperture is formed on a side surface of the portion of the connector housing to be exposed. A rear holder is removably mounted on an end surface of the housing and an engaging click for engaging the engaging aperture of the connector housing is formed on the rear holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine which comprises an antigen and an immune response augmenting agent. The immune response augmenting agent is capable of enhancing T cell lymphokine production. Suitable immune response augmenting agents include, but are not limited to, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-derivatives. Examples of DHEA derivatives include DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S), 16.alpha.-bromo-DHEA, 7-oxo-DHEA, 16.alpha.-bromo-DHEA-S and 7-oxo-DHEA-S.The invention also relates to a method for enhancing a vaccine-induced humoral immune response which comprises administering a vaccine which comprises an antigen and an immunomodulator. The immunomodulator may be an immune response augmenting agent, a lymphoid organ modifying agent or a mixture of the immune response augmenting agent and lymphoid organ modifying agent. Suitable lymphoid organ modifying agents include, but are not limited to, 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D.sub.3, biologically active Vitamin D.sub.

Abstract: A communication system that reduces significantly the processing required to search over unknown time delays and unknown frequency shifts. Convolutional type processing with a unique re-indexing of the desired signal's Fourier transform is provided so as to allow for the design of a communication system that is invariant to time of arrival and frequency shift such as that caused by doppler effects from moving vehicles or moving satellites. The processing required is several orders of magnitude less computationally intensive than conventional approaches to solving this problem. In addition, the inventive convolutional ambiguity multiple access (CAMA) system can be used in conjunction with M-Ary FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) and other coding techniques to decode the various frequency codes efficiently.

Abstract: An optically-based communication system hosted on an elevated platform (e.g., a satellite a tower, or other platform having a substantial vantage point) that uses multiple spatially diverse transmit and receive beams that are optically cross coupled to fully reuse the spectrum and which will create a fully interactive, high bandwidth, high capacity, fully switched communication system. The elevated platform (i.e., satellite, orbiting or tethered vehicles, airborne platforms, towers, etc.) reuses its assigned bandwidth in each of (N) multiple beams (or sectors). The beams are formed by either RF or optical means. The specific users in each beam are then spatially separated in frequency by use of an optical "Bragg Cell." The separated signals are then duplicated through a half mirror and a full mirror and recombined optically to create outputs that are unique combinations of frequencies from each full set of input beams.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for enhancing the production of T cell lymphokines, which comprises exposing T cell lymphocytes which have a potential to make selected T cell lymphokines to an appropriate concentration of at least one particular steroid hormone prior to cellular activation. Also disclosed are applications of the method for clinically diagnosing abnormal interleukin production, maintaining in vitro tissue cultures of T cells, overcoming certain types of immunosuppression caused by elevated GCS levels, caused by endogenous production or exogenous administration, use as a vaccine adjuvant to selectively direct the vaccine-induced immune response down a protective, rather than a potentially pathologic or non-protective, immunologic pathway, as a treatment for naturally occuring aging-related decreases in immune function, as a treatment for stress or trauma-induced decreases in immune function, and as an agent to facilitate desensitization to agents to which a warm-blooded animal is allergic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel mycoplasma isolated from the urine of patients with AIDS. The mycoplasma has unique morphological and pathobiological properties. The invention also relates to the antigens and antibodies of the novel mycoplasma, and methods of detection utilizing these antigens and antibodies. Antigenically and genetically, the mycoplasma is distinct from all other known mycoplasmas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic assay utilizing the lipid associated membrane proteins of mycoplasmas to detect the presence of species-specific mycoplasma antibodies. The sensitive assay is useful for the detection and differentiation of mycoplasma antibodies specific for individual species in biological samples from humans and animals, and exhibits virtually no cross-reactivity between different mycoplasma species.