Abstract: The invention provides a method and expression system for enhancing secretion of hyperproduced homologous and heterologous exoproteins in gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus sp. The method and system comprise overproduction of PrsA protein in gram-positive bacterial host capable of also overproducing at least one exoprotein of interest. Use of the method and system of the invention results in greatly enhanced secretion of the synthesized exoproteins into the growth medium. Once in the growth medium these secreted exoproteins can be recovered and purified in a straightforward manner.

Abstract: Assays for determining cartilage synthesis associated with osteoarthritis are presented. The assays are based on detection of type IIA procollagen or propeptide, or type IIA mRNA in a tissue or fluid sample from a non-neonatal individual being tested. Since type IIA procollagen is not found in normal non-neonatal individuals, type IIA procollagen and the mRNA which encodes it are unique markers for osteoarthritis which exhibits neonatal like cartilage synthesis as part of the disease syndrome.

Abstract: The invention is an improved machine and method for converting recordings of electric potentials into nervous-system-generator parameters that can be used by clinicians and researchers to evaluate generators of central or peripheral nervous system activity. The machine and method utilize as inputs physiological recordings made at sites remote from the generator, data on shapes of boundaries, locations of recording points and electrical conductivity of volumes to be analyzed. The invention teaches how to compute the weight function values, corresponding to electric potentials and/or electric fields across a pair of electrodes due to unit source current by the use of the Lead Field Analysis in a boundary element method.

Abstract: A multi-function-trigger actuated reel for allowing both actuation of the free spool mechanism and adjustment of the drag brake mechanism of a close face spinning reel with a single actuating trigger. The inventive device includes a main body having a reel mechanism mounted thereto. The reel mechanism includes a spool upon which fishing line can be wound, a drag plunger effecting frictional drag on the spool, and a main shaft which can be forwardly biased to cause free-spooling of the reel mechanism. A trigger assembly is mounted relative to the main body and includes a trigger arm which can be pivoted in a plurality of directions to selectively effect movement of the drag plunger and the main shaft through the single trigger arm.

Abstract: A double trigger actuated reel for allowing both actuation of the free spool mechanism and adjustment of the drag brake mechanism of a close face spinning reel with a single hand. The inventive device includes a main body having a reel mechanism mounted thereto. The reel mechanism includes a spool upon which fishing line can be wound, a drag plunger effecting frictional drag on the spool, and a main shaft which can be forwardly biased to cause free-spooling of the reel mechanism. A trigger assembly is mounted relative to the main body and includes a first trigger arm which can be pivoted to selectively effect movement of the drag plunger to operate the drag brake mechanism and a second trigger arm which can be pivoted to selectively effect movement of the main shaft to operate the free spool mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses apparatus and methods for determining variations in estimated signal-generator parameters derived from signals created by signal-generators, such as signal-generators within organs of the body, such as brain, head, spinal cord, and muscles. The present invention is particularly useful when more than one signal generator is non-zero in part or all of the time-interval analyzed. The parameters of a signal-generator that may be of interest include, but are not limited to, magnitude, location, and/or orientation, over single or multiple points in time.

Abstract: A tool for effecting inspection, maintenance and/or replacement of pins within a lock cylinder. The inventive device includes a cylindrical portion having an outside diameter corresponding to a diameter of a plug being removed from a lock cylinder. A non-cylindrical portion colinearly extends from the cylindrical portion and includes a reducing exterior wall characterized by a decreasing radius from a longitudinal center of the tool. The non-cylindrical portion permits a desired number of pins to be lowered from the lock cylinder at a desired speed for inspection, maintenance and/or removal thereof.

Abstract: Assays for determining cartilage synthesis associated with osteoarthritis are presented. The assays are based on detection of collagen type IIA procollagen or propeptide, or collagen type IIA mRNA in a tissue or fluid sample from a non-neonatal individual being tested. Since type II A procollagen is not found in normal non-neonatal individuals, type IIA procollagen and the mRNA which encodes it are unique markers for osteoarthritis which exhibits neonatal like cartilage synthesis as part of the disease syndrome.

Abstract: An adjustable oral device for placement within the mouth of a user to reduce or eliminate snoring. The device comprises an upper member having a substantially curved shape and defining an upwardly oriented channel for receiving at least some of the upper teeth of a user; a lower member having a substantially curved shape and defining a downwardly oriented channel for receiving at least some of the lower teeth of a user; wherein the upper member is adjustably coupled by the user to the lower member in a spaced relationship such that the lower member is positioned relative to the upper member so that when the user's teeth are retained within the device, the user's lower jaw is biased substantially forward of its normal biting or resting position to reduce snoring.

Abstract: The present invention is an assisted breathing device which allows a rescuer or emergency care giver to administer mouth-to-mouth type resuscitation to a victim or patient on land or in the water, without the rescuer or emergency care giver having to come in direct contact with the victim or patient's lips, exhaled air or body fluids. The assisted breathing interface device comprises, in combination, a tubular conduit or housing, a slide valve, and a spring or tension loaded valve member on the slide valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant DNA molecules and to methods for producing proteins by means of said molecules. Particularly, the present invention relates to recombinant DNA molecules which are capable of being synthesized in Bacillus strain bacteria comprising the regulation and deleted non-functional signal sequence of the a-amylase gene of B. amyloliquefaciens, or a substantial part thereof, to which sequence a structural gene of any desired homologous or heterologous protein or peptide may be joined. These recombinant DNA molecules can be used, for example, to achieve intracellular expression of any desired protein or peptide in Bacillus strain bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new product for small animals such as rodents (e.g., gerbils, mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, etc.) and the like. The new product is comprised of a hollow housing, such as bone or pipe, having a cavity therein which is accessible from outside the housing by at least one opening. The cavity is large enough for the animal(s) to burrow in and is filled with food suitable for the animals to eat or nibble on.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described which can be used to enhance the stability of genetically engineered plasmids in Gram-positive organisms. Also described are genetically engineered plasmids comprising a DNA fragment which enhances their stability and Gram-positive organisms transformed with such plasmids.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and cloning vectors useful for the production of cloned heterologous gene products in B. subtilis. Use of the method and vector allows the host to produce the heterologous gene product as a single unfused peptide having no extraneous amino acids attached.

Abstract: Chimeric plasmids capable of transforming bacteria and yeast are described. The plasmids carry the Cm (chloramphenicol resistance) gene and the Tc (tetracycline resistance) gene as selectable markers. The Cm gene allows the plasmids to be selected for in wild-type strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The Tc gene allows heterologous genes cloned into the plasmids to be selected for in Escherichia coli bacteria.