Abstract: Improvements to nucleic acid fingerprinting are disclosed. The method generates profiles of increased fidelity characteristic of the nucleic acids analyzed. Novel primers and other means are taught. Useful products are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of synthesis of new and useful single-stranded DNAs which have a stem-loop configuration (ss-slDNA). The method is an in vivo or an in vitro synthesis. Replicating vehicles which produce these ss-slDNAs. The ss-slDNAs are described. Uses for these slDNAs are disclosed. They can be used for introducing random mutations, they lend themselves for replication by a variant of the PCR method. They can also be used for regulating gene function. Other uses are disclosed.

Abstract: A multicopy single-stranded DNA (msDNA) synthesizing system in E. coli is disclosed. The use of the msDNA system to synthesize cDNA in vivo is disclosed. Construction of synthetic msDNA is also disclosed. Also processes for gene amplification and for producing a stable RNA are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rechargeable lithium-ion cell, a method for its manufacture, and its application. The cell is distinguished by the fact that it has a metallic housing (21) which is electrically insulated internally by two half shells (15), which cover electrode plates (8) and main output tabs (7) and are composed of a non-conductive material, where the metallic housing is electrically insulated externally by means of an insulation coating. The cell also has a bursting membrane (4) which, in its normal position, is located above the electrolyte level of the cell (1). In addition, the cell has a twisting protection (6) which extends over the entire surface of the cover (2) and provides centering and assembly functions for the electrode package, which comprises the electrode plates (8).

Abstract: A wood-splitting tool includes at least one system with n parallel elemental wedges (3a, 3b, 3c, . . . 3n) which in succession are given a movement for penetrating the wood. The system for actuating the wedges can be a hydraulic, chain-type, connecting rod-type, or percussive-type system attached to a motive power unit.

Abstract: A motor and handpiece assembly for driving a dental tool has a contra-angle and a motor. The contra-angle has a handle, a neck connected to the handle, and a head connected to the neck and adapted to hold the dental tool. The motor is adapted to drive the dental tool in different types of movement (e.g., continuous movement and alternating or vibratory movement). The invention provides a dental handpiece that can be used for different types of treatments using different types of dental tools that require different types of movement and different speeds.

Abstract: Two methods and corresponding electrode designs are provided for the generation of a plasma at or about one atmosphere. Using these methods, various webs, films and three-dimensional objects are beneficially treated in a reduced amount of time. A first method utilizes a repetitive, asymmetric voltage pulse to generate a plasma discharge between two electrodes. An asymmetric voltage pulse is used to generate a discharge in which a substrate can be exposed predominately to either positive or negative plasma species depending on the voltage polarity used. A second method uses the gap capacitance of an electrode pair and an external inductor in shunt to form a resonant LC circuit. The circuit is driven by a high power radio frequency source operating at 1 to 30 MHz to generate a uniform discharge between the electrode pair. Both methods have temperature controlled discharge surfaces with supply gas temperature, humidity and flow rate control.

Abstract: A formulation which induces systemic immunity in plants which comprise a surfactant which reduces the surface tension to below about 30 dynes/cm and the contact angle of liquids on the surface to zero. The plants which have been immunized and a method of applying the formulation to induce such immunity to the plants.

Abstract: A method for the detection of nucleic acid sequence variants is disclosed which method comprises the stabilization of a portion of the sequence by a covalent bond with a photoactivatable intercalating agent and compositions.

Abstract: Known thermal spray apparatus are modified to achieve thermal spray coatings of increased hardness. Thermal spray apparatus operate to develop a plasma stream for introduction to a nozzle, for eventual application to the surface of a substrate. Upon entering the nozzle, the plasma stream is passed through a plasma cooling zone defined by a plasma cooling passageway, to a plasma accelerating zone defined by a narrowed passageway that expands into a plasma/particle confining zone for the discharge of material from the apparatus. The narrowed passageway of the apparatus is cooled, and the powder material to be applied by the apparatus is introduced into the plasma stream along the cooled, narrowed passageway.

Abstract: A transgenic animal, the genome of which comprises a transgene for superoxide dismutase (SOD), erythrocyte-glutathione peroxidase (GPE), or plasma-glutathione peroxidase (GPP), is disclosed. A double transgenic animal comprising the transgenes for both SOD and GPE is also disclosed. Methods for making the transgenic animals are disclosed. Both the SOD gene and the two GP genes code for proteins which control the level of reactive oxidative species (ROS) which accumulate in cells as a result of metabolism. Cell lines from both SOD and GP transgenic animals and methods for use of the transgenic animals as models are also disclosed.

Abstract: Eucaryotic cells like mammal and plant cells transfected with genes, called retrons, which code for stable single-stranded hybrid molecules (msDNA) containing RNA and DNA portions are disclosed. The retrons producing said linked RNA and DNA portions of the msDNAs also contain a gene encoding a reverse transcriptase (RT), which is necessary for the synthesis of the msDNAs. The msDNAs may contain foreign nucleic acid fragments which may be antisense fragments. These msDNA antisense vectors are useful for targeting genes of target proteins.

Abstract: The process for producing coated particles of the present invention is applicable to a process of producing coated particles by charging powder of core particles into the coating space and permitting a coat forming substance generated via a vapor phase or being in a vapor-phase state to contact against particles of the powder, and the process is characterized by dispersing powder of core particles having an average particle diameter of not more than 10 .mu.m and a particle size distribution of ((D.sub.M /5, 5D.sub.M), .gtoreq.90%) to adjust a dispersity .beta. to at least 70%, and contacting the dispersed powder of the core particles with the coat forming substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a procedure for counting faintly luminescent particles, and relates specifically to a procedure for counting cells and microorganisms marked with a colored or fluorescent stain or marker that selectively marks the microorganisms and cells to be counted, characterized by the fact that the said procedure is implemented with the aid of a photon-accumulator camera and includes the acquisition of at least one low-resolution image I, the threshold processing of the said low-resolution image in order to obtain at least one digital image Ib, at least one dimensional filtration stage, and the counting of the number N of objects belonging to a given class of sizes in the digital image Ib.

Abstract: A dual state mirror assembly for use with motor vehicles includes a housing having an open front for receiving an outer substrate to form an enclosure. The outer substrate has a surface coated with a thin metal film to act as a beam splitter. An inner substrate having a reflective front surface is mounted within the enclosure so that in a first position, the inner substrate is in direct contact with the outer substrate, to produce a single bright reflected image, and so that in a second position, the inner substrate is placed at an angle with respect to the outer substrate, to provide a dimmed image and to minimize glare.

Abstract: A screening method to determine whether a chemical inhibits the function of a class of bacterial periplasmic oxidoreductase enzymes, exemplified by TcpG of Vibrio cholerae, DsbA E. coli, and Por of Haemophilus influenzae, id disclosed.

Abstract: A lightweight, remote-controlled, self-propelled equipment support and transport system is stabilized against unwanted angular deviation in each of three perpendicular axes and adapted for motion at high speed along a simple tubular monorail. The system can be quickly and efficiently ground-mounted on stands, suspended horizontally from brackets or from a variety of overhead supports, or vertically mounted alongside a mast or wall. The system includes an elongated drive car running on and partly surrounding a rail, and an equipment support associated with the drive car and configured so that the supported equipment is transversely and longitudinally spaced and balanced about a point just below the center of the rail. The equipment support is mounted in angular isolation relative to the drive car by a system of damped pivots about pitch and yaw axes.