Abstract: Disclosed are DNA sequences encoding DNA binding polypeptides including androgen receptor (AR) and TR2 polypeptides. Illustratively, human and rat AR-cDNA have 79 kD and 98 kD polypeptide expression products which are immunoprecipitable by human auto-immune anti-androgen receptor antibodies and are capable of binding androgens specifically and with high affinity. Also disclosed are antibodies and immunological methods and materials for detection of androgen receptor and TR2 polypeptides and hybridization methods and materials for detection of AR-and TR2-related nucleic acids.

Abstract: p-Sulfoxy cinnamic acid isolated from methanolic extracts of the eelgrass Zostera marina having significant antifouling aquatic properties. p-Sulfoxy cinnamic acid was synthesized in the laboratory from p-coumaric acid, and antifouling activity was identical to the natural compound in laboratory bioassays. In addition, sulfate esters of other phenolic acids showed similar antifouling activity, suggesting that the sulfate ester was responsible for the antifouling effect.

Abstract: Novel methods for the treatment of tissue damage resulting from cell membrane permeabilization due to electrical injury are disclosed. Such methods include treatment with a surface active copolymer which is herein shown to promote membrane repair. The administration of Poloxamer 188 is shown to reduce tissue inflammation and damage following electrical injury in vivo. Also disclosed are methods for the treatment of cell and tissue damage after electrical injury using a surface active copolymer in combination with a high energy phosphate compound capable of recharging cellular energy stores and potentiating cell repair and survival. Compositions comprising surface active copolymers for intravenous, intramuscular, and topical use are also disclosed, along with novel compositions comprising a combination of a surface active copolymer and a high energy phosphate compound.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting sheets of metal from molten metal. The apparatus includes a containment structure having an open side, a horizontal alternating magnetic field generating structure and a ferromagnetic dam. The magnetic field and the ferromagnetic dam contain the molten metal from leaking out side portions of the open side of the containment structure.

Abstract: A fault current limiter (10) for an electrical circuit (14). The fault current limiter (10) includes a high temperature superconductor (12) in the electrical circuit (14). The high temperature superconductor (12) is cooled below its critical temperature to maintain the superconducting electrical properties during operation as the fault current limiter (10).

Abstract: A foreign gene is inserted into a viral genome under the control of promoter-regulatory regions of the genome, thus providing a vector for the expression of the foreign gene. DNA constructs, plasmid vectors containing the constructs useful for expression of the foreign gene, recombinant viruses produced with the vector, and associated methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for automated detection of abnormal anatomic regions, wherein a mammogram is digitized to produce a digital image and the digital image is processed using local edge gradient analysis and linear pattern analysis in addition to feature extraction routines to identify abnormal anatomic regions. Noise reduction filtering and pit-filling/spike-removal filtering techniques are also provided. Multiple difference imaging techniques are also used in which difference images employing different filter characteristics are obtained and processing results logically OR'ed to identify abnormal anatomic regions. In another embodiment the processing results with and without noise reduction filtering are logically AND'ed to improve detection sensitivity. Also, in another embodiment the wavelet transform is utilized in the identification and detection of abnormal regions.

Abstract: A method of dissolving metal oxides using a mixture of a di- or polyphosphonic acid and a reductant wherein each is present in a sufficient amount to provide a synergistic effect with respect to the dissolution of metal oxides and optionally containing corrosion inhibitors and pH adjusting agents.

Abstract: A system and method for surveillance of an industrial process. The system and method includes a plurality of sensors monitoring industrial process parameters, devices to convert the sensed data to computer compatible information and a computer which executes computer software directed to analyzing the sensor data to discern statistically reliable alarm conditions. The computer software is executed to remove serial correlation information and then calculate Mahalanobis distribution data to carry out a probability ratio test to determine alarm conditions.

Abstract: A method of purifying protein farnesyltransferase (Ftase) uses recombinant technology and yeast host cells. Yeast farnesyltransferase purified by the method is useful in confirming specificity and kinetics of potential protein farnesyltransferase inhibitors. These inhibitors are useful for chemotherapy directed against cancers related to ras oncogenes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for delivering ionizing radiation to specific tissues, resulting in the activation of a DNA molecule comprising a radiation responsive enhancer-promoter operatively linked to an encoding region that encodes at least one polypeptide. The radiation source may be will generally be in the form of a radionuclide, capable of gamma or beta emissions. Processes for regulating polypeptide expression and inhibiting tumor growth using such DNA molecules are also provided.

Abstract: A method and pharmaceutical for protecting against mutational damage in mammalian cells, irrespective of the nature of the mutagenic event or source of radiational or chemical insult or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions of and methods for obtaining deubiquitinating enzyme polypeptides. The invention relates as well to polynucleotides encoding deubiquitinating enzyme polypeptides, the recombinant vectors carrying those sequences, the recombinant host cells including either the sequences or vectors, and recombinant deubiquitinating enzyme polypeptides. By way of example, the invention discloses the cloning and functional expression if at least three different deubiquitinating enzyme polypeptides. The invention includes as well, methods for using the isolated, recombinant enzyme polypeptides in assays designed to select and improve substances capable of interacting with deubiquitinating enzyme polypeptides for use in diagnostic, drug design and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A water and UV light degradable copolymer of monomers of lactic acid and a modifying monomer selected from the class consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, P-dioxanone, 1,5 dioxepan-2-one, 1,4-oxathialan-2-one, 1,4-dioxide and mixtures thereof. These copolymers are useful for waste disposal and agricultural purposes. Also disclosed is a water degradable blend of polylactic acid or modified polylactic acid and high molecular weight polyethylene oxide wherein the high molecular weight polyethylene oxide is present in the range of from about 2 by weight to about 50% by weight, suitable for films. A method of applying an active material selected from the class of seeds, seedlings, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and mixtures thereof to an agricultural site is also disclosed.

Abstract: A refuse derived fuel (RDF) pellet having about 11% or more particulate calcium hydroxide which is utilized in a combustionable mixture. The pellets are used in a particulate fuel bring a mixture of 10% or more, on a heat equivalent basis, of the RDF pellet which contains calcium hydroxide as a binder, with 50% or more, on a heat equivalent basis, of a sulphur containing coal. Combustion of the mixture is effective to produce an effluent gas from the combustion zone having a reduced SO.sub.2 and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content of effluent gas from similar combustion materials not containing the calcium hydroxide.

Abstract: A lens apparatus in which a beam of charged particles of low accelerating voltage is brought to a focus by a magnetic field, the lens being situated behind the target position. The lens comprises an electrically-conducting coil arranged around the axis of the beam and a magnetic pole piece extending along the axis of the beam at least within the space surrounded by the coil. The lens apparatus comprises the sole focusing lens for high-resolution imaging in a low-voltage scanning electron microscope.

Abstract: A method for improving the size and appearance of a scar associated with a fibromatosis, a keloid, or a hypertrophic wound healing disorder comprises stimulating collagenase activity in the scar. Preferably, stimulating collagenase activity is accomplished by covering said scar with a thermal insulating material that elevates the surface temperature of the scar. Further disclosed is a method for improving the size and appearance of a scar comprises covering said scar with a thermal insulating material that elevates the surface temperature of the scar and that contains a therapeutically effective amount of a medicament.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new protein, convertin I, which belongs to a family of mammalian convertase proteins characterized by partial amino acid sequence homology to each of the following: the precursor processing endoprotease of yeast KEX2, bacterial subtilisins, and the human fur gene product, furin. The protein which is a subject of this invention is further characterized as a mammalian convertase, which is capable of hydrolytically cleaving, for example, prohormones to yield active hormones. Specifically, convertin I is capable of cleaving peptide bonds following certain sequences of two adjacent basic amino acids. Convertin I has a molecular weight of approximately 70 kd by electrophoresis. Another aspect of this invention is a recombinant vector, incorporating the coding sequences which are the objects of this invention. Methods of preparing the endoprotease protein, including molecular engineering methods are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the observed tight linkage between DNA polymorphisms in the glucokinase gene (GCK) on the short arm of chromosome 7, and NIDDM in a cohort of sixteen French families having MODY. It further relates to identification of mutations in GCK and their linkage with diabetes in particular families are disclosed. This invention provides the first evidence implicating specific mutations in a gene involved in glucose metabolism in the pathogenesis of NIDDM. The invention further discloses the isolation and characterization of human pancreatic .beta.-cell GCK and a method for searching for mutations that cause early-onset NIDDM. To assess the effect of these mutations on glucokinase activity, a method is disclosed for generating an .alpha.-carbon backbone model for human glucokinase based on the crystal structure of the structurally-related yeast hexokinase B.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated and purified polynucleotides that encode plant and cyanobacterial polypeptides that participate in the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA. Isolated cyanobacterial and plant polypeptides that catalyze acetyl-CoA carboxylation are also provided. Processes for altering acetyl-CoA carboxylation, increasing herbicide resistance of plants and identifying herbicide resistant variants of acetyl-CoA carboxylase are also provided.