Abstract: A cantilever for a scanning probe microscope (SPM) includes a piezoelectric element in a thicker, less flexible section near the fixed base of the cantilever and a piezoresistor in a thinner, more flexible section near the free end of the cantilever. When the SPM operates in the constant force mode, the piezoelectric element is used to control the tip-sample separation. Since the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric element is substantially higher than that of conventional piezoelectric tube scanners, much higher scan rates can be achieved. When the SPM operates in the dynamic or intermittent contact mode, a superimposed AD-DC signal is applied to the piezoelectric element, and the latter is used to vibrate the cantilever as well as to control the tip-sample spacing. In another embodiment the cantilever is supported on a knife edge and vibrates at a third or higher order resonant frequency.

Abstract: A multi-functional bench seat. The bench seat has a base to which one or more seat sections are attached. Each seat section has a complementary support arm also attached to the base. A back section is attached to each support arm. Both the seat section and support arm are capable of being rotated relative to the base. The back section is capable of being rotated relative to the seat support arm. Consequently, the bench seat may be positioned in a number of different positions to serve as either a seat or a support table.

Abstract: A shroud for an axial blade fan provides a circumferential, axially directed flow of air between the fan blade tips and the shroud to improve fan efficiency. The shroud preferably includes a smaller, centrally disposed fan which is driven by an auxiliary motor, a circumferentially extending generally toroidal plenum, a plurality of hollow spokes providing fluid communication between the fan and the plenum, a circular throat which directs air toward the annulus between the shroud and the fan blade tips and a throat adjacent, circumferential Coanda surface which controls and guides air exiting the throat. Air is provided to the shroud plenum at a pressure of between about 2 and 10 inches water gauge (4 to 20 Torr). The narrowest region of the circular throat has a width of between about 1 mm to 5 mm. Adjustment of the air pressure and throat dimension allows accurate control of the velocity profile of the air flow through the annulus.

Abstract: An analytical method for detecting the presence poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) which can be used as an indicator of atherosclerotic risk. A novel antibody to PHB for use in the preferred analytical method is described.

Abstract: A low dark current metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector has an active region for receiving photons and generating charge carriers in the form of holes and electrons in response to the photons and an isolation region for allowing electrical coupling to occur without increasing the dark current. The photodetector is a III-V ternary semiconductor having its active region defined by a via through a dielectric layer. A pair of electrodes has contact portions extending into contact with the active region and terminating on the isolation region. One electrode of the pair provides a high Schottky barrier to holes.

Abstract: A protein derivable from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) having a molecular size ranging between 43 Kd on SDS PAGE is described. The protein is soluble on sodium lauryl sarcosinate (SLS) and not heat modifiable. The protein can also be derived by recombinant methods. The protein in a vaccine provides immunity against multiple serotypes of APP.

Abstract: Because it is difficult to provide adequate quality of service to large-bandwidth calls in integrated-services networks, service providers may allow some customers to book ahead their calls. The present invention provides a scheme resource sharing among book-ahead calls (that announce their call initiation and holding times upon arrival) and non-book-ahead calls (that do not announce their holding times and enter service immediately, if admitted). The basis for this sharing is an admission control algorithm in which admission is allowed if an approximate interrupt probability (computed in real time) is below a threshold. Simulation experiments show that the proposed admission control methodology is superior to alternative schemes that do not allow interruption, such as a strict partitioning of resources.

Abstract: A recombinant Streptomyces sp. which exhibits hyperproduction of an antibiotic, particularly actinorhodin and undecylprodigiosin, as a result of interruption of the absA homologous locus of chromosomal DNA (SEQ ID NO:1) is described. The gene is thought to encode a histidine kinase and a response regulator. The preferred bacterium is Streptomyces coelicolor. It is preferred to interrupt the absA1 gene with ermE DNA.

Abstract: Chicken cell lines which contain Marek's Disease Virus (MDV) which is present as a non-lytic or a lytic infection of the cell line and method of production are described. Methods and vaccines against avian MDV prepared from the cell lines are also described.

Abstract: Fiber-amplified spontaneous emission sources incorporating spectral filters show an improvement in mean wavelength stability versus a number of operating factors, including pump wavelength, pump power, feedback, and temperature. By adjusting the spectral characteristics of the filter, the position of the filter along the length of the fiber, and the length of the rare-earth doped fiber, a stable ASE source is designed so as to provide stable operating points for the mean wavelength versus desired operating parameters. In many cases the sources show an improvement in mean wavelength stability by an order of magnitude or more over present sources.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electroplating method and products made therefrom, which in one embodiment includes using a current density J.sub.O, to form a conductive metal layer having a surface roughness no greater than the surface roughness of the underlying member. In another embodiment of electroplating a substrate surface having peaks and valleys, the method includes electroplating a conductive metal onto the peaks to cover the peaks with the conductive metal, and into the valleys to substantially fill the valleys with the conductive metal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for modified cells, where a chimeric protein consisting of a ligand binding domain fused to an action domain is employed which initiates a signal which activates a biological process: transcription of at least one gene, usually a second construct introduced into the host cells; exocytosis; or an extracellular process. The second construct optimally present provides for a promoter which responds to a transcriptional activation action domain to provide for transcription, when an appropriate ligand binds to the ligand binding domain. Exemplary of the system is the use of an FKBP/CD3.zeta. or transcription factor fusion protein, using dimeric FK506 or FK520 as the ligand and a promoter responsive to NF-AT or other transcription factor requiring two molecules for transcriptional activation.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for the identification, concentration and isolation of a chemical compound from a mixture of compounds on the basis of the binding affinity of the chemical compound to a macromolecule or complex thereof, that is, to a receptor. Both the compounds to be assayed, and the macromolecules to which the compounds may bind, are free in solution. The method comprises contacting a mixture of compounds in solution with a solution of macromolecules or complexes thereof in a device possessing an ultrafiltration membrane to retain the receptor and bound compound receptor complex; washing through the device non-bound compounds; and releasing a bolus of the bound compound which passes through the ultrafiltration membrane where it may be analyzed chemically and/or spectrally (e.g. mass spectrometry) and/or bioassayed. The device includes a barrier such as an ultrafiltration membrane separating a binding chamber and an effluent chamber.

Abstract: Described are preferred processes for conditioning semiconductor devices with deuterium to improve operating characteristics and decrease depassivation which occurs during the course of device operation. Also described are semiconductor devices which can be prepared by such processes.

Abstract: A method for preparing a highly potent glycan extract from Mycobacteria by admixing at least one Mycobacterium with an aqueous solution of concentrated urea.

Abstract: Dimerization and oligomerization of proteins are general biological control mechanisms that contribute to the activation of cell membrane receptors, transcription factors, vesicle fusion proteins, and other classes of intra- and extracellular proteins. We have developed a general procedure for the regulated (inducible) dimerization or oligomerization of intracellular proteins. In principle, any two target proteins can be induced to associate by treating the cells or organisms that harbor them with cell permeable, synthetic ligands. To illustrate the practice of this invention, we have induced: (1) the intracellular aggregation of the cytoplasmic tail of the .zeta.

Abstract: High molecular weight surface proteins of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae which exhibit immunogenic properties and genes encoding the same are described. Specifically, genes coding for two immunodominant high molecular weight proteins, HMW1 and HMW2, have been cloned, expressed and sequenced, while genes coding for high molecular proteins HMW3 and HMW4 have been cloned, expressed and partially sequenced.

Abstract: This invention encompasses a method for inhibiting vascular cellular activity of cells associated with vascular lesion formation in mammals which involves administering an effective dosage of at least one antisense sequence to at least one gene expressing a cyclin or a cyclin dependent kinase which inhibits the expression of the gene. More particularly, the invention involves administering antisense sequences which inhibit the expression of cyclin A, B1, B2, C, D1, D2, D3, E or cyclin X (p46) cyclin X and cyclin dependent kinase cdc2, cdk2, cdk4 or cdk5. It is preferable to use two antisense sequences each from a different cyclin or cyclin dependent kinase. The cyclin or cyclin kinase depending kinase dosage is preferable administered in combination with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Antisense methods and compositions direct to inhibiting the expression of growth factors such as TGF-.beta..sub.1, TGF, bFGF, PDGF are also contemplated by the present invention.

Abstract: A broadband microfabricated ultrasonic transducer which includes a plurality of resonant membranes of different sizes and/or shapes supported above a conductive substrate.

Abstract: A composition and method of preventing or inhibiting tumor growth, and of treating malignant melanoma, without toxic side effects are disclosed. Betulinic acid or a betulinic acid derivative is the active compound of the composition, which is topically applied to the situs of tumor.