Abstract: A computer system and method are disclosed for determining a protein's tertiary structure from a primary sequence of amino acid residues. The system uses a dynamic Monte Carlo method with Metropolis sampling criterion, and a selected (2,1,0) lattice model, to simulate protein folding during the transition of the protein from an unfolded (denatured) state to its native, folded state. The system generates, for display, a folding trajectory representing successive three-dimensional images of the protein at a level of two Angstrom resolution as it folds to its native conformation. The system permits interaction between all proximate pairs of sidechains of the protein and provides faster processing through the use of the lattice.

Abstract: This invention relates to hemolymphopoeitic growth factors (HLGF-1) that synergize with CSF-1, IL3 and GM-CSF and have pre-B cell potentiating activity. The invention also relates to a process for purifying such HLGF-1's from murine marrow cells and for producing such HLGF-1s by hosts transformed with recombinant DNA molecules comprising DNA sequences encoding the growth factor, and to methods of treatment and compositions characterized by HLGF-1s. These methods and agents are useful in immunoregulatory and hemopoietic applications and therapies.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating an edible animal fat to reduce the content of components having free hydroxyl groups. The process comprises forming a reaction mixture from the fat and a cyclic anhydride such as succinic or glutaric anhydride, heating the mixture to a temperature promoting conversion of these components to hemisuccinates or hemiglutarates, and subjecting the reacted fat to alkali-refining to remove the converted components as water-soluble soaps. The process is particularly useful for reducing the cholesterol content of the animal fats.

Abstract: Non-invasive apparatus and method for obtaining a quantitative determination of mean left atrial pressure or otherwise obtaining a quantitative determination of a left atrial pressure value. A balloon is inserted by means of a catheter into the esophagus and positioned adjacent the left atrium. The balloon is gradually inflated. A tracing of mean balloon pressure is obtained as the balloon is inflated. In addition, a tracing of balloon pressure on a steady baseline and with low frequency oscillations due to respiration filtered out is obtained whereby the tracing represents balloon pressure oscillations effected by left atrial pressure. In accordance with the oscillometric principle the mean balloon pressure is measured at the time when the amplitude of the balloon pressure oscillations effected by the left atrial pressure is at a peak. This mean balloon pressure is indicative of approximate mean left atrial pressure.

Abstract: A sensor tip (10) for use in a robotic hand has a three-dimensional compliant elastomeric body (12) with an outer boundary (22) having a circular base (24) and a convex surface (26) extending therefrom. Four strain transducers (14, 16, 18, and 20) produce electrical signals indicative of the strain at various positions near the boundary of the elastomeric body (12) resulting from forces exerted upon the sensor tip (10) by an object which the robotic hand is manipulating. The transducers (14, 16, 18, and 20) are positioned about the convex surface (26) so as to produce signals that may be decoupled to determine the normal and tangential forces and the applied torque. A buffer amplifier circuit (34), one for each of the transducers (14, 16, 18, and 20), receives the signals and provides quasi-steady state force information. The circuit (34) connects the respective transducer (40) in a feedback loop around an amplifier (36) and has desirable attributes for static charge buffering.

Abstract: A surface emitting semiconductor laser includes a body of a semiconductor material having a pair of opposed surfaces and a plurality of active regions stacked one on the other between the surfaces. Each of the active regions includes a p-type conductivity layer, an n-type conductivity layer and an active layer therebetween. The active layer can either be intrinsic or a quantum well. The p-type and n-type layers are doped to provide a tunneling junction between the layers of adjacent active regions. The active layers of the active regions are spaced apart a multiple of one-half a wavelength to provide distributed feedback. Contacts are on the surfaces of the body with one of the contacts having an opening therethrough through which a generated light beam can emerge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photo-deviometer by which accurate and reproducible measurements and photographs are obtained on a wide range of patients of all ages and ethnic background affected by strabismus.

Abstract: A waveguide adaptor or transition for interfacing a microwave waveguide to a coplanar transmission line or electronic device is disclosed. The adaptor includes a waveguide section having an integral coplanar transmission line formed in a longitudinal slot in a top wall thereof. A metallic fin is disposed in the waveguide which extends into the slot. The transmission line is coplanar because the edges of the slot on either side of the fin both act as ground planes. A tapered portion of the fin gradually rises from the bottom surface of the waveguide into the slot which acts as an impedance matching structure between the waveguide and the transmission line. Numerous circuit elements can be connected to the transmission line so that the adaptor can be used to fabricate oscillators, amplifiers, filters and other devices. In particular, a Gunn oscillator formed with the adaptor is disclosed.

Abstract: A high protein, shelf-stable, meat-containing snack product is provided which is in the form of a cellular, expanded extrudate which can be dried and flavored to yield nutritional snacks having excellent organoleptic properties. The final snack contains at least about 5% by weight meat (most preferably mechanically deboned poultry meat), and at least about 50% by weight wheat. The invention also comprehends a fabrication method wherein an initial mixture containing at least about 15% by weight meat and at least about 50% by weight wheat flour are mixed and passed through an extruder under time and temperature conditions to yield an expanded, cellular extrudate having the general appearance of a bread stick.

Abstract: An apparatus for distinguishing benign from malignant tumors in ultrasonic images of candidate tissue taken from a patient. A region of interest is located and defined on the ultrasonic image, including substantially all of the candidate tissue and excluding substantially all the normal tissue. The region of interest is digitized, generating an array of pixels intensity values. A first features is generated from the arrays of pixels corresponding to the angular second moment of the pixel intensity values. A second feature is generated from the array of pixels corresponding to the inverse contrast of the pixel intensity values. A third feature is generated from the array of pixels corresponding to the short run emphasis of the pixel intensity values. The first, second and third feature values are provided to a neural network.

Abstract: cDNA encoding the 170 kd subunit of Gal/GalNAc lectin in various strains of E. histolytica is provided. Availability of this cDNA permits the use of diagnostic assays to distinguish pathogenic from nonpathogenic strains based on DNA hybridization, and further permits antisense approaches to interrupting the production of this lectin.

Abstract: The invention provides new 24, 26, and/or 27 homologated vitamin D.sub.2 compounds, such as 26,27-dihomo-1.alpha.-hydroxyvitamin D.sub.2, 26,27-dihomo-1.alpha.-hydroxy-24-epi-vitamin D.sub.2, 26,27-dihomo-1.alpha.,25-dihydroxy-24-epi-vitamin D.sub.2 and certain hydroxy-protected derivatives thereof. The new epi compounds in particular exhibit a distinctive activity pattern comprising high potency in stimulating intestinal calcium transport and little or no activity in inducing bone calcium mobilization or the differentiation of undifferentiated cells in culture, thereby evincing utility in the treatment of diseases characterized by loss of bone mass. In contrast, the natural form exhibits no activity in either mobilizing calcium from bone or stimulating intestinal calcium transport. A process for preparing such compounds is also disclosed.

Abstract: Low porosity titania forms containing only a small amount of hydroxyl groups and possessing a high refractive index which are property stable regardless of humidity level and which prohibit electrical and gas leakage and optical loss, are obtained in a sol-gel process by rapidly heating to curing temperature, e.g. at a rate of 8000.degree. C./min. One application provides more stable, longer-lasting sol-gel prepared optical interference filters. Other applications provide capacitors with high capacitance and optical planar waveguides.

Abstract: A method of producing 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 receptor protein is disclosed. A DNA sequence is transcribed to form an RNA sequence which encodes animal vitamin D receptor. Receptor protein is expressed from the RNA sequence. The RNA sequence contains less than the full 5' and 3' non-translated flanking sequences present in the natural form of the RNA sequence. Receptor protein produced by the above method, expression systems used in the method, and plasmids useful in constructing such expression systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fused strains of Trichoderma spp described herein are useful as biocontrol agents to protect seeds, especially when used in conjunction with solid matrix priming or osmoconditioning.

Abstract: A method is provided to prepare triaryl isocyanurates from aryl isocyanates by using triazaprophosphatrane catalysts.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to substantially pure nucleic acid sequences encoding at least a portion of a dystrophin-associated protein. Deoxyribonucleic acid can be expressed in a DNA expression construct. Protein produced in this manner can be used for a variety of purposes including immunization to produce antibodies. Such DNA expression constructs, and the protein encoded by same, are useful in therapeutic methods to complement a genetic defect which results in muscular dystrophy.

Abstract: Peptides which inhibit the binding of von Willebrand Factor to Factor VIII. Monoclonal antibodies capable of specifically binding to the region of von Willebrand Factor containing the Factor VIII binding domain. Improved methods of preparing Factor VIII.

Abstract: A method is provided to enhance the permeability of the blood-nerve barrier or the blood-brain barrier to neuroactive proteins, comprising glycating said proteins prior to bringing them into contact with said barriers.

Abstract: A scanning confocal microscope (50) capable of providing ultraviolet (UV) excitation. The optical train substantially corrects scanning and focusing errors over the wavelength range that includes UV and visible wavelengths. In a particular embodiment, the lenses (27, 30') in the common path portion of the optical train are corrected for chromatically induced scanning errors while extra lenses (60, 65) are provided in the forward UV path to correct for focusing errors due to longitudinal chromatic (visible/UV) aberration.