Abstract: Novel isolated DNA sequences associated with the lignin biosynthetic pathway are provided, together with DNA constructs including such sequences. Methods for the modulation of lignin content in plants are also disclosed, the methods comprising incorporating one or more of the inventive DNA sequences or a sequence complementary to an inventive DNA sequence into the genome of a plant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel chimeric proliferation receptor proteins and DNA sequences encoding these proteins where the chimeric proteins are characterized in three general categories. In one category, the novel chimeric proteins comprise at least three domains, namely, an extracellular inducer-responsive clustering domain capable of binding an extracellular inducer that transmits a signal to a proliferation signaling domain, a transmembrane domain and a proliferation signaling domain that signals a host cell to divide. In the second category, the novel chimeric proteins comprise at least two domains, namely, an intracellular inducer-responsive clustering domain capable of binding an intracellular inducer and a proliferation signaling domain that signals the cell to divide.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel retroviral packaging system, in which retroviral packaging constructs and packagable vector transcripts are produced from high expression plasmids by transfection in human cells. High titers of recombinant retrovirus are produced in infected cells. The methods of the invention include the use of the novel retroviral constructs to transduce primary human cells, including T cells and bone marrow stem cells, with foreign genes by cocultivation at high efficiencies. The invention is useful for the rapid production of high viral supernatants, and to transduce with high efficiency cells that are refractory to transduction by conventional means.

Abstract: A network call center hosted by a network service provider has equipment and software for providing call center services to customers of the network service provider. In a preferred embodiment internal connection points in a telephony switching apparatus at the network call center are provided and assigned to agents of customer call centers. The connection points are characterized in that a remote agent, dialing one of the connection points, is connected to the network call center until the agent intentionally disconnects. The network center tracks remote agents by the fact of connection, and provides call center services to groups of agents associated with the remote call centers. Different services may be provided to different remote call centers, and the network center tracks activities and bills the local call centers.

Abstract: A compound stent is disclosed, which includes a cylindrical member having first and second extremities and having a wall defining a central bore having a longitudinal axis and extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity, the cylindrical member having first and second end segments and an intermediate segment adjoining the first and second end segments, the first and second end segments being formed of slotted metal and being movable between contracted and expanded conditions, the intermediate segment being formed of a braided material to impart greater flexibility to the stent along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system for incorporating a remote home agent in a call center is accomplished by the home agent dialing a telephony switch and the telephony switch terminating the home agent's incoming call to a first station side port of the telephony switch. This action provides a continuing connection between the telephony switch and the home agent until the home agent disconnects. Incoming calls selected to go to the home agent may then be switched to the established connection. In one embodiment a physical connection is established between the first station side port to which the home agent is first connected, and a second station side port. Incoming calls selected to go to the home agent are then connected to the second station side port, which is connected to the fist station side port.

Abstract: Fine particle coal is beneficiated in specially designed dense medium cyclones to improve particle acceleration and enhance separation efficiency. Raw coal feed is first sized to remove fine coal particles. The coarse fraction is then separated into clean coal, middlings, and refuse. Middlings are comminuted for beneficiation with the fine fraction. The fine fraction is deslimed in a countercurrent cyclone circuit and then separated as multiple fractions of different size specifications in dense medium cyclones. The dense medium contains ultra-fine magnetite particles of a narrow size distribution which aid separation and improves magnetite recovery. Magnetite is recovered from each separated fraction independently, with non-magnetic effluent water from one fraction diluting feed to a smaller-size fraction, and improving both overall coal and magnetite recovery.

Abstract: A composite structure comprising a body having a surface. Cladding covers at least a part of the surface. The body and the cladding are formed of different materials, at least one of which is a shape memory alloy having a recoverable strain in excess of 1.0%.

Abstract: A system for routing electronic mails to one of a plurality of support persons in a processing center is disclosed. Each person has a skill set that is suitable for responding to a certain type of e-mails. The system comprises an e-mail server for receiving the e-mail from a sender, an information extractor for extracting relevant information from the e-mail, and a router for routing the e-mail. The system contains a database for storing information related to all persons who can answer e-mails. The system also contains a server for storing the history of all activities in the system. The router can make routing decisions based on the information stored in the database and the server.

Abstract: In addition to microwave and excitation light, bias light as well is irradiated upon a surface of a semiconductor sample that is passivated using a solution which contains an electrolyte. Irradiation of the bias light increases the quantity of ionic substances that exist in the solution, largely changes a surface potential of the semiconductor sample, and suppresses surface recombination. This makes it possible to measure the lifetime of carriers which exist within the semiconductor sample at a high accuracy, without influenced by surface recombination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel chimeric proliferation receptor proteins and DNA sequences encoding these proteins where the chimeric proteins are characterized in three general categories. In one category, the novel chimeric proteins comprise at least three domains, namely, an extracellular inducer-responsive clustering domain capable of binding an extracellular inducer that transmits a signal to a proliferation signaling domain, a transmembrane domain and a proliferation signaling domain that signals a host cell to divide. In the second category, the novel chimeric proteins comprise at least two domains, namely, an intracellular inducer-responsive clustering domain capable of binding an intracellular inducer and a proliferation signaling domain that signals the cell to divide.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for purification and compression of raw landfill gas stream in a landfill to produce vehicle grade fuel. After the landfill gas stream is extracted and collected, all solids and significant moisture are removed in a pretreatment system prior to compression of the gas stream. The gas stream is then compressed to enhance the function of a membrane purification system. Additional moisture and compressor oil are removed. The gas stream is then heated to maintain any remaining moisture in vapor form. Volatile organic compounds and the balance of the compressor oil are removed from the gas stream by passing the gas stream across an activated carbon guard bed system. The resultant gas stream is fed to a multi-stage membrane system which separates the methane from the other constituents of the landfill gas stream including any remaining moisture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel chimeric co-stimulatory receptor proteins and DNA sequences encoding these proteins. The chimeric receptors comprise at least three domains in a single chain molecule: an extracellular ligand binding domain, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic co-stimulatory effector function signaling domain that acts synergistically with an effector function signal in the host cell. Novel hybrid co-stimulatory receptor proteins include a second cytoplasmic effector function signaling domain. The invention further relates to expression cassettes containing the nucleic acids encoding the novel chimeric receptors, to host cells expressing the novel chimeric receptors and to methods of using the receptors to co-stimulate effector functions in the cells and for using cells expressing the receptors for treatment of cancer, disease and viral infections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of marking livestock, objects and surfaces comprising:selecting a marker cartridge containing a marking means of a selected type, colour or design;securely engaging the marker cartridge into a marker cartridge receiver;attaching the cartridge receiver to a user's wrist with a strap; andmarking livestock, objects and surfaces with the selected marking means in the marker cartridge.

Abstract: A reciprocating table assembly includes a frame, a table, and a bearing assembly for rotatably mounting the table to the frame. A cylinder assembly rotates the table at a pivot point by extending and retracting a piston rod from the cylinder. Three sensors sense which position the table is in its rotational path and signal the piston rod to either extend or contract at the appropriate time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel chimeric co-stimulatory receptor proteins and DNA sequences encoding these proteins. The chimeric receptors comprise at least three domains in a single chain molecule: an extracellular ligand binding domain, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic co-stimulatory effector function signaling domain that acts synergistically with an effector function signal in the host cell. Novel hybrid co-stimulatory receptor proteins include a second cytoplasmic effector function signaling domain. The invention further relates to expression cassettes containing the nucleic acids encoding the novel chimeric receptors, to host cells expressing the novel chimeric receptors and to methods of using the receptors to co-stimulate effector functions in the cells and for using cells expressing the receptors for treatment of cancer, disease and viral infections.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel retroviral packaging system, in which retroviral packaging constructs and packagable vector transcripts are produced from high expression plasmids by transfection in human cells. High titers of recombinant retrovirus are produced in infected cells. The methods of the invention include the use of the novel retroviral constructs to transduce primary human cells, including T cells and human hematopoietic stem cells, with foreign genes by cocultivation at high efficiencies. The invention is useful for the rapid production of high viral supernatants, and to transduce with high efficiency cells that are refractory to transduction by conventional means.

Abstract: Novel regimens are provided for administering foreign genetically modified allogeneic cells to a host by combining the administration of the cells with a reduced regimen of an immunosuppressive agent. Particularly, cells having a reduced level of Class I MHC antigens may be employed in a variety of cellular therapy situations, where foreign cells are engrafted to treat diseased states.