Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer membrane comprising the steps of: a) mixing a polymer selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid and polylactide-co-glycolide with a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant; b) emulsifying an hemoglobin solution in the mixed solution of step a) to form particles of polymer membrane containing hemoglobin; c) solidifying the particles of step b) by adding cyclohexane; d) separating the solidified particles of step c) by centrifugation; and e) suspending the particles of step d) in a saline solution. In addition another approach uses alcohol-acetone. The biocompatible and biodegradable polymer membrane in accordance with the present invention contains from about 25 to 35% by weight of hemoglobin and has an average diameter from about 0.07 to 1.1.mu., preferably a submicron diameter of less than 0.2.mu..

Abstract: A method of screening human tissue for the presence of neoplastic cells, by determining the activity of PKR, P58 of anti-P58 in test cells being screened, and identifying candidate neoplastic cells on the basis of subnormal PKR, P58, or anti-P58 activity. The activities may be determined directly by measuring protein kinase activity or its equivalent, or measured indirectly, by detecting functional mutations in the various proteins. Also disclosed are assay kits for carrying out the screening method.

Abstract: A combination patient transporter and chair, comprising a base frame extending in a horizontal plane and having a front and rear portion. Wheels are mounted on the base, and a vertically adjustable first post is rigidly connected to the base frame, spaced from the rear portion and near the front portion. The first post includes mounting means spaced vertically from the base frame. A removable chair is provided having a backrest. The mounting means includes cantilevered connecting members mounting the chair in a cantilevered manner from the first post towards and over the rear portion. A vertically adjustable footrest means is provided over the base and is adjustable between an upper position and a lower position. A table platform is spaced forwardly and above the chair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA expression vector comprising a T.alpha.1 .alpha.-tubulin promoter operatively linked upstream to a marker gene sequence relative to the direction of transcription in a eukaryotic expression vector adapted to be introduced into a mammal, or ancestor of the mammal at an embryonic stage and said promoter is controlling transcription of the marker gene. The present invention also relates to a method for testing material suspected of promoting neurogenesis and neuronal growth which comprises exposing a transgenic mammal according to the present invention said material and detecting said expressed marker gene as an indication of neurogenesis and neuronal growth.

Abstract: The invention encompasses tumorigenicity-inhibiting antisense oligonucleotide sequences complementary to mRNA or double-stranded DNA that encodes mammalian DNA methyl transferase. It further encompasses methods for inhibiting tumorigenicity and pharmaceutical composition comprises the tumorigenicity-inhibiting antisense nucleotide.

Abstract: Expression vector adapted for expression of cloned genes in an animal cell comprising a steroid responsive promoter, the promoter consisting essentially of a plurality of glucocorticoid response elements (GREs), a TATA box, and an initiator element containing a transcriptional initiator site located from 20 to 50 bases from the TATA box, the promoter lacking upstream elements which bind nuclear factor I, and the vector further comprising a restriction endonuclease site downstream from the promoter for insertion of DNA to be expressed from the promoter, wherein the DNA is expressed from the vector in an animal cell.

Abstract: A liquid composition comprising a transforming growth factor .beta. (TGF-.beta.) in a liquid carrier which gels at about 37.degree. C., promotes osseointegration of an implant in bone, when introduced into a bore in the bone, prior to insertion of the implant in the bone; a method of placing an implant in bone comprises injecting said liquid composition into a bore in the bone prior to insertion of the implant in the bore, the TGF-.beta. being present in the liquid composition in a concentration effective in an interspace between an inner surface of the bore and an outer surface of the implant, to promote osseointegration.

Abstract: In analysis systems which employ discrete nebulized samples which are developed in a sample chamber, potentially interfering residual traces of the sample are removed in a wash-out, prior to development of a subsequent nebulized sample for analysis, in a considerably shorter time than previously possible by directing a jet of flushing gas through the chamber against the face of the nebulizer, preferably a jet of wash liquid is also directed against the nebulizer, before, after or concurrently with the jet of flushing gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ruminant immortalized mammary epithelial cell line which has normal physiological responses in that it produces milk constituents which comprises .alpha. and .beta.-casein and lactose. There is provided, using the cell line of the present invention a method in vitro studying lactation. There is provided a method of in vitro screening for gene expression of DNA constructs for transgenic ruminant animals. The cell line can be further used in a method for expressing foreign genes. One cell line of the present invention has been deposited at the ATCC under the accession number CRL10274.

Abstract: A copulsation and counterpulsation cardiac assist device, wherein the copulsation means includes an extra ventricular cup having and expansible envelope for compressing the heart during systole, and the counterpulsation means comprises a peri-aortic jacket including a fluid expansible balloon for compressing a portion of the aorta during diastole. Belows are provided to be activated by the latissimus dorsi muscles respectively for alternating the supply of fluid pressure to the copulsation device and the counterpulsation device. A heart sensor senses the heart rate, and a pulse train device activates each of the muscles in alternate fashion to contract the respective muscles for producing the required alternating fluid pressure flow.

Abstract: In general, the invention features a method for producing human alpha-fetoprotein in prokaryctic cells. The method includes: providing a transformed prokaryotic cell including a recombinant DNA molecule encoding human alpha-fetoprotein operably linked to sequence elements capable of directing expression of alpha-fetoprotein, and permitting the transformed cell to express human alpha-fetoprotein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing method for enhancing the digitised optical image section of a (e.g. substantially transparent biological) specimen and in a particular aspect the boundary outline of a specimen in such an image section thereof. In accordance with the invention a Nomarski image section is smoothed and a gradient of image pixel intensity determined for each pixel thereof. Thereafter each pixel of the smoothed Nomarski image which has an intensity gradient within a reference range is set to zero intensity so as to provide a processed image section.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a novel bioherbicide and its use to control fireweed, a troublesome competitor of tree seedlings in reforestation areas. More specifically, the invention is concerned with Colletotrichum dematium ATCC No. 20981, and its use to control fireweed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bovine immortalized mammary epithelial cell line which has normal physiological responses in that it produces milk constituents which comprises .alpha.- and .beta.-casein and lactose. There is provided, using the cell line of the present invention a method of `in vitro` studying lactation. There is provided a method of `in vitro` screening for gene expression of DNA constructs for transgenic cows, since the cell line of the present invention is a bovine one. The cell line can be further used in a method for indefinitely expressing foreign genes. The cell line of the present invention has been deposited at the ATCC under the accession number CRL 10274.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and processes for controlling velvetleaf. These compositions comprise synergistic compositions of a Colletotrichum coccodes and chemical herbicides. Use of the synergistic compositions of the subject invention enhances the value of the Colletotrichum coccodes by reducing the amount of herbicide needed and by extending the range of environmental conditions in which the Colletotrichum coccodes will function.

Abstract: A protein comprising at least a first functional site having the ability to bind the cap structure of mRNA and a second functional site having the ability to bind a solid support matrix in such a manner as to allow the first functional site to be immobilized and still remain functionally accessible to interact with the cap structure of mRNA. Also within the scope of the present invention is a method for generating a cDNA library mostly containing full-length cDNAs. The method comprises the incubation of a mixture comprising mRNA:cDNA hybrids with 1) a single strand RNA specific nuclease and 2) the above-mentioned protein. The resulting mixture is then passed through a column comprising a support matrix having the ability to bind the second functional site of the above-mentioned protein in order to selectively bind complete mRNA:cDNA hybrids. The mRNA:cDNA hybrids are then competitively eluted with a cap analog and full-length cDNA strands are separated and recovered.

Abstract: A method for the biological control of field bindweed using a fungus Phomopsis convolvulus Ormeno. This fungus is a newly described pathogen, which produces foliar lesions in the field bindweed, and is the first fungal pathogen that can control field bindweed present among agricultural crops.

Abstract: A paper web is dried on a paper-making machine in two stages with the downstream stage being a superheated steam impingement dryer and the upstream stage being a conventional hollow cylinder dryer, whereby the exhaust steam from the superheated steam dryer has a major portion thereof recirculated and reheated in the superheated steam dryer, and the remaining portion of the exhaust steam is cooled and compressed to saturated steam and passed to the conventional dryer in the upstream dryer stage and enters the hollow cylinders to heat the hollow cylinders and thereby heat the paper passing over the other surface of the hollow cylinders.

Abstract: Rhodium is recovered from an aqueous precious metal solution by first contacting the solution with stannous chloride at a Sn:Rh molar ratio of at least 2:1 to produce activated Rh solution; solvent extracting rhodium from the activated solution with an organic extractant to produce an organic phase containing Rh; the Rh can be recovered from the organic phases by burning-off the organic, precipitating Rh by reduction or stripping with a stripping agent and recovering Rh from an Rh-loaded stripping agent; the method produces high yields of Rh in short periods as compared with time consuming prior procedures.

Abstract: A Nordic-type strawberry variety named "Chambly" combines the characteristics of cold-hardiness, adaptability to various soil conditions, vigor and strength, absence of suckering and its high yield of firm, deep red fruit with raised neck, elevated calyx and uniform well-colored flesh. Chambly yields strawberries characterized by an excellent taste (slightly sugary), a very fresh appearance and appealing texture, with a real strawberry aroma and no noticeable aftertaste.