Abstract: This invention provides a novel purified TGF-.beta.-binding glycoprotein, endoglin, an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes an amino acid sequence corresponding to the TGF-.beta.-binding glycoprotein, soluble endoglin-derived polypeptide, and fragments thereof. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises the endoglin-derived polypeptide purified by applicants or produced by applicants' recombinant methods and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is further provided as well as methods of treating patients which comprise administering to the patient the pharmaceutical composition of this invention.

Abstract: A prosthetic tooth having an enamel layer which has a zone of substantially constant thickness. This tooth is molded using a dental tooth mold part prepared by imaging a dental pattern of a prosthetic tooth shade layer and/or shader mold part outer surface, and forming the dental pattern in a mold by program directed milling. A family of prosthetic teeth is provided including a first tooth in a first set of teeth having a first overall labial length, and a first back length, and a second tooth in a second set of teeth having a second overall labial length, and a second back length. The invention provides a prosthetic incisor tooth including a tooth body having two generally symmetrical curved grooves between three curved ridges on the labial face of the body at the incisal end of the body. The grooves are deepest at the incisal end and extend substantially from the incisal edge to at least about 15 percent of the overall tooth length.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to conotoxin peptides having 25-35 amino acids, six cysteines which form three disulfide bonds between the first and fourth, second and fifth, and third and sixth cysteines, respectively. The invention is directed to .delta.-conotoxin GmVIA having the formula Val-Lys-Pro-Cys-Arg-Lys-Glu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Cys-Asp-Pro-Ile-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys-Cy s-Arg-Gly-Trp-Asn-Cys-Val-Leu-Phe-Cys-Val (SEQ ID NO:1). This peptide activates sodium channels. The invention is further directed to .mu.O-conotoxin peptides of the generic formula Ala-Cys-Xaa.sub.1 -Lys-Lys-Trp-Glu-Tyr-Cys-Ile-Val-Pro-Ile-Xaa.sub.2 -Gly-Phe-Xaa.sub.3 -Tyr-Cys-Cys-Pro-Gly-Leu-Ile-Cys-Gly-Pro-Phe-Val-Cys-Val, wherein Xaa.sub.1 is Arg or Ser, Xaa.sub.2 is Ile or Leu and Xaa.sub.3 is Ile or Val (SEQ ID NO:2). These peptides block sodium charmels. Examples of .mu.

Abstract: A cosmetic or medical composition for topical application to the skin. It results in the transdermal passage of an active ingredient, or in the introduction of such agent into the skin. The essential components of such compositions are phospholipids, an aliphatic alcohol of three or four carbon atoms or a combination of these alcohols, water and a compatible active ingredient, optionally with propylene glycol. Compositions advantageously comprise from 0.5% to 10% phospholipids, from 5% to 35% of a C.sub.3 - or C.sub.4 -alcohol, 15 to 30% ethanol, which contain together at least 20% but not more than 40 wt. % of ethanol and the C.sub.3 -alcohol; up to 20 wt. % propylene glycol, at least 20% water and at least one active ingredient. The compositions are suitable for the topical application of a wide variety of cosmetic and pharmaceutically active compounds.

Abstract: A filter is provided for a dental device of the type including a hand-held working portion which utilizes air and water and a utility supply portion which supplies air and water to the hand-held working portion through respective air and water conduits therein. The filter comprises a filter body defining an air opening therethrough and a water opening therethrough. The air and water openings are respectively positioned for alignment with corresponding air and water openings of at least one of a hand-held working portion and a utility supply portion. The filter body has a filter medium for filtering air and water passing through the respective air and water openings thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively orienting consecutive fin strips relative to one another as a preliminary step in the manufacture of a heat exchanger includes a sensor for sensing the presence of each of a series of fin strips all having a common orientation relative to one another. The apparatus includes an orienting member which receives signals from the sensor as to the presence of each fin strip and rotates each consecutive fin strips in alternating clockwise and counter-clockwise directions to orient consecutive fin strips 180.degree. relative to each adjacent fin strip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lubricous coating compositions comprising as active material natural or synthetic jojoba oil which is optionally partially or completely hydrogenated and/or isomerized, and a solvent or a dispersing system (an organic liquid in which the jojoba oil is immiscible and dispersing agent(s)). The solvent is water or any organic liquid or a mixture of organic liquids that are capable to dissolve molecularly, at least partly, the jojoba oil. The dispersing system comprises jojoba oil immiscible organic liquid(s) together with dispersing agent(s) that enable homogeneous dispersion of the jojoba oil in it. The composition is preferably used for coating a substrate which is selected among polymers or plastics or naturally occurring macromolecules with high hydrophobicity or with low or medium surface energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to organic molecules capable of modulating tyrosine kinase signal transduction and particularly KDR/FLK-1 receptor signal transduction in order to regulate and/or modulate vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. The invention is based, in part, on the demonstration that KDR/FLK-1 tyrosine kinase receptor expression is associated with endothelial cells and the identification of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as the high affinity ligand of FLK-1. These results indicate a major role for KDR/FLK-1 in the signaling system during vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Engineering of host cells that express FLK-1 and the uses of expressed FLK-1 to evaluate and screen for drugs and analogs of VEGF involved in FLK-1 modulation by either agonist or antagonist activities is also described.

Abstract: A hair drying curler apparatus (10) for curling and drying a lock of hair is disclosed having a tubular roller (11) and a retaining clip (12). The roller has a tubular support (14), a moisture permeable inner cover material (15) joined to a moisture permeable outer cover material (16), and a mass of hair drying expediting material (18) positioned between the inner and outer cover materials. The outer cover material is quilted to form a linear array of generally axially aligned, annular channels (22) containing the expediting material. Similarly, the retaining clip has a support (26), a moisture permeable inner cover material (27) joined to a moisture permeable outer cover material (28), and a mass of hair drying expediting material (30) positioned between the inner and outer cover material. The outer cover material is quilted to form a linear array of arcuate channels (33) containing the expediting material.

Abstract: The invention provides polymerizable dental, compounds, compositions, including the compounds and products for mixing the compositions and methods of using the compositions. Aryl acid compounds are provided in accordance with the invention. The compositions include at least one polymerizable aryl acid compound, an effective amount of a polymerization initiator, and at least 10 percent by weight of ceramic, metal and/or metal oxide filler particles having a particle size less than 500 microns. The dental products of the invention include a polymerizable composition in an enclosure having at least two chambers separated by a wall adapted to be ruptured prior to or during mixing of the composition. Compositions of the invention are preferred for use in these enclosures. Core build up material including a polymerizable acid containing compound is used to support dental crowns and adhere them to teeth in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: An air compressed gun (10) is provided having a stock (11), a barrel (12), a trigger (13) and a manual air pump (14). The gun also has a magazine (18) having a series of barrels (26) for holding several projectiles (P). An actuator (50) indexes the magazine with each shot of the gun and automatically controls bursts of pressurized air. The magazine has a mounting plate (25) with two concentric annular arrays of opening (28). A sealing plate (38) is configured to seal one opening with each sequential indexing of the magazine.

Abstract: Concentric conduits are supplied for the purpose of minimizing heat transfer from within the inner conduit through the outer conduit. The air gap or annulus around the inner conduit is filled with a resin mixture which is mixed with vermiculite and mineral fiber to form a slurry. The slurry is pumped into an open end of the annulus to fill the annulus and enhance the heat insulation characteristics of the concentric conduits.

Abstract: A device (10) for positioning the location of an emitted x-ray (1 2a) has an optical mirror (20) having at least two leg portions (31, 32) separated by stepped portion (30) formed therewith. Leg portions (31, 32) and stepped portion (30) have substantially uniform x-ray transmisivity. A light emitting assembly (21) for transmitting a locating beam of light (14) onto the stepped portion (30). The device also includes mounting means (13, 22) for mounting the optical mirror (20) proximate to the x-ray emitting device (11) and completely encompassing the emitted x-ray (12a). The locating beam of light (14) is caused to be directed toward the target (15) by the angle of the mirror (20).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for classifying (indexing) cDNA which has been reverse-transcribed from tissue- or cell-derived RNA, or DNA in a short period without duplication by using class-IIS restriction enzymes or a combination of a class-IIS and a class-II restriction enzymes. According to this invention, it is possible to analyse and diagnose variations such as tumors easily, correctly and promptly by comparing the analyzed pattern of genes expressed in a cell or tissue sample with the analyzed pattern of normal genes. This method is also applicable to the search and isolation of genes of physiologically active substances that are potential pharmaceuticals or causative genes of hereditary diseases, as well as the isolation of those genes that are useful for improving agricultural products.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation which is adapted particularly for transdermal administration, and which comprises an aqueous emulsion or dispersion including, in addition to the aqueous phase, at least ingredients (a) and (b) of ingredients (a), (b) and (c): (a) as active ingredient, at least one therapeutically active protein or polypeptide; (b) at least one pharmaceutically acceptable emulsifier; (c) an oil phase comprising or consisting essentially of at least one ester of an aliphatic hydroxy compound containing 1-12 carbon atoms and 1-4 alcoholic hydroxy groups with an aliphatic carboxylic acid containing 8-24 carbon atoms and 1-3 carboxylic acid groups; provided that the therapeutic activity of the active ingredient in the formulation is such that the presence or the therapeutic effect of the active ingredient is detectable in the bloodstream within less than two hours after commencing transdermal administration, and further provided that when the active ingredient comprises insulin, the insulin is subject

Abstract: The invention provides a dry, disposable, polymeric product having sustained-release anti-microbial activity, the product consisting essentially of a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of fibers, fabrics, sheets, films and other stable woven, non-woven and knitted materials prepared from natural, man-made and synthetic polymers and an amine salt anti-microbial agent, the anti-microbial agent being incorporated in the polymeric material without an intermediary adhesive, carrier or linking agent and being releasable therefrom in anti-microbially effective amounts for a period of at least three days upon the product being brought into contact with a moist surface.

Abstract: A handholdable massager having a combination massaging and dual function two speed actuator pad is disclosed which provides both automatic and manual modes of operation enabling a user to enjoy either a hands-free or user-applied massage to almost any body part at user-selectable speeds. The combination massaging and actuator pad, mounted in the presently preferred embodiment for rotation and translation with a handholdable housing body, both vibrates as well as provides the control action to select the manual and the automatic modes of operation at different speeds, simply by rotating and translating it about its axis of rotation. An actuation mechanism having two (2) switches and actuator cams integrally formed with the combination massaging and actuator pad cooperate in the presently preferred embodiment to provide user-selection of the mode and of the speed of operation.

Abstract: When a Si single crystal 8 is pulled up from a melt 6 received in a crucible 2, the state of eddy flows generated in the melt 6 is judged from the temperature distribution of the melt at the surface. According to the result of judgement, the gas, i.e. N.sub.2, Xe or Kr, which causes extraoridnary deviation in the density of a melt 6 is added to an atmospheric gas, so as to keep the eddy flows under unstabilized condition. The effect of said gas is typical in the case of crystal growth from the melt to which a dopant such as Ca, Sb, Al, As or In having the effect to suppress the extraordinary deviation in the density is added. Since the single crystal is pulled up from the melt held in the temperature-controlled condition at the surface, impurity distribution and oxygen distribution are made uniform along the direction of crystal growth. A single crystal obtained in this way has highly-stabilized quality.

Abstract: An air compressed gun (10) is provided having a stock (11), a barrel (12), a pressure chamber (16), a pressure actuatable release valve (18) and a manual air pump (14). The pump has an elongated cylinder (25) having a port (38) in fluid communication with the release valve, and a plunger (26) telescopically mounted for reciprocal movement within the cylinder. The plunger has an O-ring type seal (31). The forward movement of the plunger seal towards the port pressurizes air within the cylinder which is transferred to the release valve and pressure chamber. The continued movement of the plunger seal past the port causes a portion of the pressurized air to be released so as to actuate the pressure actuatable release valve to release the pressurized air within the pressure chamber into the barrel.