Abstract: The antitope of an antibody is masked with a masking agent, followed by immobilization on a support. The masking agent is then eluted to produce an improved immunosorbent, which is capable of binding more than double the amount of an antigen than existing immunosorbents having the same antibody bound at the same density. Preferably, the masking agent is an antigen or other compound having an epitope for which the antitope of the bound antibody has an avidity. In a preferred embodiment, greater than 30% of the bound antibodies maintain the same vicinity as when unbound for specific antigen or hapten molecules. Preferably, the support is formed of any conventional immunosorbent support material which allows the bound and unbound antibody to maintain an avidity for the same compounds or antigens.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the production of poly-.beta.-hydroxyalkanoate copolymer comprising the steps of (a) introducing into a prokaryotic host cell a vector construct which directs the expression of a sequence which encodes a poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate biosynthetic pathway, (b) introducing into the host cell a vector construct which directs the expression of one or more proteins which regulate acetate and propionate metabolism, (c) culturing the host cell in medium containing propionate or a derivative thereof, and (d) isolating poly-.beta.-hydroxyalkanoate copolymer from the cultured host cell.

Abstract: Chitosan support material is crosslinked using a heat-induced, amidification reaction in non-aqueous solvent. Crosslinking is achieved by the use of dicarboxylic acids which form amide bonds with chitosan. The type and degree of crosslinking can be controlled to tailor mechanical strength, solubility, and functionality, of the resulting chitosan support material. Quaternization and/or cyclodextrin-modification functionalization of the chitosan beads can also be effected in addition to the crosslinking to produce separation materials with great versatility and utility. The invention is applicable to chitosan support materials of various solids contents and geometrical shapes such as beads, fibers, films, and adhesive coatings.

Abstract: A method of using allosteric hemoglobin modifier compounds which promote the release of oxygen to improve delivery of oxygen from the mother to the fetus and the release of oxygen to tissues from fetal hemoglobin in treatment of maternal and fetal related syndromes.

Abstract: UV absorbing glass is prepared by mixing ultrafine colloidal cerium oxide with glass-forming substances during the fabrication of the glass. An aqueous colloidal dispersion containing 1-20 weight percent 10-20 nm cerium oxide particles, optionally including a binder, is admixed with silica sand, and the sand is dried, melted and cooled to give a relatively clear UV absorbing glass containing 0.3-2 weight percent cerium oxide.

Abstract: Complex protein walled microcapsules (40) incorporate lipid-walled microcapsules (48) that include constituents to be retained in the presence of hydration such as water soluble vitamins and minerals. The protein walled microcapsules (40) are cross-linked, and include constituents (46) that are excluded from the lipid-walled microcapsules (48) and which are leachable from the protein walled microcapsules upon hydration. Other constituents (42 and 44), such as high molecular weight compounds and particulates may also be included in the protein walled microcapsules (40). Preferably, these other constituents (42 and 44) are chosen to be retained within the protein-walled microcapsules (40) upon hydration.

Abstract: Methods and kits for detecting the presence of and quantifying the concentration of viable microorganisms in a liquid sample are provided. Enzymes present in viable microorgansims reduce an indicator reagent to produce a visible color change. No titrations or dilutions of the sample are necessary. Variations of the test are described which can be used to detect a threshold level of viable microorganisms, to detect the presence or absence of viable microorganisms and to quantify the concentration of viable microorganisms in a liquid sample. The results are obtained rapidly with those for the detection available within thirty minutes and those for the quantification available within thirteen hours.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for attenuation of nervous system damage after injury which comprises administering therapeutic amounts of PREG, PREG-S, or esters of PREG or PREG-S together with an enhancer of secretory processes in non-neural cells such as a bacterial lipopolysaccharide and a non-steroidal antiinflammatory substance such as indomethacin.

Abstract: A family of compounds has been found to be useful for right-shifting hemoglobin towards a low oxygen affinity state. The effect has particular application in radiation oncology applications. The compounds are capable of acting on hemoglobin in whole blood.

Abstract: A portable or implantable gastric pacemaker includes multiple electrodes that are positionable on the inner or outer surface of an organ in the gastro-intestinal tract and which are individually programmed to deliver a phased electrical stimulation to pace peristaltic movement of material through the GI tract. The pacemaker will accommodate variations in pulse amplitudes, pulse durations, pulse periods, and relative pulse phasing among the electrodes. Computer control can be used to adjust and vary all stimulation parameters delivered by the electrodes to achieve effective treatment and re-training of an organ for natural pacing. The pacemaker can be programmed with parameters to enhance or accelerate peristaltic movement through the gastric tract or to attenuate the peristaltic movement to treat such conditions eating disorders or diarrhea.

Abstract: A family of compounds has been found to be useful for right-shifting hemoglobin towards a low oxygen affinity state. The effect has particular application in a wide variety of treatments including hypoxia, hypothermia, ischemia, stroke, ARDS, COPD, surgical blood loss, acute nonvolemic hemodilutions, wounds, diabetic ulcers, chronic leg ulcers, pressure sores, tissue transplants, and sepsis. The compounds are capable of acting on hemoglobin in whole blood.

Abstract: Two amino acid sequences are joined together using an electron acceptor moiety and a linking moiety, such as a chelating agent. In particular, an amino acid sequence specific for binding to a material interest is linked to an enzyme which acts on an indicator, such as a colorimetric, phosphometric, fluorometric or chemiluminescent substrate. The linking composition is useful in immunoassays.

Abstract: A power drive/steer attachment for a wheelchair having a framework supporting a plurality of front and rear wheels and a seat for accommodating an operator, is adapted for use with a motive source and includes a frame for attachment to and detachment from the framework of the wheelchair, a ground engaging mechanism, coupled to an end of a column, for driving the wheelchair by frictionally contacting a ground surface, a mechanism for driving the ground engaging means, and a mechanism, coupled to the second end of the frame, for controlling the driving mechanism and for steering the ground engaging mechanism to thereby steer the wheelchair.

Abstract: Neolignan derivative compounds of the 2,4-diaryl-1,3-dithiolane and futoenone variety exhibit both PAF and 5-lipoxygenase antagonist activity.

Abstract: A boost rectifier is provided with an ultra high speed diode in its direct current rail to reduce diode reverse recovery loss with or without implementing a soft switching technique. Full zero-voltage-transition (ZVT) as well as zero-current-transition (ZCT) may also be achieved by adding a simple auxiliary network across the DC rail which operates only during the short turn-on transients of the bridge switches. Similarly, a simple, inexpensive auxiliary circuit can be added to the DC rail of a conventional voltage source inverter shown to implement both ZVT and ZCT.

Abstract: Maleated polyolefins such as maleated polypropylene, maleated polyethylene, and the like can be used as compatibilizing agents for producing a polymer alloy of polyolefins, such as polypropylene, and liquid crystal polymers. The polymer alloys have improved stiffness, strength, and surface appearance characteristics.

Abstract: Chemical compounds which interact inside the central water cavity of hemoglobin and bridge between the two .alpha. subunits can be used to allosterically modify hemoglobin towards tense and relaxed states. The functional groups employed are aldehydes and carboxylic acids, wherein the aldehydes form covalent bonds (schiff base) with amino acid residues of hemoglobin and the carboxylic acids form ionic bonds with amino acid residues of hemoglobin. Particularly useful compounds within the practice of this invention bond to the n-terminal valine of one .alpha. subunit of hemoglobin, and the lysine 99 and/or arginine 141 of the other .alpha. subunit.

Abstract: A family of compounds has been found to be useful for right-shifting hemoglobin towards a low oxygen affinity state. The compounds are capable of acting on hemoglobin in whole blood. In addition, the compounds can maintain the oxygen affinity in blood during storage and can restore the oxygen affinity of outdated blood.

Abstract: An improved zero voltage transition (ZVT) pulse width modulation (PWM) link converter is provided which introduces a space vector modulation scheme and an auxiliary circuit which includes a commutation power supply or special switch arrangement used to discharge resonant inductor currents to zero and to recover commutation energy. In an alternate embodiment, an improved ZVT PWM link converter provides an auxiliary switch for each main switch in the converter to achieve ZVT. The novel ZVT converters provide zero-voltage switching without increasing switching action of the main switches. In this way, the advantages of PWM control is maintained. Conduction loss, turn-off losses, and voltage stress of the main switches are the same as in conventional PWM converters, but the dominant turn-on losses are eliminated, so total power losses are minimized.

Abstract: Aluminum and aluminum alloys are protected from corrosion by immersion in an alkaline lithium or alkaline magnesium salt solution. Immersion in the salt solution causes the formation of a protective film on the surface of the aluminum or aluminum alloy which includes hydrotalcite compounds. A post film formation heat treatment significantly improves the corrosion resistance of the protective film.