Abstract: This invention concerns a monoclonal antibody having binding specificity for an antigenic determinant site on core structural protein from Non-A,Non-B hepatitis virus (NANBV); a hybridoma cell line capable of producing the monoclonal antibody; a process for the preparation of the monoclonal antibody; an immunoassay of NANBV-related antigens by use of the monoclonal antibody; and a test kit for use in the immunoassay. The preferred monoclonal antibody is 5E3, 5F11, 515S or 1080S. The monoclonal antibody can specifically recognize the NANBV core structural protein in sera from patients with Non-A,Non-B hepatitis thereby being served extensively as an antibody in various immunological reagents for definitive diagnosis of Non-A, Non-B hepatitis.

Abstract: Disclosed are a bispecific hybrid MoAb having specificity for both an activated platelet and a substance having thrombolytic activity, and a thrombolytic agent comprising the above bispecific MoAb and a substance having thrombolytic activity immunologically bound thereto, whereby efficient, rapid thrombolysis is possible.

Abstract: An improved valve assembly having a valve housing of cobalt-nickel or cobalt-chromium-tungsten based alloy or of titanium/titanium alloys, a sewing ring component of polyester held to the outer surface of the valve housing a disc accruder tiltably held on suitable supports within the housing, the valve disc being made of modified ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The manufacture of the valve disc and modification of the UHMW-PE takes place simultaneously and comprises cryo machining of a blank of UHMW-PE, solid state compaction, annealing of the compact followed by further cryo machining, annealing and cleaning steps.

Abstract: A uniform thin replica film of a specimen for electron microscopy having a high resolution power such as approximately 1 .ANG. is presented. This uniform thin replica film is directly prepared on the specimen by a plasma polymerization technique by depositing organic monomer vapors on a specimen placed on a negative electrode in a high vacuum atmosphere. The deposition is carried out by applying a discharge voltage of from 0.5 to 3 K.V.D.C. between a pair of positive and negative electrodes for 1 to 15 minutes to effect a glow discharge under the conditions of a current density of the glow discharge of from 0.1 and 2 mA/cm.sup.2 and a gas pressure of from 1 to 10.sup.-2 Torr in the system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the separation of finely divided solid particles dissimilar in size and/or density, such as platelets and other blood cells. The separation of, for instance, platelets is accomplished by subjecting the blood sample to centrifugal force in the chamber while displacing the platelets from the blood sample by injecting a relatively small volume of saline into the centrifugally outer end of the chamber. In the preferred apparatus, the saline is injected into che blood sample by driving the chamber supporting the blood sample into a saline filled cavity under the influence of centrifugal force.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for separating platelets from blood samples by subjecting the blood sample to centrifugal force in the chamber while displacing the platelets from the blood sample by injecting a relatively small volume of saline into the centrifugally outer end of the chamber. In the preferred apparatus, the saline is injected into the blood sample by driving the chamber supporting the blood sample against a saline filled collapsible cavity under the influence of centrifugal force.

Abstract: Aspermatogenesis is achieved in mammalian species without disturbance of libido and hormone level by intratesticular injection of Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin. The procedure is applicable to a wide variety of mammalian species.

Abstract: A vaccine comprising a conjugate of an antigenic carrier with beta sub-unit of human chorionic gonadotropin, or derivatives or fragments thereof, purified by procedures which minimize cross-reactivity with LH, such as immunosorption with heterologous LH antiserum prior to conjugation, and a process for making the vaccine. In addition, a process for preventing pregnancy using said vaccine is described.

Abstract: A fluid flowmeter for measuring the velocity of a fluid flowing along a path. The flowmeter comprises an enclosed housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a liner having an inner wall surface positioned within the housing, the liner being fabricated from a material providing acoustical damping, e.g. polyurethane or rubber foam; and a plurality of acoustic wave transducers secured to the liner in notched portions of the liner inner wall surface. The transducers have inner wall surfaces dimensioned to provide with the inner wall surface of the liner a fluid flow conduit substantially devoid of protuberances and cavities, the transducers being mutually spaced along the fluid flow conduit by predetermined distances. Several embodiments are disclosed which employ both transducers having closed geometry, e.g. an annular or toroidal shape, and transducers having open geometry, e.g. toroidal segmental shape; and which employ different modes of operation, e.g.

Abstract: An improved electromagnetic tactile stimulator is disclosed for preferable use in a matrix array. A plurality of such stimulators are confronted to impart vibratory impulses of varying intensity to the skin of a subject to augment typically lost sensual modality such as sight or sound. Each electromagnetic tactile stimulator is in the form of a solenoid having a magnetically polarized plunger.

Abstract: A pneumotachograph having an improved air flow to pressure differential transducer is disclosed for producing a pressure differential during inspiration and expiration of respirative air to and from a hospital patient. Typically, the air flow to pressure differential transducer is attached to endotracheal tubing between the patient's trachea and the respirator valve. Specifically, the transducer provides the endotracheal tube with an enlarged and typically cylindrical volume having offset air passages communicating to the endotracheal tube. The unit area of the measuring chamber is greater than the unit area of the communicated endotracheal tubing and is typically cylindrical with respect to such tubing. Likewise, the area of the communicated endotracheal tube is preferably less than one quarter the cross-sectional area of the chamber.