Abstract: The present invention discloses a peptide of SEQ ID NO:2 and its variants that blocks stretch-activated ion channels. The peptide, designated as GsMTx-4, is present in the venom of the spider Grammostola spatulata. The present invention also discloses a method of purifying the peptide GsMTx-4 from the spider venom and a method for inhibition of stretch activated ion channels in a cell. The cDNA sequence encoding the GsMTx-4 is also disclosed. This peptide and its variants can be used for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for monitoring the reaction kinetics of the biodegradable polymers, and the surface concentration of a drug in a polymer blend matrix. Detailed information on surface concentration, degradation rates, degradation kinetics and mechanism, is provided by using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF SIMS) measurements. Also provided is a method for determining oligomers in hydrolyzed biodegradable polymers.

Abstract: An energy dissipation apparatus for installation in structural frames to mitigate seismic effects comprises a scissor-jack system of braces with an energy dissipation device such as a viscous, viscoelastic, or hysteretic damper, or an active or semi-active device, connected between opposing pivot joints of the scissor-scissor jack system. The scissor jack system magnifies displacement so that energy is dissipated more effectively by the damper. Open bay, diagonal, and alternative installation arrangements with respect a structural frame are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mesoporous carbon material in the form of filaments having a high surface area. A process is also provided to produce mesoporous carbon material of high surface area. The process comprises drying a carbon material, surface oxidizing the dried material, stabilizing the surface oxidized material, and activating the stabilized material to produce a highly activated, mesoporous material.

Abstract: A device capable of providing non-invasive, accurate estimates of central venous pressure. This diagnostic device is particularly useful with patients suffering from cardiac disease.

Abstract: An annular furnace capable of delivering precise temperature control. The furnace may also take the form of a toroid. The furnace may be employed in the heat treatment of many types of material including superconducting tape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particulate carbon complex made from a porous, particulate carbon substrate and a plurality of carbon filaments each having a first end attached to the porous, particulate carbon substrate and a second end distal from substrate. The complex is capable of transferring electrical current at a density of 350 to 10,000 mA/cm.sup.2 for a Fe.sup.+2 /Fe.sup.+3 oxidation/reduction electrochemical reaction couple carried out in an aqueous electrolyte solution containing 6 mM potassium ferrocyanide and 1M potassium nitrate. The complex is prepared by providing a porous, particulate carbon substrate with impregnated metal catalyst and contacting the substrate with a gaseous carbonaceous material under conditions effective to form a plurality of carbon filaments on the substrate. Generally, the complex includes particles of metal catalyst material at the end of the filaments distal from the substrate.

Abstract: A superconductive fullerene and a process for making such superconductive fullerene are provided. The process involves contacting a quantity of fullerene with the vapor of an interhalogen compound such as ICl. The halogen doped fullerenes exhibited a transition temperature above 60 K.

Abstract: A binder for binding reinforcement materials is provided in which an aluminum and/or Group IIa-containing compound is combined, in a liquid, with a phosphorus-containing compound wherein said binder has a ratio of phosphorus to aluminum and/or Group IIa ions of 14 to 34, preferably 20 to 30. The binder is useful in binding reinforcement materials, particularly suited for preparing preforms for making metal matrix composite materials.

Abstract: A neural network provides both linearly separable and non-linearly separable logic operations, including the exclusive-or operation, on input signals in a single layer of circuits. The circuit weights the input signals with complex weights by multiplication and addition, and provides weighted signals to a neuron circuit (a neuron body or some a) which provides an output corresponding to the desired logical operation.

Abstract: A system for recognizing handwritten words of cursive script by extracting temporal information from static text is described. The temporal information consists of the shape, location and temporal sequence of the segments, or "primitives", constituting the word and is translated from bit maps images of the words into digital information format. By comparing the digital information with formatted digital information for a plurality of known words, as may be stored in computer memory, a list of words having a relatively high probability of matching the static text is generated, and used for word recognition by a process of selecting the most likely match.

Abstract: A method for preselecting a nucleic acid sequence of interest is provided. The method comprises immobilizing an affinity molecule to a solid support matrix, wherein the affinity molecule is specific for a hapten or target molecule; hybridization of a "hook" comprised of either an oligonucleotide (complementary to the sequence of interest) labeled with a hapten or target molecule to the target recombinant vector containing the nucleic acid sequence of interest; capturing of the vector-hook via the hapten or target molecule by the respective immobilized affinity molecule for which it has binding specificity; liberating the captured vector DNA by enzymatic digestion of either the hook, or of the immobilized affinity molecule; and adding and incubating competent host cells to promote the introduction of recombinant vector DNA into the competent host cells.

Abstract: A method for inducing periodontal regeneration including soft tissue, cementum, and bone regeneration, resulting in a type of healing characteristic of the anatomy and architecture of the undiseased tissue, comprising treating the surface of the damaged root with a demineralizing agent, and then applying a growth factor directly to the treated bone surface.

Abstract: A superconductive fullerene and a process for making such superconductive fullerene are provided. The process involves contacting-a quantity of fullerene with the vapor of an interhalogen compound such as ICl. The halogen doped fullerenes exhibited a transition temperature above 60 K.

Abstract: A neural network provides both linearly separable and non-linearly separable logic operations, including the exclusive-or operation, on input signals in a single layer of circuits. The circuit weights the input signals with complex weights by multiplication and addition, and provides weighted signals to a neuron circuit (a neuron body or soma) which provides an output corresponding to the desired logical operation.

Abstract: A system (method and apparatus) for handwritten character recognition recognizes characters within strings of text despite the presence of overlapping or disjointed characters. A string is segmented into discrete characters by removing noise and punctuation, joining the disconnected components of characters and splitting probable overlapping characters. After joining and splitting (as required), character recognition is performed to recognize characters in the string. Recognized characters are removed and the string is split in order that more characters can be recognized. If unrecognized characters remain in the string, the process is repeated. The joining and splitting operations are repeated until all subsequent characters in the string have been either recognized or determined to be unrecognizable.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing sulfur oxides from gaseous mixtures such as flue gases or tail gases. The process involves contacting the gaseous mixture with a non-functionalized polymeric sorbent which is essentially hydrophobic, such as styrenic polymers. The process may utilize pressure swing adsorption techniques, and is capable of producing a desorption stream with an SO.sub.2 concentration suitable for immediate conversion to elemental sulfur by the Claus process.