Abstract: The association of the molecular variant G-6A of the angiotensinogen gene with human hypertension is disclosed. The determination of this association enables the screening of persons to identify those who have a predisposition to high blood pressure.

Abstract: We have developed a general procedure for the regulated (inducible) dimerization or oligomerization of intracellular proteins and disclose methods and materials for using that procedure to regulatably initiate cell-specific apoptosis (programmed cell death) in genetically engineered cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to constructs and compositions containing multimeric forms of nucleic acid. Multimeric nucleic acids comprise single-stranded nucleic acids attached via biotin to streptavidin and bound with a functional group. These constructs can be utilized in vivo to treat or identify diseased tissue or cells. Repeated administrations of multimeric nucleic acid compositions produce a rapid and specific amplification of nucleic acid constructs and their attached functional groups. For treatment purposes, functional groups may be toxins, radioisotopes, genes or enzymes. Diagnostically, labeled multimeric constructs may be used to identify specific targets in vivo or in vitro. Multimeric nucleic acids may also be used in nanotechnology and to create self-assembling polymeric aggregates such as membranes of defined porosity, microcircuits and many other products.

Abstract: The boundary layer of a fluid travelling in a mean-flow direction relative to a surface of a wall of a body is controlled by generating in the fluid a magnetic field B having flux lines along the surface of the wall and an electric current density J traversing the magnetic flux lines in the fluid to form a control region. The magnetic field B and the electric current density J create in the control region a force J.times.B that introduces a vorticity distribution .omega. (x,y,z,t) into the flow. A plurality of such control regions is arranged in an two-dimensional array of control tiles that are actuated such that over the array the vorticity at the wall in the direction transverse to the free-stream direction is reduced and creation of the boundary layer vorticity concentrations in the free-stream direction is inhibited.

Abstract: A cold plate for use in a thermal management system and a method of thermal management which comprises an inlet channel having coolant fluid disposed therein at a substantially uniform pressure throughout the inlet channel and an outlet channel having coolant fluid disposed therein at a substantially uniform pressure lower than the pressure in the inlet channel throughout the outlet channel. The cold plate includes a highly thermally-conductive metallic porous matrix filling the fluid passage, preferably of aluminum. The porous matrix is preferably from about two percent to about 15 percent percent solid.

Abstract: A novel use for the class of biologically active bis-heterocyclic, e.g., bis-indole alkaloid compounds, which have been named topsentins, bromotopsentins, homocarbonyltopsentins, nortopsentins, hamacanthins, bis-indole ethylamines, or dragmacidins, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, methods of producing the compounds, and methods of using the compounds are disclosed. Specifically, the novel utility pertains to the anti-neurogenicinflammatory properties exhibited by the bis-indole compounds and their analogs.

Abstract: Disease resistance in chickens has been associated with the Rfp-Y system of major histocompatability genes in chickens. A method for breeding chickens to produce disease resistant offspring involves selecting at least one parent that has an Rfp-Y haplotype that is characteristic of disease resistance and mating that parent with a second parent to produce a disease resistant offspring.

Abstract: A connecting joint for a radio frequency waveguide line comprises a tubular metallic braid wire shield connecting two beam line pipe ends thereby making the inside surface appear as a continuous beam tube. The metallic braid wire is secured within a bellows assembly that allows the connecting joint to expand or contract as is appropriate for changes in ambient conditions or conditions within the waveguide line. The connecting joint is capable of supporting either positive or negative pressure within the joint while the exterior of the joint may vary with ambient conditions.

Abstract: A method for improving clinical outcome in focal ischemic stroke in a mammal by increasing cerebral blood flow and/or reducing infarct size is described which involves administering an effective amount of an anti-CD18 antibody to the mammal, in the absence of removal of the arterial obstruction.

Abstract: This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising anti-SCF antibodies for the reduction of eosinophila in the lungs of mammals. This invention also provides for methods of treating asthma and generating a murine model for asthma.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymers are described comprising the recurring monomeric units shown in formula I: ##STR1## wherein: R is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, aryl or heterocyclic; andR' is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heterocyclic or heterocycloxy; andn is 5 to 500,wherein said biodegradable polymer is biocompatible before and upon biodegradation.Processes for preparing the polymers, compositions containing the polymers and biologically active substances, articles useful for implantation or injection into the body fabricated from the compositions, and methods for controllably releasing biologically active substances using the polymers, are also described.

Abstract: A liquid light guide system for ultraviolet light is disclosed that has a light shaping arrangement for the emitted light, a stable liquid core and sheath and reliable and effective end closures. The end closures include a metal crimping arrangement that utilizes two layers of deformable materials to prevent cracking of endplugs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an incipient fire detection system that receives gaseous samples and measures the light absorption spectrum of the mixture of gases evolving from heated combustibles includes a detector for receiving gaseous samples and subjecting the samples to spectroscopy and determining wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples. The wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples are compared to predetermined absorption wavelengths. A warning signal is generated whenever the wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples correspond to the predetermined absorption wavelengths. The method includes receiving gaseous samples, subjecting the samples to light spectroscopy, determining wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples, comparing the wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples to predetermined absorption wavelengths and generating a warning signal whenever the wavelengths of absorption of the gaseous samples correspond to the predetermined absorption wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a live attenuated strain of the bacterium Streptococcus equi, a pathogen causing strangles in horses. The invention also relates to a vaccine against strangles, methods for the preparation of such a vaccine and to the use of the strain for the preparation of such a vaccine.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic phosphorothioated or partially phosphorothioated oligodeoxynucleotides capable of selectively modulating hemopoietic bone marrow cells development. More particularly, the invention relates to synthetic antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed against a region spanning the AUG initiation condon in human ACHE or 2HS genes, having phosphorothioate bonds linking between the nucleotide bases; synthetic antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed against a region spanning the AUG initiation condon in human ACHE gene, 2HS gene or BCHE gene or against a 5'-region in the human CHED (cdc2 homolog) gene, having phosphorothioate bonds linking between the four 3'-terminus nucleotide bases. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising as active ingredient at least one synthetic phosphorothioated or partially phosphorothioated antisense oligodeoxynucleotides according to the invention in physiologically acceptable carrier in diluent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunogenic compound comprising the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is selected from the group consisting of methyl and hydrogen; wherein R.sub.1 is a suitable functional group of the lysergic ring;wherein R.sub.2 is an immunogenic protein; andwherein Y is a bridge to link R.sub.1 to R.sub.2.The present invention also provides purified polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies specifically reactive with the immunogenic compound and reactive with the lysergic ring of ergopeptine and clavine alkaloids. The present invention further provides an antibody which is an anti-idiotype of the monoclonal antibody. Also provided are methods of prevention and treatment of fescue toxicosis utilizing the immunogenic compounds and antibodies of the present invention.

Abstract: The application discloses a method for the treatment of Heliobacter infection in a mammalian host, which comprises administration to said infected host of an immunologically effective amount of one or more Heliobacter antigen(s), optionally in association with a mucosal adjuvant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid analysis includes a sensor for determining the index of refraction of a fluid. Advanced methods of fluid analysis relate index of refraction and other measured physical characteristics of the fluid.

Abstract: A volumetric tissue ablation apparatus includes a probe having a plurality of wires journaled through a catheter with a proximal end connected to the active terminal of a generator and a distal end projecting from a distal end of the catheter. The probe wire distal ends are arranged in an array with the distal ends located generally radially and uniformly spaced apart from the catheter distal end. A conductor connected to the return terminal of the generator is located relative to the probe wire array to form a closed electrical circuit through tissue to be ablated. Preferably, the probe wire array includes 10 wires, each formed in an arch from the catheter distal end. The conductor can be either a conventional ground plate upon which the tissue is supported, or a conductor wire extending through the probe and electrically insulated from the probe wires.

Abstract: A high resolution gamma ray imaging device includes an aluminum housing, a lead screen collimator at an opened end of the housing, a crystal scintillator array mounted behind the lead screen collimator, a foam layer between the lead screen collimator and the crystal scintillator array, a photomultiplier window coupled to the crystal with optical coupling grease, a photomultiplier having a dynode chain body and a base voltage divider with anodes, anode wire amplifiers each connected to four anodes and a multi pin connector having pin connections to each anode wire amplifier. In one embodiment the crystal scintillator array includes a yttrium aluminum perovskite (YAP) crystal array. In an alternate embodiment, the crystal scintillator array includes a gadolinium oxyorthosilicate (GSO) crystal array.