Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions containing biocompatible, bioadhesive polymerizable amphipathic mesophase materials useful for repairing retinal tissue tears or retinal detachments are disclosed. In one embodiment, the polymerizable materials, which comprise substituted fluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkyl monomers having anionic, cationic, and/or nonionic surface active functionality in the unsaturated fluorophobic ends, are polymerized in vivo to provide effective, long-lasting repair of torn, ruptured or detached retinal tissue. Ophthalmic applications of these materials are not limited to retinal repair.

Abstract: A termination for a light guide having optical cladding tubing and a liquid core includes a volumetric change device configured to allow fluid flow out of the tubing whenever the liquid core expands and to allow fluid flow into the tubing whenever the liquid core contracts, an end plug fixed to the tubing to retain the liquid in the liquid core within the tubing and the end piece and a crimping piece for holding the end plug in place.

Abstract: An organic light emitting device (OLED) is disclosed for which the hole transporting layer, the electron transporting layer and/or the emissive layer, if separately present, is comprised of a non-polymeric material. A method for preparing such OLED's using vacuum deposition techniques is further disclosed.

Abstract: An animal restraint jacket includes an elongated sheet formed of a fabric which is stretchable in the longitudinal direction. A pair of leg holes are formed in the sheet proximal to and spaced from the opposing ends of the sheet, such that the jacket is fastened along the chest of the animal. An aperture is formed in the sheet midway between the ends, and a pair of elastic straps are attached at their ends adjacent the aperture, to receive and hold a catheter or other medical device extending through the aperture. A flap is attached along one side edge to the sheet and extends to cover the aperture and elastic straps, and any medical device secured under the straps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasmid carrying a selenium-specifying DNA seqce of the E. coli fdhF gene upstream of the E. coli lac'Z gene which permits the incorporation of selenocystein into .beta.-galactosidase. Particular plasmids according to the invention are pRM2, deposited at the ATCC under No. 75594 and pRM4, deposited at the ATCC under No. 75595. The invention also relates to microorganisms transformed with a plasmid according to the invention having selenium dependent .beta.-galactosidase activity. The invention provides a method for the quantitative determine of selenium in selenium derivatives in a biological sample comprising incubating microorganisms according to the invention in a suitable medium also containing said sample and measuring the level of .beta.-galactosidase activity. The biological sample may be, e.g. a blood sample or a food sample.

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 self-contained, integrated-structure, miniature, electrochemical-type oxygen sensor is described which uses an oxygen ion conducting solid electrolyte. An encapsulated metal-metal oxide reference electrode on one surface of the solid electrolyte provides a reference oxygen pressure. A sensing electrode is placed on the other surface. The voltage developed between the reference electrode and the sensing electrode is indicative of the oxygen content of the fluid the sensing electrode is contacting.

Abstract: Novel dorsal growth inducing factors, complexes including the factors, and DNA or RNA coding sequences for the factors are described. Hybridoma cell lines and antibodies that bind to the dorsal growth inducing factor noggin, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antigen associated with Alzheimer's disease and to antibodies specific for said antigen. This invention further relates to methods for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease utilizing assays containing Alzheimer's associated antigen, antibodies specific for said antigen and samples from an individual suspected of having Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A psoriasis susceptibility locus defined as among linked members within a family has been identified. The locus is linked to an intron of the interleukin enhancer binding factor gene in some families, while being linked to an interleukin 8 gene in other families demonstrating a familial linked form of psoriasis. The locus identified may be further defined as being located distal to genetic maker D17S784 of human chromosome 17q. This locus does not demonstrate linkage with DNA markers within flanking the HLA cluster of genes. A psoriasis susceptibility locus has also been observed close to the centromere of human chromosome 4. Both identified regions provide positive LOD scores with markers on chromosomes 17q and particularly 2 regions close to the ILF gene or the interleukin 8 gene. Methods of screening a family for psoriasis susceptibility using a defined familial psoriasis susceptibility locus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elevator for specimen carriers includes an upper housing which is removably connected to an upstream end of an upper conveyor track and a lower housing which is removably connected to a downstream end of a lower conveyor track, the conveyor tracks being vertically spaced. Each conveyor track has a moving support surface which transports a specimen carrier downstream. The elevator includes a pair of opposingly disposed lift pins operably mounted along a chain housed within the elevator, the lift pins located to engage opposingly disposed wings on each specimen carrier, to lift the specimen carrier from the lower track to the upper track. The elevator housings are adjustably connected together, to permit adjustment of the overall height of the elevator for a variety of vertically spaced tracks.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an illumination system for specialized decorative lighting including a light source, a flexible plastic tube sheath for distributing the light to a remote location, a transparent liquid core filling the tube that has an index of refraction greater than that of the plastic tube and an arrangement where light coupled from the light source is caused to leak from the liquid light guide at desired locations for the purposes of specialized lighting, such as underwater illumination in swimming pools.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel peptides which have the property of interfering with the biosynthesis of the enzyme trypsin. This property enables the use of these peptides to, for example, inhibit the formation of progeny in blood-ingesting insects, since trypsin is an essential enzyme for food digestion which provides the essential building blocks for egg development in such insects.

Abstract: Sodium and borate ions are separated in supercritical water by addition of dissolved CO.sub.2 to cause precipitation of carbonates and the formation of boric acid. Carbonates and boric acid are then recovered as separate products.

Abstract: Endothelial cells derived from subcutaneous adipose tissue are genetically modified to express the endothelial cell-specific angiogenic factor VEGF. The modified cells are sodded onto a vascular prosthesis for transplantation into an autologous or allogeneic recipient. The method accelerates endothelialization on the luminal surface of the vessel, and promotes collateral circulation in distal ischemic organs.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating radiation of high power, variable duration and broad tunability over several orders of magnitude from a laser-ionized gas-filled capacitor array. The method and apparatus convert a DC electric field pattern into a coherent electromagnetic wave train when a relativistic ionization front passes between the capacitor plates. The frequency and duration of the radiation is controlled by the gas pressure and capacitor spacing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a newly identified family of protein serine/threonine kinases which phosphorylate microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2). It is based, in part, on the cloning and characterization of novel MAP2 kinases designated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1, 2, and 3 (ERK1, ERK2, ERK3) which are expressed in the central nervous system, and on the identification of another ERK family member, ERK4, with antisera. The present invention provides for recombinant nucleic acid molecules and proteins representing members of the MAP2 kinase family, and also for microorganisms, transgenic animals, and cell lines comprising recombinant MAP2 kinase molecules. In additional embodiments of the invention, the present invention provides for methods for assaying cellular factor activity, including, but not limited to, nerve growth factor activity, in which the activation of MAP2 kinase serves as an indicator of cellular factor activity.

Abstract: Stable, enzymatically triggered chemiluminescent 1,2-dioxetanes with improved water solubility are provided. Dioxetanes further instituted with two or more water-solubilizing groups disposed on the dioxetane structure provide superior performance by eliminating the problem of reagent carryover when used in assays performed on capsule chemistry analytical systems. Compositions comprising a dioxetane with two or more water-solubilizing groups, a non-polymeric cationic surfactant enhancer and optionally a fluorescer, for providing enhanced chemiluminescence are also provided.

Abstract: Novel difunctionalized cyclobutabenzene monomers of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein Z can be hydrogens or a cyclobutane ring; and X and Y are carboxyl, amino, alcohol, isocyanate, acid halide, or bis-acyl halide groups. Exemplary difunctional bitricyclodecatriene monomers are ?2,2'-bidicyclo?2.4.0!octa-1,3,5-triene!-5,5'-dicarboxylic acid (BXTA) and ?2,2'-bitricyclo?6.2.0.0!deca-1,3,(6),7-triene!-7,7'-dicarboxylic acid (QXTA). The difunctionalized bitricyclodecatriene monomers can form part of a polymer backbone chain in which the multiple butane ring functionalities can be easily opened to produce strong, three-dimensional covalent bond crosslinking between polymer chains. The crosslinking can be induced simply by heating the polymer to a temperature in excess of 250.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of resampling of a sinogram from a fan beam SPECT includes the steps of angular resampling of the sinogram using frequency modulation, and thence transfers resampling of the sinogram using linear interpolation. This permits the use of parallel geometry algorithms in quantitative work without the expected degradation of resolution or the introduction of artifacts.