Abstract: DNA and protein compositions are provided for calcium-signal modulating cyclophilin ligand which are shown to act in the calcium-dependent pathway for activation of a number of genes. The DNA composition and proteins may be used in investigating the processes associated with calcium-dependent activation of genes, as well as screening of drugs for interaction with the subject proteins for modulating cell processes, e.g. T-cell activation.

Abstract: Deposit formation can be reduced and primary oxidation of the lubricant can be retarded in a lubricant when used in an internal combustion engine by incorporation of soluble copper (e.g., 1,500 to 3,000 ppm) in the lubricant.

Abstract: A return mail piece includes a generally rectangular sheet of material with a delimited mailing address zone, a bar code zone in the lower right corner of the sheet, and a subclassification zone in the upper left hand corner of the sheet. Site location indicia is printed within the mailing address zone to identify the address of the site location. Separate subclassification indicia is printed within the subclassification zone so as to identify one of a plurality of end locations as the site location.

Abstract: The invention is a flow-through bioreactor for the retention and culture of cells in perfused media. The bioreactor is a generally rectangular vessel with inlet and outlet ports in the lid allowing for media flow along the longitudinal axis of the vessel. The inner surface of the bottom wall of the bioreactor has a plurality of generally rectangular grooves having a length, a depth, and a width. The grooves are positioned in the bottom wall such that their length is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vessel, allowing media flow across the width of the grooves. Cells settle into the grooves, where they proliferate and differentiate, without entering the bulk flow of media through the vessel, thus avoiding loss of cells due to media flow. The preferred grooves have a width to depth ratio of about 1:1 or 2:1. The preferred width of the grooves is about 50 .mu.m to about 5,000 .mu.m, and the preferred depth is about 50 .mu.m to about 5,000 .mu.m.

Abstract: A return mail piece includes a generally rectangular sheet of material with a delimited mailing address zone and a bar code zone on the front of the sheet, and a subclassification zone on the rearward surface of the sheet. Site location indicia is printed within the mailing address zone to identify the address of the site location. Separate subclassification indicia is printed within the subclassification zone so as to identify one of a plurality of end locations as the site location.

Abstract: The enunciator system for an AGV includes a transmitter mounted on the AGV connected to an electrical control circuit having a plurality of individual switches operable to cause the transmitter to transmit a specific signal upon arrival of the AGV at predetermined locations along a circuitous route. Each location along the AGV route has identifier markings detectable by the AGV such that the AGV will stop for a predetermined period of time at each location as it travels along its route. If a switch for a specific location is actuated, the transmitter will transmit a signal to a receiver at that location which then triggers an audio or visual alarm at the location to alert a person at the location as to the arrival of an item on the AGV. After a predetermined period of time, the alarm will cease and the AGV will continue along its circuitous route.

Abstract: A composition containing a Bowman-Birk Inhibitor Concentrate (BBIC) for the treatment of pre-malignant tissue is provided. Methods of using this composition in the prevention of cancer are also provided.

Abstract: An anti-diarrheic product comprises a foodstuff and an anti-rotaviral agent such as human defatted fat globule membranes, the human milk macromolecular fraction, the milk mucin complex, the 46 Kd apparent MW glycoprotein, a polypeptide having the rotavirus-binding specificity of the 46 Kd apparent MW HMFG glycoprotein, mixtures thereof, or mixtures thereof, and optionally skim milk, curd, and/or whey. They product of the invention is provided also as an anti-diarrheal kit, with instructions for its use. The product of the invention has therapeutic and prophylactic application for inhibiting the onset of, or countering, rotavirus infection and/or diarrhea, in a subject, such as for example, infants and children (infantile gasteroenteritis), travellers, and immunodeficient persons, including HIV positive and transplant patients.

Abstract: A biodegradable implant for placement in nonunion bone fractures as a substitute for bone graft material is provided which is a flat plate or disk having a thickness of between about 1 mm and about 15% of the length of the bone, interconnected micropores, and canals substantially equivalent in size and spacing to naturally-occurring Haversian canals. The implant may additionally comprise additives such as growth factors, including bone morphogenic protein. In a preferred embodiment the implant is formed from a biodegradable polymer such as a polylactic acid-polyglycolic acid copolymer by a gel casting technique followed by solvent extraction to precipitate the implant as a microporous solid.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for forming hollow fibers, particularly a "Z-fiber" having longitudinally oriented trabeculae with the fiber wall, is provided. The nozzle assembly contains a replaceable nozzle cap, a replaceable seal-guide, and a retractable central bore used to supply core material for the hollow fibers. The Z-fibers are particularly useful in enabling cells, solutes, or the like, to enter the fiber wall and move longitudinally into the center of the fiber wall.

Abstract: A NMR abdominal coil array includes four critically overlapped resonant loops fixed upon a generally "C-shaped" (curved) coil form with an anterior housing pivotally connected and supported by a posterior form. Three of the loops are fixed to an anterior housing which is curved from a generally horizontal upper end to a generally vertical lower end, and pivotally connected to a generally vertically oriented flange forming the upper end of the posterior housing. This upper end of the posterior housing contains the remaining resonant loop. The anterior housing is pivotally connected to the posterior housing about a single horizontal axis, permitting both slight adjustment for patient size, and substantial movement for entry and exit of a patient.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel in vitro process for identifying and quantifying native antigens on potentially pathogenic group B streptococci bacteria present in a clinical specimen. The invention process is made possible by the discovery of novel bacterial markers denoted .gamma. and .delta. epitopes which are expressed by a variety of group B streptococcal strains.

Abstract: A thermal process co-recycles tires with oils to produce gases, liquids and solids. The latter consisting of glass and steel fibers and a carbonous residue which are separately segregated and collected. By using selected additives gas formation and hydrogen sulfide contents are reduced, light product oil yields and quality are maximized and the level of chlorinated substances in the oils are reduced to trace amounts. The carbonous residue makes an excellent modifier for improving performance properties of bituminous binders and bituminous mixtures and for providing added benefits to properties of Portland concrete.

Abstract: A plurality of magnetized elements form a continuous surface proximate to a waveguide opening, sufficient to satisfy electron cyclotron resonance plasma generation. With the elements similarly magnetized in a direction perpendicular to their central axis and parallel to the plane in which they are situated, a continuous resonance surface may be formed without the need for an externally applied magnetic field. Other magnetization orientations, such as perpendicular to the plane of the elements, may require an external magnetic field, such as that derived from solenoidal coils, but of a magnitude substantially reduced due to the combined field supplied by the elements.

Abstract: A rapid vascular drug delivery device, system and method is provided having a releasibly extending and retracting needle necessary for injecting and withdrawing fluid into and from a physiological or non-physiological cavity. Accordingly, the needle can be releasibly extended with sufficient momentum at a point of impact to penetrate a hard substance such as bone. The needle is slideably placed within an aperture configured at the forward end of a main housing, wherein a trigger needle can be arranged proximate to the forward end in order to detect tissue thickness or bone depth necessary for ensuring accurate placement of the bone-piercing needle within the bone marrow. The needle can receive fluids interspersed by parallel-placed or series-placed fluid containers configured within the main housing.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for chromosome-specific staining are provided. Compositions comprise heterogenous mixtures of labeled nucleic acid fragments having substantially complementary base sequences to unique sequence regions of the chromosomal DNA for which their associated staining reagent is specific. Methods include methods for making the chromosome-specific staining compositions of the invention, and methods for applying the staining compositions to chromosomes.

Abstract: An alkylative cycloaddition method is provided that is particularly useful for the synthesis of many of the Vitamin D analogues with differing side chains. Thus, a preferred synthesis is of Vitamin D analogues having a side chain R.sub.1 where a first precursor having the structure ##STR1## with X being a halide or a pseudo halide, and a second precursor are provided, the second precursor being a 1,7 enyne. These precursors are reacted in the presence of a palladium catalyst to form compounds having the structure ##STR2## where R.sub.2 is hydrogen, hydroxyl, lower alkoxy, fluorine, or a protecting group, and R.sub.3 is hydrogen, hydroxyl, lower alkoxy, fluorine, or a protecting group.

Abstract: A knee hyperextension orthotic device includes an elongated plate which is curved to form a flush fit against a patient's leg, with an upper portion fastened anterior of the thigh, a lower portion fastened anterior of the lower leg and a central portion fastened anterior of the knee. The central portion of the plate has a narrower width than the upper and lower portions, forming rearwardly extending wings on the upper and lower plate portions. A pair of length adjustable straps are connected between the upper and lower wings on each side of the plate, to permit adjustment of the angle of maximum knee extension. A central strap is connected to the central plate portion and extends posterior of the knee to maintain the knee in appropriate position within the orthotic device. A plurality of apertures in the plate permit the leg to "breathe" when the device is being worn.

Abstract: A NMR Quadrature Detection Array includes two generally linear arrays; one oriented in a horizontal plane and sensitive to vertically oriented changing magnetic flux, and the other oriented in a vertical plane bisecting the horizontal plane and sensitive to horizontally oriented flux changes. Each horizontal coil is electronically paired with a vertical coil such that their NMR signals are combined in a quadrature fashion before transmission to the NMR system preamplifier. The coil arrays are sized to accommodate easy positioning within the NMR system table top assembly as well as to facilitate rapid and easy patient positioning about the coil elements.

Abstract: A specimen carrier is designed for transporting specimen tubes throughout an automatic laboratory conveyance system. The specimen carrier includes a generally rectilinear carrier body with a forward face having an identification zone delimited thereon. An identification code is marked in the identification zone so as to permit mechanical sensing and identification of the carrier on a conveyor system. A plurality of holes of various diameters and depths are provided in the top surface of the carrier to receive specimen tubes of various types. The deepest holes are located centrally, so that the carrier is stable while retaining specimens therein. A groove is formed in the top surface of the carrier body which extends between the specimen tube holes, so as to communicate any fluid spilling from a test tube to the other empty holes in the specimen carrier, thereby retaining the fluid within the body of the carrier.