Abstract: The white rot fungus Scytinostroma galactinum strain F361 and mutants thereof are particularly effective in selectively grading the lignin component of lignin-containing materials, particularly processed wood pulps including chemical pulps, and also particularly effective in degrading lignin degradation products such as chlorinated degraded lignin by-products as found, for example, in E-1 effluents, and also in degrading chlorine-containing aromatic compounds generally as found in aqueous waste streams containing the same.

Abstract: Homologous recombination is employed to inactivate genes, particularly genes associated with MHC antigens. Particularly, the .beta..sub.2 -microglobulin gene is inactivated for reducing or eliminating Class I MHC antigens. The resulting cells may be used as universal donors. In addition, embryonic stem cells may be modified by homologous recombination for use in producing chimeric or transgenic mammalian hosts, which may be used as source of universal donor organs, or as models for drug and transplantation therapies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to organic materials that have the ability to double or triple the frequency of light that is directed through the materials. Particularly, the present invention is directed to the compound 4-[4-(2R)-2-cyano-7-(4'-pentyloxy-4-biphenylcarbonyloxy)phenylheptylidene) phenylcarbonyloxy]benzaldehyde, which can double the frequency of light that is directed through the compound. The invention is also directed to the compound (12-hydroxy-5,7-dodecadiynyl) 4'-[(4'-pentyloxy-4-biphenyl)carbonyloxy]-4-biphenylcarboxylate, and its polymeric form. The polymeric form can triple the frequency of light directed through it.

Abstract: Homogeneous polymer blends are prepared from otherwise thermodynamically immiscible polymers, especially including block copolymers. Thus, polymers such as polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) block copolymer or polystyrene/poly(1,2-butadiene) block copolymer are dissolved under pressure in supercritical fluid solvents such as chlorodifluoromethane and n-butane, respectively, and expanded through a fine nozzle. As the SCF solvent evaporates, the polymer deposits as a substantially homogeneous material.

Abstract: A quick-change filter cartridge. In sampling systems for measurement of airborne materials, a filter element is introduced into the sampled airstream such that the aerosol constituents are removed and deposited on the filter. Fragile sampling media often require support in order to prevent rupture during sampling, and careful mounting and sealing to prevent misalignment, tearing, or creasing which would allow the sampled air to bypass the filter. Additionally, handling of filter elements may introduce cross-contamination or exposure of operators to toxic materials. Moreover, it is desirable to enable the preloading of filter media into quick-change cartridges in clean laboratory environments, thereby simplifying and expediting the filter-changing process in the field. The quick-change filter cartridge of the present invention permits the application of a variety of filter media in many types of instruments and may also be used in automated systems.

Abstract: Epitaxial growth of films on single crystal substrates having a lattice mismatch of at least 10% through domain matching is achieved by maintaining na.sub.1 within 5% of ma.sub.2, wherein a.sub.1 is the lattice constant of the substrate, a.sub.2 is the lattice constant of the epitaxial layer and n and m are integers. The epitaxial layer can be TiN and the substrate can be Si or GaAs. For instance, epitaxial TiN films having low resistivity can be provided on (100) silicon and (100) GaAs substrates using a pulsed laser deposition method. The TiN films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rutherford back scattering (RBS), four-point-probe ac resistivity, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Epitaxial relationship was found to be <100> TiN aligned with <100> Si. TiN films showed 10-20% channeling yield. In the plane, four unit cells of TiN match with three unit cells of silicon with less than 4.0% misfit.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a laboratory specimen carrier onto and off of a conveyor track includes a conveyor track with a carrier transport surface. A support surface is mounted adjacent the conveyor track, and a pair of jaw members are operably mounted on a frame next to the support surface. The jaw members are operable to grip and release a specimen carrier between the jaws, and the frame is operable to move the jaw members over the track and over the support platform to thereby transfer a specimen carrier.

Abstract: Fuel cells which have a solid-oxide, thin film electrolyte and thin film cermet air and fuel electrodes. Processes for manufacturing thin film fuel cells in which air electrode, electrolyte, and fuel electrode films are deposited on a porous refractory substrate by magnetron sputtering.

Abstract: A NMR liver coil includes an anterior housing supporting a plurality of NMR coils pivotally connected to a posterior housing supporting a NMR coil. The anterior housing 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. The posterior housing is curved from the forward to the rearward end to conform to the curvature of a conventional NMR patient table, with the flange curving rearwardly and upwardly from the upper end of the posterior housing. The anterior housing is operably and pivotally connected to the posterior housing about a pair of pivotal axes, such that pivotal movement about a first pivotal axis will permit movement of the anterior housing from a working position with the anterior housing upper end oriented generally horizontally over the posterior housing, to an open position with the upper end of the anterior housing generally vertical.

Abstract: A thermal process co-recycles tires with oils to produce gases, liquids and solids. The letter 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 fine-needle aspirator for collecting a biosample from a subject into a closed sterile system. The aspirator is adapted for use with a variety of needles and comprises a motor driven pump capable of continuous suction in a biosample collection system. The biosample collection system may comprise a biosample connector such as elastomeric tubing in communication with the needle and a collection space in a biosample container whereby a biosample collected by the needle may be transferred to the collection space. A flushing substance flushes the biosample through the biosample collection system. Additives may be added to the biosample after collection in order to treat, preserve or analyze the biosample.

Abstract: A corner track for an automated lab conveyor system includes a first length of track connected at its upstream end to the downstream end of a second length of track. Each track length includes a pair of guide rails on opposite sides of an operable transport surface for moving a specimen carrier thereon. First and second auxiliary transport surfaces are lined with the first and second track lengths and serve to slow the movement of a specimen carrier as it approaches the corner connection.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in quantifying the levels of various metals in an aqueous solution. In one embodiment, the electrode assembly comprises a substrate, the substrate being a silicon chip upon which a layer of silicon dioxide has been grown. A plurality of gold bond pads and gold interconnect traces are deposited by microphotolithography onto the silicon dioxide layer. An array of iridium deposits are then patterned by microphotolithography onto the interconnect traces at predefined locations. A passivation layer is deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition over the finished metallization to electrically insulate it from external solutions. Plasma etching is then used to expose at least a portion of each of the iridium deposits. Just prior to analytical use, one or more of the exposed iridium elements are electroplated with mercury. The present invention is also directed to a field deployable sensor including the above-described electrode assembly.

Abstract: DNA constructs are prepared which operably link human interferon genes, selective, eukaryotic marker genes, and promoter and expression control sequences for the expression of human interferon in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells or progeny thereof. The human recombinant interferon so produced contains glycans which are a subset of the population of glycans which are contained in the native counterpart, and may be used in therapeutic formulations. The CHO cells yield high levels of human interferon with no detectable amounts of host, IFN, either constitutive or inductive.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a laboratory specimen carrier onto and off of a conveyor track includes a conveyor track with a moving transport surface and a support frame mounted adjacent the track. A cylinder with an extendable plunger is operably mounted on the support frame and located such that the plunger is movable in a direction transverse to the conveyor track transport surface. A housing, including a pair of spaced apart vertical side walls is mounted to the plunger for movement therewith, the side walls being oriented parallel to the direction of movement of the transport surface. The housing is movable with the plunger between a first position located over the track and permitting passage of a specimen carrier therebetween, and a second position moved transversely to one side of the track.

Abstract: An automated laboratory conveyor system includes a conveyor track arranged in a closed loop to continuously transport a specimen carrier having a laboratory specimen therein. A restraining apparatus is operably mounted on the track to restrain movement of the specimen carrier at predetermined locations. The restraining apparatus includes a cylinder with an extensible arm mounted adjacent the conveyor track with the arm operable between an extended position projecting over the conveyor track to prevent passage of the specimen carrier. The extensible arm is retractable to a retracted position which permits passage of the carrier along the track. The restraining apparatus includes a second cylinder with an extensible arm spaced upstream of the first cylinder, the second cylinder arm operable to restrain a specimen carrier upstream of the first extensible arm.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions of a mixture of minocycline and EDTA (M-EDTA) and methods of using the compositions in maintaining the patency of a catheter port. Methods for inhibiting the formation of polysaccharide-rich glycocalyx (such as the glycocalyx of staphylococcal organisms) are also provided using an M-EDTA solution. The M-EDTA solution may also be used to pretreat a medical device to prevent adherence of infectious organisms, such as S. epidermidis and S. aureus. The compositions destroy and prevent the formation of polysaccharide-rich glycocalyx. Methods for treating infections of S. epidermidis and S. aureus where glycocalyx formation are provided with an M-EDTA solution. The minocycline and EDTA solutions are included together within a pharmacologically acceptable carrier solution, such as saline.

Abstract: A human gene termed APC is disclosed. Methods and kits are provided for assessing mutations of the APC gene in human tissues and body samples. APC mutations are found in familial adenomatous polyposis patients as well as in sporadic colorectal cancer patients. APC is expressed in most normal tissues. These results suggest that APC is a tumor suppressor.

Abstract: An automated laboratory conveyor system includes a conveyor track arranged in a closed loop to continuously transport a specimen carrier having a laboratory specimen therein. A receiving station marks an individual specimen carrier to identify the carrier with a particular specimen. The receiving station includes an apparatus for placing an identified specimen carrier on the conveyor track. An archiving station is provided along the track to remove a predetermined specimen carrier therefrom for archival purposes. The receiving station and archiving station are both connected to a central control unit which is connected to the conveyor track and the laboratory information system to control the entire automated laboratory conveyor system. At least one work station is located along the conveyor track for performing a predetermined test on a particular specimen. Each work station includes a gate apparatus for transferring the selected specimen carrier to a work station.

Abstract: An NMR shoulder coil includes a generally ring-shaped transverse parallel-wound solenoidal coil oriented in a vertical plane. Annular anterior and posterior parallel-wound solenoids are mounted perpendicularly and diametric to the transverse vertical coil. The transverse solenoid is associated with the anterior and posterior solenoids in an electrically quadrature sense, to receive NMR signals associated with their respective axes. The anterior and posterior solenoids are preferably mounted in planes which are approximately 30.degree. from parallel to one another and diverge medially.