Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the detection and quantitation of any modification of interest in any nucleic acid sequence. In particular, the invention provides methods for detecting and quantitating low levels of modifications of interest in DNA sequences. The methods of the invention take advantage of combining the use of nucleic acid sequence modification-specific molecules which are specific for DNA modifications, of fluorescently labelled proteins which are specific for the nucleic acid sequence modification-specific molecules, of capillary electrophoresis and of laser-induced fluorescence. The methods of the invention are useful for identifying and detecting exposure to carcinogens, in early risk assessment for cancer, and in monitoring of cancer therapy.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is a microwave bond cleavage of a first hydrocarbon compound, the first hydrocarbon compound in a liquid phase and substantially non-aqueous, to a second compound having a shorter carbon chain than the first hydrocarbon compound. The method has the steps of exposing a combination of the first hydrocarbon compound with a supported catalyst having a carrier of a non-metallic amorphous solid with at least one catalytic metal dispersed therein to microwave energy thereby converting the first hydrocarbon compound into the second hydrocarbon compound, and recovering the second hydrocarbon compound. Advantages of the present invention include use of a low cost supported catalyst at ambient temperature and pressure.

Abstract: An adaptive system applicable to non-ideal measurement operations wherein the reference signal includes information attempting to be extracted from the primary signal and wherein digital non-linear manipulation is applied to the signal to noise ratio in the reference signal.

Abstract: A genetic construct is taught which contains a nitrogen assimilation and/or metabolism gene and a promoter for the gene which is inducible under conditions where it would be beneficial to take-up, store or use nitrogen. The promoter can be, for example, induced by the presence of nitrate or other form of nitrogen and will be induced by application of a nitrogenous fertilizer. The stress inducible promoter btg-26 is also taught. Promoter btg-26 is isolated from the Brassica turgor gene--26 and exhibits osmotic-stress induced expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel complexes of (transition) metals containing ligands having phosphorus centers supporting a carbene structure or heteroalkane radical bonded to the (transition) metal.

Abstract: Steroid compounds having various oxygen substitution on the steroid nucleus are disclosed. A specific functionality present on many of the steroid compounds is oxygen substitution at both of positions 6 and 7. Thus, certain steroids have oxygen substitution at C6 and C7, and some have specific stereochemistries such as 6.alpha. and 7.beta. oxygen substitution, and an alpha hydrogen at the 5 position in addition to having 6.alpha. and 7.beta. oxygen substitution. Steroids having 3,4-epoxy functionality are also disclosed. In addition, steroids having C17 pyran and .delta.-lactone functionality, with oxygen substitution at C6 and C7, or at C15, of the steroid nucleus, are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for catalytic distillation consists of alternatively a catalyst unit and an active liquid distributor tray. The catalyst unit is formed by series of troughs containing catalysts with spaces between adjacent troughs for vapor flow. The active liquid distributor tray is preferably a V-shaped tray formed with collectors that function as both a liquid distributor to deliver liquid at the appropriate locations to the underneath catalyst unit and a mass transfer device. Liquid flows down to the catalyst toughs from bottom of the sump of each collector and vapor flows up through the upper diverging walls of the collector. Packing materials may be placed on the tray or in the spaces between the troughs or both to enhance mass transfer. The catalyst troughs preferably are partitioned to cause the liquid to flow through the catalyst and to overflow the upper rim of the troughs to escape therefrom whereby the catalyst is maintained submerged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for secretion of functional proteins in a soluble form by host cells. In particular, the invention relates to membrane targeting and translocation proteins, MttA, MttB and MttC and to variants and homologs thereof. The membrane targeting and translocation proteins are useful in targeting protein expression to the periplasm of gram negative bacteria and to extracellular media of other host cells. Such expression allows secretion of expressed proteins of interest in a functional and soluble form, thus facilitating purification and increasing the yield of functional proteins of interest.

Abstract: The three-dimensional structure of crystalline pertussis holotoxin (PT) has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Crystal structures have also been determined for complexes of pertussis toxin with molecules relevant to the biological activity of PT. These three-dimensional structures were analyzed to identify functional amino acids appropriate for modification to alter the biological properties of PT. Similar procedures may be used to predict amino acids which contribute to the toxicity of the holotoxin, to produce immunoprotective, genetically-detoxified analogs of pertussis toxin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the polymerization of one or more alpha olefins in the presence of a transition metal catalyst having either a heterobifunctional ligand, having a phosphorus and a nitrogen atom, or a bis-phosphinimine ligand having two nitrogen atoms, in the presence of an activator.

Abstract: The three-dimensional structure of crystalline pertussis holotoxin (PT) has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Crystal structures have also been determined for complexes of pertussis toxin with molecules relevant to the biological activity of PT. These three-dimensional structures were analyzed to identify functional amino acids appropriate for modification to alter the biological properties of PT. Similar procedures may be used to predict amino acids which contribute to the toxicity of the holotoxin, to produce immunoprotective, genetically-detoxified analogs of pertussis toxin.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is for producing at least hydrogen from a gaseous hydrocarbon. The gaseous hydrocarbon is selected from the group consisting of methane, ethane, butane, propane and combinations thereof. The method proceeds by exposing the gaseous hydrocarbon with the supported catalyst to microwave radiation. The supported catalyst has a support of a lattice of a non-metallic amorphous solid and at least one catalytic metal having atoms interspersed throughout the lattice of the support. A preferred embodiment is a lattice of carbon with at least one catalytic metal interspersed throughout the lattice. Examples include char.

Abstract: The three-dimensional structure of crystalline pertussis holotoxin (PT) has been determined by X-ray crystallography. Crystal structures have also been determined for complexes of pertussis toxin with molecules relevant to the biological activity of PT. These three-dimensional structures were analyzed to identify functional amino acids appropriate for modification to alter the biological properties of PT. Similar procedures may be used to predict amino acids which contribute to the toxicity of the holotoxin, to produce immunoprotective, genetically-detoxified analogs of pertussis toxin.

Abstract: Compounds which bind to shiga-like toxins (SLT) associated with enteric E. coli infection, compositions including the compounds, methods for the neutralization of (SLT) in a patient, and methods for the diagnosis of enteric E. coli infection are disclosed. The compounds include a core molecule bound to a plurality of linker arms, which in turn are bound to a plurality of bridging moieties, which in turn are bound to two or three di- or tri-saccharide moieties. The di- or tri-saccharide moieties themselves are active in binding to the SLTs. The presence of a plurality of bridged dimers of the di- and tri-saccharides is responsible for the increased binding affinity of the compounds relative to the di- and tri-saccharides themselves. The compounds, when administered in a timely fashion to a patient suffering from enteric E. coli infection, inhibit progression of this infection into hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Abstract: A device comprised of at least a pair of accelerometers and a tilt sensor mounted in fixed relation to a datum defining plane (sole of a shoe) maybe used for extracting kinematic variables including linear and rotational acceleration, velocity and position. These variables may be resolved into a selected direction thereby permitting both relative and absolute kinematic quantities to be determined. The acceleration is determined using a small cluster of two mutually perpendicular accelerometers mounted on a shoe. Angular orientation of the foot may be determined by double integration of the foot's angular acceleration (which requires a third accelerometer substantially parallel to one of the two orthogonal accelerometers). The two orthogonal accelerations are then resolved into a net horizontal acceleration or other selected direction which may be integrated to find the foot velocity in the selected direction. The average of the foot velocity corresponds to the subject's gait speed.

Abstract: Sequencing methods and methods for synthesizing DNA probes using mutant bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerases which have increased ability to incorporate modified nucleotides for the synthesis of long or short chains of complementary, modified, e.g., fluorophore-labeled DNA. In general, the mutant T4 DNA polymerases retain 3'.fwdarw.5' exonuclease activity; hence, reduction or elimination of 3'.fwdarw.5' exonuclease activity is not a prerequisite for efficient synthesis of a complementary fluorophore-labeled or other modified DNA. In fact, retention of 3'.fwdarw.5' exonuclease activity increases accuracy of DNA replication, because these exonucleases proofread or edit the product of DNA replication.

Abstract: This invention relates to a strength member for a hose and to an improved combined fluid/electrical hose. The strength member of the present invention is a low stretch high strength natural or artificial fibre material which may be incorporated into the bore of the hose and fastened to a hose end termination connector at each end to limit stretch of the hose. In the improved combined fluid/electrical hose of the present invention, the electrical wire extends longitudinally and freely the full length of the hose without attachment to the inner hose wall. This combined fluid/electrical hose also including a strength member.

Abstract: Variant family B DNA polymerases, examples of which have reduced or no 3'.fwdarw.5' exonuclease activity. These variant polymerases have utility as DNA sequencing polymerases.

Abstract: Compounds useful in radioimaging and radiochemotherapy as it particularly relates to the treatment and location of malignant melanomas and other pigmenting disorders, as well as novel acyl derivatives of phenolic thioester amines and their use in compositions for blocking melanin synthesis in human or animal melanocyte cells.

Abstract: A myometer is disclosed. The myometer, especially in the form of a force-sensing mitt or cuff, may be used to grasp a limb or other object, and particularly used by a clinician in evaluating the medical state of a limb. The myometer has pressure measuring means at at least two locations to provide quantitative information on pressure applied to the limb or object. Preferably, the pressure is measured by at least two pressure transducers, with especially the difference in pressure being measured. The myometer is particularly in a form capable of fitting on a person's hand, with pressure sensitive pads being located at positions corresponding to thumb and to fingers of the hand.