Abstract: The design, and synthesis of peptide-based molecules termed helizymes which possess catalytic activity are described herein The catalytic molecules of the invention comprise a number of amphiphilic helical peptides, which interact via hydrophobic interactions and which are bonded at their carboxyl ends to a multifunctional base. Active site residues functional for catalysis are positioned within or at the N-termini of the helical peptides. The helizyme molecule adopts a conformation in aqueous medium such that a substrate binding pocket is formed and such that functional active site geometry results from the association of the helical peptides Specifically exemplified helizymes possess specificities and at least one catalytic activity of chymotrypsin, trypsin and acetylcholine esterase.

Abstract: A propellant is ignited within a well to rapidly produce combustion gases to generate pressure exceeding the fracture extension pressure of the surrounding formation. Combustion gases are generated at a rate greater than can be absorbed into any single fracture, thereby causing propagation of multiple fractures into the surrounding formation. In one embodiment, each segment of the propellant is in the form of a solid cylindrical body of fuel/oxidizer surrounded by an expandable casing made of a material similar to a fire hose. A linear shaped charge extends between the casing and the propellant. Upon ignition of the shaped charge, combustion gases quickly stretch the casing thereby allowing the hot gases to surround and ignite the entire propellant surface area. The propellant then burns in a radially inward direction in a predictable manner.

Abstract: Provided is a method for treating Type I diabetes in mammals utilizing certain phenol and benzamide compounds.

Abstract: A surface emitting semiconductor laser includes a body of a semiconductor material having a pair of opposed surfaces and a plurality of active regions stacked one on the other between the surfaces. Each of the active regions includes a p-type conductivity layer, an n-type conductivity layer and an active layer therebetween. The active layer can either be intrinsic or a quantum well. The p-type and n-type layers are doped to provide a tunneling junction between the layers of adjacent active regions. The active layers of the active regions are spaced apart a multiple of one-half a wavelength to provide distributed feedback. Contacts are on the surfaces of the body with one of the contacts having an opening therethrough through which a generated light beam can emerge.

Abstract: Discretely and continuously tunable single and multiple-stage polarization interference filters employing chiral smectic liquid crystal cells as electronically rotatable retarders are provided. Discretely tunable filters of this invention include those which employ bistable surface-stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal cells. Continuously tunable filters of this invention include those that employ chiral smectic A ferroelectric liquid crystal cells. Single stage filters include fixed birefringent elements in combination with chiral smectic liquid crystal cells and multiple stage filters can include only chiral smectic liquid crystal cells or can include chiral smectic liquid crystal cells in combination with fixed birefringent elements. Blocking filters useful for color generation and color displays are also provided. The FLC filters provided can be temporally multiplexed.

Abstract: A method for extending soluble CD4 serum half-life in mammals is described. The method comprises modifying soluble CD4 glycosylation so as to inhibit clearance from serum. In a preferred embodiment, clearance by hepatocyte galactose receptors is inhibited by removal of soluble CD4 terminal sialic residues followed by oxidation of exposed galactose residues. The modified soluble CD4 molecules are demonstrated to possess extended serum half-life.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical polarization interference filters which employ chiral smectic liquid crystal (CSLC) cells as electronically rotatable retarders. The filters of the present invention are improved in that they are optimized for increased spectral discrimination, uniqueness of spectral outputs and efficient use of CSLC elements. The filters of the present invention include improved single and multiple stage filters. Improved discretely tunable and continuously tunable filters are provided. With respect to filters having one or more stages that contain a series of birefringent elements which are either fixed birefringent elements or active CSLC cells, this invention provides designs which optimize the number of pure spectral outputs which are unique. This optimization relates to the relative order of elements in a stage, the pattern of switching of the active CSLC cells, and the retardations of the CSLC cells in a stage.

Abstract: A method for quantifying in vivo ascorbate concentration in body fluids uses gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Further provided is a method for measuring redox potentials of body fluid by determining the ratio of in vivo concentration of ascorbate to one or more of its metabolites.

Abstract: Method for specifically cleaving a single stranded DNA molecule. The method includes providing an RNA molecule having a deoxyribonuclease activity independent of any protein, and contacting that RNA molecule with the single stranded DNA molecule to cause the single stranded DNA molecule to be cleaved.

Abstract: A self-powered liquid crystal spatial light modulator is disclosed having a pair of spaced transparent glass plates, on each plate of which a transparent electrically conductive film is coated so as to be in confronting relation. A voltage/current generating, photovoltaic/photodiode, light sensitive layer is coated onto one of the conductive films. A liquid crystal layer is confined between the other conductive film and the light sensitive layer. A shorting circuit element connects the two conductive films. This shorting circuit element may be internal or external to the spatial light modulator. A pixel area of the spatial light modulator is addressed by a beam of light that illuminates the pixel area and operates to activate a corresponding area of the light sensitive layer. The voltage/current that is generated in this area of the light sensitive film causes a current to flow through the shorting circuit element, to thereby activate, switch or charge the corresponding area of the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: Provided is a method for treating Type I diabetes in mammals utilizing certain aryl-substituted rhodanine derivatives.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device, a thin, synthetic diamond film (i.e. a man made film) enhances the transfer of heat from a semiconductor circuit chip to a cooling medium. The heat generating semiconductor circuit chip is located in efficient thermal transfer engagement with one surface of a synthetically deposited diamond film. The opposite surface of the diamond film forms the bottom wall of a cavity that contains a cooling medium. In one embodiment of the invention, the cavity is formed by depositing the diamond film on the surface of a silicon substrate, and then etching the silicon substrate to form an open-top cavity having side walls that comprise the silicon substrate, and having a bottom wall that comprises the diamond film. In a second embodiment of the invention, the open-top cavity is formed by an apertured silicon preform that is bonded to the diamond film. A capping member closes the top of the cavity. A cooling medium is placed within the cavity a fluid cooling medium may be circulated.

Abstract: Liquid crystal and ferroelectric liquid crystal compounds having core moieties based on nicotinic acid and having the general formula: ##STR1## where A is N or N--O and where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, independently of one another, are straight chain or branched alkyl groups having from 1 to 20 carbons are provided. Ferroelectric liquid crystals of the present invention include those compounds in which one of R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 are chiral nonracemic groups. The pyridines and pyridine n-oxides or the present invention are useful as components of liquid crystal materials and certain of these compounds are useful as components of ferroelectric liquid crystal materials.

Abstract: An improved basal nutrient medium MCDB 120 for the clonal growth of human muscle satellite cells (HMSC) is described. In addition, a serum-free supplement for the clonal growth of HMSC containing serum albumin, dexamethasone, fetuin epidermal growth factor and insulin. Combination of MCDB 120 and the serum-free supplement results in a serum-free medium for growth of HMSC. The serum-free supplement can also be used with other basal nutrient media such as MCDB 131M for growth of HMSC. Addition of 5% dialyzed fetal bovine serum to the serum-free media described results in semi-defined media which allows significantly improved growth of HMSC.

Abstract: A semiconductor optoelectronic device provides full duplex data communication over a single optical fiber. The semiconductor device comprises a unitary P-N light emitting portion and an N-I-P photodiode portion. The light emitting portion and the photodiode portion share a common electrode for connection to operating voltage sources. The second electrode of the light emitting portion contains a window that is associated with one end of the optical fiber. A source of operating voltage for the light emitting portion is connected to the common electrode, and through data controlled switch means and a first resistance means to the second electrode of the light emitting portion. A source of operating voltage for the photodiode portion is connected to the common electrode, and through a second resistance means to a second electrode of the light emitting portion. Differential amplifier means is connected to receive the voltage developed across the first and second resistance means.

Abstract: An acoustic apparatus (10) adapted for use as either a sound projector or a ound receiver. The apparatus (10) comprises a bundle (20) of individual sound tubes (21, 22) disposed in a tube array unit (14) which rests on a support unit (13) operatively engaged with an acoustic unit (11). Only the ends of the individual sound tubes (21, 22) are provided with a plurality of spaced discrete sound ports (25).

Abstract: New ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) materials comprising linear and cyclic polysiloxanes are described. The FLCs exhibit high polarization and fast switching speeds. The disclosed polysiloxanes are derivitized with mesogenic groups which induce high polarization, specifically chiral nonracemic epoxide mesogens, having phenylbenzoate, reverse phenylbenzoate and biphenyl cores. These epoxy polysiloxanes are chemically stable over extended periods. Further, the epoxides can be crosslinked to produce FLC elastomers and like materials having optoelectronic applications. It was found that in the pure polysiloxanes, the smectic layers align along the rubbing direction of an anisotropic surface on contact with that surface.

Abstract: In a fiber optic communication system, an acoustooptic modulator operates to provide a coherent light beam that is data encoded in the beam's time domain, for example by intensity modulation of the beam. A spatial light modulator then operates to address encode the beam by modulating the beam in the space domain. The resulting data and address modulated beam possesses the property of orthogonality. This beam is now transmitted to the input of a multimode optical fiber. The speckle pattern that exits the output of the optical fiber also exhibits orthogonality. This output beam is presented to a beam splitter in order to produce two spatially modulated speckle light patterns therefrom. These two beams are then focused onto photorefractive means whereat a hologram is produced. This hologram operates to address decode the beam output of the optical fiber. Detector means now operates to detect the data by receiving the beam as it is diffracted by the hologram. Ring and star interconnect networks are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical switch which will generate and emit a beam of light when an optical signal is directed therein, but includes means to inhibit the generation of the beam of light when a second optical signal is directed therein. The switch includes a light emitter formed of a plurality of layers of alternating opposite conductivity type which is adapted to generate the beam of light when an optical signal is directed therein. A photovoltaic inhibitor is connected to the emitter so that any current generated by the inhibitor is applied across the emitter in a manner to prevent the generation of the light in the emitter. The photovoltaic inhibitor generates the current when a second optical signal is directed therein. Depending on the external circuit, the device can be operated in either a digital (bistable) or analog mode.

Abstract: Discretely and continuously tunable filers emplying FLC cells are provided. Exemplary discretely tunable filters employ bistable smectic C* FLC cells. Exemplary continuously tunable filters employ smectic A* FLC cells. Single or multiple stage filters are provided. Blocking filters useful for color generation are also provided. The FLC filters provided can be temporally multiplexed.