Abstract: A surgical device for closing an incision created by a trocar or similar surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device comprises a support member within which are disposed a first and second needle positioning means. Each of these means carries a suture needle in retrorse configuration relative to the distal end of the support member. The needles can be retracted or deployed relative to the support member in a plurality of desired positions. In operation, the needles are deployed at a desired distance from the edge of the incision. The surgeon then pulls the device out of the body of the patient, thereby capturing and pulling the needles through first the peritoneum followed by the fascia. Needle capture means are provided which retain and remove the needles after the peritoneum and fascia are sutured, leaving the loose ends of the suture thread which can then be tied off below skin level to close the incision.

Abstract: A novel cell growth regulatory factor, named Amphiregulin, is described. This extremely hydrophilic glycoprotein, having a median molecular weight of 22,500 daltons, demonstrates unusual biological activity. Amphiregulin is a bifunctional cell growth regulatory factor which exhibits potent inhibitory activity on DNA synthesis in neoplastic cells, yet promotes the growth of certain normal cells. The invention is based, in part, on the discovery that MCF-7 cells, when treated with the tumor promoting agent, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), express and secrete two distinct yet functionally equivalent forms of Amphiregulin. These two forms are structurally identical and perfectly homologous except that the truncated form lacks an amino-terminal hexapeptide found in the larger form. The Amphiregulin gene has been cloned and used to construct plasmids which direct the expression of bioactive Amphiregulin in transformed Escherichia coli cells.

Abstract: An electron beam source having a single electron optical axis is provided with two coplanar cathodes equally spaced on opposite sides from the electron optical axis. A switch permits selecting either cathode, and a deflection system comprised of electromagnets, each with separate pole pieces equally spaced from the plane of the cathodes and electron optical axis, first deflects the electron beam from a selected cathode toward the electron optical axis, and then in an opposite direction into convergence with the electron optical axis. The result is that the electron beam from one selected cathode undergoes a sigmoid deflection in two opposite directions, like the letter S, with the sigmoid deflection of each being a mirror image of the other.

Abstract: A gauge for aligning the mold of a continuous-casting machine with a guide roll-rack beneath the mold. The gauge includes elongated bars and connecting links pivoted to the bars forming a parallelogram. Brackets are pivoted to one or more of the links and carry dial indicators. The bars have portions which have straight side edges for abutting the rolls of the roll-rack, and portions of reduced width to lie within the mold. The dial indicators have plungers for abutting the mold walls.